Clara Oshiomhole

Clara Oshiomhole was the wife of Adams Oshiomhole, the former governor of Edo State and the current national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). She was born on June 18, 1956, to the Akharagbon family of IdumuAgho, Okaigben, Ewohimi, in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State. She had a humble background and did not have the privilege of acquiring early education like her mates. However, she was determined to pursue her academic and professional goals. She attended Commercial Secondary School, Kaduna, Teacher Training College, Kaduna, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, and Administrative Staff College, Badagry, Lagos. She also enrolled at the Open University for a degree programme, but could not complete it due to her husband's emergence as the governor of Edo State in 2008. She worked as a secretarial staff at the National Institute of Public Information, an agency of the Federal Ministry of Information, Kaduna, until she became the first lady of Edo State. As the first lady, she was known for her philanthropic activities, especially for women and children. She founded the Health Foundation for Maternal and Child Care (HEFMAC), an NGO that provided free and affordable health care services to indigent women and children across the state. She also paid hospital bills and offered scholarships to many needy people. She was a strong supporter and pillar of her husband, who was a former labour leader and a vocal critic of the government. She stood by him during his struggles and victories, and was referred to as the "Strong Tower" and the "Jewel of the Lion" by him. She died on December 7, 2010, after a long battle with cancer. She was buried at her husband's hometown, Iyamho, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. She is survived by her husband and three children, Steve, Jane and Winnie. She was a woman of faith, courage, and compassion, who touched many lives with her kindness and generosity.