What was meant to be a festive celebration at the annual August meeting in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area of Abia State turned tragic on Monday, August 18, 2025, when a beloved local entertainer, Mrs. Nwandinma Dickson, popularly known as “Nwayi Garri”, slumped and died in the middle of her performance.
The shocking incident occurred during a cultural programme held at Oza Umuebukwu in Nneji Autonomous Community. The event was well-attended by community members, dignitaries, and women from across the LGA, who had gathered to celebrate and reflect on community development—a tradition common among Igbo women during the August Meeting season.
The late Mrs. Dickson, aged 65, was a renowned cultural performer and dancer, widely loved for her humorous stage acts, traditional songs, and vibrant energy. She had been scheduled to perform a dance and drama routine as part of the day’s activities.
According to eyewitnesses, Nwayi Garri was dressed in her full performance attire and had been going around different canopies, exchanging greetings and dancing to the delight of the guests. Her comedic style and lively gestures had the crowd cheering and laughing.
But midway into her performance, she paused suddenly and collapsed, right in front of the guests. Unfortunately, many in the audience initially mistook her fall for part of her comic routine and continued clapping and laughing—unaware that she was in distress.
“We thought it was part of the show,” one eyewitness told our reporter. “She was known for such dramatic stunts, so nobody suspected anything was wrong until she didn’t get up.”
When it became clear that something was seriously wrong, a panic broke out, and efforts were made to revive her.
The Mayor of Ugwunagbo LGA, who was present at the event, quickly arranged for a vehicle to take her to the hospital. However, upon arrival at the nearest medical facility, doctors pronounced her dead.
The sudden nature of her death has left the community in shock. While there is no official medical report yet on the exact cause, many suspect she may have suffered a sudden heart-related issue or a spike in blood pressure, possibly brought on by stress or underlying health problems.
Family members later revealed that the late performer had earlier shown reluctance to attend the event, though she eventually decided to honour her commitment due to her love for cultural performance and the high expectation placed on her by the community.
News of her passing spread quickly across Ugwunagbo and other parts of Abia State. Social media platforms were flooded with tributes and messages from fans, community members, and cultural groups who hailed her as a pillar of local entertainment.
“She brought joy to every gathering. There was no village event complete without her presence,” said Chief Onyema Udo, a community leader in Nneji. “Her death is a huge loss to our culture.”
For many, Nwayi Garri represented the spirit of traditional entertainment—someone who combined dance, drama, and storytelling to pass messages while also making people laugh. She was especially popular among women’s groups, schools, and traditional councils.
The community is currently awaiting an official medical report on the cause of her death. In the meantime, discussions are already underway to hold a memorial performance in her honour.
The Mayor of Ugwunagbo, in a brief statement, expressed deep sadness over the incident and extended condolences to her family.
“Nwayi Garri was more than an entertainer; she was a cultural ambassador. We will work with her family to ensure she is honoured properly,” the Mayor said.
Cultural organisations in Abia have also called on the state government to recognize her posthumously for her contribution to grassroots entertainment and the promotion of Igbo culture.
The August Meeting is a traditional annual gathering of Igbo women, where they return to their matrimonial homes to discuss community development, family issues, and cultural preservation. It is often marked by performances, parades, and speeches, and is one of the most important cultural events in the South East.
This year’s meeting in Ugwunagbo, however, will be remembered not for its celebration—but for the untimely death of a woman who dedicated her life to bringing joy to others through traditional art.
As the people of Abia mourn Nwayi Garri, many say her laughter, wisdom, and dances will live on in the memories of those she touched.
“She may be gone,” said a teary mourner, “but the stage will never forget her.”
