By Joe Udo
BUGUMA (CONVERSEER) – There was excitement in Da-Ogo Polo, Buguma City, as Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill (Da-Ogo the 6th) hosted his first full general meeting as the newly elected Da-Ogo and leader of the Queen Elebabene Group of Houses Polodabo.
The event, held at the Da-Ogo Memorial Hall, marked the unveiling of a ₦10 million development fund and attracted notable dignitaries, including King Mujahid Dokubo Asari.
The gathering brought together chiefs, elders, women, and youths, with key figures such as King Diamond E. Tobin West, Chief Akaodu H. Princewill, and Chief Opubeniboye C.J.T. Princewill in attendance.
In his opening address, Prince Princewill emphasised the importance of peace, love, and unity among family members and across the Kalabari community, noting that “development only thrives where there is peace and stability.”
To demonstrate his commitment to progress, he announced the first ten beneficiaries of the ₦10 million development fund, granting each recipient ₦500,000 to support their businesses.
He urged them to use the funds wisely and to act as ambassadors of the family. The remaining ₦5 million will be directed towards educational and health initiatives.
During the event, two new chiefs — Chief Tamunoemi Lawson-Jack and Chief Isoboye Princewill — were formally installed into the Da-Ogo Elebabene Group of Houses, further strengthening the council’s leadership structure.
King Mujahid Dokubo Asari praised the leadership qualities of Prince Princewill, describing him as “a rare gem” whose intelligence and network set him apart.
Recalling the 2015 Rivers State governorship debates, he likened the Prince’s intellect to that of global leaders, noting that his emergence had restored confidence in the Ogo House’s leadership.
“Many see me contributing to other families I am connected to, but ask me why not the Ogo house? That’s because there was no leadership we could believe in. But now there is,” Dokubo said.
To support the family’s development drive, he pledged ₦50 million to empower entrepreneurs engaged in verifiable businesses and another ₦50 million to support students.
The student support package includes ₦30,000 monthly stipends for all family members enrolled in polytechnics, schools of health technology, or universities, as well as payment of statutory fees and registration for postgraduate and first-degree students. All pledges are to be redeemed on or before 1 December 2025.
In his response, Prince Princewill expressed gratitude for Dokubo’s generous support, stating that the initial ₦10 million fund had “increased to more than 10 times its size.” He assured that a committee was already in place to manage and disburse the funds transparently.
“We cannot begin to thank you enough. May our God increase your coast and bring a smile to your face as you have brought a smile to ours,” he said.
The event concluded with music, cultural festivities, and a Kalabari traditional dance competition, which saw winners emerge in men’s, women’s, and children’s categories.
The meeting, held on Friday, 3rd October 2025, signalled a new era of structured development and communal cooperation within the Da-Ogo Elebabene family.
