Edison George Otuturu (1941-2017)

Edison George Otuturu (1941-2017)

Edison George Otuturu was a prolific librarian and publisher who contributed significantly to the development of knowledge and library services in the Niger Delta region. He played key roles in setting up several libraries, including the Engineering Library at Shell Petroleum Development Company in Port Harcourt, and the Major Nyananyo Memorial Library in Nembe. He also served as the University Librarian at Niger Delta University, where he made substantial contributions to the institution’s library system. His dedication to professional librarianship earned him numerous accolades throughout his career.

Isolima Tamunamiebi Dateme (1938–2019)

Isolima Tamunamiebi Dateme (1938–2019)

Isolima Tamunamiebi Dateme was a respected Nigerian educator and the first civilian headmistress of the Nigerian Navy Primary School in Borokiri, Port Harcourt, where she served for 13 years. Born on November 6, 1938, in Port Harcourt, she began her teaching career after completing teacher training in Aba. Throughout her career, she was known for her leadership, commitment to education, and involvement in church activities.

A devout Anglican, Isolima was dedicated to her family and faith. She was married to the late Daniel Abibo Dateme, and together they had three daughters. She passed away on October 4, 2019, leaving a lasting legacy in education and her community.

Johnbull Ekoi Kotingo (1947-2016)

Johnbull Ekoi Kotingo (1947-2016)

Johnbull Ekoi Kotingo (1947-2016) was a Deputy Commissioner of Police known for his humane disposition, wit, and intelligence in handling civil and criminal investigations. He hailed from Okumbiri community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Joining the Nigeria Police Force in the early 1970s, he rose through the ranks to become Deputy Commissioner of Police before retiring in 2002. A staunch member of Deeper Life Bible Church, Johnbull Kotingo passed away peacefully in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and dedication to law enforcement.

Christiana Virginia Koripamo (1910-2015)

Mrs. Christiana Virginia Koripamo (1910-2015)

Mrs. Christiana Virginia Koripamo (1910-2015), affectionately known as “Mama,” was a renowned nurse/midwife and girl-child advocate. She established the Irigha Maternity Home in Port Harcourt, which operated for over twenty years. Mama was dedicated to reducing maternal and infant mortality, breaking down old beliefs about female circumcision and twin births, and promoting education for the girl-child. She was married to Rowland James Erasmus Koripamo and had six children. Mama received several honors, including the National Merit Award and the Bayelsa Women of Distinction Award. She passed away on February 15, 2015, at the age of 104.

CHIEF BORO CLEVER IGE-EDABA (1929-1999)

CHIEF BORO CLEVER IGE-EDABA (1929-1999)

Chief Boro Clever Ige-Edaba, a skilled and formidable real estate appraiser from the Emakalakala community in Ogbia Kingdom, Bayelsa State, made significant contributions to land valuation across Eastern Nigeria and the former Rivers State. He was also a prominent advocate for the Ogbia Brotherhood socio-political movement.

Mariam Bubaraye Indiamaowei (1950–2019)

Mariam Bubaraye Indiamaowei (1950-2019)

Dame Mariam Bubaraye Indiamaowei (1950-2019) was a dedicated educator and entrepreneur from Sagbagria, Bayelsa State. Born into a modest family, she overcame numerous challenges to earn a degree in Educational Psychology and significantly impacted the education sector in Rivers and Bayelsa States.

At 16, she married Engr. Paul William Indiamaowei and together they raised eight children. A devout Anglican, Mariam was actively involved in her church, being knighted as a Dame of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 2011. She also founded OlaEbi Enterprises, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit alongside her commitment to family and faith. Mariam passed away on May 7, 2019, leaving a lasting legacy of resilience and love.

Mr Jonathan E. Oye (1953 – 2024)

Mr. Jonathan Einbaipreyo Oye, hailing from the Nembe Kingdom of Bayelsa State, was a distinguished professional administrator within the civil service of the former Rivers State and later Bayelsa State. He is widely recognized for his significant contributions as a formidable civil servant, particularly in his role as Permanent Secretary, where he played a pivotal role in advancing the development of the public service of both old Rivers State and Bayelsa State.

Stephen Nunoebiyu Mac-Ake aka “Fine Boy” (1942 – 2024)

Stephen Nunoebiyu Mac-Ake aka "Fine Boy" (1942 - 2024)

Stephen Nunoebiyu Mac-Ake, popularly known as “Fine Boy,” was a prominent technical auto mechanic from Ogbia Kingdom, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Born on May 2, 1942, he played a significant role in training youths in mechanical engineering during the 1980s and contributed to the agricultural sector, particularly through the School to Land Project.

After obtaining his OND in Mechanical Engineering, Stephen worked at the Government Vocational Technical Center in Port Harcourt, later serving as a technical teacher at Government Comprehensive Secondary School Borokiri. He significantly impacted the School to Land Project and worked with various employment centers, helping secure job opportunities for many youths.

A devout member of the Gospel Deliverance Mission, Stephen was married to Mac-Ake Chimelam Naomi and had nine children. He passed away on March 12, 2024, at the age of 82.

Mrs Ibariere Thompson (1938-2024)

Mrs Ibariere Thompson

Mrs. Ibariere Thompson (née Andakurai) was born around 1938 in Kaiama, Bayelsa State. Despite losing her parents at a young age, she was raised by loving relatives and grew into a hardworking, kind-hearted woman. She married Daubiri Thompson, a Nigerian Armed Forces member, but after his death during the Civil War, she became the family’s breadwinner. Ibariere ran a successful catering business in Port Harcourt and traded across the Niger Delta. A devout Christian, she was deeply involved in the church. She passed away peacefully on March 24, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and faith.