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OGBONA IMHAKHENA ASAMA FEDERATED UNION GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT (1987-2004) CHIEF MATTHIAS A AKPAIBOR

Leave a Comment / History and Culture of Ogbona /

OGBONA IMHAKHENA ASAMA FEDERATED UNION GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT (1987-2004) CHIEF MATTHIAS A AKPAIBOR It gives me great a pleasure to present to the Union this day, this report of my seventeen years in Office as the General Secretary of Ogbona Imhakhena Asama Federated Union. I hereby thank the entire community, both at home and abroad, for the opportunity given me to serve. I took over this office when it was at its infancy and I had little or nothing to start with the co-operation of the first, second and third Presidents, Chief A. O. Itsuokor, Chief T. A. Osigbemhe JP. The Okphe-Ukpi of Ogbona and Arc. J.E.A Orbih respectively the union started growing from strength to strength. The Union was formed in 1976 with Protem Officers as Chief A. O. Itsuokor – President, Mr. G. I. Kadiri – Secretary and Chief M.A. Akpaibor as the Asst. Gen. Secretary.  A constitution committee headed by Mr. P. S. Eleta was set up. The Draft Constitution was submitted in1982 and was adopted and passed into law in the same year. The first Union executive council members were elected into the following offices:- President                        –        Chief A. O. Itsuokor       –        Lagos Branch Vice President                 –        Mrs. S. A. Anetekhai      –        Benin Branch General Secretary          –        Dr. J. E. Umole              –        Benin Branch 1st Asst. Gen. Secretary –        Chief M. A. Akpaibor      –        Warri Branch 2nd Asst. Gen. Secretary –        Mr. P. Osigbemhe           –        Ibadan Branch Treasurer                       –        Okhaemoi P. S. Eleta     –        Auchi Branch Financial Secretary        –        Mr. M. G. Enakpene       –        Auchi Branch Publicity Secretary         –        Sir P. M. Anaweokhai     –        Lagos Branch Social Secretary             –        Mr. R. A. Edogamhe       –        Benin Branch Legal Adviser                  –        Chief C. A. Ekhasemomhe       Kaduna Branch Ex-Officers                     –        Mr. M. Asapokhai           –        Kano Branch “                            –        Mr. A. Oghena                –        Ile Ife Branch “                            –        Okhaemoi J. Edogamhe           Ogbona Branch “                            –        Mr. A. Oyagha                –        Warri Branch “                            –        Mr. J. I. Odior                –        Ogbona Branch Patrons                          –        Chief J. O. Odalumhe    –        Ogbona Branch “                            –        Mr. Francis Asekomhe   –        Ogbona Branch “                            –        Pa. Abu Idinokhai          –        Ogbona Branch “                            –        Pa. Odia Ikhane             –        Ogbona Branch “                            –        Pa Aleghe Orbih             –        Ogbona Branch   Ogbona was elected to be the Headquarter of the Union and it was agreed that the name of the Union should be known as “OGBONA IMHAKHENA FEDERATED UNION”. The financial branch unions were eight comprising, Auchi, Benin, Ibadan, Ile-Ife, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos and Warri while the home body was dragging their feet over the name of the union. We are grateful to God today as the number has increased from eight branch members to ten branch members including the home branch, Abuja, Ilorin. Port-Harcourt branch which was one of the recent registered branches, is neither here nor there for reasons best known to them. The aims and objectives of the Union were well spelt out in the 1982 constitution. After one year in office, the General Secretary declined his post and I was appointed to act which I did for one year before I was appointed for the post of the General Secretary in 1985. When I took over the office, the financial branch members still remained eight. The home which supposed to be the headquarters was still doubting whether to accept the name or to stay away because of the name. Then the financial position was very poor. The only main avenue for funding was the monthly subscriptions from the eight branches of the Union. The attendance of the executive council meetings was encouraging expect some branches whose members were not regular, mainly Ile-Ife and Kano. These two branches claimed that they always received letters late. After normalizing their postal addresses, the Ile-Ife branch complained that their members were new converts and that they would not accept the name “Ogbona Imhakhena Union” The Kano branch of the Union complained that due to frequent riots in Kano for the past years, they could not form any useful union. Recently, they informed the federated bodies that they had re-organized and would act fully Ile-Ife remains dormant till date. The union could not achieve any meaningful development during these years till 1986 because it embarked on reconciliation of the two factions that were Asama and Abokhasomhi unions, which were formed because of the Chieftaincy dispute in the community. The Ogbona Imhakhena Federated Union called on them to allow the Chieftaincy matter take its cause and form a development union. That is what the Federated Union stands for in order to have a coon front which the community can channel their problems through to the government for meaningful development of the community. This took the Federated Union time but those who saw what the union stands for were carried along by the union while those who believed that their cause had to be met remained still battling with their Chieftaincy cases. As at today, all these are history as Ogbona Imhakhena Asama Federated Union break the ice and unite the whole factions together and brought them to the popular body both home and abroad. At the 1987 Annual Conference, the National Executive Council of Ogbona Imhakhena Federated Union was dissolved and there was an election where the following members were elected:- President                        –        Chief T. A. Osigbemhe JP        –        Benin Branch Vice President                –        Sir P. M. Anaweokhai              –        Lagos Branch General Secretary          –        Chief M. A. Akpaibor               –        Warri Branch 1st Asst. Gen Secretary   –        Mr. R. A. Edogamhe                 –        Auchi Branch 2nd Asst. Gen. Secretary –        Mr. D. Akhamiemhona            –        Ibadan Branch Treasurer                       –        Okhaemoi P. S. Eleta               –        Auchi Branch Financial Secretary        –        Chief P. S. Anyiador                –        Benin Branch Asst. Fin. Secretary        –        Mr. M. Asapokhai                    –        Kano Branch Publicity Secretary         –        Mr. G. I. Kadiri                        –        Auchi Branch Social Secretary             –        Mr. P.C.I Okhakumhe             

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THE SEARCH FOR DRINKABLE WATER IN OGBONA BY ALFRED ENETOMHE IDODE AND JOHN ODIOR ANAWEOKHAI

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THE SEARCH FOR DRINKABLE WATER IN OGBONA BY ALFRED ENETOMHE IDODE AND JOHN ODIOR ANAWEOKHAI The search for drinking water in Ogbona community over the years and a brief history of how we used to source water for our daily use was put together by two of our best historians, Alfred Enetomhe Idode and John Odior Anaweokhai. Commentaries provided by Gilbert Odior HISTORY OF THE SEARCH FOR WATER AT OGBONA – ALFRED ENETOMHE IDODE In the days of yore, water scarcity was a huge problem in Avhianwu clan and Afemai Division. The people made great efforts at providing water during the seasons i.e. dry and raining seasons. In raining season, people would gather water from different sources like; a) erosion water–Ame Okpho b) Grass Roof water–Ame Egaah c) Date palm leaf (Obe owo)–Ame Okwui Only “Ame Okpho” was then purified by sprinkling a quantity of ashes into the storage pots and the red muddy water would be purified like water gathered from the roof top. Some used Alum which was costlier to purify water. In the dry season, only a few of the streams survived the long dry season. This was how our people suffered serious deficits of good drinking water long time ago. EFFORTS OF THE COLONIAL AUTHORITY In 1946, the colonial authority constructed and built Native Authority School with the first underground tank in Ogbona to store water for the use of the headmaster during the dry season whose official residence was within the school area. In 1952, the colonial authority sent a British engineer Mr. Cockhead in search of a suitable site to drill an industrial borehole for Avhianwu clan. He came to Ogbona with his team and inspected Ukwue Ivhianaga and left for Fugar to search for suitable site too. He later settled for a site in Fugar (Ukwue Ulumhoghie). Some of the children born in Ogbona that period were named after Engr. Cockhead. In 1960, the Western Region Government sent a team of water resources personnel to Ogbona for Industrial borehole possible site. This team was headed by an Israeli Engineer, Engineer A.K.A COMEEHERE because he could not speak ENGLISH. He drilled a borehole at Ogbona in the compound of Eramha John Anasaikhi Odogbo. This Israeli Engineer “Comeehere” did a good job; he struck a good mass of water at a reasonable depth. This borehole project was to cost the Western Regional Government a sum of £165,000 pounds. It was to serve Ogbona, Iraokhor, Apana, Fugar and Aviodo villages. This borehole was to produce 75,000 gallons of water per hour, and the chemical analysis of the water was done and passed okay. Above was privileged information on this issue years ago, courtesy of some concerned Avhianwu citizens who tried in vain to arouse the interest of Admiral Okhai Mike Akhigbe on the project with the documents during the military government era. This project became abandoned after the Midwest Region opted out of the West through a plebiscite in August 1963. The Midwest Regional Government was not interested in the project. I believe this borehole is still very much alive and needs evaluation and resuscitation. SELF HELP EFFORTS BETWEEN 1965 AND LATE SEVENTIES As the housing in Ogbona changed from mud houses and grass roof to block houses and Zinc roof, people of Ogbona started building individual underground tanks in their respective houses – all aimed at solving the perennial water problem. The water collects in the underground tanks during the raining season for use throughout the year. DFRRI BOREHOLE Efforts of Dr. John Besiru Idode the then Director, DFFRI Bendel State gave Ogbona people their first sustainable borehole. This borehole was sunk at the watershed of “Ekhaebade”, it was meant to run all the year round before “local issues” started to affect it shortly after its commission in 1987 …. By Alfred Enetomhe Idode OGBONA WATER BOREHOLE & THE BROKEN JINX – JOHN ODIOR ANAWEOKHAI Until 1987 when Dr. J.B Idode in his capacity as The Director General of The Directorate for Food & Rural Infrastructure, a parastatal established by the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s administration, sank the first borehole in Ogbona, all preceding efforts in that direction proved abortive. The need to have easy and cost effective alternative source of water was a great concern to everybody because of the challenge water scarcity posed to the entire community especially during the dry seasons. The primary and nearest sources of water during dry seasons were the numerous streams that were contiguous to Ogbona lands, unfortunately, they were very far from the community. Getting water from any of the streams was not an easy task. Apart from the distance, there were other challenges that one had to brave on the way. As a matter of fact, no stream is less than 7 kilometers away from home and the hills that awaited one on the way was another story altogether. It was as if nature had conspired with an invincible hand through an ungentlemanly agreement to locate all the streams in rough and rugged terrains, all to the disadvantage of our people. There were Ekhaebade, Avhieda, Edaoghiator, Ukpuwaezi, Okokotoko, Aduegbegai, Olomhe ‘gbe and others. Though there were several of them, Ugbadeghie was arguably the most popular and patronized. Yes, Ugbadeghie. This is because Avhieda which was a stone throne from home was said to be very unreliable. It could barely serve three people at a time.  Ugbadeghie which is a bit closer, compare to Ekhabade, had a snag, its route is ridden with steep hills and deep valleys. Jerrycan is a latter-day occurrence as people happily made do with the calabash gourd. Sometimes on the way back, the calabash would develop leakages but all that needed to done was to get a broom stick from any available dried palm leaves and stuck it into the tiny hole and that was it. The worst thing that could happen to anyone then was to have the misfortune of a broken calabash and the resultant spill. Such victim would come

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BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL, COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CENTRE, OGBONA BY DR. FELIX ORBIH AND GILBERT ODIOR

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BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL, COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CENTRE, OGBONA, NOW CHIEF M.C.K ORBIH COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CENTRE, OGBONA BY DR. FELIX ORBIH AND GILBERT ODIOR It will be difficult to understand the relationship or connection between UBTH and this great educationist and worthy son of Ogbona without a peep into the political antecedent of the man Chief Michael Clement Kadiri ORBIH. Chief MCK equipped himself with a Grade iii Teachers Certificate in 1946, followed by Grade II Teachers’ Certificate in 1948 in the same institution -St John Bosco’s Teachers’ Training College, Ubiaja. He had a very rewarding Teaching career with many of the students who passed through his tutelage as their headmaster in Primary Schools or their Principal at the Blessed Martins Secondary Modern School, Jattu. Uzairue, are now old Professors and distinguished professionals in various fields of human endeavours.  He made his foray into politics in 1954 when he contested and won the election to  represent his Clan at the Etsako District Council at Auchi as headquarters, on the platform of the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroun (N.C.N.C)  Party, led by Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.  In 1957, he attended the Institute of Administration, Ahmadu Bello University. Zaria, where he obtained the Certificate in Local Government Administration. Towards the end of the British Colonial era, the Pre-Independence years (1956-1959), Chief MCK Orbih, acceding to the yearnings of his people, joined the Action Group (A.G) Party, under the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo from Ikenne, Western Region of Nigeria. In 1957, Chief Orbih was appointed a member of the Western Region’s Advisory Board of Education. On December 12, 1959, Chief MCK Orbih took the big plunge into the vast National political landscape. He contested and won the Federal Elicitation into the House of Representative in Lagos on the Platform of A.G Party, thus becoming the youngest Member of Parliament (M.P) in the House, at Nigeria’s Independence on October I, 1960.  For five years, he represented his people of Afenmai Constituency well.  From his brilliant contributions to debates on the floor of the House, he left no one in doubt that his main reason for being in politics was for the socio-economic development of his people and country.  In and outside Parliament, the young and ebullient Honourable MCK exhibited his attributes of a man of strong and selfless character and infectious amity. With the first Nigerian Military Coup that overthrew the civilian government of Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, on January 15, 1966, the political glamour of the First Republic was over and many politicians went underground while some fled the Country, but Chief Orbih like few others, and went back to his roots to continue his continue his private business among his people unmolested. After a long period of Military interregnum (from 1966, which included counter coups, change of governments, three years civil war and post- war reconstruction; the ban on political activities was lifted. Chief MCK Orbih became one of the founding Leaders of the National Party of Nigeria NPN)-one of the few new major political parties registered to contest elections for the Second Republic. The National Party of Nigeria, NPN presented Alhaji Shehu Shagari as its Presidential flag bearer while the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and the Nigeria’s Peoples Party (NPP) presented Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe respective flag bearers. A confident, courageous, an experienced political motivator, mobilizer and experienced organizer that he was, Chief Orbih decided to return to Parliament by contesting on the platform of NPN in the new elections scheduled for middle of 1979. MCK was fully aware he was going to run against his former Party its Flag bearer, then the Presidential flag bearer of the new Party UPN in the new political dispensation. As a well-known loyal and dedicated party leader, Chief Orbih with other leaders campaigned vigorously not only for his candidacy in his Constituency but also throughout the State for the NPN’s Gubernatorial and Presidential Flagbearers for the State and Country respectively. Election Day came. Voters, turnout was massive and impressive. Field report indicated that MCK. Obviously adjudged the most popular candidate, was coasting home to a very comfortable victory over his main opponent. The result from his constituency, which was awaited with keen interest was delayed for nearly 24 hours; by the time the results were announced the following day, the National Election Commission (NECO), declared MCK Orbih the “loser”, with their figures allegedly concocted by the known chief collating officer and chief returning officer from the area, to the chagrin and consternation of teeming NPN supporters who were spoiling for War. He told them to be peaceful and “leave things to God who knows best.” MCK would insist that Politics should not lead to the flow of human blood; if it does, it is no longer Politics but War! In the final analysis, Ambrose Ali, a Professor of Morbid Anatomy at University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).  won as the UPN Governor of Bendel State. Alhaji Shehu Shagari of the NPN, won the Presidency with very impressive showing against Chief Obafemi Awolowo, even in Bendel State. On October 1, 1979 Alhaji Shehu Shagari was sworn in as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in a handing-over ceremony by the Military Government of General Olusegun Obasanjo. Early in June 1980, the appointment of Chief MCK Orbih as Chairman of UBTH. Management Board was made, with others. The inauguration and first general meeting of the Boards of all the 10 Federal Teaching Hospitals at that time was held in Lagos under the Honourable Minister of Health in Lagos on 13th June 1980. In an official Congratulatory message to Chief MCK Orbih on his appointment, President Shehu Shagari, on 17th June 1980 wrote: “I feel particularly delighted to congratulate you on your appointment as Chairman of University of Benin Teaching Hospital. While you may not know it, your unsung attributes were more than sufficient to have secured you this responsible and demanding post. It was not

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Adams Trueman Ogbona Soccer Academy

Leave a Comment / Profiles of Some of Ogbona Men and Women /

Meet The man, Apostle Adams Abdulmuhamin Trueman Apostle Adams Abdulmuhamin Trueman, formerly; Suleiman Oshioke Adamu Yusuf, was born November 27, 1974 at the Military Barracks Kano. Parents: Mr. Abdul Adamu Yusuf, from the Oba Yusuf Royal family Agbede and Mrs. Baiketu Musa, also from Agbede Etsako West L. G. A. His late father lived in Ogbona in the mid/ late forties. Came into Ogbona with the first head master and was a good childhood friend of late chief M. C. K. Orbih and the former commissioner of police, Chief J. Oshiomhogho. Mr. Abdul Adamu Yusuf nick name was Barbarossa. He served in the Nigerian Army from 1957 and retired in 1979. Schools attended: Army Children School New Cantonments C. Kaduna. Rimi college Ungwarimi Kaduna. Government College Kaduna. College of Applied Business studies Kaduna Polytechnic Kaduna. Diploma in Theology. Northern Nigerian Bible School, Saminaka Kaduna. Certificate. From Project Philip Missions U.S.A. Diploma. Clinical Pastoral counselling. Radio School of the Bible. Via- Correspondence. Certificate. Advance Leadership Training course. Haggai Institute. U. S. A. Ex-professional footballer, with Azecole Division 3, Federal Republic du Benin, Fc. Lyon’s France. He is an Oriented Engineer. Social worker, Author, Entrepreneur, Preacher, Missionary and Teacher. Married to Evangelist, Joyce Itsoya Trueman. The daughter of Hajiah Muniretu Anetekhai of Okotor quarters Ogbona. The marriage took place on June 26. 2010 at The Gospel Ministries International Ogbona. They are blessed with Three wonderful kids. Annabelle Onotse Trueman. Aaron Oghie Trueman and Adriel Oshiokhayemene Trueman. He is the second non-indigenous resident minister at Ogbona after serving 16 years and counting, but have enjoyed the sweet privilege of being member of this great land by marriage. The Ogbona of my late father’s tales was of a people geographical and strategically positioned by heaven in Avhianwu clan and Etsako land to provide exemplary leadership, and traditional guidance. Adams is also serving exco in the Ogbona chapter of Etsako Central and Edo North CAN {Christian Association of Nigeria}. And also, an executive member of NAPS {Nigeria Association of Private School Owner’s) and now arson. All private school owners of Nigeria Edo North Etsako central chapter. Contributions to Ogbona community Have been privileged to single handedly champion the course of building descent place of worship for God’s people. And have also served as vice principal Monica group of schools. Iraokhor. Heritage Standard school, Ogbona and Blessed Sylatral group schools Fugar. He is the proprietor of the Gospel mission academy Okotor quarters, Ogbona. The only private school college left. Director at A/T Ogbona soccer academy and have via my defunct foundation aided young people to realised their academic dreams and also supported them financially to achieve their various trade establishments. He participates fully in the annual Ogbona Liberation program. Being among the very first group of ministers of the Gospel to anchor the first program. After 16 years I don’t see myself or children having any other home than Ogbona and I have a lot of great plans for the community which I am working on. I intend to open an orphanage soon and also a clinic. And the legacy I wish to be remembered for is youth empowerment and catalyst for community development. Well my football nick name was Dino. And I speak more of Hausa, English and French, just really began to catch up with my Etsako tongue. I got converted to Christianity on the 6th Of April 1999 at Pillar of Truth Church Rukuba road Jos, Plateau state. Adams Trueman Ogbona Soccer Academy A/T Ogbona soccer academy was inaugurated on the 27th of June, 2015 by Apostle Adams Abdulmuhamin Trueman, the resident, presiding pastor of The Gospel Ministries International Ogbona branch.  Apostle Adams Trueman is a Muslim pro stylite and an ex professional. The main aim of A/T, is to harness young talents, curb criminality and engage the youths in a global business that requires them putting off violence and to become; disciplined, dedicated and determined to succeed. We are the current defending champions in Etsako land, haven won the prestigious Akpogu cup. Hosted by Hon. John Akhigbe. Also, we have participated in the annual Mike Okhai Akhigbe cup, Edo state, non-division league one competition, Ambrose Ali annual memorial cup competition, Pastor Azeme Azena cup competition, Fan’s competition and we hosted our own competition in Ogbona and won. 3 of our boys have successfully obtained the international passport and would have traveled out last December but for financial reasons. We train Monday’s to Friday’s then attend class on Saturdays. For now, we sponsor ourselves by tasking and other means and we must not forget to announce our gratitude to his Royal Majesty High Chief Jackson Etokhana for supporting us with his bus throughout our journeys for the State league. And his Royal Highness Chief Williams Uloko Idode for his continual support. The academy is divided into four. A team. Our first eleven best players and substitutes. B. Alternative players. Feda team. Under 13-16. Female team. Made up of just girls from Ogbona and Iraokhor. Most of all team’s members are from Ogbona. We were also able to secure the Ogbona community Senior Secondary School field for our training ground with the help of chief Akpaibor and Mr. Julius Amhanesi. After obtaining a letter from the Edo state football Association which we are affiliated and also to the Edo state coaches’ association Edo north Auchi chapter.  

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HISTORY OF OGBONA COMMUNITY SECONDARY SCHOOL, OGBONNA BY ALFRED IDODE AND JOHN ANAWEOKHAI

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  HISTORY OF OGBONA COMMUNITY SECONDARY SCHOOL, OGBONNA BY ALFRED IDODE AND JOHN ANAWEOKHAI Ogbona Community Secondary School was one of the projects solely conceived, funded and established by Ogbona Imhakhena Federated Union. The school started out as Ogbona Community Secondary School but later the word community was dropped from its name. The school is now referred to as OGBONA SECONDARY SCHOOL, OGBONNA 4TH OGBONA IMHAKHENA FEDERATED UNION CONFERENCE 1978 At the 4th conference held at the Imhakhena Primary School, Ogbona March 25th-26th 1978, serious discussions were held on the government requirements for establishing a secondary school: – Name, Site, Number of classroom blocks and many other preliminary arrangements that would quicken government approval for secondary school. After a thorough discussion on the issue, the conference unanimously agreed that since money would be needed to achieve any stage of the project, it should be wise to think of how and where to get the funds first. Decisions arrived at were: – Imposition of a grammar school levy on all Ogbona sons/daughters home and abroad. OIFU Lagos branch was mandated to work out a tabulated, convenient and meaningful levy to get started on the project. That defaulters would be denied access to performing, Okhei, marriage and burial ceremonies at Ogbona. Set up a committee at Ogbona to sanction defaulters etc. 5TH OGBONA IMHAKHENA FEDERATED UNION CONFERENCE 1979 November 11, 1979 another conference was held at Ogbona Imhakhena primary school to ratify the proposed Grammar School levy for Home and abroad. GRAMMAR SCHOOL LEVY FOR ABROAD Was already circulated by Lagos to branches and individuals since 28th April 1978 (see enclosures) GRAMMAR SCHOOL LEVY – HOME Was fixed as follows Every taxable adult and from the age group of Ifaorumhe (Obotsemeghie Age group) down to the youngest, should pay Men         –  Nl5 Women – N10 (From same age group) since the home   people were to be involved in direct labour of the project. GRAMMAR SCHOOL FUND BOARD OF TRUSTEES A three-man board of Trustees was then approved and appointed to operate and manage the grammar school fund. Chairman – Chief V.A Omadimhe, Treasurer-Mr. P.A Obeakemhe and Secretary – Mr. P.S.  Eleta Resolutions to enable board of trustees operate an account with the Barclays Bank, Auchi, (now Union Bank) were to be drawn up by OIFU, Lagos. OIFU, Auchi reported that the SCHOOL PROJECT RECEIPTS had been printed and ready for distribution to branches nationwide. REPORT ON THE PROPOSED GRAMMAR SCHOOL Chief (Hon) M.C.K Orbih reported that the site of the proposed Grammar School had been surveyed, inspected and declared okay by the health officials while mounting pressure for an early approval. Chief V.A. Omadimhe demanded to know what happened to the second suggested site on Ogbona – Fugar Road (Abughievhaegbe). Ogbona-Fugar Road suggested site was disapproved by Health Officials. LAUNCHING AND FUND RAISING 1980: – OIFU LAGOS was mandated to fix a suitable day for launching/fund raising for 1980. A successful launching and fund raising was organized at Ogbona under the chairmanship of Chief (Hon.) M. C. K Orbih. Some of the Highlights of the fund-raising events 1980: – His Excellency Demas Akpore, Deputy   Governor   of   Bendel State promised   Govt. support and cooperation with community Chief M.C.K Orbih N1,000 Chief (Alhaji) Inu Umoru N2,500 Chief K.O Abiola N 5,000 – A chieftain of NPN (Highest Individual Donor) Admiral Mike Okhai Akhigbe’s friends N19,500 – Represented by Mrs. (DR.) J. Akhigbe (Highest group donation). Major Francis Atsegwasi N500 Chief Tom Otsu N500 A. B .C Momodu N500 John Idode N100 Gregory Enegwea N100 Bernard Orbih. 100 bags of cement and 20 bundles of zinc – Quantify in monetary term at the time N450 Chief J.A. Odalumhe supervised and superintended everything and every work done in the school. His contributions cannot be quantified in monetary terms. Many other donors /contributors who made their contributions in cash and in kind to the successful completion of the great Ogbona Community Grammar School. God bless and reward you all richly in the Name of Jesus. Amen. By: Alfred Enetomhe Idode   THE FOUNDING OF OGBONA SECONDARY SCHOOL Until 1979 all Ogbona sons and daughters must attend post primary school outside of Ogbona, all efforts to get a secondary school for the community proved abortive but as fate would have it, Chief T. A. Osigbemhe became the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education. With Ogbona man close to the seat of power, it became easier to create a synergy and channel all the concerns through him to the appropriate authority for quick and positive response. Naturally, the onerous task of drafting a strongly worded letter, pleading Ogbona case fell within the purview of Ogbona community in Benin which was chaired by Chief Vital Anaweokhai, and they rose to the occasion and indeed wrote a petition to the ministry of education and within the shortest possible time, there was a response with the request for a 200 hectares of land that included plan for future development .Very quickly, Chief M.C.K Orbih and Chief Odalumhe leveraged their good standing in the community to talk the land owners into giving out an expanse of land that almost doubled the size of the official requirement. Eventually, the land was secured, and work commenced in earnest with a six-class room and staff room structures. True to type, Ogbona people never saw it as a government project, but an opportunity to contribute individually and collectively to the development of their community. Every adult, both male and female were levied a certain amount each. The money was levied through the age grade structure thus making it almost impossible to beat payment. All bricklayers and carpenters donated their skills pro bono daily. Each age group was tasked with the responsibility of providing menial labour, including women. It was a project that signposted the limitless height that is attainable with a clear and well- defined singleness of purpose. All the various family and Imhakhena unions in all the major cities across Nigeria were also levied

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HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS Chief Willy Uloko Idode on page 32 of Today 7/1/2018, Sunday Guardian Newspaper

Leave a Comment / Palace of Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona /

The Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS Chief Willy Uloko Idode on page 32 of Today 7/1/2018, Sunday Guardian Newspaper Though we are mainly farmers, we love making music and melody in Ogbona Chief Willy Uloko Idode, The Okphe Ukpi Of Ogbonaland ­­­- HRH Chief Willy Uloko Idode, The Okphe Ukpi of Ogbonaland Ogbona is a busy and rusty town founded about 1892 in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. The town is one of the agro-based communities in Edo State, where yam, groundnut, maize, cassava and cashew nuts are farmed in commercial quantity. However, despite being one of the state’s food baskets, Ogbona is mostly known for constantly producing top-rate musicians in and around Edo. These musicians, known for their rich melody, philosophical composition, rhythms and emotional music, are yet to be matched in that area. For instance, from the early 1960s to the late 1970s, an Ogbona son with the stage name, General Bolivia Osigbemhe, now of blessed memory, ruled the airwaves in Etsako and the former Bendel State, the present-day Edo and Delta States. Fifty-eight years after General Bolivia produced his first album, his music still evokes lots of emotions and nostalgia among Edo people, especially those from Etsakoland and its environs. Almost 30 years after Osigbemhe’s demise, such music giants as King Benjamin Igbadumhe, one of the late musician’s backup singers and lead guitarist, through hard work and consistency, has effectively stepped into the big shoes the music general left behind. King Benji, aka “Okeke” has effectively assumed the musical mantle from his former boss. Also contending for the musical crown in Etsakoland is one of the sons of General Osigbemhe known as “Young Bolivia Osigbemhe.” Over the years, he has also made his mark on Etsako and Edo musical scene. Recently, Palace Watch met the soft-spoken Okphe Ukpi of Ogbonaland, His Royal Majesty Chief Willy Uloko Idode, and the following interview took place: How come Ogbona people, who are mostly farmers, are better known today for their exploits on the Nigerian music scene? This should not be strange to anybody familiar with our history as a people. We are all musicians and music composers in and around my area. But before I go into details of why we produce great musicians in Ogbona, I would want to give you a brief history of Ogbona people. Ogbona was founded by Imhakhena, one of the four large communities that make up the Avhianwu clan. The town is one of the clans in Avhianwu in Etsako land in Edo State. Our people are mainly farmers. We farm such crops as cassava, groundnut, maize, yam, cashew nuts and palm oil in a very large commercial quantity. But as a loving people, who are generally hospitable and live peacefully with all their neighbours, we use our spare time or leisure time, to entertain guests. Ogbona people are generally actively involved in melody making in the evening, when we return home from our farms. Whenever we have feasts to celebrate after farm work has been done, we gather together to make music. Our grandparents were much involved in the act of entertainment so much so that, while growing up, music became part and parcel of our daily lifestyle. Today, we have days and special ceremonies, when music is the main focus of how we entertain ourselves. In such events as age grades, music, singing and dancing are the dominant factors. Our people are so much involved in melody and music making during such events that it is now a great thing of pride for every home and quarter in and around Ogbona to produce quality music composers and music makers. For example, we have such groups as ‘Erue’ and ‘Ijuege’ comprising men and women. ‘Aigbi’ is a group made up of old men and women. ‘Uke’ is another group made up of mostly women, but with the men playing drums and other instruments there. In all these groups, men and women make music with which they entertain our people. When masquerades make appearances in public, music and dance is one of the ways with which they entertain guests. So, in everything we do, music plays a dominant role. Therefore, it is a thing of great challenge and pride to our people to make music and compositions depicting events as they happen in and around our society. From this picture, it becomes clear that most of our people grew up with music, love and play music. But despite the tremendous progress or impact our children have made in that industry, the majority of the people are not living on music. It is from agriculture that we get our livelihood. We are, therefore, one of the leading food producing communities in Etsakoland in particular, and Edo State in general. The reason we became known for music and melody-making is that, as we were growing up, one must belong to a musical group. So, knowing the strengths and weaknesses of my people, I have, therefore, continued to encourage them to come out with the best in then. Since 1965, I thank the Lord that I am the first king to be generally accepted by the entire people of Ogbona kingdom. In view of this, there is a strong bond of unity among all the quarters in Ogbonaland. And for easy administration during my reign, we have decided to divide Ogbona kingdom into eight manageable quarters. So, today, the following villages make up the kingdom: Ivhiobore, Ivhiosano, Ivhitse, Ivhiobere (Ivhiatso), Ivhiorevho, Ivhioroke, Ivhianaga (Ivhioverah & Ivhiulaghua), Ivhiozima villages So, what steps are you taking to ensure that your people move from subsistence farming to mechanised agriculture, especially now that the government’s policies favour modernised farming? Farming is not our main occupation; it is also a tradition here, because no matter what you are doing, you must also have a farm. I must confess that in spite of all past and present governments’ propaganda about farming, we have never got any form

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Ogbona Elites Forum 2017 Score Card

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Ogbona Elites Forum 2017 Score Card The Board and Executives of Ogbona Elites Forum (Admin) wishes to say thank to all our members. We are very grateful for believing in us and also helping to accomplish our programs. For a very young Forum, OEF achieved many things in 2017, among which are: 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 a million 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 their 2017 annual dues.

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Chief Dan Osi Orbih Empowerment Program for Ogbona Community

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Chief Dan Osi Orbih Empowerment Program for Ogbona Community In 2013 Chief Dan Osi Orbih gave out 20 Motorcycles to Ogbona youths and N50,000 to several persons each to start their own business as part of his empowerment program. In 2017, one of the recipients came back to thank him for the 2013 bike. The young man said he has used the proceeds of the Bike work to build his own house and has moved in with his family. This testimony encouraged Chief Dan Osi Orbih to do another empowerment program on December 27th, 2017 at Ogbona. This time around, he gave out 12 motorcycles, 8 Sewing Machines, 12 Grinding Machines and 1 generator. Ten (10) Bikes were distributed to youths in the various quarters of Ogbona, one bike to the Okphe Ukpi palace for messages and one bike to the vigilante group for quick response We encourage all the recipients to utilize their gifts to improve themselves and those around them. We hope to receive more testimonies like the one above Ogbona Elites Forum salutes Chief Dan Osi Orbih  

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ORE OKHIYIE (Ore Okhiyie means I HAVE COME AND I WON’T GO BACK, IMMORTALITY)

Leave a Comment / History and Culture of Ogbona /

ORE OKHIYIE (Ore Okhiyie means I HAVE COME AND I WON’T GO BACK, IMMORTALITY) One mystery that has defiled logic and historical account is the totemic Ore Okhiyie tree. No one has anything concrete about the history of the tree. Its history is intertwined with that of Ogbona. In fact, from oral tradition, the tree predates the history of Imhakhena, the founder of Ogbona. Oral tradition has it that upon arrival from Fugar circa the 14th century, Imhakhena was enthralled by the magnificent tree and its dark green leaves. He could not help but sort cover under its alluring shade. There have been two theories about the tree, firstly, it’s meaning. Ore Okhiyie means I HAVE COME AND I WON’T GO BACK, IMMORTALITY. The one that will live forever. There have been several postulations about who claimed immortality between Imhakhena and the tree. Imhakhena was known to be under immense pressure from his family, especially the mother, Alokoko to return home to Fugar having been pissed up with his brothers’ indolence. Imhakhena was said to be very defiant and uncompromising. He was said to have told them point blank that he would never go back, and he never did. It is also being sponsored in some quarters that the trees earned the name of immortality because of its longevity. Either way, both of have remained immortals, physically and spiritually. The second argument centers on the plausibility of the claim of immortality. Proponents of this school of thought are of the view that the real Ore Okhiyie died a long time ago and that what is seen green on the withered trunk is a latter day leguminous tree that came up accidentally very close to the base of the real tree. The actual state of things seems to give credence to this position as Ore Okhiyie seems to be made up of two trees. Then, nobody can say with precision when the leguminous tree engulfed the real Ore Okhiyie tree. Needless to say that any attempt to deconstruct the phenomenal Ore Okhiyie is as difficult and confusing as  St Augustine’s attempt to explain the mystery of the trinity of Godhead. One clear and indisputable fact about the tree is that it is not like any other tree seen anywhere else in the world. It has no known specie of any kind. It is not Obechie, Iroko or mahogany. It is a tall tree with big trunks. Parts of the roots are visible. No Ogbona child has  to be taught about the mysteries of the tree and the special place it occupies in the history of the community. No child, however stubborn, has ever dared to climb the tree. It is at the center of the Community and important meetings and events are held under its shade. As one grows up, he comes across the tree and he’s stuck by its awe and wonder. No matter how strong will one might pretend to be, the chipping sounds of birds would soon arouse his curiosity. However, whatever one says about Oreokhiye is just an academic exercise that cannot be verified. Nonetheless, if one is not fascinated by the great tree and its dark green leaves, the eerie feeling one gets as he approaches it, breaks one’s walls of defense.

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UKPE NOKHUA (ONYE KHAKHA) BY JOHN ANAWEOKHAI AND GILBERT ODIOR

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UKPE NOKHUA (ONYE KHAKHA) BY JOHN ANAWEOKHAI AND GILBERT ODIOR One distinctive, enduring and appreciable quality about Ogbona, nay Avhianwu tradition, is the recognition given to women of virtue. Such honour is never bought or influenced by whatever means but justly earned. Whoever is conferred with such honour occupies a special position in the comity of women. One of the basis upon which such honour is earned is through the performance of UKPE NOKHUA rite. As the name implies, it is rare event that is celebrated with rolled out drums. A woman who has lived very well with her husband and his family, would want to entrench herself permanently in the family. With the performance of UKPE NOKHUA rite, her position in her husband’s family becomes non-negotiable and cemented forever. She can never be forced out of the family. Nothing under the sun can chase her out of her matrimonial home. This perhaps, informs the rareness of the event and the age advancement of women who perform it. Any woman who so desires, carves a special chair with which she sits down all the time. A special stool with slight resemblance of UKPI is also carved. On the day of the event, her first son carries it on her head, thus becoming the leader of the long precession. If she is not blessed with a male child, the first daughter takes up the responsibility. A lot of efforts, time and money go into UKPE NOKHUA rite. Anything edible is cooked on that day. It is customary for one to reach out to her well-wishers not necessary to give her money but to prepare whatever they can as support for the event. No matter how well one is supported, the main meal, AKHE of Egusi soup and pounded yam must be personally prepare and presented by the rite performer. The Egusi soup is brought in big open earth pot. Well-wishers may support with any other food, the preparation and presentation of the main AKHE remains the exclusive task of the woman desirous of such honour. This refer to in the local palace as “Onye khakha”. With everything in place, the woman comes out in her native hand-woven wrapper of IGBOGANE with IDIBIE tattoos all over hand body. She also wears ASAMHA, elephant tusk on her legs. She is qualified to wear UGBAGHO, blue coral bead too. She moves majestically behind her first son with other well-wishers and all food carriers behind her in the long procession around the village. She is free to include any amount of money and present all to her husband and the entire family. UKPE NOKHUA can better be appreciated when situated in the context of OKHEI. In fact, it is the female equivalence of OKHEI with which the woman becomes an unofficial chief. List of women that have performed the ceremony in Ogbona in recent past: Omhonaya Edogamhe Omhonaya Ibrama (Aeroplane) Christiana Amina Erua Anabor Comfort Abakhue Atsegwasi Asabi Imhana Odior Angelina Nasamu Odior Theresa Uworati Anabor Martha Itsefia Orbih Alice Ibra Ogah Janet Azaigbor Alfred Enetomhe IDODE: This is a brilliant piece!!! In my opinion,there is NO BASIS to compare it to OKHE title holders, in fact it is higher than Okhe.It is equivalent to an Okhe title holder who has. performed the version of UGBO_EMA stage of Okhe title which admits holders to AVIANWU MEN’S ROLL OF HONOUR. UKPE NOKHUA title for women in Avianwu, admits them into Avianwu Women Roll Call of Honour. It is an EXCLUSIVE Club for women who have achieved in Avianwu and every Rite performer earns the title of ONYE_KHA_KHA,(Great Cook For Nation!!!)IT’S AN OFFICIAL TITLE PLEASE!!!! Both titles for men and women in Avianwu are achieved as a result of share determination and HARD Work!!! By Alfred Enetomhe IDODE.  

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