It was a moment of reflection in an atmosphere engulfed with sadness as families, friends and other sympathisers throng the residence of the Ganpamowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Architect Chief Piniki Azaiye Duwogbegha (PAD) who was honoured with a Service of Songs ceremony at his private residence in the NigerCat area, Effurun, Delta State, on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

The ceremony which was officiated by the Bishop Felix Piniki-led Fire Faith Praise Missions Int'l Inc. kicked off 4pm with top dignitaries from across the state in the venue that was overflowing with massive turnout of guests beyond capacity.

The life and times of the late architect was captured in his biography as read by one of his sons, Ebisinde Azaiye, detailing how the late architect, whose academic journey began in the creeks and later rose to the four walls of tertiary institution propelled by a determination to make a difference, never forgot where he came from as he gave back to his people and changed the landscape of his ancestral kingdom.

Below is a draft of the biography of the late architect Chief PAD whose remains will be committed to Mother Earth in Oporoza Community, Gbaramatu Kingdom, on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

Architect Chief Piniki Azaiye Duwogbegha (PAD) was born into the family of Mr. & Mrs. Duwogbegha Piniki on the 15th of April 1968 at Okerenkoko Town in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta state. His father, Mr. Duwogbegha Piniki, hails from Okerenkoko and Inikorogha towns while his mother, Mrs. Abor Ogoba, hails from Benikrukru Town, all in Gbaramatu Kingdom.

At his tender age, Arch. Chief PAD lived with his maternal grandparents in Benikrukru Town when his father passed on. At the death of his grandfather, his grandmother took him with her to live in Opuedebubor Town, also in Gbaramatu Kingdom.

Arch. Chief PAD began his educational career at Fiyewei Primary School, Oporoza Town, and graduated with distinction at the primary school final examination in the year 1983. That same year he was admitted into Gbaraun Grammar School, Oporoza (GGSO), to start his secondary education.

Because of his quest for science education, he left GGSO, had a brief sojourn to Eku in Abraka with his aunty and her husband, and later got admitted into Umuno Grammar School, Umuno, in pursuit of his dream (science) in the year 1985. Due to his love for his people, he decided to move closer home when he was transferred to Step-Forward Secondary Commercial School, Warri, in the year 1987. He finally graduated as one of the best graduating students in the year 1988.

Prior to the furtherance of his tertiary education, Arch. Chief PAD took up a temporary teaching job at Gbaraun Grammar School, Oporoza, between 1988 and 1990 as a way to give back to his community. He later got admitted into the famous Edo State University, Ekpoma (now known as Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma) having completed a pre-degree programme to study Architectural Drawing & Design in the year 1992. He later graduated in the 1997/98 academic session and became the foremost Architect in Gbaramatu Kingdom. He also did a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in the year 2002.

Arch. Chief PAD lived up to the meaning of his traditional chieftaincy title — The Ganpamowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, because he brought a tsunami of development both in Gbaramatu and in the Diaspora.

Having completed his tertiary education he returned to Warri and lived in the company of his brothers, nephew and friends namely Chief Ekpebide Daniel, Mala Rejo Chris, His Excellency, Barr. Dcn. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro (former Deputy Governor of Delta state), Mr. John and Chief Joseph Hitler at Udumu Urhobo. The trio of chief Ekpebide Daniel, Arch. Chief PAD and Mala Rejo Chris moved to Emesiri Lane at Sokoh Estate Layout, Effurun.

Arch. Chief PAD was a great philanthropist; he supported youths in their academic careers and businesses of those in need, as well as sacrificed for others at his own expense. No wonder he was one of the founding fathers and the chairman of KOMBOT in 1998. KOMBOT is a social economic youth organization solely for the empowerment and absolute emancipation of the youths of Egbema, Gbaramatu and other ethnic groups, from joblessness, poverty and truancy. He fought for the employment of graduate youths into the oil and gas sector and would not sought for a self placement but for others.

Under his leadership, KOMBOT fought for job slots and examination (aptitude test) organized exclusively for the Ijaws as against the known norm/practice. It is one of the reasons we have the Egbema/Gbaramatu ijaws in the employment of oil and gas companies. Instead of taking up employment in the oil & gas or civil service, he decided to pursue his childhood dream and established the Pinaza Concept which is a conglomerate today.

Arch. Chief PAD started with a three bedroom apartment at Japka Road, Effurun, and moved to Airport Road. Today his business empire has grown and has diversified into different sectors of the economy.

Arch. Chief PAD is survived by two wives: Mrs. Piniki D. Hannah and Mrs. Piniki D. Ufuoma; and seven children amongst whom are Ebisinde Azaiye, Pinasinde Azaiye Gabriella, Elohor Azaiye Tamaraun-emi, Douiba Azaiye, Derick Azaiye, Desmond Azaiye, and Lizzy Korekumor Azaiye Piniki.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace (Amen).

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