Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has commiserated with former Vice President of the World Bank and Presidential candidate, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, on the demise of her mother, Mrs Cecilia Ujubuonu.

Obasanjo’s letter came in on Wednesday, some hours before the late Ujubuonu was laid to rest at Umunuko, Ukpor, Nnewi-South Local Government Area in Anambra State.

The letter, which was made available to the media through Ezekwesili’s Spokesperson and Publicist, Mr Ozioma Ubabukoh, read,

“I write on behalf of my family and myself to commiserate with you, and at the same time join you in celebrating the life of your dearly beloved mother, a dutiful wife, a caring mother, a sharing community leader and a devoted Christian who would be missed in the family in particular, and the community in general.”

While reminding the family that death is inevitable, the former Nigerian president noted that the deceased lived for 78 fulfilling years, “which implies that she transcended the biblical three-score and 10 years, which is considered the index for old age and, by itself, an indication of the grace of God.”

He said,

“But doing so with all that Mama had achieved in her life together with her husband and your father, Mr. Benjamin Ujubuonu, of blessed memory, it is also an indication of the grace of God multiplied. I can attest to the fact that her children, you in particular, are women and men of strong character and great achievements in their own rights.”

According to him, the dedication, character and virtues of Mama are verifiable.

He said,

“Of course, for me, I have been able to assess Mama’s virtues directly, and from your own admirable character and virtues, which I have come to cherish as you worked with me in different capacities for almost eight years, during my administration as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Throughout her sojourn on earth, she epitomised outstanding resilience, undiluted faith, heroic grace, unbreakable strength, gallantry, loyalty, courage, steadfastness and simple, unadulterated and unequivocal devotion to the common good.”

Former President Obasanjo added,

“A hardworking woman of great integrity and highly cultured personality, she was a symbol of humility, moderation and selfless service. As we bid her goodbye, we must resolve that her great labour of love shall not be in vain.”

 

Read the letter below;