Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has said the late former first female Senator Franka Afegbua, remains a pace-setter, trail-blazer and visioner, who remains an inspiration for women in Nigeria and across Africa.
The Afegbua family had on Sunday announced her death. She was 79.
Obaseki in a condolence message in Benin said, “I am saddened by the news of the passing of Nigeria’s first democratically elected female Senator, who represented Bendel North Senatorial District of Old Bendel State.
“She was an entrepreneur who championed the cause of female representation in government and gender mainstreaming at a time when it was a herculean task. She was a trailblazer, who deserves to be celebrated for her bravery and exemplary exploits.”
The governor said the death of Afegbua was a huge loss because she was an inspiration to young girls, who were in need of mentors.
A family member, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said details of her burial would be made known at a later date.
Afegbua was elected the senator representing Bendel-north in October 1983 under the National Party of Nigeria in Nigeria’s second republic. She was a native of Okpella, a town in Etsako-east LGA of old Bendel, now split into Edo and Delta states.
Her political journey was, however, cut short as the military coup of December 1983 toppled the civilian government less than three months after she assumed office.
