Before her passing, Chief (Mrs.) Margaret Egwu Obasi, aka Maggie Orie, was a leader in her community, Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, and beyond. She was a mentor to women and an activist, who fought for the rights of vulnerable people. Her voice was powerful even as many were silent. Yet, she carried herself with self-assurance, grace and dignity in how she spoke and interacted with others.
As the first woman to drive a car in her community, she encouraged other woman to learn how to drive and do business, including real estate, which were regarded as men’s exclusive endeavours. In October 2025, she joined the saints triumphant and went home in a blaze of glory.
To be sure, she fought the good fight, she finished the race and she kept the faith. And, like Apostle Paul remarked in his letter to Timothy, now there is in store for her the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to her on that day—and not only to her, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
An illustrious son of her community, Dr. Jude Umahi, likened her to Fela’s mother, Olufumilayo Kuti. Umahi said: “What Mrs. Fumilayo Ransome-Kuti was to Yorubaland, Maggie Orie was to Igboland. She was the first woman on record to drive a car in Uburu. She was highly skilled, dexterous at wheel and was always eager and willing to give a ride to anybody she found on her way.”
Though she had restricted education due to her early marriage, she was an advocate of sound education. Testimonies abound about people she encouraged and assisted to toe the path of education and many of them are occupying important positions in the country and abroad.
Instructively, there was a time when she sold her car to pay school fees. One of the beneficiaries of the uncommon gesture is now a medical doctor, practicing in the United Kingdom. As a woman, she was beautiful in all ramifications. One could say she was beauty personified. But her beauty was more than skin-deep. It reflected in her soul as many testified.
Maggie Orie’s smile lit up any room she entered and left an impression that lasted for long, if not forever. You couldn’t forget her once you met her. She was a sweet soul who laughed and made others laugh too. Indeed, she lived a life of love, impact and influence.
Her happy and caring nature shone brightly like twinkling stars through to anyone she met and lifted their spirits effortlessly. She was special: a woman among women.
There are no goodbyes for those who knew Maggie Orie. Wherever she is, she will always be in their hearts. As Thomas Campbell said, “to live in the hearts of those we love is not to die.”
Her son, Chief Dr. Akanu Obasi, a consultant physician and geriatrician, said: “She was a mother to all. She was very supportive of people and knew when to be empathetic. She achieved so much and kept on moving forward even in her last days.
“She rose above her peers, she was very industrious. And she was blessed with many children, grand and great-grandchildren. God blessed her with beauty, material wealth and a happy marriage. She was blessed to be a blessing and all her children benefitted from that directly or indirectly.
“Today, we celebrate a life well-lived, a life filled with love and a mother who was simply extraordinary. Rest in peace, Mummy. You will forever be our guiding star, shining brightly in the vastness of our hearts. You are also now one of my guardian angels.”
Akanu said his mother meant the world to him, particularly as she encouraged him to work hard and be successful, and also taught him business skills at a young age.
Her first daughter, Mrs. Nkechi Adaoma Borremans, described her mother as her friend, confidant and fashion designer, among other things.She said her mother was so selfless that she sold her car to pay her children’s school fees.
Describing her as a virtuous woman, Mrs. Borremans disclosed that she kept doing business till she died.
She said: “When I was in school, people used to call me beautiful but whenever they saw you my beauty was nothing compared to yours. I was never jealous of you, rather, I was happy to be called your daughter.
“Mum, I am so proud of you. You taught me to be kind, generous, resilient and God-fearing. Your legacy and wealth of wisdom will not be forgotten.
“You were never vindictive; you were quick to forgive. Your God-given strength and grace were unmatched. I cannot believe you are no more with us. Mama, just to remind you that, in my next life, I will still be your Ihuoma, Adaoma, Eme Agbaogu, and your Ezinwanne.”
Her son, Senior Evangelist Chimezie Obasi, aka Ajakampu, described her as a friend, mentor and mother in whom he was very pleased. He said: “Death is inevitable, if not my mother in her rugged nature would have resisted it. An epitome of beauty is gone.
“Mum was a role model to her generation and generations yet to come. Her name, Maggie Orie, rings a bell within and outside her community. Though we lived in the village but we were noble and respected by all because she respected her husband and was good to people.
“She was very resourceful, a successful entrepreneur of repute. Ogoo Nwanyi had never settled for less, a quintessential philanthropist. Her goodwill, social life and achievements speak for themselves. Her intelligence and willpower brought her to the corridors of leadership in all the organisations she found yourself.
She was a political and community leader (Unyom Uburu) till she passed on.
“Her love for me made her not to allow me attend secondary school outside Uburu. She taught us the importance of hard work. She mentored me on family unity and good work ethics. Even when Umuanum village was in dispute and had factions, she advised me to be neutral. My mum treated me like a special child.
“As for me, each day brings a new memory and a challenge to reconcile with the reality of her absence from my life. My last conversation with her was that we should not worry again. That we have tried, she wanted to go and rest.
“Though we mourn her passing, we celebrate her numerous achievements. These include raising 10 successful children, among many notable achievements. As Jack Thorne puts it, ‘Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch.’”
For Njoku Umezurike, an engineer, Maggie Orie came ahead of her time. He said she was the first woman to do a lot of things in her community and she acquainted herself in a remarkable manner.
Obataobie, as he is popularly known, said: “She was a rare gem. She impacted so many lives in her community. She was visionary and had the gift of perseverance. She was a heroine and mentor to many. She was right-thinking and God-fearing. She was a Mother in Israel. She will be greatly missed.”
Osuji Halifax Obasi said Maggie Orie made her mark in various spheres of life. “Chief Mrs. Margaret Egwu Obasi has joined her Creator. Exquisitely pretty woman, ever jovial, mother to all without bounds and a female pillar of the Presbyterian Church all her life.
“Mama Nkechi (as we fondly called her), I thank God for the enviable life she lived. May God grant her beautiful soul eternal rest,” he wrote.
Another illustrious son of the soil, Enekwachi Uta, described her as a quintessential amazon, adding that she was mother to all. He stated: “She had business acumen that is second to none; they brought a lot of development in clothes trading in then East Central State before the creation of Imo, Abia and now Ebonyi State. She served as the chief executive of the then transport company – Ogueri while her husband was busy with his core health related profession.
“She had a very strong hold on most of the businesses she identified with. She was hardworking, smart, resilient and a focused wife and mother to many and to even people who are not related to her. We will surely miss her amiable and very distinguished personality.”
Amb. Elder Akachi George Obasi acknowledged the impact she made in his life. He stated: “The contributions she made in my life at the early stage of my life is invaluable. She my mother’s guardian, councillor and lawyer, always standing by her side. To me, she radiated courage and strength.
“She thought me hardwork during those days; she encouraged me to be at the farm at Onu Obioke. She treated me like her biological son as she always ensured I had enough food and water to take me through the day at the farm.
“I thank you for all she did, her efforts and encouragement formed part of the foundation of the man I have grown to be. I never knew the day I saw her at Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State, would be the last but we can’t question God. Ogoo Nwanyi lived a good life and in those years meant different things to different people. As she has gone to be with her maker, may the Good Lord grant her soul eternal rest in his paradise.”
For Engr. Dr. Stanley Ngene, aka Mmiri Naezoroha, Maggie Orie was one of a kind, a trailblazer. He wrote: “In the tapestry of our lives, some threads shine brighter, weaving stories of inspiration, strength, and leadership. Chief Mrs. Margaret Egwu-Obasi was one such thread, a woman
leader par excellence whose legacy continues to inspire all who knew her.
“From a young age, Chief Mrs. Margaret Egwu Obasi exhibited a rare blend of intelligence,
compassion and determination. She broke barriers in her professional life, rising to
leadership positions that were often dominated by men. Her journey was not just about personal success but about paving the way for others, especially young women, to follow in her footsteps.
“Her leadership style was characterized by empathy and inclusivity. She believed in the power of listening and understanding, making everyone feel valued and heard. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life made her a beloved figure in our community and beyond.
“She was also a visionary. She spearheaded numerous initiatives that brought about significant positive changes. Whether it was advocating for education, championing women’s rights, or leading community development projects, her impact was profound and far-reaching. She had an uncanny ability to see potential where others saw obstacles, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and improvement.
“As we reflect on the life and legacy of Chief Mrs. Margaret Egwu Obasi, we are reminded of the profound impact one person can have on the world. Her leadership was not just about titles or accolades, but about the lives she touched and the positive change she inspired. She was a beacon of hope, a source of strength, and a guiding light for many.
“Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she mentored, the communities she uplifted, and
the family she cherished. We will honor her memory by continuing the work she was so passionate about, by striving for excellence in all we do, and by leading with the same compassion and integrity that she exemplified.
“Though she is no longer with us, her spirit remains a constant source of inspiration. We
celebrate her life, not with sorrow, but with gratitude for the incredible woman she was and the indelible mark she left on the world. Her story is a testament to the power of leadership, the importance of empathy, and the enduring impact of a life dedicated to service. In her honour, we pledge to carry forward her legacy, to be leaders in our own right, and to make a difference in the lives of others, just as she did. Her memory will forever be a guiding star, illuminating our path and reminding us of the extraordinary woman we were privileged to know and love.”
Dr Jude Umahi disclosed that Maggie Orie was one of the women that played very uncommon role in shaping his life in the early 1980s when he came from the city to attend Uburu Secondary School. According to him, she was passionate about him and his well-being.
He further stated: “Maggie Orie was love personified, as her love for me, was a reflection of her love for other children, and by extension, anybody that crossed her path. She was very keen about my getting married early. I always laughed it off. It was later in life that I realised the import of her advice. She was very hardworking, dedicated and resilience. She was a very good family woman, very devoted to her lovely husband and beautiful children. She was a bridge builder and peace lover. She was a virtuous woman, woman of excellence and panache. A devout Christian, dedicated to the good of mankind, she pioneered what can aptly be referred to as modern eatery and lounge at the old market square – which she creatively dubbed ‘EMCANSEG.’ That business facility was virtually operated like charity organisation, as any hungry and thirsty indigent person could eat and drink from her restaurant free of charge.
She was a great politician, grassroot mobilizer, exceeded her parties’ expectations; and was well-loved by Uburu people.
I’m saddened by the sudden demise of one of the most beautiful and gifted damsels in her time. Posterity will continue to speak well of her, for her immense contributions towards greater posterity and humanity.”
Ezinne Margaret Umahi Egwu Obasi was born on April 5, 1941 into the family of Teacher Orie Nwayaru and Ogoo Nwanyi Ogo Orie both from Umuokpara, Umuobuna Uburu, Ohaozara, LGA in Ebonyi State. She was the third child out of six children from her parents.
She attended Presbyterian School Uburu but could not further her education due to her early marriage to her late husband Onyibe Egwu Obasi. She was given away so early in marriage that she was not allowed to live with her husband but was made to live with her husband’s adopted mother, Ezinne Lydia Obasi, until she was old enough to live with her husband. She assumed many roles at a young age. She was a sister, mother, wife and homemaker. She used to joke with people that her first child, Mrs Nkechi Adaoma Borremans, was her certificate.
She loved children so much that she went ahead to have ten children, six sons and four daughters. Her husband, late Onyibe Egwu Obasi, was a very influential and prominent man in Uburu and Ohaozara. He was the first Chief Nursing Superintendent of Presbyterian Joint Hospital Uburu. This exposed Ezinne Margaret Umahi Egwu Obasi to many foreign and local dignitaries her husband had to entertain. The missionaries and ministers of the gospel in Uburu were frequent guests to her home, the interaction provided her with a wealth of experience and wisdom.
She was a fast learner and always emulated good things. She was the first to have a water cistern toilet in her house in Uburu. She was the first to own a television set in Uburu. She was the first lady to ride a motorcycle, not only the Ladies’ motorcycle but Honda 90,195 in Uburu. She was the first woman to own and drive a car in Uburu. She was very fearless and bold. She continued to drive a car till her death.
Maggie Orie was a household name in Uburu. She was the most beautiful woman in Uburu when she was growing up. She was an epitome of class, style and elegance. She commanded attention, admiration and encomiums wherever she went. These earned her many sobriquets such as Orji Ugo, Madam Decency, Stainless Woman, Oka ukee nma, Nwanyi Obu oma and Nwanyi Oma. Maggie Orie was so beautiful that if they said someone was beautiful, they would be asked if the person was as beautiful as Maggie Orie.
She was involved in trading and was the first woman to sell wrappers – ankara, gorge, hollandaise and Ukara specially designed for her clients. She was a contractor and built bridges and wards in Uburu Presbyterian Hospital. She was a realtor and owned many plots of land. She gave all her male children plots of land each and she even gave a plot of land to her first grandson.
She was involved in several charity and welfare services. She donated to a school in Uburu and that made them name a hostel after her. She catered for visiting and residential ministers of the gospel in Uburu. She was a very active member of Presbyterian Church Uburu where she attended until her death. She was ordained Mother Dorcas by the church, she was an active member of the women’s guild and choir of the church.
She belonged to several groups and organisations. She was a woman leader in Uburu (Unyom Uburu).
She was a politician and till date, the only female ward chairman. A lover of traditions and culture, she was an Ogoo Nwanyi and liked to be addressed so.
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