The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said yesterday that the late Mrs. HID Awolowo represented a generation of virtuous women, untainted by power or wealth.
Its President, Ayuba Wabba, said in a statement yesterday that this quality gave her the moral authority she had to manage things even in difficult times.
The statement reads: “Mrs. Awolowo’s death represents the end of a great era in Nigerian history. Mama Awolowo was not just a wife to one of Nigeria’s founding fathers; she was part of that epic struggle that ushered in our independence.
“Mama was in the trenches with her husband and Nigerians, offering in the process wifely and maternal defences when they were most needed.
“Mama Awolowo was a remarkable woman, a woman of character and faith in God, principles that stood her in good stead during trials and tribulations, especially during the incarceration of her husband, loss of her children and husband.
“Mama Awolowo represented that generation of virtuous women, untainted by power or wealth and accordingly, wielded such moral authority that she had no difficulty in managing the Awolowo Family and overseeing the Awolowo political clan after her husband’s death.
“As the nation mourns this titan, our prayer is that may the principles for which she fought and died be not in vain. Our hearts go to the family and friends. May her soul rest in peace.”