Sunday Dare, minister of youth and sports development, has paid tribute to Janet Okwaraji, mother of Samuel Okwaraji, late Nigerian footballer, who passed on at 83.
The Okwaraji’s matriarch died on May 23, 2020 at her Abakpa Nike’s residence in Enugu after a brief illness.
Before her demise, the octogenarian was a retired teacher, school proprietress and devout Christian.
“She was such a strong and courageous woman who took the death of her son in her strides. Considering the circumstance of her son’s death, she exhibited a great spirit. May her soul Rest In Peace,” Dare said in a statement.
“The death of Mrs Okwaraji came to me with rude schock coming at a time when we had concluded plans for her monthly allowance. It is so sad and painful that she died when we had just visited her and put in a place a monthly welfare package.”
On its part, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), in a statement, said the Okwaraji’s family only disclosed Janet’s demise to the federation in a letter on Tuesday.
“It is with total submission to God that, the family of David Okwaraji (late) wishes to convey the notice of the peaceful transition of our mother, Mrs Jane Okwaraji to you. Mrs Jane Okwaraji died at her home at Enugu after a brief illness,” the letter said.
“On behalf of the entire family, I convey our gratitude to you for your continuous support and concerns.”
Patrick Okwaraji, brother to the late former Super Eagles forward, told the NFF that the family was not quick to announce her death as they needed to consult with a wide range of individuals before making it public.
He also said that plans are underway to organise a simple burial ceremony in Enugu in about three weeks, with a bigger ceremony to hold after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.
On May 7, 2020, Dare as well as the NFF had placed the mothers of Rashidi Yekini and Okwaraji, on a monthly stipend of N30,000.
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