A remarkable woman who raised one of Africa’s most celebrated daughters has passed on, leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.
The family of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the trailblazing Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), is in mourning following the passing of her beloved mother, Professor Kamene Okonjo*, who transitioned peacefully at the ripe old age of *96.
The announcement of her passing was made on Sunday, sending waves of condolences pouring in from across Nigeria and beyond.
The Woman Behind the Legend
They say behind every great woman is another great woman — and in Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s case, that woman was undeniably her mother, Professor Kamene Okonjo. To have lived 96 full years on this earth is itself a testimony, a life lived with purpose, grace, and dignity.
Professor Kamene Okonjo was no ordinary woman. As a scholar and academic in her own right, she laid the foundation that would produce one of Nigeria’s — and indeed Africa’s — most respected voices on the global stage.
Nigerians React
News of Mama Kamene’s passing has touched the hearts of many Nigerians, who know all too well the deep bond between a mother and her child. As we say in our culture, “Nnenna anwụọla” — the grandmother has gone to rest.
At 96, she lived a full and meaningful life, and while grief is natural, there is also reason to celebrate an extraordinary journey.
Our Thoughts
To Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the entire Okonjo family, Nigeria stands with you in this moment of loss. May the soul of Professor Kamene Okonjo rest in perfect peace, and may her memory continue to inspire generations of Nigerians — especially our young women — to dream big and reach for the stars.
Rest on, Mama. You raised a champion.
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