By Juliet Ezeh
The Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA has mourned the death of one of its staff members, Paul Ikherovba Erakhifu, popularly known as “Texas,” who passed away on Friday May 1, 2026.
In a tribute issued by the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the Authority described the late Erakhifu as a committed and hardworking officer whose contributions significantly enhanced the corporate image of the organisation.
Onyemekara recalled that Erakhifu joined the NPA on October 17, 1994, as a junior staff member on Grade Level 3 and rose through the ranks to become a senior officer on Grade Level 13 through dedication, discipline, and professionalism.
According to him, the deceased distinguished himself through his passion for photography, exceptional work ethic, and lively sense of humour, qualities that endeared him to colleagues and associates within and outside the Authority.
“Although we cannot determine our appointed dates of birth and death, we can determine how we are remembered. Texas, through his uncommon commitment to his craft and his contagious sense of humour, intentionally chose to be remembered positively,” Onyemekara stated.
He noted that Erakhifu was widely known for his trademark expressions, “You have made my day” and “Powerful,” which reflected his positive outlook on life and work.
The NPA spokesperson further highlighted Erakhifu’s commitment to personal growth and professional development. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature in 2005, a Master’s degree in International Relations in 2012, and later obtained a Master of Science degree in Mass Communication.
In pursuit of excellence in photography and media practice, Erakhifu also trained at the London Film Academy, London Academy of Media, Film & Television, and the Texas School of Photography in the United States, from where he derived his popular nickname, “Texas.”
Onyemekara added that the late staff member’s diligence and professionalism earned him opportunities to accompany several chief executives of the Authority on official engagements across countries including Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Ghana, Togo, Congo, Guinea and South Africa.
Describing his death as a painful loss, Onyemekara said Erakhifu left behind a remarkable legacy of service, knowledge, and professionalism.
He also noted that beyond his career accomplishments, the deceased contributed to knowledge through the authorship of two books.
“Although Texas will be sorely missed and has left a vacuum difficult to fill, we take solace in the fact that his good deeds, professionalism, and contributions to humanity will continue to be remembered,” he said.
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