Two & Half Decades of Cultural & Political Developments in Eleme

By Nwafor Oji Awala When Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, Eleme Local Government Area, one of the oil-rich and industrially strategic councils in Rivers State, joined in the unfolding experiment of grassroots governance. For the Eleme people, whose native language and indigenous identity remain distinct in the Niger Delta, this era has been marked by the alternating leadership of elected chairmen and appointed caretaker administrators. HISTORICAL CONTEXT Eleme’s political history predates the 1999 democratic dispensation. Under the Eastern Nigeria Government, Eleme functioned as a Country Council with its headquarters at Nchia. Over time, Nchia Eleme hosted the headquarters of OTELGA, GOTELGA, and later TELGA, before Tai was carved out of the Tai/Eleme Local Government in 1996 under the military junta of the late Gen. Sani Abacha. It is therefore erroneous to say Eleme Local Government was created in 1996. Rather, it was Tai Local Government that was created, while Eleme LG...

Hon Igwe Aforj Obey  Hon. Engr. Igwe Aforji Obey, PhD, FNSE, is a distinguished Nigerian lawmaker, engineer, and community leader. A two-term Member of the Rivers State House of Assembly representing Eleme Constituency, he is widely recognized as a transformative leader committed to equity, justice, sustainable community development, and effective legislation. His leadership philosophy is rooted in accessibility, humility, and impactful service. With a professional background in engineering and community relations, he has combined technical expertise with political will to deliver tangible results for his people and Rivers State at large. Birth Hon. Igwe Aforji Obey was born in Rivers State, Nigeria, into a family that valued education, discipline, and community service. His early upbringing in Eleme nurtured his commitment to hard work, selflessness, and the pursuit of excellence—qualities that have defined his professional and political journey. Education He began his early ...

Past. Isaac Nwafor Kattey  Pastor Isaac Nwafor Kattey (NHNR) was a distinguished educationist, pastor, writer, and community leader from Eleme, Rivers State. Known for his passion for knowledge and his devotion to service, he combined a long teaching career with religious commitment and left behind a legacy that continues to inspire. Birth Isaac Nwafor Kattey was born on 28th August 1951 at Alode, Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gomba Nwafor . Education He began his education at the Seventh-Day Adventist School, Nchia, Eleme (1956–1963) , where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He proceeded to the Government Teachers Training College, Ahoada (1974–1978) , earning the Teachers Grade II Certificate. In further pursuit of academic excellence, he attended the Federal College of Education, Katsina (1984–1986) , before enrolling at the University of Port Harcourt , where he earned a B.A (Ed) in 1992 and an M.A in 200...

Sir Samuel Obonda Ngoke Sir Samuel Obonda Ngoke is a distinguished Christian, community leader, and professional, who has contributed immensely to the development of his community, the Catholic Church, and his profession. His life reflects a blend of service, devotion, and leadership, marked by integrity and dedication to excellence. Birth Sir Samuel Obonda Ngoke was born on 19th February 1953 to the family of Mr. Benjamin Osarokobiri Ngoke and Elder Grace Osilaobelenge Ngoke of Alode, Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State. Education Sir Samuel Ngoke began his educational journey at the Municipal Council School, Orogbum, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1964. He proceeded to the Sacred Heart Seminary, Port Harcourt, and earned his West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1975. In 1991, he obtained a Certificate in Theology from the Catholic Institute of West Africa. He later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from the University of Port Harcour...

Chief Princely Emeka Chujor  Chief Princely Emeka Chujor is a lawyer, politician, administrator, and community leader from Ogale, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. Over the years, he has served his people in various capacities, notably as Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Commissioner in the Rivers State Executive Council, and Board Member of the Rivers State Housing and Property Development Authority. His life reflects a blend of academic pursuit, political service, and community development. Birth Princely Emeka Chujor was born on 28 February 1957 in Ogale, Nchia, Eleme Local Government Area, to Chief Josiah Ngobgoe Chujor and Mrs. Mercy Josiah Chujor. Education He began his formal education in 1963 at the County Council School, Ogale, where his first teacher was HRH Chief Oji Awala. His studies were interrupted by the Nigerian Civil War and political unrest in the late 1960s. He later continued at Holy Trinity School, Nchia, for Primary 4 and 5, and completed P...

  Elder Gomba Osarollor  Elder Gomba Humphrey Osarollor, JP, was an accomplished agriculturist, environmentalist, administrator, politician, philanthropist, and Christian leader. He devoted his life to advancing agricultural development, promoting education, supporting community growth, and strengthening the church. A man of deep faith and integrity, his legacy continues to inspire the people of Eleme and Rivers State. Birth He was born on April 20, 1943, to Abel Mbie Osarollor and Selina Nwanda Ejomah in Ogale Eleme, Rivers State. Elder Osarollor was the only child of his mother. Though his father had no formal western education, he strongly valued learning and worked as a farmer and palm produce dealer to ensure his son received quality education and Christian upbringing. Education Gomba Osarollor began his primary education in 1950 at Holy Trinity Anglican Primary School, Nchia Eleme, where he excelled in his studies and sang as soprano lead in the Holy Trinity Church choir...

Prof. Ndowa Sunday Lale Professor Ndowa Sunday Lale is a distinguished Nigerian academic, administrator, and publisher. He rose to national prominence as the 8th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, where his leadership left an indelible mark on higher education in Nigeria. A respected scholar of Agricultural Entomology, he has combined a career in research and teaching with an enviable record of service in academic administration and community development. Birth Ndowa Sunday Lale hails from Ebubu in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. Rooted in Eleme heritage and values, his life journey reflects both the resilience of his people and the opportunities provided by education and hard work. Education Professor Lale began his educational journey at Ascension High School, Ogale, before proceeding to the Federal Government College, Port Harcourt. He distinguished himself early, excelling in the sciences. He later earned his Advanced Level General Cer...

Engr. Dimkpa Wuwu Okori Engr. Dimkpa Wuwu Okori (1947–2011) was a pioneering Eleme-born chemical engineer, an accomplished professional in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, and a distinguished community figure. Rising from the adversity of orphanhood to become the first indigene of Eleme to attain management cadre in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), his life exemplified resilience, discipline, and professional excellence. Birth Okori was born on Sunday, 20 April 1947 , to the family of Late Okora Awaa and Esther Okora Awaa of Atcharama, Aluoken Community, Ogale Clan, Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State. He was the only child of his parents. His father passed away when he was an infant, and his mother died while he was still in primary school. Consequently, his upbringing was entrusted to community leaders and guardians, including Samuel Chujor, Elder Gomia H. Osarollor, Johnson Obe-Etebe, and the late Joshua Ngawala. Education Despite the early loss of hi...