REIGNING WITH CHRIST IN MY KINGDOM BY HER MAJESTY, DR. JOSEPHINE DIETE-SPIFF ESQ, JP, QUEEN OF TWON BRASS KINGDOM, BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA.

(SERIES TWO)

HER MAJESTY’S SERVICE

I ascended the throne as Queen of Twon Brass Kingdom in Bayelsa State in
1994, when I married my husband, the Amanyanabo (King) of Twon Brass Kingdom, His Eminence, King Alfred Papapereye Diete-Spiff, Officer and Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (OFR, CFR).

A Queen is a mother to all within her traditional domain; as a mother, she reflects the conscience of her domain and is an agent of positive change. We, as queens, deserve the opportunity to contribute our share to societal development, starting from our domain, but the patriarchal nature of most African traditions, which places women as second-class citizens, often does not give queens the full opportunity to play this role.

Thankfully, my King supported me in all my developmental efforts, even though some people opposed my desire to do good for the citizenry. However, that did not stop me, as I constantly reflected on the sayings of Theodore Roosevelt, a former American President, who, in emphasizing the importance of mothers to societal development, said,
”The mother is one supreme asset of national life; she is more important by far than a successful statesman or businessman or artist or scientist”. I decided to be the mother God bestowed on me.

I have been a spiritual guide and a development initiator, especially for the women, youth, and children of Twon Brass Kingdom, helping the king build a more progressive community.

My first visit to the kingdom, when I was officially recognized, was in 1998. There, I organized a prayer meeting for the women and established a revolving loan system to support their trade, leveraging my role as the Chief Executive Officer of Titare Microfinance Bank, Port Harcourt. At that time, I created the women’s executive council, and a woman leader emerged to manage the association, which rotates between the houses (the kingdom operates as a conglomerate of families) every two years. The youth executive and leadership already existed but were operated solely by the men.

As the Queen, I built relationships with the people, especially women and youth, by providing support, entertainment, seminars on peaceful coexistence, anti-vice initiatives, and Christian activities. The Elders and Chiefs, however, approached me with issues that bothered the Kingdom and required the King’s attention.

I started my foundation to support the kingdom’s widows, people with disabilities, and older adults, and in 2009 expanded its reach to the rest of Bayelsa, Rivers, and Delta States. Development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, so I have been advocating for actions that promote peace in the kingdom. These include youth and women’s empowerment, children’s education, and peaceful dialogues where necessary.

As custodian of the people, I was always at hand to assist whenever needed. By the grace of God, I contributed in no small measure to the peace and stability of the kingdom. I started a trade for older women and established a means of sustenance within the women’s council. We held Christian meetings, prayer conferences, and games, and I created opportunities for the Kingdom’s prayer, redirection, repentance, and thanksgiving service. In all this, God was with me, initiating and protecting me and my every move.

With support from Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), a major company operating in my domain, a cold room was built for women to enhance their economic activities and in partnership with my private school, Titare Star Royal Academy (formerly Bereton College), 20 children received scholarships to complete secondary education as boarding students in the Rivers State capital, Port Harcourt. At one time, I had 40 youths on my payroll to foster peace in the community. I supported these youths for two months from my meager earnings until I could secure support from NAOC.

Those who excelled in entertainment games from my Kingdom, including six merit-selected children, less-privileged children, foundation members’ children, and children of Pastors, were offered free education, transportation, boarding, and medical care at my school.

I also helped many young people from my domain secure jobs. As a former Managing Director of a microfinance bank, I empowered women and young people to learn a trade. I worked with the Deputy Amanyanabo (Deputy King) for several years to maintain peace and order in the community. Because of my activities in the Kingdom, the king honored me with the title Twon Ibe Opuyingibo (the Great Mother of Twon Brass Nation).

In 2012, I became the chairperson of the Bayelsa State First Class Traditional Rulers’ Association after my king assumed office as the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers’ Council Chairman. I led the women’s wing. As Chairperson, I galvanized the queens to focus on development. I created a slogan and an anthem for the organization, instituted a constitution, and registered it with the state as a social and developmental organization.

I expanded the organization beyond first-class to include other classifications, giving every Royal home in the State recognition within the organization. I instituted a financial system and a dress code befitting Royalty and held seminars and conferences that taught the Queens ethical behavior, trade, self-esteem, self-reliance, public conduct, harnessing peaceful domains, and how to help advance their domains by supporting women’s and children’s development.

Our activities earned the organization government recognition, gave widowed queens a place of pride by retaining their recognition, supported Queens who needed legal, financial, and social help, and gave disadvantaged children from their domains free scholarships to study at my school.

I went further and instituted the Niger Delta Royal Queens Initiative, which I am currently the pioneer President of, to achieve broader developmental impact. I also support widows and the physically challenged through my foundation and office. I served as President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN). I currently head several organizations and have built positive legacies in society, for which I have received honors nationwide.

TO BE CONTINUED…