Educationist, Administrator, Politician, Lawyer
Chief (Barr) Aseyai Etifa was a distinguished gentleman known for his multifaceted career. He was an exceptional administrator, a dedicated educationist, a philanthropist, an elder statesman, a high-profile politician, and a seasoned bureaucrat.
Early Life and Family
Aseyai Etifa was born on February 2, 1944, into the families of Chief Etifa Biribena and Mrs. Angozi Ekpegha Etifa in Toru-Ndoro Town, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He was the only male and fifth child among his mother’s six children. Tragically, his father passed away when he was just two years old, leaving his mother to raise him. She was a strict yet caring mother who successfully ran a fishing and trading business.
Education
Aseyai Etifa began his education at the Local Authority Primary School in Ndoro Town, where he obtained his first school certificate in 1956. Financial challenges almost hindered his educational aspirations, but with the support of the Ndoro Community Scholarship Initiative, he attended Bomadi Secondary Modern School, graduating in 1961.
In 1962, he enrolled at the Western Ijaw Teacher’s Training College, Bomadi, earning his Teacher’s Certificate Grade III and T.C. II by 1966. His quest for higher education led him to achieve credits in the General Certificate of Education (GCE) advanced level in 1970, which paved the way for his admission to the University of Ibadan. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in 1975. His thirst for knowledge continued, and in 1985, he pursued a Law degree at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, becoming an attorney in 1990 and being called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991.
Career
Chief Etifa’s career in education began in 1966 as a classroom teacher. He progressed to become a Principal from 1977 to 1987, holding positions as Headmaster and Principal at various schools, including:
- Local Authority Primary School Amazor, Bayelsa State
- Local Authority Primary School, Ofoni
- Local Authority Primary School, Bomadi
- Local Authority Primary School Ofonibeinyan, Delta State
As a principal, he led institutions such as:
- River Nun Grammar School, Agbere/Odoni, Bayelsa State
- Government Secondary School, Toru-Ebeni
- Federal Government Teachers Training College (TTC), Sagbama
- Defunct Federal Government Teachers Training College (TTC), Okodia-Zarama, Bayelsa State
- Government Secondary School, Eneka, Rivers State
Leadership Roles
Aseyai Etifa was best known as the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Post Primary Board and the Chairman of the Local Government Services Commission. His career in public service spanned various roles that demonstrated his administrative prowess and dedication to education.
Political Career
Chief (Barr) Aseyai Etifa ventured into politics and contested for the Bayelsa State governorship party ticket under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007, although he did not win.
Legal Practice
Chief (Barr) Aseyai Etifa established his legal chambers, Aseyai Etifa & Co Angozi Chambers, in Yenagoa. The chambers were registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on April 11, 2008, with the registration number RC 2058655, located at #1 PDP Secretariat Road, Yenezue Gene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Administrative Services
He was actively involved in the administrative services of the old Rivers State Government. From 1980 to 1981, he served as Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Sagbama Local Government Council, appointed by the then Civilian Governor, Late Chief Melford Obiene Okilo. His administrative acumen led to his appointment as Political Permanent Secretary, Governor’s Office, in charge of Sagbama Local Government Area, and later as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Electricity and Water Supply (1981-1983).
After a brief detour in academics, he re-entered administrative services and became Director-General, Local Government and Chieftaincy Bureau, Deputy Governor’s Office, Old Rivers State (1992-1994). Between July 2000 and 2004, he served as Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission and Pension Board, Bayelsa State, where he established the staff training and administrative department.
From November 19, 2012, to 2014, he was the Executive Chairman of the Senior Secondary Schools Board, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Unfortunately, his health issues during this period limited his achievements, and he passed away while serving as Chairman of the Board.
Awards and Titles
Chief (Barr) Aseyai Etifa was honored with several awards and titles, including:
- Olotu of Oporomor Clan by HRM King Austin Ebikeme, Pere-Ekere (IV) of Oporomor Kingdom, Bayelsa State
- Ebidouwei I of Akugbene-Mein Clan, Bomadi Local Government Area, Delta State
- National Union of Izon Students (NUIS) Certificate of Honour (1999, 2001)
- Rivers State University of Science and Technology Educator’s Hall of Fame (2000)
- United Christian University Doctorate Award (2003)
- Institute of Corporate Administration Membership Council Award (2013)
- Tokemm Education Excellence Award (2013)
- National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Induction
- Pioneer President, Teacher’s Training College, Bomadi Old Boys Association
- CEO/MD, Treasure Garden Hotels, Yenizue-Gene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State (2000-2014)
Faith and Family
A devoted Christian, Chief (Barr) Aseyai Etifa was an ordained elder of the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), Swali, Yenagoa. He obtained certificates from the Word of Faith Bible Institute (WOFBI) and was a polygamist with seventeen children.
Places Lived
Besides his hometown Ndoro, he lived in various places, including:
- 6 Akassa Street, Old GRA, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
- 2 Enchia Close, Rumu-Ibekwe Housing Estate, Rivers State
- Road 7, Flat 2a, Agip Estate, Rumueme, Rivers State
- Sagbama Town
- 11 Tamic Road, Okutukutu-Yenagoa, Bayelsa State (his personal property)
Death
Chief (Barr) Aseyai Etifa suffered a stroke and sought medical attention in India and South Africa. He passed away on September 18, 2014, at Crest Clinic in Kpansia-Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
