Humphrey Ehiorobo Oviasu

An Astute Administration Manager

Humphery Ehiorobo Oviasu, who has died aged 91 years, was an astute administration manager of his time who would be remembered for the administrative prowess he displayed in various organisations where he worked.

Born into the family of Oviasu Omokaro and Ruth Aimiyekokun Oviasu in the ancient town of Benin City, Edo State, as a second child on July 22, 1924, he had his early education at Baptist School, Mission Road, Benin City from 1931 to 1939. Armed with good grades in his Standard Six Certificate, he gained admission into Ondo Boys’ High School in 1940. Following a successful performance at the school’s highly competitive entrance examination, he was accepted directly into Form Two. The following year, however, saw him take a ‘Gap Year’ from school voluntarily to assist his father at home, as a way of minimising the family’s financial burden. This gesture was highly appreciated by his father, who was able to resume payment of his school fees the following year. He successfully completed his secondary education in 1945 and obtained the Senior Cambridge Certificate with good grades.

In 1946, he gained admission into Forestry Training School, Ibadan and obtained a Diploma Certificate in Forestry at the end of that year. This qualification enabled him to secure a job in the Forestry Department of the then Western Region. However, unsatisfied with the assigned duties in the Forestry Department, he resigned in 1947 to join the Resident’s Office in the old Colonial administration in Benin. In 1956, he was transferred to Ogwashuku as a District Clerk in the then Asaba Division. Following the closure of that office in 1958, he was transferred back to the Divisional Office in Benin City.

In 1959, desirous of better career prospects to enable him realise his long-term goals for his growing family, Humphrey, with the assistance of his elder brother, Hon. Gabriel Ikponmwosa Oviasu, proceeded to the United Kingdom for further studies. He returned in 1962 after successfully completing his course of study. He obtained the Diploma of the Chartered Institute of Company Secretary and Administration, which enabled him to join African Timber and Plywood, Sapele, as Cost Accountant. His level of competence and diligence propelled him through the management ladder to become the Administrative Manager, a position he held until his retirement in 1980.

Humphrey’s marital life began in early 1950 when he married his ‘heartthrob’, Rebecca (nee Bazuaye), who was then only in her late teens. They were subsequently blessed with five sons and two daughters, all of whom have distinguished themselves in prominent positions in their chosen professions, including banking, medicine, academia, nursing and the clergy, within and outside Nigeria. Amongst them is Professor Efosa Oviasu, the eldest son and the immediate past Dean of Medicine, University of Benin.

The late Pa Humphrey was a devout Christian of the Baptist faith from childhood. As a youth, he served as a chorister and was included in the Church Choir that participated in the official opening ceremony of the Baptist Church, Boji-Boji, Agbor in 1938. In recognition of his contributions to the growth and development of the church, he was installed as the Erha Iko of Benin United Baptist Church in March, 2010, a position he held until death on April 24, 2016.

There is no doubt that Pa Humphrey would be greatly missed by all those whose lives he positively impacted during his lifetime, particularly his core family, which also includes 21 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

On Thursday August 11, this year, several dignitaries from far and near would would be in Benin, the Edo State capital, to witness the interrement of Pa Humphery’s remains. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.  Humphrey Ehiorobo Oviasu born July 22, 1924, died April 24, 2015.