It is said that behind a successful man is a woman. For Chief (Dr.) Wellington O. Okirika (JP), often called Mr 13% Derivation Fund, the Founding Father of Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON), Founding Father and Pioneer Executive Chairman of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), his first of five wives, Chief (Mrs.) Mary Okirika, among others come to mind.

Chief Okirika, the Bolowei (Traditional Prime Minister) of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, often calls her the "First Lady" and takes pride in furthering describing her as "a very beautiful and angelic woman."

Chief Mary Okirika hails from the Ekwenuya Family of Azugu quarters in Ogwashi-Ukwu, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State. She holds a respected Chieftaincy title in Gbaramatu kingdom and she is also a respected Chief in Kabowei Kingdom. She was a senior management staff of Old Leventis Stores, Ibadan, Western region, before the creation of Bendel State.

As culled from the book, "Mr. 13% Derivation Fund: The Life and Legacy of Chief (Dr.) Wellington O. Okirika CON," authored by Amb. (Dr.) Jerry Abiri, the story of Mary Okirika began in 1967 in Ibadan, where a young Wellington, still a student, met her at Leventis store. Their connection was instant and they courted for three years before marrying in 1970. 

An Igbo woman from Ogwashi-Ukwu, Mary stood by his side from the days of youthful ambition to the storms of national advocacy. Though she never attended university, she brought dignity, wisdom and grace to their union, often balancing its political intensity with spiritual calm. 

Mary remembered the moment Wellington left the civil service. "He wanted to help the community," she said with clarity. She gave her blessing, despite knowing the personal risk. 

Mary, grounded in faith as a deaconess, and herself, a traditional title holder, remained unwavering even as her husband's responsibilities grew heavier. She understood the moral weight he carried—not just as a father and husband, but as a defender of an entire region's rights. 

When Chief Wellington was appointed as the first Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC)... Mary emphasized, "DESOPADEC was not just for Ijaw or Warri people, even those outside the Niger Delta benefited."

Mary described him as caring and responsible, always attentive to her and their children. She also encouraged his children from other relationships, particularly a son in Abuja, whom she accepted with grace. 

In her 70's, Mary Okirika looked back without regret. "I have Yahweh," she says with conviction. "That's enough for me." She laughed when asked if she ever advised her husband to retire. "If he advises me, I agree. What will I do? I'm a woman!"

For Chief Okirika, his first wife, as well as others deseve recogniion for the laudable roles she played especially her contributions at the beginning of his activism years. 

"Let us appreciate and honour her (Chief Mrs. Mary Okirika) for being the First Lady of Okirika Dynasty," said Mr. 13% Derivation Fund. Surely she deserves her flowers.

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