Family announces death of 87-year-old matriarch
Renowned philanthropist and women’s campaigner, Chief (Mrs) Margaret Adija Ataguba (nee Haruna), Iye-oma Onu Ife, is dead. 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 […]
Renowned philanthropist and women’s campaigner, Chief (Mrs) Margaret Adija Ataguba (nee Haruna), Iye-oma Onu Ife, is dead.
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, Benue State capital, Mama Ataguba, as she was popularly known, was former National Treasurer of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).
She also served as Chairman of the Benue State Women’s Association and founder of Ebulejonu Daughters Development Association (EDDA).
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 served as 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.”
‘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, a 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”.