Parents/Birth
Mrs. Irene Nimibofa Edgar (nee Joel) entered the world on October 28, 1943, in Okpoama, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Her lineage is a unique blend: her father, the late Mr. Joel Kanu Nwabuko, hailed from Umecheoku-Elu-elu in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, while her mother, Madam Deborah (nee Joseph), belonged to Okpoama Town in Brass Local Government, Bayelsa State.
As the only child of her mother, Mrs. Irene was raised under the loving care of her grandmother, Madam Janet Abaye (nee Ateki). The legacy of strong women runs deep in her family, with influences from Aberenimi and Miekeamapiri. Her maternal grandmother, the first woman to marry in the Anglican Church in Okpoama, was a formidable matriarch. Known as Ala Janet, she single-handedly raised her three children, leaving an indelible mark on the family. In honor of her legacy, a women’s group named Janet Agba at St. Paul’s Deanery in Okpoama includes all female family members.
Education
Mrs. Irene embarked on her educational journey at St. Paul’s Primary School in Okpoama, where she earned her first school certificate in 1958. She briefly taught at St. Barnabas Primary School in Twon-Brass, where fate introduced her to her future husband, the late Chief Numoipre Godswill Edgar – Zachariah. Their union was sealed in 1961. Post-civil war, she relocated to Port Harcourt and had a brief stint with the Nigerian Ports Authority in the hospitality sector.
Her quest for higher learning led her to the Woman Teacher’s Training School in Isiokpo, River State, where she obtained a Teacher Grade II certificate (TCII) in 1976. She furthered her education at Rivers State College of Education in Rumuolumeni (now Ignatius University), earning her Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in 1982. Her academic journey culminated in a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, in 1988. Mrs. Irene also completed her National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) at the Government Comprehensive Boys Secondary School in Borokiri, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Teaching Career
Mrs. Irene’s teaching career was marked by dedication and excellence. She continued working at the school, teaching geography and English, and mentoring numerous students who admired her blend of strict discipline and motherly love. Her reputation as an exceptional teacher was widely acknowledged, with students attesting to her teaching prowess.
Later, she transitioned to the Rivers State Primary School Board under the Ministry of Education, where she served as a Supervisor. Following the creation of Bayelsa State, she transferred to the Bayelsa State Universal Basic Education Board in Okolobiri. Her dedication saw her rise through the ranks to become the Director of School Services before her retirement.
Her Family
As the sole child of her father, Mrs. Irene holds a pivotal role in family decisions and activities. Her insights and advice are highly valued within her paternal family. In her immediate family, she is the eldest member, playing a crucial maternal role for her siblings, cousins, and extended family.
Life After Retirement
Mrs. Irene’s life has been marked by resilience and faith. Despite facing significant traumatic challenges, including the loss of her mother at 50 and the passing of her children, her faith in God has been unwavering. After retirement, she faced a health crisis that required a six-hour brain surgery in India. Despite post-operative complications and a three-week coma, she made a remarkable recovery, a testament to her faith and God’s grace.
She is a patron of numerous social clubs, an elder in the National Council of Women’s Societies, and a former Vice President of ODU (Rivers/Yenagoa Branch). A devout Christian, Mrs. Irene worships at the Royal House of Grace and Redeemed Church in Yenagoa and St. Paul’s Church in Okpoama.
Blessed with six children, two of whom are still living, Mrs. Irene also has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her life is a remarkable testament to God’s mercy and favor.
