The death has occurred of renowned philanthropist and women’s campaigner, Chief (Mrs) Margaret Adija Ataguba (nee Haruna), Iye-oma Onu Ife. former National Treasurer of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).
In a statement issued in Anyigba, Kogi State by her son Emmanuel Ataguba, on behalf of the family, he stated that their mother and matriarch passed away peacefully on Monday 12 January 2026 at the age of 87 years.
The retired proprietor and founder of the Aunty Margie Nursery and Primary School in Makurdi, Mama Ataguba as she was popularly known touched many lives with advocacy, convening and mobilising groups for the advancement of women and children ‘s causes. Her exploits include as Chairman of the Benue State Women’s Association and founder of Ebulejonu Daughters Development Association (EDDA). Mama it was and her women in the EDDA who initiated, designed and popularised the iconic achi Igala, a colourful woven cloth that has become the symbolic traditional colours of the Igala people.
She was a member of the Benue State Public Accounts Committee, member of the Benue State Committee on War Against Indiscipline (WAI), member Benue State Committee on Nursing/Midwifery, member of the Task Force on the Makurdi Modern Market, member NTA (zone C) Committee,and President of the Benue State Chapter of the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS). She was also National Treasurer of the NCWS under the leadership of the late Hajiya Leila Dogonyaro and together they raised the profile of the NCWS to the national treasure that it is today. Mama was a strong Christian and discipled many in the Christian faith, mentoring many women/widows as a founding Director of Igala Women of Faith.
“Recall that Mama was only widowed a few months ago when our father, her husband of nearly 70 years, Baba Joseph Ejima Ataguba (MON), retired permanent secretary and career public administrator passed away”, the statement read.
Mama lived her life for her family and community. A princess of the Ife kingdom of Kogi State, she was a pillar of society and rallying point for many women groups and societies. She remains highly regarded by her many friends and well-wishers.
She is survived by 6 children, 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren among whom are, Emmanuel Ataguba, retired Director Legal Services at the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), now the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC); Noel Ataguba, retired Manager-Finance at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and now a real estate guru; Rowland Ataguba, renowned international railway consultant and managing director of Bethlehem Rail; Taiye Harry-Doherty, an international healthcare practitioner, Ajuma Ataguba, global innovation ecosystem expert and managing director of the Founder Institute (FI); and Ora Ataguba, renowned entrepreneur and managing director of the Luffa Factory.
Echoing his brother, Rowland Ataguba the railway consultant said, “our mother lived her life for us and our father. She and Baba were like two peas in a pod, deeply in love and inseparable for 70 years. After Baba died a few months ago, she was heartbroken and apparently couldn’t wait to join him. We love and miss them both and pray that God receives them into paradise”.
Burial arrangements will be announced in due course, the family stated.
