Rebecca Edjeren: Foremost Isoko Female Trained Teacher Passes on at 101
By Wilson Macaulay
The Isoko and Urhobo communities in particular and the larger Delta State educational and Christian circles, are mourning the passing of Deaconess (Mrs.) Rebecca Edjeren, a trailblazing female educator who dedicated her life to teaching and Christian service.
The Press release obtained from the family indicates that
She passed away at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital on January 27, 2025, at the remarkable age of 101.
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Born on July 2, 1923, in Ivrogbo-Irri, Isoko South Local Government Area, to the devout and education-loving family of David and Esther Ogbo, Rebecca Edjeren defied societal norms by pursuing formal education at a time when female literacy was rare. She graduated from the prestigious Teacher-Training College at Ebu-Owerri in 1943, setting the stage for a lifetime of educational impact.
Her marriage to James Edjeren (popularly known as James Warri), a distinguished Urhobo educator from Otokutu, Ughelli South LGA, further cemented her legacy in the field of education. Over the course of 35 years, she taught in primary schools across Warri, Enugu, Onitsha, Ughelli, Iluelogbo (Owhelogbo), Emevor, Uro, and Oleh, where she concluded her teaching career at Isoko Central School (ICS).
Following her retirement, Rebecca Edjeren relocated to Benin City, where she transitioned into business as a food contractor to the then-emerging University of Benin. Her stay in Benin also marked a deepened commitment to her faith, as she became a devout member of the Church of God Mission International under the leadership of Archbishop Benson Idahosa. Her dedication to the church saw her ordained as a deaconess and entrusted with the role of Matron at the Word of Faith Group of Schools. She was an active participant in the Christian Women International Fellowship (CWIFI), embarking on international missionary journeys alongside Archbishop Idahosa. Even in her later years, she remained a devoted choir member at the Faith Arena in Benin City.
A matriarch of excellence, Rebecca Edjeren leaves behind a distinguished lineage. Her eight children include prominent media, academic, and professional figures:
Veteran broadcaster and public relations expert, Ray Austin Edjeren
Professeur Emery Edjeren
Retired civil servant, Ms. Edna Edjeren
Culinary doyen, Elder Florence Enejeta Mosheshe (aka Flora)
Dr. Mrs. Ufuoma Lamikanra (aka Gladys)
Associate Professor Felix Edjeren
Veteran journalist and media executive, Ignatius Ruke Edjeren
Ace broadcaster, Israel Edjeren
Her legacy continues through her 26 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, among whom are internationally recognized individuals such as Dr. Oluwatomi Lamikanra and renowned internet preacher Joy Edjeren.
Her remarkable journey—spanning education, entrepreneurship, and Christian ministry—serves as an enduring inspiration to generations of women in Isoko, Urhobo, and beyond. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.
Rest in peace, Deaconess Rebecca Edjeren. You lived, you served, and you inspired.
