admin

The Descendants of Anwu and the Descendants of Imhakhena

The Descendants of Anwu and the Descendants of Imhakhena Anwu married a woman called Aleukoko for whom he had seven children. Unone, Arua, Egwienabor, Okpolimhi, Adaesor (Adachi) Iraokhor and Imhakhena. Imhakhena migrated to the present-day Ogbona. At that time, the present locale was a thick forest suitable for hunting and farming. Imhakhena had two children, Okhua and Omiorele. Neither the oral tradition nor the written records mentioned any other children before or after these two children. Omiorele was the father of Osua and Anaga, and Osua was the father of Oroke and Ozima, while Anaga was the father of Uluagwa and Overa. Okhua was the father of Oche and Udo and Udo was the father of Etso and Obiri, while Ochie was the father of Orevhor, Itse, Osano, and Obore. These children and grandchildren of Imhakhena are the great patriarchs and fathers of the present-day kindred of Ogbona  

The Descendants of Anwu and the Descendants of Imhakhena Read More »

Ogbona: Where Community Spirit Meets Cultural Excellence By Gilbert Odior

Ogbona: Where Community Spirit Meets Cultural Excellence By Gilbert Odior Nestled in the heart of Edo State, Ogbona is a vibrant agro-based community, celebrated for its lush farms and rich cultural heritage. This documentary weaves together the intricate tapestry of Ogbona’s identity, showcasing its people, traditions, and achievements. The Fabric of Ogbona: The Melody, Our Land and Our Home – Dynamic dance and music – Diverse culture and customs – Resilient people and community spirit – Delicious local cuisine – Joyful festivals and celebrations A Legacy of Self-Help Ogbona’s community-driven initiatives have transformed the lives of its residents: – Construction Of Ogbona Secondary School – Electricity Provision And Infrastructure – Roads Construction And Tarring – Building Of a Modern Market – Police Station Construction – Clean Water Supply These collective efforts demonstrate Ogbona’s commitment to improving living conditions and supporting neighboring communities. A Story Worth Telling This documentary is an initial attempt to chronicle Ogbona’s journey, preserving its history and heritage for generations to come. While not exhaustive, it lays the foundation for future documentation. Conclusion Ogbona’s true essence lies in its harmonious blend of tradition, community spirit, and progress. This documentary proudly showcases the Ogbona story, inspiring pride and unity among its people. Acknowledgement: The Ogbona Documentary Team acknowledges the limitations of this initial report, which is constrained by the Availability of information and Accessibility of images Note that: •⁠ ⁠Images and individuals featured are not arranged in order of importance •⁠ ⁠This documentation is a starting point for the Ogbona community’s story Future editions will aim to provide a more comprehensive representation of Ogbona’s rich history, culture, and achievements. Thank you to Age Vision Network led by George Emoabino Agbayekhai, all contributors and stakeholders for this project.

Ogbona: Where Community Spirit Meets Cultural Excellence By Gilbert Odior Read More »

Free Medical Outreach Report: A Beacon of Hope for Ogbona Community

Dear Esteemed Ogbona Community Members, We are pleased to share with you a summary report of the 3rd Ogbona Elites Forum Free Medical Outreach (attached). This report highlights: – Generous donations received from our supporters – Program expenditures – Medical ailments treated and patients assisted We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support, which has made a significant impact on our community members’ lives by providing access to essential medical care. Please note that due to security challenges, our medical team from Makurdi was unable to join us, and we were unable to perform eye surgeries, distribute glasses, or handle dental cases. This unforeseen circumstance resulted in a surplus in our budget. Thank you again for your kindness and commitment to our community’s well-being. We look forward to future collaborations and continuing to make a positive difference together. Best regards, Gilbert Odior President, Ogbona Elites Forum Free Medical Outreach Report: A Beacon of Hope for Ogbona Community The Ogbona Elites Forum recently hosted a 3-day medical outreach program at the MCK Orbih Comprehensive Health Centre, Ogbona, from September 3rd to 5th, 2024. This initiative drew over 450 people daily from Ogbona and surrounding villages, seeking essential medical care. Here’s a snapshot of the program’s impact: 1.1,147 individuals received treatment 2.42 surgeries performed: 17 appendix cases 20 hernia cases 5 other surgeries Laboratory Test Results: Malaria: 126 cases Typhoid: 12 cases Hepatitis B: 82 cases  Hepatitis C: 82 cases Sugar level tests: 186 Pregnancy tests: 5 H.Pylori tests: 18 PSA tests: 4 PCV tests: 75 RVS (HIV) tests: 85 Urinalysis tests: 35 This outreach program demonstrated the Ogbona Elites Forum’s commitment to providing essential healthcare services to the community.  

Free Medical Outreach Report: A Beacon of Hope for Ogbona Community Read More »

Congratulations to Ms. Philomina Otse Ilogho!

Congratulations to Ms. Philomina Otse Ilogho! Edo State’s Finest in Education: Ms. Philomina Otse Ilogho Wins Best Junior Secondary School Teacher Award! We are thrilled to announce that Ms. Philomina Otse Ilogho, a dedicated teacher from Ogbona Junior Secondary School, has emerged as the Best Junior Secondary School Teacher in Edo State! Ms. Ilogho commitment to excellence, passion for teaching, and impact on her students’ lives have earned her this well-deserved recognition. Her achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of educators in Edo State. Please join us in congratulating Ms. Philomina Otse Ilogho on this outstanding achievement! We celebrate her and look forward to her continued contributions to shaping young minds in Edo State.

Congratulations to Ms. Philomina Otse Ilogho! Read More »

Ogbona is one of the agro-based communities in Edo State

Located in the heart of Edo State, Ogbona is a thriving agro-based community, renowned for its lush farms that yield an abundance of yams, groundnuts, maize, cassava, and cashew nuts. Yet, beyond its fertile fields, Ogbona’s true spirit comes alive through the enchanting melodies that fill the air, revealing the community’s deep-rooted cultural essence.

Ogbona is one of the agro-based communities in Edo State Read More »

Ogbona The Melody,, Our Land and Our home

Ogbona is one of the agro-based communities in Edo State. The community is known for farming yams, groundnuts, maize, cassava, and cashew nuts. Though mainly farmers, we love making music and melody in Ogbona. Ogbona is most famous for consistently producing top-tier musicians in and around Edo. These musicians are renowned for their rich melodies, philosophical compositions, rhythms, and emotional music, making them unparalleled in the region. Some of the notable musicians are Gen Bolivia Osigbemhe, King Benji Igbadumhe, Mayor Constance Bolivia Osigbemhe, Evang Ochuwa Ikpemhi Amedu, Mrs. Titi Enegwea (Izi Dance Band of Ogbona), Iyodo Odogbo, Evang Florence Israel Oyarenua, Calinez Bolivia Osigbemhe, Mrs. Ashetu Aluoghor, Oyarekhua Mustapha AKA Mr. Soft and Victor Odogbo among others NAME OF OGBONA MUSICIAN 1. Gen Bolivia Osigbemhe 2. King Benji Igbadumhe 3. Iyodo Odogbo 4. Mr. Omoh Omiawa (Uncle One-Blow) 5. Ochuwa Ikpemhi Amedu 6. Evang Florence Israel Oyarenua 7. Mayor Constance Bolivia Osigbemhe 8. Calinez Bolivia Osigbemhe 9. Evang Valentine Bolivia Osigbemhe 10. Lucky Odogbo 11. Christian Odogbo Young Ichoye 12. Mr. Oghie Omiawa (Ongee Ogbona One) 13. Mrs. Judith Amhanesi Ifidon 14. Charity Okhotor 15. Mrs. Ashetu Aluoghor 16. Mrs Omholua Elizabeth. 17. Gabriel Igbadumhe 18. Anomhe Mary 19. Izibiri Ozenua Okpapi from Ivhiochie 20. Joseph Esibor. 21. Idanwekhai Stanley 22. Valentine Erasor 23. Oyarekhua Mustapha AKA Mr Soft 24. Anneline Ikponwosa nee Bolivia Osigbemhe 25. Sis. Vivian Oregbemhe 26. Praise Odogbo Junior Ichoye 27.Valenrino Bolivia Osigbemhe. 28. Mrs. Alukhe Oshiotse (Osikpamohbor Dance Group) 29. Mrs. Shaibu Enate 30. Mr. Attorney Ikhana Dance 31. Mrs. Titi Enegwea (Izi Dance Band of Ogbona) 32. Agbagbona 33. Ekpe Mochi 34. Alasa Obiaza 35. Panayo Bolivia OsigbemheDiscover Ogbona: The Heartbeat of Music Our community is a vibrant melting pot of exceptional musicians, celebrated for their soulful melodies, thought-provoking compositions, and infectious rhythms, making them unparalleled in the regionMeet the maestros who make Ogbona’s music scene so unforgettable: Gen. Bolivia Osigbemhe, King Benji Igbadumhe, Iyodo Odogbo, Mr. Omoh Omiawa (Uncle One-Blow), Ochuwa Ikpemhi Amedu, Evang. Florence Israel Oyarenua, Mayor Constance Bolivia Osigbemhe, Calinez Bolivia Osigbemhe, Evang. Valentine Bolivia Osigbemhe, Lucky Ichoye Odogbo, Christian Odogbo Young Ichoye, Oghie Omiawa (Ongee Ogbona One), Mrs. Judith Amhanesi Ifidon, Charity Okhotor, Mrs. Ashetu Aluoghor, Mrs. Omholua Elizabeth, Gabriel Igbadumhe, Anomhe Mary, Izibiri Ozenua Okpapi, Joseph Esibor, Idanwekhai Stanley, Valentine Erasor, Oyarekhua Mustapha AKA Mr Soft, Uncle One Blow (Akabanode), Victor Odogbo, Gabriel Igbadumhe, Anneline Ikponwosa nee Bolivia Osigbemhe, Sis. Vivian Oregbemhe, Praise Odogbo Junior Ichoye, Valenrino Bolivia Osigbemhe, Mrs. Alukhe Oshiotse (Osikpamohbor Dance Group), Mrs. Shaibu Enate, Mr. Attorney Ikhana Dance and Mrs. Titi Enegwea (Izi Dance Band of Ogbona) among others

Ogbona The Melody,, Our Land and Our home Read More »

AKOGHO (Overnight pounded yam by Dr John Odior Anaweokhai

AKOGHO (Overnight pounded yam) Dr John Odior Anaweokhai There it was, close to the pantry, with the halved conical head protruding conspicuously from the shallow plate. Ordinarily, it was the remains of the previous day’s dinner, but much more than that, it signposted relics of one’s formative years in Ogbona, as it conjured up deep and priceless memories, incomparable to anything else in the world. Age and health consciousness will certainly counter any resolve to descend on it as in the years of old. I find it difficult, if not impossible, to part ways with its younger brother, whose alluring sight and soothing taste have not ebbed with the flux of time. I like it most when it is just a day old. Eating overnight eba with groundnut soup may sound bizarre to some sophisticated mortals, but to me, it is the best meal ever. I like the brownish sight, the ease of cutting, and little mastication before the journey downward. If and only if one could replicate the same mannerisms with that of its elder brother, quite prevalent at this time of the year. Sometimes, it was heated on top of freshly boiled yam and re-pounded and consumed as breakfast; otherwise, it was consumed in its staled-stench form, using the bare hand to clean off the spittle-like substances sometimes found on its top. Taking it before a long-distance walk to the farm had no immediate side effects, but taking it before going to school had some telling effects, which manifested in the form of intermittent drowsiness while classes were on. Its effects were easily discernible. AKOGHO, sorry, it is over between us, but I promise to take your fond memories with me to the grave. AKOGHO 11 Dr John Odior Anaweokhai AKOGHO holds different meanings for different people. To the uninitiated, it may seem unbefitting of their status, but for some of us, it occupies a central position in our being. According to Eramha Gilbert Erelumhe Odior, an elderly man in Lagos was so passionate about AKOGHO that he would buy bush meat and prepare groundnut soup with pounded yam, keeping it until the next day to savor the taste. For Eramha EGO, nothing was more exciting than eating overnight pounded yam with Ogbono soup after the second day of ESI Dr. David Orbih categorizes AKOGHO into three types. Firstly, there is the white yam AKOGHO, made with ANEKEDESI, OBIAGOR, or INEKA, made like a miniature pounded yam on top of the main one used to appease the gods of yam during the ESI festival in the olden days. Secondly, there is the AKOGHO made with yellow yam, Onor, which hardly congeals and cannot be pressed within the palm to aid smooth passage down the stomach. Onor AKOGHO is the rarest of them all. Thirdly, there is EMHI NAWUAI, a blend of yam and garri, which is lighter and the healthiest option. While I applaud Dr. Orbih’s postulations, I believe there is a fourth type of AKOGHO made with Water yam, Obina. This type has a weak texture that melts easily and can hardly be eaten the next day. Despite the variations, we enjoyed them all during the ESI festival, except for Obina AKOGHO, which is always the last yam to be harvested during the dry season.  

AKOGHO (Overnight pounded yam by Dr John Odior Anaweokhai Read More »

Victor Odogbo: A Musical Maestro and Culinary Connoisseur

Victor Odogbo: A Musical Maestro and Culinary Connoisseur  Early Life and Education Victor Inobemhe Odogbo was born on September 8th, 1980, in Jattu, to the family of John Anasaki Odogbo. He attended Azama Primary School in Jattu, Uzairue, Our Lady of Fatima in Auchi, and Ambrose Ali University in Ekpoma, Edo State, where he studied Political Science. Victor grew up with his parents in Jattu, where his father was a well-known transporter and his mother was a trader. Career and Passions Victor is a professional chef, musician, and social media influencer/content creator based in Oldenburg, Germany. He teaches cooking with fun and is the President/Convener of the Afemai Sons and Daughters (ASD) Initiative. The Afemai Sons and Daughters (ASD) Initiative The ASD Initiative is a vibrant platform that brings together individuals from the six Local Government Areas of Edo North, celebrating Afemai heritage and fostering connections, networking opportunities, and empowerment programs. Musical Journey Victor’s love affair with music began at a tender age in church and came from a family of notable musicians. He has released several music tracks, showcasing his talent and dedication to his craft. He officially dropped his first album in 2006. His dedication, passion, and talent for music continued even when he left Nigeria. Culinary Delights Victor is a skilled chef and teacher, having honed his culinary skills through years of experimentation and training. His passion for cooking is evident in the delicious dishes he creates. Personal Attributes Victor has many talents, but what sets him apart is his creativity, humility, kindness, and generosity. He is a true Ogbona ambassador, always willing to lend a helping hand. Victor is a visionary leader who listens deeply and empathizes with people in pain, maintaining deep focus and seeing what is hidden and hearing what is unsaid. He is also a humanitarian par excellence, philanthropist, and pacesetter, and he is selfless, humble, passionate, and enthusiastic, making him a role model to many. https://youtube.com/@victorinobemhe?si=W4eAY_TsuQIkjT1E Join Us in Celebrating Victor Odogbo As we celebrate Victor’s birthday and album launch, we invite you to join us in honoring this talented individual. Let us come together to appreciate his contributions to music, culinary arts, and our community.

Victor Odogbo: A Musical Maestro and Culinary Connoisseur Read More »

The 2024 New Yam Festival (Esi) in Ogbona/Avhianwu

The New Yam Festival (Esi) in Ogbona/Avhianwu The Significance of the annual Esi festival This annual celebration is a time for the people of Ogbona/Avhianwu to show appreciation to God for His goodness and bountiful harvest at the end of every farming season. August marks the joyous celebration of Esi, the new yam festival, in the Ogbona Community. This grand event is akin to Christmas in its elaborate nature, filled with festivities and merriment! A Culinary Delight Savor the flavors of our traditional melon soup (egusi) and draw soup (ogbono or ogbolo), served with pounded yam. Yam is the star of the show, and its significance in Esi celebrations cannot be overstated – it’s considered taboo to celebrate without it! The Preparations The day before Esi, Evhia, is a busy time, ensuring everything is ready, especially the yams. The first day, Eomhi, features Ekeke soghosoghor as the main soup with pounded yam. The second day, Ewor, is a ceremonial day, with Omhi Akphe as the traditional soup, and a time to welcome visitors. 2024 Festival Dates The 2024 Ogbona Esi (New Yam) festival celebration will take place on August 25th and 26th, 2024, as directed by the community elders. Note: Part of this write-up was adapted from “Ogbona that Flows in My Veins” by Dr. John Anaweokhai.

The 2024 New Yam Festival (Esi) in Ogbona/Avhianwu Read More »