The man that created fortune and opportunity for Orogun people: Demas Akpore (1928-1993)
Chief Demas O Akpore, was a man who lived forward and saw the future of a community, destined for greatness, even if, not to the level he expected, but his effort has been expanded by many he inspired, and gave opportunity to gain knowledge and become a better person in the future.
He was the first Principal of Government College, Ughelli, and the founder and principal of Orogun Grammar School before joining politics, and eventually became the first elected Deputy Governor of the defunct Bendel State (1979–1983). Born on 4th August 1928 at Warri, Nigeria to a Christian Family of Mr. Itedjere Akpore of Unukpo-Orogun in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State Nigeria, and Mrs. Etawhota Akpore (née Agbomiyeri) of Kokori in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State. He was the only child of his mother and first in family of eight children.
The late former Deputy Governor, Chief Akpore, kick-started his formal education at St. Andrew’s Church Missionary Society School, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria from 1937 to 1944. He then went to Government College, Ughelli, where he was a pioneer student.
Meanwhile, upon completing his Secondary School Education in 1951, he proceeded to the University College, Ibadan, Nigeria from 1951 to 1956, and obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Classics. To cure his insatiable hunger for knowledge, he enrolled at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, from 1956 to 1958, where he got a Master of Arts degree in Classics. Being a lover of knowledge and researcher, he further went to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria from 1974 to 1975 for his Postgraduate Diploma in Education-(PGDE). His posthumous award today is a sign of immortality and motivation to others.
Justice James Omo-Agege (1933-2016); A Quintessential Hero
Many may not have heard so much about the quiet life of a former Chief Judge of Delta State, late Justice James Omo-Agege, whose service to our dear nation cannot be quantified. He attended Ozuaka Primary School, Orogun and Baptist Primary School, Eku, Delta State. From there he proceeded to Enitona High School, PorHont-Harcourt for his secondary education. He left Nigeria in 1956 to study Law at the Holborn College of Law, England and was called to the English Bar in 1961.
On his return to Nigeria that same year, his stint as a practicing lawyer was short as he was appointed into the bench as a Magistrate in 1963 while in Sapele. Justice Omo-Agege, also served as a Magistrate in Tanganyika and later Tanzania from 1964 to 1971. He was also appointed Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of the Gambia, and following his sterling performance he was made to serve as Acting Chief Justice of the Republic of Gambia on several occasions. Late Justice James Omo-Agege, served as Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal in the old Bendel State. I appointed Chief Judge of Delta State in 1993 and retired in 1998. He also served as Chairman of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission. As a reward for his contributions to legal development in Nigeria, and his unblemished and unstained streak of service in the bench, the Federal Government of Nigeria awarded him with a National Honour, the Order of the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) which was conferred on him in 2004 by a former President of the Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR.
Indeed, the former Chief Judge of Delta State, was a consummate Community leader, peacemaker, counsellor and a custodian of the soul of the culture of his people; the Orogun Kingdom. He served as the Traditional Prime Minister of Orogun for several years, bringing development, peace and stability to the community. He also served as the Chairman of Orogun Council of Chiefs until his demise. He was blessed with fruitful children who have maintained his integrity and pride over the years.
Professor Fred. Idiem’ Opute – A Man of Honour, Dignity and Courage
Professor Opute had a distinguished academic career which was supported by scholarships, fellowships, international awards and grants. His world-wide scientific travels and contacts established international cooperation and research links and collaborative studies in Canada, West Indies, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia and Britain. His research activities took him to several countries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Africa where he participated in international conferences, workshops, seminars and courses”
After a rewarding secondary school education from the prestigious Government College Ughelli, from 1953 to 1958 and obtaining the Cambridge West African School Certificate, Grade 1, he completed his A Level course at the Federal Emergency Science School, Lagos in 1961 before proceeding to the University of Ibadan in 1962 where he read for a degree in Botany and graduated in 1965 with a 2nd Class Honours Degree, Upper Division. He took up appointment with the Nigerian Institute for Oil palm Research (NIFOR) as a research officer-in training in 1965.
A year later in 1966, he enrolled for postgraduate studies at Westfield College, University of London, procuring a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology in 1969. He returned to Nigeria in December 1969 and as a staff of the Nigerian Institute for Oil palm Research, (NIFOR).
Wherever Professor Opute worked, within and outside the University of Benin, he rendered immeasurable help and assistance to persons mostly from his Orogun kingdom and Urhobo at large, within the framework of educating the mind and specifically in the area of university admission and provision of jobs. “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish, and you feed him for a life time” is an ancient proverb, the origin of which is highly contested.
Late Chief Wilfred Okpu: The man, who negotiated the secession of Orogun from Kwale to Urhoboland.
The late Wilfred Okpu hailed from their Progenitor ODUMEYAN. A disciplinarian par excellence, whom everybody feared and respected. The Okpu’s family hails from their Progenitor ODUMEYAN, whose generation since inception has been fruitful in their endeavours” The late Wilfred Ugbana Okpu, was an interpreter. This was by virtue of the fact that in those days, they were very few educated people. Additionally, he was the most prominent man in Okpu’s family. The late Wilfred Okpu, was a leader and, who lived most of his life time at Ashaka, he became a rubber magnate, who also owned vast expanse rubber plantations between Ashaka and Kwale. Being a foremost and respected family head, he impacted socially on the entire Aragba community. .He was the Ogbimi (Prime minister) who spared no pains in protecting the interest of his community.
Late Wilfred Okpu’s mother is from Umeghe-Abraka and he spoke Urhobo language fluently/, a relationship which placed him in good state as a famous interpreter from Orogun clan. The late Okpu, was born between 1880 and 1890, but died on the 18th of December, 1968. During his life times, he represented Orogun clan (then, under Kwale), and he fought gallantly till Orogun was ceded to Urhobo land. Today’s posthumous award comes as a mark of history and honour.
The first Female Orogun Chief: Patience Anihwehwe (1924-1995)
The late Chief Patience Anihwehwe Wanogho was born in 1924, and died in the year 1995. During her life time, she was known as a woman of substance and one of the first famous female Chiefs Orogun Kingdom have ever had. She was recognized as a woman leader in Orogun kingdom, and the late Prof. Ambrose Ali, the then Governor of the defunct Bendel, also honoured her, and had a strong conviction about her personality towards raising women for social cultural development.
Interestingly, the late Anihwehwe worked as a contractor in Auchi Polytechnic supplying them food and other items. As a leader, she worked hard to see that women are represented in Social cultural organizations not only in Orogun kingdom but also in the old Bendel State. Making sure that women are being recognized by the government in every sector. Indeed, she was a role model and mentor to many women.
Odeka: First Orogun Major-General with Honour and Dignity of Great Repute
One of those eminent retired Generals in the Nigerian Army with an outstanding records and image is Major-General Victor Omonigho Odeka, retd. A man who has created a niche for himself and his family in general, and became the first Orogun man to rise to the rank of a Major-General in the Army.
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Major-General Victor Omonigho Odeka retd, was born in Lagos to the family of chief Oghenjohoh Odeka and Mrs. Ese Odeka (now deceased) of Sanubi-Orogun in Ughelli North Local Government area of Delta state. .He attended Dennis memorial Grammar school (DENGRAMS) Onitsha from 1956-1962 where he obtained both WASC and HSC. The young Victor then proceeded to the Nigerian Premier Higher Institution, University of Ibadan (UI) where he obtained a B.Sc. (Hons) Degree in Economics.
Major-General Victor Omonigho Odeka’s career in the Nigerian Army spanned over 27 years. On joining the Army in 1967, he was commissioned to the Rank of a Lieutenant, and later promoted again to the rank of a Major, which was then known as the Starting Point for a Senior Officer in the Army.
His brilliance performance on the job took him to the General’s Cadre in 1988 when he got to the rank of a Brigadier-General. By the grace of God and honesty of purpose, he became the first incumbent of the position of Director of Army Finance and Accounts (DAFA) to reach a 2-Star General’s rank in 1992 when he was promoted to the enviable rank of Major- General.
To confirm Gen. Odeka’s avowed intent in minimizing fraud in the Army, General Muhammadu Buhari retd (formal Head of States, now, a democratically elected civilian President, and Commander-in-Chief, of the Armed forces of Nigeria), when he was the GOC of 2 Mech div and Gen Odeka was the ADAFA, wrote about Odeka, Thus: “Col Odeka’s personal and professional integrity played and continues to play an important role in uncovering and checking fraud in that division. His moral courage is praise-worthy. I received several copies of anonymous letters of threats to his life from members of fraudulent syndicates that considered him Threat to their style of living. I did not observe any wavering in his determination to stop misuse of public funds” Today’s award is a sign of the honour he truly brought to Orogun Kingdom and the entire South-South.
The Pride of Orogun People, Olorogun L.O Omoru, JP, A.I.B (London), M.A (Financial Econs, Wales, UK), FCIB, JP.
Chief Lucky Omoru, the Director-General, Delta Investment Development Agency (DIDA) brought development to Orogun and becomes responsible for the first tarred roads to Orogun, replacing the wooden bridges between Ugono and Orogun Town with Concrete bridges, brought modern post office building, primary health care centre to Orogun and awarded the first contract for the construction of the Orogun General Hospital. He also assisted many Orogun sons to join the Nigerian Army and Police and some of them have risen to the top of their careers. For his meritorious services to Orogun Community and the Okpe Kingdom, he was conferred with the Chieftaincy titles of the Eni of Orogun and the Odidi of Okpe respectively. Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omoru was appointed as the Justice of Peace by Bendel State Government for his honesty, integrity and outstanding leadership qualities.
Chief Omoru was a former Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Tourism, former Commissioner for Finance & Economic Planning between 1988-1990. Academically, Olorogun L.O. Omoru, attended Orogun Grammar School, Orogun – 1966-1970 –with a clear academic performance –WASC-Division 1, and Hussey College, Warri, 1971-1972-HSC/A’ Level Papers. He then proceeded to the University of South West London, UK – 1975-1977, where he studied Banking & Finance- AIB, with distinction and best over-all result in the world during April 1977 AIB Examinations.
He also went to the University of Wales, Bangor, UK. – 1977-1979 for his Master’s Degree,(Financial Economics-Wales, UK) with distinction again. For his excellent performance and achievement, he was offered Admission to do his PhD in Financial Economics at the University of Wales, Bangor, UK, He is a Fellow, Chartered Institute of Bankers,-FCIB, Member, Associate Institute of Bankers, London, Life Member, Nigeria Economic Society and Member, Nigeria Institute of Directors. Olorogun Omoru, hails from Igbuku-Orogun, and he is fruitfully married and blessed with children.
Man, who wrote the most generally acceptable history of Orogun: Sir Patrick Igba, KSJ
Engr. (sir) Patrick O.E Igba, KSJ hails from Orogun town in Ughelli North L.G.A. of Delta State, Nigeria. He is a Catholic Charismatic, a lector and knight of St. John International. Patrick is happily married to Lady Cecilia O. Igba, LAUX-KSJ (Nee Maroh), who holds Dip Ed, Sc. And M.Sc. in education. His marriage is blessed with five children all of whom are university graduates: three qualified Engineers, one qualified medical doctor and one qualified Economist/chartered manager.
His brilliance won him a scholarship from a British Multinational Construction company to study civil engineering at the University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland UK, where he obtained his B.Sc. degree and postgraduate Diploma in engineering (P.G Dip Eng) with excellent records. He got his M.Sc. degree from the University of Lagos. He is a chartered civil engineer; COREN registered engineer; a fellow of Nigeria Society of Engineers; a fellow of Nigeria Institution of Civic Engineers; and a corporate member of the Nigeria Institution of Structural Engineering Bodies and Concrete Institutions overseas. He has over 35 years of extensive practical experience in civic structural engineering design and construction. He worked as a senior engineer with Taylor Woodrow International in London, Aberdeen, Minster and other parts of the U.K.
He is the Author, A standard History of Orogun, 2001, Evolution, Science and religion and many others. We cannot overemphasized the love Sir Igba has for Orogun King. His award today is a testimony to this.
Man, who served his father land, Orogun with sacrifices: Chief Johnson O. Akporugo (JP)
Chief Johnson O. Akporugo (JP) hails from Orogun town in Ughelli North L.G.A. of Delta State, Nigeria. Born on the 10th of June, 1942, and attended L.A. Primary School Orogun, from 1952-1958, and later proceeded to Abbott College, Sapele between 1959-1963. Thereafter, he got admitted into the University of Calabar from 1963-1966. Chief Johnson also attended the Chattered Institution of Bankers, London, between 1970-1972 and also holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration, (MBA.
He was the Ukomo of Orogun Kingdom for 37 years and became the longest serving Ukomo before he retired from it. Currently, he is the Chairman, Orogun Council of Chiefs.
According to him, these are his achievements:
Ensured that the Okparu-Uku’s palace was properly organized particularly during installation ceremonies, as the kingdom was previously using bush lamps in the palace which was changed to electricity light. Ensured that the customs and traditions of Orogun kingdom were properly followed since the Kingdom was operating in a gerontocracy system. Chief Akporugo made all possible efforts to ensure that regular meetings of the Okparu-Uku in council were held and all concerned attended. Chief Akporugo was a member of Orogun Club that arranged launching for the development of Orogun. Indeed, Chief Akporugo’s love for Orogun Kingdom has been a source of inspiration to other prominent Orogun sons and daughters in due course.
Senator Ovie Omo-Agege: First Deputy Senate President in Urhoboland and Niger Delta
Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, was born on 3rd August, 1963 into the famous Omo-Agege Family of Orogun in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. He is the son of the erudite and incorruptible Nigerian jurist, late Justice James Omo-Agege and Ms. Francesca Okwendo of the Wanogho Royal Family, also of Orogun. The young Ovie studied at St. George’s Grammar School, Obinomba in Ukwuani LGA, Delta State. He showed early signs of rare leadership traits and abilities at St. George’s by his diligence, smartness, dignifying comportment and an attractive power of personal discipline, moral character and firmness on issues and with fellow students. These rare qualities guided his study of Law at the University of Benin where he graduated in1985. Finally, he was called to the Nigerian Bar as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1986 after completing his professional legal training at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos.
In 1992, Ovie Omo-Agege, was admitted into and remains an active member in good standing of the State Bar of California, United States District Court (Central District of California) and the United States Supreme Court, Washington, DC. Almost thereafter, he founded the law firm of Agege & Associates also in 1992 as a Senior Partner. By 1996, Agege & Associates became Agege & Esin through a partnership merger. The new firm was naturally broader in scope, with operational scope involving international wire transfers, insurance, professional malpractice, suits against foreign entities under the Foreign Sovereign Immunity Act (FSIA) and Domestic International Commercial arbitration, admiralty and marine litigation practices, and extensive criminal defence litigation. In furtherance of his pursuit of excellence, Omo-Agege, enrolled in the post-graduate law degree programme at Tulane University Law School, New Orleans where he obtained an LLM (Masters of Law) degree with distinction in 2002. Since he became senator, Orogun people have enjoyed governance through his numerous and uncountable empowerment to both young and old.
Chief (Barr.) Andi Kayoma Osawota: A former Pioneer Executive Secretary of DESOPADEC
Chief (Barr.) Andi Kayoma Osawota was born in Warri metropolis. He is a man of the people as he is largely loved and admired by many young persons, who are aspiring to be fruitful in life.
in search of knowledge, Chief (Barr.) started his educational pursue at Victory Nursery School, Ibadan, Oyo State and left in 1965 to Children and Primary Home, Sapele; what was then known as Omatseye Nursery School, where he finished his elementary in 1967. He attended Orogun Grammar School in his own town between 1968-1969. And in 1970 after the civil war, he went back to Academy Grammar School, Sapele, where he completed his secondary education as the “First –June-set in 1973. He then proceeded to University of Lagos and graduated from Faculty of Law with LLB (Hons) in 1981. Meanwhile, in 1982, he was called to the Nigerian Bar (BL) at Nigeria Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos.
He established Oil Producing Welfare Association of Delta State, (OPWADS), the first of its kind in Delta State and concentrated efforts in SPDC; during the tenure of Mr. Timi Warrens (GM SPDC West.) There, he successfully introduced the issue of local manpower contents” in high profile contracts, that was the complete preserve of foreign concerns, and other native foreigners, whilst communities were only given cleaning and grass cutting contracts. Chief Barr. Osawota, was a former “Pioneer Executive Secretary” of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Commission (DESOPADEC) in May 27th, 2007. Currently, he is Chairman, Governing Council of Delta Sate Polytechnic Otefe-Oghara, Delta State
Prof Daniel Omoweh: An articulate comparativist, scholar-activist with cross-cultural research experience
Daniel Omoweh, is a Professor of International Relations, Admiralty University of Nigeria, (owned by the Nigerian Navy and Hellenic Education – a public and private partnership). A Professor with proven track records and reputation. He hails from Igbuku-Orogun under the Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. He attended Orogun Grammar School Orogun, 1972-1976 and proceeded to the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he earned a B.Sc degree in Political Science, M.Sc and PhD in International Relations. Omoweh also attended a Certificate Course on ‘Benchmarking Emerging Markets’, S.P. Jain Center of Management, Singapore.
He worked at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Vitoria Island, where he became an Associate Research Professor and Head, International Economic Relations Division and briefly acted as the Director-General. At different times, Omoweh represented Nigeria at 62nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly served on special missions, the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSSA) and the in-House Consultant on Governance, NEPAD and APRM for the United Nations Development Programme. Omoweh has taught at the Covenant University, Western Delta University, where he served as a member of the Governing Council and was the pioneer Director, Institute of Delta Studies; Dean, College of Social and Management Sciences and Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies and had served in the Appointment and Promotion Committee and Member of the Senate. Currently, at the Admiralty University of Nigeria, Ibusa, Asaba, Delta State. Lagos
The first Female Orogun Chief: Patience Anihwehwe (1924-1995)
The late Chief Patience Anihwehwe Wanogho was born in 1924, and died in the year 1995. During her life time, she was known as a woman of substance and one of the first famous female Chiefs Orogun Kingdom have ever had. She was recognized as a woman leader in Orogun kingdom, and the late Prof. Ambrose Ali, the then Governor of the defunct Bendel, also honoured her, and had a strong conviction about her personality towards raising women for social cultural development.
Interestingly, the late Anihwehwe worked as a contractor in Auchi Polytechnic supplying them food and other items. As a leader, she worked hard to see that women are represented in Social cultural organizations not only in Orogun kingdom but also in the old Bendel State. Making sure that women are being recognized by the government in every sector. Indeed, she was a role model and mentor to many women. Her recognition today is a sign of immortality to the family and Orogun kingdom.
Paul. O. Aghanenu: Auditor-General of Delta State
Paul Oghenero Aghanenu was born on the 15th of January, 1963 to the family of Mr and Mrs Uwanogho Aghanenu in Ovara Unukpo of Orogun. He attended Omo primary School, Ovara Orogun from 1968 to 1973. He also attended Orogun Grammar School, Orogun from 1974 to 1979. Aghanenu later proceeded to the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in 1981and graduated with BSc (Hons) degree in Business Administration, 1985. He had his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from same Institution in the year, 1997.
Mr. Aghanenu is a staff of the Office of State Auditor General since 1992 and held various positions such as Director, Planning Research and Statistics, Director, Parastatals Accounts Department and Director, Government Accounts Department.
In July this year, His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa appointed him as the Substantive Auditor- General in the state. He is a fellow Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and fellow of chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria. Happily married and blessed with children.
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