Exactly 28 years after the passage of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, late matriarch of the Awolowo family, Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo will today, November 25, be buried beside her husband in the family compound in Ikenne, Ogun state.
HID Awolowo died on Saturday, September 19 shortly after a meeting with her family members, at the age of 99.
If death hadn’t come knocking, late HID Awolowo would have been celebrating her 100 years birthday today.
However, going by the legacy she has left behind, the exit of the Yeye Oodua, as she also popularly known, is one that calls for celebration.
Until her death, Mama was a successful businesswoman and astute politician. She played an active role in the politics of Western Nigeria and was famously referred to her as his “jewel of inestimable value” by her late husband.
She became the first Nigerian distributor for the Nigerian Tobacco Company (NTC) in 1957 and was the first to import lace materials and other textiles into Nigeria.
She was also the Chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria Limited, publishers of the Nigerian Tribune established in November, 1949 by her husband.
Following this jewel of inestimable value, the Ikene residence of the Matriarch has since become the focus with people, men and women from all shades of life trooping in to register their condolences.
The recognition looks very much imminent as Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo will be buried today in a white damask apparel which she bought for herself about 36 years ago and a gold casket.
Naij.com is on ground at the venue of her funeral ceremony currently on-going at Our Saviour, Anglican church, Ikenne, to bring you live coverage of the Celebration of Life for a woman who played a key role, alongside her husband, in Nigeria’s independence movement.
10:33: Former president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has just arrived at the venue. He is immediately rushed inside the hall amidst tight security. More dignitaries still expected!
10:20: The corps of Late HID Awolowo is escorted inside the church by prominent Nigerians and some National Youth Service Corp members on ground.
10:10am: The Senate President Bukola Saraki and wife just arrived at the venue.
10:05am: Business mogul, Aliko Dangote has also arrived the venue.
10:02am: National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu just walked in with a large envoy which include his wife Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina, Minister of communication, Adebayo Shittu amongst many others.
10:00am: Dignitaries from all sphere of life have arrived to pay their final tribute to the Late Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo.
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