Teacher, Businesswoman, Devout Anglican
Dame Mariam Bubaraye Indiamaowei hailed from Sagbagria in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. A successful businesswoman and an influential teacher, she left a significant mark on the education sector of the old Rivers State and Bayelsa State. Known for her resilience and dedication, Mariam was a proud Anglican, steadfast in her faith throughout her life.
Synopsis
Mariam was a symbol of tenacity and determination. Despite her humble beginnings, she defied the odds to achieve great success. Earning a degree in Educational Psychology, she dedicated much of her life to teaching in various schools across old Rivers and Bayelsa States. Additionally, she was a savvy entrepreneur who made notable contributions to the business community of Port Harcourt during the 1980s. Above all, she remained committed to her Anglican faith until her passing in 2019 at the age of 69.
Birth and Family
Born on April 24, 1950, Mariam was the third daughter and sixth child of Samuel Ugo Aguari of Egbedani Compound, Sagbagria, and Enidougha Isari of Burudani Compound, Okoloba, both in Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA, Bayelsa State.
Education
Mariam began her education at St. Peter’s Primary School, Sagbagria, where she also excelled in athletics. At 16, financial difficulties forced her to pause her studies, and she married Engr. Paul William Indiamaowei, with whom she had eight children.
Years later, her passion for education reignited. In 1974, she enrolled in an adult literacy program, earning her First School Leaving Certificate in 1975. She pursued further education at Government Teacher’s Training College, Okodia Zarama, obtaining her Grade 2 Teacher Certificate in 1985, marking the beginning of her teaching career.
Advanced Education
Never one to rest on her laurels, Mariam pursued higher education, obtaining a National Certificate of Education (NCE) from Ondo State College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, in 1993. She later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Educational Psychology, Guidance, and Counseling from Rivers State College of Education in 2000.
Career
Mariam’s teaching career spanned decades, with her serving in numerous schools in Port Harcourt and Yenagoa. In 2007, she transferred to Yenagoa Local Government Area Authority, where she worked until her retirement in 2015.
Entrepreneurship
Alongside her teaching career, Mariam was a successful entrepreneur. In the late 1980s, she established OlaEbi Enterprises, a business through which she supported her family. She managed a store in Port Harcourt’s Mile One Market, sold plantains, and later became a distributor for major companies like Port Harcourt Flour Mills, Coca-Cola, and Pepsi. Her industriousness allowed her to invest in properties and further support her family.
Faith and Knighthood
A devout member of the Anglican Communion, Mariam’s deep faith led her to serve in various capacities within the church. In 2008, she was appointed a Lay Reader, and on June 5, 2011, she was knighted as a Dame of the Blessed Virgin Mary by the Diocese of Northern Izon.
Later Years and Passing
After retiring, Mariam spent much of her time with her children and grandchildren, enjoying hobbies such as cooking, reading, and traveling. She passed away on May 7, 2019, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, at the age of 69.