Spent my first year in elementary school in a village called Okogbo, Edo State, Nigeria, where my grand father was a teacher/headmaster. I remember him cutting down trees with an axe in the farm. I loved the beautiful birds that used to come by our house. I remember correcting my teacher at about 6 years old. He came home to report to my grand-parents and told them to watch out for this kid. I remember travelling by bicycle and canoe en-route to Benin City, which was our home base.
In year two, now back to Benin City, I went out once playing with friends during lunch time/recess and missed an exam. In that same year, I remember obstinately refusing to miss an exam even though, I was down with high fever.
In year three, my teacher, Mr Odiase wrote in my report - Nosa is very brilliant but restless. Ended that year as top student out of about 131 students.
In year four, my first term teacher Miss Osayande displayed an unusual faith im me that still outstounds me. In the second term of that year, she became the year six teacher. On a particular day, she sent for me to come to the year six class, and asked me to write 20 in words on the board. Apparently, there were some year six (grade 5 in US) students who couldn't spell 20 in words. I obliged and she asked me to cane (spank) these students. You guessed right, I ran out laughing. Those boys would have dealt with me after school, if I had caned them. I have often wondered the humiliation Miss Idehen would have suffered, had I failed to also correctly spell 20 in words.
Finished elementary school as the top pupil with a distinction and was the only student from my school admitted on a Government Scholarship into Edo College (a premier and prestigious grammar school in Nigeria).
High School Years
Memorable years of my life in a cosmopolitan boarding school.
At Edo College, I participated in various sporting and social activities, was a member of the Science, Young Farmers' and Press Clubs.
Became a committed christian (born again) at 14 when the LORD JESUS changed my life and gave me the reason for being. Served in the Scripture Union executive. I am glad to say that most of my christian friends from Edo College are doing very well all over the world. God has proved himself very very faithful.
Graduated from high school in 10th grade as one of top 2 students.
University Years - University of Benin, Benin-City, Nigeria
While at University, I played leadership roles in many capacities and was a member of the Christian Union Drama and music groups.
I also served for two terms in the executive of the Christian Union, in a pastoral role (Bible Study Secretary)overseeing well over 500 student and working members.
Remember various journies made across Nigeria to minister in Drama and Songs both by night and day.
Witnessed especially between 1979 - 1981, a move of God on my University Campus that I would caption - "What happens when God opens the heavens". Witnessed God's amazing grace in the salvation, healing and deliverance of many college students. It was a revival that impacted the christian student body and churches across Nigeria. Lord give us the former and latter rain.
Recorded a music album with "The Jesus Generation Singers" of the Christian Union in 1981.
Wrote my first song in 1981 entitled "Hey Man" which was recorded by "The JIL (Jesus Is Lord) Kudos", Kano, Nigeria in 1989.
Post University Years
Play the acoustic and bass guitars as well as vamping on the keyboard.
Bass guitarist with "The JIL (Jesus Is Lord) Kudos", Kano, Nigeria. Recorded a music album with them in 1984 including one of my songs - "Blessed be the Lord".
Bass guitarist in many churches and fellowships over the years.
A leading member of a team of structural engineers who developed a proprietary sophisticated software for designing complex concrete (including offshore/marine) structures in 1988/89.
Listed in the Marquis Who is Who in the World in 1995 for outstanding performance in career to date.
My interests
My wife and kids.
I like eating out in a variety of restaurants
I like travelling, music, tennis, soccer and athletics.
I play the acoustic and bass guitars.
I have written about a dozen songs.
I would like to paint and do some gardening.
I enjoy conversations with people I have a rapport with.
I get a lot of buzz from standing and talking to an audience, especially when I am preaching.
I enjoy the opportunity to pastor, counsel and disciple on a one to one or one to many basis.
