Nigeria’s first female senator, Franca Afegbua is dead. She was aged 79. A native of Okpella in Etsako-east LGA of Edo State, Afegbua reportedly p
Nigeria’s first female senator, Franca Afegbua is dead.
She was aged 79.
A native of Okpella in Etsako-east LGA of Edo State, Afegbua reportedly passed on, on Sunday morning.
“The Afegbua family of Edo state has confirmed the demise of the first woman senator in Nigeria, Senator Franca Afegbua, whose sad event occurred this morning, Sunday, March 12, 2023. She combined beauty and brain during her service to Nigeria. Funeral details will be announced by the family soon,” her family said in a statement.
Afegbua was elected senator representing Bendel-north in October 1983 under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in Nigeria’s second republic.
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.
Recalling the day she was sworn in as senator in an interview she granted a while ago, she said, “I remember the day I was sworn in. I felt fulfilled but that did not stop me from continuing to engage with the women and youths in my community.
“Agitations for affirmative action to enable more women get into the legislature to address the low representation of women is good for women. I am happy we started something, and it is good others have built on our effort.
“My advice is that they should be determined and not lose focus. If they remain serious about their ambition to help their people, they should go ahead and run, and they can be successful.”
