In Anambra, Ndibe family morns Ma Ngala

*Matriarch died at 93

Nonagenarian, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofuchinyelu Ndibe, the matriarch of Ndibe family in Amawbia, Awka South local council of Anambra State is dead. She was 93.

According to reports, the retired teacher and grand mother whom many in the literary circle know as ‘Ngalakwesili’ – a name one of her several sons, the popular novelist and fiery newspaper columnists, Okey Ndibe made members of the art world also use for her as her children – died on Sunday, November 18.     

The writer, Prof. Ndibe, author  of ‘Arrows of Rain,’ ‘Foreign Gods, Inc.,’ ‘Never Look An American In The Eye’ among other works of fiction disclosed the death in his Facebook contact. Describing his mother as “extraordinary” and a matron of many who her motherly demeanor attracted to her home, the bereaved writer wrote thusly:

“Elizabeth Ofuchinyelu Ndibe (best known by her praise name, Ngala), an extraordinary mother to five biological children and a multitude of others, a passionate teacher, and woman of faith, has today gone to her Maker. She celebrated her 93rd birthday on April 18. Ngala and my father modeled for their children and many admirers the deepest example and meaning of love.

Before her death, she counseled us to celebrate her life and to follow the legacy she and our late father bequeathed to us. Please join my siblings and me in praying for her eternal rest.”

The bereaved Ndibe family are yet to announce funeral details. Among those left to mourn Ngala is her first son, Dr. Jay Ndibe, the immediate past chief executive officer of the Anambra State program against HIV/AIDS.