Born on 7th February 1945 in the pastorium of Oginibo Baptist Church Oginibo in Ughelli South Local Government Area, he was the last of eight children of Rev. Pinnock Eyekuonire Onosode and Mrs. Erherhebraye Onosode. His father was a native of Ekiugbo-Ughelli in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State while his mother is from Samagidi-Kokori and Eku in Ethiope East Local Government Area also of Delta State.
Being the son of a Puritanic Reverend gentleman, he was brought up under very strict discipline. The upbringing stood him in good stead as he navigated through his studies. He had his secondary school education in the prestigious Government College Ughelli from 1959 to 1965 where he obtained the Cambridge School Certificate and the Higher School Certificate. He was a graduate of Forestry from the University of Ibadan, and had his post graduate education in the Leningrad University of Forest Resources and Engineering Technology, Leningrad (now Stalingrad) in the then USSR, where he obtained the PH.D degree in Phytopathology and Wood Science.
He was awarded a fellowship by the Afro-American Institute that enabled him to present a paper at a NATO – sponsored International Symposium on Revegetation and Restoration of drastically disturbed lands at the Pennsylvania Stat Universities Penn State USA in August 1969 and to tour a number of American major cities. His sojourn in the Union of Soviet Socialist Russia (USSR) for four years for his doctorate degree was a true test of his faith which his upbringing helped to weather.
Daddy was the Research and Development Manager of Africa Timber and Plywood (AT&P) a division of UAC of Nigeria for fifteen years. He later became a Consultant to Raw Materials Research and Development Council of Nigeria (RMRDC) for four years. He capped his working career as a Contract Lecturer at the Delta State University, Asaba Campus where he was the Head of Department of Forestry and Wildlife.
On 30th September, 1967, he took our dear mum Miss Agnes Evuesiri Iyeke to the alter at First Baptist Church, Sapele for the Solemnization of their wedlock, a union of more than 52 years blessed with seven Children – Omoefe, Igbunoroghene, Akpevweoghene (late), Oghenekpofiame, Oghenero Uriri, Ogheneruno (Dr.) and Oghenerioborifori (late) and 12 grandchildren. We the children have been beneficiaries of the strict and balanced Christian discipline and upbringing and we are all university graduates in our various disciplines.
“Train up a child the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Our daddy’s life and witness are very eloquent testimonies of the axiom. At the University, his activities in the Baptist Students’ Union clearly demonstrated his Christian heritage and discipline.
As soon as he relocated to Sapele after his doctoral studies in Russia, he joined the Vanguard to strengthen the local body of Christ Operating through the Ebenezer Baptist Church Sapele. He founded the Gospel Army whose vision and Mission was to point and direct the youths and their energies in the path of moral rectitude and holy living. This group metamorphosed into the Soul Winning band of the Church. He was a much Sought - after guest speaker at various Christian fora. He was ordained a deacon of Ebenezer Baptist Church Sapele on the 21st October, 1979, a born again child of God and a deliverance minister for a several decades.
He has held various positions in the church hierarchy. He was Chorister, Sunday school teacher and Superintendent, Gospel Army and Soul winning Band leader, church and Diaconate secretary, Church financial secretary youth and Men’s Missionary Union Presidents, Chairman Building Committee, Chairman Diaconate.
At the Baptist Associational, Conference and Convention levels his responsibilities and positions held have been chequered. He was member of Executive Council of the Association 1996 to date, President Youth Organisation of the Association and Adviser Associational MMU 2001 – 2004.
At Baptist Conference Level he was Adviser Oghara Baptist Association 1985 – 1994, Member Advisory Board, Eku Baptist Hospital, Eku and Adminstrator 1993 – 1994 and 1994-1999 respectively, Chairman Bendel Baptist Conference Search Committee for Executive secretary 1991 – 1992, Conference Representative at the Nigerian Baptist Convention Executive Council 1994 – 1997, Chairman Delta State Baptist Conference Secretariat Development Committee 1994 – 2000, Chairman Inaugural Delta Baptist Conference Celebration Planning Committee 1993 – 1994, Chairman Delta State Baptist Conference Deacons fellowship 2001 – 2004, Member Delta State Baptist Conference Search Committee for Executive Secretary 2003 – 2004 and Chairman Delta State Baptist Conference 10th Anniversary Celebration 2003 – 2004.
At Baptist convention level he was Member Convention Restructuring Committee 1999 – 2000, Member Convention Executive Council 1996 – 1998, Administrator Baptist Medical Centre, Eku, Chairman Baptist Laity Fellowship 2002 – 2004, Chairman Baptist Peoples Fellowship 2004 – 2007, Member Convention sub ministerial committee on Nigeria Baptist Policies and practices 2004, Member Convention Investigation Panel on the Crisis at First Baptist Church, Effurun 2002, Member Convention Investigation Panel on the Crisis in Ekiti Baptist Conference 2003, Member Convention Collation Committee on the NBC restructuring and Chairman Convention Search Committee for Assistant General Secretary (Administration and Personnel) 2006 – 2007.He was a Jerusalem Pilgrim, JP having visited the Holy Land, Israel and climbed Mount Sinai in April 2006.
He was a writer and authored many books, his published books include The Dynamic of Sin,The Seal of the Holy Spirit, The Lure of the Spirit of Seduction,Echoes of Jesus, His Voice Reverberating All Through The Generations.He was also a prolific writer of Christian tracts.
For us children, daddy was a spiritual role model and icon. Daddy is worth celebrating.He ensured that we attended the best schools of the time. As we went through all the three tiers of education, daddy always said to us “do not beg anything from anybody. If you need anything come to me or let me know” Thus we never lacked anything at anytime.
Daddy meticulously protected us from undue external influence.He always insisted on knowing who our friends were.By the way he lived as husband and dad, he was a model for us to follow. We now know that it is possible for husband and wife to live together without fighting and attracting attention of neighbours. Nobody ever came to settle a case or quarrel between daddy and mummy. We never had the experience of watching our parents insulting each other.
We never saw him sick, and so last year April 2019 when he complained of some pain and discomfort, we found it very unusual. He battled the illness for a year, undertaking many treatment routines in Nigeria and Israel. However on the 5th of May 2020, after singing happy birthday to mummy, he breathe his last and went to be with our Lord and Saviour.
His life was defined by love. He lives on.
Daddy was my Icon and hero for many years though I became close to him in the last few years when I was wrting my first book which he wrote the forward. I have lost love once but his going to be with the Lord touched me greatly as I remember his counsel, fellowship and prayers whenever I visit him.
Let us take solace in the fact that Daddy lived to be a blessing to many including me who also used him as an example of a role model in life and ministry.
Oghenero you may not know this but after we left Sapele to Benin, one of the times I came back to town to do something, I stayed at your house and your dad was the only one home. During my stay I became sick and he took care of me like I was his son, and indeed I was. I remember eating breakfast with him on the dinning table and how much I felt so at home with him. I can't picture your dad without a smile on his face. You guys are really an extension of him.
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IN MEMORY OF MY 1ST HOUSE PREFECT
A notice yesterday brought back a lot of memories for me. I then recalled a favourite of ours in the early 70s by the Temptations - Memories.
The first lines went thus:
"Wishing I could find a night train to the past. ....."
Will be delighted to have the song.
BUT BACK TO MEMORIES.
In 1965, there were 4 senior boys in charge of the junior dormitory of Warri house. Roland Biosah, school/house prefect, Andy Onosode, house prefect, both of the upper 6th form, Oghomishe and Isiekwe of the lower 6th form.
The rest were all the form 1 students of the house and a sprinkling of form 2 students.For pre-teens like me, leaving home for the first time, it was a great year.
Met Andy Sode (as he was called) in later years in Sapele when he worked at AT&P. I look forward to seeing Biosah.
I recall one night after lights out when Andy Sode wanted someone for an errand and was looking for who was still awake. To convince all I was asleep, I feigned a yawn and he called me out stating that those asleep do not yawn. I was knowing that for first time.
I also recall his excitement at the end of the year when he received a letter from his dad. He was excited because his dad was addressing him as Mr. for the first time.
May his soul RIP.
TRIBUTE TO A GALLANT SOLDIER OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
Deacon Dr. Andrew Toritsegbogua Onosode was a gallant soldier of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Cross. In fact, he was not just an ordinary soldier but one of the generals in the Army of God who knew God, was strong in Him and therefore did great exploits for God’s Kingdom.
As his name means – Toritsegbogua – Deacon Dr. A. T. Onosode put God first in every thing that he did hence, as our Lord promised in Matthew 6:33, God blessed him with a good and loving wife, successful children and grandchildren who gave him great joy, a meritorious working career etc.
He was a great preacher and teacher of the word of God, evangelist and church planter (I know how God used him to plant Beulah Baptist Church, Sapele) through whose ministry many came to accept Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord . He was also in the deliverance ministry through which ministry he boldly challenged the forces and kingdom of darkness for the release of many who were bound by demonic forces.
He was a man of great faith in the Lord who was always telling of the many miracles God had wrought through him and in his life. He encouraged us, as usual, when he talked about his faith in and communion with the Lord the last time I was with him in Sapele on 15th December, 2019 in company of my wife and my younger brother.
Deacon Dr. A. T. Onosode was a man who had love for not just his nuclear and family of procreation but the extended family. He supported and was present in family functions together with his loving wife. This he did with passion when he assumed the headship of the Onosode family on the passing of his elder brother, Deacon. G. O. Onosode.
I recall visiting him late last year in Sapele when his health was already failing and he insisting on coming for the introduction ceremony of my nephew next day in spite of our telling him not to bother coming. He did not only come in company of his wife, as usual, to lead the Onosode family but stayed all through the ceremony!
The last discussion I had with him not long before his passing on to glory was his concern about covid-19 with respect to the family reunion that had been scheduled for December, 2020.
Uncle A. T. was a man who loved using his angelic voice to sing to God’s praise and glory and he also had contagious smiles with which he positively affected many.
Yes, our Deacon Dr. A. T. Onosode has fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith and went for his crown of righteousness on 5th May, 2020.
It is now left for us in this part of eternity to number our days, apply our hearts unto wisdom and work while it is day before the night comes.
IT IS WELL. SHALOM. MARANATHA
Dr. A. T. Onosode, was a Baptist per excellence. He was greatly admired and respected by many in the Sapele Baptist Association. Although, I was from Ghana (now Glory) Baptist Church, I always looked forward to seeing the young, handsome, erudite and articulate speaker, minister at the associational meetings.
My Dad, (late Rev. E.O. Ejovi) had told me so many wonderful things about the Onosode family, including, their late father's decades of service and contribution to the Sapele Baptist Association. Indeed, we will all miss a mentor and a father. Rest in peace till we meet to part no more. My deepest condolences to the entire Onosode family, the Nigerian Baptist Convention and the Pastors’ Children Fellowship both in Nigeria and America.
Dr. Ejenavi Odafe Jones
Tribute to Late Uncle (Deacon Dr.) Andrew Toritsegbogua Onosode
Uncle, I still find it very hard to believe that you have left this world, and the pains bite me harder when I remember that it happened on the day I called Aunty Agnes to wish her happy birthday. Honestly, I waited to see your smiles and hear your baritone voice that’s always encouraging and uplifting, but that is no more on this side of eternity. Your departure has made me to reflect with the questions “What is the measure of a man? Is it the amount of money he has? The possessions he owns and the power he holds? Is it the professional success he’s achieved over the years?” I don’t believe it is any of these things. The true measure of a man is how much love he gives;how selflessly he shares whatever he can to help others; how consistently he lifts up those around him with a kind word, a compliment, a humble ear or the very shoes off his feet.By this measure and much more, my sweet Uncle Andrew was immeasurable!I lost you my dear Uncle, but only in body, not in spirit. This is a very painful and heart-ripping experience though.But I will do my best to remain grateful and comforted knowing how much and positively you affected my life and many countless others.You were a dogged soldier of Jesus Christ and an apostle of the Truth. You were firm in your decisions yet very understanding!Keep resting in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ till we meet to part no more. Adieu, Adieu Uncle Andrew!
Dcn (Dr)A.T Onosode.
A Dynamic Communicator of the gospel of Jesus Christ
Early in my teenage age i had to join my Dad late Mr M.E Idjanere to his Church and that happened to be Ebenezer Baptist Church My first service was a Sunday service and there was this man preaching with passion in his eyes and so much energy in his voice smiling as he communicates God's word it was his smile and eloquent speech that attracted me. At first i thought he was the Pastor then but he was in a acting capacity as i was later told. During Sunday School,bible study services I am always excited to hear him teach. Although i didn't really I had close encounter or chat with him but each time i see him talking with others i admire his way of communicating with laughter and smile. Then in my University days on campus,Delta State University Anwai campus precisely during the tail end of my academic year 2009 Dcn Dr AT Onosode thought us on a particular course under forestry and wildlife as he was the HoD then. His way of lecturing was entirely different from every other lecturer,he will explain in details in a calm, slow and steady way so you can understand with stories of his past experience in life that will make you laugh.
His ways of lecturing was in a fatherly manner.
Daddy Onosode has a lovely voice in sing and one of his best hymns was "I am satisfied with Jesus"
He was a disciplinary and a lover of God not just one who feared God. A humble man at that. Always stood for the truth and for the christian faith.
You have left behind a legacy that cannot be ignored.
You have place a mark in the sands of time. You have fought a good fight of faith.
Sleep on Dcn Sir,till the resurrection morning at the sweet by and by.
Adieu Adieu Adieu
Moses O. Idjanere jnr
TODAY AND ALWAYS: THE INDEFATIGABLE HERO OF FAITH!
I wish it was a dream that our gallant soldier of Jesus Christ, Dn. Dr. Andrew Toritsegbogua Onosode put off mortality for immortality that fateful day- 05-05-2020 to join the 24 elders in worshipping God with his sonorous voice!!
Your memory, beloved Uncle Andy will ever remain indelible with us. You were an aroma of the presence of God wherever you were in various capacities especially in the household of Almighty God. Just like the earth laughs in flowers, so were your contagious smiles radiating to the hearts and eyes of all that came in contact with you. It is true beloved Uncle Andy that you filled the centre pages of your life with smiles and radiating love that released men from pains.
There are no regrets for your home call because you displayed your scholarly knowledge and understanding of the deep word of God whenever the need arose- a deliverance minister- a towering child of God who moved with the gait of a Prince of the most High God that you were!! I salute your memory again and again.
I could not, and indeed cannot appreciate you enough for the roles you played in my life and in the life of others. You were first cousin to my father Samson Ogbemi Onosode (of blessed memory), yet you support, care, encouragement were enormous, filling the gaps in many hands with your hand.
Continue to radiate your smiles in the great beyond with the saints triumphant.
No regrets at all over the home call of beloved Uncle Andy but to give glory to God Almighty who blesses our great dynasty with you for 75 years.
Good night beloved till we meet at Jesus’ feet.
Itse Onosode Ejughemre
My times and seasons with my father in the Lord, Dn-Dr. A.T. Onosode (JP).
grace brought me to Ebenezer Baptist Church Sapele as a child in the 80's.
I found this man of God who became a role model to my life.
The upbringing of his children in the fear of the Lord, became a light that lightened my life to destiny. Daddy was a man with many parts and did not live a double life.
A man of integrity with the fear of God, intelligent and a disciplinary with excellence. Whenever daddy was inchargeof Bible study, you cannot afford to miss the service.
The Grace of God is so much on him to teach the Book of Revelation with great understanding.
Daddy will say, get a life application Bible, Bible concordance, Invest in knowledge, a lover of education.
Daddy was my marriage deliverance Minister and one of my guarantor when I was employed. A counselor with a difference.
When I heard Daddy was sick, I called him on phone, He said Endurance, I'm okay now, I promised visiting him. Myself and John Carpe visited Daddy and we met mummy alone at home, she said, Daddy will soon be back. When Daddy arrived, It was a Fellowship with him.
He told us that, he had two surgery in recent time and he is just coming from the hospital and the Doctor confirmed that he was okay.
When Daddy has to travel to Israel for treatment, I prayed for his return to us with Thanksgiving.
On the 5th of May, 2020, It pleased His creator to call him to his mansion in Glory.
He has lived a fulfilled life, He has finished his work. One of his best hymn was; Baptist Hymnal 436. ''I Am Satisfied With Jesus''.
My family and the church will miss you Daddy.
Goodnight great Soldier of Christ till we meet again in the Lord where we never grow old.
May God comfort his family and the church of God.
Adieu Adieu Adieu
(Late)- Dn-Dr. Andrew Toritsegbogua Onosode. JP.
Ogbotor Endurance Ejomafume.
Dr. A. T. Onosode, a veritable PK (Pastor's Kid), was an avid supporter of the Pastor's Children Fellowship (PCF) from its inception. He was an exemplary leader, an astute administrator, a humble and loving father, a prayer warrior and rugged evangelist cum excellent teacher of God's Word. We are greatly honored to be associated with the remarkable life of our amiable father and friend, and rejoice greatly in the LORD who has called him home. We pray for divine comfort, peace and protection upon all members of the Onosode family. Goodnight, Andrew son of the legendary Pinnock Onosode of evergreen memory. Enter into your Father's rest. Yes, there is another PCF in heaven! Jesus says, "I and my Father are one." (John 10:10)
Vincent Enyioke
Fort Worth, Texas
On behalf of Pastors' Children Fellowship International
May 5th that is supposed to be a day of Joy as I call my foster mother in the morning and sang for her on the occasion of her birthday little did I know that God is taking my foster father unto glory.Daddy u came u saw u conquer I'm short of words to describe the person u actually was u we're a man of many part so balance u taught me many things,u brought me into the house as a son,never will you fail to correct me when I am wrong whenever we were together time is usually not enough for us to rob thought together.as I pin this down I remember when I saw u Last December 30th 2019 we pray together and u said 'pastor I'm going and I 'm Coming back'That wen u come you will preach the message God gave you.'the cross the pathway to the supernatural'But daddy is now a message not preach by you the great preacher.Now you have gone to be with the Lord you loved so well and join the cloud of witnesses u normally talked and preach about.pls greet these people for me over there my father,Mr G.T Carpe my brother Akpevwe Onosode greet Dn Emeritus Aganbi.tell them we are still holding the light sleep on Daddy A.T Onosode who train my hands on the delivance ministry.Even in death I love you.
PrintFrom Deacon Dr. E. A TETSOLA
Deacon Dr. ANDRE ONOSODE
A RARE GEM GOES TO BE WITH THE LORD
Deacon Dr. Andrew ONOSODE, our treasured Deacon is no more. Writing a eulogy about certain personalities always evokes mixed feelings, that of Joy, surprise, shock or sadness. Nobody wants to lose a loved one, no matter how old the person is, but death must come all the same, if Jesus tarries.
Our beloved Deacon was a rare gem, good natured, humble and always cheerful with a captivating smile; he was full of wisdom and understanding.
Deacon Andrew ONOSODE was emotionally attached to me and my wife.
Apart from that, I cannot find the words to adequately qualify the bond of love he shared with the Tetsolas'. In fact the bond was not different from that he shared with his biological brothers and sisters. He fondly called me "Big Brother" with a smile.
Andrew was a great man with a golden heart and spirit. "A great soul never dies". So was Deacon Dr. Andrew ONOSODE. He lived a fulfilled life, he was an achiever and a role model.
He touched many lives positively irrespective of their status or relationship with him. He has left indelible marks on the sands of Time.
We are consoled by the fact that we shall meet on that day when a voice stronger than DEATH shall say "AWAKE ARISE and REJOICE"
Adieu, Andy, and Good Night.
DN. Dr. Emmanuel Awatefe Tetsola
Gone But Never To Be Forgotten…
I remember the days (university era) when I visited the home of the Onosodes (visiting my friend, Igbunu). It baffled me then, how cool and calm Igbunu’s dad (Dcn. Dr. Andrew Onosode) was whenever friends of Igbunu were around. He was always very “fatherly”, and it was almost impossible not to admire his fatherhood disposition.
My experience with Dcn. Dr. Andrew Onosode was multi-faceted but I may not be able to document everything at this time.
There was a day he had to go for a meeting in church. Hours before the meeting, Igbunu and I took his car out, we had so much fun during that outing that we had to return to the house later than planned. Hence, delaying Igbunu’s dad from attending his scheduled meeting early. When we got to the house, I expected Igbunu’s dad to display some sort of anger or displeasure concerning what we did but I was shocked (probably confused) how he reacted. When I extended greetings to him, he responded so calmly in his usual way, then he proceeded for his meeting. That day, something changed within me, and that helped me decide the kind of father I would want to be.
I learnt early in life that if you desire certain level of achievement, among other things, you should emulate those who have proof(s) of such achievements. So, on my wedding day, in the absence of my biological father (who passed on when I was a little boy), I asked Dcn. Dr. Andrew Onosode to pray over my marriage and bless the home my wife and I were about to start. One of the best decisions I have ever made!
You may be gone Sir but you are never to be forgotten…
-
Mudiaga Achinike
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