Emmanuel Efeizomor was born on the 10th day of March, 1938. At his early age he surmounted all odds, impediments, difficulties and obstacles to attain great heights. The post-colonial era coincides almost precisely with his ascension to the ancient throne of Owa Kingdom as the 17th Obi of Owa on the 6th day of September 1959. He studied in Sapele, Port-Harcourt, Ibadan, Britain and United States of America (USA). His exposure and experience equipped him with a clear vision and mission to transform Owa into a kingdom of civilized people and modernized structure.
As a result of his wealth of knowledge acquired through aggressive reading and learning, Obi (Dr.) Efeizomor II (JP) OON put in place a formidable administrative structure that attracts followership. He has the kind of character that civilizations have sought in their good rulers. He endeared himself to very many well-Meaning people because he works diligently at whatever assignment he is entrusted. His total commitment to the cause of his people, his determination and perseverance to succeed, his democratic leadership style, his advocacy for gender equality, and his intellectual prowess and utilization of the ball pen to earn an enviable living are worthy of emulation.
Obi (Dr.) Efeizomor II is seen as a monarch of towering stature. He is one of the most accomplished traditional rulers in Nigeria. His achievement during the past fifty years in office is a testimony of his ability to adapt to ever changing social, economic and political situation. He is an icon of compassionate fatherhood whose values would continue to be a good reference point. His achievement covers the areas of educational development of himself and his subjects, mobilization of Owa Communities for self help and Community Development, and active support for government to develop Owa kingdom. Obi (Dr.) Efeizomor II formed, revived and mobilized several community organizations of Ndiowa. Notable among these wee Owa Patriotic Union, Owa development committee, Owa Youths Association and Boji-Boji Owa Community Development Committee. He put forward a developmental philosophy of “Heaven helps those that help themselves” By his self help approach many earth Roads, Markets etc., were built and expanded. He ensured that educational facilities are made available in his domain. Thus in collaboration with the Christian Missions and government; the following Secondary Schools were founded.
i. Ika Grammar School, Boji-Boji Owa in 1960
ii. Owa Grammar School, Owa-Oyibu in 1979
iii. Owa-Alero Secondary / Commercial School, Owa-Alero in 1979
iv. Owanta Grammar School, Owanta in 1980
v. Owa-Alizomor Grammar School, Owa-Alizomor in 1980
Right from the time of his coronation in 1959, successive governments and other well-meaning organizations have never failed to acknowledge Obi (Dr.) E. O. Efeizomor’s immense contributions towards the peace, unity and development of Owa kingdom and beyond. He was a member, Western Rgional House of Chiefs 1960 to 1963, member Mid-west Region leaders of thought during the civil war, member Delta State Government delegation to several Northern State of Nigeria 1971 to date, member Bendel State Tradtional Rulers Council 1967 to 1991; Director, Nigeria Cocoa Board 1979, Managing Director Toprest (Nigeria) Limited, Insurance Brokers and firm of Building Contractor 1976, member Governing Council, Institute of Journalism, Benin City 1988 to 1990, member Delta State Traditional Ruler’s Council, Representative on WAEC State committee 1996 to 2004 and member, Committee on misuse of title, Delta State 2000 to 2006 among others.
Obi (Dr.) Efeizomor II was Chairman Ika and Asaba Divisional Income Tax Review tribunal 1961, Chairman panel on ways of improving / increasing government Tax collection in Ika Division; Chairman Ika Divisional Education Board 1973 to 1975, Chairman National Freedom from Hunger campaign Bendel State 1974 to 1976, Chairman State Advisory Committee on Education for citizenship 1977, Chairman Land use Allocation Advisory committee in Ika Local Government Area; Chairman Police Community Relations Committee 1985, Chairman Zonal Police Public Relation Committee, Ika, Ndokwa, Aniocha and Osimili Local Government Areas 1987 to 1992; Chairman EPI, ORT implementation committee Ika Local Government area 1987, Chairman Ika MAMSER implementation committee 1987 to 1992, Chairman Committee on land Dispute in Gbariagolor, Alidinma Scheme 1977 and Vice Chairman Presidential Panel on Warri Crisis 2003 among others.
Other awards and positions held by Obi (Dr.) Efeizomor II include Grand Patron of Owa Patriotic Union 1959 to date, Patron of Bendel East Cultural Association 1988, patron Izu Umunna Cultural Association of Nigeria Jos Plateau 1989, Grand patron, English and Literary Students Association, Edo State University (now Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma 1990 to 2003; Grand Patron, the Institute of Farmers of Nigeria 1994; Life Patron, Ika Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MPAN); Fellow, the Institute of Farmers of Nigeria Ibadan 1994; National Patron, National Traders and Market Leaders Council of Nigeria 2001 to date, Merit Award for Examination Ethics by Ministry of Education of Delta State 2004, Millennium Excellence Award by front line news media Lagos as the most worthy traditional Ruler for the year 2003, in recognition of his contributions to the social-economic development of Nigeria 2004.
Obi (Dr.) Efeizomor II was listed in Africa year Book “Who is Who” in 1977. In Delta State, His Majesty, Obi (Dr.) Efeizomor II was the immediate past Chairman of Delta State Interim Advisory Committee of Traditional Rulers (2002-2006).
He is presently the chairman of Delta state traditional rulers council.
Mega Grace voice of the people
(global transformation)
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