Civil War Nurse Regina Okeke Dies at 88

Nneoma Regina Ekeodu Okeke (née Chukwu), a veteran nurse who served during the Nigerian Civil War and later held senior roles in the pharmaceutical industry, has died at the age of 88, her family has confirmed.

Mrs Okeke passed away peacefully. Burial arrangements indicate she will be laid to rest on January 28, 2026, at her country home in Umuogbulafor-Uzoakwa, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Born in April 1937, Okeke received her early education at Holy Rosary School, Port Harcourt. She later travelled to the United Kingdom in the 1960s, where she trained in nursing and midwifery at Huntington and Whittington Hospitals in London.

After returning to Nigeria, she served as a Nursing Sister during the Nigerian Civil War, working under emergency conditions marked by shortages of medical personnel and supplies.

Following the war, she transitioned into the pharmaceutical sector, joining Brian Munro Limited. Over the course of her career, she rose to the position of Area Manager before retiring.

Confirming her death, a family member, Mr Chuka Okeke, described her life as one shaped by service, discipline and faith. He said she remained committed to her community long after leaving active professional service.

Outside her professional work, Okeke was active in church and community life in Ihiala. A Roman Catholic, she received the title “Nneoma” from St Martin of Tours Parish, Ihiala, and “Kpakpando Okwukwe” from the Catholic Men’s Organisation. She was also a member of the Women of Divine Love and the Ihiala Progress Union.

She is survived by six children, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.