EARLY LIFE:

Elder M.E.K Metseagharun was born on the 15th March, 1938, at Ogidigben-Ugborodo in the present-day Warri South West Local Government Area. He attended First Baptist Primary School at Ogidigben, where he finished in 1955. His father’s movement from Ogidigben to Warri in search of greener pastures in 1949 and back to Ogidigben again retarded his early education. He also attended the prestigious Hussey College, Warri, in 1957.

WORKING CAREER:

When Elder M.E.K finished from Hussey College, Warri in 1962, he secured an appointment in one of the seven autonomous councils in Warri Division then Ode-Itsekiri Local Council in 2nd September 1963 as a Secretary / Treasurer. He worked in Ode-Itsekiri Local Government Council for Eight years before he was transferred to Warri Divisional Council on the 1st of June, 1971.

From 1st December 1974, Ministry of Development Administration was introduced to replace the existing system of Local Government Councils in the mid western state then. In that regard some of the existing Staff of Warri Divisional Council were transferred to Resident’s office, who was the Chief Executive Officer of the new system. The late Mr. G.G Wilbert was the resident then.

Elder M.E.K Metseagharun worked in the residents’ office for 3 years before he withdrew from the State’s Public Service with effect from 1st April, 1976.

BUSINESS LIFE:

Elder M.E.K. Metseagharun floated three companies after his retirement: Okimini NIG-Enterprises, MEK & MEY Services, and Okimini NIG Limited. He registered these companies with Shell Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd. and Chevron Nig. Limited, which he used in doing business with them.

Faith Journey

Pa Martins Edema Kpoli Metseagharun was a devoted, dedicated and active member of First Baptist Church Warri during his early life. His mother, Late Madam Agbejor Alice Ekpeminaghan was a practical Christian and an ardent member of First Baptist Church Warri. Pa M.E.K Metseagharun was baptized by Late Rev. Orhiri of blessed memory in First Baptist Church Warri on the 23rd December, 1963. He functioned in various departments in the church. He was a Sunday School Teacher in Itsekiri class, He was one of the Financial Secretaries, He was an usher during the youth week, and He was radio Itsekiri Pastor.

He left First Baptist Church to be one of the founding members of Avenue Baptist Church in March 19th 1978. He was the First Treasurer of the Church.

He later left to join the Unity Baptist Church Ugbori Warri, Where he was a member of the Men’s Missionary Union.

CHRISTIAN LIFE:

Family Life

Pa Martins Edema Kpoli Metseagharun married his first wife, Mrs. Rebecca Okumotewa Metseagharun (Nee Olley) on the 9th of September 1965, and they both had 7 wonderful children (4 boys and 3 girls). Mrs. Rebecca O. Metseagharun is paternally from the Olley family of Idale-Oketa, Gbokoda, and Aja-Etan and maternally the granddaughter of Okotie Olumu of Koko.

Later, on the 16th of September 1971, He married his second wife in person of Mrs. Roseline Mebuliaghaje Metseagharun (Nee Ojuyah) and they both also had 6 wonderful children (3 boys and 3 girls). Mrs. Roseline M. Metseagharun from the Ojuyah Tetsofor family of Itisun Jakpa and maternally from Orere-Uluba, Ubeji Ajigba, and Okere.

Elder M.E.K. Metseagharun trained all his children to the university level because he believed that the best legacy a parent should bequeath a child is sound and qualitative education. This he provided for all his children. He was generous, a socialist, and in general a life savior who not only liked the company of friends but also at all times sacrificed his family’s comfort for others. As a family man, He was a good husband to all his wives and a good father to all his children. He was a man with great principles and was practically loved by all and contributed immensely to the development of his community, Ugborodo.

Daddy was a very trustworthy father, a very fine gentleman. A man full of integrity, decency, and decorum.

Pa. M.E.K was the Head and Olori-Ebi of the Metseagharun Descendant. He was Chairman, Akpakpa Quarters Management Committee-Ogidigben. He decided to organize Ekpeminaghan / Dediere families in order to unite the family. He was the Chairman and Olori-Ebi of Ekpeminaghan Descendant union, and also the Chairman Aja-Ekpeminaghan / Dediere Community Council of elders. Because of his pleasant personality and tolerant disposition for family organization, he became the Secretary General of Prince Eri Ikengbuwa Descendant union from 1982 till death.

MARITAL LIFE:

FAMILY AFFAIRS:

Elder M.E.K Metseagharun served his people (Ugborodo Community) in various capacities for several years. He was the Secretary of Ugborodo Community Trust in 1977, after the administration of the late Chief Hope Harriman and the late J.O.S. Ayomike as chairman and Secretary of the Trust respectively. He served as the Secretary of Education Committee in Late Sandys Uvoh Omadeli administration. He also served as the Chairman of the Education Committee in Joe Ayomike’s administration from 2002 to 2003. He was the Chairman of Ugborodo Community Litigation committee up till his death, after the death of Pa. W.W Agba, member Ugborodo Community Council of Elders.

SOCIAL LIFE:

Because of his pleasant personality and tolerant disposition, Elder M.E.K Metseagharun was a member of several famous social clubs and societies. He belonged to the Warri Progressive Society, popularly known as OTONLOYE, an Itsekiri Socio-cultural organization of which he was elected chairman, Warri Branch, 1997 to 2002. His devotion to serve was so outstanding that he rose to the exalted status of PATRON OF OTONLOYE Warri branch. He held that position until his death. He was also patron to many clubs and societies in Warri during his good old days.

He was so popular during his good old days to the extent, that when He passed through streets from Ogboru to His office, Warri Divisional Council at court 4 road, both male and female would hail Him, Okimi Guo Guo Guo Guo Guo, To the extent that some Itsekiri Indigenes begged him to bear the title. He was the secretary of Warri progressive multi-purpose co-operative from 1974 to 2016. He was a prominent member of the Delta multi-purpose Co-operative union, Warri and indeed, one of the frontline leaders of the unions. He was a director in Delta Co-operative Federation (DCF) in Delta State.

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS:

CONCLUSION

Elder M.E.K Metseagharun was a generous, charming and diligent father who had great love for all his family both paternal and maternal most especially his Wives, Children, Grand Children, Brothers, Sisters, Nephews, Nieces, In-laws and fellow human beings.

Daddy said the Almighty God has showered unlimited blessings in his life and family. He said he is fulfilled and is always happy for what God has done in his life and that of his children. He said at above 85 years, when he looked back and saw that more than 90% of the people with whom he started and grew up to associate and enjoyed life with are no longer alive, he gave special thanks to God for His intervention and protective grace and miracle in his life and the children's, and above all for giving him good health.

He gave special thanks to God for breaking the yoke from his father and mother, who both died at the age of 73 years. At the morning devotion, Daddy would sing and dance to praise the Almighty God all the time for His unlimited benevolence in his life.