History
The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), was
first introduced in Bayelsa State by Chief Dr. Amb. Ifie Oyinkuro
Ereboh and his team in the year 2001. On commencement of operations
in 2001, Late Chief Ebikabowei Christopher Adokeme, who also served
as the Bayelsa State Football Chairman became Pioneer Chairman of
the union. During his tenure, he navigated challenges from various
sectors, with a notable focus on establishing the union's distinct
identity and uniqueness compared to sister unions.
A SHORT BIOGRAPHY OF THE LATE CHIEF CHRISTOPHER EBIKABOWEI
ADOKEME
Chief Christopher Ebikabowei Adokeme was an extraordinary gentleman.
Born on the 15th of July 1960 in Ikeja to the family of CSP Agbandu
James and Mrs Hannah Adokeme of Isampou in present day Ekeremor
Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, he started his educational
career at L.A primary school Ikeja from 1966 to 1972 from where he
proceeded to Ikeja Grammar School, Oshodi from 1973 to 1978 for his
secondary school education. He was latter employed as a News
Assistant at the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Port Harcourt,
Rivers State just after his secondary school education.
He went on to study History in the prestigious University of Port
Harcourt in 1981 and graduated in 1985, also observing his mandatory
National Youth Service in 1986. From the National Television to
Print Journalism, he rose to serving in the Bayelsa State
gorvenment. He served as a speechwriter to both Navy Captain Omoniyi
Olubolade and Lt. Col Edor Obi, both Military Administrators of
Bayelsa State and then was later redeployed to the ministry of
Information where he was posted to the state House of Assembly, also
serving in the same capacity of a speechwriter to the then Speaker
of the House, Hon Heineken Lokpobiri before his voluntary retirement
in the year 2000.
Upon resignation from government service, he ventured into his
private business, setting up his own private public relations firm,
DELCHRIS PRESS. This birthed the publication of the now defunct
Total Sports Newspaper which also subsequently brought him into the
honour of being the first democratically elected Chairman of the
Bayelsa State Football Association in 2002.
Once again because of his sheer selflessness and entreprenual
prowess he delved into the transport sector in a bid to improving
the sector. As a result of his tenacity and drive to improve the
sector, he became Pioneer Chairman of the Road Transport Employers
Association of Nigeria (RTEAN). He was once again called to duty as
one of the founding members of the Trade Union Congress (TUC),
Bayelsa State Chapter and was appointed as interim chairman and
later elected as substantive chairman.
Late Chief Ebikabowei Christopher Adokeme laid the foundational
pillars that enabled RTEAN Bayelsa State chapter to emerge from the
chaos and violence that once plagued the transport sector. He
strategically developed new routes connecting the capital to
interior towns and villages such as Imiringi, Ogbia, Otuosegha,
Swali, and Amassoma. Among his significant achievements was the
establishment of RTEAN's first general park at Tombia Junction,
strategically positioned to facilitate inter and intra-state
movements from the state's capital.
Chief Ebikabowei Christopher Adokeme passed away in 2021 after a
brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of progress and development
within RTEAN Bayelsa State chapter.
Following Chief Adokeme's passing, Chief Dr. Amb. Ifie Oyinkuro
Ereboh assumed the role of state chairman. With thanks to his
experience as the state taskforce Chairman from 2003, Chief Ereboh
was able to enforce law and order within various units, increased
union registrations, and facilitated peaceful dialogues in resolving
disputes between other unions and the state government's transport
sector. His leadership during the task force era earned him respect
and admiration from his executives and workers.
Upon his inauguration at RTEAN HOUSE, Abuja, Nigeria, by RTEAN
National President Alhaji Musa Maitakobi 1, Chief Dr. Amb. Ifie
Oyinkuro Ereboh swiftly resolved internal affairs, fostered unity
among units in the state, expanded existing routes, established new
parks, and appointed new executives to manage them effectively. His
proactive approach and swift actions contributed significantly to
RTEAN's reputation as a prominent employer of labor. Some of the
newly established routes within the state include:
Yenagoa to Ekeremor
Yenagoa to Bomadi
Yenagoa to Angiama
Yenagoa to Sagbama
Yenagoa to Toru Orua
During Chief Dr. Amb. Ifie Oyinkuro Ereboh's chairmanship, he has
successfully addressed major challenges, including resolving court
cases between Bayelsa State Tricycle Riders Association (BITRA) and
the three gazetted unions in Bayelsa State. He has also tackled
disunity among the gazetted unions by establishing clear and fair
rules beneficial to all parties involved.
Within two years of his tenure, Chief Dr. Amb. Ifie Oyinkuro Ereboh
has ascended to becoming the sixth Vice President of RTEAN and the
South-South Zonal Chairman. He is currently engaged in
restructuring, revitalizing, and promoting RTEAN's activities in the
South-South region of the country.