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

Leave a Comment / Ogbona Elites Forum /

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

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THE 2019 MEDICAL OUTREACH PLANS

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

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

Leave a Comment / History and Culture of Ogbona /

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

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Ogbona Community plans musical extravaganza — HRH Chief Willy Uloko Idode

Leave a Comment / Palace of Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona /

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

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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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REPORT OF THE FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH OF OGBONA ELITES FORUM

1 Comment / Ogbona Elites Forum /

FINAL REPORT OF THE FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH OF OGBONA ELITES FORUM HELD AT MCK ORBIH HEALTH CENTRE, OGBONA FROM 1ST TO 3RD SEPTEMBER 2018   SUMMARY Ogbona Elites Forum organized a 3-day medical outreach to Ogbona Community and environ from September 01 to 03, 2018. Over 3,000 people from Ogbona and surrounding villages were at the MCK Orbih Comprehensive Health Centre daily for the free medical programs. Below is a summarized list of cases completed during the medical outreach. Dental treatment 113 Eye surgeries 42 General and Gynecological surgeries 80 ECG done on Patients 25 Eye drugs given 575 Eye glasses given 700 Dental drugs given 409 GOPD (CHILDREN, ELDERLY, HYPERTENSIVE, DIABETES., MALARIA, TYPHOID, UTI, URTI, etc.) with drugs given at PHARMACY 2,400 and LAB TEST PERFORMED 496   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. Dako Foundation for Rural Health Care & Education 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   Ogbona Medical Outreach Training 1: CPR TRAINING: 33 persons trained. 2: 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. 3: ACLS: This could not hold. No time.   Background The idea of a free medical outreach in Ogbona originated from Moses Itsuokor in April 2017 when he suggested that a letter be written to JC International to include Ogbona in their Medical Outreach plan. At the end, Moses Itsuokor and Peter Aigba were designated to follow up with JC international. As this was taking time to materialize, Dr. Benedict Itsuokor came up with his own idea of a medical mission to Ogbona that eventually gave rise to the one held in September 2018. Dr Ben Itsuokor deserves all the encomiums for translating our dream of a medical outreach into reality. Providence, no doubt, will ever be kind to him for the kind gesture. As soon as Dr. Ben Itsuokor fixed the date for program, members of the health committee made up of Philip Ogedegbe (lead), Dr. Paulinus Abu, Catherine Asapokhai, Christopher Asapokhai, Peter Aigba, John Anaweokhai, Stella Mode, Augustine Mode, Bernard Ikhane, Gilbert Odior, Dr. Felix Orbih, Vital Ilega, Moses Kadeer Itsuokor, Pastor Mrs. Julie Inu Umoru and Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona, Chief Willy Uloko Idode went to work. Activities for the program were compartmentalized into two different but integrated fronts. While one was being coordinated from Europe, the other was locally coordinated. As expected, it was not easy getting everything to jell. As fate, would have it, the idea to have a plan B to mitigate the possible effects of any eventuality was muted and the committee bought into it, crystallized it into fund generation, and at the end, over three million (3,000,000.00) naira was realized from both OEF members and non-members.   A day before the commencement of the event, a meeting was held in the OEF President’s house, to review our readiness for the outreach. In attendance were Gilbert Odior, Dr. Felix Orbih, John Anaweokhai, Dr Paulinus Abu, Philip Ogedegbe, Bernard Ikhane, Stella Mode, Augustine Mode and His Royal Highness, Chief Willy Idode. The event was previewed, new roles were assigned and loose ends were tied up. We collectively went to the health centre to see things for ourselves. It was discovered that a lot of awareness and sensitization about the event had been created with everyone waiting for us to deliver. Luckily enough, The Okphe Ukpi had organized and mobilized the youth of Ogbona to tidy up and fumigate the entire hospital buildings and the surroundings. Of course, available offices were designated and properly labeled in readiness for the medical outreach program kickoff. The Local Government Chairman, Mr. John Osi Akhigbe also visited to see for himself the extent of preparation.   As expected, things were a bit lethargic on the first day of the event but straightened out shortly. Makurdi team had arrived the previous day. They soon swung into action at about 9:30 am. Drugs were a major concern as Peter Aigba had to practically stayed awake all night to monitor the movement of the vehicle that conveyed them from Lagos. Though a bit late, the drugs arrived safely and were taken to the pharmacy department.   At about 1pm, the Europe team led by Dr. Benedict Itsuokor arrived. As appropriate, Dr. Ben’s arrival ushered in our planned one-hour opening ceremony. In attendance were The Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona, Chief Willy Idode who also doubled as the chairman of the occasion, The Okphe Ukpi of Iraokhor Chief Ilogho and other palace Chiefs from Ogbona. Also, in attendance was the Chairman Etsako Local Govt Council; Mr. John Osi Akhigbe, who was accompanied by his leadership team. Men and women of the news media as well as the cream of the society.   The Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona, Chief Willy Idode, The OEF President, Mr. Gilbert Odior, Dr. Benedict Itsuokor and Mr. John Osi Akhigbe all gave their welcome addresses and short speech respectively. Phillip Ogedegbe gave the vote of thanks and John Anaweokhai was the master of the ceremony. After all the speeches, guests were given a taste of the reach culture and tradition of Ogbona in its raw and undiluted form as they were entertained by the unified Agbi dance band and Amhi troupe. It was a colorful display that left all asking for more. The

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REPORT OF THE CAREER AND SEMINAR PROGRAMS HELD ON 12TH & 13TH JULY, 2018 AT OGBONA

Leave a Comment / Education /

REPORT OF THE CAREER AND SEMINAR PROGRAMS HELD ON 12TH & 13TH JULY, 2018 AT OGBONA. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT 2018 Ogbona Elites Forum (OEF) Annual Career Day & Seminar for Students and Teachers at Ogbona Date:  12th & 13th July, 2018. Venues: Ogbona Secondary School & Imhakhena Primary School  Title: ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS, A SURE WAY TO GREATER FUTURE KEYNOTE ADDRESS: POVERTY, A COWARD IN THE FACE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS – Prof Egwakhe, A. Johnson OTHER SPEAKERS. Halifo Yacop: Financial Literacy for a Secured Future by Ken Odior Mrs. Lade Akpa: Training the Trainer (Effective Teaching and Classroom Management for Primary and Secondary School Teachers) Bernard Ikhane: Vocational Interest & Inventory Blackman Aigbiremolen: Learning Skills for the 21st Century Student Clarita Panuel-Egwakhe: The Teenage Girl & Her Glorious Future. John Odior Anaweokhai: Boy, Know Thyself Co-coordinators Bernard Kasim Ikhane, John Odior Anaweokhai and Peter Aigba In accordance with the term of reference given to the Career And Seminar Committee to organize annual training and seminar events for both the primary and secondary schools teachers on one hand and the secondary school students on the other, the committee made up of Bernard Ikhane, Johnson Egwakhe, Peter Aigba, John Anaweokhai, Taye Anavhe, set out early April this year to achieve the given objective by liaising with the school authorities to fix the 12th and 13th of July 2018 for the events. ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS, A SURE WAY TO GREATER FUTURE was chosen as the main theme for the program. The primary objectives of the program were to expose the students to career choices, develop their entrepreneurial skills and give them a better orientation about the concept of money, its importance, how it can be acquired and better managed. The teachers were also to have their teaching skills sharpened to meet up with the challenges of the ever dynamic world of academics. By Wednesday 11th July, 2018 all the coordinators made up of Bernard Ikhane, Johnson Egwakhe, Peter Aigba and John Anaweokhai were at home to ensure everything was in place for the program. On Thursday 12th July, 2018 at 9:30 am, all the students were gathered on the assembly ground where Prof. Johnson Egwakhe and John Anaweokhai addressed the them. They were quick to observe the great transformation that had taken place as noticeably displayed by the student’s appearance, comportment, civility and teachability. They could not help but ask them to clap for themselves. They got more than they bargained for when they asked the students to file into the hall prepared for the event. It was as if they were in a place different from where we were last year. At the end, we had to painfully excused the JSS1 and JSS2 students. Prof. Johnson Egwakhe took the keynote address and was ably assisted with the projector by his wife, Mrs. Clarita Panuel Egwakhe. The second Lecture titled FINANCIAL LITERACY was also taken by Prof. Egwakhe after career inventory interest form administration. Mr. Bernard Ikhane who had earlier trained the teachers on how to administer the carrier inventory interest form, was joined by the teachers to administer the form on the students. Mr. Ikhane and I later joined our The Board of Trustees Chairperson, Pastor Mrs. Julie Inu Umoru to The Palace of The Okphe Ukpi to present, books, learning material worth about half a million naira, #500,000 to the 3 Primary Schools in Ogbona. We got the through for the day at about 2:30pm Event of Thursday 13th July were kicked off by Mr. Blackman, one of the consultants who taught the students the basic skills in learning such as how to avoid distraction, eliminate fear and how to get the best out of every reading exercise. He held the students spell-bound until Dr. Lade Akpa and Mrs. Clarita Panuel Egwakhe took turns to engage the girls on the topic: THE TEENAGE GIRL & HER GLORIOUS FUTURE. Both of them did a good job with the excitement, singing amidst clapping by the students in appreciation. Peter Aigba and I took turn too to talk to the boys on the danger of wasting and investing time in non-profitable ventures. The Topic was: BOY, KNOW THYSELF At about 12:30 pm that day, the primary school teachers joined their secondary school counterparts for their training. Dr Mrs. Lade Akpa and Mr. Bernard Ikhane also took turn to train the teachers. The Okphe Ukpi came later in the afternoon to see things for himself. A total of 43 teachers made up of the following attended the program Patience Akhamiemhona, Amy Aseghiemhe, Lucky Isorai, Angela Osigwe,, Thomas Aseghiemhe, Patience Odion, Roseline Ihonde, Liveth Odia, Esther Akhaine, Janet Saliu, E.O Aruokhai, E.I Enamhegbai, C.M Idris, S.O Orbih, B.Z Aliu, H.O Ikhane, B.I Ikhaghu, O.G Okhimamhe, Joan Ayalomhe, M.O Omomoh, M.I Damissah, F.N Obemeata, S.A Idode, E.A Izibiri, Jenifer Aliu, Friday Ilega, Syvester Irene, Oghenerukwme Ukpeuwru, Stephen Ozemota, Victoria Anugoba, Christy Oputeh, George Itsisor, O.Z Bada, Taye Peace Bamidele, Esther Itsuokor, Stella Aliu, Angela Oni, Caleb Idikhumhi, Ferdinand Umole, Idris Omodibo, O.M Agunu and Isaac Oghale.   FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS This year’s program clearly shows that our previous effort in this direction has been a worthwhile investment. There is considerable transformation in the student’s attitude to learning as they appear with no trace of the hitherto lackluster mindset approach to learning. Again, all the teachers attested to the positive impacts of the previous program on them in particular and the students by extension. Once again, the problem of absence of a hall with enough space to contain all the students came to the fore. The school needs a bigger hall than what they have right now. #393,040 was budgeted for the career and seminar program. Attached is the breakdown of the budget. At the end there was a balance of NGN10,100. In conclusion, I want to submit the program is a well-conceived one that needs to be sustained for the betterment of the students and the teachers in particular and our community in general. I want to appreciate everyone

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