In Loving Memory of Berepele Daniel Igbiri Davies 28 February 1947 – Forever in Our Hearts.
Born on 28 February 1947 to Mabel Daniel Davies and Chief Daniel Gbiri Davies, Berepele fondly called Apele entered the world at a time marked by both promise and profound loss. With the passing of his father shortly after his birth, his mother relocated the family to Elele-Alimini, where his formative years were shaped by discipline, resilience, courage, and an unyielding determination. These early trials forged the character of a man who would one day leave an indelible mark on Tombia and beyond.
He later returned to Tombia, the community that became the centrepiece of his legacy and lifelong devotion.
Self-educated, industrious, and remarkably intuitive, Apele possessed a brilliant mind and a rare gift for writing. Drawn to the power of ideas and the pulse of society, he ventured into journalism at a young age, founding Flash Magazine and later the Trade and Industrial Journal, a business-focused publication respected for its clarity, analytical depth, and articulate commentary. Through his pen, he informed, challenged, and inspired.
His influence extended beyond journalism into national politics. During Nigeria’s Second Republic, he was an active member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), where he served as Assistant National Publicity Secretary. His final major political engagement was as Campaign Manager for Chief Ebenezer Isokariari in the 1999 gubernatorial election in Rivers State. In every role, he combined enterprise with public service, guided by conviction, courage, and principle.
A visionary entrepreneur, Apele transformed a modest waterfront in Tombia into the iconic Astoria Resort, inspired by the elegance and vibrancy of global waterfront cities he admired. The resort quickly became a cultural and intellectual hub, welcoming political leaders, industry captains, oil and gas executives, and community stakeholders from across Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta. It was more than a business; it was a gathering place of minds and memories.
His love for Tombia was never symbolic, it was practical and profoundly generous. During a time when public electricity was absent, he privately installed a generator and erected electric poles stretching from the jetty through Newsite, bringing light to darkened pathways. His words still echo in memory:
“If I cannot light all of Tombia, pole by pole, let there be light.”
And indeed, there was light, freely given and widely shared.
Beyond commerce and politics, Apele was a mentor, a disciplinarian, and a bridge-builder. The grounds of Astoria were always open for youth gatherings, recreation, and dialogue, nurturing a sense of belonging and unity that endures long after his passing.
Friends and relatives remember him with admiration and affection and wrote:
“He was indeed a disciplinarian who spared no time in being down to earth.”….. Arc. Opiribo West
May his soul rest in peace accept my condolences.the good people of Tombia kingdom missed you sir……. Chief Victor Origbenba
“A quintessential gentleman who loved to look good, and never failed to tell it as it was in a most civilized way.”….. Dr. Lizzy Ikiriko Onabs
He is proud of you
It is well….. Madam Florence Ekiye
Ever Green memories of a perfect example of an uncle and father!….. Arc Tams Jamabo
Happy posthumous birthday to you sir. May God Almighty continue to be gracious unto your family and keep them safe, providing all their needs for them according to his riches in glory through Jesus Christ, even as you continue to rest in peace…… Opuene Victor
“A fine, quintessential Kalabari gentleman, strict, urbane, and a man of distinct presence.”…….Datom Kio Lawson
“I enjoyed many holidays at Aggrey Road and his Astoria Resort at Tombia. My handsome uncle with swag.”….. Nyema Chukwu
Happy Posthumous birthday wishes Daddy!
You were our daddy ! Thank you so much for creating beautiful memories at Astoria Resort, Tombia! Rest in peace……. Osaki Harry Nzeribe
I remember your dad…. He loved you pieces
May his soul continue to rest in peace. He would have been so proud of the woman you have become…… Daba Ibiama
I remember him as young boys we wanted to dress like him may his soul continue to RIP……. Ikay Thompson Amadi
He was a Great Political Leader and Founder of the Famous Astoria Resort of Tombia Kingdom. Rest on Sir….. Ogbeye Agborubere
We commemorate your birthday with great respect, sir, and deeply regret your absence. Your invaluable counsel and tireless advocacy for peace are sorely missed. The enduring legacy you’ve established in Tombia is a testament to your lasting impact…… FearGod Sunday
Eighteen years on, Tombia remembers him.
Rivers State remembers him.
The Niger Delta remembers him, not merely as a businessman or political figure, but as a man of vision, compassion, refinement, and enduring impact.
He is survived by his children: Ivy, Ibeleye, Sotonye, Amonia, Reigner, Berepele II, and Berepeleba.
At Eveafriquenews, we reflect proudly on the powerful legacy and unforgettable footprints he engraved in our hearts and in the history of our community. His story continues to inspire every step we take, and the light he ignited still shines, pole by pole, life by life.
N/B: The family of Berepele Davies, JP, endured a devastating loss during the period of militant unrest in the Niger Delta. In the course of those turbulent years, most of the family’s treasured photographs, irreplaceable documents, and invaluable heirlooms were destroyed. These precious memories had been carefully preserved in the family library located within the private quarters of the Astoria Resort, a place that symbolized both heritage and hospitality.
Tombia became a prime location amid the fallout of the Tombia/Bukuma conflict, and as tensions escalated, properties of prominence inevitably became targets. Astoria Resort, widely recognized as a landmark destination in Rivers State, suffered significant vandalisation during these engagements.
Beyond the physical damage to buildings and infrastructure, the deeper loss was cultural and deeply personal. The destruction of the family library meant the erasure of decades of documented history, photographs that captured milestones, handwritten notes that preserved thought and vision, correspondences, publications, and artifacts that told the story of a family and a community intertwined.
While structures can be rebuilt, and spaces restored, the loss of history and sentiment is immeasurable.
May his noble soul continue to rest in perfect peace.