A KALEIDOSCOPIC VIEW OF THE LIFE OF ENI-JONES

“...Any method which does notitself reach out into the unknown is a bad method”
– Jerzy Grotowski
 
“...The force with which weresist the
Temptation to try anything newand unknown is truly diabolical. Or has the temptation grown too weak”?
- S. I Witkiewiez
The life of LateEni-Afolabi Jologho Umuko (1955-2011) throws up strands of scenery depicting a panoramaof many phases with a consistent commitment to the progressiveness of the humanenterprise and social cohesiveness. This unfolds through his early boyhood toadulthood, in his education, training, professional exposure, writings,expertise and experience – consequently, he was aptly called ‘Eni-Jones’ and‘Eni Baba’ by his professionalcolleagues; ‘Oluli-ekere’, ‘Aka-jedi-eru-ba-aghan’ and ‘Odidi’ by his kith and kin and the mass of his local society – a testimonyof his disposition in interpersonal relationships within the academia,trado-cultural institutions of his clime, general society and political community.
He was born on 31^stDecember 1955 at Okere-Warri in Delta State (in the then Western Region) ofNigeria, to the families of Ejoh of Ode-Kporo Quarters, Okere inWarri South Local Government Area of Delta State and Okodu ofEkpan in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State. The stringof his parental heritage twines thus: “...he was the great grand-son of Erejuwa I,who begat Prince Ifeku (Ofoeyekuro), who begat Ejo and Ejo begat Jologho, whobegat Umuko and Umuko begat Peters Edwards Aniretoritse Umuko, who in turnbegat Eni-Afolabi – fourth child and second son in a family of thirteenchildren....” all of whomare all alive today...but one.
His early educationstarted in the Township Primary School, Warri, now called NanaPrimary School, Warri (1961-1967). With a promising result in hand, he proceededto the secondary school. In no loose attachment to his late father, Pa Peter Edwards Aniretoritse Umuko, whowas then a serving Principal in the same school(s) he attended, James WelchGrammar School, Emevor (1968 – 1972); Etuno Grammar School, Igarra (1973 –1974) and Edo College, Benin City, through (1974-1975). He concluded hissecondary school career with an impressive report card, reflecting four (4) distinctionsand three (3) credits, which gave all and sundry an assurance of his truepotential.
His allure to literature,poetry and drama was partly influenced by his addiction to readingnovels, a second-nature birthed by his father’s studious attention to hischildren’s academics and also largely influenced by his peers, as beingeducated was a vogue, then.  As with mostof his peers, his early influences included James Hardly Chase’s collection ofnovels, African Writers Series, historicals/the epics and the national andlocal dailies – however, fate handed him a turn, to works which root principally in the trado-culturaland historical classics of the Itsekiri people.
His father, who hadhoped his son was a lawyer, satisfied at the thought of helping the birth ofthis dream, had secured young Eni a vocation job with a Law firm, Adane Chambers along Warri/Sapele Road, Warri in 1972-1973 - asa Messenger, hoping thisexposure would engender the desire to read Law in this protégé.  Today a recall that Afolabi’s carpet of fatewas laid in a different direction then hardly saw the stretch of impact hewould make upon the society of his generation, bespeaking of a rare skill of astoryteller who also acts his plays and a host of others. A strong flair andinner craving for the trado-cultural swayed him towards the arena of the theatre.So instead of Law, he studied English Language, majoring in Drama, at theUniversity of Nigeria, Nsukka (Calabar Campus). He graduated thereform with a BA(Hons), Second Class Upper Division in 1979.
While serving under theNational Youth Service Corps scheme, he was aSenior English Master at Oriwu  College,Ikorodu, Lagos (1979-80) after which he proceeded to the College of Education,Warri as a lecturer in Literature and Dramatic Arts (1980 – 86). He will be most fondlyremembered by his students and colleagues alike for lighting up the academicand social life of the College with the plays he brought to life on stage there.
He proceeded from the College of Education, Warri afterobtaining his Masters degree in Theatre Arts (1982-1983) from the University ofIbadan, to his alma mater - theUniversity of Nigeria, Nsukka, as a lecturer in the Departments of English andDramatic Arts (1986 – 93) where he shone brilliantly until 1^stFebruary, 1993 when he submitted a request for Transfer of Service to TheController, Personnel Services, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, requesting to be transferred to the Delta State University,Abraka in order to “be closer home and to help the new Performing ArtsDepartment in my State University grow”. Talk about passion for one’s homeland! But fair-minded asalways, he ensured and gave enough notice to tidy up his commitments at Nsukka and allow his employers find areplacement for him before leaving. His many students and colleagues in Warri, Abraka and Nsukka will attest that he indeed lived up to hisaspiration in helping the PerformingArts Department in his State University grow – a citadel of learning whichresonates with the core of his being for a decade, from 1993 to 2003.When he eventually resigned, unreservedly from the classroom, drama-stage and thetheatre, it was an audacious step into politics. There again his creative instincts and promptingsinspired him  into establishing anevocative brand name “Who The Cap Fits” under the aegis of Alliance forDemocracy and contested for the office of Warri South Local Government AreaChairman – during the 1999 General Elections.The resultant election which was generally tilted against his favour, had the powersthat be allotted him the second place behind their preferred candidate. Henonetheless earned the title, ‘Chairmo’ from his admirers and returned to hisfirst love, teaching and performing arts, at the Delta State University,Abraka.
Eni-Afolabi Jologho Umuko was a quintessential Okere man. He was active and selfless in communityservice and can be credited without doubt as being instrumental to the successof “Okere Renaissance” which braced up the Okere people and, by extension, theItsekiris at large for the challenges that confronted them during the sad yearsof the Warri crisis. He forever made himself available even for the mostinconvenient and tasking assignments on behalf of his people. He was undauntedeven when his life was on-the-line.Hewas committed to the point of fearlessness and ventured as an emissary onvarious occasions into areas where even the ordinarily brave feared to tread. His kinsmen showed their fondness and gratitude and gave himthe praise names, ‘Aka je di eru ba aghan’ – Odidi!
Heswung wilfully and proudly in the culture and traditions of his Okerepeople and of the Itsekiris at large whilst giving due honour to hismaternal heritage as well. His progressivecontribution to the evolution of the Awan’kere (Okere Juju) Festival as a majortourist attraction in these parts of the country was singular.
Inhis later years, Eni-Afolabi Jologho Umuko’s spirit evidently became moreexpansive. Withthe Warri crisis over, he took on the perspective of a Pan Niger Delta Intellectualand directed his endeavours toward peaceful co-existence and good governance.He spear-headed efforts at re-orientating the youths to a more productive andsustainable means of livelihood through sponsored lectures and drama atdifferent fora and venues. He established andstarted to grow the Centre for Sustainable Development and Good Governance, anNGO registered with the Delta State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, in2005, which progressively became his positive obsession. His last publishedwork, The Scent of Crude Oil is a lasting contribution to the local andnational effort to turn the minds of our youths from quick money to a more productiveand meaningful existence – and to his primary calling as well, Performing Arts.
He was also a Social Icon. His friends and admirerscome from all walks of life and their number must be staggering! He had anatural bent for networking and nourishing goodwill like none other. He wasalways on the move and keeping in touch.
Likehis father, he was diligent with his family. His first three children arealready university graduates: Princess Sanju, Princess Olayemi and PrinceOmabuwa; the fourth and the youngest, Princess Debi, is an undergraduate whilehis adoring and supportive wife, Dorothy, remains exemplary even in thesetrying and stressful circumstances.
The rich, albeit short, life thatEni-Afolabi Jologho Umuko lived may be better seen from the perspective of some ofthe strategic workshops/conferences he was involved in, the positions he held,his creative works and plays he acted in as well as from his published worksand endearvours outside the citadel of learning
 
WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES:
1. Attended and presented a paper ondirecting in the 1st Annual Conferenceon African Theatre organized by Theatre Arts Department, University ofBenin - 26th – 28th April 1990
 
2. Participated as Artistic Director infacilitating Achebe InternationalSymposium, organized by the Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka,11th – 18th April 1990
 
3. The British Council’s National Drama Workshop organized bythe British Council, National Council for Arts and Culture, National Commissionfor Museums and Monuments, Jos – Nov. 4th – 23rd, 1990
 
4. ConflictManagement Training for Warri Youth Leaders Organized byAcademic Association Peace Corps (Sponsored by USAID) (10-12 Nov. 1999)
 
5. ConflictManagement Training for Warri Community Leaders Organized byAcademic Association Peace Corps (Sponsored by USAID) (24 -25 Nov. 1999)
 
6. SustainableHuman Assessment and Community Driven Development Planning Programme organizedby Chevron (1^st – 6^th May, 2006)
 
7. StrategicPlanning Workshop for Conflict Mitigation and Management Regional CanalOrganized by IFESH (27 – 28 July 2009)
 
8. Trainingof Trainers Workshop and Early Warning Response and Mechanism for CMMRCGovernment Officials and Security Operators in Delta StateOrganized by USAID/IFESH-CALM Project, Nigeria (May 4 – 7, 2010)
 
9. Facilitator/Trainer,Mind-Set Change Orientation Programme, March – June2010, Songhai Amukpe.
 
POSITIONSHELD:
1. Headof Department of English, College of Education, Warri, 1980 –1983.
2. Director,Oroki Productions, College of Education, Warri, 1980 – 1986.
 
3. President,Senior Staff Association, College of Education, Warri, 1984 –1986.
 
4. HOD,Department of Performing Arts, Delta State University, Abraka,1998 – 2000.
 
5. StaffAdviser, Nigerian Universities Theatre Arts Student Association(NUTASA), 1992 – 1993.
 
6. Producerand Artistic Director, Sanju Productions Nigeria.
 
7. CO-ORDINATOR-First Edition of Warri Business Pages and Tourist Guide.
 
8. Member,Editorial Board – Nigerian Independence Compendium – 1^stOctober Magazine - Second edition, 2009 – Daily Times Newspapers
 
CREATIVEWORKS:
PlaysDirected:
1. AmaduMaddy’s ‘ALLA-AGBA’ - as a 3rd year student, Universityof Nigeria, 1978 - The play was recordedon video by N.T.A. Enugu and used as Network programme during celebrationsmarking 25 years of Television in Nigeria
.
2. ZuluSofola’s ‘WEDLOCK OF THE GODS’ in 1980, N.Y.S.C.- OriwuCollege, Ikorodu, Lagos
 
3. WaleOgunyemi’s ‘NIGHT OF THE ORO CULT’ in 1982 at College ofEducation, Warri, Delta State
 
4. ‘FORTHE MASSES’ (1982) written by him, College of Education, Warri, Delta State
 
5. KelechiNwangus’s ‘THE LONG LIE’ in 1982, College of Education, Warri,Delta State
 
6. TemienorTuedon’s ‘EARTH IS ALLPEOPLE’, 1985, College of Education, Warri. Delta State
 
7. Excerpts from Wole Soyinka’s ‘KONGI’S HARVEST’, 1983, at the Universityof Ibadan, (M.A. Acting class)
 
8. Commissioned to direct Sam Ukala’s ‘THE PLACENTA SOUP’, Theatre Arts Department, University of Ibadan, 1985
 
9. Excerpts, from Wole Soyinka’s ‘THE BACCHAEOF EURIPIDES’, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 1988
 
10.  Temienor Tuedon’s ‘MADMAN’ atCollege of Education, 1986
 
11.  Wole Soyinka’s ‘DEATH AND THE KING’SHORSEMAN’, 1987 at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
 
12.  Sam Ukala’s ‘THE SLAVE WIFE’, 1987at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
 
13.  Esiaba Irobi’s ‘PUT OUT THE HOUSELIGHTS’, 1988 at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
 
14.  Nnamdi Ndu’s ‘SCARS THAT MAR’, 1989at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
 
15.  ‘PRINCESS ESILOKUN’ (writtenby him), 1989 at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
 
16.  Emeka Nwabueze’s ‘WHEN THE ARROWREBOUNDS’ - an adaptationof Chinua Achebe’s
 
17. He participated asthe Artistic Director infacilitating “Achebe International Symposium” organized by Faculty of Arts Universityof Nigeria Nsukka (11^th – 18^th March, 1990) where hedirected ‘WHEN THE ARROW REBOUNDS’,a stage adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s ARROWOF GOD to commemorate the author’s 60^th Birthday. This was the star attraction during theAchebe International Symposium at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
18.  ‘AN ENDLESS NIGHTMARE’ (writtenby him), 1991 at the University ofNigeria, Nsukka
 
19.  Sam Ukala’s THE SLAVE WIFE in1994 at Delta State University, Abraka
 
20.  ‘PRINCESS ESILOKUN’ (written by him),1995 at Delta State University, Abraka
 
21.  Wole Soyinka’s ‘DEATH AND THE KING’SHORSEMAN’, 1996 at Delta State University, Abraka
 
22.  Temienor Tuedon’s ‘SEEDS OF FATE’, 1997at Delta State University, Abraka.
 
23.  ‘THREADS OF LOVE’ (written by him), 1998at Delta State University, Abraka
 
24.  ‘Temienor Tuedon’s’ ‘TO CAST A FIRSTSTONE’, 2002 at Delta State University, Abraka
 
25.  ‘Temienor Tuedon’s’ ADAM & EVE, Delta State University,Abraka - April 20 – 23, 2010
 
26.  ‘The Scent of Crude Oil’ (written byhim), Songhai-Amukpe, 2 – 4 June 2010.
 
27. He also graciouslydirected the stage adaptation of Esiaba Irobi’s Hangmen Also Die, inconjunction with Dr. O. S. Ejeke, performed by ‘The Suicide Squad’ of Dept. ofPerforming Arts, Delta State University, on the occasion of A Memorial Event,organised, Abuja Writers Forum, Abuja Literary Society, Friends &Schoolmates of Esiaba Irobi, in honour of Esiaba Irobi, August 6, 2010.
28. He ardently servedas one of the panellist at the 2010 NYSC Annual Cultural Festival, NationalFinals Drama and Dance Competition, held in Abuja; 3^rd – 7^thOctober, 2010.
Plays Acted:
1. Narrator - ‘MARRIAGE OF  ANANSEWA’, 1978 at the University ofNigeria, Nsukka
2. As Lambert – ‘MY SILENT BEAUTY’, 1978, Universityof Nigeria, Nsukka
3. As Obielu – ‘A HAVERST FOR ANTS’, 1977 at National Theatre, Lagos
4. As Brother Matthew and Policeman – ‘JERO’S METAMORPHOSIS’, 1978, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
5. As Melville – ‘THE LONG LIE’, 1978, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
6. As 1st Neighbour - ‘THE MASQUERADE’, 1984, University Ibadan
7. As Husband in ‘THE TREE CLIMBER’, 1979, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
8. As Buntu – ‘SIZWE BANSI’, 1986 , University of Nigeria, Nsukka
9. As Narrator – ‘THE SLAVE WIFE’, 1987, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
10. As Chorus Leader (Narrator), ROMEO AND JULIET, 1987, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
11. As Praise Singer – ‘DEATH AND THE KING’SHORSEMAN’, 1988, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
PUBLISHEDWORKS:
Plays:
1. Princess Esilokun,Uto, Publishers, Lagos, 1991.
2. The Scent of Crude Oil,Kraft Books, Ibadan, 2010.
Articlesin Journals:
1. “Ritual, Dance and Music” in WoleSoyinka’s ‘BACCHAE OF EURIPIDES’,Wole Soyinka Anniversary Publications, Vol. II, (edited by Dapo Adelugba, yet to be published)
2. “The Mask: Quintessence of the Actors Art”, accepted for publication.
3. “The Arts on Marble”in ‘1st October Magazine’ (2nd Edition 2009).
4. “The Eleghe Royal Festival”in ‘5Spectacular Cultural Festivals’ GogeAfrica, April – June 2004.
Poems:
1. “Ethiope Maiden I”
2. “Ethiope Maiden II”
3. “Ethiope Maiden III”
Allthree (3) in ‘Water Testament’,edited by Greg Mbajiorgu, 2010
Chaptersin Referred Books:
1. “Ritual for the Stage”:A stage Director’s Interpretation of Wole Soyinka’s DEATH AND THE KING’S HORSEMAN in ‘Papers in Honour ofProfessor Dapo Adelugba at 60’ (Edited by Egbe Ifie, 1999)
2. Booksof General Interest
“Four Festivals” – Published in Warri Business Pages and Tourist Guide – 1995
3. BookReviews
“Temotsi, Marriagein Itsekiri Custom” by Chief YayahPessu, in Warri Voice, February 2009.
4. “Looking Ahead at 70”by Sandys Uvwoh in Warri Mirror, April 2010
OUTSIDE THE CITADELOF LEARNING:
1. Research Assistant in Prof.Kimse Okoko’s Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Limited CommunityRelations Survey Team on Social Impact Assessment (1997 – 1998), which reviewedSPDC’s Community Development Projects in 60 Communities (30 Land Communities and 30Swamp Communities).
2. Research Assistant in Prof.Kimse Okoko’s SPDC Youth Training Scheme (YTS) review team (1998 – 1999).
3. Deputy CEO Operations,Sullivan & Sullivan Consulting – carried out Sustainable CommunityDevelopment (SCD) - the Communication Campaign in which the new face of SPDCwas communicated to 467 communities in seven states (Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, Abia,Akwa-Ibom and Edo) of the Niger Delta
4. His responsibilitieswith Sullivan and Sullivan Consulting included facilitating SCD workshops inPort Harcourt and Warri which trained 60participants from 11 NGOs/CBOs that carried out the SCD campaign during theCommunity Interactive Sessions (CIS): May 2005 – December 2005
5. He also facilitatedSCD workshops in Port Harcourt, Warri, Yenagoa, Uyo, Owerri Umuahia and BeninCity that trained 140 students/youthleaders on the tenets of SCD (16^th November 2006 – December 14^th 2006)
6. He designed thebrochures, posters, exercise books, handbills and scripted jingles used for theSCD Communication Campaign and also scripted, directed and produced SCD dramaskits used by the NGOs and students/youth leaders during the workshop topromote the SCD culture
7. As Chief Executive Directorof the Centre for Good Governance and Sustainable Development, he wasthe Lead Facilitator that successfully delivered the Chevron Nigeria Limited Sustainable Livelihood Assessment (SLA)Exercise, documented the DevelopmentReport (DR) and further designed the 3-year Development Plan (DP) for seven communities (Ode-Ugborodo, Ogidigben,Ajudaibo, Madangho, Ugbolegon, Ijaghalla and Ugbegungun) in the Ugborodo Cluster of communities for Chevron Nigeria Limited.


Community-Conflict/Peace/DevelopmentCommittee/Workshop
1. He also participatedin the SPDC-sponsored Ambah InvestmentWorkshop on Conflict Management and Resolution at the Odidi Women Forum 2000Workshop (29^th – 30^th August, 2000)
He was involved innumerous de-confliction activities, which helped toDeconfliction of the Warri Crisis to anappreciable extent through being:
2. Member, Governor Ibori Peace Committee (1999 –2003), Mediator in Conflict Management with Academic Associate Peace Works(AAPW) 1999 - 2003.
 
3. Member of14-man Itsekiri Delegation to the PeaceMeeting of President Olusegun Obasanjo with Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri leaders. 
 
4. Memberof 14-man Itsekiri Delegation’ to the Six-Month Long Peace Meetings facilitatedby the then Hon. Ovuozorie Macaulay, Commissioner for Conflict Resolution andInter-Ethnic Relations (January 2004 – June 2004)
 
5. Leaderof the 11-man Itsekiri delegation to the Warri/Ijaw United Front Peace Workshopfacilitated by International Foundation for Education and Self-Help (IFESH) (December2003 – December 2005)
 
6. Vice-Chairmanof Delta State Conflict Mitigation and Management Regional Council (CMMRC)facilitated by IFESH, 2003 – 2005.
 
7. He was also Facilitator/Trainer in TheMindset Change and Reorientation Programme – a component of the Niger Delta JobCreation and Conflict Prevention Initiatives: A Partnership with Delta StateGovernment, UNDP, SPDC and NIDPRODEV - executed by the United Nations Officefor Project Service (UNOPS) in 2009.
 
Itis little wonder therefore, that some of his friends and associates feel thathe should be celebrated despite the tragic and frightful circumstances of hispassing on. But all said and done, the apparent rawness of this deal and theagony of his exit must dull many an appetite for celebration.
Maythe Lord speed his soul and grant us - his wife, children, brothers, sisters,relatives, friends and associates - the strength and fortitude to bear hispermanent physical absence from our lives.