Mr. Celestine Okafor, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Nigerian NewsLeader newspaper, has lost his mother, Mrs. Benedette Okafor.
Mrs. Okafor passed away in Lagos on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the age of 75, following an age-related illness. She hailed from Ishi-Ozalla Autonomous Community in Nkanu West Local Government Area, within the Enugu East Senatorial District of Enugu State, South-East Nigeria.
A dedicated civil servant and educationist, Mrs. Okafor served as a headmistress in Enugu State before her retirement. She was the widow of Mr. Patrick Nwununta Okafor, a respected educationist, school administrator, and trade union activist who passed away in January 1985. Her late husband notably led the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in the old Anambra State from 1980 to 1985. He was at the forefront of a historic teachers’ industrial action that pressured the government of Chief Jim Nwobodo over the poor conditions faced by NUT members.
Fondly known as ‘Mama G’ among her family, friends, and community, Mrs. Okafor was a devout Christian and an active Catholic mother. She served as a leader in the Enugu State Girls Guide Association and was a well-loved matriarch of the Patrick Nwununta Okafor family. Her commitment to community development was evident in her dedication to promoting local causes in her hometown, Ishi-Ozalla.
Mrs. Okafor is survived by five children, including Mr. Celestine Okafor, a distinguished journalist, seasoned media editor, and communication scholar. He currently leads the Nigerian NewsLeader, a notable online and print media organization based in Maitama, Abuja.
Other surviving children include Mr. Mathew Sunday Okafor, a senior police officer; Mr. Hycienth Uchenna Okafor, a bank officer; Mr. Patrick Obiora Okafor, a corporate executive manager; and Ms. Jennifer Njideka Okafor, a civil servant. She also leaves behind several grandchildren.
In a statement, Mr. Celestine Okafor, as the first son and head of the family, announced that burial arrangements are underway and will be shared in due course.
