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A Tribute to Dr Bolere Elizabeth Ketebu..“Bosque”: An Indomitable Genius
Tonye GRAHAM-DOUGLAS
PORT HARCOURT-I woke up on the morning of Saturday the 16th January 2021 with tears in my eyes and filled with a sense of foreboding, musing on the fact that in the next two days, the 18th January 2021 would mark the one month period from the interment of my first son Tonye, popularly known as “TGD”.
Breaking the deep thoughts was a call on my mobile phone from my second son, Semabo. Without reservations or emotions, he broke the news: “Daddy we have just lost our Mother”. “Don’t talk nonsense” I angrily snapped at him as I began to wail and break down in tears. He consoled me, narrating the sequence of health challenges that unsuspectingly deteriorated into death.
I was thrown into a whirlwind of emotions, overwhelmed with reminiscence and recalls of over fifty years of our relationship that demonstrated and depicted confidence, as well as unalloyed and unblemished affection which evolved over time into trusted love and protection. Colloquially, it introduced the acronym: “Bosque de reign; when the reign is over, everyone eyes will clear”
At the end of the Nigerian Civil War, I was working at the Premier Refinery, “NPRC”, as an Administrative Assistant. There were only a few Science graduates in the school system at the time. Accordingly, the authorities used the Oil and gas sectors and related avenues to obtain Science teachers to reinforce their schools sciences.
I was invited by the Principal of Harbor Road Secondary School, Mrs. Ngo Ogan (nee Dede) to assist the girls in the biological sciences. I obliged and commenced making myself available twice weekly for lectures or tutorials.
After a couple of lectures and interaction, I discovered a set of young girls who were copiously endowed with brains and intellect; this was further proven in the constant tests. I often affirmed to the Principal of the School of the standard of academic excellence of the girls.
However one young girl was exceptionally outstanding; always scoring never less than seventy-five percent in all her test subjects, I got very interested in the success of this young girl, Bolere, and invited her, her twin sister Bekere and their mother we fondly called “Maa’le” to visit the Refinery site.
That visit was a turning point as it created a wide range of avenues to be exploited by the widow with ten children. Through favors of heaven, she became one of the biggest suppliers of foodstuffs and certain perishables to the Refinery catering services. She was adequately protected to acquire her Ohaeto abandoned property etc. but above all was the compilation and submission of all her children’s name through Bolere to my friend, the Governor of Rivers State, H.E. Alfred Diete-Spiff, for scholarships which he obliged because of our relationship.
It is remarkable to recall that after the conduct of the School Certificate examination which confirmed the expectation and hard work by the class, there was exuberant hope of confidence by all the girls.
I had advised the Principal to equally register the class for GCE (O-Level) exams. I personally ensured that Bolere registered. At the commencement of the GCE exams, because of her performance and confidence in the school certificate exams, she hesitated in going for the GCE exams. I put my feet down and assigned my personal driver Ashaga to take her to the exams and bring her back each time she had a paper.
As providence had it, the WAEC results of the Harbor Road Secondary School were suspiciously cancelled that year. We had to depend on the GCE results for further education because she was very confident.
By the grace of God, the results of the GCE provided all distinctions. The following day, as the University session had started, I arranged a space on one of the Refinery operated private flights and took her to my Professors at the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lagos, Prof Ukoli and Prof Ekundayo (all now late). They were so fascinated with Bolere’s results that on the spot, they arranged through the Academic Offices and their departments a space for Bolere to join the preliminary class for the School of Medicine. On the same day, we went to see Mama Curtis (Matron of the Hostels) who on seeing me obliged to secure a hostel accommodation for Bolere. All fees for the session were duly settled and the Head Refinery Office in Broad Street Lagos, Mrs Bassey, was solicited to provide guidance.
It is pertinent to categorically state that the unique altruistic benevolence demonstrated and described were also extended to other girls save that Bolere’s extraordinary intellect demanded that special altruism without sinister motives or exploitative intentions.
When I was due to return to Port Harcourt after assisting Bolere safely and on the path to becoming a doctor someday, I passed by the hostel on my way to the airport to say goodbye. Then was the drama by this innocent young girl in a strange hostel in Akoka, Lagos. She cried and wailed her heart out, feeling insecure without me. In my attempt to calm her down that I suddenly appreciated the intense feeling and passion I’d cultivated for her.
On my return back to Port Harcourt to brief her mother, I was not diplomatic with my emotions when I informed her: “My Bosque greets you and she’s happily settled to read.”
Sometimes when such drama presents itself the human mind begins to speculate and evaluate prevailing circumstances that fringes on individual happiness and environmental survival in their existing habitats. Happy marriages run straight line graphs but epileptic marriages are characterized by hyperbolas and varied views are enunciated… Only the Almighty God in Heaven knows our hearts and is the true authentic Judge.
Dr Bolere Elizabeth Ketebu and I had an intimate secret resolution to raise a family as soon as she got through the 2nd MBBS. We fondly chose the name Ibiso (Goodluck) when our first baby arrived.
We owned a home at 11 Ilesanmi Street Surulere. Maa’le, a househelp, and a standby car with a driver provided the comfort and convenience required then.
As soon as she qualified and finished her housemanship, Botoba, our last baby, in a mysterious, God controlled circumstance arrived.
It is remarkable to recall that when my biological mother died, my eldest brother Dr. Melford Semabo Graham-Douglas signed her forehead with a virtue cross in white chalk. When Botoba was born, she had the insignia of a ‘white cross’ on her forehead. Soon after the birth of Botoba, she worked with the Rivers State Ministry of Health. Before she went to the United States for further studies. We concluded all outstanding marriage rites at Odi, old Rivers State now Bayelsa State including completion of an access from the East-West Road to her parents’ home. Thereafter she went for further studies to specialize in Public Health and Administration. From the first day we met to the day she elected to severe the relationship, we never ever had any misunderstanding.
We never quarreled or exchanged hard words, having understood ourselves in all aspects of human endeavors from her infancy to adolescence.
She was a great achiever, prolific organizer, visionary and proactive with fixed goals and ambitions. Her political assiduity and desire to represent her people has always been an innate perception to serve and improve on the lot of her people and humanity. Dr. Bolere Elizabeth Ketebu was recognized by her state of origin, Bayelsa, where she served as a one-time Secretary to the State Government (SSG); she was appointed as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland. Furthermore the impeccable confidence reposed in her integrity by the National Council of Women Societies where she was elected to serve as President, as well as various roles at the International Council of Women Society and a Board Member University of Lagos. She also won election to the Federal House of Representatives to represent her state. She was a highly effervescent personality, standing out in beauty and candor. She was such a blessed lady who molded our children to be united, focused and consistent with their consanguineous hereditary. She left an indelible niche in space and time for ever. We shall all miss her, especially her Kalabari connections with whom she became intimately knitted, enabling her to speak the Kalabari native tongue fluently.
May the Great God, creator of heaven and earth, father of our Lord Jesus Christ, whom He sent to the world; living 33 years was crucified, died, was buried and rose on the third day and ascended to heaven to atone for all of mankind’s sins repose Bosque’s soul in the bosom of His Father.
Bosque you departed an accomplished sage that shall be everlastingly remembered by us all: Ibiso, Daba, Semabo, Owanari and Tamunolobo bikiya (Botoba), I (Ex-Husband and father of all your children) and the Graham-Douglas Families of Abonnema you so endeared yourself.
Rest in Peace.
H.H. Alabo Tonye Graham-DouglasAnd Chiefs of Orubibi Group of Houses and Community, Abonnema Kingdom
Nigeria’s victorious U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have returned to Abuja following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The team arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in the early hours of Monday, where they were received by officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and supporters.
The Flamingos made history on Saturday after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final to win their maiden FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title, becoming the first African team to lift the trophy.
Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku secured the historic victory for Nigeria, capping an impressive campaign by the young players.
SEE ALSO: Tinubu Hails Flamingos After Historic World Cup Final Qualification, Urges Team to Win Trophy
The triumph followed another successful outing at the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire, where the Flamingos recorded five victories from five matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding just once.
Head coach Hakeem Busari has described the team’s achievement as the outcome of sustained development, resilience and tactical discipline.
Speaking after the final, Busari said the performance of African teams at the tournament reflected the growing quality and competitiveness of women’s football on the continent.
“What we are seeing now is not a fluke. It is about development, it is about character, and it is about fighting from the beginning to really get it right. So we are elated and happy,” he said.
The coach also explained that his technical crew carefully studied Japan’s playing style before the final, particularly the team’s ability to win second balls and exploit spaces behind defensive lines.
He said the Flamingos adjusted their approach to limit Japan’s attacking opportunities, describing the encounter as a tactical contest that required collective defending, discipline and effective game management.
Busari expressed optimism that more African teams would progress to the latter stages of future editions of the competition.
Tinubu Congratulates Flamingos
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Flamingos on their historic achievement, describing the victory as a proud moment for Nigeria and a landmark for African women’s football.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President said he received the news following his return from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.
“What wonderful news to return home to! Our young girls have conquered the world and given Nigerians everywhere another reason to celebrate our great country.
“To our gallant Flamingos, I say congratulations. You have shown courage, discipline, determination and the Nigerian spirit of never giving up,” Tinubu said.
The President recalled that the players had promised to bring the trophy home following their semi-final victory, commending them for fulfilling their promise.
He particularly applauded Bashiru and Umejiaku for scoring the decisive goals, while praising the entire squad for their teamwork and determination throughout the tournament.
Tinubu also congratulated the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission for their contributions to the historic success.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover and develop their sporting potential.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against what it described as a dangerous attempt to weaken the opposition through judicial controversies, following a judgment by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, affecting the party’s leadership and the candidacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The party alleged that the judgment, which reportedly sacked the Senator David Mark-led leadership and invalidated Atiku’s candidacy, was a desperate attempt to undermine the opposition and deny Nigerians the right to freely choose their leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
SEE ALSO: Atiku Raises Alarm Over Attacks on Sowore, ADC Governorship Candidate, Accuses APC of Intimidation
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Thursday, the ADC linked the timing of the judgment to the massive turnout at its presidential campaign rally in Sokoto, which took place barely 24 hours earlier.
The party claimed that the rally, which attracted thousands of supporters, had triggered panic within the ruling APC and accelerated the delivery of the judgment.
“We have reasons to believe that the judgment had long been written on this case. The Sokoto rally was simply a trigger that stampeded its delivery,” the statement read.
The ADC argued that the judgment went beyond the political ambitions of Atiku and David Mark, warning that its implications could affect thousands of candidates seeking elective positions at the local, state and federal levels.
It maintained that the development threatened the democratic rights of Nigerians and the participation of opposition candidates in the forthcoming elections.
The party also questioned the legal basis of the judgment, citing an earlier ruling by Justice Musa Liman of the same Federal High Court, delivered on July 2, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025.
According to the ADC, the earlier judgment affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the leadership.
The party argued that a court of coordinate jurisdiction cannot sit on appeal over, review, vary or nullify the subsisting judgment of another court of equal jurisdiction.
It said it would challenge the latest judgment through every available judicial process, adding that it was awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) to establish its precise terms, scope and operative orders.
The ADC further accused the APC of using judicial processes to frustrate opposition parties whenever they gained political momentum.
Warning against what it described as an attempt to eliminate political competition, the party said the peace and stability of Nigeria should not be sacrificed for the political ambitions of any individual or party.
“We warn the APC: do not play with fires you cannot control. The peace and stability of Nigeria are bigger than the ambition of any president or political party,” the statement added.
The party also challenged President Bola Tinubu and the APC to submit themselves to a free and fair electoral contest if they were confident in their performance and popularity.
“Nigeria belongs to Nigerians, not to the APC. The presidency is not an inheritance. If the President thinks he has performed well in office, why is he afraid of competition?” the ADC asked.
The controversy comes amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the court judgment raising fresh questions about the ADC’s leadership and the status of candidates contesting under its platform.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has charged newly appointed Confederation of African Football (CAF) General Secretary, Samson Adamu, to protect and promote Nigeria’s interests while advancing the development of African football.
Shettima gave the charge on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, when he received Adamu, who was accompanied by a delegation led by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko.
SEE ALSO: Sanwo-Olu Pledges Full Support as Lagos Prepares to Host 2026 CAF Awards
The Vice President congratulated Adamu on his appointment, describing his emergence as the first Nigerian to occupy the position in CAF’s 70-year history as a significant achievement for the country.
Conveying President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill, Shettima urged Adamu to approach his new responsibilities with integrity, diligence and a strong sense of national pride.
“The President is proud of you, Samson Adamu. Go and do a yo-man’s job. Go and promote, protect and project and preserve the interest of the Nigerian nation,” he said.
Shettima described football as an important instrument of national unity, noting that the sport brings Nigerians together irrespective of their differences.
“Anytime Nigeria plays, it tends to subsume all other identities. Football and sports generally is a source of unity for our country. What binds us together superseded whatever divides us,” he stated.
He attributed Nigeria’s achievements in sports to the quality of its people and the contributions of administrators, coaches, talent scouts and institutions responsible for identifying and developing sporting talents.
The Vice President also recalled the achievements of Nigerian football legends, including Rashidi Yekini, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha and Finidi George, noting that their successes were supported by individuals and institutions that nurtured their abilities.
Earlier, Dikko thanked President Tinubu and the Federal Government for supporting sports development, saying the administration’s commitment had strengthened Nigeria’s international sporting profile and created opportunities for investment through sports.
He described Adamu’s appointment as a major milestone for Nigerian sports administration and disclosed that the Federal Government had approved Nigeria’s hosting of the CAF General Assembly in November and the CAF Awards in December 2026.
In his remarks, Adamu expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support, describing his appointment as a source of national pride.
He pledged to use his experience as CAF’s former Director of Competitions to strengthen the continental body’s administration and advance African football.
Adamu also promised to support Nigeria’s efforts to harness its football talents and maximise its potential in continental and global sports.
He was appointed CAF General Secretary on Sunday, November 1, 2026, following a recruitment exercise by the continental football governing body. He is expected to oversee CAF’s day-to-day administration.
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