Family, relatives, friends and associates will converge today on the peaceful community of Obikwele in Ndokwa East LGA of Delta State for the final rites of passage of a good woman and mother to many, Chief (Mrs) Fredritha Okumagba, who passed on at the age of 77.
A Service of Songs was held on Wednesday, July 12, 2026, in her honour at the Christ Crusaders Church in Warri, where mourners from all walks of life and from far and near gathered for a solemn celebration of the life, service and legacies of the virtuous woman.
She came, she saw and she conquered, leaving behind indelible memories of her good works and service to God and humanity.
One of such enduring legacies is the seed she sowed in the life of Mr. Nkem Nwaeke, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
According to the CPS, his path crossed with that of the late Chief Mrs. Fredritha Okumagba, fondly called “Mummy Karofy” in 1994, and since then positivity has flowed through their union as she took him in as a long-awaited son.
The Guwor’s CPS said the unconditional love of the personable matriarch also extended to his wife, Mary, and their children, as she remained committed to seeing them grow up strong and happy.
In a tribute, the Nwaekes described the late matriarch as “more than a mother” to their family.
“We met at Orerokpe as an IT student with Delta Broadcasting Service, DBS Warri, in 1994. Mummy Karofy took me in as a foster son. Since then, positivity has been a constant part of our union”, Nwaeke stated.
Continuing, he said: “She assisted me greatly through my university education, my NYSC, my getting a job and my marriage. She stood by my wife and I with love, prayers, and unwavering support. Her counsel and kindness left an indelible mark on our lives”.
Nkem and Mary celebrated Chief Mrs. Okumagba as a woman of virtue, a devout wife, a great nurse, a philanthropist per excellence, a community builder, an entrepreneur, a strong councillor, a custodian of peace, and a mother to many.
“She nurtured many, served her community with grace, and lived a life of compassion, dignity, faith and unwavering generosity. Her home was an open door to everyone, and she wore kindness like a garment”, they stated.
“Mummy Karofy was a woman of unwavering faith and conviction, a vessel of God’s love and compassion, humble, gracious, and God-fearing, a beacon of hope and light to all who knew her, a quintessential mother and nurturer of destinies, a mother to the motherless, a shelter to the stranded, and a custodian of peace and unity”, they added.
Describing her legacy further, the Nwaekes said: “the late matriarch was a tireless community builder, a voice for the voiceless, and a pillar of support to widows, youths and the less privileged. She served with grace, humility and excellence. She was a diligent nurse who healed with both hands and heart, a visionary entrepreneur, a mentor, and an advocate for a good society. Her legacy of generosity will outlive her”.
According to them, while they mourn departure of such a great woman in their lives, they thank God for her impact and legacy of service which they said will continue to inspire their world.
“Mummy Karofy will be remembered for her generosity, commitment to development, and her motherly role to countless people beyond her biological children.
“May our Omnipresent God grant her soul good rest in His bosom. Amen”, the tribute concluded.