LAGOS- Pan Ndigbo pocio-pikolitical organization, Ala-Igbo Development Foundation (ADF), has expressed its condolence to the family of late General Philip Effiong on the passing onto grory of Mrs. Josephine, wife of the Biafra hero.
In a statement signed by ADF President, Emeritus Uzodinma Nwala, it noted that the organization and the entire Ndigbo commiserate with the family on the exit of the matriarch.
Part of the statement read “With the Effiong’s family in our hearts.
“The message concerning the passage to eternal glory of our dear Matriarch- Lady Josephine Effiong- the wife of our
hero General Philip Effiong – the Great Hero of the Biafra War, was received with great shock.
“ADF has every reason to join in celebrating the life of this matriarch for obvious reasons!
“Yes, we all know that Philip Effiong was our great trusted war hero, but we don’t remember that the mother of Philip was a heroine of the Aba Women Resistance Movement!
”The family relocated to Ikot Ekpene from Aba to escape the backlash of the revolutionary role of Philip Effiong’s mother in the 1929 Igbo Women Resistance Movement,
“”Philips son, that is, the son of Josephine -Charles Effiong – has been a great supporter of the Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF). He has participated in a number of ADF public engagements!
“”On one of such occasions he was on the same stage with our Commodore Ebittu Ukiwe and our indefatigable, Her Majesty Martha Dunkwu – the female king of Okpanam – Major Nzogwus town.
“Now the burial of Josephine Effiong has been slated for July 12 just a day to the comencement of ADF 10th anniverssry celebration.
“Incidentally, Ikiot Ekpene the location of the burial event is not far from Umuahia the location of ADF anniversary event.
“Secretary of our anniverssry committee has been mandated to despatch condolence message to the bereaved family on behalf of ADf and we shall be well represented.
”We shall immediately consult on our role during the burial of our Matriarch – Josephine Effiong.
“May her soul rest in perfect peace.”