NOBEL BRIGADIER GENERAL SYLVESTER ISIDAHOMEN EGBASE’S (KSJI) BIOGRAPHY

Nobel Brigadier General Sylvester Isidahomen Egbase (KSJI) was privileged to be born into the distinguished family of Mr. Sylvester Palmer and Mrs. Christiana Omoegbe Egbase (both now deceased) from Oyomon, Uromi on the 18th of January, 1951 at Bukuru- Jos.

He had his nursery, kindergarten and early primary education in different parts of the country namely; Sokoto, Onitsha, Igarra, Irrua before his parents finally settled at Uromi in 1958. This was so because of the frequent transfer his father was subjected to in the old colonial service. He competed his primary education at the St. Anthony’s Catholic primary school (now Okpuje Primary School) in 1963. In 1964, he proceeded to Ishan Grammar School (now Esan Model Grammar School) Uromi for his secondary education. He obtained his West African School Certificate in 1968. Between 1969 and 1970, he studied for and obtained his Higher School Certificate at the Immaculate Conception College, Benin City. In 1971, he secured admission into the premier institution of the University of Ibadan to study for a bachelor degree in Agricultural Biochemistry and Nutrition. He graduated with an honors degree, (second class upper division) in 1974. In 1977, he proceeded to the University of Aston, U.K where he graduated with a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Chemistry and Technology of Polymers. While at Aston, he also qualified to be a Graduate of the Plastics and Rubber Institute (GPRI) of London. Later in 1988, he proceeded to the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK for a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Business Studies. He topped his class in that programme. Shell International Chemicals, UK offered him immediate employment. This was tradition at that time.

Although his parents could conveniently finance his education pursuits, he is grateful to God that he qualified to benefit from the various scholarship schemes available at that time. He used Ishan Divisional Local Government Scholarship for his secondary education. He was a German Scholar during his undergraduate studies at the University of Ibadan. He also secured in-service sponsorship from the Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria Iyanamon, Benin City for his postgraduate studies at the universities of Aston and Edinburgh. He was equally awarded the Federal Government Scholarship for his graduate studies in the UK.

He started his working career with the Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN) as a Research Officer in 1975 and left for his graduate studies in 1977. He had a short stint with NIPOL Ltd, Ibadan, an associate company of UAC International between 1980 and 1982 in the capacities of Marketing Manager and Production Planning Manager. He joined the Nigerian Rubber Board in 1982 as Manager in the Techno-Economic Planning and Research Division. The Commodity Boards became defunct in 1987. Upon the nation-wide demise of the Commodity Boards in 1987, he established Sylbase Polymerics (Nig) Ltd which was primarily engaged in Management Consultancy and Polymer Services. In 2002, he was appointed into the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC). he served as REC in Ondo, Rivers and Kastina States respectively. He disengaged from INEC in 2006 at the expiration of his tenure. Upon his disengagement from INEC, he set up Sylbase Concepts (Nig) Limited, a company engaged in the customization of fabrics and gift items via monogramming, embroidery, transfer and screen printing.

He was also privileged to serve Edo State Government in the following capacities:

• Director, Bendel Breweries (Nig) Ltd (1992-1993)
• Director, Edo State Hospital Management Board (1989-1991)
• Member, Edo State Government Committee on the Creation of Additional Local Government Areas (2004)

He was widely travelled and he belonged to several professional, recreational, religious and socio-cultural associations. Some of which are:

1. Member, Plastics and Rubber Institute, London.
2. Member, Benin Club.
3. Member, Uromi Peoples Movement.
4. Member, Esan Grammar School Old Boys Association.
5. Member, University of Edinburgh Alumni.
6. Member, University of Aston Alumni.
7. Knight of St. John International.

He was born into a Catholic home. He remained and continued to practice the Catholic faith to the best of his ability. He was initiated into the Knighthood Order of St. John international in 1999. He has held several positions in the Diocese and his parish, St Albert Catholic Church, UNIBEN/UBTH including the Chairman of the Parish Laity Council between 1999 and 2002. From  July 15 2017 Until his death, he was president of the Benin Grand commandery Knight of St. John International (KSJI).

He was married to his jewel of inestimable value, Lady Felicia Idegbe Egbase (KSJI) nee Ochonogor. They were blessed with four wonderful children and 10 grandchildren namely:

Barr. Mrs Christiana Omomene Obanor (Nee Egbase)

Dr Martins Isikhuemen Egbase

Mr Jude Oseghale Egbase

Mrs Sylvia Ofure Akhere-Ugbesia

***Grand Children***

Master Kelvin Osama Obanor (Grandson)
Miss Ofure Obanor (Granddaughter)
Miss Juanita Isibakhome Egbase (Granddaughter)
Master Ose Egbase (Grandson)
Miss Eghoghon Egbase (Granddaughter)
Miss Otibhoh Jeana Mira Egbase (Granddaughter)
Miss Ofure Renee Maya Egbase (Granddaughter)
Master Caleb Iziegbe Osobase-Ugbesia (Grandson)
Miss Casey Ejemhen Osobase-Ugbesia (Granddaughter)
Miss Camille Ihinosen Osobase-Ugbesia (Granddaughter)

May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen!!