Afegbua Was A Trailblazer Who Deserves To Be Celebrated

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has described Nigeria’s first democratically elected female Senator, Franca Afegbua, as a trailblazer who deserves to be celebrated for her bravery and exemplary exploits.

Obaseki stated this in a statement on Monday issued by his media aide, Crusoe Osagie while reacting to the demise of the former Senator, who died on Sunday at the age of 79.

The governor, who expresses sadness over the death of  Afegbua, said she was an entrepreneur who championed the cause of female representation in government in the state and at the center.

Obaseki also described the late Senator as a pace-setter and visioner who remains an inspiration for women and youths in Nigeria and across Africa, who are in need of mentors.

He said, “I am saddened by the news of the passing of Nigeria’s first democratically elected female senator, who represented Bendel North Senatorial District of Old Bendel State.

“She was an entrepreneur who championed the cause of female representation in government and gender mainstreaming at a time when it was a herculean task. She was a trailblazer who deserves to be celebrated for her bravery and exemplary exploits.”

Recall that Afegbua was elected the senator representing Bendel-North Senatorial District in the National Assembly 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.