Late Director Joseph Oweisanda Yikorogha Saniyigha, fondly known as Daddy Joseph, was a man whose life embodied purpose, compassion, and unwavering commitment to God, family, and community. Born on 7 October 1945 in Amassoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of present-day Bayelsa State, he rose through humility, diligence, and deep faith to become a respected entrepreneur, educationist, and community pillar. His passing on 23 January 2026 marked the end of a fulfilled life devoted to Jehovah and humanity, but his legacy continues to resonate across generations.
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Early Life and Family Background
Daddy Joseph Oweisanda Yikorogha Saniyigha was born into the respected family of Yikorogha Saniyigha of Okolobo-Ama, Amassoma, and Perelayefa Atagboro of Waduwei-Ama, also in Amassoma. Growing up in a culturally rich and closely knit riverine environment, he was deeply influenced by communal values, respect for elders, discipline, and hard work. He was the fourth child in a family of fourteen siblings, an upbringing that instilled in him cooperation, resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility. These early foundations shaped his character and became evident in his later approach to family life, business, education, and service to humanity.
Education and Entrepreneurial Journey
Daddy Joseph began his formal education at St. Stephen Primary School in 1957, where he successfully obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1962. Although his formal schooling ended at the primary level, his passion for learning and self-improvement never waned.
He began his working life as a shoemaker and shoe repairer, a trade that demanded patience, skill, and discipline. This early experience laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial spirit and reinforced his respect for honest labour. In the 1960s and 1970s, he expanded into petty trading by operating a small kiosk, gradually building a reputation for integrity and reliability.
In the early 1980s, driven by the transportation challenges faced by riverine communities, Joseph Oweisanda Yikorogha Saniyigha ventured into marine transportation. He constructed and operated local boats that transported goods across key riverine routes, linking communities such as Otuan, Tebidaba, Port Harcourt, and other parts of the Niger Delta. These efforts significantly enhanced commercial activities and eased the movement of goods within the region.
By the late 1980s, his vision culminated in the construction of a tug boat designed for transporting timber and heavy goods from Amassoma to Lagos. This landmark achievement connected local economic activities to national markets and positioned Amassoma as an active participant in Nigeria’s broader commercial network.
Pioneer in Private Education
One of Daddy Joseph’s most remarkable and enduring contributions was in the field of education. Motivated by a passion for human development and community upliftment, he founded Fortunate Nursery and Primary School in Amassoma on 2 September 1992. The school became one of the first private nursery and primary institutions in the area, offering quality education and nurturing young minds.
In 2006, the institution expanded into Fortunate Group of Schools with the addition of a secondary school. He also established vocational and technical schools, alongside other business ventures. Through these initiatives, he provided employment for over 60 staff members, contributing significantly to economic empowerment and community development in Amassoma and its environs.
Personality and Personal Interests
Daddy Joseph Oweisanda Yikorogha Saniyigha was widely admired for his exceptional character. He was hospitable, kind, loving, and deeply compassionate, often placing the needs of others above his own. Humble and respectful, he valued human dignity and was distressed by the suffering of others. His generosity extended to his nuclear and extended family, as well as the wider community, earning him admiration as a moral reference point and father figure.
In his leisure time, he enjoyed reading and studying, activities that broadened his understanding of life and strengthened his convictions. He was passionate about preaching, mentoring, and guiding the younger generation. Many described him as a beacon of hope, a light in times of darkness, and a symbol of love in the face of adversity.
Family Life
Daddy Joseph began his marital journey in 1974 when he married Mrs. Milly Lambert Nana of Olomu-Pele, Kabia-Ama, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Their marriage, founded on the fear of Jehovah, love, mutual respect, and shared values, remained strong throughout their lives together. The union was blessed with ten children, twenty-four grandchildren, foster children, and many others who benefitted from his fatherly care. His home was known for warmth, discipline, guidance, and open-hearted generosity, extending beyond biological ties to all who came under his influence.
Religious Life
A devoted servant of Jehovah, Daddy J. O. Y. Saniyigha was an active member of the Sadiemo Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Amassoma. He was baptized on 25 November 1956, marking the beginning of a lifelong dedication to Jehovah’s service. He was passionate about preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom and sharing his faith within Amassoma and beyond. Widely respected for his sincerity, humility, and steadfast devotion, he remained faithful in service until his death.
Legacy
The legacy of Director Joseph Oweisanda Yikorogha Saniyigha is defined by resilience, industry, and lasting community impact. From humble beginnings as a shoemaker to becoming a pioneer in commerce, marine transportation, and private education, his life illustrated the power of determination, innovation, and service. He strengthened riverine trade routes, connected local economies to national markets, created employment, and invested deeply in education and human development.
Above all, his life was anchored in faith, family, and community service. Daddy J. O. Y. Saniyigha lived a life of purpose and impact, leaving behind values of diligence, creativity, compassion, and unwavering trust in Jehovah. His memory remains a guiding light and a standard worthy of emulation for present and future generations.
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