Augustine Ali Akene (1932-2003)

Augustine Ali Akene was an able geographer/administrator that kept unbeatable records in the Oil and Gas Multi-national (Shell Nigeria) in the late 60s and 70s.

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Teacher, Principal, Administrator

Augustine Ali Akene was an able geographer/administrator that kept unbeatable records in the Oil and Gas Multi-national (Shell Nigeria) in the late 60s and 70s.

Who was Augustine Ali Akene?

Augustine Ali Akene (1932 – 2003) hails from Kaiama town in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government of Bayelsa state. He was an astute schools teacher and Principal at two (2) reputable Secondary schools in the Niger Delta. Moreover, he kept undeniable footprints in the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). He was a holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Geography in 1965. Augustine Ali Akene, died in Port Harcourt after some health related complications in 2003. He was 71 years old.

His Parents and Birth

Augustine Ali Akene’s father was Chief Izoun Akene from Odowari’s compound in Kaiama town and his mother was Mrs. Oroteidou Akene (nee Abiama) from Ogbolomabiri compound in Odi community, and all of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

 Augustine Ali Akene was born on 17 June, 1932 at Kaiama town in Southern-Nigeria (now Bayelsa State).

His Education

Augustine Ali Akene had his primary education at Proctor Memorial Primary School, Kaiama from 1942 to 1949. In 1954, he went to St. John’s College Diobu, Port Harcourt and got the Teacher’s Grade III certificate in 1955.  Still at St. John’s College Diobu Port Harcourt, he enrolled and got the Teacher’s Grade II certificate.

Subsequently, in 1961 He sat for the General Certificate of Education Ordinary level and got (5) credits. In 1962, he also sat and passed the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level. In same 1962, he got admitted into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) to study Geography and graduated with a B. Sc (Hons.) in Geography in 1965.

Career Life

Firstly, he had a brief stint as a pupil teacher from 1950 to 1954. Augustine Ali Akene began a rather colorful career as a graduate, when he applied and was engaged with the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Port Harcourt in 1969. Augustine Ali Akene kept an undeniable career record in Shell-Nigeria at the time. He was the Job Evaluation Assistant from 1964 to 1970. Just within 10 months of employment, he was promoted from level 7 to level 6, and Augustine Akene was made Head Estate Services, Shell Residential Area, Rumukoroshi Camp, Port Harcourt from 1970 to 1971.

 After a year of meritorious performance in this position, he was promoted to level 5 as Head of Personnel Services from 1971 to 1973. Afterwards, he was transferred to the Western Division of the company as Head of Industrial Relations from 1973 to 1974. Augustine Akene was an outstanding man, committed to excellence in his delivery of service whenever he found himself.

However, Augustine Akene resigned from Shell in 1974, for reason best known to him. In 1974, he joined the College of Science and Technology (now Rivers State University) as a pioneer personnel officer in the registry department from 1974 to 1976. He was redeployed to the Rivers State Teaching Service Commission and was later made Principal of Bonny National Grammar School, Bonny Island from 1976 to 1977, and he was later transferred still as Principal to Stella Maris College, Port Harcourt from 1977 to 1979.

Augustine Akene left the school system and was transferred to the old Rivers State Ministry of Education and was promoted Assistant Chief Inspector of Education (Secondary), and served in that capacity from 1979 to 1981.

Finally, in 1982, he was then, seconded to Head the Post Primary Schools Board. Augustine Ali Akene resigned from the civil service and went into politics.

He joined the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN); a party founded by Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1978 thereabout. Augustine Ali Akene contested for the seat of the Governor of old Rivers State against the incumbent Governor, Chief Melford Okilo (now late) of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) (now defunct). Augustine Ali Akene lost the election.

After the outcomes of the 1983 election, he veered into private business. He was a Builder and Engineering contractor with the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Augustine Ali Akene was the President of Oil and Mineral Producers’ Indigenous Contractor Association from 1998 to 2001.

His Chieftaincy

Augustine Ali Akene was elected and crowned the Amadaowei (His Royal Majesty) of Kaiama in 1975 and he later resigned as the paramount ruler of Kaiama in 1987.

His Faith

He was in tune with the things of God. Augustine Ali Akene got glued to the Pentecostal faith. He was a dedicated Elder in the Church of God Mission International. For some time he headed the Marriage Committee of Church of God Mission International and pursued righteousness with all vigor.

Personal Life and Family

Augustine Ali Akene was married to Deaconess Rebecca Akene a retired Educationist and he had 14 Children. He was an avid reader and a prolific orator in his prime.

His Death

It was reported, Augustine Ali Akene fell sick and was admitted at the Shell hospital (Industrial Area) Port Harcourt. He had cardiac arrest and died afterwards on 16 February, 2003. He was 71 years old.

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Abalijay
"Timeless Persons" is a personal blog project created by me with the aim of sharing biographies of remarkable individuals from the Niger Delta region and beyond. The blog serves as a platform to captivate and stimulate your thoughts, encouraging reflection on the past, fostering a positive mindset in the present, and inspiring hope for a better future. Through the stories of great minds featured on the blog, readers are invited to delve into the lives and achievements of extraordinary individuals, drawing inspiration and insights that can be applied to their own lives. "Timeless Persons" strives to create an engaging and thought-provoking space for readers to appreciate the legacies and contributions of notable individuals, ultimately encouraging personal growth and a brighter outlook on life.

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