BY Sly Asoya
In complete surrender to God’s will, the Asoya family of Okpanam, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, announces the passing of Pa Ben Elisi Asoya, an exemplary educator whose dedication, wisdom, good judgement and compassion, touched countless lives.
Though we mourn his departure, we also celebrate a remarkable life of purpose, integrity and commitment to the advancement of knowledge. Asoya was, indeed, a great teacher who turned challenges into opportunities, empowering his numerous students to rise above difficulties.
For many decades, he inspired a generation of pupils and students, instructing them with genuine commitment, patience, humility and a passion for learning. He also nurtured young minds, in and out of classrooms, and contributed immensely to the growth of education in the defunct Western Nigeria, Bendel and Delta States.
Beyond the classroom where he left an indelible mark on education with lessons taught, and love for learning and teaching, he was also a beacon of hope, kindness and integrity.
Another irrefutable fact is that this great teacher left behind a legacy of knowledge, a mark of selfless service, integrity and inspiration that will outlive him.
In truth, words may not effectively capture the essence of this rare educator whose impact on minds and hearts, transcend description.
But the consolation for his family and those who came in contact with him during his earthly journey, is that he left a mark that will endure for generations to come.
Born on September 21, 1936, he had his early education at St. Columba’s College, Agbor; and St. Thomas’s College, Ibusa, both in Delta State. For his tertiary education, he attended the University of Benin, Benin-City; and the University of Wales, United Kingdom.
Asoya was a career teacher who served in various capacities for thirty-five years in Primary, Teacher Training and Secondary Schools.
He was the first Secretary of the Unified Teaching Service for Oshimili Local Government Area, and served briefly as Secretary to the former Bendel State Board of Secretaries.
He later served at St. Patrick’s College, Asaba, and retired meritoriously in December 1992 as a graded Principal 11.
In retirement, he was appointed to several distinguished positions, reflecting his deep knowledge, amiable nature, wealth of experience and enduring relevance. He was first appointed Supervisor of Schools by the Delta State Primary Education Board; and he later served as the Principal of Onward Secondary Commercial College, Illah, where he concluded his illustrious career in 2000.
A consummate intellectual and author, Pa Asoya’s literary contributions include works like: The Role of the Head; The Royal Shakespear Theatre; What Do We Do When We Worry All the Time; The March of Spiritual Development at Rumen Christi Family Adoration Ministry; Okpanam Folktale: An Anthology of Okpanam Proverbs, and other monographs and periodicals.
He is survived by a host of children and grandchildren.
The exemplary teacher who will be laid to rest on 3rd of October in Okpanam, in Delta State, South-South Nigeria, after a Requiem Mass at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, passed on peacefully on Friday, July 18, 2025.
May this great teacher, father to many rest eternally in the peace of God.
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