Author, Businessman, Lecturer, Administrator, Elder Statesman, Politician
Biography
Early Life and Family
Chief Godwin Moses Odumgba was born on June 15, 1932, to the family of late Chief Odumgba Moses Agbalikia and late Mrs. Wolo Odumgba in Amarata, a prominent Ijaw community in the present Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. His father, Chief Odumgba Moses Agbalikia, was the Chief of Amarata-Epie and a prominent figure in the community, which afforded Godwin a privileged childhood. Despite his family’s status, he grew up as a humble, diligent child who actively participated in typical childhood activities such as farming, fishing, and playing local games, all while maintaining a sense of discipline and a keen sense of style.
Education
Godwin Moses Odumgba began his formal education at St. Matthias Primary School in Amarata from 1940 to 1946. He later attended several prestigious institutions, including Proctor Memorial Primary School, Kaiama, and St. Leo Catholic Primary School in Ashaka (now in Delta State), where he completed his Primary Six Certificate in 1949. He continued his education at Holy Ghost College, Umuahia, where he obtained his Teacher’s Grade II Certificate in 1954. His pursuit of higher education took him to the United States, where he attended Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, North Carolina, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1969. He then obtained a Master of Arts in Economics from the City College of the University of New York in 1971, making him the second university graduate from the Epie-Atissa community after the late King Fred A. Agama.
Professional and Career Life
Early Career
Godwin began his career in education, first as a teacher and later as a headmaster. He taught at various schools, including St. Matthias Primary School in Amarata, Sagbageria Primary School, and St. Philip Catholic Primary School in Port Harcourt. In 1962, he moved to Lagos, where he worked as a headmaster in Ajegunle-Lagos. His educational career spanned several years and laid the foundation for his leadership in public service.
White-Collar Career
After furthering his studies in the U.S., Chief Odumgba worked at Pan American Airlines (PANAM) at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York from 1970 to 1973, becoming the first Nigerian to hold a position at the airline. Upon his return to Nigeria in 1974, he served in various roles, including Director at the Rivers State Government-owned Water Glass Boat Yard and Manager of PABOD Supplies Nigeria Limited. His professional excellence earned him a commendation letter from the then Military Governor of Rivers State, Commander Alfred Diete Spiff.
In 1977, he returned to the U.S. to serve as Chief Information Officer at the New York Department of Labor Market Information. Upon his return to Nigeria, he briefly served as a lecturer at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (now Rivers University), where he taught Microeconomics, Labor Economics, Business Law, and supervised students’ Industrial Work Experience (SIWE).
NNPC and Oil & Gas Sector
Chief Odumgba’s career reached new heights when he joined the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in 1981. He served as Manager of Marketing at the NNPC’s Falomo, Ikoyi office for an impressive 13 years, overseeing the distribution of petroleum products across the country. His work at NNPC was crucial to the corporation’s success during his tenure.
Community Engagement and Political Involvement
Community Service
Chief Odumgba was a dedicated community leader, deeply involved in the welfare of his people. He was the Grand Patron of the Epie-Atissa Community in Lagos and the founding Chairman of the Oguan Congress, the socio-cultural organization of the Epie-Atissa people. His commitment to his community earned him the title of Adukali I of Epie Kingdom from His Majesty, King Barrister Malla Sasime, the Obenibe of Epie Kingdom.
Political Life
In his pursuit of social and political development for Bayelsa State, Chief Odumgba contested the 2003 gubernatorial elections under the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP). Although he did not win, his political engagement continued, and he was later appointed to the Bayelsa State Educational Trust Fund and chaired the Yenagoa Local Government Caucus of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Later Life and Legacy
After retiring from the NNPC in 1993, Chief Odumgba returned to the United States briefly to teach at Brooklyn College, New York. He eventually moved back to Nigeria, where he resided in his hometown, Amarata-Epie. Chief Odumgba was a prominent member of the Epie-Atissa Joint Council of Chiefs and continued to contribute to the cultural and social development of his people.
Authorship and Recognition
Chief Odumgba authored Why So Stories, a collection of Ijaw folktales, and was a recipient of various awards, including the Distinguished Leadership Award by Environment Outreach Magazine in 2019. He was conferred with the title of Justice of the Peace (JP) in 1999 by the then Governor of Bayelsa, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha.
Family Life
Chief Odumgba’s personal life was marked by strong family values. He married Miss Susie B. Hick from South Carolina in 1971, and they had three sons. He was also a devoted father to his daughters, Bemeyi and Enimekeze, and a loving patriarch of his extended family.
Faith
A devout Catholic, Chief Odumgba maintained a deep connection to his faith throughout his life. His father, Chief Odumgba Moses Agbalikia, was instrumental in the establishment of St. Matthias Catholic Church in Amarata in 1920, and Chief Godwin Odumgba was a staunch supporter of the church until his death.
Death and Legacy
Chief Godwin Moses Odumgba passed away on September 12, 2020, at the age of 88, at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. His death marked the end of an era for the Epie-Atissa people and the larger Nigerian community. However, his legacy lives on through his contributions to education, public service, politics, and his unwavering dedication to his family and faith.
