CHIEF VITAL ENAMEGBAI ANAVHEOKHAI
CHIEF VITAL ENAMEGBAI ANAVHEOKHAI – Former village head of Ivhiosano Quarter, Ogbona He was Secretary to Avhianwu Traditional Council from 1992 to 2010. Member of The Area customary Court, Fugar, from 2000 to 2003. Palace Chief representing Ivhiosano Quarter from 1992 till date He has served in pastoral council in most parishes he worked from 1955 to date. Church Council, Ogbona 1986 – Till Date One of the go-to persons on Ogbona history and customs Chief Vital Enamegbai Anavheokhai, a native of Ivhiosano-Ivhioche in Ogbona (Imhakhena), Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. He was born into a Christian family of Mr. Joseph Akhaniamhe Anavheokhai of Ivhiosano-Ivhioche and Mrs. Christiana Eladi Asapokhai of Ivhitse-Ivhioche on the 8 October 1935 at Onitsha. His father was a businessman who traveled as far as Onitsha to sell goods. He was baptized in 1940, confirmed in 1950, and married on 14 May 1961. EARLY LIFE, EDUCATION AND CAREER As a young boy, he started his education at Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School, Onitsha, between 1946 and 1947. In 1948, he returned home at his father’s request and resumed studies at St John’s School, Fugar. He had to return to Onitsha and attend the African school which would later change to Our lady’s Primary School, Onitsha. Between 1951 and 1954, he also attended the Metropolitan School Onitsha. And in those days, once one finished school, he/she was sure of available employment, and immediately started working. His career in life began at the West African Institute for Oil Palm Research (WIFOR) now the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) in 1955 as an Agricultural Assistant in training. In 1957, he proceeded to the School of Agriculture in Ibadan for more training till 1959. Upon completion of his studies, he returned to NIFOR, since he was trained by the institute. His normal career continued till 1964. With the creation of the Midwestern Region, he had to transfer to the Midwestern Nigerian Development Corporation (MNDC) from 1964 to 1970. But not long after, it was dissolved. He worked at Urhonigbe Rubber Estate for some time. In 1970, the Government acquired a Rubber plantation in Egbududu-Aka and he was immediately posted there in 1971 to develop and manage the Ajagbodudu Oil Palm (Howard Estate) from 1973 to 1986. He was seconded to the Malaysian government by the Nigerian government to develop palm Oil farming in Malaysia between 1960-61. OGBONA ACTIVITIES He was Secretary to Avhianwu Traditional Council from 1992 to 2010. Member of The Area customary Court, Fugar, from 2000 to 2003. Palace Chief representing Ivhiosano Quarter from 1992 till date. CHURCH LIFE Chief Vital E. Anavheokhai, to say the least, can easily be referred to as a “churchman”. Right from an early young age has been a faithful, committed, and dedicated catholic. He is well grounded in his catholic faith and has always been very active in almost all places he worked and was posted. He has served in pastoral council in most parishes he worked, JDPC, Evangelization 2000 (then in Ben in Diocese council, Inter-Religious Dialogue Commission, to mention a few: RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES 1955 Church Council, NIFOR 1964-1966 Church Council, Igueben 1966 -1970 Church Council, Urhonigbe 1970 -1973 Church Council, Egbudu Aka 1973-1974 Church Council, Ajagbodudu 1974-1976 Church Council, Ewhohimi 1976-1978 Church Council, Nsukwa 1978-1986 Church Council, Benin City 1986 – Till Date Church Council, Ogbona HIS REGRET That in spite of all the memos they wrote to the Federal Government pointing out the dangers of abandoning palm oil for crude oil was not heeded. —————————————– *A TRIBUTE TO LATE CHIEF VITAL ANAWEOKHAI* The Anaweokhai Dynasty and the entire Ogbona community mourn the loss of a great patriarch, Late Chief Vital Anaweokhai. His passing leaves a void in the lives of those who loved and respected him. As a devoted family man, Chief Anaweokhai was deeply committed to his loved ones and community. He played a significant role in establishing the Ogbona Community Secondary School, a testament to his dedication to education and community development. One of his most notable roles was as Secretary to the Traditional Palace of the Oghie-Avianwu of Avianwu Clan. In this capacity, he worked closely with the traditional ruler, providing guidance and support in matters related to the clan. Chief Anaweokhai was a devout Christian who lived by the values of his faith. His strong belief in God guided his actions and decisions throughout his life. He was a proud member of the Catholic Church and was deeply committed to his spiritual growth. One of his greatest joys was seeing his son become a Catholic Priest, a testament to his commitment to his faith and his family. He took great pride in his son’s vocation and was a constant source of support and encouragement. Throughout his life, Chief Anaweokhai demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, wisdom, and a deep sense of responsibility. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community, but his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate future generations. May his soul rest in peace, and may his loved ones find comfort in the memories they shared with him. May his family continue to draw strength from their faith and from the knowledge that his legacy will live on through them. *COMRADE ODIA ROBERT (OGEDEGBE) PhD* ——————————————– The Ogbona Elites Forum extends its condolences to the family of Chief Vital E. Anaweokhai. May the Lord accept his soul and provide comfort to the entire Anaweokhai family. We hope they find solace in the cherished memories they shared with him. Chief Anaweokhai’s legacy is one of great significance, evident in the lives he touched and the contributions he made to the Ogbona community. His family, including his siblings Pastor (Mrs.) Julie Inu Umoru and Dr. John Odior Anaweokhai, as well as his children, continue to build upon his foundation, making notable impacts in their respective fields and our community. We hope that the gesture of condolence from the Ogbona Elites Forum brings some comfort to the grieving
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