The family of Nigerian music icon Ugo Stevenson, popularly known as Ndaa Chineke, is mourning the loss of their beloved matriarch, Ndaa Christiana Nwaughemgbe Okereafor (née Odowuike). Her passing marks the end of an era for a woman celebrated not only as a mother but also as a pillar of culture, spirituality, and tradition in her community.
Ndaa Christiana, who hailed from Amaeze, Obibiezena in Owerri North and later lived in Olokwu, Emeabiam (Owerri West, Imo State), was a devoted Christian, respected farmer, and traditional healer. She was married to the late Senior Apostle Ernest Ugwuegbulam Okereafor, and together they raised a family rooted in cultural and spiritual values.
Until her peaceful transition to immortality, she was a devout member of the Assemblies of God Church. But beyond her Christian faith, she was revered as a living archive of Igbo oral tradition and wisdom. Her life embodied the beauty of Igbo heritage—she was known for captivating children with moonlight tales, folk stories, and proverbs that carried generational lessons.
The announcement of her passing was formally signed by Ernest Oguzie Okereafor on behalf of the family. It described her as “a storehouse of cultural and traditional knowledge,” whose impact extended beyond her family to the wider community. Many remember her not only for her storytelling but also for her nurturing spirit and healing hands.
Her son, Ugo Stevenson—known widely across Nigeria as Ndaa Chineke—has drawn inspiration from her teachings and values throughout his artistic career. The family describes her as a guiding light who influenced Ugo’s strong cultural messaging in music and performance. The phrase “the dance stopped” captures the emotional weight of her departure, symbolizing a pause in celebration as the community reflects on her legacy.
Tributes have poured in from across Imo State, with many describing her as a rare gem and a true embodiment of “Nne Oma”—a good mother. Her legacy lives on through the values she passed down, the lives she nurtured, and the culture she preserved. Plans for her final rites are expected to celebrate not only her passing but also her extraordinary life.
As the community prepares to bid farewell to one of its most respected daughters, Ndaa Christiana Nwaughemgbe Okereafor’s name will be remembered for generations—spoken in folktales, sung in songs, and revered in prayers.
