Shock As Popular Entertainer ‘Nwayi Garri’ Slumps, Dies At August Meeting In Abia Community (Photo)

A day of celebration at the annual August meeting organized by the Abia State Governor’s wife in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area turned tragic on Monday, August 18, 2025, when a popular entertainer, Mrs. Nwandinma Dickson, widely known as “Nwayi Garri”, suddenly slumped and died during a performance, ABN TV reports.

She was born on October 1, 1960, and was 65 years old.

Mrs. Dickson, a native of Oza Umuebukwu in Nneji Autonomous Community, Ugwunagbo LGA, was scheduled to participate in dance and drama at the high-profile event. Dressed in her performance costume, she moved around different canopies, exchanging greetings and entertaining guests with her usual theatrics.

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Eyewitnesses recounted that in the middle of her display, she stooped briefly and then slumped. Many in the audience initially mistook the incident for part of her act and continued cheering, only to realize minutes later that she was unresponsive.

The Mayor of Ugwunagbo LGA quickly intervened and used his vehicle to rush her to the hospital, but medical personnel pronounced her dead on arrival.

Family members told ABN TV that the late Mrs. Dickson had initially expressed reluctance to attend the meeting but eventually decided to honor her scheduled performance.

Residents of Ugwunagbo and the larger Abia community are mourning the loss of “Nwayi Garri,” remembered by many for her lively spirit and contributions to local cultural life. As the community awaits further information on what might have led to her untimely death, the hope is that greater safety measures will be put in place to prevent such tragedies in the future. The annual August Meeting, a time for unity and development discussions among Igbo women, will forever remember this year’s event for the heartbreaking loss of one of its own.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.