A pioneering educationist among the Ao community, I. Wabang Changkiri of Changki village had passed away after a brief illness at his residence on January 25. He was 95.
Family members of late. I. Wabang stated that, he was one of the pioneering teachers in Mokokchung district and served as a teacher and headmaster in different government high schools and also in different private schools as headmaster and administrator after his retirement in 1984.
Late I. Wapang was born on September 26, 1925, did his schooling at Impur Mission Training School in 1940 and passed out his matriculation from Government High School, Mokokchung in 1950.
He was also one of the first batch IA (pre-university) students at the newly established Fazl Ali College in 1958. I. Wabang took active part in different church activities and served as a deacon of Mokokchung Town Baptist Church (MTBA) for seventeen years.
He also served as an executive member of the apex Ao Baptist church organisation ABAM, fellowship in-charge Aongza Fellowship Church, treasurer of MTBA and Hope Centre, Impur and also as a member of Gideons International, Mokokchung Branch.
Funeral service held on January 25 was attended by friends, relatives, neighbours, villagers and a host of well-wishers. Late I. Wabang is survived by four children, thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren.