Thisday publisher, Nduka Obaigbena loses mother
The Royal family of Owa kingdom, Delta State has announced the transition of one of its princesses, Princess Margaret Obaigbena, nee Usifoh aged 88 years.
Late Princess Margaret was a former Chief Nursing Officer, Bendel State Government and later Delta State Government and Special Adviser to three Delta State Governors. She is survived by children; Prince Ben Obaigbena, retd GGM, NNPC; Prince Alan Glory Obaigbena, retd Florida Director of Highways, USA; Princess Isioma Ukwa; Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Thisday/Arise Group and Princess Ogochukwu Aneke with grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A statement signed by the Palace of the Obi of Owa, said funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Buhari, Tinubu, Saraki, Okowa condole
Commiserating with members of the family and Prince Nduka Obaigbena, President Muhammadu Buhari described the late Princess Margaret as a pillar of strength for the family, an accomplished mother and revered community leader, whose absence will be felt far beyond her immediate environment.
Noting that the demise of Princess will create a great vacuum in the community, the President urged the family to take solace in the understanding that she lived her passion by caring for the distressed and disadvantaged.
APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in his own message said: “Princess Obaigbena made her mark as a nurse of great standing, rising to the zenith as Chief Nursing Officer of the defunct Bendel State Government and later Delta State Government.
“While recording significant milestones on the job, she also made important contributions to the development of Nigeria and Delta State. Princess Obaigbena would be remembered for her service to mankind through her care for the sick and distressed. We must thank God that Princess Obaigbena died at an advanced age and left worthy children .
Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki described Princess Margaret Obaigbena, as a great woman who also lived a good life. Saraki in a statement signed on his behalf by Yusuph Olaniyonu, the head of his Media Office, said though Mama Obaigbena attained a ripe age before she transitioned to glory, she would be sorely missed by all those who came into contact with her during her lifetime.
“Mama Obaigbena was a good woman who saw all the friends and associates of her children, particularly, Nduka’s friends as her children and always prayed for their progress and safety. Princess Obaigbena lived a good life and made a substantial impact in the lives of many people as a royalty, professional, community leader, and public servant”, Saraki stated.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has also commiserated with the Chairman of Thisday/Arise Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, on the passing of his mother, Madam Margaret Obaigbena.
The matriach of the Obaigbena family, who is survived by five children reportedly died on Thursday night at a London hospital. In a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Friday, Okowa condoled with the Owa Royal family and the entire Owa-Oyibu community.
He said that the deceased was a great mother and an accomplished Nigerian, who dedicated her life to the service of mankind through her profession and philanthropy.
He urged the media mogul and the family to take solace in the fact that their mother lived a life of sublime accomplishments and impacted on society.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I mourn the exit of the matriarch of Obaigbena Royal family of Owa Kingdom.
The news of the passing of Princess Margaret Onyemakonor Obaigbena came to me last night as a shock, especially when my nomination as the Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had just been announced.
“We know that death is the ultimate end of all mortals; I, therefore, encourage the children of mama and all who mourn her demise to be encouraged by the good legacies she left behind.
“She impacted on society very well as a young woman, who studied nursing and rose to become the Chief Nursing Officer of the defunct Bendel State Goverment and later Delta State Government.
“It is my prayer that God will grant her soul eternal repose and grant the family she left behind the fortitude to bear this loss,” Okowa stated.
