THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JERRY OSHIAS IRENE (1950 – 2025)
Jerry Oshias Irene was born on September 27, 1950, to the family of Pa Irene Itokula Oshiakpemhe and Madam Isametu Irene, née Atsike, in Ivhiorevhor village. He attended Etsako District Council (EDC) Primary School from 1957 to 1962. In 1963, he enrolled at St. Michael Secondary Modern School but later moved to Ibadan. He attended Anglican Secondary Mixed Commercial School in Morita Mefa, where he graduated with a Royal Society of Arts qualification in 1969. Following his graduation, he pursued private studies and earned a Diploma in Marketing. Additionally, he obtained a Diploma in Theology from the Ministry Training Institute (MTI) in Azusa, USA. Currently, he was a pastor at Spirit & Life Bible Church Headquarters in Benin City.
WORKING EXPERIENCE: Worked as a Sales Manager at Tractor & Equipment Nig Ltd for 40 years before retiring. He attended courses in Ghana, Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom, Madagascar, Spain, and Illinois, USA.
COMMUNITY ROLE: He joined the Ogbona Progressive Union in 1980 and was the Public Relations Officer (PRO). For eight years, he was the Chairman of the Ogbona Federated Benin Branch and later became the National Executive President of the Ogbona Federated. He handed over leadership to Chief Greg Enegwea, who succeeded Chief J. E. Oshiotse. He made significant contributions to the development of Ogbona through various initiatives, including addressing the granite issue, improving Auchi-Bode Road, implementing rural electrification projects, enhancing Ogbona Secondary School, managing the water project, and organizing town halls.
WHAT I REMEMBER ABOUT OGBONA: Ogbona is a united force to be reckoned with in both politics and developmental strides. They live in peace and harmony with one another, as well as with outsiders. When Ogbona sneezes, Anwu shakes. They speak with one voice when faced with issues involving other communities. I also see Ogbona as a God-fearing community, and I would like to refer to it as a New Jerusalem because they truly love God.
He passed on Tuesday 14th January 2025.
Jerry Oshias Irene was happily married and had six children.
