of Late Chief Engr. Benjamin Ifeanyi Iloabachie
@ EUI Centre, GRA Port Harcourt | 4:00pm
Monday 14th August 2023
Rev. Canon Josephus Jaja | Ven. Dr. S.C. Nwachukwu
Photo Montage / Interlude
Opening Prayer
Opening Hymn: A&M 372 – Immortal, Invincible
Opening Remark
Hymns - a. A&M 245 – Jesus where'er Thy People Meet
b. A&M 165 – O God Our Help in Ages Past
Only Bible Reading : I Cor. 15:50-58
Hymn A&M 397 – And Now O Father Tributes
Hymn A&M 202 – Jesu My Lord My God My All Documentary
Special Rendition – Old Boys of Government College, Umuahia.
Hymn for a brief Homily | A&M 266 – Thou whose Almighty Power
Brief Homily
Choir Rendition – Exquisite Choir Port Harcourt
Prayer for The Family
Closing Hymn A&M 33 – The Day Thou Gavest Lord Is EndedVote of Thanks - Chinedu Iloabachie
Benediction
Departure
Photo Montage / Interlude
2. Opening Prayer
3. Opening Hymn: A&M 372 – Immortal, Invincible
I. Immortal, invisible, God only wise, in light inaccessible hid from our eyes, most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.
II. Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light, nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might; Thy justice, like mountains, high soaring above Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
III. To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small, in all life Thou livest, the true life of all; we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree, and wither and perish, but naught changeth Thee.
IV Great Father of glory, pure Father of light, Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight; all praise we would render, O help us to see 'tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee!
4. OPENING REMARK
5. CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
A&M 245 – Jesus where'er Thy People Meet
I. Jesus, where'er Thy people meet, There they behold Thy mercy-seat; Where'er they seek Thee, Thou art found,
With grace and mercy to abound.
II. For Thou, within no walls confined, Inhabitest the humble mind; Such ever bring Thee where they come, And going, take Thee to their home.
III. Dear Shepherd of Thy chosen few, Thy former mercies here renew; Here, to our waiting hearts, proclaim The sweetness of Thy saving Name.
IV Here may we prove the power of prayer To strengthen faith and sweeten care; To teach our faint desires to rise, And bring Thy light before our eyes.
V Lord, we are few, but Thou art near; Nor short Thine arm, nor deaf Thine ear; Oh, rend the heavens, come quickly down, And make our waiting hearts Thine own.
A&M 165
I. God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home.
II. Under the shadow of Thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure; Sufficient is Thine arm alone, And our defence is sure.
III. Before the hills in order stood, Or earth received her frame, From everlasting Thou art God, To endless years the same.
IV A thousand ages in Thy sight Are like an evening gone; Short as the watch that ends the night Before the rising sun.
V Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away; They fly forgotten, as a dream Dies at the opening day
VI. O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Be Thou our guard while life shall last, And our eternal home.
6.Only Bible Reading : I Cor. 15:50-58
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
7 CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
A&M 397 – And Now O Father
I. And now, O Father, mindful of the love That bought us, once for all, on Calvary's tree,
And having with us him that pleads above, We here present, we here spread forth to thee
That only offering perfect in thine eyes, The one true, pure, immortal sacrifice.
II. Look, Father, look on his anointed face, And only look on us as found in him; Look not on our misusings of thy grace, Our prayer so languid, and our faith so dim; For lo, between our sins and their reward We set the passion of thy Son our Lord.
III. And then for those, our dearest and our best, By this prevailing presence we appeal; O fold them closer to thy mercy's breast, O do thine utmost for their souls' true weal; From tainting mischief keep them white and clear
And crown thy gifts with grace to persevere.
IV And so we come: O draw us to thy feet
Most patient Saviour, who canst love us still; And by this food, so aweful and so sweet, Deliver us from every touch of ill: In thine own service make us glad and free, And grant us nevermore to part from thee.
8. TRIBUTES
1. Adanna Chijioke - Family
2. Sir Francis Bruce - Friend
3. Brethren
4. Golf Buddies
5. Peoples Club
9. CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
A&M 202 – Jesu My Lord My God My All
I. Jesu, my Lord, my God, my All, Hear me, blest Savior, when I call; Hear me, and from Thy dwelling place Pour down the riches of Thy grace; Jesus, my Lord, I Thee adore; O make me love Thee more and more.
II. Jesu, too late I Thee have sought; How can I love Thee as I ought?
And how extol Thy matchless fame, The glorious beauty of Thy Name? Jesus, my Lord, I Thee adore;
O make me love Thee more and more.
III. Jesu, what didst Thou find in me That Thou hast dealt so lovingly? How great the joy that Thou hast brought, So far exceeding hope or thought! Jesus, my Lord, I Thee adore; O make me love Thee more and more.
IV Jesu, of Thee shall be my song; To Thee my heart and soul belong; All that I have or am is Thine; And Thou, blest Savior, Thou art mine; Jesus, my Lord, I Thee adore; O make me love Thee more and more.
10. DOCUMENTARY
11. SPECIAL RENDITION – Old Boys of Government College, Umuahia
12. HYMN FOR A BRIEF HOMILY A&M 266 – Thou whose Almighty Power
I. THOU whose Almighty Word Chaos and darkness heard, And took their flight; Hear us, we humbly pray, And where the gospel-day Sheds not its glorious ray, Let there be light!
II. Thou, who didst come to bring On thy redeeming wing Healing and sight; Health to the sick in mind, Sight to the inly blind, O now to all mankind Let there be light!
III. Spirit of truth and love, Life-giving, holy Dove, Speed forth thy flight; Move on the waters' face, Spreading the beams of grace,
And in earth's darkest place Let there be light!
IV Blessed and holy Three, Glorious Trinity, Grace, love, and might, Boundless as ocean's tide, Rolling in fullest pride, Through the world far and wide, Let there be light!
13. BRIEF HOMILY
14. ANTHEM – Exquisite Choir Port Harcourt
15. PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY
16. CLOSING HYMN A&M 33 – The Day Thou Gavest Lord Is Ended-
I. The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended; the darkness falls at thy behest; to thee our morning hymns ascended; thy praise shall sanctify our rest.
II. We thank thee that thy church, unsleeping while earth rolls onward into light, through all the world her watch is keeping, and rests not now by day or night.
III. As o'er each continent and island the dawn leads on another day, the voice of prayer is never silent, nor die the strains of praise away
IV So be it, Lord; thy throne shall never, like earth's proud empires, pass away Thy kingdom stands, and grows forever, till all thy creatures own thy sway
17 VOTE OF THANKS - Chinedu Iloabachie
18. BENEDICTION
19. DEPARTURE
Late Chief Engr. Benjamin Ifeanyi Iloabachie
@ EUI Centre, GRA Port Harcourt | 10:00am
Tuesday 15th August 2023 of
Rev. Canon Josephus Jaja | Ven. Dr. S.C. Nwachukwu
Arrival of Guests
Introduction
Opening Prayer
Opening Hymn: A&M 108 – When I Survey the wondrous cross Psalm 46 (to be chanted by the Choir)
Only Bible Reading : Eccl. 3: 1-12
Hymn for Intercessory A&M 202 – Jesu, My Lord, My God, My All Intercessory
Biography
Hymn for Sermon – SS&S 901 – When peace like a river
Sermon
Anthem – Exquisite Choir Port Harcourt
Prayers
Dead March in Saul
Notices
Closing Hymn A&M 311 – Lead Us Heavenly Father
Benediction
Departure
2. INTRODUCTION
3. OPENING PRAYER
4. OPENING HYMN: A&M 108 – WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS
1. When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count but loss And pour contempt on all my pride
2. See from His head His hands His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did e're such love and sorrow meet Or thorns compose so rich a crown
3. Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were a tribute far too small
Love so amazing so divine Demands my soul my life my all
5. PSALM 46 (TO BE CHANTED BY THE CHOIR)
f GOD is our / hope and / strength: a very / present / help in / trouble.
2. Therefore will we not fear though the / earth be / mov-ed: and though the hills be carried into the / midst / of the / sea.
3. Though the waters thereof / rage and / swell : and though the mountains shake at the / tempest / of the / same.
4. The rivers of the flood thereof shall make glad the / city of /God : the holy place of the tabernacle / of the / most / highest.
mf 5. God is in the midst of her * therefore shall she not / be re- /mov-ed : God shall / help her. and / that right / early
6. The heathen make much ado and the / kingdoms . are / mov-ed: but God hath shew-ed his voice and the / earth shall / melt a- / way.
2nd part 7. The Lord of / hosts is / with us : the God of / Jacob / is our / refuge.
8. O come hither and behold the / works . of the / Lord : what destruction he hath / brought up- / on the / earth.
9. He maketh wars to cease in / all the / world : he breaketh the bow and knappeth the spear in sunder * and burneth the / chari-ots / in the / fire.
10. Be still and know that / I am / God: I will be exalted among the heathen* and I will be ex/alted / in the / earth.
Full 11. The Lord of / hosts is / with us : the God of / Jacob / is our / refuge Glory be to the Father and / to the / Son: and / to the / Holy / Ghost; As it was in the beginning * is now and / ever / shall be: world without / end. / A- / men.
6. ONLY BIBLE READING : ECCL 3: 1-12
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to
keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
7. HYMN FOR INTERCESSION
A&M 202 – Jesu, My Lord, My God
1. Jesu, my Lord, my God, my All, Hear me, blest Savior, when I call; Hear me, and from Thy dwelling place Pour down the riches of Thy grace; Jesus, my Lord, I Thee adore; O make me love Thee more and more.
2. Jesu, too late I Thee have sought; How can I love Thee as I ought? And how extol Thy matchless fame, The glorious beauty of Thy Name? Jesus, my Lord, I Thee adore; O make me love Thee more and more.
3. Jesu, what didst Thou find in me That Thou hast dealt so lovingly? How great the joy that Thou hast brought, So far exceeding hope or thought!
Jesus, my Lord, I Thee adore; O make me love Thee more and more.
4. Jesu, of Thee shall be my song; To Thee my heart and soul belong; All that I have or am is Thine;
And Thou, blest Savior, Thou art mine; Jesus, my Lord, I Thee adore; O make me love Thee more and more.
8. INTERCESSION
Minister: Almighty God who had bound together your servant in one communion and fellowship in the Body of your Son Jesus Christ, grant we pray You to Your whole Church in paradise on earth Your light and Your peace.
People: Amen
Minister: Grant all those who have been saved by death and resurrection of Christ, may die to sin and rise to newness of life, and through Your grace may pass through the gate of death to Your joyful resurrection.
People: Amen
Minister: Grant to us who are still in our pilgrimage, and who walk as yet by faith, that Your Holy Spirit may lead us in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life.
People: Amen
Minister: Grant to your people, pardon and peace, that we may be cleansed from all our sins and serve You with a quiet mind.
People: Amen
Minister: Grant to those who mourn especially for the family of Benjamin Ifeanyichukwu Iloabachie a sure confidence in Your Fatherly care, that casting all their grief on You, they may know the consolation of Your love.
People: Amen
Minister: Help us we pray, in the midst of things we cannot understand to, believe and trust in the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; and the resurrection to life everlasting.
People: Amen
Minister: Grant us grace, to Benjamin Ifeanyichukwu
Iloabachie into your unfailing love; receive him into the arms of Your mercy and remember him according to the favour which you have for Your children. People: Amen
Minister: Grant that, increasing in knowledge and love of You, we may grow from strength to strength, in life of perfect service in Your heavenly kingdom.
People: Amen
10. HYMN FOR SERMON – SS&S 901 -WHEN PEACE LIKE A RIVER
1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot,Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Chorus: It is well, with my soul, It is well, with my soul, It is well, it is well, with my soul.
2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Chorus:
It is well, with my soul, It is well, with my soul, It is well, it is well, with my soul.
3. But, Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait, The sky, not the grave, is our goal; Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord! Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!
Chorus:
It is well, with my soul, It is well, with my soul, It is well, it is well, with my soul.
O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our brother Late Chief Engr. Benjamin Ifeanyichukwu Iloabachie, we thank you for giving him to us, his family and friends to know and to love as a companion on earth pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console all who mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth, until by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our brother Benjamin Ifeanyichukwu Iloabachie who was rebourn by water and spirit in Holy Baptism. Grant that his death may recall to us your victory over death, and be an occasion for us to renew our trust in your Ftaher's love. Give us we pray, the faith to follow where you have led the way: and where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
O Lord, be merciful to all travelers, especially those who have travelled from far and near places to commiserate with the bereaved, and grant them safe return, bless, guide and defend them, protect them from all perils and dangers of the road. Prosper them in their course, that they, beholding your mercy, and praising you for your goodness here may the more be quickened with a desire for the full enjoyment of the privileges as fellow citizens with the saints in your heavenly household, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
14. DEAD MARCH
15. NOTICES (IF ANY)
Heavenly Father
Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us o'er the world's tempestuous sea; guard us, guide us, keep us, feed us, for we have no help but thee, yet possessing every blessing if our God our guide shall be.
Saviour, breathe forgiveness o'er us, all our weakness thou dost know; thou didst tread this earth before us, thou didst feel its keenest woe; lone and dreary, faint and weary through the desert thou didst go.
Spirit of our God descending, fill our hearts with heavenly joy, love with every passion blending, pleasure that can never cloy; thus provided, pardoned, guided nothing can our peace destroy
17. BENEDICTION
Minister: The God of peace who brought you again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight, and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever more. Amen.
18. DEPARTURE
May 25, 1942 - May 23, 2023
Benjamin Ifeanyichukwu th Iloabachie, was born on the 25 day of May 1942, in Udi, Eastern Nigeria, now present-day Enugu State, Nigeria to Late Chief Thomas Okoloji iloabachie of Umuanugwo village, Uru Ogidi, and late lady Lydia Nwaku iloabachie, nee Akwue, of Umudoma village, Uru Ogidi both in present-day Idemili North local Government Area, Anambra State of Nigeria. He was the fifth son and ninth child of ten children of his parents. He was subsequently named Issomme by his matrilineal side.
His brilliance put him in 'A' class and was one of those who took the West African School Certificate Examinations after four years of studies in December 1959, awarded by the University of Cambridge.
Ben started his primary education at Central School Udi, Abia, in present day Enugu State in 1949. After his standard 6 examinations, he proceeded to the prestigious Government College Umuahia (GCU) for his secondary school in September 1955 on an open merit scholarship, awarded to the best ten students in any given year. He was subsequently among the
famous alumni of Class 55. His brilliance put him in 'A' class and was one of those who took the West African School Certificate Examinations after four years of studies in December 1959, awarded by the University of
Cambridge. While at GCU, he was in Nile house and was active in sports, participating in 220yards, cricket and hockey, winning laurels in long jump and triple jump at the Wilson Parnaby Athletics competition.
After graduating from GCU with his Ordinary Levels in 1959, Ben proceeded to Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) for his Higher School Certificate (HSC) or A-Levels in Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology and General Paper. While at DMGS, he participated in the Annual Inter House Sports competition and placed first in 220 yards with a time of 23.6 st seconds on the 1 of April 1961. Ben being an avid sportsman, also competed in the Amateur Athletic Association of Nigeria Eastern regional Junior Championships in Long Jump, placing second with a distance of 20ft 3 ins in 1961. In
Shortly thereafter, in December 1961, Ben proceeded to Kaduna and enrolled in the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC) Course No. 7 in 1962 as an officer cadet. Ben's performance at NMTC was superlative in his first year, and was subsequently selected to comprise the ten cadets chosen under the superintendence of the commandant Capt. Chukwunedum Ude for further military training at the Royal Canadian School of Infantry, Camboden, Canada in 1963. Thereafter Ben distinguished himself and was among the 8 officers that returned successful from Canada, and was commissioned as second Lieutenant in 1964.
Dissatisfied with being only an infantry officer, Ben enlisted in the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering, British Columbia, Canada between 1964 and 1966. Of particular nd importance was 2 Lt Ben Iloabachie's
conscription into participating in the Military putsch of January 1966 while holidaying in Kaduna from Canada, under the guise of military drills, under the superintendance of Captain Ben Gbulie of Military Engineers Corp. Upon return to Canada in late January 1966, Ben continued with his military cum engineering training and attended further training at the United States Army Engineer School, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, USA. Pursuant th thereto, on the 7 Day of May, 1966 under the superintendence of the Assistant Commandant, nd Brigadier General Raymond J. Harvey, 2 Lt Ben. th I. Iloabachie graduated from the 9 Engineers Officers Basic Class. During the period of training nd at the US Army Engineers School, 2 Lt. Ben I.
Ben's performance at NMTC was superlative in his first year, and was subsequently selected to comprise the ten cadets chosen under the superintendence of the commandant Capt.
Iloabachie underwent additional engineering training in Evasion and Escape Course by the Department of Engineering and Military Science in April 1966, Engineer Equipment Officer Course, between May and July 1966, and Construction Planning and Management Course between July and August 1966.
Afterwards, Ben proceeded to US Military Academy, Westpoint for further military training between 1966 and 1967. It was while he was in the USA that the Nigerian Civil war broke out,
forcing him to abandon his posting in the USA.
At the commencement of the Nigerian-Biafra nd war in July 1967, 2 Lt. Ben I. Iloabachie left his posting by the Nigerian Army in the US 'without leave' due to his conviction in the direction of the war. He made his way with 2nd Lt Sixtus Ezedinma from the United States of America to London, United Kingdom where Ezedinma
At the commencement of the NigerianBiafra war in July 1967, 2nd Lt. Ben I. Iloabachie left his posting by the Nigerian Army in the US 'without leave' due to his conviction in the direction of the war
refrained from continuing on the journey. Ben then travelled to Paris, France and to, Cameroon. He subsequently travelled by road to Port Harcourt, enroute to Enugu to report for duty to the Biafran Head of State, General Odumegwu Ojukwu. Ben voluntarily took sides with the Sovereign State of Biafra, for deployment in continuance of his military duties. In that meeting, he met Colonel Emmanuel Aguma, as he then was, as the Military Administrator of Port Harcourt province under the then sovereign nd state of Biafra. General Ojukwu directed 2 Lt Ben I. Iloabachie, being a Canadian and USA trained Civil Engineer, to go to 8th battalion, Port Harcourt and establish a unit of the Biafran Army Engineers Corps. With the help and advice of the Military Administrator of Port Harcourt then, Col. Emmanuel Aguma and his Battalion Commander, Col. Ogbugo Kalu, Ben was able to secure a site at the Yacht club, presently the Port Harcourt Boat Club, for the Army Engineers' unit, and No. 2, Abana Street, old GRA as his official residence.
Col. Emmanuel Aguma supported Ben kickstart the Army Engineers unit from scratch, as Biafra had no known engineering Officers and
In 1972, Ben transferred his services from Santa Fe Construction to Santa Fe Nigeria Development Company Limited. To adapt to the challenges of the new career trajectory as a drilling engineer.
sappears available to the Biafran belligerents. Col. Aguma, then advised Ben to recruit younger men who were not impervious to learning and training in both the art of war and in technical functions. This advice resulted in the recruitment of great men in the mold of late Chief Eric Aso from Elelenwo, late Chief Dennis Adoki from Okrika, Mr. Davis from Bakana, late Surveyor-General of Rivers State, Uche Odu from Omoku and late Chief Victor Masi, a Civil Engineer and one time Minister of Finance, also from Omoku. Fittingly, it should be noted further that compliance with the advice from Col Emmanuel Aguma as he then was, resulted in the successful creation of the Biafran Army Engineers unit which pioneered feats like the Ogbunigwe bomb, several modular refineries, runways for cargo planes and fighter jets, and several design and maintenance workshops amongst others.
During the pendency of the war, Ben's remit was to carry out the de-construction of the Ogbor hill bridge on the one hand, and the Umu nwanwa bridge in Udo, Ezinihite on the other, when the belligerents were advancing into Biafran territory. On these occasions Ben incurred the wrath of General Achuzia who wanted to court martial him for delaying blowing up the bridges. Because ben was so family oriented, he delayed complying with the instructions to deconstruct umu nwa nwa bridge when he sighted his elder brother Thompson at the other end of the bridge meshed with enemy combatants. His fidelity to family trumped his military instructions to the extent that Ben took extra care of his immediate family during the warring years, ensuring that
they were all safe and well supplied with petrol and other 'essential commodities'
After the Civil war, Ben retired from his commission from the Nigerian army, partly persuaded by Obi and partly as a result of the freezing of his rank to the pre-war era. His US and Canadian training in Engineering enabled him pursue a career in Civil Engineering and construction. He worked for Santa Fe Construction as a Deputy Project Engineer, responsible for the construction and erection of the ExxonMobil Crude oil Tank farm at Qua Iboe Terminal, Eket between 1970 and 1972.
In 1972, Ben transferred his services from Santa Fe Construction to Santa Fe Nigeria Development Company Limited. To adapt to the challenges of the new career trajectory as a drilling engineer, Ben undertook two years of correspondence courses and in June 21 1974, Ben achieved proficiency in Drilling Technology based on the curriculum of the lessons in Rotary Drilling Series prepared by the Petroleum Extension Service of the University of Texas under the auspices of International Association of Drilling Contractors. On July 5, 1974, Ben completed a course in Drilling Practices,
graduating from the Drilling Practices School, Maidenhead England. Subsequently in November 1974, Ben completed training in Blowout Prevention using the well control simulator under the auspices of the Gulf Research and Development Company, Houston Technical Services Center. In 1978 Ben undertook a management course, equivalent to what is now called an Executive MBA at Gerogetown University, Washington, DC, USA. Ben continued to work for Santa Fe Development as they carried out oil well drilling campaigns for Shell Petroleum Development Company meritoriously until he resigned his services in 1982 when he decided to become an entrepreneur registering Bee Drilling Services Limited.
Ben as an entrepreneur performed water well development, soil investigation and civil engineering consulting services. Some of the notable projects he performed are the water well development for NAFCON presently NOTORE under the supervision of MW Kellog the EPC contractors for the NAFCON project in 1982/1982. In 1987, Ben constructed the industrial water well boreholes at Eleme Petrochemicals presently known as Indorama. Ben went on to work for NPDC in Benin at the time Chief Chamberlin Oyibo, his classmate from Government College Umuahia was the Managing Director. Ben performed the cathodic protection for the Qua Iboe terminal for JGC in Eket in 1992. As well, Ben performed several water well9.5/8” boreholes for SPDC, AGIP, Elf drilling locations in all the states of the Niger Delta region. Also Ben performed several water well intervention projects for the River State Government, particularly the Rivers State Water Board.
1982/1982. In 1987, Ben constructed the industrial water well boreholes at Eleme Petrochemicals presently known as Indorama.
While Ben Iloabachie worked for Santa Fe Development as an Engineer, he met HRH Anthony Worlu Akarolo, JP, and the late Victor Tobin-West and formed lifelong friendships with them. Beyond that, he was a member of Shell Club RA (A 221) and Port Harcourt Club 1928, where he played lawn Tennis with the likes of Chief (Engr) G.E Omene, Chief Sam Okafor, Engr Francis Amene, all of whom he also formed enduring friendships with. He played Billiards; played Squash with the likes of the late Eddie Barber, Maxwell Amadi and Onari Oruye. He also played Scrabble and formed friendships with Mr P.K.Bello, and the late Princeton trained
9140, which gave him the opportunity to host and accomodate Professor Okantah Mwatabu of Kent State University, and Mr Larry both from the USA in 1987 for two weeks, during one of the Rotary exchange programmes. He subsequently achieved distinction in Rotary International as he was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow.
Engineer, Chief Ernest Endeley. His commitment to the game of scrabble led him to be conferred as the only Patron of the Scrabble section of Port Harcourt Club, 1928. Furthermore, Ben's social interactions led him to join Peoples Club of Nigeria, where he bonded with Ozo Aaron Okoye, Ide Enugwu Agidi, and Chief Sam Iwuchukwu, Akudo Nnewi. He was a member Rotary Club of Trans Amadi District
Ben was very proud of his secondary school, Government College Umuahia and as a result, volunteered to be the Chairman of the Alumni Association in Port Harcourt for ten years between 1982 and 1992, supported by HE Achike Udenwa and late Lucius Nwosu. He was awarded variously by the Alumni Association for his years of meritorious services as Port Harcourt Branch chairman, with the last award received th on the 18 of December 2022, where he was awarded as an Umuahian Icon in recognition of his contributions and selfless services to the Port Harcourt branch and College.
Ben was baptised an Anglican, and worshiped the Lord as an Anglican Christian all the days of his life. While he lived in Port Harcourt, Ben was a member of St. Barnabas Anglican Church initially, then St. Nicholas Anglican Church Aluu, and lately, he was a member of St Paul's Cathedral, Garrison Junction. As a mark and measure of his Christian conviction, Ben contributed to the training of Anglican pastors particularly the late Rev. Canon Emeka Obi at the University of Port Harcourt in 1989/1990, whom he became very close friends with. In his home town Ogidi, Ben initially worshipped at Ebenezer Church ogidi and in 2002, was one of the pioneer donors to the design and construction of St Andrews Anglican Church Ogidi, where he worshipped until his demise.
Late High Chief Ben I Iloabachie espoused and promoted the traditions and cultures of his people. He was the Chairman of Ogidi Union Nigeria Port Harcourt branch between 1982 and 1992, and was awarded several times for his meritorious service. For his selfless service to
th the upliftment of Ogidi, on the 10 of December, 2005, he was conferred with the status of a Patron of Ogidi Union Port Harcourt branch. Ben was a member of Oganiru age grade in Ogidi and his continued belief in tradition and culture led him to become was a member of Ndi-Ichie, acquiring the 'ozo' title of 'ISSOMME OGIDI'. He went further to take chieftaincy titles of Ichie Eze-Oba and Ichie Ume-Obi (High Chiefs) in 2017. Until his demise he was a member of the Council of High Chiefs in Ogidi.
Of particular importance to Ben's life is his marriage to Obiajulu Umebe Iloabachie, nee Okafor from Enugwu-Ukwu. Their union formed a significant part of each other's lives and characterised him positively as a thorough bred gentleman. While Major Ben I. Iloabachie, as he then was met Obi Okafor in 1968, in or around Mbano, when stationed in Azuiyi Oloko, Umuahia, their relationship blossomed and Major Ben I. Iloabachie became a frequent visitor to the late Dr and Mrs TCE Mbanefo's residence where Obi was domiciled. At the end of the war in 1970, Obi travelled soon thereafter to Grenoble France for further studies, while Ben resigned his commission form the Nigerian Army to take up a job as an Engineer in Santa Fe Construction. Ben Continued to communicate with obi through written correspondence until 1973.
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Ben married Obi on the 21 day of July 1973 in a civil ceremony in France, conducted in French language which he neither spoke nor understood. They proceeded to Genoa, Italy for their honeymoon. As at Ben's demise, their marriage was two months shy of fifty years, with a planned celebration at Canterbury Cathedral.
Ben married Obi on the 21st day of July 1973 in a civil ceremony in France, conducted in French language which he neither spoke nor understood.
Their marriage was blessed with five Children, Adanna, Chinedu, Tobechukwu, Issomme and Uzoamaka, eleven grandchildren; Four grandsons and Seven granddaughters in order of seniority: Kosi, Nefertiti, KOBI, Ugorji(Jnr), Adachukwu, Munachi, Ekelechi, Nefertari, Chizaram, Kondi, and Neferure. Interestingly, ben
had a very special relationship with all eleven grand kids. He will indulge them inapple pies and ice cream at evry opportunity, and regularly take them grocery shopping every Saturday morning. He will take those in Atlanta to Hammerhead restaurant and hang out with them at the golf course.
At the time of his demise, Benjamin ifeanyi iloabachie, Ichie Issomme Ogidi, who was a devoted husband, a loving father, a doting grandfather, a cultural icon, an avid sportsman, an officer and a gentleman is survived by:
Mrs. Obiajulu Umebe Iloabachie - Wife
CHILDREN
Mrs. Adanna Chijioke - Daughter
Mr. Chinedu Benjamin Ifeanyi Iloabachie - Son
Mr. Tobechukwu Dennis Iloabachie - Son
Mr. Issomme Emeka Iloabachie - Son
Dr. (Mrs) Uzoamaka C. Egbujo - Daughter
SIBLINGS
Mrs. May Nutter - Sister
IN-LAWS
Mr. Emeka Chijioke - Son in-law
Dr. (Mrs) Uzoamaka Iloabachie - Daughter in-law
Mrs. Chinasa Iloabachie - Daughter in-law
Mrs Nonye Iloabachie - Daughter in-law
Dr. Ugoji Egbujo - Son in-law
GRAND CHILDREN
Kaosi Chijioke - Grand son
Nefertiti Tobe-Iloabachie - Grand daughter
KOBI Iloabachie - Grand son
Ugoji Egbujo (Jnr) - Grand son
Adachukwu Egbujo - Grand daughter
Ekele Daniel Egbujo - Grand son
Munachi Jaden Iloabachie - Grand son
Nefertari Tobe-Iloabachie -Grand daughter
Chizara Obiajulu Iloabachie -Grand daughter
Kondoleezza Iloabachie - Grand daughter
Neferure Tobe-Iloabachie - Grand daughter
COUSINS
Mr Benedict Nnabuife Iloabachie -For male Cousin
Mrs. Ifeoma okudo -For female Cousins
Their marriage was blessed with five Children, Adanna, Chinedu, Tobechukwu, Issomme and Uzoamaka, eleven grandchildren
