Agnes Tager, also known as Agnes Avwenyotoma Tager, was an esteemed Nigerian educator, philanthropist, and the mother-in-law of Sheriff Oborevwori, the governor of Delta State. She peacefully passed away on September 3, 2023, at the age of 86, following a brief illness. Her final resting place was on November 24, 2023, in her hometown of Evwreni, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other beloved relatives.
Agnes Tager Biography and Wiki
| Name | Agnes Avwenyotoma Tager |
| Date of Birth | February 14, 1937 |
| Place of Birth | Evwreni, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria |
| Date of Death | September 3, 2023 |
| Place of Death | Navy Hospital, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria |
| Cause of Death | Brief Illness |
| Age of Death | 86 Years Old |
| Occupation | Educator, Philanthropist, Community Leader |
| Education | St. Andrew’s Primary School, Evwreni; St. Theresa’s College, Ughelli; St. Theresa’s Teachers Training College, Ughelli; University of Lagos |
| Spouse | Late Chief Tager Oghenevwede (died in 1998) |
| Children | Clement, Patrick, Emmanuel, Tobore, Anthony, Helen |
| Grandchildren | 18 |
| Great-grand children | 4 |
| Religion | Christianity (Catholic) |
| Hobbies | Reading, Singing, Dancing, Playing Lawn Tennis |
Early Life and Education
Agnes Tager was born on February 14, 1937, in Evwreni, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. She was the second child of the late Chief Otuavwori and the late Madam Oghenevwede Otuavwori.
For her early education, she attended St. Andrew’s Primary School in Evwreni, and later continued her secondary education at St. Theresa’s College in Ughelli. Her academic journey led her to achieve a Grade II Teachers Certificate from St. Theresa’s Teachers Training College in Ughelli in 1958. She further pursued her studies at the University of Lagos, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1974.
Career and Achievements
Agnes Tager embarked on her teaching career in 1959 at St. Andrew’s Primary School, Evwreni, dedicating two years to nurturing young minds. Subsequently, she transitioned to St. Theresa’s College, Ughelli, where she shared her expertise in English Language and Literature for a remarkable span of 16 years. Within this tenure, she assumed the role of vice principal from 1972 to 1975.
In 1975, Agnes joined Government College, Ughelli, continuing her profound impact by teaching English Language and Literature until her retirement in 1992. During her tenure, she served as the head of the English Department and held the position of vice principal at different intervals. Her reputation as a teacher was marked by her unwavering dedication, disciplined approach, and commitment to academic excellence.
Agnes Tager showcased remarkable philanthropy and leadership within her community. She initiated and led the Agnes Foundation, a non-governmental organization dedicated to providing scholarships, empowerment programs, and humanitarian aid, particularly focusing on the marginalized, especially women and children in Delta State and beyond. Her role extended to serving as a matron for various associations and clubs, including the Evwreni Women Association, Evwreni Progressive Union, Catholic Women Organization, Rotary Club of Ughelli, and the Nigerian Union of Teachers.
Her contributions and efforts were duly recognized through several prestigious awards and honors, including the Delta State Merit Award, Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow Award, Nigerian Union of Teachers Gold Award, and the Catholic Church Papal Medal Award.
Personal Life and Family
Agnes Tager was wedded to the late Chief Tager Oghenevwede, a respected businessman and community figure, until his passing in 1998. Together, they raised six children—four sons named Clement, Patrick, Emmanuel, Anthony, and two daughters, Tobore and Helen. Tobore, one of her daughters, is married to Sheriff Oborevwori, the governor of Delta State.
Devoted to her faith, Agnes was a committed member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Society and an active participant in the Catholic community. She found joy in various interests, including music, literature, and sports. Her leisure pursuits included reading, singing, dancing, and playing lawn tennis.
Death and Tributes
Agnes Tager passed away on September 3, 2023, at the Navy Hospital in Effurun, Delta State, after a brief illness at the age of 86. Her family officially announced her demise through a statement signed by Clement Tager Otuavwori and Pastor Lucky Ikpokpo. Her funeral took place on November 24, 2023, at the Eni Grammar School, Evwreni, followed by her burial in the family compound, where guests were received.
Numerous dignitaries, friends, and well-wishers joined in mourning Agnes Tager’s loss and honored her life and contributions through heartfelt tributes. Some of them include:
- Governor Sheriff Oborevwori fondly remembered Agnes Tager as a nurturing mother, a guiding mentor, and an exemplary role model. He highlighted her unwavering support for both him and his wife in their personal and political journeys. Describing her as a woman of substance, integrity, and profound compassion, he emphasized how her generosity and kindness positively impacted numerous lives.
- The Integrity Group of Delta State, along with the More Agenda and the You Matter Charity Foundation Ambassadors, extended their solidarity to the governor and his wife during their period of mourning. They urged fellow Deltans to demonstrate compassion and support for the first family in their time of sorrow. These groups praised Agnes for her virtues, her visionary contributions, and her invaluable role in the progress of Delta State and Nigeria.
- Hon. Victor Ochei, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, conveyed his condolences to the governor and his wife and offered prayers for the peaceful repose of Agnes Tager’s soul. He hailed her as an esteemed educator, a dedicated philanthropist, and an influential community leader who crafted a lasting legacy defined by service and unwavering excellence.
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