Teacher, Administrator, and Entrepreneur
Dame (Hon) Mercy Gboribusuote Alagoa (JP) was a remarkable woman known for her unwavering service in God’s vineyard (the Anglican faith) and her savvy business acumen in the 80s and 90s.
Who Was Mercy Alagoa?
Mercy Gboribusuote Alagoa was a teacher, administrator, and entrepreneur, born on May 11, 1927, in Nembe, Bayelsa State. She broke barriers as the first Nigerian to rapidly rise to the position of Manager and Buyer at United African Company (UAC) from the late 1950s to the 70s. Known for her steadfast dedication to the Anglican faith and her community, she left an indelible mark on both her family and Nembe. She passed away in 2016 at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) Choba, Port Harcourt.
Her Family
Mercy grew up in a well-to-do family. Her father, Chief Justus Awotongha Nyananayo Ogbari, was a headmaster of schools in British Cameroons, Buguma, Oyo, and Degema. Her mother, Mrs. Ruth Ayibaiwokwo Nyananyo (nee Alanso-Iwowari), was also a school teacher. They were both esteemed members of Nembe Kingdom. Mercy was the third child and only girl in a family of five children.
Childhood and Education
Raised in a family rooted in Christian values, culture, and a devotion to education, Mercy developed a spirit of resilience and determination. She attended St. Luke’s School, Nembe, and later excelled in London GCE correspondents in the 1950s.
Mercy Alagoa’s Work Life
In the 1940s, Mercy taught at various prominent primary schools and engaged in journalism. In 1951, she joined the United Africa Company (UAC), the largest commercial organization in Nigeria at the time. She worked diligently, rising rapidly to the position of Senior Manager and Buyer, making her the first Nigerian to achieve this role. This position took her around the world, purchasing top-tier women’s and children’s fashion wares for Kingsway stores in Nigeria.
After retiring from UAC in 1973, she was appointed by the First Governor of Rivers State, Navy Commander Alfred Diete Spiff, to establish the state’s supply company, PABOD Supplies Company. One of PABOD’s enduring achievements was the establishment of standard Cottage Hospitals in every Local Government Area of the old Rivers State, serving key roles in Bayelsa State’s medical services.
Mercy also served on numerous boards, including:
- Member of the Board of Pan African Bank
- Chairman of the Board of Port Harcourt Flour Mill
- Member of the Board of Rivers State Sports Council
- Pioneer Board Member of the National Commission for Women (now Ministry Of Women Affairs and Social Development)
- Commissioner, National Electoral Commission (NEC) for Bauchi State (1996-1998)
- Chairman of the Peace and Reconciliation Panel in 2001
Community Services
Mercy was deeply involved in women’s associations. The National Council of Women Societies’ Rivers/Bayelsa Chapters honored her as Life Chairman. She was a pioneer member of the Bayelsa State Elders Consultative Council, later elected Chairman of its Peace and Security Committee. She was also a founding member of the South-South People Assembly (SSPA) and an active member of the Ijaw National Council (INC).
An Entrepreneur and Agriculturist
In 1977, Mercy established Sunblest Bakery in Port Harcourt to address the bread supply shortfall. She later ventured into agro-business with Ebisuote Enterprise, specializing in livestock production, commercial tree cropping, and aquaculture. She also established a packaged water plant, Emgee Water, and maintained a well-cultivated orchard at her University of Port Harcourt campus home.
Mercy Alagoa’s Faith and Works
A devout Anglican, Mercy played a significant role in building Saint Luke’s Church, Nembe, and co-sponsored the establishment of the Diocese of Niger Delta West, Bayelsa State, where she served as the first Treasurer. She was instrumental in building Our Savior’s Chapel at the University of Port Harcourt. For her sterling services, she was knighted as a Dame in 2001.
Her Husband
Mercy was married to Emeritus Professor of History Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa OON, NNOM.
Mercy Alagoa’s Last Days and Death
In her final days, Mercy found joy in feeding birds, which she did daily at her home in Port Harcourt, creating her own “Trafalgar Square.” Dame (Hon) Mercy Gboribusuote Alagoa (JP) passed away on November 9, 2016, after being in a coma at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, at the age of 89.
