Agriculturist | Administrator | Public Servant
Synopsis
Chief Abele Alfred Pondei (1934–2017) was a distinguished agriculturist, administrator, and public servant from Amassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He was the first university graduate from his community and rose to become Chief Livestock Officer in old Rivers State, later serving as Director General and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission.
Early Life and Background
Abele Alfred Pondei was born on October 3, 1934, into the family of Mounkurai Pondei and Mrs. Tabaseri Pondei of Ibenikiri Ama, Amassoma.
He began his education at St. Stephen’s School, Amassoma (1946–1952), where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He proceeded to Baptist High School, Port Harcourt (1953–1959), earning his West African School Certificate.
Education and Academic Pursuits
In 1961, he was awarded a County Council Regional Scholarship, which enabled him to study Agriculture at the School of Agriculture, Akure (1962–1964). He also obtained a diploma at Moore Plantation, Ibadan.
In 1966, he gained admission into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka to study Animal Science under a Federal Government scholarship for Niger Delta Special Areas. However, the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War disrupted his studies.
Undeterred, he relocated to Lagos and later gained admission into the University of Ibadan, where he completed his studies in 1968, earning a B.Sc in Animal Science (Second Class Upper Division).
This achievement made him the first graduate from Amassoma community, a historic milestone.
Career and Public Service
Chief Pondei’s career began early with roles in public service, including:
- Enumerator, Census Commission (1953)
- Pupil Teacher in Amassoma
- Clerical Officer, Post and Telecommunications (P&T), Lagos
He later joined the Niger Delta Development Board (1962) as an Agricultural Assistant.
Professional Advancement
After graduating in 1968, he served as a Research Officer at the Veterinary Research Institute, Vom (1968–1970).
He subsequently joined the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, where he rose through the ranks to become:
- Chief Livestock Officer
- Deputy Director (1970–1984)
Under his leadership, livestock production in old Rivers State witnessed significant growth, earning him the nickname “Chicken Pondei.”
Leadership and Administrative Roles
Beyond agriculture, he held several key administrative and political positions:
- Electoral Officer (1987–1989)
- Sole Administrator, Yenagoa Local Government Area (1989–1990)
- General Manager, Pabod Food Company (1991–1994)
- Coordinator, “Food for the People” Programme
In 1994, he was appointed Director General, Ministry of Agriculture, and later transferred to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in old Rivers State.
Service in Bayelsa State
Following the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996, Chief Pondei became a pioneer Director General, serving in:
- Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of Economic Planning
He retired from the civil service in 1998.
He was later appointed:
- Board Member, Risonpalm (1999)
- Chairman, Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission (2000) under Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha
Awards, Community Service, and Recognition
Chief Pondei was widely respected for his contributions to community and national development.
He was:
- Conferred the title Oniovuesiri of Uwheru Kingdom (Delta State)
- Chairman, Community Development Committee (CDC), Amassoma
- Member, Club 50 Amassoma
- Patron of Boys Brigade, Ladies Club, and Cultural organizations
He was also a Justice of the Peace (JP) and a strong advocate of agricultural development.
Personal Life and Faith
Chief Pondei was a devoted Anglican and was baptized in 1953. He was a committed church supporter and patron of youth development initiatives.
He was a polygamist, married to three wives, and blessed with many children.
He was known for his:
- Practical wisdom
- Discipline
- Love for farming and intellectual pursuits
- Interest in writing and photography
Death
Chief Abele Alfred Pondei passed away on December 2, 2017, at the age of 83 after a brief illness associated with old age.
Legacy
Chief Pondei’s life remains a symbol of:
- Educational breakthrough
- Agricultural development
- Public service excellence
- Community leadership
As the first graduate of Amassoma, he paved the way for future generations and left an enduring mark on Bayelsa State and beyond.
