President and Mrs Mbeki Extend Condolences to President Obasanjo on the Death of Mrs Stella Obasanjo

President and Mrs Thabo Mbeki, today Sunday 23 October 2005, extended South Africa's sympathy to President Olusegun Obasanjo, the government and people of Nigeria on the untimely death of Nigeria's, first lady Mrs Stella Obasanjo who passed away on Sunday in Spain.

"It is with a great sense of sadness and regret that we learned of the passing away of your beloved wife and first lady of Nigeria, Mrs Stella Obasanjo."

"We can only imagine the void that her passing away will create for you, your Excellency, personally and the people of Nigeria generally."

"Yet we hoped you would continue to draw strength from the knowledge that the thoughts and prayers of our people in general are with you in particular and the people of Nigeria during this hour of bereavement."

"Accordingly please accept the sincere condolences of the government and the people of South Africa to the government and the people of Nigeria and in particular yourself, your Excellency, and the broader Obasanjo family," concluded President and Mrs Thabo Mbeki.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
PRETORIA
0001

23 October 2005