September 2021

Celebration of The Life and Times of late High Chief Christiana Erua Anabor (1927 — 2021)

Celebration of The Life and Times of late High Chief Christiana Erua Anabor (1927 — 2021) By Elias Inaede, The death of High Chief Christiana Amina Erua Anabor has indeed created a huge vacuum in the Anabor’s dynasty of Ogbona town in Etsako Central local government area. She was a woman of substance whose footprints are indelible in the annals of Avhianwu community being an illustrious daughter of Ogbona community, her passage would surely be felt by the entire community. Late High Chief Christiana Erua Anabor was a successful business woman who traded across several States and Regions, a successful Politician, a humanist par excellence and a community leader and a Mobilizer of note. Born on the 5th of May 1927 to the family of late Johnny Emokidi and Omonaya Braimoh Omoakhia of blessed memory in Ivhianagah quarter of Ogbona, her life was an epitome of selflessness, humanity. She was a member of the Avhianwu roll call of honour having performed her cooking Ukpe No khua which means cooking all delicacies for the entire community. Late Christiana Amina Erua Anabor was a reference point till death. She was member of many Cultural Organizations such as Izi,Agbi and Atsamukoko dance Groups among others as a result of her love for her community. It is not the abundance of wealth a man acquires that counts, but the way he or she touched the lives of those around him while alive. As a result of her contributions to the development of her community, she was conferred with a prestigious Chieftaincy title as the Oreghokpe of Avhianwu by the then Oghieavhianwu of Avhianwu Clan, HRH Chief Ajayi Patrick Oboarekpe making her the first woman in the entire Clan to be honoured with a Chieftaincy title. She was also a committed member of the Roman Catholic faith and earned many Awards of Recognition and was sponsored to the holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem which earned her the Justice Of Peace title. She was indeed a woman of many parts whose sojourn on earth brought transformation and uplifing to the downtrodden and the hopeless in the society. Late High Chief Christiana Erua Anabor was a coverage to the less Privileged and the entire Anabor’s dynasty . Her demise, no doubt has created a huge vaccum in the family. She passed on at a time her valuable services were most needed by the family and the community. She was an icon of inestimable value as a result of her humanitarian and Philantropic gestures. The social ceremony which took at the weekend at Oboarekpe Primary School Playing Ground attracted eminent personalities from all walks of life to the community to pay their their last respect to a woman who did her best to promote humanity. A Requiem Mass was held on Sunday 13th September, 2021 in honour of the deceased at St. John De Baptist Catholic Church, Ogbona. In his homily, the Parish Priest, Reverend Father Philip Omohekhe while quoting from the book of Ecclesiastes said life is vanity upon . The Cleric, Charged Believers to dedicate themselves to the expansion of the gospel and humanity in order to receive the blessings of Almighty God. In his tribute, Eldest son of the deceased, Mr. Moses Anabor described her mother as a selfless woman who made a positive impact in the lives of the people around her and the community. In his farewell message, Mr. Emmanuel Anabor said his mother lived a fulfilled life and prayed God to grant her soul eternal rest. In his remark, Son of the deceased , Mr. Simeon Anabor stated that her mother was the candle that burns on both sides and that her legacies would stand the test of time. He added that it is traditionally and Spiritually bestowed on a child to honour his or her parents. He described her mother as an encyclopedia on cultural heritage While eulogising her, the daughter in-law of the deceased, Honourable Justice Juliet Emmanuel Anabor described her as a loving and caring mother and the best friend anyone could wish to have. The first grand Child of the deceased, Hon. Anthony Oshanor Ogboabor said the deceased is t the grand mother one would love to have and prayed God to accept her soul. Late High Chief Christiana Erua Anabor died at the age of 95 years. She is survived by ten Children and many grand and great grand Children.  

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Biography of Asapokhai Umayo Christopher of Ivhiorewoh quarters, Ogbona

Mr. Asapokhai Umayo Christopher of Ivhiorewoh quarters, Ogbona, Etsako Centra, Edo State. He was born to the family of Late Mr. & Mrs. Enekhume Anthony on the 7th day of May 1951 in Kano State, Nigeria. Mr. Christopher Umayo Asapokhai was the 1st of 7children in a monogamous family. He had his primary education in Kano State and proceeded to St. John’s Grammar School Fugar in Edo State where he sat for his West Africa School Leaving Certificate in the year 1971. He was a well known sports man playing in their basketball team at the time and representing the then Bendel State at State and National tournaments. The famous Hakeem Olajuwon picked interest in basketball while watching Mr. Christopher Asapokhai and his team train back then in Kano State. Sadly, a knee injury brought his sports career to an abrupt end. Mr. Christopher Umayo Asapokhai due to his interest in nursing, wrote the nursing entrance exam and gained admission into the then Bendel State School of Nursing Benin in the year 1975 and completed his training in the year 1977 were he emerged as the best Practical nurse of the year. Mr. Christopher Umayo Asapokhai got employment with the Health Management board, Auchi as a staff nurse in the year 1978. There he got steady promotion until he was transferred to the General Hospital, Obiaruku were he stood out amongst his colleagues. On the the 3rd day of June 1983, he resigned from his job with the State Government after he got employment with the then prestigious Delta Steel Company, Ovwian -Aladja, Delta State. He worked with dedication in the company for 20 years. In 2003 he joined Chevron Nigeria Limited as a contract nurse and retired at 60yrs in the year 2011. Even though he was retired, he was not tired following his workaholic nature. Due to his vast wealth of knowledge, he got employed at Lily Hospital, Warri where he worked in various capacities. He was the head of Trainings at Lily Hospital, Warri till his demise. Uncle Chris as he was fondly called by colleagues and friends was also a registered BLS and ACLS with the American Heart Association. As a Nurse he was so caring, he was more of a friend to his patients than a nurse. He was a mentor to numerous nurses whom he impacted with his knowledge and experience. He was always putting smiles on their faces. To his Colleagues he was more of a brother and a friend, there was never a dull moment with him. Mr. Christopher Umayo Asapokhai found the Lord in the 90s and he remained steadfast in the faith, he practiced his faith at home, work place and the community at large. He was a dedicated member of The Masters Place International Church. Mr Christopher Umayo Asapokhai was happily married to Mary Asapokhai who is also a Nurse by training and they are blessed with four married children and 9 grandchildren to the glory of God. We celebrate you our dear father, father in law, grand father, brother, uncle, friend and adviser. You have left your foot prints in the sand of time and we salute your exemplary Morals. We give thanks to the almighty God for a life which was well spent. Continue to rest in the bosom of Lord. Goodnight!!

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Biography of Chief Peter Daniel Okhuemoi

Biography of Chief Peter Daniel Okhuemoi Chief Peter Daniel Okhuemoi was born on the 29th of June 1949 to Late Pa Azonoboh Okhuemoi and Late Mrs. Asonikpe Okhuemoi (nee Enamhino) at Ogbona in present day Etsako Central Local Government Area, Edo State. That he was destined for a life that would raise him above the general rural existence that was obtainable in his day, and propel him into a world of greatness and exposure was evident in the zeal exhibited by those around him in ensuring that he had a good education. At the age of 7 years, he was taken by his brother, Musa Ainakhu to Ibadan where he began his primary education at St. Brigid’s Catholic Primary School, Mokola, Ibadan in 1959. In 1969, he proceeded to the newly founded St. John’s College Fugar alongside the likes of Patrick Imohede, Aleoghena Festus and Patrick Idegbo Umogbai and others. They constituted the pioneer set of that prestigious institution. On completion of his WASC, he went to Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabongida-Ora for his HSC where he was an outstanding student, and this was reflected in his receiving the John F. Kennedy scholarship award for English. He was given employment on the completion of his HSC as a classroom teacher at Momodu College, Agbede. It was there he met Rabi Okhuemoi (Nee Tokurah) who became his wife of 32 years. Peter Okhuemoi taught in that institution for two years before he was admitted into the University of Ife (Now Obafemi Awolowo University) to study English. He graduated from that college with the 1973 set which included others like Greg Enegwea, Barr. Ekhasemomhe, and Dr. Dennis Itsuokor. He proceeded to his area of primary assignment,(NYSC),  Mbaise in the then East Central State (today’s Imo State) in the same year as one of the pioneer corps members. On completion of his service, he started his working career as a graduate with Federal Government College Port-Harcourt as an English Teacher in 1974. In March 1978, he joined the then National Oil and Chemical Marketing Company (now Conoil) where he spent the rest of his employed life. Peter’s 21 years at National Oil saw him traversing the length and breadth of this country, meeting with various personalities across different tribes. Among the colleagues he worked with at National Oil was Abiola Ajimobi who later became a Senator and Governor, and Rt. Hon Chibudom Nwuche who became Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. This period also saw him moving across positions in the company that easily attest to his being one of the best in the field of retail marketing. Some of the positions and their locations include: C & I Sales Rep  – Head Office ‘78 General Sales Rep – Port-Harcourt & Calabar ‘79 Domestic Construction C & I Rep – Ibadan ‘80 Senior General Rep – Jos, Gombe, Bauchi, Gongola ‘85 Senior General Rep (Ret, S & D Analyst) – Lagos ‘87 Bunkers & Export Superintendent – Warri ‘90 Bunkers & Export Superintendent (Port-Harcourt, Calabar, Warri) – ‘Port-Harcourt ‘93 Retail Planning & Devt. Manager – Head Office ‘93 Retail Sales Supt. Kaduna – Kaduna ‘95 Head, Shell Business East – Port-Harcourt ‘97 He undertook many training courses while with the company. He retired meritoriously in 1999 after 21 glorious years into private business as Managing director of Pamoks Ventures Ltd. Peter Okhuemoi was passionate and committed to people and service. He trained and financed many men and women through various levels of education. These included but were not limited to relatives, friends, children of neighbors, fellow staff, etc. He was never biased, prejudiced or selective in those he helped. His colleagues in the office always remembered him as a humorous, lively and open-hearted friend and boss. There was never a dull moment with Peter. His principle in service was ‘to live a name and goodwill that his children would live to enjoy and be proud of’. Chief Peter Okhuemoi received recognition and honour from various bodies and groups. He was active in his life-time as an alumnus of his Alma-mata St. John’s College Fugar. He founded and served as the President of the Warri Branch of the Old Boys Association. Chief Peter Okhuemoi played a major role in the establishment of Ogbona Grammar School and for several years financed projects in the school, in addition to sponsoring many indigent children. He was at a time Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association. He was also the Patron, Avianwu United Club of Nigeria Patron, Standard Youth Club of Nigeria Patron, Elite Women Social Club of Etsako The Anawi Utsabeghie of Eghietsemhe Age Group of Avianwu, among so many others. In 1996, in recognition of his immense contributions to the development and progress of his community, he was honoured with the chieftaincy title of ‘Apeakhuye of Avianwu’ by HRH Chief Aliu Oboarekpe, The Oghieanvianwu. Many will live to remember Peter Okhuemoi for touching their lives in so many different ways. Peter Okhuemoi loved sports and participated actively in his lifetime. He was the pioneer volleyball and basketball captain of the St. John’s College team while there. At Holy Trinity Grammar School Sabongida-Ora, he ran long distance races with the likes of Sir. Chief O.F Eboirenme, a past rector of Auchi Polytechnic. In the prestigious Grier Cup Competition, he came 2nd in the Mile Race. During the Founders’ Day meet in 1967, he came 1st in the 3-legged race, 2nd in the Javelin event, and 2nd in the Mile race. His love for sports development in schools saw him at various times donate sports materials to Ogbona Grammar School. In his later years on earth, he was an ardent lover of football and boxing. His library of past football matches and boxing fights on video will make any sports enthusiast green with envy. Chief Peter Daniel Okhuemoi was a great father and husband who raised his five biological children to understand the value of a good education, and taught them never to expect handouts from

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Ogbona Community Creates Traffic In Benin To Protest Against Fulani Herdsmen’s Mennace

Ogbona Community Creates Traffic In Benin To Protest Against Fulani Herdsmen’s Mennace. Francis Onoiribholo On Aug 30, 2021 The people of the Ogbona community in Etsako Central Local Government of Edo State on Monday created an unbearable traffic holdup in Benin city, the state capital that lasted several hours to stage a peaceful protest against what they described as “the menace of Fulani herdsmen” in their community. Ogbona which is the hometown of Chief Dan Orbih, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) South-South national zonal vice-chairman demanded that the cattlemen should be compelled by the state government to leave their agrarian community without further delay. Carrying placards with different inscriptions such as “Ogbona People of Etsako Central LGA Protest Against Cattle Rearers Destroying Our Land”, “Ogbona People of Edo North are Farmers who survived by our farm products” “Government Come to Our Aid as Our Crops are Being Destroyed by Herdsmen” amongst others The protesters marched through some major streets of Benin city to register their anger. Chief Vincent Otso, spokesman for the community accused the Fulani herdsmen of wanton destruction of their farmlands and crops with their animals. According to Chief Otso, the cattle rearers have uprooted our cassava with which they feed their cattle while trampling on our other crops, including yam tubers which are not spared in the destruction by the herdsmen and their cattle. “We are now afraid to go to the farm because many of us have been beaten up and injured by herdsmen for daring to ask them to stop the destruction of our crops and farmlands. The community pleaded with the state governor, Godwin Obaseki and the security agents to come to their aid so that they can continue to go to their farms to avoid acute hunger the headers are trying to put on them. “So, we are here to let you know that we are tired of their atrocities. We can’t go to farm anymore and the little we cultivated have been destroyed by the herders and their cattle. We want them to leave our land and community. We didn’t give them any land.” He pointed out that the community decided to journey to Benin to express their frustration so that the government can act as they have reached the limit of their endurance and do not want to take the laws into their hands. [8:04 AM, 8/31/2021] Anthony Okhamera: I don’t understand this. You mean our community went to Benin to protest against the takeover of our farm lands by herders? Mr governor should come chase them away all the way from Benin? That will not work because that has not been proven as a viable solution anywhere. We must take the initiative ourselves and chase the intruders out of our community and we do not need to make noise over this. We have by our action, exposed our fright and the herders will take advantage of our fears. Fulanis don’t understand any other language that forceful revenge. When coerced , they will exhibit astonishing fright. [8:11 AM, 8/31/2021] Phillip Orbih: You are right sir.. but I think the Okpe Ukpi in his wisdom wanted to also put it out there for the authorities to know. I personally think we have to resist them. Like what Fugar is doing and also invest in and Fortify our Local Vigilante to make them very effective. We can device means to wade them off without being confrontational. [8:12 AM, 8/31/2021] Phillip Orbih: I also think we should also find away to bring their Collaborators is Experi and South Ibie to order. This is not something we should gloss over. [8:13 AM, 8/31/2021] Phillip Orbih: *in Ekperi [8:25 AM, 8/31/2021] Mike Itsuokor Kadiri: Cannot believe the Bororos are finally in our backyard. Like you said they are lawless and amorphous and border less. A quiet carrot and stick approach would be needed in dealing with them. A good network with our neighbouring communities to forge a common front is urgent in this case [8:31 AM, 8/31/2021] John Anaweokhai: Senior bros, it is not as easy as that.Our problem with the Fulanis is around the Ogbona -Ekperi-South Ibie axes.As a matter of fact, herdsmen are in that area at the behest of the clan heads of those two Kings.Of course , you understand the history of the animosity between Ogbona and Ekperi over that piece of land.As such, whatever can be done to frustrate Ogbona out of that area is readily welcome with joy by the head of Ekperi clan. Unfortunately, our Okphe Ukpi does not have any leverage over any of the two clan heads mentioned above.The Okphe Ukpi needs to appeal to a higher authority who has leverage over the clan heads of south Ibie and Ekperi and it is doubtful if anyone else is better positioned do play that role the the chief executive officer of the state.Will our efforts yield the desired result? [8:34 AM, 8/31/2021] John Anaweokhai: Let me be quick to add that herdsmen destroy our crops at night.The Okphe Ukpi has settled a lot cases involving killing of cows by our people that would have led to something else. [8:41 AM, 8/31/2021] Phillip Orbih: The truth of the matter is that we have to be proactive in dealing with this matter.Once they get comfortable they move to the next stage of kidnapping and Killings..God forbid.In as much as the Okpe Ukpi is doing what he can, we as a body has to come together and plan on our to deal with this problem.It is happening all over the country and we all know. [8:49 AM, 8/31/2021] John Anaweokhai: My brother, I doubt if there is alternative to diplomatic solution.The place in question is not our backyard.Its about 7 to 10 kilo away from home.How do you police that place? In case of eventuality , how do you send reinforcement? We need to be careful about the whole issue , or else, we play into the hands of our

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