On a certain blessed day in 1953, a daughter was born to the family of Mr. John (popularly called Madu Ukwungwu) and Mrs. Theresa (Mama Cos)who were from Ajuona Orba and Owerre-Eze Orba respectively. In their joy, the couple named their daughter "Nwakaego" meaning that "a child is of more value than wealth". Her father was thenceforth , known by everyone in their community as "Papa Nwaka". The bond between father and daughter was indeed strong. Young Nwaka grew under the loving care of family, nuclear and extended. When she came of age, she went to live with her uncle Gilbert who was a teacher at Utonkom, Benue State, and there she started primary school.