My Autobiography - The Life of Peter
I am Peter Igbinosa Ekhator, fondly regarded as the ‘youngest old man,’ living my life with a deep commitment to sharing the gospel.
A native of Idunmwun-Owina-Ne-Urhonisen (Traditional carvers for the Oba), in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State, I was born on February 9, 1942, at Ikhueniro in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area while my father was undergoing medical treatment for a protracted illness. Unfortunately, he passed away a few days after my birth. My parents were the late Pa Ekhator Asemota and the late Mrs. Theresa Omoroguiwa Ekhator (née Aiwaguore), who later became the Chief Priest of Okhuae Ne Ugbodeyaen of Urora, now in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.
I grew up under the care of my late maternal uncle, Chief Priest Ugiagbe Aiwaguore, the eldest son of Chief Aiwaguore Ebokpolo. At about ten years old, I was taken to Benin City through the intervention of my mother’s siblings, Messrs Okhuomareniyi, Asenoguan, and Madam Ilawagbon Aiwaguore, all of blessed memory.
My relocation to Benin in 1951 occurred under mysterious circumstances, which I believe was God’s design to help me fulfill His purpose for my life.
Education and Early Life
I started my primary education at the then Benin Baptist Primary School (now Emokpae Primary School) in Benin City in 1952. That same year, I moved to Umuahia in the Eastern Region of Nigeria to serve as a house help to my maternal cousin, Mr. Edomwandekhoe Asoro, a policeman. However, due to his failure to enroll me in school as promised, I returned to Benin City in 1953.
In 1954, I was enrolled in Standard One at Holy Cross Roman Catholic School in Mission Road, Benin City, through the intervention of the late Anthony Ekunwe. In 1957, I left Holy Cross Catholic School for Tede Baptist School in the northern part of Oyo Province, where I served my maternal eldest brother, Mr. B.O. Ekhator, who later became a Baptist Minister at the Central Baptist Church, Benin City.
I successfully completed my Primary 6 education in 1958 with flying colors, having sat for the examination at Ago-Are, about 5km from Tede.
In 1959, I enrolled in St. Anthony Catholic Secondary Modern School, Ugbogiobo, through my mother’s efforts and the support of the late Mr. Anthony Ekunwe, the school’s first principal. There, I was taught English Literature by Mr. Parry Osanyande, ( a retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police).
Later that year, I transferred to Oginibo Baptist Secondary Modern School in Ughelli South, where I served as a house help to Mr. R.A. Ogbeide, who later became a Nigerian Baptist Convention missionary to Sierra Leone and an ordained Baptist minister.
While at Oginibo, I was the school health prefect, a clear sign of my future career as a nurse.
I successfully completed my Primary 6 education in 1958 with flying colors, having sat for the examination at Ago-Are, about 5km from Tede.
In 1959, I enrolled in St. Anthony Catholic Secondary Modern School, Ugbogiobo, through my mother’s efforts and the support of the late Mr. Anthony Ekunwe, the school’s first principal. There, I was taught English Literature by Mr. Parry Osanyande, ( a retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police).
Later that year, I transferred to Oginibo Baptist Secondary Modern School in Ughelli South, where I served as a house help to Mr. R.A. Ogbeide, who later became a Nigerian Baptist Convention missionary to Sierra Leone and an ordained Baptist minister.
While at Oginibo, I was the school health prefect, a clear sign of my future career as a nurse.
Nursing Career
I trained at the renowned Baptist School of Nursing, Eku, via Sapele, from 1962 to 1965. In my final year, I served as class president. Upon qualifying as a Registered Nurse (RN), I was posted to Baptist Hospital, Kontagora, in Northern Nigeria (now in Niger State) as a staff nurse in February 1966.
However, due to the ethnic conflict between the Hausas and the Igbos, which escalated into genocide in October 1966 and led to the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), I was urgently transferred to Baptist Hospital, Eku.
I left Kontagora through the intervention of Dr. Moore, a Baptist medical missionary, with whom I worked at Kontagora, who personally drove me all the way from Kontagora to Ogbomosho. My brother, Reverend B.O. Ekhator, also played a crucial role in pressuring the Baptist Medical Board to relocate me out of the danger zone.
In 1968, I joined the Ministry of Health under the Midwestern State Government Service, serving in various locations:
Staff Nurse to Principal Nursing Officer
Ossioma Specialist Hospital, Ogan Orhiomwon LGA, Edo State
(1968-1984).
Principal Nursing Officer
Specialist Nursing Hospital, Benin City
(1984-1985)
Assistant Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO)
Ubiaja Medical Zone
Overseeing hospitals in Esan land/Owan areas
(1985-1987)
Assistant Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO)
Kwale Medical Zone
Managing hospitals in Kwale and Isoko areas
(1988-1989)
Assistant Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO)
Abudu Medical Zone,
Covering hospitals in Orhiomwon and Uhunmwonde LGAs
(1990-1991)
During this period, I attended the University of Benin, Benin City, for a diploma course in Nursing Administration and Management from 1982 to 1983
With the creation of Edo and Delta States, I was posted back to Specialist Hospital, Benin, in 1991 as Assistant Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO), heading the nursing department.
In 1995, I was promoted to Chief Nursing Officer and later became the first Assistant Director of Nursing Services in the Edo State Hospitals Management Board.
Between 1995 and 2000, I served on multiple investigation and inquiry panels, either as a member or chairman.
After 33 years of dedicated service, I retired in 2000, at age 58, as Assistant Director of Nursing Services.
Life After Retirement
Upon retiring, my wife and I established Rephaiah Nursing and Maternity Home, where I continue to contribute to healthcare and community service.
Family Life
In 1971, I married my beloved wife, Deaconess Bridget Aminatu Egbedion, a fellow nurse from Uromi in Esan Northeast LGA, Edo State. We are blessed with five children—three boys and two girls. God has been, and continues to bless us with wonderful grandchildren.
By the grace of God, I have a beautiful and enviable relationship with my nephews and nieces—the children of my elder brothers, the late Pa Igbinosun Ekhator, the late Reverend B.O. Ekhator, and the late Pastor E.E. Ekhator, all of blessed memory, as well as with my paternal and maternal cousins, and with my in-laws, including those from my wife, children, nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Faith and Community Service
I was baptized into the Christian faith in the Baptist denomination by the late Reverend B.O. Eghaghe at Oginibo, in 1961. I have remained a devoted Christian for most of my life and have served in various leadership roles at Central Baptist Church, Benin City. In 2005, I was ordained a Deacon.
Some of my Christian services include:
- Life member of the Bible Society of Nigeria.
- Chairman, Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) of Central Baptist Church
- Treasurer, Men's Missionary Union (MMU), Central Baptist Church (six years).
- Sunday School Teacher/Superintendent for several years.
- Member, Evangelism Committee for several years.
- Treasurer/Adviser, Medical/Health Workers' Fellowship for several years.
- Secretary General, Church House Fellowship.
- Patron, Royal Ambassadors of Central Baptist Church (two years).
- Vice Chairman, Edo Conference MMU (six years).
- Vice Chairman, MMU, Central Baptist Church (2012-2017).
- Chairman, MMU, Central Baptist Church (2018-2023).
Hobbies and Interests
Travelling
Reading the Bible and Reading for Pleasure and Information
Listening To the News
Taking Long Walks
Current Life
Today, I continue to live a fulfilling life as a Christian, community leader, and healthcare provider. Though retired from government service, I remain active in healthcare, faith-based service, and family life, ensuring that my legacy of service, integrity, and commitment to God lives on.
This is my story – a journey of faith, service, and unwavering dedication to God and humanity.