The late Franca Afegbua, a former senator from Old Bendel State’s Bendel North Senatorial District, was mourned by Edo State Governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
Afegbua, the first democratically elected female senator in Nigeria, died at the age of 79.
The governor hailed Afegbua as a “pace-setter, trail-blazer, and visionary” who continues to serve as an inspiration for women in Nigeria and all of Africa in a statement on Monday.
“I am devastated by the news of the passing of Bendel North Senatorial District of Old Bendel State, Nigeria’s first democratically elected female senator,” he added.
“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.”