First Female Senator In Nigeria Dies

OpenLife Nigeria reports that the first female senator in Nigeria, Franca Afegbua is dead.

She died at the age of 79.

The family announced her passing in a statement issued on Sunday.
Afegbua was a native of Okpella, a town in Etsako-east LGA of old Bendel state (now split into Edo and Delta states).
“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,” the family said.

She was elected the 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.

Kassim Afegbua, speaking to OpenLife Sunday afternoon further confirmed the death of the notable politician.
‘Yes, Mama is dead. We thank God for everything because she lived well.
“We will keep the public posted about the burial,” the former Edo State Information Commissioner said
Born in Okpella, Estasko East local government area of Edo State, the late beautician and politician represented Bendel North in the Nigerian Senate in 1983.
She was elected as a National Party of Nigeria, NPN Senator.

She had her tertiary education in Sofia, Bulgaria.