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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

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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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Ogbona Community plans musical extravaganza — HRH Chief Willy Uloko Idode

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Ogbona Community plans musical extravaganza — HRH Chief Wily Uloko Idode By Gabriel Omonhinmin 14 April 2019   |   2:59 am   On April 4, His Royal Highness, Chief Willy Uloko Idode, Okphe-Ukpi of Ogbona, celebrated his 60th birthday and nine years on the throne. He called Palace Watch to discuss his people’s plans to mark their bi-annual festival known as the Ogbona Day later this month. He said: “it is going to be a massive musical extravaganza that will re-awaken our people’s cultural consciousness, especially in the area of music and dance drama. We have long realised that the area we have comparative advantage other than the farming is music. “In Etsako in particular and Edo State in general, we are known as the music makers. So, we want to take advantage of it. Indeed, it was my resolve that, at 60 and nine years on my ancestral throne, I must provide required leadership to boost my people’s economy. “Although it is innate in us to make good music, which we use as a weapon to correct the ills in our society, and redirect men’s affairs. But this we have done for several decades purely for personal entertainment during festivities. Now, we have decided to take this a step further, by organising this musical extravaganza that will attract many guests within and outside Edo State to Ogbona. “During the period the extravaganza will last, our guests will be entertained in a manner they won’t forget in a hurry. We are expecting Edo State government and Federal Government to send representatives and partner with us, in our desire to make Ogbona one of the cultural hubs of Edo State. “We are taking this step at this particular time in our historical life, because a lot of researchers from within and outside Nigeria have been coming lately to Ogbona to research into our cultural background, especially in the area of Etsako music. These researchers appreciate the unique melody we make in Ogbona, thereby putting the community on the world map. “Although, we have a lot of musical and dance festivals in Ogbona, the ones we are focusing on during this bi-annual festival include Aigbe Dancing group, which is for both men and women, though women are dominant. There is also Igberemuen Dancing Group, which literary means ‘I am doing my dance.’ This dancing group is also called “Armi.” “We shall be showcasing the Ilo Group, which is a masquerade group. Then there is Ibana, the Night Spirit Group, which is mostly performed at night. It is used for entertainment and for enforcement of discipline, law and order in our communities. During the performance, they produce melodious and touching music that pricks the souls of listeners and warn them against all manner of social infraction. “Izie is another dance we shall be featuring. There is Izie for men and for women. The Izie for men, also known as “Izie Nokhu,” is the dance drama we use when a lady is to be escorted to her husband’s house for marriage. Izie for women is purely for entertainment. There is another very interesting dance we shall showcase at the event called Ishokpo, which is known as the hunter’s dance. There are other dances we would have loved to showcase, but because of education and modern-day civilization, some families no longer allow their daughters to participate in them. “So, we are inviting Edo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism alongside Federal Ministries. Many foreigners will be gracing the occasion. “During the forthcoming Easter Festival, we will be holding a conference to finalise plans for the day and immediately after, we shall announce the date for the festival proper. https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ogbona-community-plans-musical-extravaganza-hrh-chief-wily-uloko-idode/

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Official Handover of Our Market to the LG, April 12th, 2019

Leave a Comment / Palace of Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona /

AKHIGBE COMMISSIONS MARKET, PROMISE TO EXPAND IT The Executive Chairman Etsako Central Local Government Area, Comrade John Osi Akhigbe today commended the Ogbona community for their communal efforts in the development of their community. The chairman made the commendation during the commissioning and taking over 80 open market stores built by the community through self-help effort as a way of modernizing their market. He said it was the primary responsibility of any government to provide social amenities such as market for the people and also taking over the running and maintenance of such a market. While congratulating the Ukpe-Ukpi of Ogbona, Chief Willie Idode for the numerous communal developments, said it is the only community that has not been waiting for government before they start any project in their community. The chairman said that government will do everything possible to see how the market can be expanded to accommodate both local and foreign traders. He however appealed to the palace chiefs for adequate cooperation with the council staff in the area of revenue collection so that the council can do more for the people. Welcoming the chairman and his entourage to the official handing over of the market to the local government, the Village head and the Okphe-Ukpi of Ogbona Sub-clan, HRH Chief Willie Idode said the project was a dream come true. He said that the construction of the market started in 2009 with the assistant of the then local government chairman which today has been a fulfilment of purpose. He however appealed to the chairman to as a matter urgency construct speed breaker along the highway to help control speed of vehicles around the market. The Vice chairman, Rtn. Ambrose Kelvin Akhigbe, SLG Robert Elamah, DAS, Mrs. Momoh, supervisory councilors for Agriculture, Health and others were present at the event. Highpoint was the cutting of the tape by the chairman for the commissioning. THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN ETSAKO CENTRAL LGA THE CHIEFS THE ELDERS THE MARKET MEN & WOMEN LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. ADDRESS PRESENTED BY HRH WILLY IDODE (THE OKPHE UKPI OF OGBONA) ON OFFICIAL HANDOVER OF OUR MARKET TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT, APRIL 12TH, 2019 It is with joy mixed with a little sadness that I welcome you all to this occasion which marks the official handover of our market project to the Etsako Central Local Government Council. Ordinarily, our joy today should be boundless. We appear to be the last community on this highway to establish a market close to it. Let me give a historical background. This Auchi Agenebode road was constructed and made motorable about 1976. We had expected that it would go through Ogbona town but unfortunately, as it seemed at the time, it bypassed the town. As it is with roads everywhere, our people soon started experiencing disadvantages. Vehicular traffic through the town was greatly reduced so much so that our people were dropped on the road to trek to their houses. Our only market was also affected as commercial vehicle drivers would no longer ply the dilapidated township roads. It was at this point that there was an attempt to move the market close to the highway or building a new one. Disagreement, mainly associated with the politics of traditional hierarchy, set in. The attendant delay caused by this disagreement is regrettable. But as we usually say, it is better late than never. It was, however, in 2009 that our community commenced work on the construction of this market with the active and generous assistance of the Local Government Administration of Hon. Joseph Ugheoke. We are grateful to him for coming to our assistance. As we hand this market with ………open market stalls over to the Local Government Council today, we declare it as work in progress. We expect and appeal to the Local Government Council to expand it. As with other communities which suffered same fate with the construction of this highway, we appeal to the council chairman, as a matter of urgency to put speed breakers along the high way to help to control the speed of vehicles around the market Our Comrade Chairman, destiny, fate and perhaps our ancestors may have conspired to ensure that it is during your administration that this Ogbona main market is being handed over to the council. We urge the council to take full control of it, manage it to the mutual benefit of the government, the indigenes and all those who buy and sell here. We congratulate you and wish you a very successful tenure.   Thank you all.   CHIEF WILLIAM IDODE OKPHE-UKPI (SUB-CLAN HEAD) OF OGBONA  

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NEW YEAR FESTIVAL (ADUI IKU KWA) IN AVHIANWU

Leave a Comment / Avhianwu Clan /

NEW YEAR FESTIVAL (ADUI IKU KWA) IN AVHIANWU – BARRI INAEDE Adui iku kwa in Avhianwu clan Etsako Central Edo State is celebrated yearly across the four (4) clans in AVHIANWU namely IVHIUNONE, IVHIARUA, OGBONA (IMHAKHENA) AND URALOKHOR between 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 or cleansing of all past things and deeds. 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, grief, pains, offences, in their hearts. You may call it a Day of Reconciliation, 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. The Peculiar soup for all family today is ogbolor (omhi akphe) and pounded yam. Parents call all their children 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 gunshot 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 are no particular rituals associated with this feast. All sons in laws of Avhianwu 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 fun play in the river for the teenagers, etc. The song that is 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. It’s really a festival of love for all sons and daughters of Avhianwu. The greetings that is predominant in Avhianwu today is Onortse onortse lor Ewie wia lor Mha du iku ebe lakwa. Happy new year to all Avhianwu people ————————————————————————— NEW YEAR FESTIVAL (ADUI IKU KWA) IN AVHIANWU – BEN IKHANE The day of Aduiku’kwa starts with a night vigil by the Ivhiomu’kpes from Ebadi kindred in Ivhiunone. The eldest man in the kindred informs the extended family in Ebadi and the Ikhane family (the only branch of the Ebadi kindred in Ogbona) on the date of the vigil prior to the declaration of the new year. By midnight of that period all the Ivhiomu’kpes (makers of the new year) after keeping watch around the Ukpe shrine will invoke the gods to fashion a new year for the people of Avhianwu. They will make the necessary sacrifices and make series of invocations and supplications till the wee hours of the morning. Shortly before cock crow the Ivhiomu’kpes with a loaded dane gun match round (while sweeping off the old year and all its attendant negativities and evils) the old market square chatting some incantations. At the sound of the first cock crow the Dane gun is fired and the new year is pronounced. There upon all citizens take up the chant of Aduikwebe lakwa. Onotse onotse lo… This how the new year starts in Avhianwu clan. Presently, John Ikhane is the present eldest man of the Ivhiomu’kpes at the demise of the last one (Robert) whose funeral has not been done. Mattias Ikhane goes to Fugar yearly for this ceremony on behalf of the Ikhane family. Ben Ikhane attended the vigil as far back as 1992. There are many hidden things that are not meant for the public ear. —————————————————————————- NEW YEAR FESTIVAL (ADUI IKU KWA) IN AVHIANWU – JOHN ANAWEOKHAI THE OGBONA THAT FLOWS IN MY VENS (PART XVII) Christmas and New Years were not only the seasons we celebrated with pump and pageantry. We celebrated new yam, Esi festival and new year too. Yes, New Year that is very distinct from that of the first of January. It is known as Aduikwu Kwa. It is celebrated about the month of February to April in the height of the harmattan season. One striking thing about this festival is the level of prayers. Everybody prays on this very day. The greetings centre on prayers and pronouncement of blessings. It is generally believed that enmity must not exceed this day as those who hadn’t been in good terms all through the year are enjoyed to meld fences. There must be no carry over of anything untoward. It is a moment elders pronounce blessings on the younger ones. In fact, as you wake up, the first thing you hear in the morning is ONOTSE ONOTSE LO which translates, it is blessing upon blessing. ADUIKWE ‘BE LA KWA. Meaning, we clean ourselves of

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THE AMAZON, MADAM ODODOIBO OBEAKEMHE & THE ANTI-TAX RIOT OF 1961/1962

Leave a Comment / Biographies of Ogbona Past Leaders /

THE AMAZON, MADAM ODODOIBO OBEAKEMHE & THE ANTI-TAX RIOT OF 1961/1962 History pages are strewn with women contributions to the emancipation of human race. Often times, they risked their lives, broke with traditions, overcame gender barriers and jumped in where even men would fear to trend. Queen Amina of Zaria and Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti easily come to mind. The Aba women riot of 1929 is still as fresh as ever. Unfortunately, for reasons best known to historians and more out of ethnic bigotry than subtle display of chauvinism, the heroic contributions of Uwomha Ododoibo Obeakemhe to the liberation of Avhianwu people from the burden of the obnoxious tax regime known as Schedule 2 (SEDETU)from the local authority is not mentioned anywhere in the history books. Worse still, even at the local level, there is no memorabilia in her honor for her heroic deeds. Before any form of rigmarole, the questions are immediately propelled, what is the meaning of ODODOIBO and who is Mrs. Ododoibo Obeakemhe?   Ododoibo means the glittering cloth of the white race or the glittering flower of the white race. (a very pretty woman) Ododoibo was the great and brave daughter of Omosue (aka Onuguna) of Ivhianaga quarters, Okotor Ogbona. Her mother was Mrs. Anwuekpe of Ivhiobere kingdom, Ivhido, Ogbona.   Late Ododoibo was born circa 1894 and got married to Late Obeakemhe Onaikpe around 1912. She died in May 1975. She was among the first uneducated women to travel out of Ogbona to visit her first son who was a driver to the king of Ondo. Her visit to Ondo exposed her to western education and the business world. Upon her return from Ondo, she led a protest to the then village head, late Okozi Ebeto that girls who normally went out naked as it was the practice, should be allowed to tie wrapper around their waist.   She also leveraged her business experience in Ondo and got involved petty trading. She was fully engaged in trade by barter as she would go to Osomhegbe Ikpata markets to exchange ume (camwood) with fish. She would in-return, sold (exchange) the fish obtained for other items. she was indeed, a rally point in the community. She was also a woman leader in Ivhiochie when politics was introduced in the late forties.   HER INVOLVEMENT IN OGBONA WOMEN RIOT OF 1961/1962 Prior to the attainment of political independence in 1960, the tax law that was practiced in Nigeria was pal tax. That is, every person irrespective of political affiliation was expected to pay the same amount as tax.   Upon attainment of political independence, the western Nigeria Regional Government (ACTION GROUP) enacted a tax law that was discriminatory in nature. Schedule 2 (sadetu) of that tax law was targeted at political opponents who were expected to pay higher tax because they belonged to the opposing party. The NCNC was also guilty of such political victimization too, being the party at the federal level.   The season witnessed unwarranted arrest of some political opponents who could not pay the schedule 2 tax notices served them. Some people absconded from their homes in the village to hide in their farm for several months for fear of being arrested by tax law enforcements officers. In November, 1961, some tax enforcement officers from the Afenmai Divisional Council Office at Auchi were deployed to Ogbona to enforce collection of the higher taxes. The tax men invaded Ogbona as early as 5.00am in a bid to arrest the tax evaders who mainly were members of the opposition party in the western region. Some men were arrested and bundled into a waiting van.   Tax collectors had able allies in the persons of Mr. Tenebe, the then maternity dispenser who collected taxes for the council and Mr. Opel Ayalomhe who was in charge of issuing receipts.   But, for the bravery of Ododoibo who mobilized some other women like Isomhepo Enamhegbai, Omomhirue Anabor, Aretsa Oboarekpe, Omhonaya Ebraimah-Ikoko, and a host of others, Ogbona men would have remained pawns in the chessboard of tax men. The women barricaded the road to Auch, disarmed the tax officers and freed those already arrested. The driver of the vehicle and the tax officer were asked to leave the village for peace to reign. The women were dressed in native farm uniform of EGBU thus signposting the readiness for war at the least provocation. The tax officers made several attempts till early 1962 to arrest some indigenes of Ogbona but each attempt was met with stiff resistance and consequently foiled by the protesting women who were ready for any show down. The protest lasted for more than four months.   Though the protest did not completely cancel the obnoxious tax regime, it spared the men from the humiliation of being bundled into waiting van like common criminals. Again, it brought about civil proceedings as those who were excessively taxed had the opportunity to seek redress in Fugar and appeal in Auchi. Things were said to be so bad that a woman had to carry her husband on her back to farm in order to escape the plying eyes of tax collectors in Iraokhor. Upon discovery of her prank, the man fell from the back and ran into the bush to the amusement of everyone.   Uwomha Ododoibo’s action was said to have spurred Iraokhor women into similar action to save their men from further humiliating tendencies. Her political activism also came to the fore when the election between Chief M.C.K Orbih and Chief G.M Udochi in 1964 was rigged in favor of Chief Udochi at Okpella. As a matter of fact, there was no election as fictitious results were written at Okpella. Uwomha Ododoibo organized and mobilized everybody to Assumpta School, now Saint Angela’s Girls Secondary School Afashio were results were being collated. Within a short time, the place was taken over by Ogbona people with the sworn mission to raze it down with fire. It took the intervention

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