The coastal settlement of Odimodi in the Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State was in a state of sadness as families of the late Capt. Jonathan Ekeniwei Egbele, a former chairman of the community, who passed away on January 22 at the age of 72 years, was laid to eternal rest amidst tears from families, friends and other sympathisers at a funeral ceremony which held in the community on Friday, April 25, 2025.

Earlier, the body of the late Capt. Jonathan was conveyed from the Ame Mortuary at Okumagba Avenue, Warri, in a motorcade to the Miller Waterfront near NPA, and from there to his residence in Odimodi Town for a lying in state and thereafter a Christian funeral ceremony.

Among the series of activities that were officiated by Rev. John Ofunama, Rev. Chris Agboke, Rev. S.O Kaka, Rev. Lucky Agogo, Rev. Faithful E. David, Rev. Alex O., Rev. Israel P Igbele, Rev. Edet O. Edet, Rev. Desmond Okoro, and Pst. Martins E. Evwerin include Bible readings, singing of hymns and praises, presentation of biography of the deceased, testimonials, a sermon and prayers for the children.

It was a rain of tears as the remains of the late Capt. Jonathan was opened one last time for family members and sympathisers to view. Thereafter, the remains of the deceased was taken to the graveside where the body was committed to Mother Earth.

The late Capt. Jonathan will be remembered for his many contributions towards the development and growth of Odimodi Town through the many reforms he initiated as contained in his biography, as presented hereunder:

"The late Capt. Jonathan Ekeniwei Egbele, who slept in the Lord on January 22 at the age of 72 years (1953–2025), hails from the families of Egbele of Paghasa Quarter in Odimodi Town and Soweibutu Quarter in Gbekebor Town, and from the Iviyen family of Seighabina 2 Quarter in Odimodi Town, all in Burutu LGA.

"Captain Ekeniwei Jonathan Egbele was born on the 20th day of February, 1953 into the family of late Papa Pinawei Igbele and late Nene Tuebide Igbele (Nee Mienmeneyain). His father, late Papa Pinawei Igbele spent most part of his lifetime at his maternal town, Odimodi community in Paghasa Quarters from the Ozugbo descendant. However, Captain Jonathan's grandfather, late Elder Igbele Kpakpaida hails paternally from Epu Quarters of Arogbo in the ancient Arogbo Kingdom found in the present day Ese-Odo L.G.A in Ondo State, and late Elder Igbele hails maternally from Sowei-bulu Quarters and Gbesa-Kunou Quarters respectively of Gbekebor community in Burutu L.G.A, Delta State. Captain Jonathan's mother, Nene Tuebide Igbele (nee Mienmeneyain) hails from Atiri Quarters of Obotebe community and Iviyen family from Seigha-bina II Quarters of Odimodi community, both in Burutu L.G.A Delta State.

"Capt. Jonathan attended his primary education at Odimodi community where he obtained his first elementary education certificate in 1960s. Afterwards, he went to technical workshop training on marine engineering at Bomadi town where he became a professional on repairs of boat engines of different types.

"In the 1970's, he left Bomadi to Lagos state for greener pastures where he was trained to become a mariner by attending different maritime courses at the Lagos State Inland Waterways Institute. In the year 1977, February 17th, he was engaged on able seaman training, he performed excellently and got employed at Aeromaritine (Nigeria) Limited, Lagos State. He went further to obtain other series of maritime training where he rose to the level of River Master in the same Aeromaritine (Nigeria) Limited. He later moved on to work with Glenstar Marine Limited as a Chief Mooring Master where he traveled across the shores of Europe (such as Spain, Sweden & Denmark) for professional refreshers course such as Ship-to-Ship training at Force Technology, Lyngby Danish Maritime Authority, the Nautical Institute in Denmark.

"Captain Jonathan served as Chairman of Gbekebor Union Lagos state branch for over 17 years while he was at Lagos State then, even when he decided to move to Odimodi town with his family from Lagos State, he was still active to the structural leadership of the Gbekebor Union Lagos state branch. In the years 2004 to 2006, he was elected chairman of Odimodi Federated Community, where he introduced transparency and inclusive leadership mostly in critical decisions making in regards to community development projects; such as:

"He wrote to NECO GCE board and JAMB for establishment of their centres in Odimodi community, but it was only NECO GCE that was established during his tenure. Himself and his cabinets together with the host of some Odimodi Scholars moved the motion for Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to reconsider more pipeline contracts allocation and other contracts benefitted from Forcados Terminal in the interest of the Odimodi people, most especially the youths. It was during his tenure, himself and some members of his exco together with some youths, traveled altogether to Abuja to register and attend conferences, which led to the establishment of Odimodi and its federated communities into the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) scheme.

"During his tenure as chairman, he encouraged all sons and daughters of Odimodi community to come out in mass during the 2006 census exercise that was carried out in Nigeria and the result of that exercise has placed value to Odimodi community politically, socio-economically etc. There was a paradigm shift during his tenure as Chairman as he introduced an open ballot system in selection of trainees where the community had just few slots for skill acquisition programme organized by Agip Oil Company which was conducted at the community town hall and the selection process was without bias. All the youth present at the community then participated in the selection process.

"There is no doubt that knowing God and walking in the ways and desire of Almighty God gives us eternal life and peace of mind even when you are still alive on earth. Captain Jonathan has created a good legacies for his children, friends and family members to follow, until the day he rest in the Lord. He lived a selfless life, his hands are always free, his door is always open to all. He was a committed Christian. In the late 1980's he was a dedicated member of Church of Paradise in Lagos state where he was ordained father in the church.

"Shortly after his family left Lagos state to Delta state, Odimodi town, he was worshipping at Church of God Mission, Odimodi and later became more dedicated to church activities. He was a dedicated tither and elder in the church. He believed and served God until his death. Our dear father and elder was just like Apostle Paul, he fought the good fight of faith and await him his crown of glory: “I have fought a good fight, I have finish my course, I have kept the Faith” (2 Timothy 4:7)

"Captain Jonathan was happily married and blessed with children."

May his golden soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.

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