The remains of Achegobia Joseph Dala who died on March 24, 2011, has been laid to rest at his home town, Okrika, in Okrika local government area, on Saturday, June 2, 2012.
Joseph Dala was born in 1954 into the family of Qrufingbe (Omu-Aru). War Canoe House of Ngeme-biri in Koniju Town, Okrika Local GovernmentArea and Dikidama War Canoe House in Bolo Town, Ogu/Bolo L. G. A. Rivers State. He was the fourth son of his father, Late Mr. Data of blessed memory.
He had his Primary Education at U. N. A. State School, Ogoloma, in Okrika and obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1972 and attended National Professional Secondary School, at Victoria Street, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In 1983, Joseph Data obtained a Pitman Examinations Institute Certificate, London.
He began his career as a civil servant on July 1, 1977, as a Typist at the State Audit Department, Secretariat, Rivers State and rose up to the position of Chief Typist in 1999, till death took him away.
Until his death, Joseph Dala was the Vice President of Miekuroma Social Club (MIESCO) of Ogoloma, a prominent social club that has existed for over 40 years.
“He was a social person, always ready to sacrifice for people, quick to learn and always open to listen. It is his own natural attitude of taking every man equal on earth because of the respect he had for God and so desperate when it comes to correcting someone,” his family members and friends stated.
According to his family members, Joseph Dala was a man that had great vision for his family, always ready to give legal advice to the family and one that had the mind and ability to build up his home.
Joseph Dala who was baptized at St. Stephen’s Christ Army Church at Ogoloma in Okrika L. G.A.
“Joseph Dala was a peace ambassador himself. So sad, for Dad with a painful voice cried out to me on October, 3, 2007, about his severe pains in his waist. On the 4th of October 2009, he was admitted into the B.M.S.H. From that day, he suffered Severe pains till the night at his residence when the Creator of Peace called him on the 24th of March, 2011 at 3:00am,” one of his children stated.
The president of MIESCO, Solomon Orumuka, a retired Police officer, said Joseph Dala, “was a quiet, peaceful and kind-hearted fellow. He had love for everyone and was dedicated to his club and held the position of vice president until his death. The club and all those who had something to do with him will sorely miss him,” as the club gathered to give him the last respect during the burial.
He was survived by Mrs. Toipreye Joseph, wife, Ibifuro and Aya, daughters, Ajuboye, Tamunokubie, Sowaringo and Asowari, sons, three grand children and a host of other relations. ####
