Warrant Officer II (Rtd)
Chief Warrant Officer (Rtd) Nyoun Lisbon Maddock Otorudigha, hailing from the Nembe-Bassambiri community of Bayelsa state, was a highly accomplished Machines Engineer who left a lasting legacy in the Nigeria Army force from the 1970s to the 1990s. Throughout his military career, he made significant contributions and left an indelible mark in the field of engineering. His expertise and skills were widely recognized, and his work earned him a respected reputation within the Nigeria Army force. Chief Warrant Officer (Rtd) Nyoun Lisbon Maddock Otorudigha’s dedication and exceptional service have left giant footprints on the sands of time, serving as an inspiration for future generations in the Nigerian military.
What was Chief Warrant Officer (Rtd) Nyoun Lisbon Maddock Otorudigha?
Chief Warrant Officer (Rtd) Nyoun Lisbon Maddock Otorudigha was born in 1941 in the Nembe-Bassambiri community, which was part of Eastern Nigeria at the time. He received his primary education and additional training in Lagos during the 1950s, where he achieved success in his studies. In the midst of the civil war that occurred from 1967 to 1969, he enlisted in the Nigeria Army force and served as a specialized machine engineer. Throughout the 1970s and 1990s, he made significant contributions to various military engineering projects. Additionally, he served as an instructor at the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering for a significant portion of his distinguished career.
After 33 years of exemplary service, Chief Warrant Officer (Rtd) Nyoun Lisbon Maddock Otorudigha retired from the military in 1999, leaving behind a meritorious record. He was highly regarded as a respected Chief of Isere Wari in Nembe-Bassambiri, a community within the Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa state. Chief Otorudigha was known for his contentment and lived a fulfilling life as a married man with children who were a source of blessings to him. In 2021, at the age of 80, he passed away, leaving a void in the hearts of his loved ones and the community he served.
Birth/Parents
Late Chief Lisbon Maddock Otorudigha was born on February 2nd, 1941, into the esteemed family of late Elder Maddock Nyoun Elemu. He hailed from the Okoru Chieftaincy houses in the Kalabo group of houses, as well as the Elemah Chieftaincy Group of Houses and Gwokuma Chieftaincy House in the Duguruyai Chieftaincy Group of Houses, all located in Nembe Bassambiri Kingdom, Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa state. Chief Otorudigha held a special place in his family as the first of six siblings, bringing pride and honor to his household.
Education
During the late 1940s, Nyoun Lisbon began his primary education in Nembe-Bassambiri before his late Uncle, Elder Lilah Wilson Ototudigha, took him to Lagos, Western Nigeria, to further his studies. In Lagos, he attended Ajeromi Central School in Apapa from 1951 to 1957, obtaining his First School Leaving Certificate.
Due to financial constraints, Nyoun Lisbon was unable to continue his education in a conventional secondary school. However, he pursued informal education in technical trades, focusing on mechanical engines and specializing in inboard engine maintenance services. From 1958 to 1967, he dedicated himself to acquiring skills and knowledge in this field. His expertise in machine engines would prove invaluable in his later endeavors. During this time, he also worked as a mechanical artisan in a shipping firm in Lagos, honing his skills and gaining practical experience.
His Career In The Military
Nyoun Lisbon’s enlistment into the Nigeria Army Force on February 22nd, 1968, during the Nigeria civil war marked a significant turning point in his life. He joined as a Corporal with the military identification number 63NA/71743 and was assigned to the Nigeria Army Engineers. During his time in the military, he displayed great courage and fought valiantly on the Federal side (Nigeria) from 1968 to 1969, earning several medals and honors for his exceptional service.
One of the highlights of his military career was the quality training he received in mechanical engines. Some of the training programs he successfully completed include:
- Trade Test I, II, and III in plant operator from 1977 to 1979 in Plateau State.
- Plant Operator Course at the Nigeria Army School of Military Engineering from April 22nd to July 22nd, 1977.
- Plant Operator Mech AIII – AII course at the Nigeria Army School of Military Engineering from June 15th, 1981, to March 26th, 1985, where he was awarded a POM AII certification.
- Plant operator and mechanic XI diploma from the Nigeria Army School of Military Engineering.
- Army Certificate of Education Second Class Examination, which he passed on October 21st, 1985, in Rukuba, Jos, Plateau State.
- A course on motor vehicle mechanics with a Distinction at the Trans-world tutorial college on September 16th, 1985.
- Certification by AHLMANN, a heavy-duty firm, on AHLMANN swing-shovel-loader as 12B, including maintenance and repair, at NASME Makurdi, Nigeria, on April 11th, 1995.
- Plant operator/mechanic upgrade course at the Nigeria Army School of Military Engineering from July 2nd, 1988, to October 20th, 1988, where he was awarded Plant/Mechanic XI.
During his service in the military, Nyoun Lisbon made significant contributions to the development of the engineering corps of the Army Force. He actively participated in road construction projects and various civil works under the jurisdiction of the Nigeria military at that time. His services were highly regarded, and he left an indelible mark on the military engineering sector.
Nyoun Lisbon grew through the ranks and retired as a Warrant Officer (WO II) on the 31st December, 1999 after serving the military for 33 years.
Civil Service
Following his retirement from the military, Nyoun Lisbon transitioned into the Local Government sector of Bayelsa state. On December 28th, 2000, he was employed as a Plant Operator in the Nembe Local Government Council, where he continued to contribute his skills and expertise. He served diligently in the civil service for several years, maintaining an untarnished record until his retirement in 2017. His dedication and commitment to public service extended beyond his military career, as he continued to make valuable contributions to the development of his community through his work in the local government sector.
Social Life
Nyoun Lisbon’s connection to his cultural heritage and traditions was evident in his involvement as a custodian of the Nembe customs and traditions. From a young age, after completing his primary education in the 1950s, he developed a passion for traditional dancing. He joined the renowned Seki Apu (Ekine) dance group of the Nembe Kingdom, immersing himself in the rich cultural practices and expressions of his community.
Later on, he and other like-minded individuals formed their own dance group called Okiri 1930. This group brought a new wave of energy and creativity to the Nembe Kingdom in the early 1960s. With their innovative dancing styles, mesmerizing drumming, and captivating songs, Okiri 1930 electrified the community and became a popular alternative to the traditional Seki Apu (Ekine) dance.
Among the notable personalities who participated in Okiri 1930 were Sattah Korobo, the late Chief Tamuno, Right W. Deri, the late Happy Ina-David, the late Chief Ikirigo Joshua Omo, Ofeghabofa Abaye Okpoma, Chief Waribugo W. Isere Dibigha, Elder John Opulu, Chief Elect Bellot Tobin, and Ayebaduanuu Inemi Obadiah, among others. Together, they contributed to the preservation and celebration of Nembe cultural heritage through their vibrant performances and dedication to their traditions.
Chieftaincy
In recognition of his contributions and esteemed position in the community, the Elema wari (house) of the Isere wari (house) decided to honor Mr. Nyoun Lisbon with a chieftaincy title in 2010. He was bestowed with the title of Chief Lisbon Maddock Otorudigha, a name that he carried with pride and respect until his passing. This chieftaincy title not only symbolized his status within the community, but also acknowledged his commitment to preserving the traditions and values of his people. As Chief Lisbon Maddock Otorudigha, he continued to play an important role in promoting the cultural heritage and upholding the customs of his community until the end of his life.
Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none, be able for thine enemy rather in power than use, and keep thy friend under thy own life’s key; be check’d for silence, but never tax’d for speech. ---- William Shakespare All’s well That Ends Well
Family/Faith
Chief Lisbon Maduck Otorudigha shared a loving and enduring marriage with his late wife, Mrs. Lisbon Munasonyu, for over forty years. Their bond was a testament to their commitment and dedication to each other. Unfortunately, their family experienced the heart-wrenching loss of two of their adult children, Erenamugha in 1997 and Yanate in 1998, within a span of two years. This was an incredibly difficult time for Chief Lisbon and his family, as they had to cope with the pain of losing their beloved children.
Within the family circle, Chief Lisbon Maduck Otorudigha was a caring and responsible father. He prioritized the upbringing of his children, instilling in them the values of love, contentment, and the fear of God. Chief Lisbon recognized that the greatest wealth he could provide for his children was a solid education, and he ensured that all of them received university degrees. His children, in turn, are making positive contributions in their respective professions, carrying forward the values instilled in them by their father.
Chief Lisbon Maduck Otorudigha was known for his strong character and principled stance against materialism, injustice, and corrupt practices. Throughout his military career, he actively participated in the Protestant Church at the NASME Barracks Makurdi and Rukuba Barracks Jos. In his hometown of Nembe-Bassambiri, he was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church, where he worshiped and remained steadfast in his faith.
Chief Lisbon Maduck Otorudigha’s life was marked by his dedication to family, unwavering values, and commitment to his faith. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him, as his principles and the love he shared with his family will be cherished for generations to come.
Death
It is with sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Chief Lisbon Maduck Otorudigha. After battling illness throughout 2021, he peacefully passed away on the 9th of November, 2021, at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state. Chief Lisbon Maduck Otorudigha was 80 years old at the time of his demise.
During his lifetime, Chief Lisbon Maduck Otorudigha left an indelible mark on his community and the people whose lives he touched. His contributions as an accomplished Machines Engineer in the Nigeria Army force from the 1970s to the 1990s will be remembered and cherished. Chief Lisbon Maduck Otorudigha’s dedication to service, commitment to his family, and unwavering values have left a lasting impact.
As we mourn the loss of Chief Lisbon Maduck Otorudigha, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the community of Nembe-Bassambiri. May his humble soul rest in peace, and may his memory continue to inspire and guide those who knew and loved him.
Burial Rites
