Administrator, Clergy
Opening Summary
Bethany Bille Ziwari was a distinguished Nigerian civil servant, scientist, and Anglican cleric who served with excellence in both public administration and spiritual leadership. As a pioneer Chief Scientific Officer and later Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa State, he contributed significantly to the development of the public health sector. He was equally revered for his devout Christian life, rising to the rank of Reverend Canon in the Anglican Communion.
Birth and Parentage
Bethany Bille Ziwari was born in 1952 in Opokuma town, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
He was the son of Chief Jonathan Bille Ziwari of Kalama compound and Madam Bessy Fiebai of Oyobu II, both from Opokuma clan. He was born into a well-established family and raised with strong moral and cultural values.
Early Life and Education
Bethany demonstrated academic promise from an early age.
He obtained his General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) in 1971 and his West African School Certificate (WAEC) in 1972 at Gaskiya College, Cardoso, Ijora, Lagos State.
In 1973, he gained admission into the University of Lagos, where he studied Chemistry and graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science (Second Class Honours).
He proceeded for his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in old Gongola State (now Adamawa State) from August 1977 to August 1978.
Driven by a desire for advanced knowledge, he later traveled to the United Kingdom, where he studied at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, earning a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Analysis in 1983.
In 1985, he further obtained a Diploma in Ophthalmic Optics, broadening his expertise in the health sciences.
Career and Professional Achievements
Bethany Bille Ziwari began his professional career as a Chemistry Teacher at Government Secondary School, Takun, in Gongola State (1977–1978).
On July 24, 1980, he joined the Rivers State Civil Service as a Scientific Officer in the Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Port Harcourt.
Through dedication, competence, and discipline, he rose steadily through the ranks.
Following the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996, he transferred his service and became the Pioneer Chief Scientific Officer in the Bayelsa State Ministry of Health on November 1, 1996.
His expertise and commitment earned him appointment as Permanent Secretary on July 20, 2012, serving in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
He retired honorably on August 16, 2013, after decades of meritorious service.
Christian Life and Ministry
Bethany Bille Ziwari was a deeply committed Christian whose life reflected spiritual discipline and devotion.
He embraced the Anglican faith fully in 1993, turning away from worldly pursuits and dedicating himself to Christian service.
He served as Evangelism Officer at New Covenant Anglican Church, Nzimiro, Ogbunabali, Port Harcourt, actively participating in evangelistic outreach to communities such as:
- Eagle Island
- Rumuodogo (Emohua)
He played a key role in the establishment and growth of Bethesda Anglican Church, Eagle Island.
In 2004, he was ordained as a Priest by Rt. Rev. Adolphus Amabebe, Bishop of Niger Delta West.
In 2008, he was elevated to the rank of Reverend Canon.
He also underwent chaplaincy training and, in 2007, became a Chaplain State Commandant under the Chaplain Fellowship of Nigeria.
From 2007 to 2011, he served as Chaplain of the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Bayelsa State.
Until his passing, he worshipped at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Biogbolo, Yenagoa.
Family Life
Bethany Bille Ziwari was married to Mrs. Ikalaghain Ziwari (née Arugu), a retired civil servant of Bayelsa State.
Their marriage, which began in 1980, was blessed with three children.
He was known as a devoted husband and father, balancing his professional, spiritual, and family responsibilities with grace.
Death and Legacy
In May 2018, Reverend Canon Bethany Bille Ziwari fell ill.
He passed away on July 26, 2018, at Cedar Crest Hospital, Abuja, at the age of 66.
Legacy and Impact
Bethany Bille Ziwari is remembered as:
- A dedicated public servant and pioneer scientific officer
- A disciplined administrator and Permanent Secretary
- A devout Anglican priest and spiritual leader
- A humble, selfless, and compassionate man
His life bridged science, governance, and faith, leaving a lasting legacy in both the civil service of Bayelsa State and the Anglican Church in the Niger Delta.
