Gabriel Orakumaga Iwambe an illustrious Nigerian original.

GABRIEL ORAKUMAGA IWAMBE (KSM) BIOGRAPHY, PROFILE AND LIFE HISTORY

Gabriel Orakumaga Iwambe an illustrious Nigerian, was born on the 27th September, 1942 (age 73), in a small village called Atsanger in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, Northeast geopolitical zone of the country. To the family of Pa Iwambe Atsanger Gasen and Mama Ukuu Iwambe all of bless memory. He is a devout Christian of Roman Catholic Faith and he comes from the Tiv ethnic group. He is the 9th child of Iwambe's 14 children “My family was beautifully polygamous” says Iwambe.

His father Iwambe Atsanger Gasen was successful peasant, hardworking whose ancestors were highly respected members of the community. He was a renowned disciplinarian; a man who insisted on telling the truth all the times; a community leader that contributed effectively on critical communal issues; and a man respected for his well thought-out opinions and views. The life of Gabriel Iwambe can be closely linked to the foregoing traits which were clearly inherited from his father.

Gabriel Iwambe started his primary school at St. Joseph Primary School Takum, now Dutse Primary School in 1951 – 1956. His early school days were quite challenging considering the fact that he often had to trek bare-footed over considerable distance to and from school “he said”.

Notwithstanding, these trying times, he never despaired but press on even with greater zeal and determination young Iwambe obtained his first school leaving certificate (FSLC). In 1956, later he proceed to Mt. St. Michael's Secondary School Aliade, Benue State in 1959 – 1963; where he passed the West African School Certificate Examination (WASC) in brilliant colours.

In his quest for higher education beyond the Ordinary Level Certificate academic status, Gabriel Iwambe applied for and subsequently gained admission at Advance Teachers College Zaria in 1964, where he obtained the Teachers Grade II Certificate in 1967.

Between 1967 and 1969, Gabriel Iwambe first worked diligently as a well trained teacher at Government Secondary School Yola in Adamawa Province, now Adamawa State. Barely a year later, in 1968,he was transferred to Government Secondary School Katsina-Ala, then to Government Secondary School Gboko in 1969, all as a class teacher in the field of Mathematics and Physics. Versatile, intelligent and knowledge-driven, Gabriel Iwambe took his search for knowledge to different parts of the United Kingdom (UK), Certifying and specializing on several fields of endeavours that have made him a rounded Professional Administrator and consummate politician of towering repute among others.

In 1971, he was awarded British common wealth scholarship, were he under took on a course in the field of Youth and Community work at the University of Sheffield and another certificate in Education and Mathematics from University of Southampton both world renown prestigious University in the United Kingdom (UK). Upon returned to Nigerian in 1972, he was posted to Pivota Teachers College Jos Plateau State as Teacher. He remained there till in 1976, when Benue State was curve out of the old Benue/Plateau State. Iwambe was immediately transferred back to the Benue State Ministry of Education and was subsequently posted to Pivota Teachers College Ida in Kogi State. Not satisfied with these academic feats and in further pursuit of greater knowledge, wisdom and the desire to quench his insatiable thirst for higher education. By 1977, he was admitted at the University of Birmingham England where he fervently read and obtained a degree in philosophy of education in 1979. As part of the mandatory one year National Youth Service, he was posted to Benue State Ministry of Education. Following his dint of hardwork, dedication and innovations, after his service, he was retained by the ministry and was converted as the first Director of Education Resource Centre in 1981.

But the young Iwambe always knew that he had a bond with the academic that he couldn't deny accordingly in 1982, he was posted to Government Teachers College Makurd, were he picks up his chalk again, standing before the blackboard and drawing diagram, content with his status as a principal. However, in 1984, he applied and joint he federal civil service and was posted to Federal Government College Wukari as Head of Department of Mathematics. By 1986, following Iwambe's excellent performance, he was promoted to the post of Vice Principal and he remained there till 1991, when there was outbreak of hostilities between the Tiv and Jukuns. From there he was transferred to Federal Ministry of education Lagos to take charge as Head of Research and Efficiency. In 1995, he was given an assignment to Established a new Federal Government College at Buniyardi in Yobe State, he remained there until 1996, when he was reposted back to Federal Government College Wukari until year 2000, when he was transferred to Yola Adamawa State as the zonal coordinator in the Ministry of Education. In 2002 Iwambe's brilliant career came to an end. Even as he was proceeding on retirement in 2002, It was quite clear that Gabriel Iwambe still had much more to offer. But before then, he attended several courses and workshops in different fields of endeavour, for instance in 1971, he attended the annual conference of the Association of Teachers of Mathematics at the University of Exeter United Kingdom. In 1983, he participated in a workshop on Physics organized by the Federal University of Technology Makurdi, Benue State. Barely three months he attended a seminar course organized by Nigeria Education Research Council on Mathematics. In 1989, Iwambe participated actively in a workshop organized by Science Teachers Association of Nigeria at University of Jos. In 1992 he attended the National Technical Training Workshop on Research and Planning Techniques organized by Human Resource Development Department Ibadan Nigeria.

In 1989, the Administrative staff College of Nigeria Topo, Badagry organized one week course in effective leadership in the area of Public policy Analysis; Management Crisis; Effective Communication; Human Relations, Civil Service System among others. He attended and received professional training in school management and Administration, organized by Federal Ministry of Education in 1995, which covered the following areas; school administration and administrative structure; guidelines an staff appointment, promotion and discipline; staff motivation; job satisfaction and education; school inspection; management of crisis; financial regulations and accountability.

On the 21st – 27th September 1997, he attended the Association for Education Assessment in Africa on Quality Assurance in Education, at Sheraton Hotels and Towers Abuja, Nigeria. Later in December 1997, he attended workshop on Youth Development organized by Federal Ministry of Education.

In 1998, he attended seminar training on gifted education in Nigeria, under the auspices of special education units, Bayaro University Kano. July 1998, he attended another course on quality management in school under Hamza Consult.

In 2000, he attended Academic Staff Seminar on stemming up Teaching (learning Behaviours in Students and challenge for the new millennium” organized by Federal Ministry of Education. In 2001, he successfully participated in the Induction/re-orientation course for zonal and co-ordinating inspectors organized by Federal Inspectorate Service Abuja among others.

After 35 years of meritorious service to the nation Gabriel Iwambe delved into the Murky watered of politics in Nigeria and contested the governor seat of Tarba State in 2003 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But was forced to drop his ambition barely, two weeks to the primaries. However, he played a very crucial and prominent role in the emergence of Rev. Jolly T. Nyame at the poll.

Gabriel Iwambe founded and established three private schools; Andrew Terfa Academy at Peva-chanchangi, Quis ut Deus High School Atsange and A nursery primary school.

All these schools, he was still resolute on his mandate of care, selflessness, humane and total liberation of humanity unlike most private schools whose motives are basically prompted on profit maximization and competition. Iwambe as the founder of these schools is renowned to be virtually after humanitarian services.

He is also a highly respected, very intelligent and an up right person. His doors and arms are always open to all. His residence in Peva-chanchangi is a centre of refuge for those who need one form of assistance or the others.

Religion: As a devout Christian of Roman Catholic Faith who strongly relies on the power of prayers and God's guidance on the execution of his responsibilities, Gabriel Iwambe has plays active role in the church. He is honored in the Catholic Church with knight commander of Saint Mulumba Jalingo Council, he is also a member secret heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary and a member region of Mary.

His numerous contributions in strengthening the structures of the Catholic Church in Nigeria have been well noted. For instance he was appointed Lay Adviser on Education to the Catholic Bishop of Jalingo diocese in the year 2000.

Gabriel Iwambe is a critical figure of Our Lady of Mount Camer Peva in Takum Local Government Area. He is also a key promoter of peaceful Inter-religion coexistence in Taraba State.

Community Relation: Like his father Iwambe Atsanger Gabriel is a committed community leader who never hesitates when called upon to perform any serve to his immediate and extended communities. He is known to have been at the fore front during the conflict between the Jukum and Tiv in 1991, Jukun and Tiv in 2001, Tiv and Kuteb 2006, Jukum and Tiv 1999, Tiv and Fulani 2012 and Fulani and Tiv 2014 – To date, he still exhibits affection for community and maintains excellent relationship with the members in the similitude of his father. Gabriel Iwande have been clearly translated official job performances in the public service and governance.

Family affairs: Gabriel Iwambe manfamins healthy relationship with immediate and extended family members, the real life of Iwambe remained incomplete until 1969, when he was happily married to a beautiful, loving and willing spouse Veronica Iwambe (late) this matrimony is blessed with four lovely children (3 female, 1 male). Late Veronica Iwambe has over the years, remained a veritable source of inspiration and able support to Gabriel Iwambe. After the death of Veronica Iwambe in 2009, later in April 2012 he got married to his second wife. The leisure pursuits of Gabriel Iwambe include; listening to old school music; making friends, cracking jokes. He also indulges in Indoor sports and games as a means of maintaining physical fitness. He was particular penchant for playing volleyball.

By John Akevi
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