NPA Mourns Erakhifu, Lauds Decades of Dedication
Editor
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has expressed grief over the passing of one of its long-serving staff members, Mr Paul Ikherovba Erakhifu, popularly known as “Texas,” who died on Friday, May 1, 2026.
In a tribute, the NPA General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara, described the deceased as a dedicated officer who sacrificed much for the growth of the organisation through his contributions to its corporate image.
Onyemekara recalled that the late Erakhifu joined the NPA on October 17, 1994, as a junior staff on Grade Level 03. Through diligence, discipline, and determination, he rose to the rank of a senior officer on Grade Level 13.
“Although we cannot determine our appointed dates of birth and death, we can determine how we want to be remembered. Texas, by his uncommon commitment to his craft (photography) and his contagious sense of humour, definitely set out to be remembered for good,” Onyemekara stated.
He further noted that Erakhifu’s popular refrains, “you have made my day” and “powerful,” reflected his positive outlook on life and his career trajectory.
A committed scholar, the late Erakhifu earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature in 2005, a Master’s degree in International Relations in 2012, and a Master of Science (MSc) in Mass Communication.
To sharpen his professional skills, he trained at the London Film Academy, the London Academy of Media, Film and Television, and the Texas School of Photography, USA. His admiration for the American city led to his famous nickname, “Texas.”
The NPA image maker added that Erakhifu’s diligence saw him travel extensively for high-level official engagements alongside various chief executives of the authority to countries including Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, USA, Japan, South Africa, and several others across West Africa.
“Although Texas will be sorely missed and has left a vacuum difficult to fill, we take solace in the words of James Wrubel that ‘no one truly dies who is remembered.’ We continue to celebrate his good deeds and his contribution to knowledge through the two books he authored,” the statement added.
