Paul Osazuwa Evbuoma

Paul Osazuwa Evbuoma was born to Sylvester Osayande and Rachael (Iguodala) Evbuoma in Zaria, Nigeria on May 24, 1952. He was the eighth of ten children. Paul departed this life on Friday, October 30, 2020.

Paul attended St. Patrick Elementary School in Yaba, Nigeria (1958 – 1960). After the expansion of the Lagos Catholic Diocese in the late 50’s and the newly completed St. Michael’s Church Mushin, and St. Thomas Aquinas Primary School, St. Patrick’s parishioners closest in area to Mushin were encouraged to attend the church and enroll their children at the nearby St. Thomas Aquinas, Idi-Oro. Paul attended St. Thomas Aquinas from 1960 to 1966.

Growing up in a devout Catholic home, his parents taught their children to be good students of comparative religion. “Reading and learning the Bible must not stop at home, you must embrace the pedagogy and practice it everywhere. It should not matter whether you are Catholic, Baptist, Anglican, Methodist, or Pentecostal if you practice the faith and believe its tenets,” Paul’s father would often say to his children.

Paul loved attending St Michael’s Church, especially the high nuptial mass with his parents. In 1962 at the age of 10 he volunteered and became an alter boy. He received his first holy communion at 11 and by 12 he was fully confirmed to be a soldier for Christ. To add discipline, as a pre-teen, he joined the Boys Scout of Nigeria while at St Thomas.

Paul attended Edo College from (1967 – 1971). In high school Paul was highly active in martial arts. He specifically participated in judo, karate, and jiu-jitsu. He was a regular member in the Edo College Self Defense Club. Paul was also a great high school boxer and represented the Ozolua House in boxing during the inter-house sports. After leaving high school, Paul worked briefly at the Daily Times and High Court in Lagos.

In 1975, Paul moved to Chicago, Illinois in the United States. He received an associate degree at Loop College (now known as Harold Washington College). He then proceeded to the University of Illinois, Chicago and studied Geology.

Paul was a follower of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a minister who faithfully served as a member of the Edo Ministers Fellowship. He devoted his life to bringing souls to Christ. His greatest passion was his love of God and evangelizing in His name.

He played soccer as a child and briefly as an adult. In 1976, he tried his luck as the backup goalie for the Pan Africans, an amateur soccer club comprised mostly of Africans in the diaspora. The Pan Africans were based in Chicago. After the Pan Africans disbanded in 1977, he assisted in establishing the Gazelle Soccer Club.

Paul moved to Charleston, South Carolina in 1990 for the beginning of his pilgrimage into the Christian ministry. He was ordained a Pastor 1992 and moved to New Orleans in 1995 to continue spreading the word. He was a member of the Edo Ministries of New Orleans and Houston.

Pastor Paul left behind a legacy of close personal friends amongst whom are: Anthony Okoye, Vincent Ofoedu, Enoch Cruickshank, Ed Kotey, and the Akiwowos.

Pastor Paul leaves to cherish his memories his aunt, his brothers: Dr. Stan Evbuoma, Dr. Nicholas Evbuoma, Mr. Peter Evbuoma, Mr. John Evbuoma, and Dr. Gabriel Evbuoma, his sisters: Mrs. Rose Omoshie and Mrs. Mary Aliu, several loving nephews, nieces and cousins, including one special cousin, Justina Omorodion, who was by his side during his hospitalization and until his final breath.

Honorary Pall Bearers: Henrietta Ovu, Osamudiame Evbuoma, Vera Omoshie, Osoname Aliu, Osaetin Asemota and Osaetin Igbinedion