Ogbona Cultural Dances and Troupes

CONTINUATION OF THE OGBONA MUSICIANS SERIES BIOGRAPHY OF EVANGELIST MRS LIZZY STEPHEN UBUIKE By Elias Inaede, Evangelist Mrs Lizzy Stephen Ubuike is a Gospel Singer from Ivhioche Quarter of Ogbona in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State Born on the 13th July, 1993 to the Family of Late Mr. Sunday and Mrs Martina Akomo Akhugie. She attended Life Line Primary School, Fugar and finished at Oboarekpe Primary School, Ogbona for her Primary School Leaving Certificate. She attended Prudence Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogbona and finished at Fugar Mixed Secondary School, Fugar where she got her Secondary School Leaving Certificate. To prepare herself for future challenges, the Young Evangelist Lizzy enrolled at a Computer School at Auchi to have a Certificate in Computer training and proceeded to Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, where she had National Diploma in Food Technology and came back for her Higher National Diploma to study Food Nutrition at same Higher Institution. Evangelist Mrs Lizzy Stephen Ubuike is the Band Leader of the Restoration Praise Band. She has waxed her only Album in 2018 with the title “OGHENA UKHUAYE” meaning God You are Great. She projects Ogbona to her children as a good land that is full of fertile and good things when it comes to music, farming and education. She always let my children known that Ogbona people are very accommodating and they are born to be great and they are doing great things. Asked on her memorable day, the Young Evangelist Lizzy said 26th December, 2020, the day she got married to her husband, that God came to wipe away her tears. Evangelist Mrs Lizzy is married to Mr. Stephen Azobudi Ubuike, an Instrumentalist from Iraokhor Community. The marriage is blessed with two Girls. According to her, she use her music to promote humanity and Ogbona in positive ways to transform lives and to win Souls for Jesus Christ and she has used the money she realized from her music to take care of the educational needs of some Ogbona indigent Students On what she remembers about Ogbona, Evangelist Lizzy said her mother told her a story of how Ogbona People migrated from Benin to Uzairue and from Uzairue to Fugar and finally to the present location called Ogbona and that Ogbona is the last born of Anwu. She Started her Music at a very tender age of 14 years and has contributed significantly to promote humanity and restored broken homes through her inspirational songs… The Gospel Singer prayed that the will of Almighty God concerning Ogbona Sons and Daughters is fulfilled in all ramifications especially the spiritual lives of the people of the community to become great Men of God and great people in all spheres of life to bring Glory to the community. She is the Directress of Gifted Hands Mega Cakes and Events.

CONTINUATION OF THE OGBONA MUSICIANS SERIES BIOGRAPHY OF EVANGELIST JUDITH OCHUWA AMHANESI IFIDON By Elias Inaede, Evangelist Judith Amhanesi Ifidon is a Gospel Artiste from Okotor Quarter of Ogbona Community in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State Born in the 90s to the Family of Amhanesi of Okotor Quarter of Ogbona, She attended Life Line Nursery and Primary Schools, Ogbona and finished at Imakhena Primary School, Ogbona for her Primary School Leaving Certificate. In her quest to prepare herself for life opportunities like the White Says “I Will Prepare, Perhaps, My Chance May Come, the Young Evangelist Judith Ochuwa Ifidon proceeded to Prudence Secondary School, Ogbona and finished at Sacred Heart College, Agenebode for her Secondary Leaving Certificate. In 2011, she secured admission into Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, where She had her Bachehor of Science degree (B: SC) in Psychology. She Started her Musical Carrier early at a very tender age and has contributed meaningfully to promote humanity and restored broken homes through her inspirational songs and counselling. She has waxed two Albums, one in Etsako language and the other one in English which was released on 12th June, 2022. One of the hit tracks that has brought her to limelight is Walking With God. She asserted that She always expects the best to come from Ogbona and she was the Leader of Ogbona Christian Youths Association for about Six years. The Gospel Singer prayed that the will of Almighty God concerning Ogbona Sons and Daughters is fulfilled in all ramifications especially the spiritual lives of the people of the community to become great Men of God and great people in all spheres of life to bring Glory to the community. She expressed gratitude to Almighty God for His Grace, Favour and blessings over her life and Family and said she will be remembered for the lives and destinies she has used her music to change positively. Evangelist Judith Ifidon urged all Ogbona Sons and Daughters to always be their brothers Keeper wherever they found themselves and they should be willing to assist and show love and kindness. She is married to Mr. Ifidon and the union is blessed with two children. A Boy and a Girl.

BIOGRAPHY OF MR ERASOR ALOAYE VALENTINE By Elias Inaede Mr. Erasor Aloaye Valentine was born on 25th October 1982 to the Family of Late PA Oghieboh Erasor Kadiri from Okotor Quarters of Ogbona in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. His Mother Late Mrs Osomhona is from Ivhianaga Quarters of Ogbona. He attended Imakhena Primary School, Ogbona, for his Primary School Leaving Certificate and proceeded to Ogbona Secondary School, Ogbona and finished at Trinity Pre-Campus Secondary School, Jattu, where he had his Secondary Leaving Certificate. He proceeded further to the University of Benin where he obtained a Diploma in International Studies and Diplomacy. In his quest to prepare himself for future challenges, he enrolled at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, where he had a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2015/2016 Session. Mr. Erasor Aloaye Valentine also had a training in Crime Prevention and Control Management. He was recruited into the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) in August 2004 as a Recruit Private and rose to become an Assistant Superintendent of Corps (ASC11) his present Rank. Due to his closeness to his Mother (a Renowned Song Composer (Akamotse) as a little Child, he was able to learn the rudiments of Song Composing. His hit track is Obakhaye Iwenoya. Mr. Erasor Valentine Aloaye believes that everyone prays for a better opportunity and the enormous Grace to contribute meaningfully to the Socio-Economic growth of hiscommunity. Mr. Erasor Aloaye Valentine is a title holder in Ogbona (Agba Edion) the second Broom title holder in Ogbona 2007 Age Group Set. He is a registered Member of Ogbona Youth Forum (OYF) Benin Branch, a Social-Cultural Organization with branches across Nigeria. He also makes his friends to understand that Ogbona is the best tribe in the wholeworld. Mr. Erasor Aloaye Valentine is always proud to come from Ogbona. He added that Ogbona People always unite for development, unite against Invaders and unite to profer solutions to the challenges affecting the community. He projects Ogbona to his Children in good light with a view to ensuring that they believe in their origin. He also ensures that his children speak Ogbona dialect even though they were brought up in the city. He is of the opinion that the collective interest of the community should override the personal interest of an individual in order to have a better and a prosperous Ogbona. Mr. Erasor Aloaye Valentine wants to be remembered for the music he has used to promote the community and humanity. He described Ogbona as the Citadel of Music in Afemai Land with renowned Musicians springing up from the community. As a Man who is eager to acquire more knowledge and skills, he served under different Band Leaders in order to be properly equipped for the task ahead as an upcoming Musician. He urged upcoming Musicians to have the fear of God, respect their Elders and those that come around them both in the Music Industry and in the Circular World and also do things that can promote humanity. He is happily married to his heartrobe, Mrs Beastie Erasor Z and the Union is blessed with children. There is no doubt about the fact that Mr. Erasor Aloaye Valentine sees a glorious future for Ogbona Sons and Daughters both home and in Daspora. His memorable moments was during his Age Group initiation as the Agba Edion title holder called Umoregbemhe Age Group of 2007.

BIOGRAPHY OF HON. CHRISTIAN ODOGBO By Elias Inaede Hon. Christian Odogbo was born on 1st January, 1984 to the Family of Mr. Lucky and Mrs Roseline Odogbo of Ivhioche Quarters of Ogbona in the present Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. He attended Afowa Primary School, Afowa-Uzairue for his Primary Leaving Certificate and proceeded to Afowa Mixed Secondary School and finished at Diligence Secondary School, Jattu, where he had his Secondary Leaving Certificate in 2003. He began his Musical Career in 2009 as the Band Leader of Oshioriamhe Sounds International. He is Popularity Known as Young Ichoye Super Star. He was born and brought up in the Music family. Due to financial challenges faced by his Parents, the Young Ichoye could not proceed further to acquire higher Education. As a result, he dropped out of School for three years to learn the rudiments of Music under the tutelage of his Father, Mr. Lucky Odogbo. He inherited Music from his Father As a Man who is eager to acquire more knowledge and skills, he served under different Band Leaders in order to be property equipped for the task ahead as an upcoming Musician. Hon. Christian Odogbo has waxed Four (4 ) Albums to the glory of God and to his credit. He is a passionate Musician with many Fans across Edo North Senatorial District. One of hit tracks that has brought him to prominence is “I Thank God, Back to Sender.” Iwamionoyaki Noyaki Nokhado, Iwamionoyeda Noyubeni Khavo” which means No One goes to the Market and expect no profit and no One goes to the River and expect not to fetch Water. He urged upcoming Musicians to have the fear of God, respect their Elders and those that come around them both in the Music Industry and in the Circular World and also do things that can promote humanity. He is happily married to Mrs. Munet Odogbo and the Union is blessed with six children, three boys and three girls. There is no doubt about the fact that Hon. Christian Odogbo has his Community at heart. He is sentimentally attached to his town of Ogbona and sees a glorious and better future for Ogbona Sons and Daughters both home and in Dasporal. He commended the current President of Ogbona Elites Forum, Mr. Gilbert Odior and other Members of the Forum for their numerous contributions to unity and progress of Ogbona Community.

BIOGRAPHY OF SISTER OCHUWA IKPEMHI AMEDU (BAND LEADER THE ROYAL SINGERS GOSPEL BAND) By Elias Inaede, Sister Ochuwa IKPEMHI Amedu is a Gospel Artiste from Ogbona Community in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. She is the Band Leader of the Royal Singers Gospel Band based at Jattu- Uzairue. Born in 1985 to the family of Chief Francis Umagor of Ivhido Quarters and Mrs Cecilia Onokhiloye Umagor (nee Enegwea) from Ivhioche quarters of Ogbona. She attended Imakhena Primary School, Ogbona, Mustard Seed College and finished at Ogbona Secondary School, Ogbona where she obtained her Secondary School Leaving Certificate. She is married to Pastor Ikpemhi Amedu from Ivhido Quarter of Ogbona. In her quest to prepare herself for life opportunities like the White Said “I Will Prepare Perhaps My Chance May Come, Sister Ochuwa Amedu proceeded to Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, where She had her Bachehor of Science degree (B: SC) in Accounting in 2012. She Started her Musical Carrier on 24th December, 2004 and she has waxed Five (5) Albums to her credit and to the Glory of God. Sis. Ochuwa Amedu has contributed meaningfully to promote humanity and restored broken Homes through her inspirational songs and counselling. One of the hit tracks that has brought her to limelight is ” Oghenawhumheobor Nimhakwekhai, God hold My hand and let us walk together. Asked on her major challenge as a young Gospel Singer, Sis. Ochuwa Amedu said is financial constraints to buy Musical Instruments. Most People Prefer to assist Circular Musicians that would sing their praises. Quoting from the book of David, Sis Ochuwa Amedu advised Gospel Singers to trust in God for their provision and supply of their needs and who is able to do all things for them. From whrecometh My help, My help cometh from the Lord who made  Heaven and Earth, Ochuwa Amedu added. The Gospel Singer also added that when a Man dies, his end has come and stressed the ineed for Singers to embrace God so that on the last day, God will also embrace them. She expressed gratitude to Almighty God for His Grace, Favour and blessings over her life and Family and said she will be remembered for the lives and destinies she has used her music to change positively.

BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF THADDEUS OMIAWA  aka UNCLE ONE BLOW UNCLE ONE BLOW was born to the Omiawa family of Ivhioche of Ogbona town, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. Popular called Akaba, he is a perfect gentleman and a Musical Entrepreneur to the core whose skills have added colour and value to the musical Industry in Afemai Land and the State at large. He began his Music at a very tender age and was nicknamed One Blow by the early Church of God Mennonite Missionaries residing in Ogbona as a result of his love for Music. He  is naturally talented in Music and was mentored under the tutelage of Late Sir Jericho Oshiorenua who handed over his Certificate of Music to him at the defunct popular Hill Top Hotel, Auchi on 2nd September, 2000. Uncle One Blow Omiawa is a source of inspiration to upcoming musical Stars. His music has made positive impacts in the Society and his keen interest is on the prosperous future of our upcoming musicians. He uses music to send message across the world that kindness is the greatest achievement in life. No wonder he took a bold step to contest as the Deputy Governor of Edo State Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and won overwhelmingly to ensure that Afemai Musicians have a voice at the State Level in the decision making of the Body. Uncle One Blow Omiawa (Akabarnorde) is a young  talented Musician that has waxed 22 Albums to his credit. He waxed his first Album in  year 2000 and became the band Leader. He is  an experienced and organized Union Leader with a lot of Fans across Afemai extraction. Some of his hit tracks records that have brought him to limelight include “Beware of Men and a Nation of Retirees”. He advised upcoming Musicians to be focused, be straightforward, respectful and work very hard to achieve their desired dreams. He is the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Uncle One Blow Royal Garden Hotel and band Leader, Akabarnorde Musical Band Ventures, Jattu, Uzairue. He was a former Chairman of Etsako PMAN, a Former Edo State Ex-Officio Member of PMAN. He was also the Edo State immediate Deputy Governor of PMAN. He is presently the President of Afemai Union Europe Home Branch. Afemai Union Europe Home Branch is a Social -Cultural Organization established by Afemai Sons and Daughters in Europe. They brought the Home Branch to Afemai last December. Uncle One Blow was appointed as the President, Afemai Union Europe Home Branch. He is happily married and blessed with Children.

    BIOGRAPHY OF KING BENJI IGBADUMHE, THE MUSICAL ICON Great Men are usually Men with extraordinary degrees of determination and God’s guidance and favour. They do common things uncommonly well. They are those who set out to achieve a goal with high tenacity of purpose and unmitigated commitment. Whatever they find themselves doing,  they Excel . In every generation, there are Men that divinity bequenth to Society to Champion various courses to humanity. These Men are rare Gems and the Community they are born are proud of them. One of such Men is King Benji Igbadumhe, the Band Leader of Okeke Sounds International. King Benji Igbadumhe was born on the 5th of March, 1955 at Ogbona in the Present day Etsako Central LGA of Edo state to the families of Mr. Louis Asimhegbe Igbadumhe and Mrs. Magdalene Igbadumhe (née Odogbo). He started his primary school at St. John’s Primary, Ogbona in 1960 and later left for Lagos to stay with his uncle Mr. Julius Igbadumhe, and eventually finished at Ibadan in 1968. He proceeded to Ansar Undeen Grammar School Agbede from 1969,  but dropped out in 1971 as the grandmother who was sponsoring him could no longer cope financially. His father too could not help as the elder brother, Antony was already in secondary school in Fugar. In fact, the father had earlier told them, there was no way he could train him and Tony at the same time. He went to his cousin, Sunny Odogbo Iyiodo) to learn music. Under Iyiodo, he learnt the rudiments of the Music from 1972 to 1973 after which he joined General Bolivia’s band and he rose to become the band manager. He toured the whole nation with Gen. Bolivia and also learnt music administration but sometimes in 1978 there was misunderstanding and he left and joined Niger Cat Construction Company. In 1979 he went to Kaduna to meet with Mr. Joseph Irekpita who eventually bought him musical equipment that was launched in March, 1980 and began his musical carrier with his Okeke Sound band. Few years later, he found himself out of Music due to some disagreement with Mr. Williams Irekpita but as fate would have it, he met Mr. B J Sam Tsedi who gave him money to buy new musical equipment but the money was not enough and Chief Odidi helped him to guarantee a bank loan with which he bought musical instruments to relaunch his career. King Benji Igbadumhe who has no regret in life as he has over 100 albums to his name but has a soft spot for IYEREABOPOMHE, ACROSS THE NATION, ATSAKPAMEGHE, ITSANOTSANOR & IYEIYA King Benji loves Music, perhaps, it is because music runs in his family but did not go into music because of the financial reward or fame. Somehow, his natural love for music has brought him fame, took him to all the major cities in the United States of America and Europe and in every sense of the word, he sees himself as fulfilled and cannot ceased to be grateful to God for everything, if for nothing else, he can pay his bills and take care of his immediate and extended family and other people. King Benji Igbadumhe is sentimentally attached to his town of Ogbona and sees a glorious future for Ogbona. He is the Golden Tower of Afemai Music. He is the band Leader of Okeke Sounds International and one of the leading lights of Ogbona Community. He is happily married and blessed with Children.