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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
Leading economists, financial experts and industry stakeholders have described the Dangote Group’s investments as major drivers of industrialisation and economic transformation across Nigeria and Africa.
The experts cited the Group’s impact on job creation, import substitution, foreign exchange conservation and economic competitiveness.
They voiced their thoughts at the Lagos Economic Summit themed “The Real Deal: Africa’s Greatest Investment Opportunity,” where they urged governments to implement policies that strengthen local industries and accelerate economic diversification.
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Samaila Zubairu, commended the Dangote Group’s sustained investments across Africa, describing them as critical to unlocking the continent’s economic potential.
He noted that while recent economic reforms have improved foreign exchange stability, strengthened reserves and eased inflationary pressures, the focus must now shift to growth in industry, productivity and employment.
READ ALSO: NMDPRA Shares July Domestic Cooking Gas Supply Details
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Muda Yusuf, said industrialisation remains the most effective path to sustainable economic development.
He called for better alignment of trade and industrial policies, stressing that local manufacturers require strategic support to compete effectively and drive broader economic benefits.
Founder and CEO of Nairametrics, Ugodre Obi-Chukwu, said Africa’s growing population presents a significant industrial opportunity, noting that investments such as the Dangote Refinery are helping to retain capital within the continent while strengthening local production capacity.
In his keynote address, Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane, said Nigeria is gradually transitioning from a consumption-led economy to one driven by investment and production.
He added that sustained investments in productive sectors will continue to stimulate growth, create jobs and improve living standards.
Participants at the summit also advocated stronger credit infrastructure, improved national identification systems and increased investment in skills development to enhance the productivity and global competitiveness of Africa’s growing youth population.
Photo Caption: From Left – Chief Economist, Dangote Industries Limited, Dr. Hassan Mahmud; Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru; Chairman of Occasion/Special Guest of Honour, Samaila Zubairu; Key Note Speaker Session 1, Bismarck Rewane; during the Real Deal: Africa’s Greatest Investment Opportunity, Sponsored by Dangote Industry Limited in Lagos on Thursday 3, September 2026.
Social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has released what he described as his first piece of evidence after the Nigeria Police Force challenged him to substantiate his allegations that some police officers allegedly collaborate with kidnappers.
VDM released a video on his Instagram handle on Thursday, August 27, 2026, shortly after the police invited him to provide evidence supporting the claims he made at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt.
SEE MORE: ‘Provide Evidence’ — Police React to VDM’s Explosive Kidnap Allegation
The activist captioned the video: “My evidence number 1.”
Recalled that VDM, who was a panellist at the NBA conference on Tuesday, had alleged that some police officers manning checkpoints along major highways provide kidnappers and bandits with information about travellers.
According to him, the officers allegedly relay details about the identities and movements of travellers to criminal groups, thereby facilitating abductions for ransom.
The allegation triggered a response from the Nigeria Police Force, which denied the claim and challenged VDM to substantiate his allegations.
The police invitation came as the force sought evidence to support the serious claims made by the social media critic.
In response, VDM released the video, describing it as his “evidence number 1”, signalling that he may provide further material to support his allegations.
The development has continued to attract attention, with the controversy placing renewed focus on allegations of possible collaboration between security personnel and criminal groups involved in kidnapping and banditry.
A former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Goke Adeboroye, has questioned how an alleged fake presidential agency was able to gain access to government facilities, budgetary provisions and office space without being detected.
Adeboroye spoke on Channels Television’s Inside Sources following the discovery of the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
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The ICPC had said the purported agency had no legal basis and operated with forged appointment letters and other official documents.
The commission also said its alleged Director-General, Adeniyi Matthew, was never appointed by the Federal Government.
The anti-corruption agency further disclosed that its investigation into the PFIPC led to the discovery of the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, which it alleged was operating within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation without proper authorisation.
Reacting to the development, Adeboroye described the situation as a major failure of the government’s bureaucratic system.
“The exposure of that fake presidential agency is a major lapse to say that somebody can actually come into the system, get in on the budget, get offices, and all of that,” he said.
The former permanent secretary identified weaknesses in the bureaucratic structures supporting key offices in the Presidency, including the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service.
According to him, the bureaucracy in these offices should be strong enough to support the President’s policies while also ensuring that fraudulent or unlawful directives do not gain effect.
“The bureaucracy in those offices are not strong enough to be able to help the President drive the vision at the speed and with the efficiency that he wants,” Adeboroye said.
He also stressed the importance of having professional and experienced civil servants who can scrutinise directives issued by political office holders.
Adeboroye said civil servants should be able to recognise suspicious communications purportedly coming from the Presidency because they are familiar with the official channels through which presidential approvals are transmitted.
“Whether the person brings fake or whatever, you as the civil servant should be trained to be able to detect what should be a genuine communication from the State House. You work in that system,” he said.
He explained that presidential approvals usually pass through established channels involving senior government officials.
“When the President approves anything, he always minutes to about three people. He goes to the Chief of Staff, he goes to SGF, and if he has something to do with civil service, the Head of Service will have it.”
Adeboroye recalled an incident from his time as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior involving a former governor who claimed to have presidential approval for a diplomatic passport.
He said the then Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Ude, cross-checked the purported approval before taking action and subsequently sought clarification on whether the former governor, who was no longer in office, should receive the diplomatic passport.
“That’s somebody using the experience of the system to ensure that you are not outplayed,” he said.
The former permanent secretary said similar verification could have been carried out in the alleged fake agency case through a simple phone call to the relevant government offices.
“So we would have expected that on a simple phone call, when I was working in the office of Ekaite, Secretary of Government, I could pick a phone, call any minister, call this, it’s just a phone call from the office of whoever to say, Chief of Staff, is this true? And that would have actually corrected it,” he said.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office has continued.
The chairman of the project office, Musa Aliyu, had alleged that the office was allocated space within the OSGF premises without presidential authorisation.
However, the National Coordinator and Executive Director of the project office, George Nwabueze, denied the allegation, insisting that the office is a project office under the OSGF and has existed for 16 years.
Nwabueze also produced an appointment letter purportedly issued by the OSGF, conveying approval of his appointment as National Coordinator/Executive Director of the Made in Nigeria Project Office.
The conflicting claims have continued to raise questions about the authorisation and status of the project office and the alleged involvement of public officials in its operations.
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