Senior Soban Tekwa Peter Fonjie ("The Master")

By Eno Chris Oben

Every member of the SBMC who regularly attends our monthly meetings remembers Senior Soban Tekwa Peter, fondly called "The Master" by his students — an accolade to his mastery of the English Language. But it is not for his language proficiency that SBMC remembers him. The quiet, soft-spoken, almost withdrawn Soban of the Class of 1968 distinguished himself with a rare humility and humanity among Sobans of his generation.

Every meeting day at meal time, Soban Tekwa would go around the meeting room from table to table, sharing toothpicks to members as they enjoyed the delicacies of the day. Naturally some were too busy with their plates to notice this consistent act of simplicity and humility, meeting day after meeting day. When the toothpicks did not come one meeting day and then another, members started noticing the absence of Senior Soban Tekwa Peter, who had quietly slipped away to get medical attention for his failing health.

On the 11th December 2024, as the bright early morning sun climbed the sky, the shattering news fell. Soban Tekwa Peter had taken his leave as quietly as he had lived — far from the glittering lights and the loudness of today's bustling routines.

He was the scrutineer during chapter elections and he established himself as a fair arbiter who stood up against any irregularity. Now he is gone; incessantly present in our memories; and echoing in our minds the horribly familiar reality that we were all doomed from the first day.

Continue to Rest in Peace, Senior Soban Tekwa Peter.