Civil Servant • Tax Administrator • Community Leader
Opening Summary
Chief Godwill Numoipre Samson Edgar-Zechariah (1936–2011) was a distinguished Nigerian civil servant, taxation expert, community leader, and devoted family patriarch whose life embodied discipline, integrity, and service. Rising through the ranks of the Internal Revenue Department of Rivers State to become Deputy Director, he earned a reputation as a passionate advocate for effective taxation and public accountability. Known widely for his wisdom, mentorship, and dedication to education, he profoundly influenced both the civil service and his community. His life remains a testament to perseverance, faith, and the enduring value of a respected name.
Early Life and Background
Chief Godwill Numoipre Samson Edgar-Zechariah was born on 7 February 1936 at Kala-Orubu, a fishing settlement of the people of Twon-Brass.
He was born to Mr. Samson Daumunabo Edgar, who later became Deputy Chief James of Ekperikiri (now Ekperi-ama) for more than two decades, and Mrs. Diekuma Cordelia Edgar, daughter of Daufa of Dorgu-Iwoama, the monarch known as King Igwe II of Dorgu-Iwoama.
His birth was surrounded by great anxiety, as his parents had previously lost three infant sons. His mother relocated from Ekperikiri to Kala-Orubu while pregnant and lived with her mother-in-law, Madam Gbeyefa Zechariah, a respected traditional midwife. Because of fears for the survival of the child, he was not formally named at birth. He was affectionately called several nicknames including “Bundle.”
Eventually, his paternal uncle Elder Noel Nabopigigha Ikurusi declared the words “Biebe Numoipiri”—meaning “let this one survive for my sake.” From this blessing came his name Numoipre. Later in life, following baptism into the Anglican faith, he adopted the name Godwill, which became his first name.
Early Life and Education
Chief Edgar-Zechariah began his primary education at St. Thomas School, Ekperikiri, under his first teacher Mr. R. B. Joseph. He later transferred to St. Barnabas School in Twon-Brass, where he consistently excelled academically, often finishing first or second in his class.
In 1953, he gained admission into Priscilla Memorial Grammar School (PMGS) in Oguta. Financing his secondary education required great determination. With assistance from his paternal uncles and through personal efforts—such as fishing and trading palm produce during school holidays—he managed to sustain his schooling.
Unfortunately, financial difficulties forced him to terminate his secondary education in Class Four instead of completing the final year. Despite this setback, his love for science remained strong, and he initially dreamed of becoming a medical doctor.
Although that dream did not materialize, he took pride in later seeing members of his family achieve that aspiration—particularly his daughter Professor Onyaye Euphemia Edgar Kunle-Olowu and his granddaughter Dr. Enenimiete Woha, both medical doctors.
Determined not to allow lack of education affect future generations, he vowed that education would remain the greatest legacy of his lineage.
Career and Professional Achievements
After leaving secondary school, he began his working life as a pupil teacher at St. Barnabas Primary School, Twon-Brass. However, his ambition for greater achievement soon led him to pursue a career in public administration.
In 1962, he joined the Internal Revenue Department of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning in Rivers State as a Third-Class Clerk.
While working, he continued studying independently and successfully obtained the General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) of the University of London in 1964. Two years later, he passed the Advanced Level GCE in 1966, demonstrating extraordinary discipline and intellectual determination.
His career progressed steadily through dedication and professional excellence. Promotions followed:
- Assistant Executive Officer (Tax) – 1972
- Executive Officer – 1974
- Higher Executive Officer – 1979
- Senior Inspector of Taxes – 1983
- Principal Inspector of Taxes – 1985
- Chief Revenue Officer – 1989
- Assistant Director – 1991
- Deputy Director – 1995
Throughout his career he became known as “Taxation personified.” His expertise enabled the government to generate significant revenue from oil companies, hospitality industries, private businesses, and personal income taxes.
He served in numerous communities across the state including Oloibiri, Okrika, Bori, and Emeyal.
His belief was simple but powerful:
“Taxation is the most dependable source of revenue for government.”
In recognition of his professional competence, he became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria in 1994.
After the creation of Bayelsa State, he retired in 1997 as Deputy Director of the Internal Revenue Department. He was later appointed a member of the Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue, where he served until the board’s dissolution in 2008.
Community Service and Leadership
Chief Edgar-Zechariah was deeply committed to community development. In the early 1960s he spearheaded a sanitation initiative known as “Amatolomo Ogbo” in Ekperikiri, encouraging monthly community clean-ups. Members of the group enforced sanitation standards long before nationwide monthly sanitation exercises became common.
He was also actively involved in several organizations including:
- Twon Youths Club
- Twon Improvement Union
- Sikiapu Cultural Group
His contributions to community development included financial support for local infrastructure projects such as the first back road constructed in Ekperikiri.
In recognition of his leadership and service, he was installed in 2006 as Chief Zechariah of Ada-Ama, Twon-Brass, by Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff after being presented by HRH Serena Dokumo (Ada X).
Personal Life and Character
In 1961, Chief Edgar-Zechariah married Mrs. Irene Nimibofa Edgar (née Joel) in a traditional ceremony. Their marriage lasted over sixty years and was blessed with many children.
He was a devoted father who often reminded his children:
“I do not have property to leave behind, but your education is the legacy I bequeath to you.”
He invested deeply in the education of his children and relatives, often supporting nephews, nieces, and other young people. His home became a place of mentorship for many children whose parents sought guidance for them.
Despite experiencing the painful loss of several of his children, he remained steadfast in faith and commitment to family.
He loved music, dance, and storytelling, and was known as a talented footballer and saxophonist in his youth. His favorite musician was Rex Lawson.
Religious Life
Chief Edgar-Zechariah was a devoted Christian who firmly believed in the Lordship of Jesus Christ. A committed member of the Anglican Communion, he lived a life guided by faith, compassion, and service.
He was widely known as a counselor, mentor, and advocate for the less privileged.
Legacy and Impact
Chief Godwill Numoipre Samson Edgar-Zechariah passed away on 11 August 2021 at the Family Care Specialist Hospital in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
His legacy lives on in the lives he shaped—as a civil servant who strengthened taxation systems, a community leader who championed development, and a father who placed education above material wealth.
Above all, he left behind the guiding philosophy that defined his life:
“If life does not give you all that you want, be happy that you are alive. Take a moderate course in all you do so that when life ends, you leave behind a respected name.”
Through his service, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to family and society, Chief G. N. S. Edgar-Zechariah remains remembered as a sage, mentor, and exemplary public servant whose impact continues across generations.
