Madam Malinda Mgbafor Okereke, the only female twin who was saved from the hands of Scottish Missionary Mary Slessor, has passed aged 115. She was known as “Mama Nsu Bekee” for her excellent English her death occurred on the 5th of March 2025 following an illness of only a few minutes.
Early Life and Rescue
Born in the year 1900 around 1800 in Arochukwu, Abia State, Malinda and her twin sister, Mgbokwo, were born in a time where twins were viewed as evil and were often left to die. Mary Slessor arrived in the area in 1876 and fought to end this method of treatment. She saved the twins and then adopted them giving them the necessary care as well as education at her home located in Obinagu, Amasu Village.
Education and Legacy
Under the guidance of Slessor, Malinda and her sister were educated in Mary Slessor Primary School in Arochukwu which is now referred to as Mary Slessor Secondary Technical School. Through this education, they were able to communicate in English well which earned Malinda her name.
In her lifetime, Malinda was known for her toughness, clean appearance, and cheerful disposition. Malinda had three children – a daughter and two sons. She is survived by her grandson grandsons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of relatives.
Funeral Arrangements
A funeral will be held on the weekend of the 30th of August, 2025 in the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria in Amasu Arochukwu. It will be and will be followed by burial in the compound of her family.
