High Chief Awe Rufus M. The Onijebu of Itoto, Ipe-Akoko Ondo State was born on 10th November 1958 to the family of Late Pa Shaba Omotoriogunwaye Awe in Itoto Ipe Akoko.
He stated his educational career at St. Andrew’s A/C Primary School Ipe-Akoko, 1965-1971, from there proceeded to St. Philip’s Secondary Modern School Ipe-Akoko 1971-1974 and later further to St John/Mary’s Teachers College Owo 1978-1982. For his higher education he went to Obafemi Awolowo University Ado-Ekiti now Ekiti state University (EKSU) Ado-Ekiti where he obtained B.S.C (Hons) Political Science in 1989.
In his quest for more Knowledge, he proceeded to University of Abuja Gwagwalada for his postgraduate diploma in education (2003) and also National institute for Nigeria Languages (NINLAN) Aba, Abia State for his Postgraduate Diploma in Nigeria Language 2006.
HIS RELIGIOUS BELIEF
A Christian by birth and was brought up under strict Christian principles. In recognition of his role and contribution to the work of God and service to humanity, he has been given awards by his home church St. Andrew’s Anglican Church and St. Luke’s Anglican Church both in Ipe. Also, he is a Bishop Nominee of diocese of Gwagwalada (Anglican Communion) and “Father of Faith” award was given to him by the same Diocese. High Chief Awe has been bestowed with more than ten (10) awards from different organizations.
WORK EXPERIENCE
High Chief Awe first worked as a Bar-man in Otobo Hostel Ikare, 1976-1977 and as a petrol attendance in Mobil filling station Ikare 1977-1978. He also served as a Grade II Teacher at St, James RCM Primary School Ipe – Akoko 1981-1985. He joined FCT Secondary Education Board in 1991 and still working there till date, due to his zeal and commitment to his service he rose to the position of Deputy Director of Education and currently the Principal of Government Secondary School Kwaku, Abuja
SOJOURN INTO THE COOPERATIVE SECTOR
High Chief Awe Rufus is not just an Educationist but a skillful and talented man that make things to happen, who makes the unknown to be known, who makes the unprofitable to be profitable and one who breaks the power of poverty through the establishment of co- operative societies; both in Ipe Land and beyond to help people in creating wealth. And through him many people had become self-reliance and successful business tycoons. To his credit, he had established more than 20 different cooperative societies and still counting. Four (4) in Ipe, Two (2) in Kogi State, Twelve(12) in Abuja FCT and another Two (2) in Kaduna State respectively, through which he empowers several members.
He is married to his beautiful, cute and virtuous wife, Chief (Mrs.) Caroline Awe the Iya Ijo of St. Andrew’s African church Ipe – Akoko; and they are blessed with God fearing children.
