Ndiomu, Ebiogeh Philip was born at No. 27 Arumoh Street, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos, to late Mr. and late Mrs. Albert Alandu Ndiomu of Adokuware community, Odoni, in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Mr. Philip, as he is fondly called, is an Izon man, by tribe (full-blooded).
He received his Primary Education at the Apapa Baptist School, Marine Beach, Apapa, Lagos State and proceeded on the commencement with the journey for his Secondary Education at Ekakprame Grammar School, Delta State. At the instance of his Uncle, Mr. B.U. Onyenokwe, who was the Principal of the School at that time, he had to move to Obiaruku Grammar School, Obiaruku, Delta State. Finally, he completed his Secondary School Education at Ibillo Boys’ Grammar School, Ibillo, Edo State. All these movements during his Secondary School Education were due to the postings of his Uncle and he had to move with him.
Ndiomu’s academic prowess earned him admission to the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he studied Agriculture, with a bias in Animal Science. He further distinguished himself by attending the prestigious University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State for his Master’s degree also in Animal Science. He is currently undergoing a Doctorate degree programme in the field of Animal Science at the Yakubu Gowon University (formerly known as the University of Abuja), here in Abuja.
Mr. Philip joined the Federal Civil Service as an Agricultural Officer on Salary Grade 09, through the portal of the defunct Directorate for Foods, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI) on June 3rd, 1992. He was subsequently deployed to the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development upon the scrapping of DFRRI. In the year 1999, the Rural Development Department in the Ministry was moved to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Mr. Philip moved accordingly.
At the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Philip worked as a Principal Agricultural Officer. His outstanding performance earned him a role as the HIV/AIDS and rural Nutrition focal point Officer for the Agricultural Sector. This role he executed purposefully and practicably. By June 2009, the now Chief Agricultural Officer, was posted as one of the pioneer Staff to firm up the Agricultural Department in the newly established Ministry of Niger Delta Development (now christened the Ministry of Regional Development). He rose through the ranks, making visible and tangible impacts, to the post of Director (Agriculture) in the year 2020.
As a Director, he supervised the training and empowerment of over 5,000 women, youths and other vulnerable groups in the Niger Delta Region, supported the establishment of floating fish ponds, ensured the supply of fishing gears and crafts for fish farmers, coordinated the provision of empowerment materials and other agricultural support services and facilitated the construction of several agro-processing facilities with the aim of improving the value chain of agricultural produce and products in the Region. His commitment to the welfare of his staff, as a Director, is second to none, as he will always put his staff first, before any other consideration, as it regards the Officers’ well-being.
Little wonder, when the vacancy existed to file-in for the position of Permanent Secretary for Bayelsa State, Mr. Philip gave the shot using every skills and strategies he has garnered over the years as a seasoned and steadfast Civil Servant. Though it was not an easy ride to the top, but with persistence and the visible grace of God upon him, we are here celebrating this appointment. Like someone will normally say, he was drilled through the wall, and he has come out successful (please do not ask who says that).
Mr. Philip is a happy husband to his wife and he is a dedicated father to his children. His commitment to his faith and family is a testament to his strong values and character, which have successfully guided him in his career journey. We believe to who much is given, much is expected.
We give all the glory to God for the help so far received towards the attainment of this success. We also sincerely and deliberately appreciate Mr. President for this honour and appointment. God bless. Amen.