Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Adamawa State, Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed (Binani), Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of National Inland Waterways (NIWA), George Moghalu, and others have commiserated with the Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, on the death of his wife, Ifeoma.
In a statement by his media office in Abuja, the former Anambra State governor sympathised with the famous Menakaya family of Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State, over the death of their beloved daughter, saying he was deeply saddened and pained by the news of the untimely death of Mrs. Kalu at the age of 61.
He described the exit of Mrs. Kalu as an irreparable loss to her family, the Igbere community and the people of Abia State at large.
According to him, the deceased epitomised a virtuous woman and a caring mother, adding that she was a pillar of support for her husband.
“Ada was a devout Christian who lived her life with the fear of God and showed profound care to her family and others, especially the less privileged in the society. She died at a time the society needed her services most.
“The vacuum created by her death will be very difficult to fill. She will be sorely missed by her family, friends and associates, the Igbere community and the people of Abia State, where she once rendered humanitarian service as the First Lady of the state. Indeed, we will all miss her.”
While describing her death as an ache that will never go away, Ngige, urged those she left behind, especially her husband and children, to find solace in the fact that she lived a fulfilled and accomplished life, worthy of a true Christian.
He prayed God to give members of her family the fortitude to bear the loss and grant her soul eternal rest.
Oshiomhole, former APC national chairman, urged Kalu to have solace in God and be consoled with the good memories he and his late wife shared while she was alive.
“It is disheartening to hear about the death of your beloved wife, Ifeoma. I know how painful it must be for you right now, having gone through this path myself.
“However, I counsel that you take consolation in the good moments you shared together while she was alive and have hope in the promise of resurrection, which is the foundation of our faith as Christians.
“On behalf of my family, I join you in prayers that her soul rest in peace. Also, may you and other relatives she left behind have the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Oshiomhole said.
Also, Binani said she received the sad news with shock.
“I have known Mrs Ifeoma as a passionate woman who has made huge investment in her life time to the service of God and humanity. Losing a pillar of Ifeoma’s standing at this time of your life would be devastating, but I urge you to be strong.”
In the message he personally signed, Moghalu described her death as a loss to Abia and Nigeria at large.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of your wife, Ifeoma.
“Her death is a loss to Abia and, indeed, the nation at large. Please, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
“My most sincere condolences to you and may her soul rest in eternal peace.”
Similarly, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sublime Industries Ltd. and Sublime Hotels and Suites, Kelvin Jombo, expressed shock and deep sadness over the demise.
He said Mrs Kalu lived a virtuous life and will always be remembered.
According to him, the former Abia first lady was a woman of virtue who was committed to the service of God and humanity.
“My sincere sympathy and condolences to you and your family your excellency over the loss of your dear wife. I pray you get the strength to handle the unfortunate situation.
“The wife of the Senate chief whip will be greatly missed by the great people of Abia State. She was a good woman and a mother with kind heart,” Jombo said.