The family of late Chief (Arch.) Azaiye Piniki, the Ganpamowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, has announced his burial arrangements.
Chief Piniki, who passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, was born on April 15, 1968. He was a highly respected figure in Gbaramatu Kingdom, known for his contributions to the development of the community.
According to a statement obtained by GbaramatuVoice and signed by Mr. Alfred Piniki for the family and Master Ebisinde Azaiye for the children, the Service of Songs will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 4:00 PM at his residence in Niger Cat, Ekpan, Delta State.
On Thursday, October 10, at 7:00 am, his body will leave Safe Haven Mortuary, Okumagba Layout, Warri, and proceed to Miller waterside before being taken to Oporoza Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom for final rites.
Biography of Arch. Chief Azaiye Duwogbegha Piniki (PAD)
Arch. Chief Azaiye Piniki, popularly known as PAD, was born on April 15, 1968, to Mr. and Mrs. Duwogbegha Piniki in Okerenkoko, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State. His father hailed from Okerenkoko and Inikorogha, while his mother, Mrs. Abor Ogoba, was from Benikrukru, all in Gbaramatu Kingdom.
Following the death of his father, Chief Piniki was raised by his maternal grandparents in Binikurukuru, and later moved to Opuedebubor with his grandmother after the passing of his grandfather.
Chief Piniki began his education at Fiyewei Primary School, Oporoza, where he graduated with distinction in 1983. He went on to attend Gbaraun Grammar School, Oporoza, before transferring to Umuno Grammar School in 1985 to pursue his passion for science. In 1987, he moved to Step-Forward Secondary Commercial School, Warri, where he graduated in 1988 as one of the top students.
Before pursuing further studies, Chief Piniki gave back to his community by working as a temporary teacher at Gbaraun Grammar School from 1988 to 1990. He later attended Edo State University, Ekpoma (now Ambrose Alli University), where he studied Architectural Drawing and Design, graduating in the 1997/98 academic session. He also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in 2002.
Chief Piniki became the first Architect from Gbaramatu Kingdom and played a key role in the development of both his community and beyond. His chieftaincy title, Ganpamowei, which means “Leader of Development,” was a testament to his contributions.
A philanthropist at heart, Chief Piniki supported numerous youths in their education and businesses. He was one of the founding fathers of KOMBOT, a socio-economic youth organization established in 1998 to empower the youth of Egbema, Gbaramatu, and other ethnic groups.
Under his leadership, KOMBOT fought for employment opportunities for Ijaw graduates in the oil and gas sector, advocating for job placements and aptitude tests specifically for Ijaws. His efforts helped secure employment for many youths in these industries.
Rather than seeking employment in the oil and gas sector, Chief Piniki pursued his childhood dream of entrepreneurship and established Pinaza Concept, a conglomerate that has since grown and diversified into various sectors of the economy.
Chief Piniki is survived by his two wives, Mrs. Piniki D. Hannah and Mrs. Piniki D. Ufuoma, as well as seven children: Ebisinde Azaiye, Pinasinde Azaiye Gabriella, Elohor Azaiye Tamaraun-emi, Douiba Azaiye, Derick Azaiye, Desmond Azaiye and Lizzy Korekumor Piniki.
He will be remembered for his generosity, leadership, and dedication to the development of Gbaramatu Kingdom.
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