Pa James Moses Itsisor-Asekomhe: A Life of Purpose and Service
Born on August 23, 1930, in Ogbona, to the family of Itsisor Asekomhe and the late Madam Eladi Amiebamhe of Ivhiagboghidi quarters of Iraokhor in Edo State, Nigeria. Pa James Moses Itsisor-Asekomhe has left an indelible mark on his community. As a retired pastor, teacher, and community leader, his life’s work has been a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for service. He is married to Mrs Victoria Ikhake, nee Akhamhe, from Ivhiorevho quarter, Ogbona, Mrs Comfort Aneya Musa from Iraokhor and the late Esther Idegbesor from Ivhiochie, Ogbona.
Early Life and Education
Pa James’ educational journey began at the Catholic School in Ogbona, followed by the EDC School in Ogbona, and finally, the EDC School in Okpella, where he completed his Standard Six education in 1951. He later attended the Adventist College of West Africa (ACWA) in Ilishan-Remo, obtaining a Diploma in Theology/Evangelism. ACWA, then the biggest theological seminary in the Western region, evolved into the present-day Babcock University.
Teaching and Gospel Ministry
Pa James started his teaching career in 1958, returning to Ogbona after seven years at John Holt in Sapele. He taught at various schools, including Jagbe, Ugbenor, and Ayogwiri, before answering the call to full-time gospel ministry. He became the pioneer pastor of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church (SDA) in Ogbona, zealously spreading the gospel across Avhianwu and beyond. His evangelism efforts took him to remote areas, using a Suzuki 100 motorcycle to reach distant communities.
Business Ventures and Community Service
Pa James’ entrepreneurial spirit led him to open the first patent medicine store in Ogbona in the late 1960s and another store in the early 1970s, where he sold cement and other building materials. He also engaged in subsistence farming and tobacco farming, winning awards for his quality products. His community service extended to supervisory roles in the then-Etsako Local Government Area (1970-71). He also worked at the Auchi Polytechnic as a Catering Supervisor, where he earned popularity among many indigent students of Etsako extraction for consistently assisting them with free food before the Federal Government stopped subsidizing feeding in tertiary institutions. Later, he served as Chairman of the Elders Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogbona.
Personal Qualities and Legacy
Pa James is a strict disciplinarian, known for his hospitality, philanthropy, fearlessness, and daring nature. He belongs to the Irenumaye Age Group of 1953, which presently has only three of them left. The other two remaining members of the Age group are Pa P. K. Ikhane from Ivhiorevho and Pa Salami (Agbadagbudu) from Ivhiochie. With gratitude to God for his mercies, Pa James Moses Itsisor-Asekomhe is today the second oldest man in Ogbona. He’s widely acknowledged for standing firmly against injustice, seeking impartiality and perfection in all aspects. The retired teacher and pastor is passionate about the preservation of tradition and custom in Avhianwu. He is the Oghie-Ebo of the Apoghie lineage in Ivhiobore, and actively participates in initiating and managing all Okhe title matters in the lineage. His legacy includes 18 children, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, cementing his impact on Ogbona’s history.
Today, Pa James remains a respected figure in Ogbona, celebrated for his remarkable contributions to the community’s religious, educational, and social development. His life serves as a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and service to humanity.
