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BIOGRAPHY OF EVANGELIST MRS LIZZY STEPHEN UBUIKE

CONTINUATION OF THE OGBONA MUSICIANS SERIES BIOGRAPHY OF EVANGELIST MRS LIZZY STEPHEN UBUIKE By Elias Inaede, Evangelist Mrs Lizzy Stephen Ubuike is a Gospel Singer from Ivhioche Quarter of Ogbona in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State Born on the 13th July, 1993 to the Family of Late Mr. Sunday and Mrs Martina Akomo Akhugie. She attended Life Line Primary School, Fugar and finished at Oboarekpe Primary School, Ogbona for her Primary School Leaving Certificate. She attended Prudence Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogbona and finished at Fugar Mixed Secondary School, Fugar where she got her Secondary School Leaving Certificate. To prepare herself for future challenges, the Young Evangelist Lizzy enrolled at a Computer School at Auchi to have a Certificate in Computer training and proceeded to Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, where she had National Diploma in Food Technology and came back for her Higher National Diploma to study Food Nutrition at same Higher Institution. Evangelist Mrs Lizzy Stephen Ubuike is the Band Leader of the Restoration Praise Band. She has waxed her only Album in 2018 with the title “OGHENA UKHUAYE” meaning God You are Great. She projects Ogbona to her children as a good land that is full of fertile and good things when it comes to music, farming and education. She always let my children known that Ogbona people are very accommodating and they are born to be great and they are doing great things. Asked on her memorable day, the Young Evangelist Lizzy said 26th December, 2020, the day she got married to her husband, that God came to wipe away her tears. Evangelist Mrs Lizzy is married to Mr. Stephen Azobudi Ubuike, an Instrumentalist from Iraokhor Community. The marriage is blessed with two Girls. According to her, she use her music to promote humanity and Ogbona in positive ways to transform lives and to win Souls for Jesus Christ and she has used the money she realized from her music to take care of the educational needs of some Ogbona indigent Students On what she remembers about Ogbona, Evangelist Lizzy said her mother told her a story of how Ogbona People migrated from Benin to Uzairue and from Uzairue to Fugar and finally to the present location called Ogbona and that Ogbona is the last born of Anwu. She Started her Music at a very tender age of 14 years and has contributed significantly to promote humanity and restored broken homes through her inspirational songs… The Gospel Singer prayed that the will of Almighty God concerning Ogbona Sons and Daughters is fulfilled in all ramifications especially the spiritual lives of the people of the community to become great Men of God and great people in all spheres of life to bring Glory to the community. She is the Directress of Gifted Hands Mega Cakes and Events.

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BIOGRAPHY OF EVANGELIST JUDITH OCHUWA AMHANESI IFIDON

CONTINUATION OF THE OGBONA MUSICIANS SERIES BIOGRAPHY OF EVANGELIST JUDITH OCHUWA AMHANESI IFIDON By Elias Inaede, Evangelist Judith Amhanesi Ifidon is a Gospel Artiste from Okotor Quarter of Ogbona Community in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State Born in the 90s to the Family of Amhanesi of Okotor Quarter of Ogbona, She attended Life Line Nursery and Primary Schools, Ogbona and finished at Imakhena Primary School, Ogbona for her Primary School Leaving Certificate. In her quest to prepare herself for life opportunities like the White Says “I Will Prepare, Perhaps, My Chance May Come, the Young Evangelist Judith Ochuwa Ifidon proceeded to Prudence Secondary School, Ogbona and finished at Sacred Heart College, Agenebode for her Secondary Leaving Certificate. In 2011, she secured admission into Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, where She had her Bachehor of Science degree (B: SC) in Psychology. She Started her Musical Carrier early at a very tender age and has contributed meaningfully to promote humanity and restored broken homes through her inspirational songs and counselling. She has waxed two Albums, one in Etsako language and the other one in English which was released on 12th June, 2022. One of the hit tracks that has brought her to limelight is Walking With God. She asserted that She always expects the best to come from Ogbona and she was the Leader of Ogbona Christian Youths Association for about Six years. The Gospel Singer prayed that the will of Almighty God concerning Ogbona Sons and Daughters is fulfilled in all ramifications especially the spiritual lives of the people of the community to become great Men of God and great people in all spheres of life to bring Glory to the community. She expressed gratitude to Almighty God for His Grace, Favour and blessings over her life and Family and said she will be remembered for the lives and destinies she has used her music to change positively. Evangelist Judith Ifidon urged all Ogbona Sons and Daughters to always be their brothers Keeper wherever they found themselves and they should be willing to assist and show love and kindness. She is married to Mr. Ifidon and the union is blessed with two children. A Boy and a Girl.

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BIOGRAPHY OF MR ERASOR ALOAYE VALENTINE

BIOGRAPHY OF MR ERASOR ALOAYE VALENTINE By Elias Inaede Mr. Erasor Aloaye Valentine was born on 25th October 1982 to the Family of Late PA Oghieboh Erasor Kadiri from Okotor Quarters of Ogbona in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. His Mother Late Mrs Osomhona is from Ivhianaga Quarters of Ogbona. He attended Imakhena Primary School, Ogbona, for his Primary School Leaving Certificate and proceeded to Ogbona Secondary School, Ogbona and finished at Trinity Pre-Campus Secondary School, Jattu, where he had his Secondary Leaving Certificate. He proceeded further to the University of Benin where he obtained a Diploma in International Studies and Diplomacy. In his quest to prepare himself for future challenges, he enrolled at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, where he had a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2015/2016 Session. Mr. Erasor Aloaye Valentine also had a training in Crime Prevention and Control Management. He was recruited into the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) in August 2004 as a Recruit Private and rose to become an Assistant Superintendent of Corps (ASC11) his present Rank. Due to his closeness to his Mother (a Renowned Song Composer (Akamotse) as a little Child, he was able to learn the rudiments of Song Composing. His hit track is Obakhaye Iwenoya. Mr. Erasor Valentine Aloaye believes that everyone prays for a better opportunity and the enormous Grace to contribute meaningfully to the Socio-Economic growth of hiscommunity. Mr. Erasor Aloaye Valentine is a title holder in Ogbona (Agba Edion) the second Broom title holder in Ogbona 2007 Age Group Set. He is a registered Member of Ogbona Youth Forum (OYF) Benin Branch, a Social-Cultural Organization with branches across Nigeria. He also makes his friends to understand that Ogbona is the best tribe in the wholeworld. Mr. Erasor Aloaye Valentine is always proud to come from Ogbona. He added that Ogbona People always unite for development, unite against Invaders and unite to profer solutions to the challenges affecting the community. He projects Ogbona to his Children in good light with a view to ensuring that they believe in their origin. He also ensures that his children speak Ogbona dialect even though they were brought up in the city. He is of the opinion that the collective interest of the community should override the personal interest of an individual in order to have a better and a prosperous Ogbona. Mr. Erasor Aloaye Valentine wants to be remembered for the music he has used to promote the community and humanity. He described Ogbona as the Citadel of Music in Afemai Land with renowned Musicians springing up from the community. As a Man who is eager to acquire more knowledge and skills, he served under different Band Leaders in order to be properly equipped for the task ahead as an upcoming Musician. He urged upcoming Musicians to have the fear of God, respect their Elders and those that come around them both in the Music Industry and in the Circular World and also do things that can promote humanity. He is happily married to his heartrobe, Mrs Beastie Erasor Z and the Union is blessed with children. There is no doubt about the fact that Mr. Erasor Aloaye Valentine sees a glorious future for Ogbona Sons and Daughters both home and in Daspora. His memorable moments was during his Age Group initiation as the Agba Edion title holder called Umoregbemhe Age Group of 2007.

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BIOGRAPHY OF N-E-N-E LATE MADAM LADY OKEMECHI EGHIEYE

BIOGRAPHY OF N-E-N-E LATE MADAM LADY OKEMECHI EGHIEYE Celebrating: A fulfilled Christian woman HER BACKGROUND In the year 1925, Nene was born at Okotor Quarters, Ogbona in Southern Nigeria and later Midwest/Bendel, now Edo State, into the descendant of Eghieye family and mother Ughie Eghieye. Her father, a humble gentle man was a great Hunter and a prosperous farmer in the community. Nene was the youngest among her six siblings. She was greatly loved and cherished by her mother who gave her a pet name (Omoyienyie). Nene grew up with certain essentials and potentials that were evident to her parents. She was very calm, peaceful, patient and easy going. She hated conflicts to the core and was never found struggling for her rights, nor having conflict with any member of the family. she embraced good neighbourliness and unity. She followed peace with all. HER FAMILY LIVE As a young lady, with amiable character, she was attracted to a young man from the family of Emalumhe, in the year 1940, one Mr. Kadiri Emalumhe, who later abandoned her in search of greener pastures to the city. The marriage however was blessed with a son. After waiting in vain for him, she later got married to a well-known business and prosperous farmer Mr. Imhana Jerome Odior (AKA) Gagakugu). Her marriage to Pa Imhana was also blessed with two sons. HER SOCIAL/CAREER LIFE Nene was full of life and industrious. She was perfect and locally known for making (Eko/Agidi) that so many people in the community usually place order ahead with her for marriage ceremonies. She was also a dedicated farmer who worked tirelessly to assist her husband in making provisions for essential family needs. She taught her children to be contented, never to look at other person eating. Nene was salt to all the people around her; she was a caring woman and a mother to other children that were not biologically hers. The pains of others were her pains and the comfort of others her comfort. She was popular and well known for her hospitality, generosity, love and care. Her life positively influenced and transformed lots of young women in the community and also in the church. HER RELIGIOUS LIFE In the religious sphere, Nene was born into the family of Catholic and grew up as a communicant. However, in the year 1998, she had an encounter with the Lord in Deeper Life Bible Church, where she served the Lord till her death. As a result of her faith in Christ, Nene went further to affirm her faith and hunger to see the Lord. She made all wrong, right and took a bold step of faith, did her restitution back to her family home, even when Pa Jerome Imhana Odior was yet alife. She was a dedicated worker in the church, faithful, obedient, committed and consecrated to the things and service of God. HER GLORIOUS HOME CALL It was on a glorious Wednesday, after a brief illness, on 21st day of September, 2022, that Nene answered the glorious call to eternity after her meal in the morning. She told her granddaughter “Oh Baby that she wanted to take a nab, she laid on her bed and passed on peacefully to glory. It was a glorious home call. Adieu Nene!!! Sleep on till the resurrection morning when we shall see to part no more. Nene is survived by two children, 13 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

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BIOGRAPHY OF PA ANDREW ABU OKHAMERA

BIOGRAPHY OF PA ANDREW ABU OKHAMERA Andrew Abu Okhamera was born in Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State on 15th March 1928 to the family of Mr Okhamera and Aishetu Ikhiagwa of Ivhiorevho Quarters, Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. Andrew was the third child and second son of Pa Okhamera a renowned farmer and trader in cocoa and kola nuts and a respected community leader. The couple were blessed with seven children four males and three females which included Mary Anima Iyiemhe Agbayekhai (first), Alukhu Okhamera (second), Andrew Abu Okhamera (third), Joseph Arolo Okhamera (fourth), Jacob Ighiekhanu Okhamera (fifth), Christiana Akweye Okhamera (sixth) and Cecilia Ayenegbe Okhamera (seventh) all of whom have now been called to the heavenly kingdom of the Angels. Pa Okhamera Ikhiagwa was a highly principled man, and a strict disciplinarian who stood for honesty, truth and justice and morality, who spared nothing to ensure that his children were well groomed in these virtues. As a first surviving son, Andrew had no choice than to imbibe his father’s high standards or face the “music” for any breaches of the Oldman’s codes. As the young Andrew grew, Pa Okhamera Ikhiagwa promptly enrolled him at the model school Ogbona to acquire western education, where he ended up in standard IV, before a relation relocated him to Calabar, in the present Cross River State. Rather than continuing his education, the young Andrew was redirected to learn a new trade of tailoring. He soon learned and perfected the skills and became a tailor, who on his return to Ogbona in the early 1950’s set up a thriving dress making business. His services were sought by most young men and women at the time in the village and neighbouring communities of Iraokhor, Fugar and other locations as Ekperi and North Ibie. In those days, Abu the ‘tailor’ was a popular brand sought after by young and trendy men and women who wanted to remain fashionable and relevant. The profession attracted him to many friends which included Chief Paul Saliu Eleta, John Ikhane, Bolivia Osigbemhe, Joseph Imhonopi, Atsighi, S.S. Oboh from Fugar and many others all of whom now rests peacefully in the kingdom of the Saints. Alongside his thriving tailoring business, Andrew also loved farming and hunting. The latter, took him deep into the bushes to hunt for games. He shared this passion for hunting with his best friend and relation, Chief Paul Saliu Eleta, a renown educationist, whose professional duties and deployment as a teacher took him to many communities which were rich with games that made them good hunting locations. His love for hunting led him to always seek after good hunting locations. Together with the strong pull from his best friend and brother, he eventually relocated from Ogbona to Ekperi in the late 1950’s. While not too busy with tailoring, Andrew would go into the Ekperi and adjourning forests to hunt for games. One early morning in the 1960s, the young Andrew hurried out of his home to quickly check the traps he had set to catch animals in the bushes, not really far from the Ekperi village. It has rained all night and by his calculations, it was good opportunity for animals to venture afar from their hiding places to look for pastures. His plan was to go round all the locations of his ‘traps’ and return early to face his tailoring jobs. So, he picked up a matchet and went off but it turned out to be very eventful, for he did not bargain for what was to confront him as he was rounding up the assignment. Up on a slightly elevated ground, a few yards away, he was confronted with this huge male buffalo trapped in one of the wire traps. The wild animal, from the struggles to free itself had literally bulldozed the surrounding bushes and attempted to ‘charge’ at the enemy. Andrew, going by his account of the incident, ran back and stood at a safe distance from the beast to think about what to do. First, he considered returning to town to pick his gun to enable him shoot dead the animal, but he immediately dropped the idea and settled for cutting a fairly sizeable wood and confronting the beast from another direction close to a steep slope so as to trick it to fall into the pit. What a risk for any one to contemplate. He tried his plans nonetheless and it worked perfectly. Armed with the stick, Andrew approached the beast as he planned, from the direction of the slope. The animal charged at him but it slipped and fell on its side in the slope. Andrew took advantage of the situation and with the strong stem in his hands, hit the animal repeatedly on the head until it died. With his cutlass, as was required of tradition, he cut of the tail of the beast and ran back to Ekperi to announce his conquest of the buffalo. For that act, which took place several decades ago, Andrew later took the title of “Ogie Ighiedo” or head of hunters of not only Ogbona but perhaps, the whole of Etsako Land of Edo State. His success in catching games, boosted his interest in hunting. Together with his friend and brother P.S Eleta, he went on many expeditions to several communities such as Agenebode, Ekwuotsor, Ivhiukue, Osomhegbe and others. Again, while on one such exercise in 1965 at Ekperi with his friend and brother, P.S. Eleta, Andrew had a near death experience when his hunting gun accidently discharged into the palm of his right hand, resulting in serious injuries which eventually led to his inability to handle the scissors, one of the most important tools of the tailoring profession and brought that career to a closure. Back in the village and unable to do his tailoring, Andrew had to seek other avenues to make a living and care for his family that was also steadily

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BIOGRAPHY OF HON. CHRISTIAN ODOGBO

BIOGRAPHY OF HON. CHRISTIAN ODOGBO By Elias Inaede Hon. Christian Odogbo was born on 1st January, 1984 to the Family of Mr. Lucky and Mrs Roseline Odogbo of Ivhioche Quarters of Ogbona in the present Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. He attended Afowa Primary School, Afowa-Uzairue for his Primary Leaving Certificate and proceeded to Afowa Mixed Secondary School and finished at Diligence Secondary School, Jattu, where he had his Secondary Leaving Certificate in 2003. He began his Musical Career in 2009 as the Band Leader of Oshioriamhe Sounds International. He is Popularity Known as Young Ichoye Super Star. He was born and brought up in the Music family. Due to financial challenges faced by his Parents, the Young Ichoye could not proceed further to acquire higher Education. As a result, he dropped out of School for three years to learn the rudiments of Music under the tutelage of his Father, Mr. Lucky Odogbo. He inherited Music from his Father As a Man who is eager to acquire more knowledge and skills, he served under different Band Leaders in order to be property equipped for the task ahead as an upcoming Musician. Hon. Christian Odogbo has waxed Four (4 ) Albums to the glory of God and to his credit. He is a passionate Musician with many Fans across Edo North Senatorial District. One of hit tracks that has brought him to prominence is “I Thank God, Back to Sender.” Iwamionoyaki Noyaki Nokhado, Iwamionoyeda Noyubeni Khavo” which means No One goes to the Market and expect no profit and no One goes to the River and expect not to fetch Water. He urged upcoming Musicians to have the fear of God, respect their Elders and those that come around them both in the Music Industry and in the Circular World and also do things that can promote humanity. He is happily married to Mrs. Munet Odogbo and the Union is blessed with six children, three boys and three girls. There is no doubt about the fact that Hon. Christian Odogbo has his Community at heart. He is sentimentally attached to his town of Ogbona and sees a glorious and better future for Ogbona Sons and Daughters both home and in Dasporal. He commended the current President of Ogbona Elites Forum, Mr. Gilbert Odior and other Members of the Forum for their numerous contributions to unity and progress of Ogbona Community.

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BIOGRAPHY OF EVANGELIST FLORENCE OYARENUA

BIOGRAPHY OF EVANGELIST FLORENCE OYARENUA By Elias Inaede, Evangelist Florence Oyarenua is a Gospel Artiste from Okotor Quarters of Ogbona Community in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. She was born on 28th February, 1978 to the family of Çhief and Mrs Mathias and Grace Okolo Osigbemhe. Florence is a niece to Late General Bolivia Osigbemhe. Evangelist Mrs Florence Oyarenua attended Manarata Nursery School, Imakhena Primary School and proceeded to Ogbona Secondary School, Ogbona.and finished at Commercial School, Fugar. In her determination to prepare herself for life opportunities like the White Said “I Will Prepare Perhaps My Chance may Come, Evangelist Mrs Florence Oyarenua proceeded to Auchi Polytechnic where she had her National Diploma. She Started her Musical Career at the age of 15 and has waxed Nine, (9) Albums to her credit and to the Glory of God. She noted that she sees a glorious and a prosperous Ogbona where greater things will happen in the nearest future.

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TRIBUTES TO HRH CHIEF WILLY IDODE – AN INDOMITABLE LEADER -OGEDEGBE ANTHONY ASAKOMHE (JP).

TRIBUTES TO HRH CHIEF WILLY IDODE – AN INDOMITABLE LEADER The sudden demise of HRH CHIEF WILLY IDODE, the Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona Imhakhena, was not only a rude shock but the darkest hour in recent times in our land. His death carries two strings of emotions and history. Emotional string because it has temporary slowed down the wind of unprecedented progress and development the people of Ogbona have witnessed during his brief reign. Historical string because his death has added to the list of our fallen heroes and rulers of our land whose lives and reigns add beauty and colour to our cherish history and heritage. At such a historical moment in our community as this, it is expedient to reflect on some historical elements as it pertains to the sages who ruled our land from time immemorial. Historically, Ogbona Imhakhena has been reigned at various times by courageous, wise, visionary and dependable leaders whose names are presented chronologically as follows: HRH CHIEF OGU HRH CHIEF ENAKHUMHE HRH CHIEF IKHUMHETSE HRH CHIEF ALEGHE HRH CHIEF OKOZI HRH CHIEF ATSEGWASI HRH CHIEF OKOZI (AGAIN) HRH CHIEF OBOAREKPE, HRH CHIEF OSIGBEMHE HRH CHIEF WILLY IDODE What is clear from the list above is that there was a dynasty in Ogbona represented by the Ikhaze’s family of Ivhiobore Quarter, where the first three Royal Highnesses:  HRH Chief Ogu, HRH Chief Enakhumhe and HRH Chief Ikhumhetse belonged.  According to history, these forerunners rulers reigned at the time of the slave traders’ invasion of our land. Their priority agenda then was to contend with the colonial administrators who abetted the slave trades in order to defend and protect their people. The courage and uncompromising posture of these great and fearless rulers, in opposing the odious business of slavery must have provoked bitter hatred that resulted to the abrogation of the Ikhaze dynasty by the colonial officers. It is on historical records, that it was the colonial administrators that changed this hereditary succession into rotational arrangement among the various quarters beginning with HRH Chief Aleghe. The appearance of HRH Chief Okozi twice in the above order must be explained. When HRH Chief Okozi ascended the throne, HRH Chief Atsegwasi disputed against his enthronement and was afterwards recognised and crowned. HRH Chief Atsegwasi reigned for a brief period of only four months and after his death, the throne again returned to HRH Chief Okozi. HRH Chief Okozi is known and remembered for canvassing and advocating for the throne of Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona Imhakhena to be occupied only by eligible but literate sons of the land in order to avoid a repeat of the mistake of “I CONCUR”. This decision having been ratified by the DAUDUS paved way for HRH Chief Oboarekpe, whose teaching career was abruptly interrupted to answer the call to serve his people in replacement of Chief Ikhanoba who was the legitimate heir-apparent to the throne. The consequence of this replacement was an endless litigation that plunged Ogbona community into decades of unnecessary and ineffable disunity, conflicts, contentions and stalemates. At the ascension of HRH Chief Oboarekpe as the Oghieanvianwu of Avianwu, HRH Chief Osigbemhe, a foremost respected educationist was deliberately chosen as the Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona Imhakhena as the only panacea to end the age–long chieftaincy tussle. Under the reign of HRH Chief Osigbemhe, Ogbona community for the first time after over a period of twenty–five years became united again under the same Okphe Ukpi–In–Council with HRH Chief Willy Idode under his tutelage. HRH CHIEF WILLY IDODE’s brief reign is a clear manifestation of a man prepared and ready to fully deploy his agility to serve his people. He was a man who was passionate about his people; their progress, peace and prosperity. During his reign Ogbona community witnessed a period of unprecedented infrastructural development. His reign brought about the abrogation of some cultural practices of gender discrimination against women especially on matters of inheritances and the transformation of the annual New Yam Festival into an occasion of sharing with the needy and community annual day of thanksgiving. HRH CHIEF WILLY IDODE’s passion for peace motivated the reconciliation process that eventually brought peace between Ogbona and Imiava Communities. ZAAAAKI, your legacies remain indelibly engraved in our minds and these legacies will no doubt become the cannon by which successive Okphe Ukpi–In–Council will be evaluated and measured. ZAAKI, we mourn you, ZAAKI, we will miss you. ZAAKI, Rest well. VENI, VIDI, VICI. OGEDEGBE ANTHONY ASAKOMHE (JP).

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BIOGRAPHY OF SISTER OCHUWA IKPEMHI AMEDU (BAND LEADER THE ROYAL SINGERS GOSPEL BAND)

BIOGRAPHY OF SISTER OCHUWA IKPEMHI AMEDU (BAND LEADER THE ROYAL SINGERS GOSPEL BAND) By Elias Inaede, Sister Ochuwa IKPEMHI Amedu is a Gospel Artiste from Ogbona Community in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. She is the Band Leader of the Royal Singers Gospel Band based at Jattu- Uzairue. Born in 1985 to the family of Chief Francis Umagor of Ivhido Quarters and Mrs Cecilia Onokhiloye Umagor (nee Enegwea) from Ivhioche quarters of Ogbona. She attended Imakhena Primary School, Ogbona, Mustard Seed College and finished at Ogbona Secondary School, Ogbona where she obtained her Secondary School Leaving Certificate. She is married to Pastor Ikpemhi Amedu from Ivhido Quarter of Ogbona. In her quest to prepare herself for life opportunities like the White Said “I Will Prepare Perhaps My Chance May Come, Sister Ochuwa Amedu proceeded to Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, where She had her Bachehor of Science degree (B: SC) in Accounting in 2012. She Started her Musical Carrier on 24th December, 2004 and she has waxed Five (5) Albums to her credit and to the Glory of God. Sis. Ochuwa Amedu has contributed meaningfully to promote humanity and restored broken Homes through her inspirational songs and counselling. One of the hit tracks that has brought her to limelight is ” Oghenawhumheobor Nimhakwekhai, God hold My hand and let us walk together. Asked on her major challenge as a young Gospel Singer, Sis. Ochuwa Amedu said is financial constraints to buy Musical Instruments. Most People Prefer to assist Circular Musicians that would sing their praises. Quoting from the book of David, Sis Ochuwa Amedu advised Gospel Singers to trust in God for their provision and supply of their needs and who is able to do all things for them. From whrecometh My help, My help cometh from the Lord who made  Heaven and Earth, Ochuwa Amedu added. The Gospel Singer also added that when a Man dies, his end has come and stressed the ineed for Singers to embrace God so that on the last day, God will also embrace them. She expressed gratitude to Almighty God for His Grace, Favour and blessings over her life and Family and said she will be remembered for the lives and destinies she has used her music to change positively.

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HRH Chief Williams Uloko Idode 1959-2022

  HRH Chief Williams Uloko Idode 1959-2022 When beggars die, there are no comets seen; The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of prince. Shakespeare There is a time to be born and a time to die, so says the good. HRH, Chief Williams Uloko Idode, born 4th April 1959 to Mr. Momodu Ojakpai Idode and Mrs. Lametu Amiunomhene Idogho, both of Ivhiobore quarters, Ogbona, has played his part and took his exit but at a time his ingenuity, sagacity and pragmatics approach to life are most needed. We give God the glory for a life well spent. Much as one is not old enough to do a comprehensive comparative analysis of all the Okphe Ukpis that have ruled our community before now, it goes without saying that his reign helped to unify the community and brought quantum of developments hitherto unseen in the history of our community, chief among which were renovation of schools, provision of furniture, renovation and construction of health center, drilling of boreholes, extension of electricity to some parts of the community, provision of new and maintenance of old transformers . He had this unquantifiable passion for human capital development for the community which manifested in the number of people he helped to gain employment and admissions to schools of their choices. His rich knowledge and exposure to the outside were well leveraged in the areas of security and the engendering of peaceful atmosphere for development to thrive. It is on record that no sooner was he enthroned than His Royal Highness set up Ogbona reconciliation committee, purposely to insulate chieftaincy affairs from partisan politics, thus setting the tone for healing that helped the community to see common issues that united it than the ones that divided it. Chief Idode was a just arbiter who never feared to speak the truth regardless the parties involved. He saw the cup as half full than half empty. His love for Ogbona community was without rival. I remember in January 2018 when I got a call from him, inviting me to join him to see the Chief Medical Director of UBTH in Benin City. Chief Idode came prepared and with all the composure, mental alertness and seriousness the occasion demanded, he reeled out the challenges faced by Chief M.C.K Orbih Comprehensive Health Centre at home. The high point of the visit for me was when he made a case and personally submitted application letters from Ogbona people to be employed as medical personnel. His leaving home to live with his uncle, Dr. J.B.Idode in Benin City in 1970 where he attended Arinze Primary School and Western Boys High School Benin City 1972 -1977; his stint with Nigerian Defense Industry in Kaduna and as teacher at home in 1979 prepared him for the task ahead. It was not surprising that he was invited In 2007 by elders of his Ivhiobore kindred, with pressure from the then Clan Head, The Ogieavianwu of Avhianwu, Chief Patrick A. Oboarekpe to accept and hold in trust, Egboise for them which is second position to Ukpi title. He accepted albeit, reluctantly because he was doing very well in business and politics. The Egboise graduated to Ukpi drummer in 2008 when HRH T.A. Osigbemhe died and he remained The Okphe-Ukpi of Ogbona until his demise. He was particularly thankful to God that collectively, we were able to move the community forward, better than where it was when he took over. Good night Your Highness John Odior Anaweokhai Peter Aigba Adieu…. My dear King! O death! Where is thy sting, ……. Today is a sad day for us all. The death of our King is monumental loss by all sense of the word after a protracted illness. I woke up this morning and I was shocked to learn about this tragic loss, and I know we are all shocked, scared and perhaps angry at the unfairness that took him from us in such an untimely manner. We are probably all seeking answers to why this happened, but undoubtedly, this is part of God’s plan. We all knew the exemplary fashion with which Chief Willy loved us, loved our community, saw strength in our unity and advocated radical emancipation from our old ways that were emmeshed in trado-political imbroglio and rancor in our community. He was a bridge-builder, a scores-settler, and a peace-making king, such of which is rare to find in our generation of kings. His demise has thrown our community both at home and in diaspora into mourning. We cry to God and ask why once more, but we are assured that he has done well and for that, he may as well be in a better place now. As we now accept that our king is in a better place, we must now as a community, as family, as friends, acknowledge our loss and contemplate the great importance of Chief Willy Idode’s life even as we grief and wallow in sadness. We now owe it to the Okphe-Ukpi and ourselves to focus on the big picture of what Chief Willy Idode life meant to us (as Ogbona community) and what it stood for. The Okphe-Ukpi’s transition to the great beyond will definitely have a lasting effect on us and therefore his legacy must never be undermined. From his youth days through school, he worked so hard to maintain financial independence despite his humble background. Amongst the many opportunities within his reach, he sought a teaching career until he succeeded thrown in 2007, this is quite an impressive journey and perhaps a journey that was full of difficulties yet surmounted. Chief Willy Idode had an active but a progressive mindset, never say never attitude, an elaborate thought process, excellent memory, exceptional taste for knowledge, unwavering and well thought through opinion, and was a listening king. Our Okphe-Ukpi, was hard-working from the day he wore the crown till death, even on his sick bed he pondered about our people and about our unity. Above all of

HRH Chief Williams Uloko Idode 1959-2022 Read More »