Chief Jomo Akpore making a presentation during the 17th annual memorial lecture of late Chief Demas Akpore at the Govt College Ughelli
By John Egie
The Ejiro and Igbuzor Foundation has approved of the writing, printing and launching of a book in honour of the memories of ideas and philosophy of Chief Demas Akpore (late).
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The approval was given by Dr Otive Igbuzor, President of the Foundation on the occasion of the 17th annual memorial lecture of Demas Akpore held at the Government College, Ughelli; Saturday, December 14, 2024.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Dr Ominimini Obiuwevbi in an opening remark had called for the immortalization of Chief Demas Akpore and charged the Ejiro and Otive Foundation to immediately begin the process of collating materials for the writing, printing and launching of the book when the 18th edition of the event will be held in December 2025.
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According to Ominimini, records of the selfless services rendered and sacrifice made by the late Demas Akpore towards the advancement, growth and development of Urhoboland prompted him to make the call.
He said Demas Akpore meant so many things to so many people and inspired many people to greatness, naming the establishment of the Orogun Grammar School as a landmark project singularly sponsored by him for the benefit of the Orogun people.
In response, Dr Otive Igbuzor said although he did not attend Orogun Grammar School, he became a disciple of Demas Akpore whose political ideas and philosophy he imbibed and resonate in him and have guided him in political and social activism.
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“Akpore was an icon, somebody I patterned my life after because of his love for community, selflessness and fight against oppression and exploitation.”
He said the ideas and philosophy of late Demas Akpore enabled the Foundation to run the lecture series for the past 17 years and still going.
Approving the suggestion, Dr Otive Igbuzor asked the initiator of the idea, Chief Dr Ominimini Obiuwevbi to take up the task of writing Chapter One of the book and the eldest son of Chief Demas Akpore, Chief Jomo Akpore to write Chapter Two and thereafter, all other chapters shall be from a collection of the annual memorial lectures since the programme began.
He gave a deadline of June 2025 for all materials and manuscripts to be ready to be sent to the press for printing and to make sure the book is launched in December 2025.
Later in goodwill messages Dr P. Itedhere challenged everyone to leave behind, a lasting legacy since all must die. He charged students of Orogun Grammar School to be focused and work hard to pursue their destinies and not be subservient to the whims and caprices of any politician.
Dr Mrs Rachael Misan-Ruppee called for a shared knowledge of the ideas and philosophy of Demas Apore believing that by so doing the society would thrive better.
Senator Ede Dafinone who was represented by Dr Justin Oberhiri Uloho described Chief Demas Akpore as a great man whose ideas and philosophy were many and meaningful. He called for promotion and support of the annual event and imbibing the values of selflessness reflected in the life of Demas Akpore.
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Highlight of the occasion was a presentation by the guest speaker of the day, Chief Jomo Akpore who gave a historical background of the educational exploits of his late father, Chief Demas Akpore culminating in being the first student of Government College Ughelli to become the first principal of the school and the eventual efforts that led to the upgrade of the Teachers’ College in Abraka to a College of Education metamorphosing to the present day Delta State University.
