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Biographies of Ogbona Past Leaders

Biographies of Some of the Great Ogbona Men and Women

PA JOSEPH AKHANIAMHE ANAWEOKHAI, 1906-1973, THE FATHER I NEVER KNEW BY Dr.John Odior Anaweokhai

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51 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 Akhaniamhe Anaweokhai, boarded the celestial plane to live among saints. For many years, I struggled without restraint, dug deep into the reveries of my inner being, plied ceaselessly through the recesses of my mental hub, stretched the elasticity of memory boundaries, 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 nerves 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 learned 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 erased from my nomenclature and got replaced with my mother’s, 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 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 some time ago with a deep sense of responsibility that I owe my “success” in life to three factors: the grace of God, a solid family background, and a God-fearing/supportive wife. Pa Joseph Akhaniamhe Anaweokhai was a visionary father par 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 rallying point for 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 siblings’ children in their life endeavors, he ensured his children, Chief Vital Anaweokhai and Pst. Mrs. Julie Inu Umoru was exposed to Western education very early in their formative years too. A life-transforming investment whose benefits rubbed off on the younger ones later in life in no small measure. Pa Joseph was a nonconformist 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 his only daughter, Pst. Mrs. Julie Inu Umoru, to school in the 1940s. Another lifetime investment that completely changed the family narrative. In a nutshell, Pa Joseph’s foresight had a trickle-down effect from Chief Vital Anaweokhai to my twin brother and me, the last born. If I didn’t have to struggle to pay my way through schools, from secondary school to postgraduate 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 First Degree Project, I wrote, “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 was 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 based on 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 imagined and is blessed with good health, long life, and all-round blessings. Your first son, Chief Vital, will be 89 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-grandmother, thus extending the bloodline. Sir Romanus, Adolphus, Omo, and my humble self have lived a humble and peaceful life devoid of criminality. The seed of Christianity planted in the family by your elder brother, Pa Cletus Eshiemhomo Anaweokhai, which you helped him to nurture, has grown to produce Rev. Fathers 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 hollowing 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 no distant time. Continue to rest in peace, Dad. We miss you daily. Dr.John Odior Anaweokhai (Your Grown Banana Sucker)

PA JOSEPH AKHANIAMHE ANAWEOKHAI, 1906-1973, THE FATHER I NEVER KNEW BY Dr.John Odior Anaweokhai Read More »

IN MEMORY OF OKAKU ( Chief MCK Orbih) by Dr.John Odior Anaweokhai

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IN MEMORY OF OKAKU ( Chief MCK Orbih) Dr.John Odior Anaweokhai: As little children growing up in Ogbona, we never knew that our generic nomenclature of Avhianwu was not used exclusively to describe Fugar people. Oftentimes, one would hear someone saying he was going to Avhianwu, it was later we were made to understand the true position of things but I doubt if much has changed in practice. Ivhiarua and Ivhinone as descriptive entities, have been swallowed by FUGAR. As children, one could not describe the healthiness of the relationship between Ogbona and Fugar. That of Iraokhor was more cordial and mutual, probably because of the proximity but I doubt if the average Fugarian reciprocated symmetrically, the same level of respect we accorded them. There was this unequal rivalry between Ogbona and Fugar. Unequal in terms of size and presence of social amenities. They had pipe-borne water, A grammar school, an Old government residential Area, and later, Fugar City Hotel and Nazareth Hospital. Matters were not helped when Fugar was connected to the national grid in 1986 to the exclusion of Ogbona. There was another factor that seemed to count in their favour, The Oghie Avhianwu of Avhianwu, Chief Alao, was from Fugar. We erroneously conceded the position to them permanently until we were made to understand that it is rotative among the four villages that make up the Avhianwu clan. Chief Alao was surrounded by a lot of powerful personalities like Chief Steve Obaze, Chief Philip Okhumhale, Chief Emmanuel Ugheoke, Chief Anthony Opitoke, and a host of others. In 2000, I was with my cousin, Jude Anaweokhai in Lagos when a boy from Fugar came to visit him. He told us that but for Chief MCK Orbih, they would have permanently, pocketed the position of the Oghie Avhianwu of Avhianwu and I asked him how, he told us that after the death of Chief Alao, all the big guns in Avhianwu met with the sole objective of having the position of the Oghie Avhianwu of Avhianwu reside in Fugar permanently. They were ready to deplore all their resources to achieve the objective but Chief Orbih knew what they did not know. It was discovered that in the early 60s, Chief Orbih caused The EDIOR NE’JIE in Avhianwu to come together and sign a document on how the position of The Oghie Avhianwu of Avhianwu is rotated among the four villages. When the Fugar big guns heard this shocker, they went to Chief Itsueli and he confirmed their fears. On legal grounds, the document could not be challenged because it was over 20 years old, a killer piece of evidence in litigation, it was. Perhaps, Chief Orbih foresaw the direction of things about 30 years earlier having leveraged his political experience. But for his vision, perhaps another senseless and endless litigation would have ensured in Avhianwu. Though his impact was felt most in the political scene which he bestrode like a colossus, he also made his presence felt in the academic world too. A lot of Ogbona sons and daughters passed under his tutelage as a teacher and Headmaster. He was still the headmaster of St. John’s Primary School, Ogbona when he ventured into politics. He was said to combine teaching, his first love with politics. In 1953, at the beginning of formal politics in Nigeria in the real sense of it, Chief MCK Orbih contested and won against Eramha Agunu Akhigbe from Ivhiochie to represent Avhianwu ward at the Local Council Authority as councilor. In 1959, he also won the election to the National House of Representatives in Lagos. The election was said to be keenly contested against Mr. G.M Udochi. Chief Orbih was said to have campaigned with a Pamphlet titled “MY ANSWER TO THE MAN AWAY FROM HOME”. In 1979, he also contested again under NPN but lost. Whatever he lost in that election, was compensated for as Chairman, Governing Board of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. The above journey, no doubt prepared him for the task ahead and put him in a vantage position to contribute his quota to the development of our community. As a member of the National Assembly From 1958 to 1962, Ogbona was confronted with two knotting problems, that of water and the absence of a maternity home which had remained insoluble from time immemorial. 1962, Chief Orbih brought a company manned by an Israeli who had poor command of English, to dig a borehole in Ogbona. The open space beside the Asekhauno family house was chosen as the site for the borehole. The Israeli engineer was said to be fond of commanding people to COME HERE with assented English, before you knew it, the man became known as COMEHEEH. Unfortunately, the exercise was futile due to poor geophysical survey and in the end, it was concluded Ogbona was too hilly and such, had no water underneath. That unfortunate and mendacious conclusion, according to Chief Dan Osi Orbih, spurred his effort to look for water inside Ogbona with superior technology and he succeeded with two boreholes within Ogbona town. The second problem of ante-natal care was confronted head-on as Chief MCK Orbih brought the first maternity home to Ogbona and yours sincerely and his twin brother were delivered there. If Chief Orbih is still well remembered today, it’s because of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital Comprehensive Health Centre at Ogbona that has been named after him. It was one government presence that changed the socio-economic narrative of Ogbona. Apart from the Post Office, it is arguably the only federal government presence in Ogbona. According to the Vice President of Ogbona Elites Forum, Mr. Bernard Kassim Ikhane, as the Chairman of the Governing Board of UBTH, Chief MCK Orbih brought 14 employment letters to Ogbona and without any serious interview, Ogbona indigenes, including himself were given automatic employment in UBTH. Some of the employees relocated to Ogbona as soon as the Ogbona health centre was opened where they worked and

IN MEMORY OF OKAKU ( Chief MCK Orbih) by Dr.John Odior Anaweokhai Read More »

REMEMBERING OUR ICONIC PARENTS CHIEF V A OMADIMHE (AMEOKPAYAKHE OF AVIANWU) MRS. JANET OMADIMHE & MRS FLORENCE OMADIMHE (BOTH OYEKHAKHA OF AVIANWU)

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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

REMEMBERING OUR ICONIC PARENTS CHIEF V A OMADIMHE (AMEOKPAYAKHE OF AVIANWU) MRS. JANET OMADIMHE & MRS FLORENCE OMADIMHE (BOTH OYEKHAKHA OF AVIANWU) Read More »

Farewell to A Great King, Late Chief Willy Idode, Okphe Ukpi and Head Ogbona Sub Clan (1959- 2022)

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Farewell to A Great King, Late Chief Willy Idode, Okphe Ukpi and Head Ogbona Sub Clan (1959- 2022) By Elias Inaede It was a life so beautifully lived to promote unity rooted in deep love, humanity, growth and development for his people. The Memories of the Late King, Chief William Uloko Idode, the immediate past Okphe Ukpi and Sub Clan Head of Ogbona will remain an indelible footprint for generation yet unborn judging from the quality leadership which he provided for his people during his reign. The Final burial ceremony of Late Chief Willy Idode indeed, showcased the success story of a selfless king whose reign attracted peace, unity and progress to the indigenous people of Ogbona Community. Late Chief Willy Idode was a strong pillar of the arts, Culture and tradition of the people of Ogbona Community. Indeed, the Black Race has lost a Titan in the person of HRH William Idode. Born on 4th April, 1959 to the Family of Mr. Momodu Ojakpa Idode and Mrs Lametu Amiunomhene Idogho both of Ivhiobore Quarter of Ogbona. He was a Peace Loving King, a Unifier and a Beacon of hope to those who came around him as His contributions to humanity were highly acclaimed. He died at a time His Royal advice and guidance was most needed by the People of Ogbona Community. There is no doubt about the fact that the final burial ceremony was remarkable in the memories of the people of the community who came out enmasse in honour of a King whose positive footprint in the community would stand the test of time. Expectedly, the Final burial Ceremony of Late Chief Willy Idode was an opportunity for reunion by Family members, Friends, Well Wishers and Schoolmates of the Late King who came to pay the last respect to the King in view of the tremendous achievements and growth under the rulership. He was able to restore orderliness and peace in the community as a result of his exemplary leadership qualities that has endeared him to the heart of the people of the community. Guests at the ceremony that took place on 23rd December, 2022 at the Ogbona Secondary School Field, Ogbona, were treated to a lavish reception with a reknowned Music Legend, King Benji Igbadumhe trilling the Visitors with sole touching melodious numbers. Late Chief Willy Idode was an exceptional traditional Ruler of inestimable value and a God-fearing Man whose death till date has created a huge vacuum in the community and whose role in uniting and strengthening the community would be greatly missed. This was the testimony given by the Oghianviawu of Avianwu HRM Chief Jackson Etokhana in his speech. He also admonished the Ogbona Community of the due process to install a new King which must not be undermined. In like manner, “the Egboise” Second in Command of the Community Chief Vincent Otsoi also enumerated the virtues of the late king as a Unifier, kind, selfless and truthful. Extolling the rare qualities of his father, the Son of the Deceased Mr. Aloaye Idode in his tribute, described his father as an exceptional man, a great father, a role model and a true symbol of a man who contributed his quota selflessness to the growth of the family, community and humanity. According to Aloaye, the Deceased was a hardworking man, a Disciplinarian, a God-fearing man, an Exemplar and a resourceful man whose valuable services would be greatly missed. His World rolled along like a song. The deceased was an effective and compassionate Ruler and a pragmatic Christian who would be remembered for his legacies and contributions to mankind. Chief Idode stood on the truth to administer justice to all irrespective of age, political, economic, social and academic status without fear or favour. He was never afraid to speak the truth regardless the parties involved. His love for Ogbona community was without rival. His influence was in every aspect of the community, primary and secondary education, scholarships for the indigents and proper running of the schools including recruiting teachers. He touched the medical institutions, Markets, Security, governance and peace in the community. This was remarked by the Funeral Organizing Committee Chairman Mr. John Odior Anaweokhai in his welcome address. His reign brought about the abrogation of some cultural practices of gender discrimination against women especially on matters of inheritance and the transformation of the annual New Yam Festival into an occasion of sharing with the needy and community annual day of thanksgiving. HRH, Late Willy Uloko Idode took ill sometimes 2021. This he was able to manage until early 2022 when the required cost of treatment became so huge for him to bear alone. As a king loved by everyone, the community at large through the following various development groups, Ogbona Federated Union, Ogbona Elite Forum, Ogbona Youth Forum, Age Groups and other notable persons from in and outside the Ogbona community made the needed contributions of funds for his treatment. This treatment took place in various specialist hospitals within Nigeria. UBTH Benin City, Lagos, Irua Specialist Hospital Irua, Edo State and several hospitals in Abuja. He finally passed on at home and was immediately buried according to Avianwu Royal Tradition on the 5th October, 2022. After the burial, the Palace set up a committee of eminent sons and daughters of Ogbona to plan for a befitting funeral for the late Opke- Ukpi. Membership of this committee which was chaired by John Odior Anaweokhai cut across the late king’s immediate family, the Ogbona Palace Chiefs, Ogbona Elite Forum and Ogbona Youth Forum. This committee was further de-centralized into sub-committees for proper coordination. The committee raised fund once more from both within and outside the community for the funeral which finally took place on the 23rd December, 2022. The well-coordinated occasion was also well attended by college of dignitaries that cut across traditional leaders, politicians, business magnates, age groups, Okada Ride Ogbona association, various churches etc. Late Chief Willy Idode died at the age of 63

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Celebration of The Life and Times of late High Chief Christiana Erua Anabor (1927 — 2021)

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Celebration of The Life and Times of late High Chief Christiana Erua Anabor (1927 — 2021) By Elias Inaede, The death of High Chief Christiana Amina Erua Anabor has indeed created a huge vacuum in the Anabor’s dynasty of Ogbona town in Etsako Central local government area. She was a woman of substance whose footprints are indelible in the annals of Avhianwu community being an illustrious daughter of Ogbona community, her passage would surely be felt by the entire community. Late High Chief Christiana Erua Anabor was a successful business woman who traded across several States and Regions, a successful Politician, a humanist par excellence and a community leader and a Mobilizer of note. Born on the 5th of May 1927 to the family of late Johnny Emokidi and Omonaya Braimoh Omoakhia of blessed memory in Ivhianagah quarter of Ogbona, her life was an epitome of selflessness, humanity. She was a member of the Avhianwu roll call of honour having performed her cooking Ukpe No khua which means cooking all delicacies for the entire community. Late Christiana Amina Erua Anabor was a reference point till death. She was member of many Cultural Organizations such as Izi,Agbi and Atsamukoko dance Groups among others as a result of her love for her community. It is not the abundance of wealth a man acquires that counts, but the way he or she touched the lives of those around him while alive. As a result of her contributions to the development of her community, she was conferred with a prestigious Chieftaincy title as the Oreghokpe of Avhianwu by the then Oghieavhianwu of Avhianwu Clan, HRH Chief Ajayi Patrick Oboarekpe making her the first woman in the entire Clan to be honoured with a Chieftaincy title. She was also a committed member of the Roman Catholic faith and earned many Awards of Recognition and was sponsored to the holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem which earned her the Justice Of Peace title. She was indeed a woman of many parts whose sojourn on earth brought transformation and uplifing to the downtrodden and the hopeless in the society. Late High Chief Christiana Erua Anabor was a coverage to the less Privileged and the entire Anabor’s dynasty . Her demise, no doubt has created a huge vaccum in the family. She passed on at a time her valuable services were most needed by the family and the community. She was an icon of inestimable value as a result of her humanitarian and Philantropic gestures. The social ceremony which took at the weekend at Oboarekpe Primary School Playing Ground attracted eminent personalities from all walks of life to the community to pay their their last respect to a woman who did her best to promote humanity. A Requiem Mass was held on Sunday 13th September, 2021 in honour of the deceased at St. John De Baptist Catholic Church, Ogbona. In his homily, the Parish Priest, Reverend Father Philip Omohekhe while quoting from the book of Ecclesiastes said life is vanity upon . The Cleric, Charged Believers to dedicate themselves to the expansion of the gospel and humanity in order to receive the blessings of Almighty God. In his tribute, Eldest son of the deceased, Mr. Moses Anabor described her mother as a selfless woman who made a positive impact in the lives of the people around her and the community. In his farewell message, Mr. Emmanuel Anabor said his mother lived a fulfilled life and prayed God to grant her soul eternal rest. In his remark, Son of the deceased , Mr. Simeon Anabor stated that her mother was the candle that burns on both sides and that her legacies would stand the test of time. He added that it is traditionally and Spiritually bestowed on a child to honour his or her parents. He described her mother as an encyclopedia on cultural heritage While eulogising her, the daughter in-law of the deceased, Honourable Justice Juliet Emmanuel Anabor described her as a loving and caring mother and the best friend anyone could wish to have. The first grand Child of the deceased, Hon. Anthony Oshanor Ogboabor said the deceased is t the grand mother one would love to have and prayed God to accept her soul. Late High Chief Christiana Erua Anabor died at the age of 95 years. She is survived by ten Children and many grand and great grand Children.  

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Biography of Asapokhai Umayo Christopher of Ivhiorewoh quarters, Ogbona

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Mr. Asapokhai Umayo Christopher of Ivhiorewoh quarters, Ogbona, Etsako Centra, Edo State. He was born to the family of Late Mr. & Mrs. Enekhume Anthony on the 7th day of May 1951 in Kano State, Nigeria. Mr. Christopher Umayo Asapokhai was the 1st of 7children in a monogamous family. He had his primary education in Kano State and proceeded to St. John’s Grammar School Fugar in Edo State where he sat for his West Africa School Leaving Certificate in the year 1971. He was a well known sports man playing in their basketball team at the time and representing the then Bendel State at State and National tournaments. The famous Hakeem Olajuwon picked interest in basketball while watching Mr. Christopher Asapokhai and his team train back then in Kano State. Sadly, a knee injury brought his sports career to an abrupt end. Mr. Christopher Umayo Asapokhai due to his interest in nursing, wrote the nursing entrance exam and gained admission into the then Bendel State School of Nursing Benin in the year 1975 and completed his training in the year 1977 were he emerged as the best Practical nurse of the year. Mr. Christopher Umayo Asapokhai got employment with the Health Management board, Auchi as a staff nurse in the year 1978. There he got steady promotion until he was transferred to the General Hospital, Obiaruku were he stood out amongst his colleagues. On the the 3rd day of June 1983, he resigned from his job with the State Government after he got employment with the then prestigious Delta Steel Company, Ovwian -Aladja, Delta State. He worked with dedication in the company for 20 years. In 2003 he joined Chevron Nigeria Limited as a contract nurse and retired at 60yrs in the year 2011. Even though he was retired, he was not tired following his workaholic nature. Due to his vast wealth of knowledge, he got employed at Lily Hospital, Warri where he worked in various capacities. He was the head of Trainings at Lily Hospital, Warri till his demise. Uncle Chris as he was fondly called by colleagues and friends was also a registered BLS and ACLS with the American Heart Association. As a Nurse he was so caring, he was more of a friend to his patients than a nurse. He was a mentor to numerous nurses whom he impacted with his knowledge and experience. He was always putting smiles on their faces. To his Colleagues he was more of a brother and a friend, there was never a dull moment with him. Mr. Christopher Umayo Asapokhai found the Lord in the 90s and he remained steadfast in the faith, he practiced his faith at home, work place and the community at large. He was a dedicated member of The Masters Place International Church. Mr Christopher Umayo Asapokhai was happily married to Mary Asapokhai who is also a Nurse by training and they are blessed with four married children and 9 grandchildren to the glory of God. We celebrate you our dear father, father in law, grand father, brother, uncle, friend and adviser. You have left your foot prints in the sand of time and we salute your exemplary Morals. We give thanks to the almighty God for a life which was well spent. Continue to rest in the bosom of Lord. Goodnight!!

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Biography of Chief Peter Daniel Okhuemoi

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Biography of Chief Peter Daniel Okhuemoi Chief Peter Daniel Okhuemoi was born on the 29th of June 1949 to Late Pa Azonoboh Okhuemoi and Late Mrs. Asonikpe Okhuemoi (nee Enamhino) at Ogbona in present day Etsako Central Local Government Area, Edo State. That he was destined for a life that would raise him above the general rural existence that was obtainable in his day, and propel him into a world of greatness and exposure was evident in the zeal exhibited by those around him in ensuring that he had a good education. At the age of 7 years, he was taken by his brother, Musa Ainakhu to Ibadan where he began his primary education at St. Brigid’s Catholic Primary School, Mokola, Ibadan in 1959. In 1969, he proceeded to the newly founded St. John’s College Fugar alongside the likes of Patrick Imohede, Aleoghena Festus and Patrick Idegbo Umogbai and others. They constituted the pioneer set of that prestigious institution. On completion of his WASC, he went to Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabongida-Ora for his HSC where he was an outstanding student, and this was reflected in his receiving the John F. Kennedy scholarship award for English. He was given employment on the completion of his HSC as a classroom teacher at Momodu College, Agbede. It was there he met Rabi Okhuemoi (Nee Tokurah) who became his wife of 32 years. Peter Okhuemoi taught in that institution for two years before he was admitted into the University of Ife (Now Obafemi Awolowo University) to study English. He graduated from that college with the 1973 set which included others like Greg Enegwea, Barr. Ekhasemomhe, and Dr. Dennis Itsuokor. He proceeded to his area of primary assignment,(NYSC),  Mbaise in the then East Central State (today’s Imo State) in the same year as one of the pioneer corps members. On completion of his service, he started his working career as a graduate with Federal Government College Port-Harcourt as an English Teacher in 1974. In March 1978, he joined the then National Oil and Chemical Marketing Company (now Conoil) where he spent the rest of his employed life. Peter’s 21 years at National Oil saw him traversing the length and breadth of this country, meeting with various personalities across different tribes. Among the colleagues he worked with at National Oil was Abiola Ajimobi who later became a Senator and Governor, and Rt. Hon Chibudom Nwuche who became Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. This period also saw him moving across positions in the company that easily attest to his being one of the best in the field of retail marketing. Some of the positions and their locations include: C & I Sales Rep  – Head Office ‘78 General Sales Rep – Port-Harcourt & Calabar ‘79 Domestic Construction C & I Rep – Ibadan ‘80 Senior General Rep – Jos, Gombe, Bauchi, Gongola ‘85 Senior General Rep (Ret, S & D Analyst) – Lagos ‘87 Bunkers & Export Superintendent – Warri ‘90 Bunkers & Export Superintendent (Port-Harcourt, Calabar, Warri) – ‘Port-Harcourt ‘93 Retail Planning & Devt. Manager – Head Office ‘93 Retail Sales Supt. Kaduna – Kaduna ‘95 Head, Shell Business East – Port-Harcourt ‘97 He undertook many training courses while with the company. He retired meritoriously in 1999 after 21 glorious years into private business as Managing director of Pamoks Ventures Ltd. Peter Okhuemoi was passionate and committed to people and service. He trained and financed many men and women through various levels of education. These included but were not limited to relatives, friends, children of neighbors, fellow staff, etc. He was never biased, prejudiced or selective in those he helped. His colleagues in the office always remembered him as a humorous, lively and open-hearted friend and boss. There was never a dull moment with Peter. His principle in service was ‘to live a name and goodwill that his children would live to enjoy and be proud of’. Chief Peter Okhuemoi received recognition and honour from various bodies and groups. He was active in his life-time as an alumnus of his Alma-mata St. John’s College Fugar. He founded and served as the President of the Warri Branch of the Old Boys Association. Chief Peter Okhuemoi played a major role in the establishment of Ogbona Grammar School and for several years financed projects in the school, in addition to sponsoring many indigent children. He was at a time Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association. He was also the Patron, Avianwu United Club of Nigeria Patron, Standard Youth Club of Nigeria Patron, Elite Women Social Club of Etsako The Anawi Utsabeghie of Eghietsemhe Age Group of Avianwu, among so many others. In 1996, in recognition of his immense contributions to the development and progress of his community, he was honoured with the chieftaincy title of ‘Apeakhuye of Avianwu’ by HRH Chief Aliu Oboarekpe, The Oghieanvianwu. Many will live to remember Peter Okhuemoi for touching their lives in so many different ways. Peter Okhuemoi loved sports and participated actively in his lifetime. He was the pioneer volleyball and basketball captain of the St. John’s College team while there. At Holy Trinity Grammar School Sabongida-Ora, he ran long distance races with the likes of Sir. Chief O.F Eboirenme, a past rector of Auchi Polytechnic. In the prestigious Grier Cup Competition, he came 2nd in the Mile Race. During the Founders’ Day meet in 1967, he came 1st in the 3-legged race, 2nd in the Javelin event, and 2nd in the Mile race. His love for sports development in schools saw him at various times donate sports materials to Ogbona Grammar School. In his later years on earth, he was an ardent lover of football and boxing. His library of past football matches and boxing fights on video will make any sports enthusiast green with envy. Chief Peter Daniel Okhuemoi was a great father and husband who raised his five biological children to understand the value of a good education, and taught them never to expect handouts from

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