Rebecca Edjeren, Isoko’s First Trained Female Teacher, Passes on at 101
By Wilson Macaulay
Deaconess (Mrs.) Rebecca Edjeren’s passing is being mourned by the Isoko and Urhobo communities, as well as the wider Delta State educational and Christian communities, in recognition of her trailblazing contributions to education and Christian service.
A press release issued by the family reveals that she passed on at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital on January 27, 2025, at the extraordinary age of 101.
Rebecca Edjeren was born into the devout and education-loving family of David and Esther Ogbo on July 2, 1923, in Ivrogbo-Irri, Isoko South Local Government Area. In an era where female literacy was rare, she challenged societal norms by pursuing formal education, graduating from the prestigious Teacher-Training College at Ebu-Owerri in 1943, and paving the way for a lifetime of educational impact.
Her marriage to James Edjeren (popularly known as James Warri), a renowned Urhobo educator from Otokutu, Ughelli South LGA, further solidified 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).
Upon her retirement, Rebecca Edjeren made a strategic move to Benin City, where she successfully transitioned into a business career as a food contractor for the University of Benin. Her time in Benin was also marked by a profound commitment to her faith, as evidenced by her membership in the Church of God Mission International, led by Archbishop Benson Idahosa. Her unwavering dedication led to her ordination as a deaconess and her appointment as Matron at the Word of Faith Group of Schools. As an engaged participant in the Christian Women International Fellowship, she undertook international missionary journeys alongside Archbishop Idahosa. Even in her later years, she continued to serve with devotion as a 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:
Renowned broadcaster and public relations expert, Ray Austin Edjeren, Professor Emery Edjeren, Retired civil servant, Ms. Edna Edjeren, Celebrated culinary expert, 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 lives on through her 26 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, including distinguished individuals such as Dr. Oluwatomi Lamikanra and esteemed internet preacher Joy Edjeren. Her remarkable journey—spanning education, entrepreneurship, and Christian ministry—serves as a perpetual 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.
