Ogbona Community anthem
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THE MUSLIM STUDENTS’ SOCIETY OF NIGERIA, OGBONA BRANCH
THE MUSLIM STUDENTS’ SOCIETY OF NIGERIA, OGBONA BRANCH The introduction The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Ogbona branch was officially launched on the 27th of June, 2000 in Ogbona community making it almost 24years as at when this was written. Within these years it had produced five (5) presidents, following the current administration under the leadership of Pius Etokhana Abdulmalik. Within the four years of formation, the organization’s presence covered virtually all the government schools in Avianwu Kingdom. This was successful with the help of HRH the ogieavianwu of Avianwu kingdom, Late Alhaji Patrick Oboarekpe and our relentless patrons and patronesses, among them is Alhaji Aminu Isunuevho as the grand patron of the society AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The following are the aims and objectives of the society : To bring all Muslims in closer union of brotherhood and absolute faith in Allah as the only basis for the achievements of peace among mankind. To establish an Islamic Ummah (Nation) governed by the principles and rules of the pristine islam. To promote the general welfare of the Muslims and safeguard their fundamental human rights in any community. Promotion of peaceful coexistence between the Muslims and non Muslims at large To awaken the social, moral and intellectual standard of the generality of the Muslims in the community and the nation at large. To Co-operate with genuine and honest Islamic organisations in Nigeria and the world at large. To organize guidance and counseling for all Muslims. To ensure our children who are the future leaders have the best Islamic training. PROGRAMS Our major Programs are as follow: DA’WAH:This literally means “issuing a summon”, invitation or call and also refer to the preaching of Islam and the exhortation to summit to Allah and also preaching to non-Muslims in particular. Still on the Da’wah we have an annual program tagged “JIHAD WEEKEND ” a 3-days program featuring the following : Public Lectures 2 Days Free Medical Outreach to the generality of the Ogbona Community( Held 9th Ogbona free medical outreach by the Muslims students society of Nigerian at their jihad week at Ogbona 2024 Community service which includes: i .Hospital Visitation ii.Visitation to the oldest man & the oldest woman in Ogbona as well as the oldest Muslim man & woman in Ogbona iii.visitation to the palace and lots more.. Welfare program (Endowment) it is a program to assist the less privilege, the windows and the orphans in their Education and other social needs. Presently, the association is having some children who are under her sponsorship. Hospital Visitation:this program is organized once in three months i.e four times yearly to visit hospitals and healing homes in Avhianwu to make Dua (prayers) for the sick and gifts items to them and the hospitals.. Signed Pius Etokhana Abdulmalik, President
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THE OGBONA THAT FLOWS IN MY VEINS VOL.2 by John Odior Anaweokhai PhD
THE OGBONA THAT FLOWS IN MY VEINS VOL.2 by John Odior Anaweokhai PhD. Ogbona ni Mhakhena. Evho ghi ghie. My obsession with Ogbona has no known rival and it flows in my veins, to say the least, is profusely none stop. Years of studying, traveling and ingratiating with people of diverse cultures have not gotten it attenuated. If at all, they have served as elixir, causing it to find expression in whatever I do and without being immodest, I am unreservedly unapologetic about it. Of course, I make no pretense of being ethnocentric or confining some air of superiority on my culture over others ,nonetheless, I find the culture of my people very unique ,appealing and capable of being exported to make the world a better place for all. This is not claiming faultlessness and supernaturalism ,immune from the conventional frailties to which every mortal or culture, owe some subjection. It is just that the deep sense of honesty ,respect for norms and values ,sanctity of human life, sense of communality, synergy, humility and respect for hard work and human dignity which shaped one’s being ,are scarce treasures in many other clines .Most time, I cannot but question my sense of maturity ,especially when certain fond memories of my formative years, in picturesque mode, rush unrestrainedly through my being. There is no better embodiment of human virtues of communality synergy honesty, sincerity and unity of mind and purpose than Oru traditional farming practice among Ogbona people. It is a kind of co-operative labour contract where members jointly render farming services to one another. A synthetization of efforts among people of like minds to advance farming objectives. It is a system where a minimum of two people come together to work in each other farmland on rotational basis. It is like the two guiding principles in accounting which says for every debit entry ,there is a corresponding credit entry. In other words, when one follows you to work in your farm, you are in the person’s debit book of record , at the designated time, that debt must be repaid in equal measures. Though I had 2 other crews, my last oru crew members were made up of late bros. Adamson Aikabeli, late Eramha Odayeamoh Aikabeli, bros Philip Adebisi Odior and Mallam Shiab David Eghieye. At the initial stage of our endeavor, safe for Bros Philip Odior who was well aware of the stuff I was made of, others doubted my mettle, considering my age. Thank God for their acknowledgement of the fact that any child who washes his hands very clean is free to dine with elders. Their doubts were soon laid to rest the very day we blazed the trail in bros Philip Odior’s farm. I learnt vital lesson that very day, though, we were 5 in number, bro Adamson was the unofficial leader of the crew and as captain of sort, he took the first portion of about 12 feet to clear and as a new kid on the block, I was asked to take mine next to his. He was a bulldozer when it came to bush Cleary but I matched him side by side and at the end, he gave me hand. One unique thing about oru is that it is not just a transactional relationship for the purpose of advancing one another’s cause like IGUADE or paid labour, much more than that, it is about shared value and vision, the need to be one another’s keeper. Your crew members are not just business partners, they are your brothers and sister who you can confide in and they have your back at any time. They are your dependable allies whose counsels can be sort and relied on when the chips are down. They are to call you to order when you are going astray. They are the ones who you parents or spouses can walk to and unburden themselves about pressing issues. Up till today, some of those crew members at the different stages of my life remain my best friends at home. Oru has well laid out three major principles christened herein as the trinity of oru. The evening preceding one’s turn, that member must ensure every member is hail and healthy by going to wish them good night rest (LEGHUE). Very early in the morning, he must ensure each member wakes up very sound too by going round once again to remind them of the day’s business ( KEMAI). Finally, when it is time to go to farm and to forestall any form of eventuality, one might be forced to go round once more to mobilize his crew members for the day’s business (VUEMA). Rule 2 and 3 can be observed together and most times, only rule 1 deserves strict observance but not among members who have come a long way. Unfortunately, when the unexpected happens, one would be asked if the above rules, especially rule 1 and 2 were observed. Oru helps to cover up for one’s area of deficiency. Some people are extremely good at Cleary compared to digging while some have expertise in digging but not so much at Cleary. When such a pair synergized, one would make up for the other’s weakness and the result is always in the superlatives. Oru is nothing short of practical demonstration of the teaching of the good book that we should do unto others as we wish them do onto us. It is the law of harvest cast into section. If one knew that how well he works in other people’s farm would be reciprocated in equal measure when it gets to his turn, there is no room for drama. The philosophy of Oru was seen applied in every facet of life in Ogbona, ranging from thrifting (ADASI) to how one lives not only with his neighbours but also strangers. I feel proud to have come out of a place where time tested and honoured principles of interdependence, honesty, diligence, fairness, equity, justice
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REMEMBERING OUR ICONIC PARENTS CHIEF V A OMADIMHE (AMEOKPAYAKHE OF AVIANWU) MRS. JANET OMADIMHE & MRS FLORENCE OMADIMHE (BOTH OYEKHAKHA OF AVIANWU)
The Omadimhe family remembrance of their iconic parents was a great success Some highlights Include: Novelty football match in honor of theirParents AnEvening outing and a main event Ground breaking of the Orphanage and Maternity home for theirMothers respectively Institution of a scholarship scheme in honor of theirfather Thanksgiving service at the family house REMEMBERING OUR ICONIC PARENTS CHIEF V A OMADIMHE (AMEOKPAYAKHE OF AVIANWU) MRS. JANET OMADIMHE & MRS FLORENCE OMADIMHE (BOTH OYEKHAKHA OF AVIANWU) Distinguished ladies and gentlemen from all works of life, you are warmly welcome to this august occasion of the Remembrance ceremony of our iconic parents “Chief V.A Omadimhe, Mrs. Janet Omadimhe and Mrs. Florence Omadimhe. Today represents a significant watershed in the social life of the entire offspring of the family of Omadimhe as its bothers on the genetic roots of the tree from which we all sprouted. We have in the past organized series of solemn adoration to mark the anniversary of their departure through our individual churches. This time, we have resolved to come up in a grand style to reflect and appreciate them on account of their accomplishment that remained their indelible footprints in the sands of time. Finally, this gesture seeks to jingle the bells with sounds of resonating memories in the minds of the living who in time past suffered the emotional trauma of their departure. THE MAN CHIEF VINCENT AZAGBOR OSIREGBEMHE OMADIMHE: He was born on Feb. 2d 1926, the last child of his parents in Ivhiozima ruling kindred in Ivhiomierele, Ogbona in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. His mother’s name was MRS. ELADI ONOAWEGHO OMADIMHE (Nee Emhokidi) while his father was PAOMADIMHE EPI, son of ELUOGBA, son of ARIOVHIOMHI who was begotten by UZOBONWU. He had a senior sister MRS. EMHOSUMUNO ATSIGHI and a senior brother ANAPUEDE OMADIMHE all late. He embraced polygamy which was the exclusive prestigious preserve of a hard-hitting father of his era.He governed the home harmoniously, freely on the basic principles of love, equity and discipline. He was acclaimed by all to have practiced the best polygamy in the history of Ogbona and beyond. To the amazement of all, it practically impossible for friends and associates to distinguish amongst the children of the different women because of the decorum, discipline, love and cohesion that inter-played between the women, this hitherto extended to the children. In his life time, he was married to 5 wives whom were all blessed with children. Today, we also remember his first and second wives: MRS. JANET OMADIMHE (Nee Odior) of Iviukasa Quarters, Ivhiarua, Fugar and MRS. FLORENCE OMADIMHE (Nee Ikoko) of Ivhioche Quarters, Ogbona. They lived together as sisters supposedly of same parents which was the standard other wives followed. These two women also at various times in their lives celebrated and held the prestigious title of the “Onyekhakha of Avianwu” MRS. JANET OMADIMHE passed on at the age of 75 years in the year 2004 while MRS. FLORENCE OMADIMHE also passed on at 83 years in 2019. May their souls rest in peace. Amen. Education: Highly decidedly far sighted, he envisaged the need for a western education and as such availed himself the opportunity to commence the elementary education at a full grown age in the year 1946 while he was in the top academic bracket of his class. His class mate include Chief P.K Ikhane, Pa Francis Aigbudumhe Ibadan to mention but a few in the then Etsako Divisional Council School (EDC) Ogbona presently Imhakhena Primary School Ogbona. However, the destiny of the entire family particularly the up keeps of his aged parents rested on his shoulders at such early age, so became constrained to terminate the pursuit of his education in standard 5. Notwithstanding, his low educational level, he was naturally endowed with the gift of knowledge, articulation and indeed a sound mind. He was a dependable analyst, counselor, teacher whose philosophy and ideals were sought far and wide. This culminated to wide range of achievement which was is droves and mamont. His Achievements: To many who X-rayed him via memory lane, one most remarkable achievement was his provision of succor in the transportation menace that ravaged Ogbona/Avianwu and nearby communities in Etsako. On Feb. 2nd 1962, he procured the first brand new 5ton ‘AUSTIN” Lorry that solved the transportation menace at that time with the inscription. (NO EVENT NO HISTORY) the early fleets also included a Bedford lorry “Long face” nicknamed (Obayaye-Long face) Mercedes Lorries, brand new DYNA BUS with the inscription “OGBONABUS” and the first brand new Mercedes Tipper in the entire Avianwu. Motor Saw Engine: Also to the delight of his co-sawyers, he procured the first motorized table saw powered by a diesel engine. This engine rolled out smaller sizes of wood like 1 x2″, 2″x2″, 2″ x 3″ and so on. The machine was operated by himself, late Adamu lkeku and Adamu Umoru all of blessed memory. Improvement on the Rice Regime: At about 1964, Chief Ipoga Anetekha, Pa Okhumhale, Mr. Nasamu Odior, Okhani Musa, Imhana Ogedegbe and Lawrence Ogedegbe started the cultivation of rice on a commercial scale while experimental cultivation had been on for quite some years. The newly found crop became so popularly cultivated hitting an unbelievably high annual yield in a couple of years at Ogbona and in neighboring communities. Regrettably however, it was discovered that the earning from this crop was a far-cry from what it would have been if value was added to the crop. In discontentment with this aberration, he personalized, this challenge and procured the first RICE MILL ENGINE in 1966. This singular effort attracted Rice merchants both men and women from the Yoruba land and beyond to Ogbona community. As a Farmer: Notwithstanding how hard-earned the resources of a full time village home dweller from relatively lowly rewarding resources like his could be, yet he was irrevocably committed to share the plight and pains of his people with whole strength and might, a courage possible only unto heroic minds. He advocated that success does not depend only on the quantum of commercial rewards or riches of a man but the number of lives he is able
CongratulatION TO HRH Chief Vincent A Otsoi on His one year on throne as the okpe – Ukpi of Ogbona
Ogbona Elites Forum wishes to congratulate HRH Chief Vincent A. Otsoi on his one year on the throne as the Okphe-Ukpi of Ogbona. May your reign continue to bring sustainable peace and more development to Ogbona. God Almighty will continue to bless and grant you more years of fruitful and peaceful reign on the throne. Amen
THE OGBONA SECONDARY SCHOOL CLASS OF 1993 CELEBRATED THEIR 30 GRADUATION ANNIVERSARY
THE OGBONA SECONDARY SCHOOL CLASS OF 1993 CELEBRATED THEIR 30 GRADUATION ANNIVERSARY The Ogbona Secondary School Class of 1993 celebrated their 30 Graduation Anniversary Thanksgiving. The event which was spread over three (3) days was held Dec 30, 2023, Dec 31, and Jan. 1, 2024. The main event which held on Sat 30 December, 2023 had in attendance dignitaries including the Etsako Central, Executive Chairman, Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona, Palace Chiefs etc. Free Medical tests were conducted on 45 people especially the elderly, with prescriptions and medications given out. The oldest man and woman in each of the four (4) quarters of Ogbona were given a cash gift of ₦15,000 each and a Special Letter by the Class of 1993. The Class of 1993 30th Graduation Anniversary Thanksgiving Mass, held on Sunday December 31, 2023 at St. John the Baptist’s Catholic Church, Ogbona. The Class was joined by HRH, Chief Vincent Otsoi, Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona, their family members and many well wishers as they presented a goat as their thanksgiving offering at the altar. The Parish priest Rev. Fr. Phillip Omokhekhe prayed for the Class of 1993 and expressed his appreciation for all that the Class has done for the school to the benefit of the society. A lot of those present expressed their joy and appreciation and prayed for God’s blessings and protection upon the lives of the members of Class of 1993. The Class of 1993 30th Graduation Anniversary Thanksgiving Celebration and Free Medical Outreach was concluded Monday Jan 1, 2024. The event was held at the Palace of the Okphe Ukpi of Iraokhor, HRH, Chief Thomas Ilogho. The Okphe Ukpi presented the eight (8) beneficiaries of the Class of 1993 Anniversary gift of ₦15,000 each and the accompanying Special Letter to the oldest man and woman in the four quarters of Iraokhor. The Free medical tests conducted on 17 people especially the elderly, included Blood Pressure Test, Blood Sugar Test, Urinalysis Test and HIV/AIDS Test. Prescription and medications were also given. The Free Medical Outreach doctor informed that the rate of hypertension is very high amongst those attended to both in Ogbona and Iraokhor and advised that we please ensure that our loved ones go for regular blood pressure checkups.
THE OGBONA SECONDARY SCHOOL CLASS OF 1993 CELEBRATED THEIR 30 GRADUATION ANNIVERSARY Read More »
Biography of Late Madam Angelina Agbapalo Odior (Nee Igonor)
Biography of Late Madam Angelina Agbapalo Odior (Nee Igonor) Mrs. Angelina Agbapalo Odior was born on 21st September 1931 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Igonor of Ivhiorevho quarters, Ogbona, in Avianwu clan, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. She was the second daughter of the Late Mrs. Awawu Amhofuegbe Igonor (nee Ikhaghu). Mrs. Adi Momoh Umole (Late) and Lady Christiana Itsuokor (Late) were her same parent siblings. They had several stepbrothers, including Irumhekhai Igonor, Aduku Igonor, Pius Ebayode Igonor, and Ikhe Igonor. Madam Angelina had a loving bond with her eldest sister, Mrs. Adi Momoh Umole (Late). Adi Momoh Umole, the eldest of the three sisters, had seven children: Mrs. Abiba Osimerha (late), Mrs. Omonegho Enakpene (late), Lady Victoria Umole, Dr. Jerome Umole (late), Lawrence Umole (late), Mrs. Magdalene Yusuf (late), and Clement Umole. Among Abiba Osimerha’s (Late) nine children is Barrister Felix Jones Osimerha. Dr. Jerome Umole (late) had five children: Barrister Ekhaesomi Umole, Barrister Osilama Umole, Oshioriamhe Umole, Mrs. Oyemhe, and Emike Umole. Her younger sister was Lady Christiana, whom she loved dearly. The youngest of the three sisters, Lady Christiana, lived with her elder sister, Madam Angelina Odior, to assist with caring for her children before marrying the late Pa Daniel Kadiri Itsuokor in 1959. Lady Christiana had nine children: Mike Amanesi Kadiri Itsuokor, Moses Eshiekpaobo Kadiri Itsuokor(late), Cecilia Eloghie, Frederick Egbevhomhe Kadiri Itsuokor, Marcel Erelumhe Kadiri Itsuokor, Martina, Anthony Iyemhelo, Mathew Oshiomeghie Kadiri Itsuokor, and Evelyn Omoarefe. Sadly, Lady passed away on 7th August 1991 in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria after a long illness. Angelina and her step-siblings loved and cared for each other. Aduku Augustine Igonor’s children include Mrs. Helen Igonor Renner, Mr. Benson Igonor, Mr. Lawrence Igonor, Mrs. Regina Igonor Okorodudu, Mrs. Josephine Igonor Olusakin, Mr. Emmanuel Igonor, and Mrs. Justina Igonor Nzekwe. Pius Ebayode Igonor is blessed with seven children: Lucky Odior Igonor, Thomas Omo Igonor, Mrs. Grace Ademakhe Ogedegbe, Professor Aiyegbeni Igonor, Dr. Godwin Emokhare Igonor, Pastor Patrick Agbomheire Igonor, and Bar. (Mrs.) Precious Emetsemhe Adejo. In the late 1940s, Raphael Nasamu Odior married his first wife, Angelina Agbapalo Odior (nee Igonor), in a Catholic Church. Their union was blessed with six children: Celina Ikhaluotse Odior, Ambrose Atsenokhai Odior, Gilbert Erelumhe Odior, Roseline Ayemhere Igbadumhe (Late), Joseph Asama Odior (Late), and Tessy Omonike Irueghe. Angelina is survived by four children, 11 stepchildren, 17 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. She worked tirelessly on the farms, supporting her husband to ensure all her children received an education and a quality life. She was a devoted Catholic Christian known for her gentle nature and kind words, which endeared her to the Nasamu family even after Raphael’s passing in August 2005. Angelina was a unifying figure among the Nasamu and Igonor descendants, her biological and stepchildren, occupying the role of a notable matriarch. Her love and care left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her, providing strength and courage in the face of life’s challenges. She expressed her love through prayer and was viewed not only as a mother figure but also as a friend and confidante by her in-laws. Angelina appreciated the beauty in nature and loved God and people. She was stylish, often dressing up and doing makeup, especially on Sundays, with the help of her daughter-in-laws and grandchildren. Dedicated and divinely inspired, Angelina spread happiness to all those she encountered. She would sit in front of the house to greet people returning from the hospital or farm, offering them medications, words of wisdom, and care. Her honesty, integrity, humility, purity of heart, and commitment to her family and community were exemplary. She was known for her peaceful nature, earning her the nickname “Orunomeh” from her mother-in-law. Her home was always open to all, and her hospitality made everyone feel valued. She treated everyone equally and never showed favoritism, even among her biological children. Her loving and motherly nature earned her the name she was fondly called by all, “Mama nokhua,” meaning grandmother to all. Her family feels blessed and grateful to have her as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. There are no words to express their gratitude for all she did for her family. She invested time, energy and her love on the family and community, enriching their lives with friendships, happiness, honor, wisdom, and love. She was a symbol of love and a pillar of strength. She was truly an altruistic being. Her family is deeply thankful to the Lord for her healthy and long life. She will be missed. Rest in peace, Mama, until the resurrection morning.
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BIOGRAPHY OF LATE MRS. COMFORT OMOKHALE OMOMOH ODIOR (NEE ILEGAH) (1939- JULY 8TH, 2023)
BIOGRAPHY OF LATE MRS. COMFORT OMOKHALE OMOMOH ODIOR (NEE ILEGAH) (1939- JULY 8TH, 2023) Comfort Omokhale Omomoh Odior, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, in-law, cousin, and friend, passed on to glory on July 8th, 2023. She was born into a traditional farming family in Ogbona, Nigeria, in 1937, to late Mr. Ilega Robinson Ovini and late Madam Abiba Ovini (Nee Agbayekha) of the Ilega family of Ogbona, Etsako Central L.G.A, Edo State. Omokhale, or Omomoh, as she was fondly called, was the fifth child and second daughter of a 13-member family, and she is an identical twin. Comfort spent her childhood in Ogbona with her aunt, the late Madam Eghomheka Iyawo Okozi (Nee Ovini), the father’s sister. As a young girl who was very hard-working at domestic and farm work, her mother and aunt were always fighting over her possessions. Comfort got married to late George Kadiri Odior in the early 1960s. She spent her early years of marriage in Lagos State with her husband. In 1976, Comfort relocated back to Ogbona with her husband after the death of her father-in-law, late Mr. Patrick Odior Okhoghiemhe, and then she worked as a trader and a farmer. Comfort was hilarious, full of life, and a woman of peace who genuinely cared about the welfare of others. She will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, relatives, and friends. Her peaceful nature, generosity, and kindness touched the lives of many, and she will be missed more than words can express. She is survived by her loving children and step children, Maria Ogah, Ernest Simeon Odior, Johnson Odior, Beatrice Agbonoga and Kenneth Odior, Peter Odior, Anthony Odior, Patience Okozi and Victoria Awolowo. She is also survived by her twin sister, Mrs. Odior Esuana, and other sisters, brothers, and many extended family members. Grandchildren CHILDREN, GRANDCHILDREN AND GREAT GRANDCHILDREN Adorolo Loveth, Agbonoga Victory, Aleonohkua Godfrey, Aleonohkua Lovina, Amedu Blessing Oshayemie, Bello Mabel Charity Joy Odior Christabel Onoshiorere Odior Elliot Oshiobughie Odior Jessy Odior Jonathan Odior Omoyemhe Louis Odior shiomare Dante Odior Osikpemi Justin Odior Sharon Eshiemah Ogah Destiny Ogah Paulson Ogah Peace Ogah Victor Great-Grandchildren Adorolo Favour, Adorolo Faith, Adorolo Famous, Adorolo Frank Amedu Favour, Amedu Prince Amedu Promise Amedu Perfect Awo Jovnie Bello Anthonia Bello Flourish Victor Elora Victor Ethan Victor Excel Charity Wonderful
BIOGRAPHY OF LATE MRS. COMFORT OMOKHALE OMOMOH ODIOR (NEE ILEGAH) (1939- JULY 8TH, 2023) Read More »
Ogbona Senior secondary school is the first school with teams in both the male and female categories of the competition.
Ogbona Senior secondary school girls football team lost their final match to Idia college (2-0) in the second Edition of the EDO PEOPLE’S FORUM COMPETITION. Ogbona Senior secondary school is the first school with teams in both the male and female categories of the competition. The Ogbona Senior secondary school teams came out 3rd position in the boys category and 2nd in the girls category Congratulations to the teams, teachers, coaches and the community
A JOSEPH AKHANIAMHE ANAWEOKHAI, 1906 -1973 , THE FATHER I NEVER KNEW.
50 YEARS IN MIND PA JOSEPH AKHANIAMHE ANAWEOKHAI, 1906 -1973 , THE FATHER I NEVER KNEW. 24th July ,1973, will remain a red-letter day in the annals of my existence as my father, Pa Joseph Akhanimhe Anaweokhai boarded the celestial plane to live among saints. For many years, I struggled without retrain ,dug deep into the reveries of my inner being, plied ceaselessly through the recesses of my mental hub, stretched the elasticity of memory boundary, all to catch a glimpse of his face, much as I strained my tiny earlobes daily ,hoping to be jarred by his guttural voice, cleared my mind of cobwebs in readiness for fatherly admonitions ,waited eagerly to fall into his warm embrace with my school report card and to have my frayed nerved soothed by his coaxing fatherly counsel, of course, all to no avail. Yes, exercises in futility cum childish fantasies they were. The reality is that he is no more and painfully so, I have since learnt to live with that stark reality. That is not to say it was easy. It was by no means an easy task. Whenever we thumbed one another as children, some threatened to report me to their fathers. Did I have anyone to report to? Yes, my mother. However, such reiteration bred a bigger problem for me altogether. Namely, my father’s name became totally erased from my nomenclature and got replaced with my mothers’, ODIOR ABIKE before my peers. No peer of mine knew my father’s name. My surname, Anaweokhai, did not help matters as it completely obliterated my his name from the equation. Humanly speaking, is there any height in life I could have attained but for his early exit? The answer is capital NO. I told a group of friends sometimes ago with deep sense of responsibility that I owe my “success” in life to three factors: The grace of God, solid family background and a God fearing/supportive wife. Pa Joseph Akhaniamhe Anaweokhai was a visionary father per excellence who saw beyond the limiting scope of his immediate environment. Very early in life, he migrated from his agrarian community of Ogbona to the commercial city of Onitsha to ply his trade in commodities and to a great extent, accumulated both fortune and fame .He became a rally point to his immediate and extended friends and family members. He also broadened his horizon beyond trading by keying into adult education, spurred by Onitsha market literature, and became literate enough to read and write, a no mean feat in the 1950s and 60s. Apart from helping to support his sibling’s children in their life endeavors, he ensured his children, Chief Vital Anaweokhai and Pst Mrs Julie Inu Umoru were exposed to western education very early in their formative years too. A life transforming investments whose benefits rubbed off on the younger ones later in life in no small measures. Pa Joseph was a none conformist and disdainful iconoclast to the core. While girls were mostly seen as mere chattels and objects for producing children and as such ,undeserving of being wasted scarce resources on, Pa Joseph unapologetically broke with tradition and sent her only daughter ,Pst. Mrs Julie Inu Umoru to school in the 1940s. Another lifetime investment that completely changed the family narratives. In a nutshell, Pa Joseph’s foresight had a trickledown effect from Chief Vital Anaweokhai to my twin brother and I, the last born. If I didn’t have to struggle to pay my way through schools, from secondary school to post graduate studies levels ,it was because of the above foundation. If I made quick progress in business ,without any form of equivocation, it was strictly because of the said investment. On the appreciative page of my Ist degree Project,I did write MY JOURNEY THROUGH THE IVORY TOWER LIKE THE FRESH NEEDLE THROUGH A PIECE OF CLOTH WAS SO BECAUSE MY ELDER BROTHER,SIR ROMANUS AND HIS WIFE ,LADY AGNES ANAWEOKHAI SAID SO. If Sir Romanus saw farther than most men in all spheres of life, it is by standing on the shoulder of Pst.Mrs Julie Inu Umoru and if Pst Mrs Julie Inu Umoru was able to raise her younger ones ,it was on the basis of the sacrifice Chief Vital Anaweokhai made to see her through school. Dad, wherever you may be, I feel proud to have come into this world through your loins. If I have to come back to this world again and I am given a choice in the matter, I won’t hesitate a hoot to come here through your loins and of course ,to leverage your good legacy. Eramhe No’khai ,the family has expanded beyond what you would have imaged and blessed with good health ,long life and all round blessings. Your first son, Chief Vital will be 88 years old in October. A lot of grandchildren and great-grandchildren have been added to the family. Your only daughter, Pst.Mrs Julie inu Umoru is now a great grand mother, thus extending the bloodline. Sir Romanus ,Adolphus ,Omo and my humble self, have lived a humble and peaceful lives devoid of criminality. The seed of Christianity planted in the family by your elder brother,Pa Cletus Eshiemhomo Anaweokhai has grown to produce Rev .Father and Pastors. Your venture into business in the early 30s has snowballed into limited liability companies. Writing this piece without your attached picture is one of the most hallowing and disappointing experiences I have had in recent times. The stories are the same. ”When I relocated to my new place, I misplaced them” .The good thing is that all the sources have promised to swing into action and make them available in next to no distant time. Continue to rest in peace, Dad. We miss you daily. John Odior Anaweokhai ( Your Grown Banana Sucker)
A JOSEPH AKHANIAMHE ANAWEOKHAI, 1906 -1973 , THE FATHER I NEVER KNEW. Read More »