By Foster Akpore
On Saturday, November 30, 2024, the serene community of Orogun in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, witnessed an outpouring of love, tributes, and faith as family, friends, and dignitaries gathered at Orogun Primary School to honor the extraordinary life of the late Rev. James Akpoviri Osago Awero. Fondly known as Ishikode (“The Brain Box”), Rev. Awero, who passed away on June 10, 2024, at the remarkable age of 104, was remembered for his life of service, faith, and unwavering dedication.
Among those present to pay their last respects were prominent community leaders, including Chief Barr. E.T. Opone, President General of Orogun Kingdom; Chief and Chief Mrs. A.K. Osawota, former DESOPADEC Secretary; Chief Barr. Benson Ndakara, immediate past President General of Orogun Kingdom, represented by Barr. Dennis Warri; Chief Magistrate Enakpodia; Umusu President General Evang. Godspower Odenema; Sir and Lady Solomon Awero; Hon. Chief George Oyefia; Adjerese Oghene-Meshach Anuku; and Chief Paul Okogu, Director of Security for Orogun Kingdom. Clergy, family members, and friends also gathered to celebrate the life of a man described as a pillar of faith and humility.
The solemn yet celebratory events began on Friday, November 29, with a Service of Songs at the late reverend’s residence on Ikorobie Street, Unukpo Quarter, Orogun. On the morning of November 30, his remains were taken from Safe Heaven Mortuary, Warri, with a brief stop at Orogun Grammar School before proceeding to the funeral service at Orogun Primary School.
In his tribute, Chief Opone described Rev. Awero as “a man whose life exemplified grace and dedication to his community and the church.”
Chief A.K. Osawota remarked, “He was a great man and educationist. May your soul rest in peace.”
Chief Do-Good O. Efe-Nogo, JP, Onotu-Uku of Orogun Kingdom, said, “Pa Awero embodied the essence of giving, living out the words of Dr. Myles Munroe: ‘You are never remembered for what you saved; you are remembered for what you gave.’ Adieu, Papa.”
Chief Barr. Benson Ndakara, immediate past President General of Orogun Kingdom, reflected, “He was a man of unwavering faith, a devoted educator, a committed Christian, and a disciplined leader who leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication.”
Evang. Godspower Odenema, President General of the Orogun Grammar School Old Students Association, added: “Papa was an ingenious teacher, sportsman, and politician. He was a dependable pillar to Chief Demas Akpore when Orogun Grammar School was built. His words of wisdom shaped us into the individuals we are today. Adieu, our dear father.”
“Rev. James Awero was truly a father in every sense, a man whose forthrightness, sage counsel, and steadfast devotion to God and humanity will be profoundly missed,” remarked Chief Sir Solomon Awero.
“It sounded unbelievable, but it is true. Your presence with us was good, but your presence with the Lord is better. Father, rest on, till we meet to part no more”, Rev. Chap. Todo Joseph said.
Rev. James Akpoviri Awero’s life was celebrated as a testament to faith, humility, and selflessness. Born on June 27, 1920, as the seventh child of Pa Osago Awero and Madam Oyemoro Osago, he pursued his education at Church Missionary Society (CMS) schools and St. Michael’s Teachers’ College, Oleh, culminating in a Diploma in Education from the University of Ibadan in 1965. His teaching career spanned over three decades, impacting countless lives in schools across the Western Region of Nigeria.
Rev. Awero was also a sports enthusiast known as Opel, excelling as a long-distance runner and footballer. His spiritual journey began in earnest in 1963 when a miraculous healing within his family ignited his passion for evangelism. He established branches of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Orogun and the Bread of Life Mission, serving riverine communities with dedication.
The funeral service was officiated by an array of esteemed ministers from Orogun National Christian Association (ONCA) and elsewhere, including:
Rev. Dr. J.A. Afegbai (General Overseer), Rev. Dr. F.M. Oshiogbele (Secretary General), Rev. Dr. D.K. Oghie (AGS Edo Zone), Rev. Dr. S.O. Ojearga (AGS Delta Zone), Rev. Dr. B.A. Adanike (District Superintendent, Orogun District/Host), Rev. F.E. John, Rev. G.E. Oyovwevotu, Pastor Elisha Agwoligho, Pastor Cosmos S.O. Ojerabuo, Pastor S.O. Umukoro, Pastor Isaac Paul, Bishop Omoko Uloho, Pastor Mark Mgboyobi, Rev. S. Ibeh, Pastor Isaac Oghenerhoro, Rev. Todo, and other anointed men of God.
Heartfelt tributes poured in from family, church members, and well-wishers.
His wife, Mrs. Rebekah Awero, spoke of their enduring partnership in life and ministry, while his son, Mr. Efe Awero, recounted his father’s wisdom and integrity. His daughter, Dr. (Mrs.) Omavuaye Ngwu Awero, described him as “a Christian par excellence, a man of his word, and an exemplary father whose legacy will endure for generations.”
In an emotional tribute, his daughter, Hon. Odirivwodia Awero (JP), shared: “Daddy, I am glad to have come into this world through you. It’s been wonderful to have had you as my father. You were my hero and mentor who left a great legacy and example for me to learn and follow. You brought me up in a strict and highly disciplined environment in all aspects of life. Today, there is no regret being your daughter, as I continuously enjoy the benefits of the good name you left behind. See you again in Heaven.”
Following the interment at his family compound, a reception was held at Orogun Primary School, where attendees reminisced about his enduring legacy. The three-day rites concluded with a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, December 1, 2024, celebrating a life well-lived in the service of God and humanity.
Rev. Awero leaves behind his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives, as well as an enduring legacy in education, faith, and community development.
Other prominent people who paid tribute to Rev. Awero include: Hon. Elliot Odiushovwi, Chief Dr Austin Akpede, Deacon Hon Paul Okogu, Hon Friday Adugbo, Barr Monday Adugbo, Chief Lucky Kigho Ebioke, Captain Solomon Ikwogo, Olorogun Dr Ovoke Idogun, Ovoke Itebu, Snr Evang Felix Ogbajini, Mr Efe Igherebuo, Chief Dr Felix Edeki Akporugo, Emmanuel Omote Agbavwe, Paul Otu, Bro Praise Ohworode, Mrs Edith Osawota, Capt. Barr. Newman Akpore, Comrade Chuks Erhire, Engr Austin Oyefia, Hon Igho Thompson Oboh JP, Ufuoma Churchill Ighovojah, Omiregwa Tony Ovwidje, Sir Felix Osawota, Magistrate Onome Esade, Julius Ovbije, Thompson Okpogoro (Osiyen), Anthony Onoji, Goddey Evuarherhe, Barr Richard Omokor, Engr Solo Obaro, Victor Ovbije, Sunday Odiah, Barr Felix Akpobaro, Akpo Wanogho, Dr Francis Osirim, Comrade Joseph Iroro Ebu, Barr. Dennis Warri, Barr. Ebor Ogherohwo, Edward Tobi, Axel Umukoro (aka Prof Jogodo), Dr. Freeborn Akporugo, amongst others.
Rest in peace, Papa. You have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Your reward is assured in the eternal embrace of your Creator.