Tonye Briggs-Oniyide

Tonye Briggs-Oniyide is a Nigerian politician and public administrator. She served as the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Rivers State after her appointment by Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike in December 2015.

Early life and education

Briggs-Oniyide is from Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State. She obtained a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from the University of Port Harcourt.

Career

Briggs-Oniyide began her public service career in the Rivers State Government, serving as Special Assistant on Culture and Tourism in 2003. In 2007, she was appointed Special Adviser on Youth and Employment.

In 2013, she was appointed a commissioner representing Rivers State on the Federal Character Commission by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Commissioner for Culture and Tourism

On 18 December 2015, Briggs-Oniyide was appointed Commissioner for Culture and Tourism by Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, succeeding Nnabuihe Imegwu.

In 2016, she facilitated a partnership between the Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Africa Movie Academy Awards, resulting in Port Harcourt hosting the 12th Africa Movie Academy Awards.

On 31 August 2016, Governor Wike suspended Briggs-Oniyide along with three other commissioners and the Head of Service as part of a cabinet reshuffle.

She later continued to participate in cultural development initiatives in Rivers State, including activities connected with the National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST).