Synopsis
Her Royal Highness, Dr. (Barr) Dame Evangelist Josephine Diete-Spiff JP, is a humble, multifaceted, and accomplished figure from the Niger Delta region who has made a significant impact in various fields such as sports, film, business, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, academics, and more within the Nigerian landscape. She is undeniably a prominent supporter of numerous causes, a source of inspiration for the underprivileged, and, above all, a devoted follower of the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Birth and Parents
Born on January 14, 1967, she hails from the family of the late Reverend Daniel Uzuazano Akporero and the late Mrs. Florence O. Akporero. Her parents originated from the Ozoro community in present-day Delta State, Southern Nigeria. It is important to note that her parents were individuals of great honor and deeply committed to their faith. The late Reverend Daniel Uzuazano Akporero was a remarkable communicator in the English language and a highly regarded educator who left a lasting impact in the Mid-West region of Nigeria. Alongside him, her late mother was also a prolific teacher. Together, they lived as shining examples of the Christian faith, steadfastly following the teachings of Jesus Christ until their passing. (For additional details, please refer to the biographies of Reverend Daniel Uzuazano Akporero and the late Mrs. Florence O. Akporero.)
Her Education
She was born into an educational household and was therefore privileged to start her education early in life. Between 1974 and 1979, she attended Ezoti Primary School in Benin City, in the defunct Bendel State, where she obtained her First School Leaving Certificate. Thereafter, she attended Idia College in Benin City from 1980 to 1984, where she obtained her West African Secondary Certificate (O’Level). At Idia College, she held the following positions: President of the Press Club (1982–1984); Senior Prefect (1983–1984); and Secretary of the Literary and Debating Society (1982–1983).
She then obtained a Certificate in Theater Arts in 1987. After completing her O’Level and certificate programs, she was admitted to the prestigious University of Port Harcourt. From 1986 to 1992, she studied Theater Arts and graduated with a B.A. in Theater Arts. At the University of Port Harcourt, she left a significant mark in student unionism and became a voice for the students. From 1990 to 1991, she served as Vice President of the Student Union, and from 1991 to 1992, she became the President. Additionally, she served as Vice President of the Bendel United Students Association.
Not satisfied with her Theater Arts degree, she enrolled in a law degree program at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (now Rivers State University) between 2002 and 2006 and obtained her LLB (Hons). She also attended the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, Abuja, from 2006 to 2007, qualifying as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court and Supreme Court of Nigeria. Her passion for education did not stop there—she went on to earn an MBA from Liverpool University, United Kingdom, between 2009 and 2011. In 2015, she earned a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) with a focus on Entrepreneurship from Walden University, USA. She was also awarded an honorary Ph.D. in Philosophy from Ashland University, Ohio, in 2004.
Her wealth of experience is unparalleled. She is certified in various fields, having been accredited as a Licensed Management Consultant (IMC) in 2018 by the Institute of Management Consultants. She also became a Chartered Banker, certified by the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Nigeria (CIBN) in 2014. Furthermore, she pursued French language studies at the Alliance Française in Port Harcourt from 2000 to 2001. Recently, she became a certified fitness trainer from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM, CPT) in 2023.
Job Experience
Her career began in the mid-1980s when she starred in the popular Hotel De Jordan and Friday Special television drama series from 1984 to 1996, aired by the Nigeria Television Authority, Benin. Her co-actors included several prominent figures in Nigerian television. In addition to acting, she was a prolific TV presenter, hosting Children’s Time, a program for children and teenagers.
She later transitioned to a career in marketing, serving as Assistant Marketing Manager at Maranchelo Arts Gallery in Benin City, Edo State. During her National Youth Service (NYSC) in 1992–1993, she worked as Sales and Supplies Manager at BZB Group Nigeria Ltd in Port Harcourt. Over the years, she has held numerous significant positions, including:
- Executive Director & Legal Secretary (2008–Present)
BZB Group Nigeria Ltd., Port Harcourt - Chairperson/Managing Director (1993–Present)
Four Time Products Ltd. - Past Chairperson/Managing Director (1999–2006)
Marine Base Community Bank, Port Harcourt - Chief Executive Officer (2019–Present)
Peretogu Integrated Services - Past Managing Director/CEO (2006–2015)
Titare Microfinance Bank Ltd., Port Harcourt - Chairperson/Proprietress (1993–Present)
Titare Star Royal Academy - Chairperson, Board of Trustees (2001–Present)
Foundation for Children’s Orientation - Founder/President (2009–Present)
LJADS Foundation for Widows, Physically Challenged, Aged, and Orphans - Chairperson, NNEW (NECA Network of Entrepreneurial Women), South-South (2013–2016)
- Grand Patroness (2022–Present)
Character Moulding Foundation - Independent Director (2001–Present)
University Press PLC - Managing Partner (2022–Present)
Spiff Fitness and Health Institute - Certified Trainer (2023–Present)
LA Fitness International
Publications
Queen Josephine Diete-Spiff is also an avid scholar and has published several works in various genres. Some of her notable publications include:
- Angeligwu (Angel of Death) – A Play Text
- Strange Girl – A Play Text
- Mr. & Mrs. Series on NTA Benin City
- Five Years in Pastoral Ministry (A Novel)
- Dare to Dream (A Motivational Novel)
- Dare to Dream (For Teens) – A Motivational Piece
- True Worship (A Clarion Call to Intimacy with God)
- Christian Tracts
Academic Publications
- Determining Sustainable Strategies for Directors of Microfinance Banks in Nigeria – A Literature Review
Published in the Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies Vol. 3, No. 6, 2014. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2014.v3n6p125. Published by MCSER Publishing, Rome, Italy. - Exploring Sustainable Strategies for Executives of Microfinance Banks in Nigeria
Published in the International Journal of Finance and Accounting, Vol. 5, No. 2, 2016. DOI: 10.5923/j.ijfa.20160502.05. Scientific & Academic Publishing, USA.
Humanitarian Endeavors
Queen Josephine Diete-Spiff has initiated and completed numerous charitable projects, including:
- Donating water boreholes, tanks, generators, and channels to Marine Base Community, Rivers State
- Procuring a 500KVA transformer from NDDC for Mgbesilaru Community
- Facilitating the procurement of local government assistance to fix community roads in Mgbesilaru
- Offering scholarship awards to indigenes of Mgbesilaru and Twon Brass Kingdom
- Providing free medical services to Twon Brass Community
- Supporting orphans, widows, and the physically challenged across communities in the Niger Delta
- Creating job opportunities for over 50 youths from Twon Brass Kingdom
- Donating school desks and chairs to schools in Twon Brass Community
- Assisting in the construction of a cold room for women of Twon Brass Kingdom
Hobbies
Queen Josephine Diete-Spiff enjoys a variety of activities, including preaching, childcare, helping the needy, praying, advocacy, studying, traveling, teaching, reading, dancing, management, golfing, historical discovery, motivational speaking, driving, and collecting quotable quotes.
Family
Queen Josephine Diete-Spiff is married to His Majesty King Alfred Diete-Spiff, the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass Kingdom. He was the first Military Administrator of Old Rivers State and a prominent monarch in Nigeria. They were married on January 13, 1994, and their union is blessed with children.
Faith
A devout follower of Christ, Queen Josephine Diete-Spiff continues in the spiritual path of her parents, who were initially Anglicans before embracing Pentecostalism. She is a steadfast member of the Anglican Communion and has contributed significantly to the development of the faith. In 2021, she was ordained a Knight of St. Mary in the Anglican Church, Bayelsa State, and she is also a Lay Reader in the Anglican Communion.
Sports
In her prime, Queen Josephine Diete-Spiff was an award-winning athlete from the Niger Delta. She excelled in golf, an elite sport, and served as Vice President of the East Nigeria Ladies’ Golf Union (2002–2004), President of the Nigeria Ladies Golf Union (2003–2005), and Lady Captain of the Air Assault Golf Club in Port Harcourt (1998–2000).
Conclusion
Beyond her beauty, Queen Josephine Diete-Spiff is an epitome of kindness, love, and selfless service. She is a benefactor to many in need, and helping others brings her immense joy and fulfillment.