*Biography of Stephen Beneth Agada*
Stephen Beneth Agada was born on September 26, 1971, to Late Chief Edward Ochenje Agada and Mrs. Grace Agada. His educational journey began at Central School in Etteh, Igbo-Eze North LGA, Enugu State, where he completed his primary education. He then attended Aji High School in Enugu-Ezike, present-day Enugu State, from 1981 to 1986.
Stephen pursued higher education at the University of Port Harcourt, earning a B.Sc. in Mathematics and Statistics with Second Class Upper honors. He completed his mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program from April 1991 to April 1992. Furthering his academic qualifications, Stephen obtained an MBA in Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 2005. He also acquired additional training in areas such as credit skill assessment (Citibank New York), relationship management (Philip Consulting), supervisory training, and leadership courses.
Stephen's professional career began at All States Trust Bank PLC, where he worked in the credit department at the head office. In May 1996, he joined Finacorp Building Society Limited as a Marketing Executive, a role he held until November 1999. He then moved to Diamond Bank PLC, working in the Credit and Marketing Unit from July 1999 to August 2001.
In January 2002, Stephen joined Fortune International Bank in Abuja as a Business Manager. During his tenure, he received the award for the most profitable highest deposit base and rose to the position of Head of Commercial Banking. In 2004, he joined Intercontinental Bank PLC, initially serving as Group Executive for Commercial Banking before becoming Manager of the Public Sector Group in Abuja.
Stephen's personal life saw a significant milestone when he met and married his wife, Nneka Violet Nwonu, of Umuamam Village, Ifite -Nibo Quarter, Nibo Town, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, at All Saints Anglican Church, Wuse Zone 5, Wuse, on December 2, 2006. The couple is blessed with a son, Beckham David Oche Agada.
Transitioning to the public sector, Stephen served briefly as the Chief Planning Officer at the National Planning Commission in 2008. Later, Stephen and Nneka ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing a business, Office and Home Advantage Depot, a mega store for office and home supplies.
Steve was such a loving Son, Brother, Husband and Father. His family always came first in all considerations.
Steve was a Practicing Christian. He so much believed that Christianity and ones faith shouldn't be measured by ones frequency to Church and Church activities but rather by ones positive impact and relationship with his fellow men, charity works to the less privileged.
Steve silently indulged in a lot of Charity works, empowerment of his people. He believed that "whatever the right hand was doing,the left hand shouldn't know ". As such, a lot of his Philanthropic gestures weren't known to the Society.
Steve, has more than 30 indigent pupils he was sponsoring/financing through School. Many others he assisted to have gainful employment into the Police, Military and other institutions.
Steve associated/partnered with a lot of Bodies/ Associations whose efforts where geared towards the alleviation and betterment of life for people.
Until his passing, he was a member of Good Tidings Bible Church International, Abuja.
Steve's social life cut across different facets of life and people, ranging from his kith and Kin both at home and in diaspora to his professional colleagues, business partners,his staff and friends. To all,he always gave a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on in times of Life's challenges, difficulties and succour to the best of his ability.
To his people (ETTE Community) he was their voice and Community Bread Winner thus the name ' *Onwa na etili Ora'*
Stephen had diverse interests, including problem-solving puzzles, sports and fitness, International business news, Project management, and a Quest for knowledge. His life was characterized by dedication to his career, family, and personal growth until he was called to rest.
He is Survived by:
Mrs Nneka Violet Agada - Wife.
Master Beckham David Oche Agada- Son
Ochenje Grace Agada - Mother.
Ochenje Rosemary Agada- Step Mother
Siblings:
Hyacinth Agada
Angela Agada
Sarah Agada
Henry Agada
Collins Agada
Step Siblings :
Felicia Agada
Miracle Agada
Patience Agada
Alhaji Agada
Ella Agada
Anezi Agada
Ochanya Ada Agada
And many other relations