In every generation, there are individuals who rise above the ordinary, leaving an indelible mark on their communities and beyond. This is the story of one such icon—an individual whose life was a testament to dedication, service, and leadership in multiple spheres.
Honorable Augustine Kimemezi Emeye, also known as A.K. Emeye, was born as the second child to Mr. and Mrs. Emeye & Igweh Adahor of Ogbenmudein quarters in Ime-obi Agbor, around the beginning of the 2nd World War in 1938.
Schooling wasn’t a priority for many families, especially for peasant farmers like the Emeyes. However, there was a primary school near their home. Igweh’s brother, known as Teacher and living in Ifon near Agbanikaka, insisted that the only boy in the family should be sent to school, as the youngest child wasn’t of school age yet. A.K Emeye was fortunate to attend St. Patrick’s Catholic school in Agbor town. In 1950, Mr. Emeye Adahor passed away, and Mrs. Igweh Emeye took her five children to Orogodo to live with her brothers, Efamehule and Kelubia, as none of her late husband’s relatives wanted to help raise children.
Upon completing his Standard Six exams in 1953, A.K. Emeye was taken to Warri by a relation of his mother, Mr. Ekoma (known as Ofia-Ububon), and worked as a petty clerk in Umutu.
In 1955, he returned to Orogodo where he applied to teach under both the local government authority and the Catholic mission. Despite his preference to teach in the Catholic mission, he chose to teach under the local government authority (L.A) on the advice of his uncle Kelubia. This decision didn’t sit well with the Catholic School’s Administrator who recognized his intellectual abilities. As a teacher who loved to impart knowledge, he continued to teach in various primary schools until 1973 when he obtained a National Certificate of Education (NCE) and began teaching at the secondary school level. He was eventually promoted and transferred to St. Columbus College, later known as Gbenoba Grammar School Agbor.
In 1978, he secured admission to study Geography and Economics Education at the University of Benin and later completed his studies at University College Cardiff, UK from 1979-1982. After returning from the UK, he was promoted to a school principal and served in various schools, Owa Alizomor Grammar School, Ihu Iyase Secondary School, and Akumazi Nmuocha Secondary School as Principal Grade Two (2) until he retired from the teaching service in 1991. As a teacher, he shaped young minds, imparting not only knowledge but the values of curiosity, integrity, and critical thinking. In the classroom, he nurtured the next generation of leaders, ensuring that education was not just a profession but a calling.
In politics, his passion for public service deepened. Armed with the insights gained from years in education, he won a seat in the House of Representatives for Ika South federal constituency in the Year, 1991/1992. This ushered him into the political arena to fight for equality, justice, and the betterment of society. However, his political career at the federal level was cut short by a military coup led by Late General Sanni Abacha..
Despite this setback, Hon. A.K. Emeye continued to serve in various capacities including as a member of the Delta State Post Primary Education Board (PPEB) where he massively facilitated the employment of indigenes of Agbor into teaching and non-teaching positions in the various schools of the state. After the unprecedented success at the PPEB, he was also appointed as a member of the Delta State Printing and Publishing Board and thereafter with the Delta State School of Health Technology Ufouma. He was also a local leader in PDP Ward Seven (7) in Ika South Local Government.
Apart from his career in education and politics, he was a devoted Roman Catholic, a family man who loved his wife and children dearly. He was also a very successful businessman as he was the only distributor to International Distillers (IDL), Nigeria Distillers (NDL) and U.A.C. foods in the Agbor axis. A business he ran from 1991 to 2020, albeit the drink session as the U.A.C.(gala) aspect is growing even bigger.
He was a very good writer as he was the de facto secretary in all the Associations, clubs, and Unions that he associated with.
Baba, as he was fondly called by many was a disciplinarian who never spared the rod, but one who is later admired and cherished by all who came across him. He lived to see a better Nigeria, devoid of lies, cheats and unnecessary extravagance.
As the final chapter of this extraordinary life comes to a close, we are reminded that the true measure of an individual is not found in titles or accolades, but in the lasting impact they leave on the world. A.K. Emeye’s journey, from the classroom to the corridors of politics, serves as an inspiration to many.
We shall certainly miss him, and we pray that Baba’s gentle and loving soul finds a peaceful resting place in Heaven. And may his family and friends he left behind find strength and fortitude in the exit of this icon. He is survived by a wife and six (6) children.
Adieu Baba, until we meet again 🙏🙏🙏.
