Living a long life on Earth is the dream and prayer of majority of humans. Yet, not many are privilege to be granted their desire for a long life. And for those who are privilege to live beyond a centenary or centennial, it is not only a dream come true for them, it is also an honour for them, their families and community or kingdom at large. And for the Late Elder Capt. Evene Akogbene Dickson Paul it was no different.

Born sometime in 1893, the Late Elder Capt. Evene Akogbene Dickson Paul, popularly known by the nicknames Elicopter, Zubiri and Torufanuat, at the time of his passing in March 30, 2024, was 131 years.

The native of Ogulagha Town in Ogulagha Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, hails from the families of Lamienghan of Keneke Idumu and the Prefugha / Aghorowei of Akereware Quarters.

However, for a man who lived for 131 years, surprisingly he fathered only three children, all females, namely Mrs. Epoghoide Esinne, Mrs. Helen Akini Idumuwei and Miss Emomotimi Evene. But as providence would have it, his descendants numbered 15 grand children, 42 great grand children, and four great great grand children. He is also survived by a wife, Ma. Meeting Evene.

At his passing on Saturday, March 30, the people of Ogulagha saw it befitting to give him a grand community burial reception. As such a chain of events were earmarked from Saturday, December 7, to Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

Among the series of social activities to honour the Late Elder Capt. Evene Akogbene Dickson Paul as part of the burial arrangement include traditional dance, wrestling match competition, and other entertainment.

The ceremony which kicked off with a social wake-keep ceremony at the family compound in Keneke Idumu, Ogulagha Town, on the evening of Saturday, December 7, and that lasted into the early morning of Sunday, December 8, had Izon Highlife musician, Prince Smally and his live band supplying musical entertainment to guests in attendance.

For his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as relatives, in-laws and the community of Ogulagha, all that is left of the legendary Elicopter and captain are his memories and the legacies he has left behind.

For the likes of the late Ibe-Okosuwei first grandson, who is the vice chairman of Obotobo 1 community, Samuel Esinne; and Chief & Mrs. John Field, as well as an in-law, Apst. Emmanuel Bunakiye Malemi, husband of Mrs. Joyce Malemi, a grand daughter, among several other relatives, the memories of the Ibe-Okosuwei will forever be a part of their lives.

View more photos of the social wake keep ceremony on PENGlobal Facebook page: 

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