Children, others recall experiences with late Pa. Atiene, as he is interred

Children, family relations and fellow Christian folks, spoke glowingly about late Pa. Godfrey Atijere Atiene as he was interred in grandeur ceremonies.

Fresh Angle International, can report that the farewell journey of late Pa. Atiene, began Thursday July 17 with Service of Songs at First Baptist Church, Mission Road, Warri and continued on Saturday July 19 with Order of Funeral Service at No.1 Yonwuren College Road, Warri.

The departed Pa. Godfrey Atijere Atiene, was eventually interred in a regal and peaceful atmosphere at the family compound, No.1 Yonwuren College Road, Warri.

A cross section of children of late Pa. Godfrey Atiene, with portriat of their departed father

The series of events, culminated with a carnival-like reception at Yonwuren College Field, Warri.

First daughter of late Pa. Atiene, Mrs. Stella Oritsetseyi Ogunwike, while testifying about her beloved father, stated: “I have a father who served the Lord. He was disciplined man. His yes was yes, with his standard of discipline, he made us, who we are today. He hates an idol man.”

While the eldest son of late Pa. Atiene, Atiene Aghanrueyi Oritsetimeyin Jerry, asserted: “When you talk of discipline, that was my father. He often used the phrase, spare the rod, spoil the child”, late Pa. Atiene’s third daughter, Mrs. Ariteshoma Helen Omere, averred: “He was a loving person, though he was strict, but he had a heart of gold. When my dad comes in, you will know somebody with a soul has come in. I thank God for the love he showed his children when he was alive and that love has kept us together.”

L-R: Hon. Joseph Omamofe Pirah, Engr. Tuoyo Omatsuli, Chief Ayirimi Emami, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi & Hon. Taiye Duke Tuoyo, during the funeral service

Chairman of Men Missionary of First Baptist Church, Warri, Deacon John Oritsebemigho Etie, on his part, said, “Pa. Atiene has shown respect to the word of God, he was so humble.”

Prime Warri Chief, Ayirimi Emami, the member representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, former Executive Director, Projects in the Niger Delta Development Commission, Engr. Tuoyo Omatsuli, Pioneer Chairman of Warri North Local Government Area, Chief Otimeyin Adams, first Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon. Omamofe Joseph Pirah, Chairman of Delta State Waste Management Board, Hon. Mofe Edema, Secretary to Warri South Local Government, Mr. Emmanuel Nunu, former member of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Daniel Omayone Mayuku, DG incharge of Security in Delta State, Hon. David Tonwe, immediate past Chairman of Warri South - West Local Government Area, Hon. Taiye Duke Tuoyo, Executive Assistant, Political to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Hon. Omimi Esquire, his age - long associate and colleague, Hon. Kenneth Efejuku, ex - member of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Godwin Toritseju Abigor, former Leader of Warri South Legislative Arm, Chief Jude Onovughe Igherebou, Barr. Richard Omare and Mr. Vincent Uduaghan, were among high profile personalities that graced the Service of Songs which held at First Baptist Church, Warri, the Funeral Service at Atiene's compound , Ugbuwangue and the lavish reception which held at Yonwuren College Field, Ugbuwangue - Warri, in Delta State.

A cross section of some guests, during the lavish reception

Biography. Late Pa Godfrey Atijere Atiene

Pa Godfrey Atiere Atiene was born on July 26th, 1941 in Atijere Town at Ondo State, to the family of Edemadudu Atiene of Bateren/Bobi communities of Warri South-West, and Jemiriegbe of Oguaro/Olekun families of Ode Itsekiri, Miemie/Ayogbe families of Kantu community and Akpeaghanmodun/Eburu family of Koko, Warri North L.G.A. Delta State.

He spent his early years in Ugborodo Town, Delta State, where he attended both elementary and Model Technical schools from 1956 to 1965. In 1967, he began his career at McDermott in Warri. before moving on to Global Marine Drilling Company, where he honed his skills in drilling technology. His career continued to thrive as he joined Loffland Brothers Drilling Company as a Derrick Man. Between 1972 and 1976 he also worked as a Driller for Reading and Bates Drilling Company.

His dedication and commitment to his work did not go unnoticed. In 1974, he was selected as one of 14 Nigerians to study under expatriates in the drilling industry, as part of Nigeria's efforts to nationalize oilfield personnel in the Niger Delta region. Driven by a desire to succeed, Pa Atiene continued to pursue better opportunities and eventually secured a position as a Driller with Sedco Forex Schlumberger Drilling Company in 1976. There, he spent the majority of his career until his retirement in 1997. Throughout his time at Sedco, he ascended through various roles, including Well Control Supervisor, Assistant Rig Superintendent, and finally Rig Superintendent. He retired in 1997, having devoted around 31 years to Nigeria's oil industry.

Beyond his professional achievements, Pa Godfrey Atiene was a deeply compassionate individual who often empathized with the struggles of others. He was always eager to help those in need. His faith was central to his life, and he enjoyed serving the Lord, taking on numerous leadership roles within the churches he attended. He was also a Justice of the Peace (JP) in his community, further demonstrating his dedication to serving others.

He was a devoted family man, deeply loving his children and grandchildren. They were his pride and joy, his crown. He made a lasting impact on their lives, and they, in turn, adored him. When the time came, he left this world exactly as he had hoped -peacefully, without burdening his children with any fuss.

Pa Godfrey Atiene is survived by:

Wife: Mrs Victoria Atiene

He was blessed with twelve (12) children namely;

1. Mrs. Oritsetseyi Stella Ogunwike (Nee Atiene)

2. Madam Eyitemi Atiene

3. Mrs. Ariteshoma Helen Omere (Nee Atien)

4. Comrade Aghanroeyi Jerry Oritsetimeyin Atiene

5. Mr. Toritseju Terry Atiene

6. Mrs. Oritseweyinmi Loveth Idegbesor (Nee Atiene)

7. Mr. Olufemi Atiene

8. Mr. Emiko Lloyd Atiene

9. Mrs. Roli Harriet Awe (Nee Atiene)

10. Mr. Oritsegbubemi Atiene

11. Mrs. Besigiwa Tobore Young (Nee Atiene)

12. Mrs. Oritseseundede Godfrey (Nee Atiene)

He was also blessed with twenty-four grandchildren and on.

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