…As Kalabari Community Set to Get More Growth, Education and Empowerment
There was jubilation in Da-Ogo Polo, Buguma City, as Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill was formally celebrated during his first general meeting as the newly elected Da-Ogo and Leader of the Queen Elebabene Group of Houses (Polodabo). The event, which was held at the Da-Ogo Memorial Hall, drew prominent sons and daughters of the Kalabari kingdom.
Among those present were King Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, King Diamond E. Tobin-West, Chief Akaodu H. Princewill, Chief Opubeniboye C.J.T. Princewill, alongside chiefs, elders, women, and youths of the extended family.
In his opening address, Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill, now Da-Ogo VI, emphasised the importance of peace, love, and unity within the family and across the Kalabari community. He noted that “development only thrives where there is peace and stability” and urged all members to contribute meaningfully to sustaining harmony.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Jenewari Ntiego Alioma, Secretary of the Ogo Group of Houses, who explained that the new Da-Ogo also announced the disbursement of a ₦10 million development fund, with ₦500,000 each allocated to ten family entrepreneurs.
He urged the beneficiaries to use the funds prudently and serve as “ambassadors of family progress.” The remaining ₦5 million, the statement added, would be directed toward education and healthcare initiatives.
The occasion also witnessed the installation of two new chiefs — Chief Tamunoemi Lawson-Jack and Chief Isoboye Princewill — into the Da-Ogo Elebabene Council of Chiefs, marking a new phase of unity and continuity within the house.
Expressing delight at the new leadership, King Mujahid Asari-Dokubo described Princewill as a rare gem and a leader of intelligence and substance.
“They may not yet know the treasure they have, but I do,” he said. “During the 2015 governorship debates, an Italian friend called me asking, ‘Who is that Obama you have in Rivers State?’ That’s how exceptional Tonye is. Now that we finally have leadership we can believe in, I am proud to stand behind him.”
To demonstrate his support, King Asari-Dokubo pledged ₦50 million to support family entrepreneurs engaged in verifiable businesses, as well as another ₦50 million towards student empowerment.
He further announced that: All family students enrolled in a Polytechnic, School of Health Technology, or University will receive ₦30,000 monthly stipends while All postgraduate and first-degree students will have their statutory fees and registrations fully paid.
King Asari-Dokubo assured that all pledges would be redeemed on or before 1 December 2025.
In response, Princewill expressed heartfelt gratitude to the King for his generosity and pledged to ensure transparency and accountability through the Ogo Elebabene Development Fund Committee.
“A ₦10 million fund has now grown more than tenfold. We cannot thank you enough,” he said. “May God continue to enlarge your coast and bring you joy, as you have brought joy to us.”
The event concluded with music, festivities, and a Kalabari traditional dance competition, which produced winners across the men, women, and children categories.
