Cairo Ojougboh One-Year Remembrance Holds Amidst Encomiums
By Patrick Gbuchanye
All roads led to All Saint Catholic Church, Alihame, Agbor, Delta State, on Sunday, February 9, 2025, for the one-year memorial service of late Chief Dr Cairo Ojougboh, the Akinuwa of Agbor Kingdom, whose demise occurred on February 7, 2024.
The events marking the one-year remembrance included Cario Ojougboh’s Foundation outreaches to schools, hospitals and orphanages showcasing his generosity.
Speaking, the homilist, Very Rev. Fr. Festus Okocha, the Parish priest of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Umunede, enjoined the congregation to be conscious of their lives with the acknowledgement of putting God first to actualize destiny. According to him, “The knowledge of God is strength and power to overcome. We are too quick to condemn ourselves over our sinful lives, but today’s scriptural readings remind us that humility before God by confessing our sin brings increase of divine grace for unexpected blessings.
“In all, never you be so carried away, don’t be distracted or fail to understand that God loves you. Do not be carried away by the excitement of the world to think that you are above anyone who serves God”.
Continuing, Very Rev. Fr. Okocha said the special Sunday service was in one-year remembrance of the late Dr Ojougboh, who, according to him, had fear of God while he was alive.
“There is one thing that stands out about late Ojougboh’s character which attracted me to him even though others who encounter him may have negative perception of him. He is a man who has fear of God. I met the late Ojougboh in the company of late Monsignor Denis Arimokwu, who queried him for not asking after him and in response he promised to change because he said he does not want to incur the wrath of God upon himself.
“Ojougboh’s change of heart from his old ways to new is something that God want from us. Despite David’s many sins, God declared him a man after his heart for acknowledging his supremacy.
“Whoever you are and whatever you have become, be humble in the sight of God and continue to acknowledge his supremacy”, the cleric admonished. 
At the reception held in his honour at his Alihame country home, family members, associates and friends shared stories of memories and tributes of a life well spent. The occasion was also a celebration of Chief Dr Ojougboh life, legacy, and the impact he had on those around him.
Also speaking, the wife of late Dr Ojougboh Mrs Bose Ojougboh, stated that it had been one difficult year without her husband, stating that she had known her husband for forty years plus before he departed, saying one can imagine how difficult it had been living alone without him and to continue without him. According to her, “My trust is in the Lord to see us through and in Him I put my trust. My special thanks go to all those who have been of great assistance and to all of you for turning out to join us in this celebration.
“We are gathered here today not just to mourn my husband but to celebrate him for the beautiful life he had lived, for his generosity and kindness. My late husband is not a man who can easily be forgotten because his presence in places has never been unnoticed, even as his personality speak volumes of how important he was.
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In appreciation, the first son of the late Dr Ojougboh, Mr. Nkem Ojougboh, while appreciating all who joined them at the occasion declared that his late father meant so much to them in different ways, saying that the large turnout of people was a testament of the love and respect his father had on all who came across him while alive.
In his words, “My late father lived a life of love and generosity. His legacy is something that has continued to inspire the family to admire him more even in death. His teaching, his laughter and his love remain alive in us. In all, we have gathered to celebrate the beautiful life he lived”.
Many others who spoke, including the NDDC Board Chairman, Barrister Chiedu Ebie, reflected on the beautiful memories of late Dr Ojougboh and pledged to remain supportive of his family.
“Dr. Cairo Ojougboh was not just a leader; he was a visionary who dedicated his life to the service of humanity. His passion for the development of the Niger Delta and his unyielding spirit in the face of challenges will forever remain an inspiration to us all,” Ebie stated.
As a former member of Nigeria House of Representatives, Chief Dr. Ojougboh left an indelible mark on the country’s political landscape. His passing may have left a void, but his legacy continues to inspire and motivate those who knew him”.
According to his biography, Hon. Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, a distinguished Nigerian statesman, revered High Chief of Agbor Kingdom, accomplished businessman, and medical doctor, was born on September 8, 1959 into the illustrious Akpuruhu Ojougboh family of Alihame, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria.
Dr. Cairo’s educational journey began at Pilgrim’s Baptist Primary School, now Erigbe Primary School, Agbor, from 1966 to -1971. He attended Gbenoba Grammar School, (now St. Columbus Grammar School, Agbor) between 1972 and 1976. After a brief stint as a teacher from 1976-1978, his unwavering desire for higher education led him to Auchi Polytechnic, where he studied Mechanical Engineering. In 1979, he transferred to the University of Benin to pursue his dream profession medicine and graduated as a medical doctor in 1985.
Dr. Cairo was a talented athlete and represented the defunct Bendel State, University of Benin and Nigeria in basketball, a career that spanned over a decade. He served as Chairman of the Bendel Basketball Association from 1988-1990, demonstrating his leadership beyond the medical and political spheres.
Recognizing the need for systemic change, Dr. Cairo ventured into politics, where he became a grassroots politician known for his integrity, accessibility, and commitment to the public good. He was the pioneer Chairman of Alliance For Democracy (AD) in Delta State from 1998-1999 and a prominent member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), serving as Chairman of PDP South-South and Deputy National Chairman.
In 2003, he was elected to the House of Representatives to represent Ika Federal Constituency, where he chaired the House Committee on Petroleum Resources. During this time, he championed reforms to make the Petroleum industry more community-friendly and led several developmental projects, including the digitalization of Agbor Telephone Exchange and the reconstruction of key roads in Delta State.
Dr. Cairo’s fight against corruption earned him an appointment to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) by President Olusegun Obasanjo. He later served as Presidential Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters under President Goodluck Jonathan and held positions such as Chairman of Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA). From 2019-2020, he was a member of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Nigeria Delta Development Commission (NDDC), where he served as Executive Director of Project, leaving a legacy of impactful leadership.
Dr. Cairo’s remarkable achievements earned him numerous accolades, including multiple chieftancy titles. He was honoured with Akinuwa of Agbor Kingdom by the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, Keagborekuzi 1, Akinuwa of Anioma by 45 autonomous monarchs, Ihiale of Umunede, and Odua of Akumazi. These titles reflect his enduring contributions to his community and state.
Dr. Cairo was an outspoken and fearless leader, a defender of the oppressed, and a voice for the marginalized. His leadership skills inspired many and his life of service was marked by dedication, compassion and a relentless pursuit of justice.
He was married to his wife, Grace Bose Ojougboh, whom he met in 1983 while studying Medicine at the University of Benin. They got married in 1987 and together, they built a loving family and weathered life’s challenges with unwavering devotion. Dr. Cairo Ojougboh was more than a father; he was a mentor, a provider and a beacon of love and inspiration.
Dr. Cairo would be fondly remembered by his aged mother, wife, children, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, cousins, nephews, uncles, friends, well-wishers, political associates, business partners and Alihame Community in Agbor Kingdom