Celebrating an Icon at 84: King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon Brass Kingdom
Over 84 years ago, precisely on July 30, 1942, the now Nembe Kingdom in present-day Bayelsa State witnessed the birth of an Ijaw son who would later ascend the throne of kingship in Twon Brass Kingdom as the Amanyanabo, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, OFR, CFR.
A highly decorated Naval Lieutenant Commander, he was appointed Military Governor of Rivers State in 1967 at the young age of 24 during General Yakubu Gowon’s military regime. He served from May 1967 until July 1975 and was also part of the Supreme Military Council.
He began his educational journey at St. Joseph’s College, Tiko and later attended Dartmouth in England at Britannia Royal Naval College before enlisting in the Nigerian Navy. He was commissioned as a ships diving officer in 1964.
King Alfred hails from the esteemed family of Diete-Spiff, whose commendable achievements are proudly remembered in Twon Brass Kingdom, Bayelsa State.
Growing up, young Alfred was immersed in discipline and hard work, as his father was known to be a strict disciplinarian who did not tolerate indiscipline within his highly respected family.
While serving in the Nigerian Navy, retired Naval Commander and King Alfred Diete-Spiff demonstrated intelligence and dedication among his peers, which eventually led to his appointment as Military Governor of Rivers State.
King Alfred is married to Her Majesty Dr. Josephine Alfred Diete-Spiff, Esq., the Queen of Twon Brass Kingdom and the President of the Queens of the Niger Delta Initiative, and they are blessed with wonderful children.
He now spends most of his time as an elder statesman, supporting the younger generation of leaders with his wealth of knowledge and managing the affairs of his kingdom as the Amanyanabo.
A quiet and highly focused king, he remains apolitical in Nigeria’s national affairs. Still, he actively contributes to the unity and progress of his state and Nigeria as a whole through his wisdom.
All hail the king as we celebrate him on the milestone of 84 years on this earth. May wisdom, knowledge, and sound health continue to be his blessings as he continues to serve God and humanity.
Happy birthday from all of us at News Angle Communication, publishers of News Angle International Magazine.
