former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has commiserated with the Awolowo family over the death of its matriarch, Mrs. Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, who died on Saturday at the age of 99.

Anyaoku said in a statement on Sunday that her passing signified the end of a historical phase in the evolution of Nigeria.

The retired diplomat described the deceased as a huge source of inspiration to many political leaders across the country until her death.

The statement read in part, “The passing of Mama Hannah Awolowo so close to her 100th birthday is an epochal event. It marks the end of a historical phase in the evolution of our country, Nigeria.

“Mama Awolowo was not only the partner of one of Nigeria’s most illustrious founding fathers, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, but also remained a huge source of inspiration to many national political leaders who endeavoured to follow in the footsteps of the late sage.

“Mama Awolowo lived an outstandingly fulfilled life becoming a true matriarch of both the Awolowo family and the wider national circle of the ‘Awoists.”

In a separate statement, the All Progressives Congress described HID as a colossus of her time who would always be remembered for good.

In a statement issued in Ikenne on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the late Mrs. Awolowo was an ideal wife, a great mother and indeed a jewel of inestimable value.

The statement read in part, ‘’While we understand that death is inevitable, there are times that we secretly wish that our loved and great ones would live forever. Mama gave us reasons for such a secret wish, with her sterling personal qualities and public life that made her a strong pillar behind one of the country’s foremost nationalists.”

While condoling with the Awolowo family, the APC said the best tribute that could be paid to Mrs. Awolowo “is for the new generation of Nigerian women to emulate her love of family and nation, life of industry, selflessness as well as a strong and abiding faith in God.”

Similarly, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, on behalf of the National Executive Committee and all members of the PDP, has commiserated with the Awolowo family on the demise of their matriarch.

According to a statement on Sunday, the PDP boss described the deceased as a rare “jewel of inestimable value,” who stood like a pillar behind one of Nigeria’s greatest leaders, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The statement added, “The value of Mrs. Awolowo was even made more glaring in the way and manner she provided leadership to the personal and political families of the Awolowos in the last 28 years of the demise of the great sage.