Archbishop (Dr.) Derby Augustine Adoku Ndiomu was a visionary church leader, accomplished entrepreneur, community builder, and devoted servant of God whose life journey reflected resilience, faith, and transformational leadership. As the founder of Christlife Glorious Bible Church, he shepherded souls for over three decades, leaving behind a lasting spiritual legacy.
Birth and Family Background
He was born on 28th May 1946 into the family of Chief and Mrs. Adoku Ndiomu of Gbekebor community, Odoni, in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. His maternal roots trace to the Agbangu family of Agbere town, also in Sagbama LGA.
He hailed from a lineage of distinction, notably connected to Charles Ndiomu, his uncle, whose military career brought pride to the family.
Education and Personal Development
Derby Ndiomu began his education at Local Authority Primary School, Odoni (1955–1960), where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He proceeded to Secondary Modern School, Agbere (1961–1963) but was unable to continue due to financial constraints.
Undeterred, he pursued technical training in welding and fabrication, becoming highly skilled in the trade.
Later in life, driven by spiritual hunger and intellectual growth, he enrolled in several Christian institutions:
- All Nations for Christ Bible Institute, Benin City (1988–1991)
- Christian Ministries Institute, Port Harcourt (1988)
- North California Bible College (Owerri Study Centre) (1988)
- Pilgrims Theological Seminary, Rivers State (B.A. Theology, 1991)
He was also honored with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Theology.
Career and Entrepreneurial Journey
His professional life was marked by bold transitions and entrepreneurial success:
- 1964: Joined Niger Delta Basin Authority as a Survey Attendant
- 1964–1978: Senior Foreman at McDermott Nigeria Limited
After 14 years, he ventured into private enterprise and built a thriving business portfolio:
- Dakdon Finance Limited (1978)
- Ekusi Bakeries (1980)
- Dakdon Hotels Limited (1994), Port Harcourt
- Bright Future Nursery/Primary School (1997)
He also contributed to governance and community development:
- Board Member, Primary School Board Sagbama (1988)
- Chairman, Community Development Committee, Odoni (1985–1989, extended service)
- Financial Secretary, Master Bakers Association (Old Rivers State, 1992)
His leadership in both business and community affairs was widely respected.
Christian Calling and Ministry
His life took a defining turn in 1977, when he gave his life to Christ at the Church of God Mission, Warri under the ministry of Ayo Oritsejafor.
He grew steadily in faith and was:
- Ordained Deacon by Benson Idahosa in the 1980s
- Later ordained Elder, serving faithfully in Eleme, Rivers State
With a burning passion for evangelism, he was commissioned into full-time ministry in the late 1990s.
In 1993, he founded Christlife Glorious Bible Church, Port Harcourt, a ministry that grew rapidly and expanded to multiple locations including:
- Rumueme, Port Harcourt
- Diobu, Port Harcourt
- Omoku
- Agbere
Through this ministry, he transformed countless lives, emphasizing salvation, discipline, and spiritual growth.
Family Life
A devoted family man, Derby Ndiomu was initially a polygamist but, following his conversion in 1977, embraced a monogamous life in accordance with his Christian convictions.
He shared a lifelong bond with his wife, Mrs. Etuatimi Ndiomu, and was blessed with seven children, all of whom continue to uphold his legacy.
Passing and Legacy
Archbishop (Dr.) Derby Augustine Adoku Ndiomu passed away peacefully on 9th February 2023 at Noble Clinic, NTA Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at the age of 77.
Legacy
His life remains a powerful testimony of:
- Faith over adversity
- Visionary leadership
- Entrepreneurial excellence
- Commitment to community and spiritual growth
He was more than a preacher—he was a builder of lives, institutions, and destinies.
His legacy continues through the church he founded, the businesses he built, and the countless souls he led to Christ.
