Abia State Governor Alex Otti has expressed condolences to the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, following the death of her mother, Mrs Kamene Okonjo, aged 96, describing the loss as a personal bereavement for the governor and the people of Abia State in a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njuko-Ukoha.

Governor Otti said the death of a mother leaves an irreplaceable void, regardless of a child’s accomplishments, public standing or international recognition.

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He said Abia State shared in the grief of Dr Okonjo-Iweala and her family at a time of profound personal loss.

The governor said Mrs Okonjo represented more than a parent, describing her as a teacher, confidante, moral guide and prayer warrior whose values continued to shape her daughter’s life and contribution to society.

According to the statement, Mrs Okonjo’s influence was reflected in the integrity, hard work, excellence, compassion and commitment to service associated with Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s public career.

“To lose a mother is to lose a part of oneself. For us in Abia, this is a personal loss. We have lost a mother, a matriarch who raised a daughter who has become a global pride to Abia, Ndigbo, Nigeria and to all of humanity,” Governor Otti said.

He added that a mother remained an enduring source of comfort, strength and unconditional love, even when her children had achieved international recognition.

Governor Otti also recalled the close relationship between Dr Okonjo-Iweala and her mother, saying the affection and respect the WTO chief showed towards Mrs Okonjo reflected the depth of their bond.

He prayed for divine comfort and strength for Dr Okonjo-Iweala and her family as they mourned the loss, urging them to draw consolation from the life Mrs Okonjo lived and the values she passed on to future generations.

Mrs Kamene Okonjo was the wife of the late Obi Professor Chukwuka Okonjo, the former traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State. The couple shared 66 years of marriage.

Her death at 96 marks the end of a long life associated with family, tradition and the upbringing of a daughter who went on to become one of Nigeria’s most prominent figures in international economic policy.

Dr Okonjo-Iweala, a former Nigerian finance minister, became Director-General of the World Trade Organisation in March 2021, making history as the first woman and the first African to lead the global trade body.

Governor Otti’s message places the focus on the personal loss behind the public figure, recognising the enduring role of family support and maternal influence in a life of public service.