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BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF THADDEUS OMIAWA  aka UNCLE ONE BLOW

Leave a Comment / Ogbona Musicians /

BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF THADDEUS OMIAWA  aka UNCLE ONE BLOW UNCLE ONE BLOW was born to the Omiawa family of Ivhioche of Ogbona town, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. Popular called Akaba, he is a perfect gentleman and a Musical Entrepreneur to the core whose skills have added colour and value to the musical Industry in Afemai Land and the State at large. He began his Music at a very tender age and was nicknamed One Blow by the early Church of God Mennonite Missionaries residing in Ogbona as a result of his love for Music. He  is naturally talented in Music and was mentored under the tutelage of Late Sir Jericho Oshiorenua who handed over his Certificate of Music to him at the defunct popular Hill Top Hotel, Auchi on 2nd September, 2000. Uncle One Blow Omiawa is a source of inspiration to upcoming musical Stars. His music has made positive impacts in the Society and his keen interest is on the prosperous future of our upcoming musicians. He uses music to send message across the world that kindness is the greatest achievement in life. No wonder he took a bold step to contest as the Deputy Governor of Edo State Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and won overwhelmingly to ensure that Afemai Musicians have a voice at the State Level in the decision making of the Body. Uncle One Blow Omiawa (Akabarnorde) is a young  talented Musician that has waxed 22 Albums to his credit. He waxed his first Album in  year 2000 and became the band Leader. He is  an experienced and organized Union Leader with a lot of Fans across Afemai extraction. Some of his hit tracks records that have brought him to limelight include “Beware of Men and a Nation of Retirees”. He advised upcoming Musicians to be focused, be straightforward, respectful and work very hard to achieve their desired dreams. He is the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Uncle One Blow Royal Garden Hotel and band Leader, Akabarnorde Musical Band Ventures, Jattu, Uzairue. He was a former Chairman of Etsako PMAN, a Former Edo State Ex-Officio Member of PMAN. He was also the Edo State immediate Deputy Governor of PMAN. He is presently the President of Afemai Union Europe Home Branch. Afemai Union Europe Home Branch is a Social -Cultural Organization established by Afemai Sons and Daughters in Europe. They brought the Home Branch to Afemai last December. Uncle One Blow was appointed as the President, Afemai Union Europe Home Branch. He is happily married and blessed with Children.

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BIOGRAPHY OF KING BENJI IGBADUMHE, THE MUSICAL ICON

Leave a Comment / Ogbona Musicians /

    BIOGRAPHY OF KING BENJI IGBADUMHE, THE MUSICAL ICON Great Men are usually Men with extraordinary degrees of determination and God’s guidance and favour. They do common things uncommonly well. They are those who set out to achieve a goal with high tenacity of purpose and unmitigated commitment. Whatever they find themselves doing,  they Excel . In every generation, there are Men that divinity bequenth to Society to Champion various courses to humanity. These Men are rare Gems and the Community they are born are proud of them. One of such Men is King Benji Igbadumhe, the Band Leader of Okeke Sounds International. King Benji Igbadumhe was born on the 5th of March, 1955 at Ogbona in the Present day Etsako Central LGA of Edo state to the families of Mr. Louis Asimhegbe Igbadumhe and Mrs. Magdalene Igbadumhe (née Odogbo). He started his primary school at St. John’s Primary, Ogbona in 1960 and later left for Lagos to stay with his uncle Mr. Julius Igbadumhe, and eventually finished at Ibadan in 1968. He proceeded to Ansar Undeen Grammar School Agbede from 1969,  but dropped out in 1971 as the grandmother who was sponsoring him could no longer cope financially. His father too could not help as the elder brother, Antony was already in secondary school in Fugar. In fact, the father had earlier told them, there was no way he could train him and Tony at the same time. He went to his cousin, Sunny Odogbo Iyiodo) to learn music. Under Iyiodo, he learnt the rudiments of the Music from 1972 to 1973 after which he joined General Bolivia’s band and he rose to become the band manager. He toured the whole nation with Gen. Bolivia and also learnt music administration but sometimes in 1978 there was misunderstanding and he left and joined Niger Cat Construction Company. In 1979 he went to Kaduna to meet with Mr. Joseph Irekpita who eventually bought him musical equipment that was launched in March, 1980 and began his musical carrier with his Okeke Sound band. Few years later, he found himself out of Music due to some disagreement with Mr. Williams Irekpita but as fate would have it, he met Mr. B J Sam Tsedi who gave him money to buy new musical equipment but the money was not enough and Chief Odidi helped him to guarantee a bank loan with which he bought musical instruments to relaunch his career. King Benji Igbadumhe who has no regret in life as he has over 100 albums to his name but has a soft spot for IYEREABOPOMHE, ACROSS THE NATION, ATSAKPAMEGHE, ITSANOTSANOR & IYEIYA King Benji loves Music, perhaps, it is because music runs in his family but did not go into music because of the financial reward or fame. Somehow, his natural love for music has brought him fame, took him to all the major cities in the United States of America and Europe and in every sense of the word, he sees himself as fulfilled and cannot ceased to be grateful to God for everything, if for nothing else, he can pay his bills and take care of his immediate and extended family and other people. King Benji Igbadumhe is sentimentally attached to his town of Ogbona and sees a glorious future for Ogbona. He is the Golden Tower of Afemai Music. He is the band Leader of Okeke Sounds International and one of the leading lights of Ogbona Community. He is happily married and blessed with Children.  

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Ogbona Community Celebrates 2022 New Yam Festival In Grand Style

Leave a Comment / Ogbona Cultural Dances and Troupes /

Ogbona Community Celebrates 2022New Yam Festival In Grand Style By Elias Inaede Indeed. New Yam Festival is a celebration of life, accomplishments, culture and well being of the people. It is a speciall way of marking the beginning and end of the farming season. Ogbona Community is añ agrarian town located in Avhianwu Clan of Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. The town is famous for its agricultural produce. One of the community’s popular produce which is hugely celebrated annually is the harvest of new Yams from the farms in an elaborate ceremony popularity known as (Esi) New Yam festival. The celebration of New Yam Festival in the town of Ogbona usually attracts tourists and visitors to the community who come to tap from the rich cultural heritage of the people of the community. Yam is significant to the planting and harvesting season of the Ogbona People. It is regarded as a miraculous plant that signifies fertility and fruitfulness. Once New Yams are harvested from the farm in large quantity and in good conditions, it is generally believed that the year will be fruitful and that the soil will be fertile to other crops. The traditional Ruler or the Eldest man in the community opens the ceremony with prayers of thanksgiving and appreciation for the gifts of nature and the importance of Yams to the community. Other Traditional Rulers and dignitaries from the Neighbouring Communities pay homage to the community Head during the festival. Thrones and dignitaries show solidarity and support of the people. The 2022 Ogbona New Yam Festival is symbolic in the history of the people of the community. The Women of the community on their part donate melon as a way of showing gratitude to Almighty God for a bountiful harvest. Yam is food and food is yam. Various traditional dances perform during the festival. The 2022 New Yam Festival in Ogbona Community is remarkable in the history of the area and by extension in Avhianwu Clan. The ceremony which took place at the New Jerusalem Prayer Ground, Ogbona was attended by various Age Groups in the community. The traditional Ruler of the community, HRH Willy Idode represented by the Egboise of Ogbona, Chief Vincent Otso urged the people of the community to be proud of their culture. He noted that the significance of culture as a way of life in any Community cannot be overemphasized and called for sustainability of the festival in order to boost the economy of the area. The community head commended the Sons and Daughters of the community for adding value and glamour to the ceremony and reassured the people of it’s sustainability. Young Bolivia Valentine Osigbemhe trilled the guests with melodious songs that touched the souls. Highlights of the occasion was the presentation of yams, other farm products and cash gifts to the community by the various Age Groups. The gifts were later distributed to the elderly, widows and disables in the community  

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A SAD DAY FOR OGBONA COMMUNITY – DEATH OF OUR PRIEST REV. FR. CHRISTOPHER ODIA

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A SAD DAY FOR OGBONA COMMUNITY – DEATH OF OUR PRIEST REV. FR. CHRISTOPHER ODIA Catholic Diocese of Auchi, 26th June 2022* With heavy hearts but with total submission to the will of God, we announce the death of our priest Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, who was killed by his abductors after being kidnapped this morning 26th June 2022 at about 6.30am in his rectory while coming out to go for Sunday Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church Ikabigbo, Uzairue, Edo State. Until his death, Fr Odia was the Administrator of St Michael Catholic Church, Ikabigbo and also the Principal of St. Philip Catholic Secondary School Jattu. He was aged 41. May his soul rest in peace. Burial arrangements will be announced by the Diocese later Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa Director of Social Communications Catholic Diocese of Auchi Ag. Gov Shaibu Commiserates With Robert Odia As His Younger Brother, Fr. Christopher Odia Laid To Rest At ICMS Acting Governor of Edo State, Rt. Comr. Philip Shaibu has commiserated with Robert Odia Ogedegbe as his younger brother, Rev. Fr. Christopher Felix Osilamah Odia Ogedegbe was finally laid to rest at priests’ cemetery, Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivianokpodi, Etsako East, Agenebode, Edo State. Shaibu, in a statement, described the death of Rev. Fr Christopher Odia, as collective loss not only to the Catholic diocese of Auchi but to Edo at large. “While alive, Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, a man imbued with a solid kindred spirit, distinguished himself in all that he did towards the growth and development of Auchi diocese. He was not only sharply focused, he was also clearsighted in providing you with solid support in the significant and remarkable efforts that have also produced the Ogedegbe’s family. My dear brother, this is indeed our collective loss and we will sorely miss him. I pray that the Almighty God will give you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and grant the departed eternal rest. “Accept my deepest sympathies.”

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ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Leave a Comment / Churches in Ogbona /

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE  By Godwin Asekomhe The Catholic Church named after the Patron Saint ” St John The Baptist Catholic Church, Ogbona in Etsako Central Local government Area, Edo State was established in the early 20s. The pioneers of Lay Faithful were: Robert Odogbo, Cletus Eshiemhomoh Anaweokhai Nicholas Apemheye Asekomhe (Apemheye Asekomhe ( the biological father of Evangelizers Godwin Asekomhe). Others were: George Okomilo, Martins Esi Balogun, Richard Asekomhe, David Agbiko Enamhino, Thomas Eragbe, Michael Idodo, Erumhire, Dominic Enamhino, , Bernard Ozibe Ogboalo, and Mathias Ekiegbmhe Atsegwosi.   ” If this pioneering lay faithful members of the young Catholic Church expected grand reception among Ogbona people, it was a a dream taken too far. They were met with fair resistance, opposition and persecution. The local saw the religion as a knife wedge in the heart of the things that held their community together, their way of life with the Scriptural teaching against pagan practices like sacrifices to idols, okhei traditional rites, and their way of life. etc. This soon brought the church head on conllision with the traditionalist. The school was seen as an extension of that alien culture were children were subject to such inhuman treatment as caning and as such most parents refused to send their children to school.” (Pastor Odior Anaweokhai: unpublished search work).   Matters were not helped by lack of able bodied men to steer the affair of the new church. Mr. Robert Odogbo, the pioneer head Christian and Catechist was based in Auchi. All the clergymen were based in Ivhianogbodi. Mr Cletus Anaweokhai and Mr Nicholas Apemheye Asekomhe would go to Ivhianogbodi to collect previous Sundays readings and sermons for Sunday masses at Ogbona. In this regard, Mr Nicholas Apemheye Asekomhe was nick named “Obo no bie” which means Black European and “Uwaya” which means Telegram communication officer.   As we are preparing for the canonical dedication of the new church, let all hands be on the desk and work together to make the dedication gloriously glorious to the glory of our ever glorious God.   ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE PART2. Today marks the beginning of a new dawn in Ogbona as all roads by land sea and air leads to the NEW JERUSALEM OF ETSAKO for the Canonical dedication of St John The Baptist Catholic Church, Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government of Edo State by His Lordship Most Rev Dr Gabriel G Dunia, the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese with his global entourage. Ogbona is the big heart and the heart of Etsako kingdom. So in the part 2 of our discourse we shall take a look at :   PERSECUTION, SUFFERING AND IMPRISONMENT OF THE PIONEER LAY FAITHFUL MEMBERS OF OGBONA CATHOLIC CHURCH. The arrest, trial, and imprisonment of of the pioneer members of the Catholic Church in Ogbona was the height of the British Colonial iron fist rule in Ogbona, Nigeria and West African Subregion in general at the dawn of the 20th Century. British stronghold in Nigeria was palpable in all spheres of life. . The Great Benin Massacre at the end of the 19th century was icy on the cake. Other smaller kingdoms suffer lesser or greater fate too. Manhandling a Court Bailiff was crass resistance and self assertion against British rule. Consequently everything has to be done to reassert British dominance in the political sphere, hence the summary trial and imprisonment of the early pioneering Lay Faithful in Ogbona in the early 1930, when Mr Agbiko Enamhino had an issue with one of the unbeliever. The battle line was drawn between the christians and the traditionalists in the order of the the battle line drawn between the offsprings of the woman (Eve) and the offsprings of the Serpent (Devil) by God in the Garden of Eden by God ( Gen3vs15; Rev12vs13-17).   Mr Agbiko Enamhino was served a writ of summon by the customary court Bailif from Fugar. The pioneer Catholic Lay Faithful members in Ogbona church resolved to break with the tradition as guarded by their christian faith against bribery and corruption by depriving the Court Bailiff his usual ” four pence, a fowl and tubers of yam.” When the court Bailiff insisted on collecting his entitlement (bribe) with threat and force , he was assaulted. This was a sacrilegious acts . It was fragrant disobedience to a constituted authority based in Auchi, which the British District Office did not find funny nor palatable. The Colonial D O personally came to Fugar to preside over the case. The pioneer members were sentenced to two (2) months imprisonment with fourteen (14) stroke of cane.   ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH: THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE (PART3). There was no church in Auchi , being predominantly a Muslim Community where the seven (7) pioneer Lay Faithful members of the Catholic Church in Ogbona were jailed for two months as at 1931-1932. While serving their jail term, one strange event that boosted the inspiration, encouragement and boldness of the young Ogbona Catholic Church occurred in the prison cell. The strange occurrence was the discovery of a strange small bell Mr. Nicholas Apemheye Asekomhe while serving two months jail term along with six others pioneer members at Auchi prison on the account of their Catholic faith and the spread of the gospel of Christ in Ogbona and environs. “A day before the completion of their jail term, as usual after praying the Rosary, they all went to sleep, but early in the morning Mr. Nicholas Apemheye Asekomhe woke up to see a strange bell close to where he laid his head like in the days of the Apostles of Christ ( Acts 12vs 1-11). As they all pointed out , nobody entered their room that night. At the end they concluded it could be nothing but the miracle of God to boost their faith and commitment to the great commission of evangelisation” (Pastor Odior Anaweokhai’s unpublished

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Biography of Pa Pius Ebayode Igonor

Leave a Comment / Biographies of Ogbona Past Leaders /

Pa Pius Ebayode Igonor (a.k.a odigba-to baya), beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, in-law, cousin and friend was born in Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area in Edo state, on 7th March 1940 to Mr. and Mrs. Patty Igonor-Oshiakpemhe. He was the fourth of five children and was the only son who lived for over 80 years. He has only one sister who is still alive till date aged 90. Pius Igonor lost his father at a tender age, and dropped out of school from the Native Authority (NA) Primary School in Ogbona, He left in standard two in 1956. He struggled to take care of himself through farm work, which earned him stipends that enabled him to survive. Thereafter, he left home to live with his brother in Ibadan. He worked briefly with a Lawyer named Abdullai Awomolo whom he served diligently. After a while, he decided to pick up a trade. He However, he still got engaged in a part time job as a Horticulturist, with Professor L.A. Thompson of the Department of Classics, University of Ibadan. He was very faithful and dedicated to his duties, as he maintained the beautiful compound No 3. Crowther Lane, which was a masterpiece within the entire University community. He became very well loved by the Thompsons who fondly called him “Pius”. They encouraged him to attend evening classes organized by the Extra-mural Programme at the University of Ibadan. Through this effort, he was able to improve his speaking and writing skills tremendously. Determined to be successful in life, he sought for employment as a Caterer/Supervisor under the Catering unit at the University. left to learn tailoring which he studied for 3 years (1956 – 1959). Following his graduation, he gained a reputation as a top-notch tailor in the community. He got the job with strong recommendation from the Thompsons in the year 1963. During this period, he served diligently at the Independence Hall and the Alexander Brown Hall, College of Medicine, University College Hospital (U.C.H) Ibadan, where he retired in 1985 voluntarily. Nevertheless, because of his need to educate his children to his utmost satisfaction, he took up a contract appointment with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) between 1988- 2001. He was awarded with Certificate of Excellence at the International House of the Institute for his outstanding performance. Pa. Pius was wedded to his amiable wife of over 60 years, Mrs. Theresa Igonor (Nee Esi- Balogun) on 14th October 1961 at the Catholic Church Ogbona. The union is blessed with children and grandchildren. With his wife, Pa Pius went to Canada to visit his children and grandchildren. He lived in Abuja from 2005-2015, after which he decided to relocate to his village in Ogbona, Edo state.

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2022 Aduikukwa

Leave a Comment / History and Culture of Avhianwu Clan" /

2022 Aduikwu kwa Day : Ogbona Sub Clan updated some of the community Rules Aduikwu kwa day is the traditional new year in Avhianwu clan and it was held on Friday 4th March, 2022 The Okpeukpi of Ogbona sub clan head, HRH Chief Willy Idode and the council of chiefs announced changes to the community burial programs to reduce the burden on the people. Is no longer compulsory to buy a cow for your mother or father’s family during burial. However, if you have the means and choose to buy one, is at your discretion. Not compulsory to cook or buy drinks for people while the body is still in the mortuary. Anyone caught eating and drinking in the house of the bereaved will be fined N5,000. Visitors are allowed to drink but cooking is totally out of it

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PRICE OF WAR…. Barr.Felix Jones Osimerha

Leave a Comment / History and Culture of Ogbona /

PRICE OF WAR…. Barr.Felix Jones Osimerha This is the EDC Primary School headmaster’s residence that is still standing but uninhabited now. In the mid 1960s, it was housing the headmaster and was one of the good “modern” houses in Ogbona village. Most houses were thatched roof and very susceptible to fire from the naked Ugburi which was a stick of chaff made from palm nuts after palm oil have been extracted from them. I remember one early night in the mid 1960s, how the zinc roof house of Papa Okhakuobomhe was engulfed in fire. We rushed to the scene and watched from Papa Ighiegwe’s house adjacent to the burning house. We heard that petrol was being poured into a basin when someone brought in the naked light that ignited the petrol. We heard shouts that the fire be curtailed as it can cause all the houses in the village to be burnt down, as the zinc sheets will turn red and be flying to other houses. We the children believed this story and feared that our houses will also be burnt. One late afternoon, a monkey ran out from the direction of the present house of Papa Odalumhe and it was vigorously pursued by young men and it ran across the sticks fence of the EDC primary school into the school. It was hotly pursued and it climbed one of the palm trees that were in the area of the school closed to the school garden. That day, the palm tree was fell and the monkey killed. In Ogbona it was regarded that if an animal strayed into the village and killed, it must be taken to the eldest man, who after consultation with other elders and the gods, a decision is taken on what to do to the animal. On this occasion, I learnt the monkey was given to the youths. On another day during a burial ceremony at Ivhianaga center where a small roundabout is today, an Antelepe strayed into the venue and it was pursued and killed. Many years later I saw a beautiful animal of the deer family with seven different colors killed in the same manner. It was brought to my maternal father, Papa Momoh Umole who was the eldest man in Ogbona at the time. I asked my grandfather, the name of the animal and he said he does not know the name and confessed that in his 100 years on earth as at that time, he had never seen such an animal. I was emotional and shedded tears, why such a beautiful animal much smaller than the Antelepe was killed because it strayed into the village. I was made to understand that it was a bad omen for a bush animal to stray into the village. Such animal is called Eliamhi itsape and it breeds trouble. General Bolivia captured this Eliamhi Itsape in his hit song “Obanor” General Boliviia started the song with” Obanor ye, Eliamhi Itsape lor konemho na, emhorele or relena oooh” (pardon my poor vernacular). At Ivhianaga Quarters center opposite Papa Esue’s house was a large tree we called Obada and logs of wood were arranged under it where men relaxed from the scorching sun after the farm work or on Ekhue market days when many did not go to the farms. The Obada tree was subsequently fell and there lies the intersections of the three roads with a small roundabout today. I can still remember that the logs and arranged wood under the Obada tree is called “Ogidigba” and there was a similar one in front of Papa Okhamera’s one storey building in Ivhiorevho quarters. Yea I remember the few one storey buildings “upstairs” in Ogbona then. There were the Anetekhai’s upstairs, Inaede’s upstairs, iyornagbe Eghieye’s upstairs, Okhamera’s upstairs, Ikhane’s Upstairs, Omadimhe’s upstairs, Orbih’s upstairs, Asekome (Akaka) ‘s upstairs, Abu’ s upstairs, Anabor’s upstairs, Itsuokor’s upstairs and another behind present day Anaweokhai ‘s house and that was the upstairs, a youth jumped down from through the window and we saw him then as a superman. I still know this youth who is a grandfather now………..just living the memories of the past in Ogbona. Barr.Felix Jones Osimerha

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Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited Donates a Block of 15 Classrooms, 3 Science Labs, ICT Centre, Borehole, Others to Ogbona Secondary School, Ogbona, Etsako Central, Edo State

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Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited Donates a Block of 15 Classrooms, 3 Science Labs, ICT Centre, Borehole, Others to Ogbona Secondary School, Ogbona, Etsako Central, Edo State By Elias Inaede   Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, an affiliate of ExxonMobil, has  donated a block of I5 Classrooms with State of the art  facilities to Ogbona Secondary School, Ogbona.   The building has  components of 3 Science laboratories, an ICT Centre, a Reading Room, Principal and Vice Principal’s Offices, Staff Common Room, 20 toilets and furnishing and Equipment of 450 Students Desks/Teachers Tables/Chairs, Lab Equipment, 60 Computers and Accessories, Generator/Generator house and a borehole.   The importance of quality education no doubt  especially Science technology World over cannot be overemphasized in view of the fact that therein lies the key  to unlocking a community’s technological advancement. The paying of lip service to education by successive governments in Nigeria  has contributed to the fallen of education standard in most parts of the country.   The result of this negligence on the part of government is obvious. Many of the State owned Schools are without qualified teachers, Vital Resource Centre, good Science laboratories as well as teaching aids .The consequences are both for the students and the host community.   Commissioning the project, the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, His Lordship,  Most Reverend Dr. Gabriel Dunia prayed for the donors and their partners  for yielding to the Clarion call of the Community.   Bishop Dunia appreciated the donors for their love towards the progress and well-being of the Students of the school and the community.   The  Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona,  HRH  Willy Idode  appealed to the State Government to accept the challenge of putting the projects to profitable use. He enumerated some of the school  needs to include adequate number of teachers in all subjects areas, books and other learning materials amongst others.   The traditional Ruler commended Esso Exploration and Mr. Gilbert Odior for remembering the community and urged other Corporate Organizations to emulate such gestures for the overall improvement of the Nigerian Society.   In his address, Representative of Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited at the ceremony Mr. Peter Agba, said,  Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil heeded the Clarion call of Ogbona Community and decided to construct a story building in the School with the following components : 15 Classrooms, 3 Science  laboratory,an I CT Centre, a Reading Room, Principal and Vice Principal’s Offices and Staff Common Room.   While wishing the Students best of learning in the new facility Mr. Aigba also appealed to the State Government for better staffing of the School to ensure the proper utilization of the State of the art  facilities donated by Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited to improve the quality of learning in the School.   In her goodwill message,  Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, said , the donation by Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited was a demonstration of their Corporate responsibility to contribute to the educational development in the Country.   The  Senior Secondary  School Principal , Mr. Thaddeus Anabor,  commended Esso Exploration, adding that,  the task of building and rebuilding a citadel of learning was an enormous one that requires unity and cooperation from all and sundry.   He also commended Ogbona Elites Forum for the employment and regular payment of thirteen temporal  teachers in the past six years to impact the standard of learning in the School.

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BIOGRAPHY OF LATE CHIEF JOHN IKUKU ANABOR (THE EKHAYOUNO OF AVIANWU KINGDOM AND THE OGHIE ISESE OF OGBONA LAND) (THE PEACE MAKER) A.K.A OYEGUN

Leave a Comment / Biographies of Ogbona Past Leaders /

BIOGRAPHY OF LATE CHIEF JOHN IKUKU ANABOR (THE EKHAYOUNO OF AVIANWU KINGDOM AND THE OGHIE ISESE OF OGBONA LAND) (THE PEACE MAKER) A.K.A OYEGUN This great son of Ogbona land was born into the family of Late Chief Anabor Atogwe and Mrs. Omomhiruevho Anabor about 90 years ago . Late Chief John Anabor had a very humble beginning as the father; Chief Anabor Atogwe was one of the most respected Daodu in Avianwu Kingdom. Though he had no formal education, Chief John Anabor at an early age had a clear vision of what life could be and as such equipped himself with a very high level of intelligence that would help him to transform into greatness. Chief Ikuku Anabor made an indisputably rapid progress in life. He started farming career at an early age under the strict supervision of his father. From the little savings he made from farming, he was able to marry and establish a Trading Business in 1960 and 1961 respectively. His marriage to Miss Fatima Orbih ( a woman of excellence ) brought invaluable and estimable progress to the family . The Trading Business established by “Baba Oyegun” as he was fondly called expanded the status of the business to the standard of a supermarket by 1961. Baba Oyegun trans versed the Eastern and Western parts of Nigeria to buy stock for the expanded business. He started with Onitsha Main market but when the Civil War broke out in 1967, he changed his routes to Ibadan and Lagos market. His main sources for his stock were Dugbe and Mokola markets in Ibadan and Oyingbo, Ebute Ero and Idumota markets in Lagos. In 1971, he further expanded the business to include sales of liquor. As at this period, only off License permits were issued to liquor dealers. He was the first trader to obtain an “on Liecence in Avianwu”  “on License” indicates that you can buy and consume liquor at the place of purchase. Baba Oyegun had a great passion for politics. He was a quintessential politician who remained indomitable and unbeatle in his political career. He was never self-centered as equity and fairness were his political philosophy. His political journey started in 1951 when he became one of the founding fathers of NCNC in Afenmai Division. He later defected to Action Group in 1962 till when the military took power via a coup de tat in 1966. When the ban on political activities was lifted in 1978, he pitched his political tent with the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). He was elected the Youth Leader for Avianwu Ward in 1979 till 1983 when the military struck the second time in 1988, when the ban on politics was lifted again, he became a member of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and later defected to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the year 2005. He was elected the PDP Ward Leader for Ward 4 in 2011; A position he maintained till his demise on the 3rd of November, 2021. It is historically recorded that this bold and fearless politician never lose election in this Ward inspite of the political intimidations and gangsterism perpetuated by the then Ruling Party in the state. Aside politics, Chief John Anabor worked as a civil servant with the Authorities of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. He was the Head of the Horticulture Unit where he worked meritoriously and compulsorily retired in 2011. Chief John Anabor was a community leader who displayed uncommon leadership qualities. As a result of his sterling leadership qualities and his contributions towards the development of Avianwu Clan, he was honoured with the chieftaincy title of  “Ekhayoumo of  Avianwu Kingdom” by the Late Royal Majesty (HRH Chief P.A Oboarekpe) in the year 2007 . Also, because of his roles in ensuring peace and harmony in Ogbona land, he was installed by the sub-clan head of Ogbona ( HRH Chief Willy Idode) as the Oghie Isese of Ogbona land in year 2012. The Isese Chiefs are the wise men responsible for peaceful resolutions of all family and inter-family conflicts in Ogbona. He was the sage that piloted the affairs of this Palace for almost 10 years. Baba Oyegyun as he was fondly called by his children was an umbrella /pillar of the support to many families. He provided financial, material and guidance services for very many people. He was the patriarch of the Atogwe’s family of Ogbona. He united the entire family and led them in their family meetings which were held weekly. Though he was not literate, he had great passion for education. He starved to ensure that all his children, grand children and foster children got the quality of education they desire. He was full of human kindness. Because of his humane nature, he gave scholarship to five Ogbona indigenes to study in various Higher Institutions of learning. Chief John Ikuku Anabor was born into a Mulism family and given the name “Busari”. He converted to Christianity in 1955 and was baptized into the Catholic Faith in 1957 by Rev. Canaan who was accompanied by Rev. Fr. M. Grace of blessed memory. He wedded his loving wife in the year 2010 to further buttress his commitment to Christendom. He was a cheerful giver and a pillar of support to church development. His assistance towards church development was not restricted to the Catholic Church alone. Chief John Anabor made friends and kept them till old age. He had them in quantum and in droves, both old and young, males and females, strong and feeble, rich and poor, particularly the later. His friendship with Chief Azuaye Umoru was something else. They were like soul mates and siamese twins. Also, Chief Jacob Orbih, though an In-Law to him, was like his twins brother. Emmanuel Otoaye and Mallam Kasimu Esimhekua were his pet friends. He kept them till he went to rest eternally with his creator . Chief John Ikuku Anabor was a socialite who lived a fulfilled life. There

BIOGRAPHY OF LATE CHIEF JOHN IKUKU ANABOR (THE EKHAYOUNO OF AVIANWU KINGDOM AND THE OGHIE ISESE OF OGBONA LAND) (THE PEACE MAKER) A.K.A OYEGUN Read More »

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