Civil Engineer, Politician, Administrator, Elder Statesman
Francis G. Endeley was a distinguished engineer with extensive experience in both the multinational (Shell Nigeria) and the public sectors of Nigeria. He left an indelible mark as Commissioner of Works in the old Rivers State.
Who was Francis Gbede Endeley?
Born in Sagbama, Bayelsa State, Francis Gbede Endeley (1936-2004) was a British-trained civil engineer whose administrative acumen shone brightly during his tenure as Commissioner of Works and Transport in the old Rivers State. Under former Governor Melford Okilo’s administration, he spearheaded landmark projects from 1979 to 1983. However, political turbulence saw him detained as a political prisoner from 1983 to 1985 under Major General Buhari’s regime. He later played a pivotal role in the successful creation of Bayelsa State in 1996.
Early Life and Education
Francis Endeley was born on October 10, 1936, in Sagbama, southern Nigeria. His father, Chief Endeley Bodesa, was a prominent figure, and his mother, Madam Ekwade Endeley Bofesa, was a successful businesswoman. Francis attended Local Authority Primary School in Sagbama and later worked in Lagos while preparing for the London Cambridge Exams. He then pursued a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Manchester, graduating in 1960.
Career Achievements
Francis returned to Nigeria after the civil war and joined Shell BP as a senior engineer in 1971. He transitioned to politics in 1979, joining the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and supporting Chief Melford Okilo’s governorship. As Commissioner of Works and Transport, Francis delivered significant infrastructure projects, including:
- East-West Road section between Kaiama and Patani
- Roads linking Sagbama town to the East-West Road
- Erosion control measures in Sagbama, Otuokpoti, and Twon Brass
- Landfilling projects in Okrika and Borokiri
- Construction of Port Harcourt modern markets
- Development of Rivers State University of Science and Technology facilities
Political Turmoil and Imprisonment
On December 31, 1983, the military coup led by Major-General Muhammadu Buhari disrupted Francis Endeley’s political career. He, along with Governor Melford Okilo and others, was arrested and sentenced to imprisonment for alleged fraudulent charges. All his assets were confiscated, but he was released when Major-General Ibrahim Babangida took over in August 1985.
Life After Prison
Francis Endeley managed private businesses and served as a Director with TMC and Allstates Trust Bank. He became an elder statesman, advocating for the creation of Bayelsa State, which was realized in 1996.
Legacy
Francis Endeley’s contributions were commemorated with a street named after him in Port Harcourt. He was a devout Catholic, married, and fathered seventeen children. He passed away from cardiopulmonary heart failure and other complications on April 27, 2004, at the age of 68.
