a community leader and peace maker of Ndi Ojinta compound Etitiama Nkporo was of the Ibe Edem/Chiawo matrilineal heritage. Late teacher Opanwa was the second of three biological siblings with his elder sister, late Madam Aluba Iro Akpala, nee Oji Opanwa and younger brother, late Mr. Ogba Oji Opanwa, and many halfsiblings. Teacher Opanwa’s father embraced the missionary movement on time and encouraged his son to enroll in the western education that came with it. Although late Teacher Opanwa was initiated into the Agbala cult at a tender age, through his father’s wisdom and foresight, he joined the missionary movement and enrolled in school at the age of 9 years. Later Elder Opanwa started his educational career in 1939 at Nkporo Central School, but his education was briefly interrupted by the Second World War. His classmates included the later Elder/Eze Ufere Ilum Mba and Late Chief Emeri Eme Mba. He obtained the First School Living Certificate in 1947. Elder Opanwa was a very brilliant student, and for his secondary education, he enrolled at the Boys Vocational School, Idedep Itu in Akwa Ibom State in 1948. Unfortunately, his dream of further education was aborted due to his parents’ inability to pay his fees. Teacher Opanwa was sent to a trading apprenticeship with the Late Chief Ikpa Eruka of Amanta Abiriba in Calabar. Following the death of his master, he served Chief Egbochuo and Mr. Ikwani Onwuka both of blessed memories at different times. He was thereafter employed as a Salesclerk by the late Chief Ndukwe Ogbaja from 1951 to 1953, and promoted to Sales and Travelling Manager in 1954. In this role, Teacher Opanwa travelled to Lagos to buy goods for the company. He was among the early Nkporo indigenes to have travelled by air. Over time, Elder Opanwa started his own business and had apprentices among whom was his cousin, Chief Onwuka Mba of Ndi Egwuonwu Compound, Etitiama Nkporo. Elder Opanwa met a misfortune in 1954 when the Ufufie Cultists conspired and arranged a daylight robbery on him.
 

In 1955 Elder Opanwa returned to Nkporo, and armed with his school certificate, sought employment as a teacher with the Church of Scotland and was posted to Ohaozara in present day Ebonyi State. His next posting was to Ugoni Okposi CSM School Afikpo in 1956. While at Afikpo, he sat and passed the Teachers Certificate II (TC II) through a correspondence course. During one of the long school holidays that he returned to Nkporo, he got wind that schools were to be opened in the villages by the Owuwa Anyanwu County Council. Elder Opanwa applied for, and was granted the opportunity to establish the Local Authority School (LA school) Ndi Elu Nkporo which later became Ndi Elu Community School and currently Etitiama Community School. He developed and taught in the school with other teachers till 1962. Over the years, he taught at Agboji L.A School, Abiriba (Jan. 1963 to Dec. 1963), Amamba L.A. School, Abiriba (Jan. 1964 to Dec. 1964), Ndi Elu Community School, Etitiama Nkporo (Jan. 1965 to Dec. 1977), Isingwu Community School, Ohafia (Jan. 1978 to Dec. 1978), Amurie Primary School, Nkporo (Jan. 1979 to Dec. 09, 1983) and Nkporo Central School, (Dec. 10, 1983 to Dec. 31, 1984). While still in service, Teacher Opanwa attended the Federal Government Teachers Training College, Uyo Akwa Ibom State for his Teachers Grade 1 (TC I). After 29 years of meritorious service, Teacher Opanwa retired in December 1984. His students over the years are spread out in different academic and other careers and are doing marvelously well. Elder Opanwa was a very industrious man. He combined his teaching career with business, farming and other hobbies and leisure. He was at different phases of his life an itinerant chemist, fisherman and hunter of great repute. During his younger days, he also attempted to join the Nigeria Police Force. Elder Opanwa embraced Christianity very early in his life. He was baptized and confirmed in the Presbyterian Church. He served the Church and excelled in different capacities including Missions and Sunday School Teacher, Church Announcer, Morning Prayer Leader, Session Clerk, Chairman of many committees, Elder Commissioner, and Patron of different Arms of the Church. For his commitment and service in the Lord’s vineyard, Teacher Opanwa was ordained a Ruling Elder of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria on November 18th , 1979. 

Elder Opanwa won many awards and recognitions in the Church including being the first recipient of the Father of the Year in 2000 by the St. Peter’s Presbyterian Parish Ndi Elu Nkporo. He most recently received a posthumous award as a Distinguished Presbyterian during centenary ceremony of Presbyterianism in Nkporo on December 24, 2024. Elder Opanwa excelled in community service to Etitiama Nkporo and the entire Nkporo ancient kingdom. He was a founding member of the great Ekwueme Age Grade of Etitiama Nkporo. He served the age grade as life term Secretary General, and at different times National Chairman. He was for many years the National Vice President of Etitiama Nkporo Development Union, and chairman of many national committees including but not limited to the Ndi Elu Park and Market Committees. Elder Opanwa was also a foundation member of the Nkporo College Committee that saw to the establishment of Nkporo Secondary School Nkporo, the premier secondary school in Nkporo,. He was also the first Chairman, and Secretary of the executive council of Amelu/Amutu Autonomous Community Palace respectively. Elder/Chief Opanwa Oji was first married to late Madam Odu Opanwa Oji, nee Ukpabi of Amurie Nkporo in 1956, and as God will have it later to Elder/Mrs. Rebecca Opanwa Oji, nee Ilum Emeri of Ndi Uwom Compound Etitiama Nkporo in 1963. Elder Opanwa is survived by 8 children and many grand and great grandchildren. His children and grandchildren have distinguished themselves in various careers and life endeavors including public service, business, medical practice, philanthropy and community service. Teacher Opanwa was a motivator, facilitator and rallying point to his biological and fictive kinsmen. He was a peacemaker who stood for justice, fair play and equity throughout his life. He abhorred dishonesty, blackmail, treachery and squabbling in all their ramifications. He inculcated the spirit of hard work, honesty, and service to God and humanity to his children. Elder/Chief Opanwa Oji Opanwa Udemini ended his earthy sojourn at 10:15 pm on Wednesday, June 7th , 2006, at the age of 75 years. Rest on “Aka zuo ike ono ura”. Dwell in His presence “Ekwueme aku”. Abide His coming “Odenki”, and the favoured of the Lord”.