By Daniel Abia, Port Harcourt
BUGUMA – In a landmark event for the Kalabari Kingdom, a significant stride toward community empowerment was made on Saturday as former freedom fighter Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari and the newly appointed traditional leader of the Da-Ogo Polo family group, Prince Tonye Princewill, launched substantial financial initiatives aimed at uplifting business ventures, education, and healthcare for Kalabari natives.
At his inaugural general assembly as Polodabo, held at Da-Ogo Memorial Hall in Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Princewill introduced a ₦10 million development fund. This fund is intended to invigorate economic growth within the family network and the broader Kalabari populace.
The initial round of beneficiaries included ten individuals, each awarded ₦500,000 to enhance their entrepreneurial activities. Princewill further revealed that half of the fund, ₦5 million, would be allocated to educational and health-related projects, encouraging beneficiaries to serve as champions of unity and advancement.
“True progress flourishes only in an environment of peace and harmony,” he emphasized, urging all family members and Kalabari citizens to foster love, solidarity, and shared responsibility.
During the ceremony, Princewill also officiated the chieftaincy inductions of Chief Tamunoemi Lawson-Jack and Chief Isoboye Princewill into the Ogo Elebabene Council of Chiefs, reinforcing traditional leadership structures.
In a remarkable demonstration of commitment, Dokubo Asari committed ₦100 million to bolster the initiative. He allocated ₦50 million to support entrepreneurs with verifiable business operations and another ₦50 million dedicated to educational empowerment. The education fund will provide monthly stipends of ₦30,000 to students attending Polytechnic, School of Health Technology, and University within the family, while postgraduate and undergraduate tuition and registration fees will be fully sponsored.
Reflecting on Princewill’s stewardship, Asari praised him as an extraordinary asset to the Kalabari community. “Tonye’s intellect and international connections are unparalleled. For years, I refrained from contributing to the Ogo House because of a lack of trustworthy leadership. That has now changed,” he remarked.
Princewill responded with heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming support, assuring that a dedicated committee overseeing the Ogo Elebabene Development Fund would maintain transparency and equitable distribution of resources.
“What started as a ₦10 million fund has now expanded more than tenfold. We are deeply grateful. May your generosity continue to grow as you bring hope and joy to our people,” Princewill declared.
This occasion heralds a fresh era of solidarity and empowerment in Kalabari land, with community elders and residents celebrating it as a pivotal step toward lasting development.