Throwback Tribute: Remembering Franca Afegbua – A Trailblazer Liberating Hearts and Minds By Dr Mrs Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor

Throwback Tribute: Remembering Franca Afegbua – A Trailblazer Liberating Hearts and Minds By Dr Mrs Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor

As we gather to bid farewell to the legendary Franca Afegbua, we reflect on the profound impact she made during her time on this earth. With heavy hearts and deep admiration, we turn back the clock to revisit an article penned by the talented writer, Dr Mrs Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor, paying tribute to the remarkable life of this great personality.

“To Be Free Is Not To Die – By Dr Mrs Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor”, a piece written with profound insight and heartfelt emotions, celebrates Franca Afegbua’s unwavering commitment to liberating minds and challenging societal norms. The late Franca, whose name means “free one,” epitomized the essence of freedom by breaking away from the norms of her time and fearlessly venturing into the male-dominated world of Nigerian politics.

With an eloquence that moved hearts, Loretta recounted how Franca transitioned from a hairstylist to an iconic politician, shattering barriers that few believed possible. In a political landscape devoid of social media and mobile phones, Franca’s determination and resilience carried her to historic heights. Her 1983 victory as the first-ever female elected senator in Nigeria, representing Bendel North under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), was a watershed moment for gender equity and women’s empowerment.

Loretta’s poignant description of Franca’s campaign trails, chanting “who will you vote for? The house and the corn!” evokes a sense of nostalgia and pride in the groundswell of support Franca garnered from the majority female voting population and progressive-minded men like Loretta’s father.

Franca Afegbua’s legacy, aptly described by Loretta as a “liberation spirit,” continues to inspire generations. Through her imperfect humanity and the grace of her supreme creator, Franca bestowed upon us the perfect freedom to believe in ourselves and strive for excellence, running our races with passion and determination.

As we pay our respects , let us remember Franca Afegbua not just as a name but as a symbol of courage, an emblem of liberation, and a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history. Her impact, as highlighted in Loretta’s eloquent tribute, has sown seeds of change that will blossom and empower countless future generations of Nigerian women.

In this throwback article, we revisit Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor’s heartfelt words and extend our deepest condolences to her and the family of the late Franca Afegbua. Today, we celebrate the life of a great personality, honoring her memory with the knowledge that her free spirit will forever live on.

About the Author:

Dr Mrs Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor, a talented and celebrated writer, author of the book “My Father’s Daughter,” penned this moving tribute to Franca Afegbua, capturing the essence of her life and legacy.

To Be Free Is Not To Die -By Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor was first published four months ago on Opinionnigeria.com, March 31, 2023.