OTU BENSON OBETEN JNR. (RTD.)

Biography

BIOGRAPHY OF LATE SQUADRON LEADER OTU BENSON OBETEN JNR. (RTD.)

PREAMBLE

It is not so much the number of years with which we are blessed that matters, but the quality of the days we spend and the difference we make in the lives of others. Squadron Leader Otu Benson Obeten Jnr. (Rtd.) was an amiable flight officer with enviable credentials and a distinguished pedigree. He was a statesman, a visionary leader, and a man who lived his life with courage, purpose and an unwavering commitment to his people.

BIRTH AND PARENTAGE

Squadron Leader Otu Benson Obeten Jnr. was born in the early hours of 23 September 1960 into the family of the late Chief Otu Benson Obeten Snr. of Egbizum, Ikapapit, Ugep, and the late Mma Ikwo Eni Omini of Akugom II, both in Ugep Urban.

His father, a veteran of the West African Frontier Force, died when Benson was still very young. He subsequently grew up under the watchful care and tutelage of the late Ete-Eteng Omini of Mkpanghi, Biko-Biko Council Ward, Ugep Urban, who played an important role in his upbringing.

EDUCATION

Squadron Leader Benson Obeten began his primary education at Ugep County Council (UCC) School in 1966. However, the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War interrupted his education.

Following the end of the war, he resumed his studies in 1970, gaining admission into Primary Three at St. Francis School, Alifokpa, Ogoja. He later continued at St. Theresa’s Primary School, Ugep, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) in 1973.

In September 1973, he gained admission into St. Brendan’s Secondary School, Iyamoyong, Obubra. In 1975, he transferred to Community Secondary Grammar School, Ugep, and subsequently to Agbo Comprehensive Secondary School, Egboronyi, Abi Local Government Area, where he completed his secondary education and obtained his West African School Certificate (WASC) in June 1979.

MILITARY CAREER

In 1979, Benson Obeten was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, as an Officer Cadet of the 27th Regular Course (Army).

His career took a defining turn during the Air Force Day in 1980. After watching an impressive display of military jets, he became determined to become a pilot. Upon returning to the NDA, he applied for a change of service from the Army to the Nigerian Air Force. His request was approved, and he began attending Air Force lectures alongside his regular training.

He graduated from the NDA on 18 December 1981 and subsequently proceeded to the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna, where he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer.

In 1982, he received fighter-pilot training at the 301 Flying School, Kaduna, followed by further training at the 303 Flying School, Kano, in 1983/84. He continued flying Nigerian Air Force jet aircraft until 1986, when tragedy struck.

While returning from Maiduguri on official assignment, Benson was involved in a motor accident that affected his spinal cord and left him partially paralysed. He was immediately flown to London for medical treatment.

Following his return, the Nigerian Air Force redeployed him to its Administrative Department, where he served as an administrative staff officer due to his disability.

Despite this major setback, Benson refused to allow his condition to define his life. In 1986, he was offered admission to Bayero University, Kano, to study Sociology, but he declined the offer and instead joined his family in London.

While in London, he gained admission to Buckingham University, where he studied Law. He obtained his LLB between 1993 and 1995 and subsequently earned an LLM between 1995 and 1996.

Squadron Leader Benson Obeten retired from military service in 1997.

His career progression in the Nigerian Air Force was remarkable. He served as Pilot Officer (1980–1982), Flying Officer (1984), Flight Lieutenant (1986), and Squadron Leader (1992).

He also held several appointments, including Course Leader at the 301 Flying School, Kaduna; Course Representative of the Basic Flying Course, Kano; Squadron Commander; Cobra Head Commander; Administrative Staff Officer Pay (AOP); Staff Officer II, Administration; and Acting Group Administrative Officer at the 303 Flying School, Kano.

Throughout his career, he distinguished himself through excellence. He was recognised as the Best in Obstacle Cadet in 1980, Best Student Pilot at both the 301 and 303 Flying Schools, and Best All-Round Athlete. In 1992, he received the Distinguished Service Award, an honour generally bestowed on officers after 12 years of unblemished service.

He is remembered as the first fighter pilot from Ugep and, according to the account of his life, the first flight pilot from Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area.

BUSINESS LIFE

Determined to remain productive after his retirement from military service, Squadron Leader Otu Benson Obeten transitioned into private business. Between 1998 and 2000, he shuttled between London and Nigeria as an importer, building a new chapter of his life beyond the military.

MARITAL LIFE

By virtue of his education, travels and social exposure, Benson encountered people from different backgrounds and was married at various times. His marriages were blessed with seven children: Grace, Cecilia, Big Stephen, Frank, Shirley, Simi and Rose.

He was remembered as a loving husband and a devoted father who embodied the values of responsibility, strength and family.

SOCIAL LIFE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

Squadron Leader Benson Obeten possessed a resilient spirit. For 28 years, he lived with the effects of his disability without allowing it to diminish his zest for life or his commitment to others.

He was a cheerful and consistent giver, a philanthropist, a youth mobiliser and a man who readily identified with the needs of his community. He was greatly admired by people from all walks of life and was known for his simple, unassuming nature and his lively sense of humour.

He stood firmly for peace, justice and truth and was known to speak his mind, particularly when the interests of his people were at stake.

Benson was deeply connected to the traditional and social institutions of Ugep. He was a member of several traditional groups, including Ebilombi, Kegun, Okpor, Nneibong (Ejom), Ndebra and Libin. He was also a Patron of Delta Force, a security organisation in Ugep, and a member of Far North Social Club and Koboma Kedeiya Social Club.

He identified with community projects and contributed his time, resources and counsel to efforts aimed at improving the lives of his people. His advice was often sought in matters concerning the management of Ugep, particularly during periods of peace and crisis, both within the community and in its relations with neighbouring communities.

For this reason, his death was deeply felt by Ugep. The community had lost not merely a former military officer, but a man whose presence, counsel, generosity and commitment had become valuable to its social fabric.

RELIGIOUS LIFE

As a young man, Benson worshipped at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Ugep. As he grew older, however, he did not formally identify with any Christian denomination or Islam. He nevertheless believed in God.

During his final illness at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, he requested that a pastor be invited to pray for him. A pastor was subsequently invited and prayed with him before his death. This became the basis for the church service conducted as part of his burial rites.

HIS PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE

Squadron Leader Otu Benson Obeten believed strongly in purposeful leadership. In his view, a good leader should know how to love his people and inspire confidence in them.

He also believed that disability should never be regarded as a barrier to achieving success. His own life became a powerful testimony to this philosophy. Despite living with a physical disability for decades, he continued to pursue education, business, social engagement and community service.

He strongly opposed the oppression of the less privileged and encouraged people to approach life with courage, dignity and determination.

ILLNESS AND DEATH

Squadron Leader Otu Benson Obeten left London for Nigeria and arrived in Ugep on 9 May 2013 with the intention of renovating his house. He commenced the renovation work but subsequently became ill.

On 24 May 2013, his condition deteriorated. On medical advice, he travelled to Calabar with the intention of catching a flight through Abuja to London for further treatment. However, his health became critical and he was rushed to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for emergency medical care.

After three days of treatment and an apparent improvement in his condition, Benson's health unfortunately declined again.

On 27 May 2013, at approximately 12:45 p.m., Squadron Leader Otu Benson Obeten Jnr. passed away.

He left behind a legacy of military service, resilience, education, philanthropy, leadership and community commitment.

Ugep lost a distinguished son, a pioneer, a counsellor and a man who continued to serve his people even after his military career had ended. His life remains a testament to the power of courage, determination and purposeful service.

May his gentle soul rest in peace. Amen.