Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill, Da Ogo VI, and key members of the Queen Elebabene Da Ogo group visited the historic town of Elem Kalabari to participate in the Kalabari New Year festival, supporting the Chief Host and King of the Source, HRH Mujahid Dokubo Asari.
Speaking on the festival, Princewill explained that it is observed annually on November 16, with the 15th evening recognized as the “transition.” The timing is linked to a tidal phenomenon, where saltwater pushes back fresh water, symbolizing renewal, rebirth, and the reaffirmation of identity.
The revived festival, believed to date back centuries, featured traditional rituals including water cleansing, a tree planting ceremony led by Princewill, and cultural displays such as the “18 types of Iria.”
The celebration coincided with Princewill’s first 50 days in office, during which he has empowered 20 business owners with 500,000 Naira each, launched a medical intervention scheme assisting 32 beneficiaries, equipped women and youths with sanitation materials, refurbished the Ogo memorial hall, installed solar energy systems, and donated 5 million Naira for youth skills development in areas including sewing, hairdressing, GMP installation, soap and shoe making.
The Abbi Youths Skilled Jobs Scheme, benefiting 160 youths, provides practical training and working materials to help participants establish their own businesses. Osaki Kpaluku Amachree, Abbi Youths Chairman, thanked Princewill for fulfilling his pledge and promised visible results.
To ensure accountability, Princewill appointed a monitoring team, led by Chief Daogigo Ebenezer Pepple Amachree, to provide monthly feedback on the progress of these initiatives.
All preparations have been concluded for the Rivers International Film Festival (RIFF), scheduled to take place from October 30th to November 2nd, 2025, with the theme “Roots and Resilience: Exploring the Strength and Resilience of Indigenous Cultures.”
Festival Director, Chidinma Ezeigbo, announced this during an exclusive film screening in Port Harcourt, where she reaffirmed the festival’s dedication to celebrating indigenous creativity, promoting cultural preservation, and providing a platform for emerging filmmakers across Africa to showcase their works to a global audience.
Ezeigbo explained that the Rivers International Film Festival aims to promote cultural diversity, empower young filmmakers, and position Rivers State as a growing hub for creative and cinematic excellence.
She also disclosed that the festival will go beyond film activities to include a free medical outreach as part of efforts to give back to the host communities. According to her, this initiative reflects the festival’s commitment to community well-being, unity, and inclusiveness among participants and residents.
Our correspondent reports that the Rivers International Film Festival will be held at Downtown Cinema, Ezewali Center, Eneka Road, and will commence daily at 8:00 a.m. throughout the festival period.