History was made in the Lafegha family of Amassoma on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, when the people of the Ogboin Clan celebrated an intellect, an academic, an icon, a phenomenal and quintessential leader, a philanthropist, and humility personified: Capt. Keme Humphrey Lafegha, PhD, on his conferment of the prestigious chieftaincy title of Ebimiekeme I of Ogboin-Ebe by HRM King Oweipa Jones-Ere III, the Ebenanaowei of Ogboin Kingdom.
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In a similar vein, his beautiful Liberian wife, Mrs. Waripamoere Tina Keme, was also honoured with the chieftaincy title of Ebe Ere Pamo Ere of the Ogboin Clan by His Royal Majesty, the King, as part of the activities marking his 66th birthday and 21 years on the throne. It was indeed a double honour and celebration for the Lafegha dynasty.
High Chief Capt. Keme Humphrey Lafegha, PhD, was born in the early hours of December 18, 1969, to Mr. Foubai Lafegha and Mrs. Peredisegha Lafegha (née Douglas Duere), both from Amassoma Town in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
High Chief Keme H. Lafegha’s distinct and exceptional intellectual traits prompted his father, a disciplinarian, to enroll young Keme in primary school at a very tender age, first at St. Stephen’s Primary School. He was later transferred to Alomu Central Primary School in Amassoma, where he completed his primary education in 1979 with excellent grades.
Due to his outstanding academic performance, High Chief Capt. Keme Humphrey Lafegha was swiftly admitted to the renowned Government Secondary School, Amassoma, in 1979, where he completed his secondary education and earned his West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1984. However, after finishing secondary school, tragedy struck with the death of his father, which interrupted his plans for university education.
In those difficult times, High Chief Capt. Keme Humphrey Lafegha accepted the harsh realities of life and moved on, taking menial jobs. He worked as a seaman, advancing through the ranks to become a reputable captain. He was later employed by Agip, now OANDO. His passion for education remained unwavering and, to fulfil his academic dreams, he secured admission to Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management in 2010 and a Master of Science degree in the same field in 2018. Unsatisfied with his academic accomplishments, he subsequently attended Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Rivers State, where he earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Management.
High Chief Keme Lafegha is a research fellow and a member of the Nigerian Academy of Management. He is also a member of various social clubs.
Dr. Keme Humphrey Lafegha has unwavering love for humanity and is well-known for his philanthropic gestures across Bayelsa State. He has received numerous local, national, and international awards for his contributions.
High Chief Capt. Keme Humphrey Lafegha, PhD, is happily married to his beautiful Liberian wife, Mrs. Waripamoere Tina Keme, and their marriage is blessed with four wonderful children.
Chief Lafegha, who spoke in his native language during the ceremony, perceived the chieftaincy title as a call to do more for his community and the state. He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude at a reception held in his honour, where he articulated his joy over the appreciation demonstrated by the people of Ogboin Clan for the contributions he has made in community service.
“On behalf of my wife, children, and my entire family, we’re so grateful. As a servant-leader, I’m ready to serve in any capacity, whether at the state or federal level, anywhere they want me to serve because I’m a technocrat,” he stated. “The God that led you to this place to celebrate me will ensure celebrations never depart from your lives. There shall be no accidents for those who came from far and near. I believe this title is a blessing, and it has washed away every bad thing.”
“I’m confident that my family and I will experience peace, and those who came to celebrate with us will also go with peace and progress.”
“May God bless you all. I am filled with excitement and gratitude. It is said among the Ijaw people that ‘the yam that is sweet is very small.’ I am just a small boy, and the whole clan is celebrating me. I am truly humbled by this recognition for the little things I have done.”
“I appreciate you all. I appreciate Amassoma, Ogboin Clan, Southern Ijaw, all the Rivers people, and my in-laws from the Liberian community. This shows that I am indeed an international person, and I will always be with you,” he concluded.
Also speaking at the event, Miss Happiness Efiekemi Keme, on behalf of her siblings, expressed their deep honour in standing before the people as Capt. Dr. Keme Humphrey Lafegha and his wife, Mrs. Tina Keme, were conferred with their chieftaincy titles.
Miss Happiness Keme, who is the eldest daughter of the Lafeghas, stated, “This moment is not just a recognition of his efforts but also a reflection of the values he embodies—integrity, service, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to his people.”
“Growing up with him as our father has meant witnessing a man who leads with quiet strength and speaks with purpose. A true philanthropist who cares deeply for others and never shies away from responsibility—whether at home, at work, in the community, or beyond.”
“We thank the community, the council, and everyone here today for recognizing in him what we’ve always known: he is a true leader in word and action. Thank you for honouring him in this way—it means the world to us. As his family, we are incredibly proud of him.”
“This is more than a title; it is a call to serve, and we know he will carry it with the dignity, wisdom, and humility it deserves. We are here to support him every step of the way.”
“May his time as Chief Capt. Dr. Keme Humphrey Lafegha be peaceful, impactful, and memorable. Long may he lead with wisdom. Thank you, and God bless,” she prayed.
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