Aguiyi-Ironsi’s Wife Was A Woman Of Incredible Strength-Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari has described Chief (Mrs) Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, the late wife of slain first Nigerian military Head of State, Major Johnson Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, as a woman of incredible strength and exceptional courage.
He said this in his condolence message, issued by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Femi Adesina, on the passage of the wife of the former military Head of State.
Mrs Aguiyi-Ironsi died, Monday morning, aged 97, and 55 years after her husband was killed during an official visit to Ibadan as the head of the Nigerian government in a bloody coup d’etat on 29 July, 1966, in Ibadan, the Oyo Capital.
General Aguiyi-Ironsi’s widow, who was just 42 years old when her husband was killed in 1966, refused to remarry following the national tragedy.
In his condolence message to the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, the government and people of Abia State, President Buhari also described the late Mrs Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi as a mother of the nation and a woman of valour.
“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 statement read.
Buhari noted that the former First Lady will be remembered for laying a solid foundation for women’s leadership role in the seat of power.
He added that, “as a founding member of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, she passionately championed the welfare and wellbeing of families of military officers.”
He acknowledged 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 statement added: “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.”
