A Life of Excellence in Engineering, Politics, and Education
Early Life and Education
Born on September 19, 1936, in Ayakoro town, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Iwolisi Daniel Rex Ogbuku was a man of remarkable ambition and intellect. He was the son of Chief Irioso Nathan Ogbuku of Ayakoro and Mrs. Ebiere Leticia Ogbuku (née Ebua) of Epebu.
Ogbuku’s education journey began across several elementary schools in Oruma, Akipilai, Onuebum, Anyama-Ogbia, and St. Michael’s School, Oloibiri, where he excelled academically. His brilliance earned him employment as a pupil teacher at St. Paul’s Primary School, Otuokpoti. While teaching, he was encouraged by Clifford Igodo to sit for the Okrika Grammar School common entrance examination, where he ranked first in the entire Eastern Region.
In 1958, he secured admission into Okrika Grammar School (OGS), where he dominated academically, securing the first position in every class from 1958 to 1962 and graduating with Grade I certification. His leadership skills earned him the title of Prefect of Johnson House in his final year.
Ogbuku’s passion for learning led him to School of Agriculture, Umuahia (now the University of Agriculture). Responding to a government-sponsored scholarship initiative by Premier Michael Okpara, he pursued admission into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he excelled. Initially studying Agriculture, his exceptional performance prompted a professor to shift his focus to Agricultural Engineering.
During his time at Nsukka, Ogbuku was actively involved in student union politics and was part of the Adaka Boro movement for Niger Delta emancipation, alongside Jasper Adaka Boro, who was then studying Chemistry.
However, his studies were abruptly halted due to the declaration of the Biafran State by Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu. Taking a daring escape from the Biafra enclave, he navigated through Okrika to Bonny, seeking refuge with Lt. Commander Diete-Spiff, the then Military Governor of Old Rivers State. Through the intervention of Army Captain George Amangala and Chief Ranami Abah, he secured admission into the University of Lagos, where he studied Mechanical Engineering. Guided by Prof. J.P. Clark and Prof. Ayodele Awojobi, he graduated with a B.Sc. Hon. in Mechanical Engineering in 1969, amidst the ongoing Biafra War.
Career in Engineering and Education
Ogbuku immediately secured employment with Shell-BP, working as a Chief Field Engineer and playing a pivotal role in opening oil fields across Nigeria, including Bomu, Korokoro, Frubu, Umuechem, Obigbo North, and Ogrigbo South.
Despite his thriving career in the oil industry, his mentor, Chief Melford Okilo, encouraged him to resign from his lucrative job to contribute to education in Ogbia. In an act of selfless sacrifice, Ogbuku stepped away from his oilfield engineering role and became the pioneer administrator of Government Secondary School (G.S.S) Ogbia, where he introduced scholarship opportunities and free textbooks to students.
His impact in education led to his transfer in 1974 to Port Harcourt, where he served as:
- Principal of Government Vocational Training Centre (GVTC)
- Principal of Government Secondary School, Twon Brass (1975–1976)
- Head of the Technical Department at Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri, Port Harcourt
In 2002, Ogbuku returned to engineering, serving as Administrative Secretary at Brass Refinery until 2005.
Political Career and Leadership
Ogbuku’s dedication to public service propelled him into politics, where he served in various capacities in Old Rivers State, including:
- Councillor, Brass Local Government Council (1976–1979)
- Chairman, Hotels and Tourist Corporation
- Commissioner for Electricity and Water Supply (1981) – leading the construction of the Kolo Creek Gas Turbine Station and the distribution of over 2,000 generators across Old Rivers State
- Special Assistant to Governor Melford Okilo
- Sole Commissioner for Brass LGA (1982–1983) – overseeing project implementation
- Chairman, Task Force for Hospital Equipment Distribution
His political career was abruptly halted by the 1983 military coup led by General Muhammadu Buhari, resulting in his detention for 18 months in Port Harcourt Prison. His mentor, Chief Okilo, faced four years and six months in Maiduguri prison, but was later released without charges.
Following the lifting of a blanket ban on former politicians, Ogbuku reentered politics, winning Ogbia Local Government Council elections in 1997/1998 under the Grassroots Democratic Movement (GDM). He later served as Special Adviser to Minister for Commerce & Tourism, Chief Melford Okilo, and as Special Assistant to Senator Melford Okilo.
In a landmark initiative, he chaired the Ogbia Reconciliation Committee, which successfully resolved political conflicts under Deputy Governor Goodluck Jonathan, paving the way for peaceful elections in Ogbia.
Community and Social Contributions
Ogbuku’s contributions extended beyond politics and education—he was a pillar of communal development, serving as:
- Secretary General, Ogbia Brotherhood, Port Harcourt Branch
- Secretary, Ogbia Brotherhood Planning Committee
- Chairman, Ezuc-Iban Anyama, a socio-cultural organization
Due to his commitment to unity, he was revered as the “last surviving General” of Ogbia Brotherhood.
Personal Life and Legacy
A devout Christian, Chief (Hon.) Engr. Iwolisi Daniel Rex Ogbuku lived by the principle of love and service, captured in John 15:12:
“This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.”
He was a devoted father and husband, caring for four wives (Mrs. Elizabeth, Mrs. Agnes Edith, Mrs. Nongha Picture, and Mrs. Molly Abamologi) and sixteen children, including Barr. Jude Amiditor, Dr. Inuansi F. Adike, Engr. Minabai, and Mrs. Alice M.M. Inegite.
Ogbuku passed away in 2020, leaving behind a monumental legacy spanning engineering, education, politics, and community leadership.
Final Reflections
If he could speak today, Chief Iwolisi Daniel Rex Ogbuku would leave us with three powerful lessons:
- Always remain resolute in your pursuit.
- Invest in education—it is the best way to compete in a modern world.
- Be at peace with God, keep a healthy family, and respect relationships.
His life of sacrifice, resilience, and vision remains an inspiration, ensuring his name will forever echo in the corridors of history.
