There was jubilation in Da-Ogo Polo, Buguma City, as the newly elected Da-Ogo and Queen Elebabene Group of Houses Polodabo (Leader), Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill (Da-Ogo VI), held his first full General Meeting at the Da-Ogo Memorial Hall.
The event, marked by colour, tradition, and celebration, drew prominent members of the Kalabari community, including King Mujahid Asari Dokubo, King Diamond E. Tobin-West, Chief Akaodu H. Princewill, Chief Opubeniboye C.J.T. Princewill, alongside other chiefs, elders, women, and youths from the family.
In his opening speech, Prince Tonye Princewill called for unity, peace, and mutual respect within the family and across the Kalabari kingdom. He reminded members that “development only thrives where there is peace and stability,” urging every member to contribute to sustaining harmony and collective progress.
Demonstrating his commitment to family development, the Da-Ogo announced the first ten beneficiaries of the ₦10 million Elebabene Development Fund, each receiving ₦500,000 to support their small businesses. He advised them to use the funds wisely and to serve as ambassadors of the family’s renewed vision.
Prince Tonye also revealed that the remaining ₦5 million of the fund would be channelled into education and healthcare, emphasizing his administration’s focus on improving the welfare of members and building future leaders.
During the meeting, two new chiefs — Chief Tamunoemi Lawson-Jack and Chief Isoboye Princewill — were formally inducted into the Ogo Elebabene Council of Chiefs, strengthening the group’s leadership structure.
In a highlight of the event, King Mujahid Asari Dokubo, also known as “The King of the Source,” expressed admiration for Prince Tonye’s leadership, intelligence, and capacity to unite people. He described the new Da-Ogo as “a rare gem” with exceptional intellect and leadership qualities.
“Many may not yet understand the calibre of leader they have in Prince Tonye,” Asari Dokubo said. “During the 2015 Rivers governorship debates, an Italian friend called me and asked, ‘Who is that Obama you have in Rivers State?’ That’s how exceptional Tonye is. His brilliance and global connections are rare, and we are fortunate to have him lead our family.”
Moved by the Prince’s leadership and vision, Asari Dokubo pledged ₦100 million to support the family’s development — ₦50 million for entrepreneurs running verifiable businesses, and another ₦50 million for student empowerment.
He detailed that all family members enrolled in polytechnics, schools of health, technology institutes, or universities will receive ₦30,000 monthly stipends, while first-degree and postgraduate students will have their statutory fees and registrations fully paid. He assured that all pledges would be redeemed on or before December 1, 2025.
Responding, Prince Tonye Princewill expressed deep gratitude to Asari Dokubo for his generosity and described his donation as “transformational.” He assured that the Ogo Elebabene Development Fund Committee would ensure transparent and fair distribution of the funds to all qualified beneficiaries.
“A ₦10 million development fund has now multiplied more than tenfold,” the Da-Ogo said. “We cannot thank you enough. May God continue to bless you as you have blessed this family and brought smiles to our faces.”
The event concluded with lively cultural performances and a Kalabari traditional dance competition, where men, women, and children competed in separate categories. The day ended in celebration — a blend of gratitude, unity, and renewed hope for the future of the Elebabene Group of Houses and the entire Kalabari community.
Leave feedback about this