Christopher Jack Alazigha (1937-2016)

He was an educationist that had contributed immensely to the eradication of illiteracy in the Niger Delta for over three (3) decades

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Christopher Jack Alazigha was an educationist that had contributed immensely to the eradication of illiteracy in the Niger Delta for over three (3) decades

Who Was Christopher Jack Alazigha?

Christopher Jack Alazigha (1937-2016) hails from Okoloba town in the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He was an Educationist per excellence in the 60’s and late 90s. Unassuming Christopher Alazigha kept undeniable footprints on the sands of time as a political appointee of the Bayelsa State Government. He was a holder of Bachelor’s degree in Education from the prestigious University of Wales in 1979. Sir Christopher Jack Alazigha held on to the doctrines of the Anglican faith till his death in 2016 at the age of 79.

His Parents and Birth

A renowned patriarch, Chief Jack Alazigha of the illustrious Alazigha family in Abadani compound in Okoloba town was Christopher’s father. His mother was late Madam Flora Fiokumonum of Isounbiri, in Odi community all in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government of Bayelsa state. Christopher Jack Alazigha was born on 5 august, 1937 at Okoloba community in Southern-Nigeria.

Education

Christo as fondly called, received his primary education at his home town St. Peters’ School from 1948 to 1955 and got the First School Leaving Certificate. He later proceeded to the Preliminary Teachers Training Center at Oporoma in 1956. This institute provided him a solid foundation in teaching. His contemporaries at the time were Justice David Koripamo (now late) and Francis Ugo (probably late). Subsequently, between 1958 and 1959 Christo attended the Teacher Training College (TTC) Rumuobiakani, Rivers State for the teachers grade three certificate. In the quest for advancing his teaching profession, he then proceeded to Bishop Lasbrey College, Irete-Owerri Eastern-Nigeria studying from 1963 to 1965 and got the grade II certificate in teaching. In 1973, he won a place at The Rivers State College of Education, Port Harcourt and graduated in 1976 with National Certificate of Education in Political Science and Geography. Later, his quest for higher education took him to the University of Wales, United Kingdom to study education from 1978 to 1980 and he earned a full-fledge Advanced Diploma and Bachelor’s degree in Education.

His Career

Fresh from Bishop Lasbrey College, Christopher Jack Alazigha was deployed as classroom teacher (Elementary) in 1965 till 1967. In 1968, he was upgraded to the rank of headmaster and he served in that capacity for five years. Afterwards, he rose through the ranks rapidly after his tertiary education and was made the Vice Principal, St Jude’s Girls School, Amarata from 1976 to 1978. In 1980, he was promoted Principal. His first posting was to River Nun Grammar School, Agbere/Odoni Sagbama local government area; he served for two years; he was transferred to Gbaranowei Grammar School, Okolobiri from 1982 to 1984.

Then, he was transferred to Bishop Dimieari Grammar School, Yenagoa from 1985 to 1989. In 1990, Christo moved to Port Harcourt, and took charge as Principal of Enitonna high School Borokiri, Port Harcourt for three eventful years. He was later, promoted Deputy Director cum Chief Zonal Supervisor of schools in Abua-Odual Local Government Area in Old Rivers State from 1993 to 1995. Christopher Jack Alazigha retired meritoriously from the old Rivers State Civil Service on 1 January, 1996.

Life after Retirement

Life after retirement was no boredoms to him. Ten months after his retirement Bayelsa State was created (1 October, 1996), Christopher Alazigha conceived the idea of owning a modern school in the new state. He floated Erepa Group of Schools that comprises Nursery, Primary and Secondary in Yenagoa capital city.

The Bayelsa State Government at the time took over the first premises of the school. However a new site was found opposite the state Judiciary. The site was again within government designated land and had to be moved to its present facility in Yenizue-gene town. Today the road along which the school is located has become established as Erepa road, one of the most popular inroads in the Yenagoa capital city. As director, proprietor of Erepa group of schools, his drive and initiative was intangible assets that propelled the institution to greater heights. He retired in 2013. Sadly, the Erepa group of schools is no more, it has been sold by the family.

Extra-curriculum Activities

His enthusiasm and free disposition were virtues he acquired formally and informally. He was a star footballer at the Preliminary Teachers Training Center at Oporoma in 1957. Christopher Jack Alazigha was the games Captain at Bishop Lasbrey College Irete-Owerri. He was also Games Master at the (TTC) Rumunobiakani and was nicknamed “Awalaka” because of his passionate love for football. After his retirement from the Public Service, he was appointed a Member of the Bayelsa State Football Association.

Positions held

Christopher Jack Alazigha held a series of distinctive positions that proved him to be a dependable leader and motivator. He was Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), in the old Yenagoa province from 1984 to 1989. Between 1985 and 1989, he was Member, Police Public Relations Committee; Member welfare Committee for youth Corpers; Member, Broom Club; member Disciplinary committee General Hospital Yenagoa; he was Member II Local Government Election Tribunal in 1997; he was also Chairman, of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners from the creation of the state in 1996 to 2002. In 1999, the then Governor of Bayelsa State Chief Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha (now late) conferred on him Justices of the Peace. He served as the first Executive Chairman of the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission from 2000 to 2004. Christopher Jack Alazigha was once chairman of the Kolokuma/Opokuma Elders assembly in 2012.

He loves writing and reading. His sustained interest in promoting the Izon language led him to write booklets on the subject. “Learn the Izon language” was one of the better known title.

His faith

Christopher Jack Alazigha was a steadfast Anglican. The Niger Delta West Diocese knighted him in 2011. He had an eventful trip to the Holy land (Israel) where he received confirmation of his spiritual restoration in Jesus Christ.

Family

Sir Christopher Jack Alazigha was married to Lady Dora Alazigha for over 45 years and they had and raised thirteen 13 industrious children, who are impacting our society.

His Death

Sir Christopher Jack Alazigha died at the Federal Medical Center Yenagoa on 3 July, 2016 and was interred 28 days after according to Anglican Communion burial rites on 29 July, 2016 at his home town in Abadani compound, Okoloba-Sabageria Town.

Christopher Jack Alazigha will be remembered for his forthright views on life, his unwavering vision for the growth and progress of his community and dependable words of advice.

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Abalijay
"Timeless Persons" is a personal blog project created by me with the aim of sharing biographies of remarkable individuals from the Niger Delta region and beyond. The blog serves as a platform to captivate and stimulate your thoughts, encouraging reflection on the past, fostering a positive mindset in the present, and inspiring hope for a better future. Through the stories of great minds featured on the blog, readers are invited to delve into the lives and achievements of extraordinary individuals, drawing inspiration and insights that can be applied to their own lives. "Timeless Persons" strives to create an engaging and thought-provoking space for readers to appreciate the legacies and contributions of notable individuals, ultimately encouraging personal growth and a brighter outlook on life.

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