₦airaland Forum

TARKWA-BAY – A HAVEN OF SOLEMN PEACE, NATURE’S FRIENDLY RENDITION, GROWING SPIRITUALITY AND HAPPY PEOPLE.

Tarkwa - Bay, a united community of peaceful Nigerians, dates back as memory can go. It is one of the most prominent and peaceful islands in Lagos metropolis that is naturally endowed with a diversity of peace - loving people of conduct, exhilarating nature’s atmosphere with serene and in fact, the first choice, safest beach resort / relaxation of all time.

The community is indeed under Eti-Osa / Iru Local Government Development Area, headed by a committee of responsible and astute elders of extreme quality under the leadership of the Baale (Chief Abiodun Owoeye) with a vibrant Councilor (Mr. Segun Ogunbiyi), an active CDA Chairman (Mr. Saliu King) with the community’s team of neighborhood watchers headed by (Mr. Raphael Orjiwuru) in line with the Council’s arrangement and also an internal rebranding team headed by Mr. Humphrey Adonu, N. James and Pastor Abraham Naikon (Lead Pastor of the Bible Life Church – Tarkwa-Bay).

Tarkwa-Bay is a Nigerian settlement comprising of almost every tribe of the Nigerian entity co-existing in a happy atmosphere alongside with other neighbouring African brothers in their significant numbers. The community is made up of five integrated communities comprising of Tarkwa-Bay, Store Village, Okun-Ayo, Abagbo and Ebute-Oko. The people generally are engaged in Fishing, Water transportation, Petty trading, Chalet Keepers (owned by blue chip companies), Gardeners, Civil Servants, Oil Workers (NNPC), Vessel Workers, Canopy Rentals, Mini Restaurant / Bar Operators, Security Guards, Fashion Designers, Baggage Handlers, Craftsmen and general artisans.

Most reputable organizations including private person’s / families of repute, maintain guest houses in the community for weekend / weekday relaxation / treat. Reputable Organizations such as: Shell Petroleum, Nigerian Breweries, Cappa & D’alberto, Costain West Africa Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, John Holt, Nigerian Ports Authority, Lagos Yatch Club (LYC), Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Police, Chinese Construction firm, etc, all have their guest houses in Tarkwa-Bay.

Religious Organizations: Order of Preachers (Province of St. Joseph (Nigeria and Ghana) - Dominican Fathers and Brothers (St. Dominic’s Parish, Yaba - Lagos), Young Men Christian Association (YMCA), etc

Private Organizations: Chief Atanda Fatai-Williams, Chief Ojora, Chief M. Johnson, H. O. Davies, Akerele family, Eruwariye (Briggs) family, Mr. David (Tarkwa - Texas), etc.

The Order of preachers arrived Tarkwa-Bay in 1976. The organization, through the tireless efforts of its zealous Dominican Brother (Rev. Bro. Stephen Lucas, OP), had built its house (Domus Dominici) – an elevated structured rooms with ground lavatory, kitchen as well as a central assembly room for dining / meetings. Thereafter, its commenced Catechism programmes to educate the Catholic faithfuls for spiritual / moral growth. Today, the Dominicans have established Our Lady of Tarkwa-Bay Catholic Church in the community with up to five hundred worshipping persons.

Presently, with the approval of Nigerian Army, the Catholics now congregate in the army mess as a temporary place of worship with Rev. Fr. Felix Onemheghie, OP of St. Dominic’s Parish as Pastor, while Rev. Bro. Stephen Lucas, OP is the Spiritual Director and Rev. Fr. Charles Ukwe, OP as the Dominican Provincial.

Other team members include David Hadjah (Catechist), Emmanuel Hyacinth-Ozoezi (Catechist), Mathias Biayebo, (Pastoral Council Chairman), Paul Nuche (Pastoral Council Vice Chairman), Everestus Ezeonye (Acting Secretary) and Pauline Anyiam (Treasurer), Dominic Ogbonnaya (Patron), Ichie Donatus Anyiam (Patron), Margaret Ozoezi (Patroness), Agnes Mensah (Patroness).

With support from the Spiritual Director, the Church is presently sourcing the possibility of a suitable land-space for the construction of a befitting and permanent place of worship for the people. On Feb 14th, 2010, the community witnessed a maiden voyage of His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie’s visit to the community as a landmark of hope and blessings to come.

This visitation reflected Tarkwa-bay as a community of God’s fearing and loving people. The Cardinal was received with great love and cheer by the community leaders, traditional rulers, religious communities and friends as he rode on a four-wheel power-bike round the community. In the end, he visited the Baale of the Community (Chief Abiodun Owoeye) who pledged his support to work with him to actualize a befitting site for Our Lady of Tarkwa-Bay.

The Dominicans through the efforts of Rev. Bro. Stephen Lucas, OP, also brought The Christian Foundation for Children and Aging program (CFCA) (www.cfcausa.org) into the community to assist the children and aging. CFCA is a Kansas based non–governmental organization that has its outreach in many parts of the world.

The CFCA was then managed by Mr. Dotun Labinjo (Lagos Project Co-ordinator) with Emmanuel Justin appointed as Sub-project head. The project enrolled up to six hundred beneficiaries with their school fees paid annually with relief materials (food / beverages) given. The program lasted nearly a decade and went a long way to improve the moral, spiritual and economic welfare of most beneficiaries.

Aside from this, one of its beneficiaries (Monday Akogun) was taken to United States for further Studies and some others sponsored to quality private boarding schools in Lagos. These include: Virginia-Mary Anyanwu (Reagan Memorial High School, Yaba) and Chiemeke Nnajiofor (Access International School, Lagos).

Even though CFCA was a Christian based program, the Dominicans extended the benefits to people of all faiths in the community. Also, through other private Sponsors, they distributed mosquito treated nets on many occasions to children and caring mothers.

The Dominicans have organized and held several fund raising luncheon to grow Our Lady of Tarkwa-Bay. This saw the invitation of eminent personalities of repute into the community. These included: Mr. Ogunsino Bernadino Doregos, Mr. John Ogwo, Barrister Chikwe Chigbue (Late), Mr. Bayo Fatusin (House J. Resorts and Suites), Dame Felicia Okoli (More Enterprises), Mrs. Rita Nwabueze (USA), Mr. Michael Murray-Bruce (Silverbird Entertainment) and Osigwe Anyiam Osigwe families. It is believed with God’s assistance and support from the Cardinal, Our Lady of Tarkwa-Bay will have its own befitting place of worship.

Also, several retreats with prominent preachers were held for the people in the past seven years: Invited preachers included: (2005): Rev. Fr. Jude Mbukanma, OP, (Ilorin), (2006): Rev. Fr. Sylvanus Osigwe of Ifo Diocese, (2007): Bishop Ayo-Maria Atoyebi, OP, of Ilorin Diocese, (2008): Rev. Fr. Benjamin Kwaghgba, OP, (2009): Rev. Fr. Michael Tukura, OP, (2010): Rev. Fr. Nicholas Okeke, OP and in 2011 Rev. Fr. Raphael Ogoke OP , all from Dominican Community, Ibadan.

Going by these prominent presence at Tarkwa-Bay with the undeterred religious supports from the Dominicans, the fallout of moral decadence as outlined in some print media reports may have been blown out of proportion. Tarkwa-Bay is made up of many Churches, comprising of Catholic, Anglican, Apostolic, Pentecostal and the Jehovah Witnesses.

Most parents are very conscious and disciplined. Besides, morals are taught at home, enhanced at school, and also preached in the Churches. Decadence of moral exists in every society, it exists in the mainland and even Worldwide. All society the world-over including parents are making efforts to stem the tide of moral decadence for a better society and healthy living. Most residents of Tarkwa-bay are free and filled with people of pleasant personalities and conscience who are aware of their integrity and maintain their families prestige.

It is worth noting that the community has produced a number of great Nigerians, including Mr. Gani Balogun of Tarzan Marine Nigeria Limited, Fiki Balogun - Fiki Nigeria Limited, Wasiu Olowu - Wasco Marine Services, Emmanuel Omitogun - Manager - MTN Nigeria, Samuel Ajose Zannu - Manager - Cappa & D’alberto, C. Woh - Manager - Agip Oil, Emmanuel Hyacinth-Ozoezi (Web Manager - Dominican Fathers and Brothers) / advancing the course of e-commerce in Nigeria, Barrister Ade Amure (Legal practitioner), Mr. Peter Eke (Well travelled and astute educationist), Mr. Adesina (One of the Best Teacher of all time), numerous students in higher learning across the federation including Pastoral leaders of excellence and a host of reputable elders of integrity alongside other veiled personalities of impeccable character and repute.

Hence, I am humble to say that Tarkwa-bay is a peace and loving community !

Rev. Bro. Stephen Lucas, OP.
Spiritual Director - Our Lady of Tarkwa-Bay Catholic Church

TARKWA-BAY – A HAVEN OF SOLEMN PEACE, NATURE’S FRIENDLY RENDITION, GROWING SPIRITUALITY AND HAPPY PEOPLE.

Tarkwa - Bay, a united community of peaceful Nigerians, dates back as memory can go. It is one of the most prominent and peaceful islands in Lagos metropolis that is naturally endowed with a diversity of peace - loving people of conduct, exhilarating nature’s atmosphere with serene and in fact, the first choice, safest beach resort / relaxation of all time.

The community is indeed under Eti-Osa / Iru Local Government Development Area, headed by a committee of responsible and astute elders of extreme quality under the leadership of the Baale (Chief Abiodun Owoeye) with a vibrant Councilor (Mr. Segun Ogunbiyi), an active CDA Chairman (Mr. Saliu King) with the community’s team of neighborhood watchers headed by (Mr. Raphael Orjiwuru) in line with the Council’s arrangement and also an internal rebranding team headed by Mr. Humphrey Adonu, N. James and Pastor Abraham Naikon (Lead Pastor of the Bible Life Church – Tarkwa-Bay).

Tarkwa-Bay is a Nigerian settlement comprising of almost every tribe of the Nigerian entity co-existing in a happy atmosphere alongside with other neighbouring African brothers in their significant numbers. The community is made up of five integrated communities comprising of Tarkwa-Bay, Store Village, Okun-Ayo, Abagbo and Ebute-Oko. The people generally are engaged in Fishing, Water transportation, Petty trading, Chalet Keepers (owned by blue chip companies), Gardeners, Civil Servants, Oil Workers (NNPC), Vessel Workers, Canopy Rentals, Mini Restaurant / Bar Operators, Security Guards, Fashion Designers, Baggage Handlers, Craftsmen and general artisans.

Most reputable organizations including private person’s / families of repute, maintain guest houses in the community for weekend / weekday relaxation / treat. Reputable Organizations such as: Shell Petroleum, Nigerian Breweries, Cappa & D’alberto, Costain West Africa Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, John Holt, Nigerian Ports Authority, Lagos Yatch Club (LYC), Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Police, Chinese Construction firm, etc, all have their guest houses in Tarkwa-Bay.

Religious Organizations: Order of Preachers (Province of St. Joseph (Nigeria and Ghana) - Dominican Fathers and Brothers (St. Dominic’s Parish, Yaba - Lagos), Young Men Christian Association (YMCA), etc

Private Organizations: Chief Atanda Fatai-Williams, Chief Ojora, Chief M. Johnson, H. O. Davies, Akerele family, Eruwariye (Briggs) family, Mr. David (Tarkwa - Texas), etc.

The Order of preachers arrived Tarkwa-Bay in 1976. The organization, through the tireless efforts of its zealous Dominican Brother (Rev. Bro. Stephen Lucas, OP), had built its house (Domus Dominici) – an elevated structured rooms with ground lavatory, kitchen as well as a central assembly room for dining / meetings. Thereafter, its commenced Catechism programmes to educate the Catholic faithfuls for spiritual / moral growth. Today, the Dominicans have established Our Lady of Tarkwa-Bay Catholic Church in the community with up to five hundred worshipping persons.

Presently, with the approval of Nigerian Army, the Catholics now congregate in the army mess as a temporary place of worship with Rev. Fr. Felix Onemheghie, OP of St. Dominic’s Parish as Pastor, while Rev. Bro. Stephen Lucas, OP is the Spiritual Director and Rev. Fr. Charles Ukwe, OP as the Dominican Provincial.

Other team members include David Hadjah (Catechist), Emmanuel Hyacinth-Ozoezi (Catechist), Mathias Biayebo, (Pastoral Council Chairman), Paul Nuche (Pastoral Council Vice Chairman), Everestus Ezeonye (Acting Secretary) and Pauline Anyiam (Treasurer), Dominic Ogbonnaya (Patron), Ichie Donatus Anyiam (Patron), Margaret Ozoezi (Patroness), Agnes Mensah (Patroness).

With support from the Spiritual Director, the Church is presently sourcing the possibility of a suitable land-space for the construction of a befitting and permanent place of worship for the people. On Feb 14th, 2010, the community witnessed a maiden voyage of His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie’s visit to the community as a landmark of hope and blessings to come.

This visitation reflected Tarkwa-bay as a community of God’s fearing and loving people. The Cardinal was received with great love and cheer by the community leaders, traditional rulers, religious communities and friends as he rode on a four-wheel power-bike round the community. In the end, he visited the Baale of the Community (Chief Abiodun Owoeye) who pledged his support to work with him to actualize a befitting site for Our Lady of Tarkwa-Bay.

The Dominicans through the efforts of Rev. Bro. Stephen Lucas, OP, also brought The Christian Foundation for Children and Aging program (CFCA) (www.cfcausa.org) into the community to assist the children and aging. CFCA is a Kansas based non–governmental organization that has its outreach in many parts of the world.

The CFCA was then managed by Mr. Dotun Labinjo (Lagos Project Co-ordinator) with Emmanuel Justin appointed as Sub-project head. The project enrolled up to six hundred beneficiaries with their school fees paid annually with relief materials (food / beverages) given. The program lasted nearly a decade and went a long way to improve the moral, spiritual and economic welfare of most beneficiaries.

Aside from this, one of its beneficiaries (Monday Akogun) was taken to United States for further Studies and some others sponsored to quality private boarding schools in Lagos. These include: Virginia-Mary Anyanwu (Reagan Memorial High School, Yaba) and Chiemeke Nnajiofor (Access International School, Lagos).

Even though CFCA was a Christian based program, the Dominicans extended the benefits to people of all faiths in the community. Also, through other private Sponsors, they distributed mosquito treated nets on many occasions to children and caring mothers.

The Dominicans have organized and held several fund raising luncheon to grow Our Lady of Tarkwa-Bay. This saw the invitation of eminent personalities of repute into the community. These included: Mr. Ogunsino Bernadino Doregos, Mr. John Ogwo, Barrister Chikwe Chigbue (Late), Mr. Bayo Fatusin (House J. Resorts and Suites), Dame Felicia Okoli (More Enterprises), Mrs. Rita Nwabueze (USA), Mr. Michael Murray-Bruce (Silverbird Entertainment) and Osigwe Anyiam Osigwe families. It is believed with God’s assistance and support from the Cardinal, Our Lady of Tarkwa-Bay will have its own befitting place of worship.

Also, several retreats with prominent preachers were held for the people in the past seven years: Invited preachers included: (2005): Rev. Fr. Jude Mbukanma, OP, (Ilorin), (2006): Rev. Fr. Sylvanus Osigwe of Ifo Diocese, (2007): Bishop Ayo-Maria Atoyebi, OP, of Ilorin Diocese, (2008): Rev. Fr. Benjamin Kwaghgba, OP, (2009): Rev. Fr. Michael Tukura, OP, (2010): Rev. Fr. Nicholas Okeke, OP and in 2011 Rev. Fr. Raphael Ogoke OP , all from Dominican Community, Ibadan.

Going by these prominent presence at Tarkwa-Bay with the undeterred religious supports from the Dominicans, the fallout of moral decadence as outlined in some print media reports may have been blown out of proportion. Tarkwa-Bay is made up of many Churches, comprising of Catholic, Anglican, Apostolic, Pentecostal and the Jehovah Witnesses.

Most parents are very conscious and disciplined. Besides, morals are taught at home, enhanced at school, and also preached in the Churches. Decadence of moral exists in every society, it exists in the mainland and even Worldwide. All society the world-over including parents are making efforts to stem the tide of moral decadence for a better society and healthy living. Most residents of Tarkwa-bay are free and filled with people of pleasant personalities and conscience who are aware of their integrity and maintain their families prestige.

It is worth noting that the community has produced a number of great Nigerians, including Mr. Gani Balogun of Tarzan Marine Nigeria Limited, Fiki Balogun - Fiki Nigeria Limited, Wasiu Olowu - Wasco Marine Services, Emmanuel Omitogun - Manager - MTN Nigeria, Samuel Ajose Zannu - Manager - Cappa & D’alberto, C. Woh - Manager - Agip Oil, Emmanuel Hyacinth-Ozoezi (Web Manager - Dominican Fathers and Brothers) / advancing the course of e-commerce in Nigeria, Barrister Ade Amure (Legal practitioner), Mr. Peter Eke (Well travelled and astute educationist), Mr. Adesina (One of the Best Teacher of all time), numerous students in higher learning across the federation including Pastoral leaders of excellence and a host of reputable elders of integrity alongside other veiled personalities of impeccable character and repute.

Hence, I am humble to say that Tarkwa-bay is a peace and loving community !

Rev. Bro. Stephen Lucas, OP.
Spiritual Director - Our Lady of Tarkwa-Bay Catholic Church