Pope Pen To Present Four Books On Bayelsa Political History, Leaders
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA – Veteran journalist and author, Mingi-Yai Nengi Josef Owei-ilagha, popularly known as Pope Pen, will on Saturday, October 10, 2026, publicly present four books documenting different phases of Bayelsa State’s political history and leadership.
The presentation, scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at the Azaiki Public Library along Mgbi Road, Yenagoa, is part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State and the 11th memorial anniversary of the state’s first elected governor, Chief Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha.
According to the author, the four books examine the administrations and political journeys of four key figures in the state’s history.
The first book chronicles the tenure of the first civilian administration in Bayelsa State under Alamieyeseigha, while the second focuses on Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who served as the state’s first Deputy Governor before becoming governor and later Vice President and President of Nigeria.
The third publication, titled Eight Years Of Dickson, examines the administration of former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, while the fourth, Conversations With My Governor, explores the administration of the incumbent Governor, Senator Douye Diri.
Pope Pen said the project was driven by his desire to document the experiences, personalities and political developments that have shaped Bayelsa since its creation.
“I wish Alamieyeseigha were alive and well to hold up a copy of this book for the cameras of the world,” the author said, recalling the former governor’s interest in having a book written about him.
He expressed hope that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, whom he described as his former boss, would attend the occasion as Special Guest of Honour.
The author also said he would be honoured to see Senator Henry Seriake Dickson and Governor Douye Diri publicly receive copies of the books documenting their administrations.
The event is expected to attract political leaders, traditional rulers, journalists, writers, academics, government officials and members of the literary community.
His Eminence, King (Dr.) Edmund M. Daukoru, Mingi XII and Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom, is expected to serve as Royal Father of the Day, while Professor Stephen Temegha Olali will chair the occasion.
Pope Pen brings extensive experience in journalism, government communication and publishing to the project. He served as Speech Writer and Special Adviser on Research and Documentation to two former governors of Bayelsa State for seven consecutive years.
He also served as General Manager of the Bayelsa State Newspaper Corporation for 20 months, during which he introduced Weekend Waves Weekly (WWW), the corporation’s first weekend newspaper, although the publication was discontinued after his tenure.
With more than 40 books reportedly to his credit, Pope Pen is currently undertaking a 12-book writing marathon to commemorate Bayelsa State at 30.
The ambitious project, which focuses on various aspects of the state and its people, is expected to be completed in December 2026.
Pope Pen is also a Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), and has remained active in journalism and literary circles in Bayelsa and beyond.
