First Female Senator In Nigeria, Franca Afegbua Dies At 79

First Female Senator Franca Afegbua

Nigeria’s first Female to be elected Senator in Nigeria, Franca Afegbua, has died at the age of 79.

The Afegbua family confirmed her demise in a statement issued on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

Late Franca Afegbua who died at the age of 79, was a native of Okpella, in Etsako-east LGA of old Bendel state

She was elected Senator representing Bendel -North senatorial district in October 1983 under the defunct National Party of Nigeria, (NPN) in the Second Republic.

Her political journey was, however, cut short as the military coup of December 1983 toppled the civilian government less than three months after she assumed office.

She reportedly targeted wooing more women in Etsako to vote for her which was a strategy that gave her a slim victory in the election against the established politician, John Umolu.

Prior to her political career in the Second Republic, Franca Afegbua worked as a hairdresser in Lagos State

She had her tertiary education in Sofia, Bulgaria, and won an international hairstyling competition in 1977 before joining active politics in 1983.

Many say her close relationship with renowned Middle Belt politician, Joseph Tarka of Benue State who introduced her to his party, the NPN before his death in March 1980 led to her joining politics.

The funeral date for the late first female legislator is yet to be announced by her family.