Engr. Sir Olaowei Patrick Indiamaowei, a distinguished and multifaceted professional, was born on March 20, 1972. The fourth child of Engr. & Mrs. Paul William Indiamaowei from Sabagreia in the present-day Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Engr. Indiamaowei has always demonstrated a passion for academic excellence and leadership. He began his education at the YWCA in 1974 before moving on to Port Harcourt Primary School in 1976. His secondary education was completed at Baptist High School, Port Harcourt, in 1982.
Fondly known as “OPI,” Engr. Indiamaowei earned a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree in Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, in 1997. His commitment to furthering his education led him to achieve a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) in Environmental Management in 2008. Additionally, he earned a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Niger Delta University in the 2022/2023 academic session. Engr. Indiamaowei has attended numerous specialized training courses in the Petroleum Industry and Gas Turbine Processes, both internationally in countries such as France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, as well as in Nigeria.
A practicing Chartered Engineer with multiple international certifications, including MNSE (13760), SPE International (3136617), MNSChE (1083), and COREN (R.11699), Engr. Indiamaowei’s career spans several influential roles. He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) and a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (FNSChE). He began his professional journey with Shell Petroleum Development Company at the Ohaji Egbema Flow Station in Imo State and subsequently worked with Schlumberger-Anadrill International. As one of the youngest Chartered Engineers in Bayelsa State in 2003, he has held numerous leadership positions in the Bayelsa State Civil Service. These include roles at the Bayelsa State Electricity Board, Kolo Creek Gas Turbine Power Station, Bayelsa State Water Board, and the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.
Engr. Indiamaowei first served as the Head of the Department of Physical and Life Sciences/Technology Acquisition and Enterprise Development at the Bayelsa State Ministry of Science & Technology and Manpower Development. He currently holds the position of Head of the Department of Technology Acquisition at the Ministry of Communication, Science, and Technology. With a wealth of experience, Engr. Indiamaowei has played a key role in numerous state and national initiatives, including the establishment of the Oil & Gas Bureau in Bayelsa, the review of environmental incidents such as the Chevron Gas Blowout in Koluama, and various efforts aimed at enhancing the state’s oil and gas revenue generation.
In addition to his technical expertise, Engr. Indiamaowei has a rich history of service in advisory and leadership roles. He is currently the Special Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on the 13% Oil and Gas Derivation and serves as a representative on the National Economic Council (NEC). He is also a past Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Yenagoa Branch.
Engr. Indiamaowei is a man of faith, holding the title of a licensed Lay Reader and Knight of St. Christopher in the Anglican Communion. His personal life is equally fulfilling, as he is happily married to his best friend, Lady Queen Tubolayefa Indiamaowei, and they are blessed with five children.
A dedicated professional, Engr. Indiamaowei’s legacy is one of excellence, service, and dedication to the advancement of both his community and the nation at large.
Appointments:
- Secretary, Committee for the Establishment of the Oil & Gas Bureau in Bayelsa State – 2002
- Pioneer Coordinator, Oil & Gas Bureau, Office of His Excellency, Governor Bayelsa State – 2003
- Member, Committee for the Review of Overtime Allowance in Bayelsa State – 2004
- Desk Officer, Review of Levies & Taxes of International Oil Companies – 2012-2014
- Special Adviser to Bayelsa State Governor on 13% Oil & Gas Derivation
- Representative for Bayelsa State at the National Economic Council (NEC)
- Chief Inspector, COREN, Bayelsa State Inspectorate
- Past Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Yenagoa Branch
Awards:
- Award for Exemplary Lecturing by Petroleum Engineering Students Association (PESA), RSUST Chapter
- Best Oil & Gas Reporting Award by Shell Petroleum Development Company, in conjunction with NUJ Yenagoa – 2002-2003
- Great Whales Young Achievers Award – 2004
- Alumni Award, Rivers State University of Science and Technology
Engr. Sir Olaowei P. Indiamaowei remains a trailblazer in the engineering and public service sectors, continuously contributing to the growth and development of Bayelsa State and beyond.
