In a tribute to the late Senator Franca Afegbua, the first woman to be elected as a Senator in Nigeria, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has named the Ogiriga-Afokpella-Okugbe Road after her. This road, spanning 14km, is the longest in Okpella, located in the Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
During a memorial service in Benin City, Governor Obaseki praised the late Senator’s life and contributions, referring to her as a trailblazer and a distinguished representative of the state. The governor was joined by his wife, Betsy, and other notable figures including Osarodion Ogie Esq., the Secretary to the Edo State Government, and Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly.
Governor Obaseki stated, “We are celebrating today, an amazon and iconic Edo woman. She lived a life of sacrifice, as her life was all about giving to people. She lived ahead of her time, fought for inclusion five decades ago, and argued for women’s right and participation in politics.”
He further added, “She loved Okpella and part of immortalizing her must start from Okpella. So, I have decided that the Ogiriga-Afokpella-Okugbe Road constructed by the Edo State Government will now be named after Sen. Franca Afegbua. It’s the longest road in Okpella, it’s 14km. We will look for other ways to continue to immortalize this great, iconic Edo woman.”
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, represented by Chris Taka, also paid tribute to the late Senator, describing her as a trailblazer, a vocal senator, and a politician who transformed the political landscape in Nigeria.
In a sermon titled, “The transient nature of man,” Bishop Peter Imasuen of the Benin Anglican Communion, represented by Venerable Osaro Igbinosa, reminded everyone that “Death is a call that all must answer as such we need to put God first in all we do, and live our life with eternity in view.”
