In the year 1952, a son whose handsomeness could be likened to beauty was born into the family of Mr.Joseph Ebo Apie and Mrs Bessie Manjo Afu of Okubuchi Irruan and Buanchor respectively, all in Boki LGA of Cross River State. Bishop, as he was fondly called, was born on the day the first Bishop of Ogoja Diocese of the Catholic Church, Bishop Thomas McGregory visited Buanchor village. This august visit made the parents to name him “Bishop”. His parent loved him as well as the entire community at large.
*EDUCATION* :
Chief started his primary education at Buanchor through Okubuchi and ended up at St. Patrick’s Primary school, Bunyia Irruan in 1970. In 1972, he travelled to Lagos were he studied at Dabe Advanced College. He later returned home and completed his Secondary education at Boki Boys secondary School (BBSS), Okundi. He was appointed the senior prefect of the school as a result of his intelligence, boldness and sterling leadership qualities. He came out with 7 O/Level credits in including English and Mathematics. He further obtained a higher Diploma in Accounting and Computer Programming.
JOB PLACEMENT AND CAREER EXPERIENCE:
He started his working career at Government Primary school Borum as a Pivoted Teacher. He was quickly called back to Zaria, Kaduna state by his uncle, Mr. Denis Ayi where he secured a job with A.J Seward Company as a Salesman. He later attended rigorous examinations/aptitude tests with Union Bank plc Zaria and was among the successful candidates. He was posted to Sokoto main Branch, Sokoto state in 1978. He was later transferred. To Calabar Mani Branch. Chief rose to the position/office of a Branch Manager and transferred to Trans Amadi Branch, Port Harcourt. He opened and was the pioneer Branch Manager of Union Bank plc, Abak in Akwa Ibom State. He received numerous awards of excellence while in office.
As a professional Banker with diverse cognate experience, while on Annual leave at some time, he assisted in opening and training the staff as well as stabilising the first Irruan Community Bank(ICB) at Kakwagom Irruan.
*** *Add his current security trainings office if necessary pls*
SOCIAL LIFE:
Chief was a man of the people from his youth till when he passed on. He related well with everybody. He was indeed, a trouble shooter (peace maker). He was a very good footballer, particularly goalkeeping. As a goalkeeper, he saved all the penalties against his team in a certain tournament. This earned him the name “a Zero Man” ( or Zoro). He was a great dancer, who danced like Koso (Kokoma).
He was a benefactor to many, especially the late Samuel Ayi (Oga Himself), Godwin Ayi, Frederick Obi, Joseph Osa Atu amongst others. His house is a one stop shop for all.
CHRISTIAN LIFE:
Chief was a devoted Catholic Christian. He wedded in the same faith to his beautiful wife, Mrs Monica Bishop Apie Ayi. He was later called into ministry and was ordained as a Pastor with Omega Power Ministry (OPM) in Port Harcourt where he pastored until his call to glory as an active labourer in His vineyard.
His smiles were infectious.
He left us too soon.
He left behind:
Mrs Monica Ayi – Wife
Mrs Mirian Obi -Daughter
Engr James Bishop Ayi (AIIPS) – Son
Lawrence Ebo Ayi – Son
Peter Ayi – Son
Blessing Ayi – Daughter
The entire extended family, friends, colleagues and well wishers mourn him.
May his gentle soul rest in peace with the Lord. Amen.
