Raphael Ivara Mboto, A Year After

BORN into the family of the late Chief Abi LGA and the late Mrs. Josephine Lifaka Mboto of the Lifaka Family in Bojongo, Fako Division of South West Cameroon on December 18, 1958, at Enugu, Nigeria, the late Mr. Raphael Ivara Mboto, passed on to eternal glory on September 9, 2014. He was the sixth child of the late Chief M. Mboto and the second child from the late Mrs. Josephine Mboto.

He attended L.A. Primary School, Itire Road and later Lagos City College, Yaba. On the completion of his secondary education, he proceeded to Federal College of Arts and Science, Ogoja, for his Alhereb. He later left Federal School of Arts and Science, Ogoja, to the Polytechnic Calabar where he eventually bagged his HND in Estate Management. He later got an MBA from the University of Calabar.

He joined the Cross River State Civil Service on graduation from the Polytechnic Calabar. He worked in various departments and rose to the rank of Estate Officer 1. When he resigned to join the private sector, he got employed by Udoetuk and Associates as an Estate Surveyor in 1998. It was there that he gained the necessary experience to set up his own outfit, R.I. Mboto & Co. in 2008.

The late Mboto was born into the Roman Catholic faith, which he embraced and practiced until his demise. He met his wife and companion of 16 years while at the Polytechnic Calabar. The union is blessed with two wonderful children. He was a very committed and dedicated family man who loved his children, brothers and sisters and extended family.

Baba Rafiu, Ivy, Para Paraojingolo Master, as he was fondly called, was a sociable man. He was a very friendly and committed person who loved justice and equity for all. He spoke the truth no matter the circumstance. He was an active sports man and a great football lover.

Mboto died following a brief illness. One year after his demise, the family thanks God for the good life he led and continues to pray for the peaceful repose of his soul in His bosom.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Joan Ada Mboto; children, Godwin Akomaye Mboto, Benedicta Mboto and Raphael Iyare Mboto; many brothers, sisters and in-laws.