A Legacy of Service: Celebrating Se-Alabo (Dr) Nengi James-Eriworio, OON

Written by: Barrister Kenneth Okorodas, Legal Adviser, Nengi James Foundation

April 11th marks another year for Alabo (Dr) Nengi James, OON, a man whose life story reads like a testament to the power of compassion and unwavering dedication to Ijaw-Niger Delta and national development. From a childhood marked by a miraculous escape, Nengi James has blossomed into a multifaceted leader, leaving an indelible mark on the Ijaw-Niger Delta people and beyond.

Beyond his esteemed position as a royal chief and custodian of Ijaw traditions, Chief James embodies the spirit of service. He is the driving force behind the Nengi James Foundation, a tangible expression of his belief in being “our brothers’ keeper.” This foundation actively champions the cause of the vulnerable, providing essential support to needy children, youth, the elderly, and persons living with disabilities within local communities.

The Foundation’s impact is felt through various initiatives. Their “Making the Elder Smile” program brings joy and essential items to the elderly across the Niger Delta. Petty traders receive vital cash gifts to bolster their livelihoods. The dreams of orphaned and talented, less-privileged children are nurtured through educational sponsorships. Notably, the Foundation extends its support to the Albino Foundation and provides crucial medical assistance to those in need. During times of crisis, such as the devastating floods of 2012 and 2022, they have been a source of relief, providing food and necessities to affected communities, prison inmates, and orphanage homes.

Education is a cornerstone of Chief James’s philanthropic endeavors. The Foundation empowers bright but indigent students through the donation of laptops, sponsorship of academic competitions with significant prizes, and the provision of JAMB forms. Recognizing the importance of female education, they actively support the academic pursuits of promising young girls in Bayelsa State.

Chief James’s commitment extends to the realm of sports, fostering community engagement and talent development through the sponsorship of traditional events like swimming, canoeing, and wrestling, as well as providing support and equipment to various sports associations. Demonstrating his proactive and community-focused leadership, he recently organized the much-talked-bout First Nigeria Oloibiri Oil Well 22km marathon, a vibrant event that resonated deeply with residents and people of Bayelsa State, where a 19-year-old breastfeeding mother participated and won in the female category.

Chief Nengi James’s dedication, commitment and consistency to the Ijaw people and struggle runs deep. As a former youth leader, he played a pivotal role in the historic ‘Kaiama Declaration’ of 1998 and was a founding member of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC). His commitment to his cultural heritage is further solidified by his installation as a war canoe chief of the Nembe kingdom, inheriting his late father’s ancestral stool.

Furthermore, Chief James has been a vocal advocate for the inclusion of host communities in key decision-making processes within the oil and gas sector, recently calling on the Nigerian Government to ensure the nomination of representatives from these communities to serve as board members of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF). He has also recently advocated for the immortalization of the late Pa Edwin Clark, proposing the placement of his photograph on the 500 naira note alongside that of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, mirroring the design of the 1000 naira note. Additionally, he has called for the renaming of the Nigerian Local Content Tower in honor of the late Ijaw leader.

His life philosophy resonates with the powerful words of Martin Luther King Jr., emphasizing the importance of service to others. Chief Nengi James firmly believes that one does not need immense wealth to make a significant difference in the lives of the less privileged.

His remarkable contributions have earned him national recognition as an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), alongside over 300 other awards, medals and honors from various organizations. His expertise and leadership are further demonstrated through his membership in numerous professional bodies, some of which include; Nigeria institute of Management, NIM, (chartered), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR (chartered), Society for Peace Studies and Practice; and Nigeria Institute for Chartered Meditators and Conciliators. He also holds significant traditional titles; Kesiyemieowei 1 (Gesiyemieowei) of Bayelsa State and Se-Ebi-Dou-owei of Niger Delta, Nigeria.

Currently serving as a career administrator, deputy director, the National Vice President 2 of the INC Worldwide, Vice Chairman zone 16, PCRC, Vice President Nembe-Se Congress, and a key figure in the creation of Bayelsa State, Alabo (Dr) Nengi James, OON, an author, accomplished entrepreneur and philanthropist, continues to be a driving force for progress and a beacon of hope for many. Notably, Stream magazine featured him among sixty great personalities in Bayelsa State, and he has been recognized as a public intellectual on Environmental issues by the Bayelsa State History and Archives Office. As he celebrates another birthday, it is clear that his life is defined by an unwavering commitment to uplifting others and leaving a lasting legacy of service.

Happy Birthday to a true agitator and advocate of the masses!