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AVHIANWU CLAN IN ETSAKO CENTRAL LGA, EDO STATE CELEBRATES NEW YEAR FESTIVAL

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AVHIANWU CLAN IN ETSAKO CENTRAL LGA, EDO STATE CELEBRATES NEW YEAR FESTIVAL. BRIEF HISTORY….. Adui iku kwa in Avhianwu clan Etsako Central LGA Edo State is celebrated yearly across the four (4) clans in AVIANWU namely 1. IVHIUNONE (FUGAR) 2. IVHIARUA (FUGAR) 3. IMHAKHENA (OGBONA) and 4. URALOKHOR (IRAOKHOR) between the month of March and April as the situation may warrant in each year to mark the dawn of a new Year traditionally. The literary meaning of “adui iku kwa” is waste disposal. Waste disposal is the process of getting rid of all unwanted products in our homes,society and environment. A day of adui iku kwa is a day that is compulsory for everyone to reconcile whatever differences they have with their neighbours. No one is expected to cross this day harboring hurts, grudges, grief, pains, offences, in their hearts. You may call it a day of reconciliation, forgiveness,settlement, revival, renewal. Adui iku kwa makes all things new again. Relationships rekindle, victims of broken marriages take advantage of this day to seek reunion. This day is known for a day where sons in-laws pay tribute to their fathers and mothers in-laws. One visits his in-laws with gift, sometimes a bottle of hot drink or a keg of specially reserved palm wine and some cash (optional), and in company of his respected and responsible friends and peers. The Peculiar soup for all family today is ogbolor (omhi akphe) and pounded yam. Parents call all their children both at home and abroad to release the yearly blessings to them, sincerely from their heart. The content of this prayer is “goodness,mercy, favour and blessings on our way, we have disposed the evil waste,…… It is a day of joy and Celebration for all elderly men and traditional rulers for they have seen yet another year. This is why the sound of gun shot opened the day early this morning. This feast ushers the people into a new planting season. The people believe that though rain has not resumed in the region for planting, it may likely shower today to celebrate with the people and open the season for them. There is no particular rituals associated with this feast. All sons in laws of Avianwu do surely pays tribute to them on this feast. On this day, all family used to pack all dirty clothes to the river to wash. All corners of the homes are properly swept. Just like the Bible says, old things must be passed away and new things must begin from this day. It used to be a day for tireless swimming, hide and seek funplay in the river for the teenagers, etc in the respective villages. The song they normally sing today when going and coming back from the river is ” Emor si vha gwe nor leh khu kpeh nor lamhi vha lor o, Agbado nukpe, gia kege gia” The fruit that normally opted for today after visiting the river for the festival is VELVET TAMALIN (UGIEH). All the young people will pluck Velvet tamalin and take them home to share for loved ones. Its really a festival of love for all sons and daughters of Avianwu. Some communities today go for swimming competition to wrap the day’s event. The greetings that is predominant in Avianwu today is “Onortse onortse lor Ewie wia lor Mha du iku ebe lakwa”. Happy new year to all avianwus. Today is always peculiar day for the people of Avhianwu.

AVHIANWU CLAN IN ETSAKO CENTRAL LGA, EDO STATE CELEBRATES NEW YEAR FESTIVAL Read More »

Thaddeus (Gagasco) Anabor becomes Principal, Ogbona Secondary School, Ogbona

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Thaddeus (Gagasco) Anabor becomes Principal, Ogbona Secondary School, Ogbona Ogbona Secondary School was one of the projects solely conceived, funded and established by Ogbona Imhakhena Federated Union. The School started out with the name; Ogbona Community Secondary School, but later, the word, community, was dropped. The School is now referred to as Ogbona Secondary School, Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. The School was opened on 10th October,1980 with Mr. C. O Aikeremiokhai as its Pioneer Principal, and   E.M. Aleobua as the Vice Principal. Forty (40) years later, Ogbona Secondary School, Ogbona is having its first Ogbona indigene as the School Principal:  Thaddeus Gagasco Anabor, Alias Gagasco. He resumed on February 17, 2020 after the retirement of Mr. Tony Abu as principal. Ogbona Elites Forum wishes Thaddeus Anabor a successful and progressive tenure in the school. We will being praying for him as we continue to support the school and the community. Profile of Thaddeus Anabor Principal, Ogbona Secondary School, Ogbona Name: Thaddeus Maurice Osikemekhai Anabor (Aka Gagasco) Family: Chief John Ikuku Anabor Mother: Mrs. Fatima Juliana Anabor (Nee orbih) DoB: 4 January, 1962 Schools Attended Imhakhena Primary School, Ogbona 1968 -1975 Our Lady of Fatima College, Auchi 1975 – 1981 Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi 1984- 1987 University of Nigeria Nsukka 1990 – 1995 Qualifications: NCE 1987 and B. ED (Business Education) 1995 Work experience Weppa Secondary School, Weppa 1988 – 1996 Apana Mixed Secondary School, Apana, Vice principal, 1996 – 2009 South Ibie Secondary School, Iyakpi, 2009 – 2010 Evhotubu Senior Secondary School, Benin City 2010 – 2011 Ughiole Senior Secondary School, Ayuele 2011 – 2012 Uralo Senior Secondary School, Iraokhor, Vice Principal, 2012 – 2017 Iviukwe Junior Secondary School, Iviukwe, Principal, 2017 – 2019 Iviukwe Senior Secondary School, Iviukwe, Principal, 2019 – 2020 Ogbona Senior Secondary School, Ogbona, Principal, Feb 17, 2020 Thaddeus is married to Mrs Veronica Anabor since 1992 and they are blessed with 4 children

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THE END OF AN ERA – A BLACK FRIDAY IN AFEMAI REGION- GENERAL BOLIVIA OSIGBEMHE MEMORIAL

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*THE END OF AN ERA* (A BLACK FRIDAY IN AFEMAI REGION – GENERAL BOLIVIA ILEGHIEUMAH OSIGBEMHE) – *Boy Emma and Annunciata Adamu. *  The dreaded invisible drone from the kingdom of the dead wreck the music icon on his sick bed at UCH Ibadan on *Friday the 25th January 1991*, The stethoscope of the many physicians on ground could not detect the drone neither did the star gazers from the old Kukuruku and Afemai people of the Midwestern state have a foreknowledge of the falling star. It was like an echo when the news came to most elites like, The Okaku, Chief MCK Orbih that the great legend of Afemai music, General Bolivia Ileghieumah Osigbemhe has passed out. The Ogbona people could only notice the sun setting before it’s time that ill-fated Friday as the stars were losing their grips on the sky all through the night. *Oh, the man died. * The people lost a legend *Death is powerful they wailed* Twenty-nine years down the memory lane today, The foot of the legend remained unbeatable and his music are ecclesiastical yet. The very last published album of the music legend *(Ene mhare yiovha binonemorna) our leaders consider this matter* was a true prophecy with interpretations as he admonished the government of the day of the yet prevailing corruptions from the top palace to the grassroots We can see the reality of that song today. General Bolivia who could not wait to witness the good days of his dear in-law Boy Emma and her daughter Annunciata Emesomiade Adamu is proudly remembered today by his family, Ogbona indigenes and Afemai people. General Bolivia Sunday Ileghieumah Osigbemhe, *The great Santanas* the wailing bird of Afemai music Your spirit lives on. OLEYELE *Boy Emma and Annunciata Adamu. * It’s been 29 years you left us Dad but you remain evergreen in our minds. You were a covering for us. You catered for us and gave us a great life. Rest on My Warrior, General Bolivia Osigbemhe. Aiyemhoba Dennis Oghie:  His Death always remain fresh in our minds, but God knows why, we cannot question God, God giveth and God taketh, please take heart, rest in peace. Our great Musician. Godwin Ideawor Atsegwasi: Yes, General Bolivia: innately gift, not only in music but also in culture, creative art. He was the best composer that ever lived. I saw a musical appraisal he wrote for my late senior brother, Major Atsegwasi in 1964 flawless English, best handwriting ever seen. Bolivia was a composite of talents. We can never forget him. Rest in absolute peace, Amee Alasa Babs: One of the greatest Afemai sons that ever lived. He was an iconic ambassador of Afemai Music and tradition. In fact, the best Afemai Musician ever. Not surprising, his children are sustaining his incredible musical legacies and a blazing the trail in the airwaves. That was the legendary indomitable Gen. Bolivia Osigbemhe of blessed memory. Great men don’t die. Their memories live forever.

THE END OF AN ERA – A BLACK FRIDAY IN AFEMAI REGION- GENERAL BOLIVIA OSIGBEMHE MEMORIAL Read More »

Ogbona Cultural Identities and Celebrations

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Cultural Identities Identity: everyone is in search of who they are and no matter how far we look, the best discovery of who we are begins from the things closest to us, from the people around us, the community that drives us to grow. People come together and make identities for themselves. It is with that collective identity that a community is formed. Individual Identities are then discovered through collective identity. To know more about a person, check their community because then you discover things you never knew and you can walk the footsteps of discovery in their shoes. What is more? How about experiencing life the way they normally do? With their typical day, an understanding of their history and way of life, perhaps you would be able to really understand who they are. Life is best lived in pictures, in details of memories that cannot be forgotten. The dance, the culture, the life, the people, the food, the festivals, every aspect of one’s culture come together to form a meaningful whole. Get familiar with the African, Nigerian, Edo, Afenmai, Etsako and Avianwu/Ogbona culture by just watching this insightful webspace. Join the community. The Ogbona community is one place with like-minded individuals looking to ensure that people are properly developed to suit societal changes. Ogbona community, from time immemorial, had engaged in lots of self-help projects in the areas of education (building of the community Secondary School), Electricity, Modern Market, Police Station, pipe-borne water and many more. These humanitarian efforts represent the collective efforts of the Ogbona community to respond appropriately to the needs of other communities and even their own. Some of their recent efforts are: Hiring and training teachers, free medical outreach for 2 years in a roll, donation of books and furniture to secondary and primary schools, training of teachers, career talk for students, Scholarships for indigent students, and pumping of water for the community. Get familiar with these identities and come on board to create your own identity with the Ogbona community.   Celebration Gbam gbam gbam gbam!!! The beat of the drums is what you would hear, the joys, celebrations and the dance to make the event an unforgettable encounter. One of the best feelings in the world is receiving reward for hard work. Imagine toiling night and day and putting in efforts to things around you; the stressful feeling, and then getting produce on your hard work investments; the satisfying and happy feeling. That is the exact feeling of people of the Ogbona community on the Esi (new yam) festival day. The feeling of joy and appreciation for a successful harvest period. It is easy to see joys but when you look deeper, you would see a community that collaborated to make harvest possible. You would see them reaping the fruits of their labour and being happy together. You would see a family that came together to be their own support system. The Ogbona Community celebrates together a bountiful harvest. Ogbona is one of the 4 villages that make up Avhianwu Clan. For over two centuries after their migration from Benin, the Avhianwu maintained their root in Benin and the culture remained the same save for modifications and enrichments occasioned by their later association with other non-Benin neighbours. The lgala, the Ibo (Ebu from where they introduced the Okhei title system). Asides the New Yam festival, another major celebration is the Adui iku kwa in Avhianwu clan Etsako Central Edo State. This is celebrated yearly across the four (4) clans in AVHIANWU namely; Ivhiunone, Ivhiarua, Ogbona (Imhakhena) and Uralokhor between March and April to mark the dawn of a new Year traditionally. The literary meaning of “adui iku kwa” is waste disposal or cleansing of all past things and deeds. Another interesting fact about the Ogbona community is that the community makes the most melodious entertainment. It has the highest number of musicians in Afenmai. Most famous among the listed 27 musicians are Gen. Bolivia Osigbemhe (Late). His music is still selling more than any musician in Afenmai, Benji Okeke Igbadumhe, Mayor Constance Bolivia Osigbemhe, Calinez Bolivia Osigbemhe, Lucky Odogbo, Ayo (Iyodo), and gospel music artists such as Ochuwa Franco, Emesomi Florence Israel Oyarenua and Evangelist Valentine Bolivia Osigbemhe. Festivals/ initiation ceremonies include, Okhei, Ukpenokhua, new yam, Aduikukwa, Agbe lagu’lu, Uruamhi etc. With loud drums, soothing music and beautiful dances of Amhi, Ilo, Ivhia-Ibana or Iyabana or Ibana, Agbi cultural troupe, Igieleghe or Okakagbe Dance and Izi cultural dance along with a nice scenery, this joyous community together always celebrates their wins.   Ogbona Social Media Caption Looking to marry into the Ogbona Community? Curious about the people of the Ogbona Community? Wondering about the history of the Ogbona Community? Trying to find your roots? Visit the Ogbona Community website //ogbonaelites.org/, Facebook page – I’m an Indigene of Ogbona and Instagram Page @Ogbonaelitesforum and get yourself familiar with the community as a whole. Who knows, you might become a part of this great family.  

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COUNCIL BOSS AGAIN COMMENCE THE DISTRIBUTION OF CHAIRS AND 2 in 1 TABLES TO SCHOOLS

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COUNCIL BOSS AGAIN COMMENCE THE DISTRIBUTION OF CHAIRS AND 2 in 1 TABLES TO SCHOOLS The Executive Chairman Etsako Central Local Government, Comrade John Osi Akhigbe, has again commence the Distribution of Chairs and 2 in 1 Tables to Usagbe Primary school, Fugar and Oboarekpe Primary School Ogbona with a charge on teachers to do their best by imparting sound moral value and academic on the pupils. The Chairman admonished the pupil to protect the chairs and not to use it as a play toy, stressing that he would surely deliver the expected democratic devided to the good people of Etsako Central. The distribution continue as more schools will benefit from this initiative

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OGBONA ELITES FORUM IN 3 YEARS

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OGBONA ELITES FORUM IN 3 YEARS Check us out on the following platforms: Facebook:  I’m an indigene of Ogbona WhatsApp: Ogbona Elites Forum Ogbona Political Forum Ogbona Christian Association Website: www. Ogbonaelites.Org FACEBOOK PAGE I’M AN INDIGENE OF OGBONA – Adm. John Anaweokhai +234 802 343 4944   INSTAGRAM PAGE Ogbonaelitesforum   WHATSAPP FORAMS Ogbona Elites Forum – Administrator John Anaweokhai +234 802 343 4944 Political-Ogbona Elites – Administrator John Anaweokhai +234 802 343 4944 Ogbona Christian Association – Adm. John Anaweokhai +234 802 343 4944   GOOGLE – MY BUSINESS Ogbona Elites Forum (http://www.ogbonaelites.org/)   EMAIL ADDRESS Ogbonaelitesforum@gmail.com   OGBONA ELITES FORUM BACKGROUND The Ogbona Elites Forum (OEF) was formed in October, 2016 to complement I’M AN INDIGENE OF OGBONA Facebook page. The Forum has over 200 members and it has been registered with CAC. Its main objective is to unite all the elites of Ogbona extraction in any part of the world regardless of one’s ideological stand on issues that bother on politics, religion, profession, taste etc. to cross fertilize ideas on how to move Ogbona community forward.   The Ogbona Elites Forum could not meet the yearnings and aspirations of every member owing to differences in religion and politics. Consequently, two additional fora, “Ogbona Political Elites” and “Ogbona Christian Forum” were further created to meet political and religion interests of members respectively. Though, the Christian Forum has been handed over to “The Ogbona Christian Association”.   I’M AN INDIGENE OF OGBONA Facebook account has over 1,681 memberships while the WhatsApp account has about 120 members. OBJECTIVES OF THIS FORUM To unite all the elites of Ogbona extraction in any part of the world regardless of one’s ideological stand on issues that bother on politics, religion, profession, taste etc. To cross fertilize ideas on how to move Ogbona forward. To support and defend one another. To: showcase Ogbona cultural heritage. To serve as resource Centre on Ogbona culture and traditions. To relive history and celebrate those that have helped to shape the history of Ogbona community. To restrain from partisan politics but without prejudice to supporting any Ogbona person who is contesting any elective position against an outsider. To remain neutral on any issue that involves two or more Ogbona persons. To accord respect, honour and reward to those that so deserve. To guide against gutter language that will attract sanctions as determined by elders of the forum.   Some of our achievements in 2017 Hired thirteen temporary teachers for various subjects in the secondary school whose monthly wage bill is about N 207,000.00. We also purchase N30, 000 – N100,000 worth of diesel every month to power water pumping machines (decreasing due solar power installed on some boreholes & raining season) In February 2017, we organized a Three-day workshop on the use of phonics, the latest technology in reading for teachers from the three primary schools in Ogbona to get the pupils well-grounded in reading. Purchased New Concept English and Mathematics books for JSS and SS Classes for the sum of N500,000 through donations from our members and families Organized the first Career day talks and seminars on cultism and restiveness, human capital development, entrepreneurship and counselling. (The essence of this program was to meet and overcome the challenges posed to our community by student’s poor academic performance, truancy, indiscipline, poor school management and cultism.) In July, organized a two-day seminar for 37 teachers from the three primary schools in Ogbona. (The first day was on Re-Inventing the Ideal Teacher and Teaching Methodologies, while the 2nd day was on Re-Inventing the Ideal Teacher: Class Room Management & Control. We now have a functioning and up to date website “ogbonaelites.org. A total of 45 articles on Ogbona/Avhianwu Culture, Tradition, Announcements, Biographies, profiles of Ogbona sons and daughters and programs are posted at this website. Ogbona Elites Forum was registered with CAC and opened its own account at Zenith Bank Plc. We published 28 Profiles of Ogbona Sons and daughters at home and abroad and 30 Biographies of Ogbona sons and daughters that have passed on to the great beyond but their contributions to the growth of our community are not forgotten. We published an organogram of the Ogbona sub clan, the Okphe Ukpi palace and all the chiefs and functions. Had 4 major donation events in 2017 Donation for Books NGN 525,500, Help for needing students at Auchi Poly NGN 317,553, Educational support to Ruth Esiroh Brai – Auchi Poly NGN 100,000, Extra pay for our teachers NGN 144,000, Keep Apolonia Alive NGN 1,376,650, TOTAL NGN 2,463,703 We also received other donations from individuals for Website Development Cost and Refinement, and additional teachers for Ogbona Secondary school amounting total pledges of N450,000 and paid up of N266,000. Balance of these donations is being used to enroll 5 indigent students for WAEC and NECO in Ogbona Secondary School Out of all our donations, Keep Apolonia alive was a new height for us. Raised over one million, three hundred thousand Naira in less than 36 hours. Bravo. Two scholarships schemes namely The Chief and Mrs. M.C.K Orbih Financial Grant-In-Aid” for Ogbona Indigenes at The Nigerian Law School and IKHATUEKEWOR ASAPOKHAI SCHOLARSHIP were instituted through our scholarship scheme. We expect the first set of awards to be made in 2018 Established 16 adhoc Committees on various aspects of our community issues and plans. Membership Committee, Fund Generation Committee, Foreign and Local Support – Community, Primary Schools,  Secondary School, and Health Center, Education: Career Day Talks/Seminar for Secondary School and Community enlightenment and social programs Education: Scholarships, Grants and Support, Education: Teachers Recruitment and Performance Monitoring, Education: Professional Development Training for Teachers (Primary & Secondary Schools), NYSC Teachers/Health Officers, Debating, Quiz & Spelling Bee Competitions, Community Engagement, Agric Committee, Healthcare Committee, Website, Facebook and Fora Maintenance, External Relations and Engagements and Town Planning and Works Committee We had over 200 members earlier in the year but ending the year 2017 with 87 financial members, and 75 persons are fully paid up

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REPORT OF OGBONA ELITES FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH, HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL, (MCK ORBIH HEALTH CENTRE), OGBONA FROM 30TH AUGUST TO 1ST SEPTEMBER, 2019.

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REPORT OF OGBONA ELITES FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH, HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL, (MCK ORBIH HEALTH CENTRE), OGBONA FROM 30TH AUGUST TO 1ST SEPTEMBER, 2019. The decision to have a second medical outreach was taken soon after the adjudged success of the maiden edition, in 2018. It was agreed at the admin level that the success of the previous one, captured in photographs should be summarized in a brochure form and leveraged as building blocks for sustainable advantage for this year’s edition and subsequent ones. Immediately, the President setup Health Committee, headed by Dr. Paulinus Abu with the following as members. Mrs. Kate Izuagie, Peter Aigba, Catherine Asapokhai, Philip Ogedegbe, Austin Mode, Stella Mode. The committee was mandated to organize a hitch free outreach with the least cost and less publicity. The committee was also told ab initio to do away with partnership with any other body or organization. Though fund was certain to a big factor, it was concluded the drive should be inward pronged. Consequently, the President also setup a fund-raising committee headed by John Anaweokhai. By May this year, the chairman of the Health committee fixed the date and gave the budget for the program and everybody went to work with the scope of the outreach restricted to the following area: 1. Pediatrics medical cases 2. Pediatrics surgical cases 3. Hypertension & Diabetes 4. Dental problems 5. Eye cases (surgical, medical and reading glasses) 6. Malaria, typhoid fever, etc. 7. Gynecological surgeries and medical problems 8. Geriatric problems 9. HIV, HERPATITIS Screening and counselling 10. Ante Natal Care 11. Surgical cases e.g. hernia, lipomas, appendectomy, etc. By Thursday, 29th August, 2019 almost everyone including the medical personnel were at home for the outreach and a brief meeting was held at the president’s house to fine-tune the program and tie up all the loose ends for a successful free medical outreach. Below is the list of the medical personnel that manned the outreach: 1. GOPD Consultation had 6 doctors (3 from UBTH Benin City and one from UBTH Ogbona) 2. Nine nurses from UBTH, Benin City 3. One Ophthalmologist and one Ophthalmic nurse 4. Two Dentist 5. Three Optometrists and Ophthalmologists 6. Two Pharmacist 7. One Doctor Chemical Pathologist 8. One laboratory Scientists and two laboratory technicians 9. Six General Surgeons and Gynecologists in the theatre with eleven post basic nurses from UBTH, Benin City 10. Others i.e. UBTH Ogbona staff, ward attendants, Cleaners, and some staff from Ogbona Maternity. Among the OEF Admins and Board of Trustees in attendance were: The Chairman Board of Trustees, Pst. Mrs. Julie Inu Umoru, Mr. Gilbert E. Odior, Mr. Bernard Ikhane, Mr. John Anaweokhai, Mr. Peter Aigba, Mr. Austin Mode and Mrs. Stella Mode. The program was declared open on Friday 30th August, 2019 at about 9:50 am with the welcome address delivered by The Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona, His Royal Highness, Chief William Idode with members of his council of chiefs in attendance. True to the desire of the planning committee, the opening ceremony was low-key and very brief with no other activity save for the welcome address by The Okphe Ukpi. OUTCOME Below is a summarized list of cases completed during the medical outreach. 1. Various kinds of dental surgeries—-110 2. Eye surgeries—39 3. Eye glasses given out are–506 4. Myomectomy (removal of huge fibroids) —4 5. One Caesarean Section/ delivery—1 6. One vaginal surgery to repair a prolapse urinary bladder through the vagina (Anterior Colporrhaphy) —1 7. Other surgeries done i.e. appendectomy, hernia repairs, lipomas removal and ganglion removals—104 8. Laboratory investigations done are—-215 9. Two pints of screened blood was given to the Caesarean Section patient as she was anaemic even before the surgery was done 10. Pharmacy prescription given are—-1812 INCOME & EXPENDITURE Although, sourcing funds was a major issue, at the end, we were able to generate over four million Naira, N4,000,000. Below is graphic presentation of income and expenditure table for the event.   OBSERVATIONS. One striking fact about this year’s medical outreach is the sense of orderliness that guided the comportments of all the patients that came for the outreach. Though, there were pockets of rowdiness, they were nonetheless controllable. It was also observed that outsiders who came for the program outnumbered Ogbona people. Again, there was increase in the number of Ogbona medical personnel involved in this year’s edition, made up of Dr. Paulinus Abu, Dr. Alexander Abu, Dr. Nelson Egwakhe, Dr. Samuel Omolua, Miss Josephine Egwakhe (Nurse) and Mr. Paul Obeakemhe, Medical Scientist. CHALLENGES. 1. Funds remains the number one challenge of our program. In fact, until the last moment, we were still sourcing for fund. 2. There is also the challenge of how to get Ogbona people to take full advantage of program as outsiders seem to get the upper hands against the people in whose interests the program was designed to meet in the first instance. 3. There was shortage of eye surgeon. In fact, there was no eye surgery until the second day. 4. On the whole, there are logistics problems as regards hosting the medical outreach in the heights of the rainy season as almost all the roads are impassable. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. It is recommended that subsequent medical outreach be held either later in the year or early in the year to avoid the challenges of plying Impassable roads in the height of rainy season. 2. It is also recommended that an advance team should be sent to Ogbona to get the list of people with critical conditions so the first day of the program can be reserved exclusively for them. 3. Every member of Ogbona Elites Forum should be encouraged to contribute towards the outreach. 4. Areas of shortage of medical experts should be identified early so that alternative arrangement can be made to cover up such shortfall. 5. More Ogbona medical personnel should be encouraged to liaise with Dr. Paulinus Abu to contribute their quota to the development of our community in

REPORT OF OGBONA ELITES FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH, HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL, (MCK ORBIH HEALTH CENTRE), OGBONA FROM 30TH AUGUST TO 1ST SEPTEMBER, 2019. Read More »

OGBONA COMMUNITY CELEBRATES ESI (New Yam) FESTIVAL IN A GRAND STYLE

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  Ogbona Community Marks Esi (New Yam) festival. By Elias Inaede, Ogbona (Etsako Central) Culture is a way of life. Esi festival is a new yam festival where the people of Avhianwu Clan show appreciation to God for His goodness and bountiful harvest at the end of every farming season. In a statement released by the Okphe Ukpi (Sub Clan Head) of Ogbona Community, HRH Willy Uloko Idode, in his Palace, States that the festival promotes oneness and Unity among the People. According to him, Esi festival eliminates all forms of acrimony and hatred among the people by cooking and eating together. Also speaking, the Secretary to the Ogbona Royal Palace, Chief George Kadiri and Chief Agbapo Ikhane, Commended the Royal Highness for his honesty and Commitment to the growth and development of the Community. The festival will Climax tomorrow, the 21st of August,2019 where the people of Ogbona will showcase their rich Cultural heritage to friends and well-wishers of the Community. Esi festival is usually celebrated in Avhianwu Clan at the end of every farming season to appreciate God for a bountiful harvest OGBONA COMMUNITY CELEBRATES ESI FESTIVAL IN A GRAND STYLE.  By Elias Inaede, Ogbona- festivals are usually celebrated to promote oneness and Unity among Communities and to also appreciate God for fruitful harvest. The 2019 Esi, new yam festival in Ogbona Community, Etsako Central local government will remain remarkable in the history of Avhianwu. The reasons are not farfetched to identify .it was an avenue to reunite the people of the Community and it also showed the level of Unity and Cooperation among the people. The event also portraited the exemplary leadership qualities of the traditional ruler of the Community who has brought peace and sustainable growth and development In his speech, the Sub Clan of Ogbona, HRH Willy Idode, said Esi festival was celebrated in form of appreciation and thanksgiving to God for a bountiful harvest at the end of every farming season. The Ogbona Traditional ruler, stated that Esi is an ancient festival celebrated by the Community to thank God, promote Unity and oneness and to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Community. The Royal Highness, asserted that the people of the Community should continue to work together and show love to one another in order to justify their coexistence, stressing that the new yam festival has come to Stay stressing that Esi eliminates all forms of acrimony and hatred and that the event also brought the people of the Community together to speak with one Voice. While urging the people of the Community to continue to showcase their rich Cultural heritage, HRH Idode called on them to prevent their culture from going into extinction and promised to serve them better. Also Speaking, the Secretary to the Palace, Chief George Kadiri and Chief Jacob Orbih, Commended the Sub Clan head for Uniting the people, adding that the Community has witness tremendous growth under the stewardship of the Traditional ruler. High point of the event was presentation of yams by the Various age grades and cultural display by the Women groups.  

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THE 2019 MEDICAL OUTREACH PLANS

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Background Members of Ogbona Elites Forum under the Presidency of Mr. Gilbert Odior organized a free medical outreach in collaboration with some philanthropic organizations within and outside Nigeria at Ogbona, Avhianwu clan, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State from 1st to 3rd September, 2018. The medical Outreach attracted thousands of people within and outside Ogbona community. The medical outreach was applauded and judged to be very successful, worthy of emulation. LIST OF PARTNERING TEAMS IN THE OUTREACH Ben Itsuokor and European team MAKURDI TEAM led by Dr. Paulinus Abu Dako Foundation Amazing Grace Medical Outreach Edo-SACA Etsako Central Local Govt, Nursing Services MCK Orbih Comprehensive Health Center The European team of four medical consultants led by Ben Itsuokor treated different illnesses through detection using the ECG machines. During the program, the team examined several patients, diagnosed and successfully completed 25 ECG Cases. Following the substantial number of hypertension/stroke cases examined, the team concluded that hypertension is the most common illness in the community. The team also identified a young girl with a whole in the heart and her case has been referred to Rotary Club international through Amazing Grace Clinic led by Dr. Princewill Oyakhilome. The Itsuokor foundation also presented to the MCK Health Centre a couple of medical equipment including; 2# ECG machines 1# Patients monitoring device 5# Medicated eye glasses and 10# Pulse Oximeter Laboratory test materials, i.e. Glucometer, psa/urinalysis/malarial test kits, swabs, diagnostics sets, otoscope, pen touch, gloves etc. Others medical devices including stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers Generator that will be delivered later The Makurdi Team: But for the Makurdi Team organized and led by Dr. Paulinus Abu, it is doubtful if the medical outreach would have been successful. The team was made of up 19 medical personnel amongst who were Pharmacists, Dentists, Opticians, Ophthalmologists, Lab technologists, surgeons etc. and other supportive staff.  They came with various surgical equipment like eyes surgeries, dental surgeries, some general surgeries, Pediatrics and various Gynecological surgeries and a couple of eye drugs, dental drugs, antibiotics, analgesic drugs, anesthetic drugs, antimalarial drugs, diabetic and hypertensive medications. Also brought by the team were all the surgical consumables i.e. sterile gauges, suture materials, antiseptics, surgical gloves, latex gloves and an autoclave for sterilization of the surgical equipment. Over 90% of the eye glasses given out during the outreach was brought by the team too. There were also various laboratory reagents for MP, Wilda testing, HIV, hepatitis VDRL test kids, urinalysis and pregnancy strips, glucometer etc. brought by the team. The leader of the team single handily transported the medical personnel, drugs and equipment to and from Makurdi to Ogbona, paid some little stipends to the medical personnel. On the average Dr. Paulinus Abu spent two million five hundred thousand naira, N2.5M of his personal money to finance the outreach. Dako Foundation for Rural Health Care & Education made up of 11 staff carried out the following medical services: Total number of children given vitamin A who are less than 1 year = 51 Total number of children given Vitamin A who are 1 year and above =628 Total number of people 1 year and above who were dewormed =1945 Total number of pregnant and lactating mothers who were given multivitamin = 108 Drugs used (doses). Vitamin A 100000IU for children 6months -11 months =51 Vitamin A 200000IU for children 1 year and above = 628 Chewable Albendazole (deworming drugs) = 1945 Multivitamins for Pregnant and Lactating women = 3240 Amazing Grace Medical Outreach was organized by one of our diaspora members, Catherine Asapokhai to compliment the effort of other medical personnel on ground. The team was made up of 5 consulting doctors and 2 nurses Edo State Action for the control of AIDS (Edo-SACA) was another corporate body that partnered with OEF to create awareness about AIDS, its management and controls. The group of 7 carried out free HIV tests throughout the program and handed out several condoms. EdoSACA organized two Counseling and Testing Tents to provide privacy and shelter to all that came for the HIV Testing Services (HTS). A total of 119 persons were counseled and tested using the full complement of M&E tools. All the people were made to go through both the Pre-test and Post-test counseling routines Prezens For Charities USA and Emergency Response International Nigeria team of 4 led by Christopher Asapokhai. The team conducted the following training; CPR TRAINING: 33 persons trained. BLS TRAINING: 6 Nurses participated. The training session was not comprehensive due to In and Out of participants from the class because of their involvement in the theater and the wards. Will have a comprehensive session at a later date. ACLS: This could not hold. No time. Etsako Central Local Govt, Nursing Services were also at hand with their staff to support other nurses for the various medical programs. MCK Orbih Comprehensive Health Center played host to the medical outreach and supported the events with 46 staff made up of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, technicians and others in all aspects of the programs. However, despite the somewhat smooth takeoff of this program on the first day, our feeling of drugs adequacy was short-lived as we ran out of some common prescription drugs and infusions sooner which OEF had to make provisions for. These purchases which occurred daily from start to end of the entire programme was made possible because of our last-minute anticipation to have a plan B that will cater for possible shortfalls that could emanate in the cause of this medical outreach. To this end, OEF spent well over N1,000,000.00 for additional drugs during the period, whereas some other drugs were in excess. The second and third days of the event started on a smooth note and saw the Europe team as well as partnering teams well settled down for work. SUMMARY OF THE 2018 FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH OF OGBONA ELITES FORUM HELD AT MCK ORBIH HEALTH CENTRE, OGBONA FROM 1ST TO 3RD SEPTEMBER 2018 Ogbona Elites Forum organized a 3-day medical outreach to Ogbona Community

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THE OGBONA THAT FLOWS IN MY VEINS BY DEACON JOHN ODIOR ANAWEOKHAI

Leave a Comment / History and Culture of Ogbona /

John Odior Anaweokhai, CEO of Paragon Oil Nig. Ltd and Secretary General, Ogbona Elites Forum John Odior Anaweokhai was born into the Catholic family of Pa Joseph Akhaniamhe Anaweokhai of Ivhiosano kindred, Ivhiochie Quarters and Mrs. Victoria Abike Anaweokhai nee Ikhumhi of Ivhianaga kindred, Okotor quarters both of Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. He attended Imhakhena Primary School from 1975 to 1982 and Ogbona Secondary School from 1982 to 1987. He obtained BA Hons English from Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma in 1997, and Post Graduate Diploma in Management, PGDM, University of Calabar in 2002 and Masters in Business Administration MBA, Lagos State University in 2004. He is married to Engr. Mrs. Esther Anaweokhai and is the Chief Executive Officer of Paragon Oil Nig. Ltd, player in the downstream sector of the Oil and Gas Industry in Nigeria. THE OGBONA THAT FLOWS IN MY VEINS (PART 1) It was an 8-bed room apartment with a big sitting room which served more as store and passage than parlour. The veranda was long and spacious overlooking layers of mounded blocks. Between the layer of blocks and veranda was a big playground where we did our kindergarten chores. There was no electricity, save for the seasonal brightness of the moon which was always short live, it was always dark at night.is this why the quarter was so named? Sandwiched between Ivhiochie and Okotor quarters, is Iviebi quarter, which means, Children of darkness. Thank God, I’m now a child of light, my first known point of contact with the outside world in the height of the Nigeria civil war. On the left side of our compound was the Ako family. Eramha Ako was tall, huge and spotlessly white with sparkly grey beards to the bargain, a reflection of the image of God I had created in my fictional universe. He had this magical aural that magnetised us to him. He had a deep baritone voice that instilled fear and commanded obedience. Everything about him radiated honour and grandeur. He had a large family and everybody called him Tata. I don’t really know what that means. His grandson, Dairus, was my childhood friend. THE OGBONA THAT FLOWS IN MY VEINS (PART 2) Behind the Ako family was the Anetekhai family. But between them was a small hut inhabited by Mr. Anugho and his family. Anugho was dark in complexion, always taciturn with an intimidating physique. He had this terror inspiring look in his eyes and with all sense of modesty, a bit queer and uncanny in his disposition. Unfortunately, he died at his prime. His first son, Oghie was my friend though we have not seen for over thirty-five years now. The Anetekhai family were proud owner of one of the three upstairs in Iviebi Quarters. Eramha Anetekhai was the head of the family. He was old and lanky but with bad sight. He was always seated in front of the upstairs overlooking the Inaede compound, few metres away from the Agbepue compound. Eramha Anetekhai was a good story teller with an acidic sense of humour. He was reputed to have said that he missed life on both fronts. As a young man he was always counselled to wait for his turn. Then, elders were held in awe and honour. Unfortunately, when he came of age, the educated youths took the front seats with the elders relegated to the background. The Anetekhais had expertise in the meddling of broken bones.one of the children who was based at Ikabigbo made a success of the trade. I have my doubt if any of them still ply the trade at home since the death of his first son, Eramha Momoh. There are two experiences about the family I will take to my grave, namely, my first miracle. There was this Alfa who was treating Eramha Anetekhai for his poor vision. All of a sudden, we had that Eramha Anetekhai had regained his sight and to prove this, he went around the whole village unaided. Again, I saw an empty casket for the first time under the roof of his veranda. On enquiry, we were told that he was once sick at the point of death.in fact, it was concluded he would not survive and the children did not want to be taken unaware and as fate would have it, he survived many years. So, Eramha Anetekhai was one of the few people that had the privilege of seeing their caskets while alive. The last son, Francis Ighiegbai was my class mate and he is also my age mate. THE OGBONA THAT FLOWS IN MY VEINS (PART 3) Behind my father’s bed room was an underground tank with projected cover. Still on the rear side of the main building and directly opposite the exit door of our general parlour was another underground tank. It was a common sight then as water was a very a big issue especially during the dry seasons. There was no borehole anywhere. Ugbadeghie or Ekhaebade streams were the closest sources of water. It was not surprising that everything humanly possible was done to store water but how well that need was met is another issue altogether as most of the water was exhausted in the height of the dry season. On the left side of the second tank was a six-bed room bungalow that also served as kitchen. It shared common boundary with Eramha Basel Alabi’s compound. Eramha Basel lived with his two wives, children and younger brother, Didi. Initially, I thought Didi was his son probably because of the age disparity, though they looked strikingly different both in appearance and substance. While Eramha Basel was brief, vivacious and boisterous with native intelligence, Didi was tall, a bit muscular and somewhat reserved. Ordinary, they lived happily as brothers but with the benefit of insight, they at best, tolerated each other. After some time Didi built His house and relocated with his family. Eramha Basel was jovial and friendly. Then, tongues started

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