𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐎𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧: 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐭 𝟏𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

By: Oriaifoh Godwins

The children of Late Chief John Odaman of Agua-Irrua, in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, have established an Educational Foundation in memory of their father, ten years after his passing.

Late Chief John Odaman

The foundation was unveiled on Saturday, September 26, 2026, during a remembrance ceremony held by the family to honour the life and legacy of the late community leader, the Ukiwa of Irrua kingdom, Shining Moon of Irrua Kingdom.

Although, late Chief John Odaman did not have the opportunity to acquire western education, he placed great importance on the education of his children and ensured that they received the opportunities that he did not have.

His commitment to education, the family stated and affirmed by members of his Agua community, produced among his children doctors, lawyers, distinguished public servants, academicians and a seasoned Professor, making education one of the enduring legacies of his life.

Beyond his immediate family, Chief Odaman was remembered as a man who lived a modest life and contributed to the development and well-being of his community as a highly respected community leader and politician.

Speaking during the remembrance ceremony, a prominent member of the Agua community, Dr. Fishinton Okoagwa, expressed the desire for the establishment for an Educational Foundation in honour of Chief Odaman, as a practical way of preserving the Sage’s legacy and extending his passion for education to the wider community.

The foundation, according to Dr. Okoagwa, will be aimed at providing educational support to indigent students of Agua-Irrua origin, particularly those who may face financial difficulties in pursuing their education. This idea was warmly embraced by the entire gathering, particularly the Odaman Dynasty.

To demonstrate their commitment to the initiative, Professor Odion Odaman, speaking on behalf of the entire Odaman Dynasty, announced an initial donation of ₦5,000,000 five million Naira to the foundation.

The gesture attracted further support from eminent personalities and other guests at the ceremony, with contributions bringing the amount raised close to ₦10,000,000 ten million naira, before the end of the event.

Among those who supported the initiative were Senator Clifford Akhimiemona Ordia, former Senator that represented Edo Central Senatorial District; Hon. Barr. Anselm Ojezua; Hon. Makor Shaka Momodu, both chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Godwin Iriogbe on behalf of the Onojiede’s family, Mr. Godwin Oyakhilome, on behalf of the Ehighaukhuo’s Family, as well as other well-wishers and distinguished guests.

The establishment of the foundation added an educational dimension to the remembrance of Chief John Odaman, transforming the family's commemoration of his passing into an initiative intended to create opportunities for young people from his community, Agua-Irrua.

The family expressed the hope that the foundation would grow into a sustainable platform capable of supporting generations of indigent students and keeping alive the values of education, service and community development that characterised the life of their late patriarch.

In his vote of thanks, on behalf of the entire Odaman dynasty, High Chief Dr. Benson Odaman appreciated all those who took time off their busy schedules to felicitate with the family, particularly the Agua Community, which was prominently represented. He prayed for journey mercies as guests go back to their respective destinations.

The event was therefore not only a remembrance of a father who passed away a decade ago, but also a celebration of his enduring legacy, with his children's achievements in education and the newly established foundation serving as lasting tributes to his memory.

Amongst other dignitaries present, include; Hon. Charles Agbonkhehi, the House of Representatives candidate for the NDC, for Esan west/Esan Central/Igueben Federal Constituency, Sir Matthew Ibhafidon, Mr. Godfrey Okojie and Mr. Emmanuel Akhere.

Others include Elder Ukpotokin Okoedo, the Odionwele of Agua and Eko-Iyobhebhe, Irrua, Honourable Kenneth Obiorah, Hon. Obomerelu Akhimien, the Councillor representing Ward 4 in Esan Central Local Government Area, Hon Monday Eboigbe (Moneb), a highly respected legal practitioner, Mr. Dennis Odiase, an APC chieftain, Professor Austin Aghemenlo of AAU, Mr. Austin Isikhuenmen, a prominent public analyst , amongst others.