Alaba Samuel Oritsegbubemi Fregene was born on May 9, 1961 to the family of the legal legend of his time, lawyer Edward Edun Fregene (who died when Alaba was aged 3) from Bateren in Warri North, Delta State. However, he was raised in Wire Road, Benin city by his Sierra Leonean and Itsekiri mother, Modupe Clarice Fregene, from the great Chief John Ogbe family of Ugbuwangue and the Temple- Cole family of Sierra Leone. He was the youngest of seven children.
Alaba completed his primary education at Emotan Nursery and primary school, Benin city between 1964 and 1972 and had his secondary education at Edo college Benin city between 1973 and 1973. He also spent one year at Eghosa Grammar School to revisit his WASC.
In 1981, he proceeded to Ogwashi-Uku Polythechnic in Delta State where he studied Mass communication and graduated in 1984. He also went on that year to observe the one year industrial training at the observer newspaper company.
In 1984, he was taken to Warri by his uncle Mr. Alfred Olufeyinmi of blessed memory who helped him gain employment into the same company he worked – Nigerian Services and Supply Company Ltd. (NISSCO) Warri Delta State. Here he started his career in the Oil and Gas industry. He held several positions in this company and retired as procurement manager in 2006. He was awarded the 10 years and 15 years long service award respectively for his meritorious and continuous service.
In 2006, Alaba joined Saipem Nigeria, an oil and gas company in Port- Harcourt where he was head of both the Procurement and Logistics sections of the company.
Prior to his retirement, he was recruited to assist in the community and logistics affairs of Subsea 7 which is owned by Globestar, a Luxemburg based Engineering, Construction and Services company. He held this position from 2011 to 2017.
After retiring from the oil and gas industry in January, 2017, Alaba put his entrepreneurial skills to use and focused solely on T.N.K enterprises, an already existing transport company he shrewdly established while at NISSCO. Further on by leveraging on his investments, he merged the idea of a Rental service with the existing company to create a successful venture with the unwavering support of his dear wife and family.
Alaba, after long courtship of over 10 years got married to his heart throb Orobosa Woghiren and the good Lord blessed them with 3 wonderful and amazing children. They also raised several others who are also known and seen as their biological children.
Alaba was a devoted husband and father. His family remembers perceive him as a constant presence in their lives. He was very family oriented and always intentional about having family vacations. Throughout his life, Alaba lived a life of service, dedicating himself to helping others. He was a philanthropist who gave generously not just to those close to him but to anyone in need. This also earned him a Polaris fellow award from the Rotary organisation.
Alaba’s commitment to service extended to his own community as well. He was the chairman of his estate where he lived.
Alaba’s faith was a cornerstone of his life and he was a devout Anglican who lived his life honouring God. He had a great love for hymns and was often moved to tears when he heard them. Also because of his fluency in Yoruba and Benin languages he also listened to Yoruba gospel music.
The Fregenes are known for hosting at their homes and Alaba usually had his closed friends over. He loved hosting gatherings with family, friends and colleagues with his wife ever ready to feed and give their guests a treat.
He was a simple man who connected with people of different background and cultures easily.
For leisure, he enjoyed engaging in mind stimulating games like Text twist or word play. He also found competitive joy in physical activities such as playing basket ball and table Tennis. He was a co – founder and patron of Spinners Table Tennis in 1998. He achieved championship titles in both sports having played for then Bendel State basketball team and beat Lagos State in the national finals at Idia college with Akeem Olajuwon playing for Lagos State.
Additionally, he was an ardent supporter of Arsenal Football club. He had a deep appreciation of music, particularly of blues, Yoruba high life and old school genres.
Alaba will be remembered for his simplicity which could be seen in the way he chose to live his life, the littlest things like how he dressed up daily and for occasions.
Alaba passed away on the 26th of February, 2023 at the age of 61. His legacy of service, simplicity and love lives on. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and unwavering commitment to supporting those he encountered to make the world a better place.
He was survived by his wife Mrs Orobosa Fregene, three children and a daughter in-law; Tuoyo and Nosakhare Fregene, Nire Fregene, Kongbemi Fregene, Brother and Sisters, Cousins, Nephews, Nieces and in-laws.