THERE is a popular saying that beside every successful man is a hardworking and prayerful woman.
That is the story of the indefatigable Clara Oshiomhole, wife of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress and now Governor of Edo State.

Lady Clara, as she was fondly called by those who knew her was not only a modest but charming lady who radiated the aura of a blue blood.

Not given to the kind of labour activism for which her husband is known, Clara, was however the woman who gave spiritual backing to her husband, praying on her knees as he went about fighting the cause of the Nigerian worker.

Born on 18th June 1956 to the Akharagbon family of Idumu-Agho, Okaigben, Ewohimi, in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State, Clara worked at the National Institute of Public Information, an agency of the Federal Ministry of Information, Kaduna until her husband won a popular victory to become the elected governor of Edo state.

Clara, until her demise Tuesday at an Abuja Clinic after a protracted battle with cancer,  was the strong tower behind her husband’s uncanny doggedness and fights with establishments for the welfare of Nigerian workers.

While Oshiomhole was on the battle front canvassing more pay and better living for the Nigerian masses, she was the pillar upon which her children rallied and she trained them, not only in the way of the Lord, brought them up to respect the rights of others and not let the fame of their name, Oshiomhole, get into their heads.

No wonder, they have grown to become great citizens in their own rights, with two practising as medical doctors, one an accountant and two others doing well in the University.

Her contribution to the success of her husband’s numerous struggles also played a great impact in his emergence as the people’s governor of Edo state and indeed, his quest to emancipate the state from the grip of  underdevelopment.

To make a meaningful impact on the lives of the people of Edo State, she set up a pet project, Health Foundation for Maternal and Child Care, HEFMAC, an NGO for bringing qualitative health care to the indigent pregnant women and the girl-child in the state. With the NGO, she has successfully taken free health care programme to the three senatorial districts of the state.

As part of her determination to end the travails of women and children, particularly the girl child, Clara Oshiomhole did not only given out millions of Naira in payment of hospital bills, she equally gave out scholarship to indigent but brilliant young girls to cover tuition and books from secondary to tertiary institution of learning. The girls were selected from the three senatorial districts of the state.

Until her demise, her determination to bring affordable healthcare to the needy in the state was well received across the state. This perhaps explains why her death came as a rude shock to everyone, even across party lines.

While we mourn the death of Lady Clara, there is no doubt that there is rejoicing in heaven over her gain.
And as the scriptures say: “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”.

We will miss you, our authentic First Lady, but we shall never forget your smiles and your gentle spirit.
Good night, our First Lady, good night Clara Oshiomhole.

Mr. Ernest OMOARELOJE is  Press secretary to late Mrs. Clara Oshiomhole