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.

His late father, Mr. Iboje Izilein, was a very successful farmer, while his mother was a devoted house wife. Both parents were from Irrua, Esan Central Local Government, Area of Edo State.

EDUCATION:

He went to government school Irrua (Primary) and moved to St. Patrick’s College, Asaba, now Oshimili, LGA of Delta State. He finished his WASC, in 1956 with a grade one achievement. Thereafter, he was offered a Federal Government Scholarship to study Estate Management at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. This was later commuted to studying in London by the Federal Government of Nigeria. He had numerous professional certificates in various disciplines while he was studying in London. It was also at this time in London that he met his wife Margaret Ikhianosen Oniha, who was a student nurse at the time and they were married in 1964. They were blessed with 2 sons ( Derrick and Cedric ), born in 1965 and 1966 respectively. Victor and Margaret remained together, until his passing on the 3^rd of January, 2022. They had 2 Grand children ( Isabella and Theo ).

Victor Izilein returned to Nigeria in 1968 and started a job with the then Midwest State, as a Pupil Lands Officer, with the ministry of Lands, in Benin City. He rose from that position to become Director of Lands and retired gracefully in 1992.

However, he was offered a job, as a Federal Representative in the Code Conduct Bureau Office in Edo State by General Ibrahim Babangida’s Government in view of his fair, conscientious, hardworking and patriotic behaviour during his tenure in office in Edo State.

THE MAN VICTOR EBHODAGHE IZILEIN.

Victor Izilein was an astute administrator, who performed his duties within the sphere of excellence and remained a loyal, incorruptible, dedicated and hard-working civil servant of extremely high repute till the end. He was a man with a wonderful sense of humour, very witty and extremely amiable.

He was also a keen sportsman with a high passion for football and was a Manchester United FC supporter. He loved sports and was instrumental in passing this passion unto his children, who turned out to be very good basketball players. His Grandson Theo loves rugby and recently had an undefeated season for the Caerleon Juniors Rugby Team in Wales, England.

Victor Izilein, was so simple, yet so complex a character. His benevolence was a glorious adoration that draws people to him like magnet. His fatherly counsel was peerless and towered higher than Mount Everest. His ingenuity, mental alertness and extra-ordinary intellectual gymnastics were unique.  Even Mark Anthony of the famous Shakespearean play, Julius Caesar would be extremely envious of his distinct linguistic meandering. Those who were very close to him cannot but agree with that these assertions are made with acute consciousness of his ability, with all sense of purpose and without any iota of cosmetic make up.

Metaphorically, Victor Izilein was the big tree that provided the shade for the variety of birds to cohabit without strife and ill-feeling.  He was a star performer, inculcating in his children the discipline of true championship and respect. He was a mentor and a God sent rescuer of their inspirations and dreams.  He was not only a unique father but a humane character, whose love has permeated many families.

HIS CHRISTIAN LIFE:

Victor Izilein was an ardent Catholic and a reputable but unassuming Church warden in St. Albert’s Catholic Church, Uniben, Ugbowo Campus, Benin City. He was a Board member of the Catholic Church Arch Diocesan Land and Development Commission for over 30 years. He was indeed in charge of all the land Properties of the Church.  He treasured and guarded the Church’s land properties closely and jealously as well as brilliantly and never demanded any form of remuneration throughout his service. He had that selfless spirit and incorrigible disposition that he was also known as “the Custodian of the Church properties” as he undertook this extra undertaking solely on his belief that it was his duty to help God and the Church and performed all these tasks to the best of his ability with a meticulous and fastidious approach all coated with his trademark of excellence.

This achievement was announced as part of his commendation by “His Grace Emeritus Most Rev. Ebosele Ekpu, during his 85th Birthday on the 30th March, 2021. Victor Izilein lived in Benin City with his wife Margaret at their residence in GRA, Benin City, after his retirement. He died peacefully on the 3rd of January, 2022, He will be sorely missed by everyone close to him. May his soul rest in peace, Amen.