The Late Madam Asaba Dora Ogegbene (Nee Amabenimo Yokiri), who was born sometime in 1947 into the Ekpemuta family of Benikrukru community and the Amabenimo Yokiri family of Oporoza community, both in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, and who departed the earthly plane on the 6th of March 2024, was interred in her hometown on Saturday morning, November 30, 2024.

The all night social ceremony on Friday in Oporoza for the trailblazer in business and leadership was marked in social celebration with music supplied by Chief Kingsley Takemebo and his Jesus Is Lord Band.

Described as “a remarkable woman whose life was marked by resilience, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit” as captured in her biography, the late Madam Asaba is truly a woman that demonstrated the hardworking spirit of the African woman, particularly the Niger Delta woman, during her prime, “leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication to her family, and significant contributions to her community.”

As with other contemporaries of her time, the success of the Late Madam Asaba began with her foundational education, a vocation that gained ground in the early days of the coming of the missionaries to Africa. As buttressed in her biography, “Madam Asaba’s early education took place at Kupan Primary School where she laid the foundation for a life of determination and success. She later attended Ubefan Secondary School where she continued to cultivate her intellectual and social skills.”

Her interest for business may have been spurred from the traditional occupation of her parents in fishing. It is not surprising that she would later venture into this business as a dealer later on in her life, a craft that earned her business popularity and marked her out as a versatile entrepreneur.

Her venture into the business world began in the course of her marriage but not without the experience she had garnered in her teenage years. “From a young age, she showed keen business acumen, beginning her career by selling medicine with her husband, Dr. Alfred Ise Ogegbene. However, her entrepreneurial journey soon expanded into a variety of ventures.

“She was popularly known as Madam Cotonou during her years of selling okrika (a term for used or second-hand clothes), as she would travel to Cotonou to buy and come sell in Warri. Her reputation for providing quality items at reasonable prices quickly made her a household name in the community. She later branched out into selling wrappers, jewelry, and kitchenware, solidifying her status as a successful businesswoman,” her biography stated.

Her prowess in the field of business was demonstrated when she successfully secured “a contract to supply fish to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and other companies in Warri”, at a time when securing contract with such top organization was seen as jobs for men. That feat which was described as “one of her most notable achievements” also “marked the beginning of her venture into the wholesale fish trade.”

Behind the business acumen of the Late Madam Asaba is a visionary leader. The modern day popular Ogeb-Ijoh market was among one of her creation as demonstrated by the key roles she played to lay the foundation for the local market that specialized on sea foods among others.

“Madam Asaba’s business skills were not confined to the marketplace; she was also instrumental in the development of the Ogbe Izon Market. As one of the pioneering individuals who applied for government approval for land allocation, she played a pivotal role in the establishment of this now-thriving market in Warri,” her biography revealed.

With her success in the field of business as a visionary entrepreneur, it is not surprising that other women looked up to her for guidance and directions, a demanding role that pulled her into leadership in both sociocultural and religious organizations, and in politics.

“In addition to her entrepreneurial success, Mama was a natural leader. She served in various leadership roles throughout her life, including as the Woman Leader in several communities and political groups. Her leadership extended beyond business, as she was deeply involved in church and community service.

“Notably, she served as the PDP Women Leader in Warri and held the position of Chairlady of both the Better Life and Abalaere Women’s Groups. Through these positions, she empowered other women, advocating for their rights and welfare in every sphere of society.”

But above all the successes she recorded, she was also mindful that true success is achieved internally and not just outwardly. Such knowledge made her “a devoted mother and grandmother” who is “always placing family at the heart of all her endeavours” leading to her personal life which “was equally fulfilling.”

Married to Dr. Alfred Ise Ogegbene, the relationship produced 10 children. Sadly, only four survived at her passing.

“Despite her passing, her legacy endures through her four surviving children, 23 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren… Mama will be remembered as a trailblazer, a businesswoman of unmatched skill, and a woman whose leadership and determination uplifted many in her community. Her life was one of service, hard work, and a deep commitment to her family and her people. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched,” the biography concluded.

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