President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the Okonjo royal family of Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State regarding the passing of Professor Kamene Okonjo, the mother of World Trade Organisation Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. The late scholar and community leader passed away at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of academic and social contributions.
In an official statement released by the presidency, President Tinubu paid tribute to the late academic, describing her as a champion of women empowerment and a respected matriarch. He extended his sympathies to Dr Okonjo-Iweala, her relatives, and the entire community of Ogwashi-Uku, noting that the loss of a beloved mother and leader resonates deeply.
The President praised Professor Okonjo for an accomplished life defined by intellectual distinction and dedicated service to humanity. He highlighted her professional achievements in scholarship alongside her commitment to advancing women and society, while also acknowledging her role in preserving traditional institutions.
Professor Kamene Okonjo was an accomplished sociologist recognized for her research into the political and social roles of Igbo women living west of the River Niger. Her scholarly work, including notable essays from the 1970s and 1980s examining dual-sex political systems and social change among the Igbo, remains widely referenced in African gender studies.
She was married to Professor Chukwuka Okonjo, a mathematician and economist who served as the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku until his passing in 2019. The couple raised seven children, including Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who has served as Nigeria's finance minister and currently leads the World Trade Organisation.
Source reporting: Punch — 2026-10-25 22:29:11
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