A popular entertainer from Abia State, Nwandinma Dickson, widely known by her stage name “Nwayi Garri,” passed away on Monday after collapsing in the middle of a performance at an August meeting held in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area.
The 65-year-old, who hailed from Oza Umuebukwu in Nneji Autonomous Community, had been invited to take part in a cultural display of dance and drama during the annual gathering. The event was said to have been organized by the wife of the Abia State Governor, Priscilla Chidinma Otti.
Witnesses explained that Nwandinma was already dressed in her costume and moving from canopy to canopy, greeting people and thrilling them with her lively steps as she awaited the arrival of the Governor’s wife.
According to accounts, she suddenly bent slightly and collapsed. At first, many in the crowd assumed it was part of her usual dramatic act and responded with applause. However, concern grew when she failed to rise again.
One source said, “At a time, she stood still and people were clapping thinking it was part of her dance moves. She fell down, and people clapped, but when she could not continue with her entertaining moves, people approached her and only to find out that she was foaming from the mouth.”
The Mayor of Ugwunagbo quickly stepped in and rushed her in his vehicle to a nearby hospital. Sadly, doctors confirmed that she was already dead upon arrival.
Relatives of the late entertainer later revealed that Nwandinma had not been eager to attend the function but eventually agreed to show up for her scheduled performance.
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