Only Surviving Sibling of Nigeria’s Foremost IG of Police Clocks 80
It was a memorable day as family, friends and well-wishers of Mrs. Eno-Edet Traore, only surviving sister of Nigeria’s first indigenous Inspector General of Police, Louis Edet, converged on her Lagos residence to pay glowing tributes as she marked her 80th birthday on the exact date she was born, Sunday, November 26.
Among those present at the ceremony was one of the school classmates of the Octogenarian and past district governor of Lions Club International, Mr. Tony Adedoyin. He told THISDAY that the celebrant was a brilliant student and a humanitarian, too.
“We were classmates in the College of Education, University of Lagos studying French before we had scholarships to study at the University of Toulouse, Southern France. She was very friendly and humorous,” he said.
Extolling her virtues, Dr. Babatunde Dabiri, a former neighbour and friend of the celebrant described her as an industrious, straightforward and disciplined woman.
“People say what a man can do a woman can do better, but I tell you, what a dozen men can do, Mama will do it perfectly. She came from a disciplined family; her elder brother was the first IG from 1964 to 1966 and this is very evident in the way she raised her children. She’s an exemplary woman and her children behave well,” he noted.
Confirming what Dabiri said, Mrs. Chinelo Egbuna, another former neighbour of Traore said she is a role model, a professional and entrepreneur; of great strength and love adding that those were the secret ingredients of her longevity.
Speaking on behalf of his siblings, son of the celebrant, Mr. Tombe Traore, revealed that his mother is a disciplinarian and also very supportive to her children, always ready to help them solve whatever problem was brought before her.
“She’s a great entrepreneur and knows how to balance work with social life. That is what I admire most about her,” he stated.
While appreciating all those who found time to come celebrate her, Taore attributed her healthy looks to a balanced lifestyle and ultimately to the care and support from her children for which she expressed sincere gratitude.