Tragedy has struck the Akweya community following the passing of two distinguished figures listed among the 100 Most Influential Akweya.
The deaths of Elder Clement Emaikwu and Coach Fabian Okwori Edaba occurred just as preparations reached advanced stages for the publication of a highly anticipated biographical book honoring community trailblazers.The deaths of Elder Clement Emaikwu and Coach Fabian Okwori Edaba occurred just as preparations reached advanced stages for the publication of a highly anticipated biographical book honoring community trailblazers.
Both men were selected for their profound impact, positive development, and service across various spheres of life in Akweyan land and beyond.
- ICPC Finds Two More Fake Agencies in PFIPC Investigation
- Tinubu Commends Rescue of 308 Abducted Nigerians
- Tanker Explodes at Abuja Petrol Station
- DEVELOPMENT INSIGHTS MORNING BRIEF, 7 August 2026
- Community Mourns as Two Prominent Figures from the ‘100 Most Influential Akweya’ Pass Away
Elder Clement Ejembi Emaikwu (1937–2026)
Elder Clement Emaikwu passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the age of 88. His death was announced by his daughter, Honorable Lillian Ene Anyebe, via a statement on the Akweya Community Development Association (ACDA) platform.
Life and Education
Born on February 25, 1937, at Afligbo-Edumoga, he was the son of King Emaikwu Okwoserid (the Och’ Eke) and Mama Onmowu Emaikwu. After losing his mother at the tender age of eight during World War II, he moved to Egbla-Akpa to live with his grandmother. Following the subsequent passing of his father, he declined to inherit the royal throne and traditional deity due to his Christian faith, fleeing instead to his maternal home in Akweyaland.
He began his education at St. Paul’s Elementary School, Utonkon, in 1952, obtaining his First School Leaving Certificate in 1959. He later attended St. Francis Teachers’ College, Otukpo (1960–1963), where he earned his Grade III Teachers’ Certificate and was baptized as ‘Clement’ in 1962. He further obtained a Grade II Teacher’s Certificate from Government Teachers’ College, Keffi (1967), a National Certificate in Education (N.C.E) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1979), and a Bachelor of Education in English from the University of Port Harcourt in 1995.
Career and Legacy
Elder Emaikwu dedicated decades of his life to education and selfless community service:
Teaching & Administration: He taught at numerous primary and secondary schools across Benue State and beyond, including St. Michael’s Primary School (Allan-Akpa), St. Augustine’s (Lafia), RCM School (Egbla-Akpa) where he served as Headmaster, and St. Francis Primary School (Otukpo).
Voluntary Service: He took early voluntary retirement to teach English, Literature, and Bible Knowledge at the Akpa Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Allan-Akpa (ACCSSA) for three years without traditional compensation, using a percentage of his own salary to pay school fees and provide scholarships for numerous students.
Public Service & Church Leadership:
He served as a Councillor representing Akpa District in Otukpo (1987), Chairman of the St. Peter and Paul / St. Fidelis Catholic Community, Laity Council Chairman, and Allan Village Chairman. He officially concluded his decades-long career in education in 2014.
Beyond his professional life, he was a talented hunter, fisherman, woodcarver, folklore narrator, and cultural custodian who carved and maintained the traditional Igbor Masquerade mask of Egbla.
Coach Fabian Okwori Edaba (1975–2026)
In a separate loss, the sports fraternity is mourning the passing of veteran football tactician and sports icon, Coach Fabian Okwori Edaba. His death was confirmed to Akweyatv by Coach Sam Possible Ediba.
Career and Achievements
Born on February 25, 1975, from Ogyoma, Coach Edaba pursued a lifelong passion for football. Though his playing career as a goalkeeper was cut short by a knee injury, his dedication to the sport led him into a distinguished coaching career at both grassroots and professional levels:
Grassroots Beginnings:
He started as an assistant coach with CBN FC Makurdi under Coach Evan Ogenyi, later becoming head coach and leading the club to the final of the CBN Governor’s Cup in 2001, earning him the award for Youngest Coach in Benue State that same year.
Professional Stints:
He worked alongside notable administrators and coaches, including Mike Idoko at Lobi Stars, Peter Oche at FC Taraba, and Coach Bala at FC Abuja. He also served at Daka FC and Enyimba FC, working alongside prominent coaches like Finidi George.
National Recognition:
In 2021, he was appointed head coach of the Nigeria Minifootball National Team, making history as the first coach to qualify Nigeria for the Minifootball World Cup (scheduled for the UAE).
He earned professional credentials from the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Lagos, and secured his CAF C-License Coaching Course in 2017.
Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences of the entire Akweya community go out to the families of Elder Emaikwu and Coach Edaba during this difficult time of immense loss.
