Buguma City witnessed a grand display of unity, culture, and renewal as the Elebabene Group of Houses gathered at the Da-Ogo Memorial Hall for the first general meeting under their newly elected leader, Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill (Da-Ogo VI).
The event, which attracted dignitaries and well-wishers from across the Kalabari Kingdom, was marked by speeches, traditional rites, and a renewed commitment to family and community development.
Among the high-profile guests was King Mujahid Asari Dokubo, who lauded the emergence of Prince Tonye as a transformational leader and pledged ₦100 million to support economic and educational empowerment initiatives within the family.
Addressing the gathering, Prince Tonye Princewill called for peace, unity, and cooperation among family members, emphasizing that progress can only flourish in a stable and harmonious environment.
“We cannot build the future we desire without peace,” he said. “Development only thrives where there is stability, understanding, and collective effort.”
The Da-Ogo announced the first phase of the ₦10 million Elebabene Development Fund, naming ten beneficiaries who received ₦500,000 each to boost their small and medium-scale enterprises. He also disclosed that the remaining ₦5 million would be directed toward education and health interventions, underscoring his vision for a more empowered and prosperous family.
Two new chiefs — Chief Tamunoemi Lawson-Jack and Chief Isoboye Princewill — were also inducted into the Elebabene Council of Chiefs, signifying a new chapter in leadership continuity and traditional governance.
In his remarks, King Asari Dokubo, referred to as “The King of the Source,” commended Prince Tonye’s intellect, humility, and capacity to unite people, recalling that his leadership qualities have long been recognized beyond the state.
“Prince Tonye is a rare leader with global depth,” Asari Dokubo said. “During the 2015 Rivers State governorship debates, a friend of mine in Italy called me to ask, ‘Who is that Obama you have in Rivers State?’ That’s how exceptional he is. His brilliance and strength of character make him the right leader for this family.”
The King then announced a ₦100 million donation, split evenly between entrepreneurship support (₦50 million) and student empowerment (₦50 million). He outlined that all students from the family enrolled in polytechnics, universities, or technical institutions would receive ₦30,000 monthly stipends, while tuition and registration fees for first-degree and postgraduate students would be fully covered. He pledged to redeem the funds by December 1, 2025.
Responding, Prince Tonye Princewill expressed gratitude to the King for his generosity and support, assuring that the funds would be managed transparently through a dedicated committee.
“What began as a ₦10 million seed fund has now grown more than tenfold,” he said. “We are deeply thankful to our King for believing in our vision and investing in our people. This is a defining moment for the Elebabene Group of Houses.”
The meeting ended with festivities, including a Kalabari traditional dance competition, where men, women, and children showcased their cultural heritage. The vibrant celebration symbolized not just a leadership milestone, but a new beginning for unity, development, and shared purpose among the Elebabene family.
