Permanent Secretary • Sports Administrator • Boxer • Public Servant
Opening Summary
Apostle Prince Alphaeus Egbonmokirikpon Okereke-Keme Amgbare (1947–2020) was a distinguished Nigerian civil servant, accomplished sportsman, and respected community leader from Ogobiri. Rising through dedication and professionalism, he served as a Permanent Secretary in the Bayelsa State Civil Service after building an impressive career in sports administration and youth development. A former boxer, coach, and sports official of international reputation, he contributed immensely to the growth of sports in Nigeria. His life was marked by service, leadership, and deep spiritual commitment.
Early Life and Background
Prince Alphaeus Egbonmokirikpon Okereke-Keme Amgbare was born on 17 December 1947 into a distinguished royal family. His father, King Amgbare Etekpe I, and his mother, Ogtozimo Amgbare, were both natives of Ogobiri community in present-day Bayelsa State.
He was the youngest child in a large polygamous household. His father was a successful merchant who lived and worked in Benin City during the colonial era, exposing the young Amgbare to diverse cultural and social influences.
Education
Prince Amgbare began his early education at Kemike Brake Primary School in Western Nigeria, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1955.
Driven by a passion for sports and education, he travelled abroad in the 1970s to study at the Hungarian University of Physical Education in Budapest, where he earned a Diploma in Physical Education.
Upon returning to Nigeria, he further advanced his academic qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Public Administration – University of Port Harcourt
- Master of Science (M.Sc) in Public Administration – University of Calabar (2000)
- Diploma in Law – Bayelsa State College of Arts and Science (2001–2002)
These achievements reflected his lifelong commitment to learning and professional development.
Career and Professional Achievements
Prince Amgbare began his career in 1969 with the Old Rivers State Sports Council, working as a Store Clerk and Boxer. His dedication and sporting excellence quickly earned him recognition, and by 1975 he was promoted to Senior Boxing Coach.
Between 1981 and 1982, he served as Supervisory Counselor of Education in the Sagbama District Council, based in Ebedebiri.
He later became one of the pioneering staff members of the Rivers State Sports Institute in Isaka, where the institute rose to national prominence. During the early 1990s until the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996, he served as Head of Student Affairs at the institute.
Following the creation of Bayelsa State, his administrative competence earned him several important appointments:
- Special Adviser on Youth and Sports Bureau under Tunde Olubolade
- Continued service during the administration of Lt. Col. Paul Obi
- First Executive Director, Youth and Sports Bureau under Governor Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha in 2000
In 2001, Prince Amgbare was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Bayelsa State Ministry of Youth and Sports, serving until September 2003.
He subsequently served as Permanent Secretary in:
- Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission
- Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
He retired from the civil service in 2004, leaving behind an unblemished record of dedication and public service.
Sporting Achievements
Before his administrative career, Prince Amgbare had already established himself as an accomplished sportsman.
His achievements included:
- Gold Medal – Middleweight Boxing, National Sports Festival, Lagos (1975)
- Bronze Medal – International Sports Festival, Berlin, Germany (1973)
- Olympic Gold Medal Achievement in Budapest (1974)
- Competitions in Sofia (Bulgaria), London Crystal Palace, and Rome (1973)
- National Cycling Champion (1973)
Beyond competition, he also served the sport as a referee, ringside announcer, and international boxing judge, further cementing his influence in Nigerian sports.
Personal Life and Faith
Prince Amgbare lived in several locations throughout his life, including:
- Samuel Igbemudia Stadium area, Benin City
- 25 Harbour Road, Port Harcourt
- Woji Estate, Port Harcourt
- Rivers State Sports Institute Quarters, Isaka
- 5 Harbour Road, Yenagoa
- Senior Civil Servants Quarters, Ovom-Yenagoa
He was a polygamist and had two wives, with whom he was blessed with fifteen biological children and one adopted son. Many of his children have excelled in their various professional fields.
In 1984, he joined the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, where he served faithfully in several leadership roles, including:
- Zonal Leader Representative
- State Leaders Representative in Bayelsa State
Death and Legacy
After retiring from the civil service, Prince Amgbare battled health challenges, particularly complications related to a stroke.
He passed away on 13 June 2020 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, at the age of 75.
Prince Alphaeus E. O. Amgbare left behind a legacy defined by service to government, dedication to sports development, and spiritual leadership. His life remains a testament to perseverance, excellence, and commitment to community advancement.
