Nigeria and Jamaica has lost the great matriarch of the Royal family of Eze Dunu 1 of Ifite Dunu Dunukofia, Anambra, Her Royal Highness, Mrs Barbara OKOYE, originally born a Jamaican native, she was mother to Nigeria’s investment and digital asset markets, Wizkid, Dr Nicky Okoye.
Barbara Okoye died on Tuesday the 11th of November 2025, to a brief illness while being treated at a London UK hospital.
She was aged 92, and she is survived by several other children and grandchildren, including Prince Chinedu Okoye, one time Regent of Ifite Dunu, and Princess Augustina Okoye in whose care her highness was when she left the World, among many other children and grandchildren.
Her Highness Barbara Okoye was married to His Royal Majesty Igwe Augustine Ezechi Okoye, the Eze Dunu 1 of Ifite Dunu, Dunukofia LGA, Anambra State of blessed memory, who joined his ancestors of the Royal Clan of Ifite Dunu DunuKofia Anambra State in December of 2003.
Mrs Barbara Okoye was best known for her professional nursing career, in the medical and healthcare industries for which her professionalism served three continents across the World including the United States in North America, the United Kingdom in Europe and Nigeria in Africa.
In addition, she started and operated successfully, several entrepreneurial ventures which included the Clayton Lounge Hotel and the Gannet Concorde Hotel both hospitality properties in Enugu, an institution of higher learning, as well as her “Mothercare” stories which provided nursing mothers, across eastern Nigeria, with all their unique branded baby needs and Mothercare needs as well as mother friendly home equipment.
Dr Nicky Okoye, who is the last son of Mrs Barbara Okoye, is best known for his role as the Chief Strategy Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (now Nigerian Exchange Group), Co-Founder and first Group Executive Director Operations of Transcorp Plc, and as a serial entrepreneur, founding several enterprises including but not limited to, Chairman of ANABEL Group, founder/CEO ANABEL MOBILE, Africa’s first manufacturer of smart mobile devices, CEO ANABEL Capital, founder of the Global Investment Advisory Community, driving the Digital Asset Markets for Nigeria and Africa and President of the African Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Institute.
The funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.
In the glittering world of high society and corporate influence, moments of genuine pride and admiration rarely go unnoticed. Such was the case when oil magnate and business leader Jubril Adewale Tinubu stepped into the spotlight to celebrate a milestone achievement by his wife, Bola Tinubu who was recently honoured at the prestigious ARISE 100 Women of Impact in Africa Awards.
The award ceremony, organised by the media powerhouse ARISE News, brought together some of Africa’s most accomplished and influential women—leaders whose contributions have left a remarkable imprint across business, governance, philanthropy, and social development. Among this distinguished league stood Mrs. Tinubu, whose recognition reflects years of quiet excellence, commitment, and purposeful impact.
For the energy tycoon, the moment was deeply personal. Known across the continent as the driving force behind the energy giant Oando Plc, the businessman is often celebrated for his boardroom brilliance and strategic leadership. Yet, beyond the corporate boardrooms and global energy deals, he was simply a proud husband applauding the achievements of the woman who stands beside him.
Taking to social media shortly after the ceremony, Tinubu shared a touching tribute that resonated with many who admire the couple. His message was simple but heartfelt, capturing the essence of admiration and partnership. Referring to the moment as a “proud husband moment,” he congratulated his wife on the prestigious honour and praised the significance of the recognition.
The ARISE Women of Impact Awards have increasingly become one of the continent’s most respected platforms for celebrating female excellence. The initiative highlights women whose work continues to shape industries, inspire communities, and redefine leadership across Africa. For the woman , being counted among this elite group places her firmly within a circle of changemakers whose influence transcends titles and accolades.
Observers at the event noted that her recognition was not merely ceremonial but well deserved. Over the years, she has cultivated a reputation for grace, professionalism, and dedication to meaningful causes—qualities that have earned her admiration within Nigeria’s social and professional circles.
For those who know the Tinubus, the public celebration was hardly surprising. The couple has long embodied a partnership built on mutual respect, shared ambition, and unwavering support for each other’s pursuits. While Tinubu continues to command attention in the energy sector, his wife has quietly carved out her own path of distinction.
The quiet, steady influence of a woman who commands respect without seeking the spotlight shone brightly on that memorable evening reminding many that true influence often speaks in the calmest of voices.
Beyond her professional accomplishments and social standing, the intelligent lawyer nine years ago, translated her deep concern for child protection into action with the launch of the Cece Yara Foundation, an organisation dedicated to protecting children from abuse and giving young victims a safe platform to speak out against injustice.
Over the years, the foundation has become a powerful voice in the fight against child abuse in Nigeria, offering support, counselling and advocacy for vulnerable children. Through its initiatives, many young victims have found both protection and hope.
Through these initiatives, she has continued to demonstrate that her influence goes far beyond society circles. Her commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society has made her not only a respected figure in elite circles but also a beacon of hope for countless children and families across the country.
In a society where achievements are often measured in grand gestures and headlines, moments like this serve as a reminder that recognition carries deeper meaning when it is celebrated by those closest to us.
For the GCEO of Oando Group, the award was not just another accolade on the social calendar—it was a powerful reminder that behind every remarkable woman is a story of dedication, resilience, and a partner proud enough to celebrate her success before the world.