President Muhammadu Buhari, on Saturday, commiserated with the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON) over the loss and burial of his wife of 30 years, the late Mrs. Augustina Okechukwu, 57, who departed on Sept. 20, 2019 after a brief illness in a hospital in Abuja.
Buhari’s condolence message was conveyed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, at the funeral mass for the late Mrs Augustina Okechukwu in St. Paul’s Catholic Church Eke, in Enugu State.
“Losing a dear wife and mother, Buhari opines, is a time of deep travail for any family, particularly one who was so devoted, and a rallying force for the household.
“The president laments the loss of a true Nigerian, who had schooled in Kano, Enugu-Agidi in Anambra, her state of origin, Maiduguri, and Sango-Otta, Ogun State; thus, fluent in Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa, among other languages.”
In a condolence message, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State said “you have obviously lost a dependable companion, a true friend, an exemplary mother and a reliable pillar of support.
“She was also an accomplished businesswoman, devout Christian, community leader and dedicated humanitarian. Please, be assured that our thoughts and prayers are with you, your children and other relations, at this trying moment. We pray that the good lord grant you all the fortitude to bear the very painful loss,’’ he said.
Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State said, “it was very painful that we lost her in spite of all efforts to save her life. Your late wife will be remembered for her generosity of spirit, care for others and loyalty to good courses.”
Gov. Nasir El-Rufai, in a goodwill message, said, “I pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased; and for the family, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.’’
The late Augustina, who was the wife of Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr Osita Okechukwu, died on Sept. 20, 2019 after a brief illness in a hospital in Abuja.
