ABIA STATE GOVERNOR ALEX OTTI MOURNS PASSING OF WTO DIRECTOR-GENERAL’S MOTHER, PROF. KAMENE OKONJO

State chief executive describes late 96-year-old sociologist and matriarch as a moral compass whose legacy of integrity and service endures through her children

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Professor Kamene Okonjo, mother of the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Prof. Okonjo, a respected sociologist, academic, and women's rights advocate, passed away on Friday at the age of 96. She was the wife of the late Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Prof. Chukwuka Okonjo, in Delta State.

In an official condolence statement, Governor Otti described the matriarch's passing as a significant personal and collective loss, noting that she lived an exemplary life centered on academic distinction, service, and strong family values.

The governor commended the late scholar for raising children who have achieved global acclaim, highlighting Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s international public service as a direct reflection of her mother’s values of integrity, hard work, and compassion. Otti offered prayers for God to comfort the entire Okonjo family, the reigning Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Obi Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II, and the people of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom during their period of grief.