The member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Sam Onuigbo, has mourned a former First Lady of Nigeria, Adanma Okpara who is also wife of the former Premier of Eastern Nigeria, Dr. Michael Okpara.
Lady Okpara died on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at the age of 97.
Hon Onuigbo noted that it was Mrs Okpara’s support for her husband, that inspired the foundation for the development of the defunct Eastern Region.
A statement signed by Honorable Onuigbo read;
I am saddened to hear of the death of our mother, Lady Adanma Enyidiya Okpara, wife of the former Premier of Eastern Nigeria, Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara. Daa Adanma was not only my constituent, but my beloved elder sister from Ikwuano.
Despite the pains that we feel from her loss, her death reminds us of her steadfast support for her husband which gave him the momentum to inspire the laying of the foundation for the development of the defunct Eastern Region (nine states today). Foundational achievements such as the building of the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt and Enugu, the establishment of the Ulonna Farm Settlement, Golden Guinea Breweries, Ceramics Industry, Michelin Tyres in 1962, his role in the eventual realization of the University of Nigeria Nsukka as the first autonomous full-fledged university in Nigeria, the mapping of Emene Industrial Layout Enugu in the mid-60s,the signing in 1961 of the agreement with Sir Kenneth Hutchinson and Mr. C.C Fitstead of Conch Methane Service LTD for the Eastern Region 18million Gas Production Plant to be built in Bonny (the idea behind the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas–NLNG–which was eventually established in 1989), are eloquent testimonies of Dr. Okpara’s range as a leader and this was only possible because of the strong support that Daa Adanma Okpara gave him.
Further, Daa Adanma blessed the world with children who have continued to be inspiring and great leaders. She also consistently prayed for me and urged me to toe the path of Dr. Okpara’s legacy.
We will sorely miss her, but we are consoled by the fact that she lived a fulfilled life and left indelible footprints on the sands of time.
On behalf of my family and the good people of great Ikwuano/Umuahia North/South Federal Constituency, I condole with Chief Uzodinma Okpara (Omekannaya), the entire Okpara family,the people of the Old Eastern Region and the entire people of Nigeria for this great loss.
Rest well, Enyidiya.
