99-year-old Itsekiri Bible translator dies

A cleric and nonagenarian Bible translator, Deacon Stephen Ejueyitsi Aganbi, has died in Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State. A statement issued in Koko said Deacon Aganbi died in his home last Thursday, March 26.

Aganbi, 99, served as chairman of the Itsekiri Bible Translation Project and the team completed the Old and New Testament translation in the Itsekiri language.

The statement, signed by Mr. Felix Aganbi, a business mogul, said the late Bible translator, gifted interpreter and scholar, had a strong influence in Itsekiri literature.

“Deacon Stephen Ejueyitsi Aganbi was a legal guru, a highly reputed politician of the Second Republic in Nigeria and the Olare-Aja of Koko (community head).”

The statement praised Deacon Aganbi for putting his learning to the service of the church and using the Bible to nourish the faith and life of believers. “He served as a spiritual guide to many.”

It also praised the accomplished translator for his well-known vision and linguistics competence in the languages of the Niger Delta region.

Meanwhile, the member representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Thomas Ereyitomi, paid glowing tribute to Aganbi, who he said played key roles in the nation’s development. He described Aganbi as a great man whose wealth of knowledge and advice will be greatly missed by all.

Similarly, a former chairman of Warri North Local Government, Chief Francis Maku-Eyituoyor described Aganbi as a defender of the faith. “We are encouraged and inspired by his example of Christian service,” he said.