Madam Malinda Mgbafor Okereke, the last surviving female twin rescued by Scottish Missionary Mary Slessor in Arochukwu Ancient Kingdom of Abia, has died at the age of 115.
According to a statement issued by her only surviving son, Bishop Okechukwu Okereke, Madam Okereke, also known as "Mama Nsu Bekee" (Mama that speaks English), passed away on March 5 following a brief illness.
A Life That Defied Tradition
Born around the year 1800, Madam Okereke and her twin sister, Mgbokwo, entered the world during a dark period when twin births were considered taboo in Arochukwu and other parts of the Lower Cross River region. At that time, twins were often killed and cast into the so-called "evil forest."
This brutal tradition was abolished after Mary Slessor arrived in the area in 1876 and championed the protection of twins. The birth of Mgbafor and her twin sister was not only attended to by Slessor and her team at their maternity facility at Obinagu, Amasu Village, Arochukwu, but the twins were subsequently adopted and fostered by Slessor herself.
Education and Legacy
Under Slessor's care, the twins received formal education at Mary Slessor Primary School, Arochukwu — now Mary Slessor Secondary Technical School. This education resulted in their excellent command of the English language, which earned Madam Mgbafor her nickname.
Her twin sister, Mgbokwo, passed away almost two decades ago. Bishop Okereke described his mother as "strong, always neatly dressed, and full of joy until her last moments."
The late Madam Okereke had three children — a daughter and two sons — but is survived by one son, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous relatives.
Her passing marks the end of a remarkable era that witnessed the transformation of cultural practices in southeastern Nigeria through the humanitarian work of Mary Slessor.
Stay updated with the latest news by following BenriNews on social media:
