Family members, friends, church leaders, colleagues and well-wishers gathered at St. Christopher Catholic Church, Asaba, Delta State, to celebrate the academic achievement and birthday of Comrade Dr. John Job Edor, Ph.D., F’AEMAPP.
The event combined a birthday thanksgiving service with a celebration of Edor’s recent attainment of a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Management.
The celebration brought together members of the church community, family, friends and associates who came to honour the celebrant for his academic achievement, leadership, service and contributions to those around him.
Among those at the high table were the Parish Priest of St. Christopher Catholic Church, Very Rev. Fr. Ogbushi Nelly Nwadie; Mr. Peter Tepase; Ogbushi Hon. Ben Okonkwo, Vice Chairman of the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO); Ogbushi Ezinna Ignatius Ogosi; Mr. John Orchola; Mr. Benjamin Okwedor; Mr. and Mrs. Odor Frances; Sir and Lady Ezinna Victor Ogbogu; Mr. Adeniyi Oladele; Mr. Sunday Mbotor; Mr. Joseph Nwube; Mr. James Onoja; Mr. and Mrs. Ordu Frances; Comrade Sabin Edor; Comrade Thomas Ochade; and Mr. and Mrs. Chinelo Nwabeke, among others.
The programme commenced with an opening prayer, followed by the ushering in of the celebrant.
Ogbushi Ezinna Ignatius Ogosi subsequently performed the breaking of the Colanut, after which the celebrant’s academic profile was read by Egbeni Nuel Emerald.
From Humble Beginnings to Doctorate
The profile highlighted Dr. Edor’s remarkable academic and professional journey from his early education in Ochi-Ikobi, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, to his recent attainment of a Ph.D. in Educational Management.
Born into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Edor Unuh, Edor began his education at Roman Catholic Mission (RCM) Primary School, Ikobi, before proceeding to Ikobi Community Secondary School and Issele-Uku Technical College, where he obtained his NABTEB certificate.
He later obtained a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Business Education (Accounting) from the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, followed by a B.Sc. (Ed.) in Business Education (Accounting) from the University of Benin.
He subsequently earned a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Management from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University and recently completed his Ph.D. in Educational Management.
Professionally, Dr. Edor is a member of the Association of Educational Management and Policy Practitioners (A’EMAPP) and the Education Dialogue Association (EDUDIA).
Beyond academia, he is involved in the downstream oil and gas sector and is a member of the Petroleum Dealers Association of Nigeria (PEDAN), as well as an executive member of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
Within the Catholic Church, Dr. Edor has served in several leadership capacities, including as the pioneer President of the Laity Council and Chairman of the Catholic Men Organisation of Nigeria (CMON), St. Christopher Catholic Church, Asaba.
He has represented his parish at various regional, diocesan and provincial forums and is also a member of the Legion of Mary and Patron of the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON).
He is married to Mrs. Blessing Edor, and their union is blessed with children.
Family and Friends Celebrate a Father and Mentor
Following the reading of his profile, family members, friends and well-wishers took turns offering birthday wishes and messages of goodwill.
His children described him as a father who constantly encouraged them to read, work hard and maintain good character.
According to his children, some of the important lessons their father taught them were that “practice makes perfect,” they should read, remain good children and always tell the truth.
His nephew, Michael, also described Dr. Edor as a strong family figure who had helped bring the family together since his arrival in Asaba about four years ago.
He recalled how Edor regularly advised the younger members of the family after morning devotion to avoid stealing, maintain good character and never bring shame to the family.
Michael said Edor’s love for academics had inspired him and expressed his desire to follow in his footsteps.
Ogbogu Recalls His Leadership Journey
Speaking during the celebration, Sir Victor Ogbogu recalled Dr. Edor’s early days as Chairman of the CMO, noting that he initially expressed fears about taking up the leadership position.
According to Ogbogu, members of the organisation assured him of their cooperation and support, while the parish priest also encouraged him to remain in the position.
Ogbogu expressed happiness at seeing how much Dr. Edor had grown in confidence and leadership.
“He has come a long way. He has done very well and we are highly proud of him.”
He described the Ph.D. achievement as well deserved and disclosed that Dr. Edor had expressed his ambition to become a professor.
Ogbogu prayed that God would grant him his desire and fulfil the aspirations of his heart.
CMO Hails Edor’s Integrity and Leadership
A representative of the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) described Dr. Edor as a good leader and a man of integrity who had distinguished himself through his service to the organisation.
He said Dr. Edor was dependable, trustworthy and inspirational, adding that his leadership qualities had made him someone others could emulate.
“He is a man of integrity. He is a man of truth and somebody who inspires all of us that he meets.”
He expressed happiness at being part of the celebration and congratulated the newly awarded doctor.
“His Achievement Is Not by Accident”
Another well-wisher, Mr. Joseph Nwube, said Dr. Edor’s academic achievement was the result of hard work, discipline and determination.
Nwube noted that despite his numerous engagements, Edor remained committed to his studies, attended classes, completed his assignments and maintained a strong desire for academic advancement.
He also described him as a philanthropist who willingly supports people around him and encourages them to grow.
“Him being a doctor is not by accident. He worked for it.”
Nwube, who said he had known Edor since their days as classmates, congratulated him on becoming his academic senior and prayed that the Ph.D. would mark the beginning of greater achievements.
He also prayed that Edor’s ambition of becoming a professor would become a reality.
CWO Praises His Humility and Generosity
Speaking on behalf of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), another well-wisher described Dr. Edor as a humble, dependable and generous person who has consistently supported members of the church community.
The speaker said Edor was someone people could call upon at any time and count on for assistance.
She praised his humility and willingness to support others, while praying for his continued good health, long life and prosperity.
CYON: “Readers Are Leaders”
The Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON) also celebrated Dr. Edor, describing him as a committed patron and someone who remains eager to learn.
A representative of the youth organisation recalled Edor’s interest in reading and his willingness to learn despite his age and experience.
The speaker recalled that when she shared some books she had acquired with Edor, including Rich Dad Poor Dad, Dr. Edor expressed interest in reading the book.
She said the experience reminded her of Dr. Edor’s belief that “readers are leaders.”
The CYON representative prayed for continued wisdom and understanding for the newly awarded doctor as he serves his family, the church and society.
“He Is a Good Man”
Another well-wisher, Mr. Gabin, summed up his description of the celebrant in a few words:
“He is a good man.”
The celebration ended with a vote of thanks delivered by Barrister Innocent Ikeatogbe on behalf of Dr. John Job Edor, followed by a closing prayer led by Engr. Raymond Gabin.
The event was attended by church members, family, friends, colleagues and other well-wishers who joined in celebrating Dr. Edor’s academic milestone and birthday.
The celebration served not only as a recognition of his newly earned doctorate but also as a reflection of his academic journey, faith, leadership, service, generosity and commitment to personal development.
As tributes poured in from different quarters, one message remained consistent: Dr. John Job Edor’s Ph.D. is not merely an academic title, but a milestone built on years of discipline, hard work, service and an enduring passion for learning.
