‘Truth, honesty and consistency define who we are ‘
MAKURDI
Chief Ene Edache was born 70 years ago to the Edache Epuhe family of Obaganya village in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. Being her mother’s only child and the youngest of her father’s children, Chief Edache grew up in a maledominated home where she went hunting with boys and engaged in fight contests. She worked as a civil servant, politician and business woman at various stages of her life. Ene is reputed to have chosen the black and red fabric colours which today serve as the Idoma nation’s cultural attire and ethnic symbol of identity. In this exclusive chat with Tambari at her boutique located adjacent the Benue Metropolitan Hotel in Makurdi, the “En’Alegwu” (mother of the spirits) and community mobiliser gives insight into her private life, family, career and retirement.
Background
I am Chief Ene Edache. I was born into the family of Edache Epuhe and Akum Ogbe of Obaganya village in Otukpo Local Government Area on July 18, 1947. I am a retired public servant blessed with children and grandchildren.
Education/career
I started schooling at the Methodist Central School and later Wesley Girls’ School, then studied Accounting at the Clerical Training School at Otukpo in 1966 after which I studied English and Economics at the Staff Development Centre, Kaduna, now Kaduna State Polytechnic.
I started my career as a clerk in the administrator’s office, Kaduna, where I worked with seasoned administrators like Alhaji Sai’du Barda, Alhaji B. Ladan and Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed. I worked in the Accounts and Lands Department. After a couple of years I left the administrators’ office to work with the Bank of the North, where I remained until I retired back to Benue State. On my return home, I was appointed a councillor in 1986 in the old Otukpo Local Government Council when the distinguished Samson Oklobia was chairman.
I was later employed by the Directorate for Social Mobilisation (MAMSER) now the National Orientation Agency (NOA), in 1987, where I served as Mobilisation Officer in charge of Women Mobilisation and in other capacities until I retired from the civil service in 2007.
Growing up
This question takes me way back to the good old days of long trekking to farm, going to the stream with friends, listening to elders as they tell us folktales, watching and participating in fight contests and other village activities.
Did you go through life in the village? Growing up in our days as youngsters must be very different from what happens now considering the advent of the computer age. I cannot forget hunting with the boys. I was my mother’s only child and the last child of my father. You can imagine growing up with mostly boys. From day one my father
WE ALL HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY AND A VACUUM TO FILL. PEOPLE WOULD ALWAYS DEPEND ON EACH OTHER. THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO KNOW WHO TO TRUST AND ALWAYS REMEMBER ONE’S FAMILY IN ALL ENDEAVOURS
never separated me from my brothers. I can remember vividly, before he died he called my name; “Enegol’oyinu” as he was fond of calling me, which means “my mother has come through my daughter”, he then said, “If only you were a man, I know that when I die my name will not be lost”, and I answered him thus, “Even if you die your name will never be lost because you have trained me like a man.” And I promised him that his name would not be lost and I would never bring shame to his name.
My father was a police officer, exposed and experienced in community relations. He never played with his family and did everything possible to ensure his children went to school.
Challenges faced in life
Like every other person, challenges must come, but how you overcome such challenges matters. The Bible says in Job 14:1, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.” God that created us knows what we are destined for. It just takes obedience; patience, sacrifice, and the grace of God. Do not forget that there is no challenge that comes to anyone that is not common to man.
Life lessons I learnt over the years
Waooh! I have learnt that truth, honesty, and being consistent at the end of the day define who we are. Let me tell you something; we all have a role to play and a vacuum to fill. People would always depend on each other. The important thing is to know who to trust and always remember one’s family in all endeavours.
Childhood aspirations
Interesting, you will not believe that I wanted to join the police force in my teenage days. But, then God’s plan was different.
Fond childhood memories
I miss going out hunting and the fight contests.
Most cherished gift
There was this particular ‘Agbada’ (wrapper) my mother gave me not too long before she died in September 1988.
Top five on my wish list
Top five on my wish list includes seeing my children attain great heights, to see my grandchildren become adults, maintain good health, continued success in my business and God’s grace over my community.
Favourite kind of music on replay
My favourite music on replay is ‘The Story of My Life’ by Michael Holiday.
Favourite fashion items
My favourite fashion items are wristwatch and necklace.
Best travel destination and why
My best travel destination is my village because I like nature as it always reminds me of my roots and heritage.
How I relax
I relax with good old school music and movies.
Best food
My best food is ‘ona’ (swallow).
Definition of style
My definition of style is simple, be comfortable and elegant.
Favourite fashion designer
My favourite fashion designer is Jumaima Clothing. I think you should try her once and see and I bet you will not regret it.
Favourite designer perfume, bag and shoes
For perfumes I like Elizabeth Arden, as for bags and shoes I try not to restrict myself to particular designers.
Mum’s advice that stuck
I should never spoil a child because a spoilt child doesn’t become two.
Favourite sport, weather and colour
I played football at some point and my children play basketball, so my favourite sports are football and basketball, while my favourite colours are yellow and red. As for the weather, it’s very relaxing when it rains.
Favourite day of the week and why?
Saturday is my favourite, considering that it is a period to relax, socialise and slow down from the hustle.
Beauty routine
I am natural and love being natural. I am okay with uninterrupted warm baths always.
Life achievement
My achievements include the fact that in 1991 I was conferred with the traditional title of En’Alegwu, a responsibility I have used to effectively mobilise both the youths and elders in the direction of peace and community development. Most importantly is the fact that in1987, at the instance and instruction of His Royal Highness, the Och’Idoma, Abraham Ajene Okpabi, I sought for and presented a proposed red and black fabric design that was accepted by the Och’Idoma and his council. This fabric is today the cultural colour and ethnic symbol of identity for the Idoma nation worldwide.
Origin of Idoma traditional attire
I am always pleased to talk about this, but first let me commend my parents for developing in me a consciousness to appreciate morals and the cultural importance of an Idoma person. I also want to express gratitude to His Royal Majesty, Agaba’Idu, Abraham Ajene Okpabi, and the Och’Idoma II, for giving me the opportunity to be involved in the design of the Idoma traditional colour, and finally my undiluted appreciation goes to the entire Idoma Kingdom for accepting it.
In 1987, the Och’Idoma, on seeing the need to have a symbol of identity for his people put in motion the search for a suitable blend and design that would represent Idoma culture. A committee was put in place, but then he also sent me to do a search and bring samples. After wide consultations with elders, friends and traditional priests and scholars, I travelled to Idah, where a friend of mine, Mrs. Onwuchola, took me round places where such fabrics were produced. I chose the red and black pattern amongst others, but at the end the present one as we have it was accepted by His Royal Highness. The red signifies royalty of the lion, while the black signifies dignity.
Role model
My role model would be the late Hajiya Laila Dogonyaro.
My relationship with Hajia Dongonyaro
We first met when I was working with the Bank of the North in Kaduna. We became friends and grew to become sisters. She used to have one of the biggest departmental stores in Kaduna. As a friend, I supervised the store for her whenever she travelled. When she joined politics she carried me along. We travelled the length and breadth of Nigeria, mobilising and sensitising Nigerian women to participate in active politics. She was a great mobiliser and was very generous. So you could say that my passion at mobilising and trade is as a result of my friendship with her.
Looking back, what I will tell a younger me
Always be truthful and never sell out your integrity. Accept everyone as a brother, a sister and friend, because in life we all are the same in the sight of the Almighty God.
Private business
I have a boutique. I trade in all kinds of textile, jewelry, perfumes, hand bags, shoes, anything that has to do with fashion and items used as souvenirs. I am still active in the design and production of local and traditional fabrics, especially traditional African attires.
How I feel at 70
I feel great and don’t feel I need to completely retire yet. I also feel fulfilled, blessed with life, sound health, children, grandchildren, many friends and the grace of God.
I ALSO FEEL FULFILLED, BLESSED WITH LIFE, SOUND HEALTH, CHILDREN, GRANDCHILDREN, MANY FRIENDS AND THE GRACE OF GOD