The Matriarch of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu, popularly called H. I. D, is dead. She died today just a few weeks to her 100th birthday.
This is even as President Muhammadu Buhari condoled with the children, grand children and great grand children of the woman whose husband, Chief Awo, described as “Jewel of Inestimable Value.”
Reports had it that she died shortly after a meeting with her family members today and that she has been part of the meeting for the planning of her 100th birthday.
Mrs. HID Awolowo was born in Ikenne, Ogun State on November 25, 1915, and was the grand mother to Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, the wife of Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.
She celebrated her 99th birthday on November 25, 2014 amidst pomp and glee with ex-president Goodluck Jonathan in attendance.
A successful businesswoman and astute politician, she was the First Lady of the old Western Region. She played an active role in the politics of Western Nigeria.
She stood in for her husband in the alliance formed between the NCNC and the AG, called the United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA), while he was tried and jailed.
The plans were that she would contest the elections, and if she won, would step down for her husband in a by-election.
To fulfil his dream of becoming president in the Second Republic, she toured the length and breadth of the country with her husband campaigning.
She also coordinated the women’s wing of the party and was always present at all party caucuses. A successful businesswoman, she became the first Nigerian distributor for the Nigerian Tobacco Company (NTC) in 1957. She was the first to import lace materials and other textiles into Nigeria.
In a condolence message, President Buhari said that Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo will be long remembered and celebrated as the famous spouse and pillar of strength of the late nationalist, political leader and sage.
President Buhari believes that Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo will always be honoured too for the indelible legacy of very significant, behind-the-scene contributions to communal, state, regional and national development which she has left behind.
The President prayed to God to comfort Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo’s family, relatives, friends, associates and admirers, and grant them the fortitude to bear her irreparable loss.
He also prayed that God will receive the late matriarch’s worthy soul and grant her eternal rest from her long, earthly service to her renowned spouse, family, community and country. [myad]
