By HENRY OVIE

Nigerians will assemble in Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area on Friday, April 25 to pay homage to the memory of Bible translator, Deacon Stephen Ejueyitsi Aganbi,

?Late Pa Aganbi was a lawyer, a community leader and a lover of God. He was a highly reputed politician of the Second Republic in Nigeria and the Olare-Aja (community leader) of Koko?.

The nonagenarian, gifted interpreter and scholar died on Thursday, March 19, 2020.

The 99-year-old legal luminary, politician par excellence and an astute intellectual was interred on Saturday, May 9, 2020 in his hometown.

?Deacon Aganbi was a man of character, courage and compassion. He advanced an agenda that elevated his people.?

A statement by the family announced a competitive golf tournament in honour of Deacon Aganbi.

?On behalf of Canaanland and Country Club, we are pleased to extend a warm invitation to you for the upcoming Late Olare-Aja of Koko Golf Classic scheduled for April 25 to 27, 2025. The event commemorating his legacy and celebrating the vibrant culture of our community will feature an array of sports for non-golfers, including badminton, table tennis, darts and traditional games such as Ayo and Ludo. We will also host a Cocktail Night on Friday, April 25 and an award presentation party on Saturday evening to celebrate the spirit and values our father cherished.?

The statement issued by the Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Group, Felix Aganbi said the late Bible translator?s life brought a greater dignity to the country.

?The golf tournament celebrates the life and legacy of Deacon S. E. Aganbi, the revered founder of Canaanland, who served his people with unwavering dedication until his passing. Through this event, we aim to honour his enduring values of leadership, integrity, love and cultural stewardship, reflecting the profound impact he made during his life time.?

The statement praised Aganbi for inspiring generations of lawyers, writers and clergymen.

Deacon Aganbi served as chairman for the Itsekiri Bible Translation Project, the team that completed the Old and New Testament translation in the Itsekiri language.

?Deacon Aganbi was committed to his family and lived a great life marked by service to his people.?

The statement further praised Deacon Aganbi for putting his learning to the service of the Church, using the Bible to nourish the faith and life of believers as well as for serving as a spiritual guide to many.

?The title of Olare-Oja holds deep significance in Itsekiri tradition, bestowed upon the eldest man in the community. As a custodian of heritage and wisdom, the Olare-Aja guides progress while preserving the cultural identity of the Koko community within the historic Warri Kingdom. Deacon Aganbi embodied this role with grace, balancing forward -thinking vision with a steadfast commitment to tradition.?

The statement emphasized Aganbi?s extraordinary moral leadership.

?Deacon Aganbi lived a noble life full of meaning and purpose. He inspired people through the power of his example.?

The statement praised the accomplished translator for his well-known vision and linguistics competence in the languages of the Niger-Delta region.

He would be remembered as a modern and progressive community leader, a committed citizen.

?Deacon Stephen Aganbi was a quintessential Nigerian. Throughout his political years, he proved to be an honest and courageous administrator. He also added charisma to education and astuteness both of which he displayed at difficult times.?

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