Victor Izilein

Victor Izilein, Senior Elder of the Izilein Family

Mr. V. E. Izilein was born 30th March, 1936 in Uwenugie, Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, Edo State. He was the first Child of his Mother and second Child of his Father, Mr. Iboje Izilein.

I met Victor Izilein in Ibadan while he was working for the Government and we got along very well and maintained close contact such that when he was studying in Britain I was able to meet up with him. He was also my best Man at my wedding and when he moved back to Benin City some years later I made contact on my return from the United Kingdom. Victor had been in charge of and safeguarded the Certificate of Occupancy for my property showing his due diligence and commitment. He was always very calm and collected, always willing to help and always on the lookout for a solution to any problem. He was a very dear friend and confidant and will be sorely missed. -Tribute from Clifford Ogbuagu, Longtime Friend and Confidante

*A RARE GEM*

Honorable Sir. Victor E. Izilein was a great and noble Nigerian worthy of emulation who have admirably left his golden footprints in the annals of history as a rare gem.

Simplistic in life style, deeply rooted in his Catholic faith. A great man among his peers and a quite leader with enormous responsibilities so frightfully collosal but undaunted by herculean tasks that takes time, devotion, energy and intrinsic introspection. He was a successful leader, mentor and trail blazer of high repute.

He rose within the ranks to become an accomplished civil servant that was not contaminated by the Nigerian corruption, bribery and nepotism. He utilized his position for service, all to achieve the common good.

Archbishop P. E. Ekpu once referred to him as a highly disciplined and authentic Nigerian that stands head and shoulders above his peers and colleagues in the civil service. Many times he was selected for the noble Papal knighthood to be conferred by the Pope. For all those times of worthy nomination, he humbly refused any earthly and ecclesiastical recognition for his admirable service to God, country and humanity.

Adieu great man of valour and honour. Adieu, (Defensor Fidei)defender of the faith. Adieu, custodian of our vast Catholic lands in Benin City and its frontiers. Adieu, great man of the Izilein clan of Irrua. Adieu, our mentor, gentle role model and quiescent living saint. Inherit the eternal reward of the Trinitarian God whom you served gallantly on earth. Rest in peace. - Fr. Isaac Prest Ebeigbe

Tribute to Pa Victor Ebvodaghe Izilein.

My first encounter with you was when I gained admission into the University of Benin and I moved into the house at osasogie for the 1st Semester in school, to enable me familiaze with school environment before going to the school hostel,learnt alot under your watch to be independent and most importantly your love for God and the church.You were very accommodating,Grandpa and Daddy to everyone.You were a good man,you loved telling impact full stories.Your life was a blessing,your memory a treasure,you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. - Suzanne Erhimedafe.

TRIBUTE TO MY LATE BROTHER VICTOR EBHODAGHE IZILEIN.

My dear brother we spoke on New Year day Saturday January 2022 and never knew is going to be the last discussion with you.I have in mind that you have gone to be with the Lord and you are with Him now.God knows the best.We Love you but God Love you the most.Any time I call you; you will say is that UNMI;George nowa.I will always Love you my dear brother; rest in peace in the Lord.You have laid a good foundation for us all.you are a good father;good brother and good friend.To God be the Glory; Honour;and Praise.You were a great man with a Loving heart.;you touch many lives in  different ways.You attend all Izileins occasion.We miss You.You were great and selfless leader who was very good ; advice; encourage people.You were easy going;peaceful;lovely and friendly to everyone.We miss you.You will always remain in heart.Rest in peace in the Lord.brother. - George Unmi E.Izilein.08034861775.

Tribute to daddy Victor Ebhodaghe Izilein :

I can't believe that I am writing a tribute to you at this time. I am not prepared for this daddy.

Papa Guy as you fondly loved to be called, I remember the day I came leaving with you, I was ecstatic knowing I have a new Dad as the passing of my dad left me traumatized.You bacame my Dad and mum at the same time. God bless you for all you taught me. You taught me the importance of having God in my life, You instilled the fear of God in me. You ensured I took my studies seriously, you taught me to be independent as you always did things  yourself, you prepared the most delicious delicacies without using any condiments.you showed compassion to everyone, You cared for everyone just like your own.you were always giving to get nothing in return. I will miss your story telling and jokes. You were such an enchanting storyteller.you always anointed my forehead each night before I go to bed,and yes I can't forget the way you treated my hand injury with hot water everyday until it became healed. Oh daddy you were so selfless.And yes we had our differences, But I was know and called "OvbiePA" which no body dared to mess with. You guided me jealously and am a strong woman today because of all you taught me.

I will miss your prayers for me  each time I call you. I have comfort knowing you are resting in the bosom of our lord. Your memories will keep driving me forward every day of my life.

 You will always be missed Papa guy

Adieu Daddy - Eugenia omo Nwanyanwuji (Ben's daughter and Victor's Niece)

To my dear Cousin ( Late Pa. Victor Ebhodaghe Izilien).

Even though you are gone away,

Your love will always be here to stay.

You touched our hearts with so many things.

God knew you were the one to save,

He took you home to get some rest,

Even though we loved you best.

Our hearts are filled with so much pain,

God loved you more.

At this time we must let go.

Your memories we will keep a flow.

Rest on dear cousin with peace of mind,

Your memories will live on through

Rest In Peace. From Mr & Mrs Michael Okojie.

 TRIBUTE TO UNCLE VICTOR EBHODAGHE IZILEIN       

I am the resurrection and life, says the Lord, he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever lives and believes in Me shall never die ( John 11: 25-26). We are consoled by these soothing words of Jesus at this trying time of the passing of our Uncle and the Patriarch of the Izilein family, knowing fully well that he not only believed in Christ, he lived a Christian, Jovial and simple life.

Our memories of Uncle Victor would remain that of a friendly disposition, cheerful, calm, loving and full of wisdom. Little wonder we always cherished our visits to his house as kids because we were always sure of a warmth reception and of course good food. His house was always a home. 

He was never tired of telling us about the good old days and the need to be good human beings. He was always present and punctual at most family occasions in our house, be it wedding, naming ceremony, child dedication etc. He was our (the boys) God Father during our baptism at Holy Cross Cathedra, Benin, many years back. 

We thank God for the family you have left behind though we mourn your departure, yet we are blessed, for scripture says “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. (Mathew 5:4).

We shall miss you greatly dear Uncle but we are consoled by the fact that “to live in the hearts of those we love is not to die”. Death is swallowed up in victory, where o, death is your victory, where, o death is your sting? (1 Corinthians 15: 51-52).

Uncle your legacy would live after you as we strive to uphold the proud name of IZILEIN, which you so cherished.

Rest on dear Uncle, as we salute a live very well lived. Till we meet again in the resurrection morning, Sir. - Children of Coach Godwin Izilein

TRIBUTE TO MY LATE BROTHER PA VICTOR EBHODAGHE IZILEIN. 

My dear brother, we spoke on New Year day Saturday 01 January 2022 and never knew it would be my last discussion with you. I however have consolation on the fact that you have gone to be with the Lord and you are with Him right now. He knows best. 

You laid a solid foundation for me in my early life which made what I became in life possible. To God be the praise, honour and glory. 

You were a great man with a large heart of gold which touched many lives in different ways. You attended all Izilein's activities ( marriages and naming ceremonies, birthday celebrations and so on) and you always gave good advice and words of inspiration and encouragement. 

You were a great and selfless leader who was too good to a fault. You don't mind displeasing yourself to please others. 

You were intelligent, easy going, peaceful, lovable and friendly to everyone. You will always remain in our heart and mind. Rest in peace OWANLEN my dearest brother. -  Adm Dave CE Izilein  (rtd).