Ifeoma was said to have died in the United States of America (U.S.A), according to Kalu’s message announcing the sad news on his Facebook page yesterday.
She was 61.
The senator representing Abia North described his late wife as a woman of virtue who was committed to the service of God and humanity.
His post, titled: Transition to Eternal Glory, reads: “With a heavy heart and pain, we announce the passing on to eternal glory of Mrs. Ifeoma Ada Kalu, aged 61 years.
“She was a woman of virtue who was committed to the service of God and humanity.
“A memorial service in her honour is scheduled to hold in the United States of America (U.S.A.).
“Please, remember her and loved ones in prayers at this difficult period.
“May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
Reacting to Mrs. Kalu’s demise last night, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed his sympathies to the Kalus.
A statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, reads: “…The President commiserates with Senator Kalu and Ifeoma’s family, friends and associates, urging trust in God for comfort and care during the very difficult period of pain and deep reflection.
“President Buhari believes the testimonies of the late wife’s fear of God and charity should provide strength for the family, knowing that she lived well, and served the will of the Almighty.
“The President prays for the repose of her soul, and fortitude for the family to bear the loss.”
Also, President-elect Bola Tinubu expressed his sympathy and condolences with Senator Kalu on the passing of his first wife.
“Please, be consoled by the memories of the good times you both shared and the fact that the late Mrs. Ifeoma Kalu lived most of her life in the service of God and humanity,” the President-elect said in a statement yesterday by Mr. Tunde Rahman of his media office.
Tinubu prayed God Almighty to console Senator Kalu, the children and all those left behind by the deceased and grant her soul eternal rest.
Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar commiserated with the Kalu family on the demise of their matriarch.
In a tweet last night, Atiku wrote: “I am deeply heartbroken by the news of Mrs. Ifeoma Kalu’s passing. A loving wife, mother, and pillar of strength, her radiant spirit touched countless lives.
“My heartfelt condolences to her dear husband —the Senate Chief Whip and former governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Kalu – and his family during this time of immense sorrow.
“May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace.”
In a statement last night in Abuja by his Special Adviser (Media), Ola Awoniyi, Senate President Ahmad Lawan said: “I condole with Senator Kalu over the tragic and untimely death of his wife.
“The death of a darling wife is traumatic and harrowing but we must accept the will of the Almighty.
“We further take consolation in the fact that Mrs. Kalu lived a virtuous life, invested in the service of family, community and God.
“I extend my condolences to the government and people of Abia State and pray that God will grant them the fortitude to bear the great loss.”
Also, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma commiserated with Kalu and his family on the death of his wife.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser, Oguwike Nwachuku, Governor Uzodimma said the family, friends, Abia State and the society have lost a warm, kind-hearted, God-loving and God-fearing woman and mother.
The governor recalled that the deceased did a lot for the downtrodden, the women, the children, the physically-challenged and generally, humanity and God while she was the governor’s wife in Abia State.
He urged Kalu and his family to be consoled by the fact that the deceased positively impacted the society and that her good works will forever speak for her.
Also, Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu expressed sadness over Mrs. Kalu’s death.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka, the governor urged Kalu and his family to bear the loss with fortitude and with the assurance that this is the path all mortals must go.
Also, the Director of Southeast/Parliamentarian APC Presidential Campaign Council and Abia State Women Coordinator of Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, commiserated with the bereaved family.
Nwaogu said the late Mrs. Kalu used her God-given opportunities to impact meaningfully the lives of the less privileged in the society.
Also, Abia State House of Assembly Speaker Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji mourned the former governor’s wife.
In a statement by his media aide, Jude Ndukwe, the Speaker described the late Mrs. Kalu as a woman of virtue who was dedicated to the service of the people and committed to the growth of the state, even after her husband had left office.
