By Louis Achi
On August 16, 1962, in the Okwagbe Village in Ughelli South Local Govt Area Delta State, Niger Delta region of Nigeria, the cry of a new life pierced the air. It was that of a boy child. The prestigious Djehah Family of Okwagbe welcomed a new bawling clan member.
Today, at a vigorous 61 years of age, Barr. Michael Ejovwevo Djebah, a lawyer of several decades is no less a child of providence. He wields and deploys his influence with alluring humility and exemplary focus. With his life’s trajectory, he has demonstrated that faith, law, rights advocacy and cultural preservation fundamentally address transformation of the human condition for good.
Barr. Ejovwevo Djebah still unabashedly maintains this unique philosophy and footing. Little wonder, the famous American poet and essayist Maya Angelou observed that, “Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.” Angelou’s captivating insight into the existential challenges that confront great men in-the-making fundamentally captures the life story of Barr. Michael Ejovwevo Djebah, who notched 62, on August 16.
The enthralling odyssey of Barr. Michael Ejovwevo Djebah further goes to validate the enduring wisdom that difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations. An unwavering sense of loyalty and duty, rigorous professionalism, stern discipline, demonstrable integrity and almost a child-like faith in his beloved God had activated and enlisted those mysterious principles that guide progress.
Ejovwevo Djebah attended Baba-Ido Primary School Okwagbe and thereafter proceeded to Saint Vincent College Okwagbe a Roman Catholic Missionary School in Delta State of Nigeria, graduating from the College in 1982.
At St. Vincent College he began his sterling community development career, part of his effort to develop his community and perhaps not surprisingly rose to become the president of Okwagbe Students Union in 1981/82 academic session.
Not a personality to ever look backwards, in 1984, his quest for human capital development, he proceeded to his higher school certificate studies, at the Rivers State School of Basic Studies, Port Harcourt City and equally graduated in flying colours in 1986.
After his Higher School Certificate, HSC, studies. Michael Djebah worked as a Quality Control Inspector in the multinational company – Delta Glass Company – a subsidiary of Leventis Group of Company. During his short stay in the company he distinguished himself as a competent and respected staff and earned due recognition for his diligence and integrity.
With eyes on the academic higher ground he eventually resigned from Delta Glass and proceeded to the famous Bendel State University now (Ambrose Alli University) to study law. His choice of law was influence by his vision of a career in community development.
Armed with a Law degree he knew he will be able to represent his communities in area of deprivation and equally fight for their rights because the Niger Delta regions is a deprived and marginalized region in Nigeria, despite its abundant natural resources.
By 1992, he graduated from the university with honours degree. While in the university he was equally honored with the position of the President of Urhobo Students Association in the Bendel State University Ekpoma (now Ambrose Alli University). This flowed from his focussed interest having a career in the development of his community. He astutely held this position to admiration of all Urhobo Students is the university.
After graduation from the university he proceeded the prestigious Nigerian Law School in Lagos. After a rigorous academic the said Michael Djebah was called to the Nigerian Bar 1993, which he remains an active and vibrate member up till date.
After his call to Bar he worked in a highly reputable Law firm in Lagos, Emma Oboh & Associate. After gaining enough experience and fledging his professional wings, Michael Djebah founded his own private law firm, partnering with highly skill Lawyers.
Ever since then and looking back, Michael Ejovwevo Djebah has remained in private legal practice; an advocate of the rights of the deprived. He equally holds positions as directors in an advertising/ public relation company and two other finance companies which are still subsisting.
Michael Ejovwevo Djebah popularly called (presido) is the current President of Ughievwen Elites Club of Nigeria, a pan Urhobo cultural organization, striving for the preservation of the Urhobo Language and culture.
Significantly, Michael Ejovwevo Djebah rejects staying tamely at the end of received policy prescriptions. He covets knowledge-driven innovations, proactive engagement with stake-holders, policy makers and sure-footed action. These dimensions have been boldly mirrored in his professional trajectory and larger life story.
A widely travelled Michael Djebah, had visited many countries and cities in the world including Sweden, Germany, The United Arab Emirates, The United Kingdom, The Nertherlands and France.
He is married with children to a devoted catholic, honoured as a Knight of the Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba of the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
