The wife of the first Military Head of State in Nigeria, Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, has died.
Mrs Aguiyi-Ironsi served as First Lady between January and July 1966. She died at the age of 97.
She died recently at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia in Abia State.
Victoria’s husband, Aguiyi-Ironsi, was killed on July 29, 1966, in one of Nigeria’s bloodiest coups in Ibadan, Oyo State.
President Muhammadu Buhari in his condolence message to the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, affirmed “Lady Victoria’s incredible strength and exceptional courage during one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history pedestals her as a mother of the nation, God-fearing and a foremost woman of valour.”
The President’s statement which was signed by presidential spokesperson Femi Adesina read: “The President notes that the former First Lady will be remembered for laying a solid foundation for women’s leadership role in the seat of power and as a founding member of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association; she passionately championed the welfare and wellbeing of families of military officers.
“The President recognises that 55 years after the death of General J.T Aguiyi-Ironsi, Lady Victoria never stopped working for the greater good of Nigeria, and for peace, stability, healing and reconciliation in the land.
“The President sincerely hopes that Lady Victoria’s labours for the country will not be in vain, and joins all Nigerians in praying for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for those who mourn.”
