The Legacy of NAGS: Uniting Gbaramatu Students and Shaping Leaders for the Future

In the heart of the Niger Delta lies a vibrant kingdom rich in culture, tradition, and an unyielding spirit — the Gbaramatu Kingdom. Among its many contributions to the development of the Ijaw nation stands one particularly remarkable organization: The National Association of Gbaramatu Students (NAGS). This apex national student body was founded with a clear mission — to unify Gbaramatu students across the globe, promote academic excellence, and raise a generation of competent leaders.

The Birth of a Movement

NAGS was born out of necessity and vision in 2003, during the National Union of Izon-Ibe Students (NUIS) National Congress held in Okerenkoko Federated Community, under the leadership of Chief Dennis Otuaro. Inspired by the desire to consolidate and advocate for the common educational interests of Gbaramatu students, key figures came together to lay the foundation. These pioneers included:

Chief (Engr.) Kestin Pondi – Ibe-benemowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom and the first president of NAGS.

Chief Dennis Burutu Otuaro – Ibe-uyadonwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom.

Dr. Paul Bebenimibo – Commissioner Representing Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in DESOPADEC.

Hon. Toruosei Monday – Fellow of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria and CEO of Torus Int'l Services Ltd.

Late Bomi Ari

Their collective vision was to establish a platform to nurture academic prowess, civic awareness, and leadership capability in the Gbaramatu youth. Chief Kestin Pondi was unanimously chosen as the pioneer president of NAGS.

Growth and Leadership Legacy

Since its inception, NAGS has grown into a formidable network of over 15,000 students enrolled in universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and technical schools both within Nigeria and the diaspora.

The association has continuously produced transformational leaders. Notably, many of its early members are now influential traditional leaders, business figures, and public servants:

Chief Matthew Ebifiyebebe Pudie – Ex-NAGS Secretary-General (2007/2008), now a chief in Gbaramatu.

Dr. Paul Bebenimibo – Entrepreneur and Niger Delta personality.

Chief Dennis Otuaro PHD, Presidential Amnesty Program Administrator (Present)

Chief Kestin Pondi – Managing Director of Tantita security service Nigeria Limited

Past Presidents of NAGS:

Chief (Engr.) Kestin Pondi – Pioneer President (2003)

Comr. Donatus Ukuli Esq. – 2007/2008

Comr. Jackson Timiyan – 2008/2014

Comr. Seiyefa Ekpemupolo – 2014/2017

Comr. Freeborn Abraye – 2017/2020

Comr. Doubra Timiyan – 2020/2023

Comr. Douye Simon – 2023 till date

2023–Till Date NAGS Executive:

Comr. Douye Simon – National President

Comr. Seigha Nesiama – National Vice President

Comr. Emmanuel Miyenka Afiyagba – National Secretary

Comr. Ayapere Erete – National Assistant Secretary

Comr. Joko Princess – National Financial Secretary

Comr. Blessing Gbajor Etwuamoyirin – National Treasurer

Comr. Kelvin Doubra Kpadowei – National Provost

Comr. Precious Kele – National Public Relations Officer

Comr. Ediseimokumor Abei – National Director of Social

Comr. Ekpetipu Akpobolokemi Blessing – National Director of Welfare

Comr. Tamapriye Elekute – National Director of Sport

Past Executives (Full Historical Roll Call):

Comr. Andrew Bebenimibo – National Assistant Secretary (2008–2014)

Comr. Anita Yerin Popo – National Vice President (2017–2020)

Comr. Binawei Gbamila – National Assistant Secretary (2020–2023)

Comr. Blessing Erete – National Welfare Director (2020–2023)

Comr. Bolouere Guwor – National Vice President (2020–2023)

Comr. Brakemi Adagbabiri – National Welfare Director (2017–2020)

Comr. Bright Gbenekama – Parliamentarian (2017–2020)

Comr. Caroline Ejoh – National Treasurer (2014–2017)

Comr. Checkin Bebenimibo – Parliamentarian (2017–2020)

Comr. Christopher Omula – National Financial Secretary (2008–2014)

Comr. Collins Oturubo – National Secretary General (2017–2020)

Comr. Deluxson Ebimini Favour – National Financial Secretary (2020–2023)

Comr. Divine Zibinmoghan – Speaker of Parliament (2017–2020)

Comr. Dora Edio – National Financial Secretary (2017–2020)

Comr. Doubra Febaide – National Assistant Secretary (2017–2020)

Comr. Ebimo Daniel – National Welfare Director (2014–2017)

Comr. Ebimo Precious Metsagharun – National Director of Sport (2020–2023)

Comr. Eniye Oboro – National Treasurer (2008–2014)

Comr. Ernest Bebenimibo – National Assistant Secretary (2007–2008)

Comr. Esmieghan E. Felix – National Vice President (2014–2017)

Comr. Francess Wariyai – Parliamentarian (2017–2020)

Comr. Freeborn Abraye – National Assistant Secretary (2014–2017)

Comr. Gift Odigha Ekpemupolo – National PRO (2017–2020)

Comr. Gladys Onitsha – National Director of Social (2014–2017)

Comr. Godstime D. Ayetan – Eleco Secretary (2008–2014)

Comr. Godstime Igelemo – Parliamentarian (2017–2020)

Comr. Godswill Wuruyai – Eleco Chairman (2008–2014)

Comr. Ituebi O. A. Onimide – National Secretary General (2014–2017)

Comr. Joel Ekpebide – National PRO (2007–2008)

Comr. Joel A. Tonjoh – National PRO (2008–2014)

Comr. Juliet Seiyefa Adams – National Treasurer (2017–2020)

Comr. Kenneth Okpiri – Chief Whip (2017–2020)

Comr. Lucky Boleidowa – National PRO (2014–2017)

Comr. Nice Tonfawei – Parliamentarian (2017–2020)

Comr. Precious Bebenimibo – National Director of Social (2008–2014)

Comr. Raphael Ubebe – Parliamentarian (2017–2020), National Secretary General (2020–2023)

Comr. Rufus Ebikeme – Deputy Speaker (2017–2020)

Comr. Stella Oturubo – National Director of Social (2017–2020)

Comr. Tamarapreye Atafiri – National Provost (2020–2023)

Comr. Tare G. Ogoba – National Secretary (2008–2014)

Comr. Tare Ogoba Esq. – Legal Adviser (2014–2017)

Comr. Tracy Ekpemupolo – National Director of Social (2020–2023)

Comr. Ubebe B. Kester Denyefa – National Director of Sport (2017–2020)

Comr. Uruemu Agake-Keme Moses – National Treasurer (2020–2023)

Comr. (Chief) Matthew Pudie – National Secretary (2007–2008)

Hon. Ebi Adams Tonjoh – National Vice President (2008–2014)

Late Comr. Donatus Ukuli Esq. – National President (2007–2008)

Headquarters of NAGS

National Secretariat No. 1 Pere Quarters, Oporoza Town, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Escravos,Warri South West L.G.A, Delta State

NAGS remains a symbol of unity, advocacy, and transformation — building a bridge between Gbaramatu’s illustrious heritage and a future full of potential, powered by educated and empowered youth.