14/04/2026
ODOKI BERNARD ZEDIE, HRM
Traditional Custodian and Veteran Educational Administrator
HRH Bernard Zedie Odoki was born into the family of Mr. Ikieri Odoki and Mrs. Kaka Odoki (née Borisei), both of Ayameze Compound, Ekeki-Epie, in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Early Education
He began his early education at St. Mathias Primary School, Amarata, where he studied from 1960 to 1968 and obtained his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC).
In 1969, he proceeded to Bishop Dimieari Grammar School (BDGS), Yenagoa, where he completed his secondary education and passed the West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE) in 1972.
Early Career Experience
Between 1973 and 1976, he worked with the Rivers State Ministry of Health as a Laboratory Assistant at the General Hospital, Port Harcourt, utilizing his O’ Level science background.
Professional Teacher Training and National Service
In 1976, he gained admission into the College of Education (now Ignatius Ajuru University of Education), where he studied Biology and Chemistry and obtained the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in 1979.
Following his NCE, he proceeded to Niger State for his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), where he taught Mathematics and Integrated Science at Government Teachers’ College, Boso, Minna, from 1979 to 1980.
Academic Qualifications
HRH Odoki further advanced his academic pursuits at the University of Port Harcourt, where he earned:
• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Educational Psychology/Biology (1991)
• Bachelor of Education (B.Ed. Hons) in Psychology, Guidance and Counselling/Biology
He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Human and Natural Resources (FIHNR), Nigeria.
Teaching and Administrative Career
After completing his NYSC in 1980, he began his teaching career with the Rivers State Post-Primary Schools Board. He was posted to Government Secondary School, Toru-Ebeni, Sagbama Local Government Area, where he taught Chemistry and Biology. He later rose to the position of Vice Principal between 1981 and 1983.
In September 1983, he was transferred to his alma mater, Bishop Dimieari Grammar School (BDGS), Yenagoa, where he taught Chemistry and later served as Senior Tutor in Biology from 1984 to 1993.
In January 1994, he was posted to St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata, where he continued teaching Chemistry. In 1995, he was appointed Vice Principal and transferred to Community Secondary School, Igbogene-Epie.
Principal and Educational Leadership Roles
From 1996 to 2010, HRH Odoki served as Principal in several secondary schools across Bayelsa State, including schools in Yenagoa, Southern Ijaw, and Ogbia Local Government Areas.
In September 2010, he was appointed Zonal Director of Okordia/Zarama/Biseni, a position he held until June 2011.
Public Service and Government Appointments
In April 2012, during the administration of Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, he was appointed as a Member of the Bayelsa State Scholarship Board. In this role, he contributed significantly to the facilitation of postgraduate scholarship opportunities for indigenes of the state, both locally and internationally.
He was also appointed as Secretary of the Committee on the Assessment of the State of Infrastructure in Public Schools in Yenagoa Local Government Area.
He retired from the civil service in 2014 as a Principal Super Grade I.
However, due to his wealth of experience, he continued in public service. In September 2014, he was appointed as a Member of the Bayelsa Post Primary Schools Board, a position he held until January 2020.
During his tenure, he contributed to the appointment and advancement of many qualified educators into leadership positions across secondary schools in the state.
Community Leadership and Traditional Service
HRH Odoki is widely respected for his humility, integrity, and open-door leadership style. His contributions have positively impacted teachers, students, and administrators across Bayelsa State and beyond.
He served as Secretary of the Epie Council of Traditional Rulers from 2008 to 2021, where he played a key role in strengthening traditional governance within the Epie community.
Through his service, many of his former students and beneficiaries of his mentorship have gone on to excel in politics, academia, and various professional fields. Notably, former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, was once his student at Government Secondary School, Toru-Ebeni.
Conclusion
HRH Odoki Bernard Zedie remains a respected educationist, administrator, and traditional leader whose legacy continues to influence generations within and beyond the Epie-Atissa Kingdom.
He is married and blessed with children.
