Warrant Officer II (Rtd)
Chief Warrant Officer (Rtd) Nyoun Lisbon Maddock Otorudigha hailed from the Nembe-Bassambiri community in Bayelsa State. An accomplished machine engineer, he left a lasting legacy in the Nigerian Army from the 70s to the 90s.
A Life of Service and Honor
Born in 1941 in Nembe-Bassambiri, Nyoun Lisbon Maddock Otorudigha started his education in the late 40s before continuing his primary education in Lagos. In Lagos, he attended Ajeromi Central School Apapa, earning his First School Leaving Certificate in 1957. Financial constraints prevented him from attending secondary school, but he gained valuable technical training in mechanical engines from 1958 to 1967.
Military Career
Nyoun Lisbon’s life was defined by his service in the Nigerian Army. He enlisted in 1968 during the Nigerian Civil War, serving valiantly as a Corporal with the Army Engineers. Throughout his military career, he received extensive training in mechanical engineering, obtaining multiple certifications and diplomas, including Trade Test I, II, and III, and a diploma from the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering.
His expertise in mechanical engineering saw him take on significant roles, including roads construction and other civil works under military jurisdiction. He rose through the ranks, retiring as a Warrant Officer II in 1999 after 33 years of dedicated service.
Post-Military Life
After retiring from the military, Nyoun Lisbon continued to contribute to his community. He worked as a Plant Operator for the Nembe Local Government Council, retiring from civil service in 2017. He was also a custodian of Nembe customs and traditions, joining the famous Seki Apu (Ekine) dance group and later co-founding the Okiri 1930 dance group, which brought innovative styles to the Nembe Kingdom.
Chieftaincy and Family
In 2010, Nyoun Lisbon was honored with a chieftaincy title by the Elema Wari (house) of the Isere Wari (house). He was married to the late Mrs. Lisbon Munasonyu for over forty years, and they had six children together, though they faced the tragic loss of two children in the 1990s. Despite the hardships, Nyoun Lisbon remained a loving and devoted father, ensuring his children received a strong education and were well-prepared for their futures.
Faith and Principles
Nyoun Lisbon was a man of strong character and unwavering faith. He despised injustice and corruption, standing firm in his principles throughout his life. He worshipped at the Protestant Church during his military days and continued his faith journey with the First Baptist Church in Nembe-Bassambiri.
Final Days and Legacy
Chief Lisbon Maddock Otorudigha passed away on November 9, 2021, at the Federal Medical Center in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, due to natural causes. He was 80 years old. His legacy of service, integrity, and dedication to his community and family will be remembered for generations to come. May His Humble Soul Rest In Peace.
