Teacher, Principal, Permanent Secretary, and School Proprietor

Dame Freda Eneni Suku‑Ogbari was admired for her elegance and intelligence. She began her career as a school tutor and principal in the early 1970s, later rising to the distinguished position of Permanent Secretary in the Bayelsa State public service. Beyond her professional achievements, she was a devoted Anglican and a visionary founder of Ala International Montessori School.

Synopsis

Born into a well‑to‑do family in Ogbolomabiri town, Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Freda was the daughter of Chief Kombo‑Igbeta, a foremost educationist. Inspired by her father’s dedication to learning, she pursued a career in education that spanned teaching, administration, and leadership. She retired meritoriously as a Permanent Secretary and left behind a legacy of excellence in both public service and private education. She passed away on October 4, 2018, at the age of seventy‑nine.

Early Life and Family Background

Freda’s father, the late S.F. Kombo‑Igbeta, was a renowned educationist who taught Geography at Methodist College, Uzuakoli, in the 1940s. His career included roles as Headmaster, Provincial Educational Officer, and Principal in several towns across Nigeria. He later served as a pioneer commissioner in the executive council of Lieutenant Commander Diete Spiff, the first Military Governor of old Rivers State. Her mother, Mrs. Eugenia T.M. Kombo‑Igbeta, was also educated. Freda was the first child of her parents, and her siblings went on to become accomplished scholars in their own right.

Birth and Early Years

She was born on November 4, 1939, in Uzuakoli, Aba Province, in the then Eastern Region of Nigeria. Her upbringing was shaped by her parents’ commitment to education and service.

Marriage and Family Life

On December 28, 1968, Freda married Mr. Hans Suku‑Abrakasa (later Sir [Chief] Engr. Hans Suku‑Ogbari now late) at All Saints Anglican Church, Yaba, Lagos. Their union was blessed with five children. The couple shared a joyful marriage and regularly celebrated their wedding anniversaries. Plans for their fiftieth anniversary in December 2018 were cut short by her passing two months earlier.

Educational Journey

Freda’s education reflected her father’s influence and her own determination. She attended several elementary schools in the late 1950s, following her father’s postings. Between 1955 and 1961, she studied at Cornelia Connelly College, Uyo, where she earned her West African School Certificate. In 1962, she obtained her Higher School Certificate from the same institution. She then proceeded to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1966. Later, she completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education at the University of Ibadan in 1973.

Teaching and Leadership Career

Her professional journey began in 1960 as a primary school teacher at Ibeku Central School, Umuahia. She briefly taught at Anglican Grammar School, Umuahia, and worked as a clerk at the British Bank of West Africa. In 1966, she joined Egbu Girls’ Secondary School, Owerri, where she was promoted to Principal in 1967. She later taught at City College, Lagos, from 1968 to 1970.

Principalship and Educational Impact

From 1971 to 1973, Freda taught at Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri, Port Harcourt. She then served as Principal at Government Girls’ Secondary School, Harbour Road, Port Harcourt, from 1973 to 1979, and at Archbishop Crowder Memorial Girls’ School, Elelenwo, Port Harcourt, from 1979 to 1981. Her leadership in these institutions left a lasting mark on the educational landscape of Rivers State.

Administrative and Civil Service Roles

Her career advanced into administration when she was appointed Deputy Chief Inspector of Education in 1981. By 1983, she had risen to Chief Inspector of Education, and between 1988 and 1996, she served as Director of Education in Rivers State. She later became Director at the Agency for Adult and Non‑formal Education, a role she held until 1998.

Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa State

In March 1998, Freda reached the pinnacle of her career when she was promoted to Permanent Secretary in the Bayelsa State public service. She administered the Ministries of Commerce and Industry, Lands and Housing, and Education. She retired on June 30, 2001, having distinguished herself as an administrator par excellence.

Founder of Ala International Montessori School

In 1998, she established Ala International Montessori Infant, Junior, and High School in Yenagoa. Beginning with just nine pupils, the school grew into a thriving institution with over five hundred students and a team of qualified teachers. The school remains a testament to her vision and commitment to education.

Achievements and Legacy

Her achievements extended beyond her administrative roles. She nurtured and inspired countless students who went on to make significant contributions to society. Ala International Montessori stands as a living legacy of her dedication to learning and teaching.

Faith and Religious Service

Freda was a lifelong Anglican. She worshiped at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Nembe and later at Cyprian Church, Hospital Road, Port Harcourt. In recognition of her devotion, she was knighted as a Dame by the Bishop of Niger Delta West in 2006.

Passing and Burial

Dame Freda Eneni Suku‑Ogbari passed away on October 4, 2018, shortly after returning from her annual vacation in the United States. She was laid to rest on November 10, 2018, in Nembe, under the rites of the Anglican Church. She was seventy‑nine years old.