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Group, Bille People In Diaspora Chart Path For Dev

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Manpower, political and economic development have been identified as crucial elements in sustaining the growth of Bille people in the diaspora.
This is one of the fallouts in the  seven-point communiqué released after the JAMKAB Peace and Empowerment Initiative held at Bille Town in Degema Local Government Area recently.
The progamme was aimed at bringing together the JAMKAB ethnic nationality, which include Bille Kingdom and is spread among six states of Plateau, Benue, Kaduna Adamawa and Nasarawa, Bauchi  and two other African countries including Cameroun and Central African Republic.
The body also seeks to fight through legitimate means the domination of the JAMKAB ethnic group by the major tribes of Hausa and Yoruba, as it called on all sons and daughters to unify to pursue a common front.
President of the body, Mr Butwat Manasseh Kunwur in his address stated that the programme aims  at providing opportunities for the people to evolve means of economic growth and enhancement of programmes to enrich them.
According to him, the body has been registered as a non-governmental organization, hosted  seminars and recently floated a scholarship fund to champion manpower development among the group.
President of JIKA, Chief James Barry called on all members to rise to the challenge of building to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.
Chief Barry while calling for inter-marriage and cultural exchanges between the people said, “we are here to encourage our people. You must rise and build our members”.
In his welcome address, Secretary of Bille Kingdom Chiefs Council, Chief Ibiba Kombonimi said the seminar and re-union was timely, as it creates a sense of belonging and love.
In the words of Chief Kombonimi, ‘ the artificial boundaries established during our colonial past rather than force us remember our common heritage before the advent of the White man, now seems to separate us even further.”
Delivering a paper titled, “Education and Development: The Imperatives of Community Partnership’ Prof. Kontein Trinya of the Department of English Studies, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education identified education as vehicle of development.
Trinya submitted that education helps to liberate the people from oppression of  others and give them platform for self discovery.
The university don also used the seminar to call on youths in the area to desist from destroying the ecosystem in the quest to make a livelihood as that will amount mortgaging the future of the unborn generation.

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Ogoni Community Rejoices Over Return Of Peace 

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The people of Zaakpon Community in Khana Local Government Area, in Ogoni,  of Rivers State, have expressed happiness over the return of peace in the community.
Speaking during a Thanksgiving Service held at Zaakpon townsquare on Sunday, the Coordinator, Bua-Zaakpon Prayer Team, Charles Daka, said the  thanksgiving service was to celebrate seven years of the return of peace in Zaakpon.
He called on the people of Zaakpon to continue to work harder in order to  sustain the existing peace in the community.
The prayer coordinator also thank God for the peace that has returned, adding that the crisis that erupted in 2019 destroyed properties, life, schools and other commercial activities in the community.
“Innocent people were brutally murdered, churches, schools and other commercial activities were shutdown.
“It was so pathetic, but we thank Almighty God in his mercy for the return peace on the land.
“God used His son, Gani Toba, and some devoted Christians, mostly females, who were instrumental to intercession for divine intervention and God answered their prayers and restored peace in Zaakpon”, Daka said.
Daka also appreciated the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for the peace initiative and development in Zaakpon Community.
He urged the people of Rivers State to continue to support the Governor in order to attract more development in the state.
On his part, the Gbenemene of Kologbere-Bua-Zaakpon Community, King John Suka-Bakpo, said he will continue to work with all relevant authorities to ensure that the existing peace becomes a lasting one in Rivers State and beyond.
“I want to thank God for the peace we enjoyed all this years. Also, I want to thank God for our son, Gani Toba, for his role in returning peace in our community, Zaakpon.
“He used his time and money to ensure peace returns to our community.
“I want also thank our Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who has shown that he is a son of Zaakpon”, Chief Bakpo said.
He  advised parents to counsel their children to maintain harmony in the community.
Kiadum Edookor
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Rivers

KALCCIMA Inaugurates New Executive Council … Pledges Renewed Drive For Kalabari Economic Growth

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The Kalabari Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KALCCIMA) has formally inaugurated its new Executive Council (Exco) in a ceremony marked by optimism, strong institutional backing, and renewed commitment to economic development in Kalabari land.
Inaugurating the new Executive, the National Deputy President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, charged the new leadership to position KALCCIMA as a catalyst for inclusive growth, enterprise development, and strategic engagement with government and the private sector.
The newly inaugurated officers of KALCCIMA are: Elder Monima Daminabo (President); Amb. Clement Akanibo (First Deputy President); Boma Kaladokubo (Second Deputy President); Harry Awolayeofori Macmorrison (Executive Secretary/Director-General); and Faaye Franklin (Treasurer).
Others are: Engr. Robinson Success (Financial Secretary); Ibiba Don-Pedro (Public Relations Officer); Princess Nancy Boma Princewill (Organising Secretary); Barr. Idaoyibo Fortune Igbikikuno (Legal Adviser); and Abiye George, who emerges as the Welfare Officer.
In his keynote address, Dr. Membere-Otaji congratulated the Exco and emphasized the strategic importance of a vibrant local chamber to regional and national economic growth.
He urged the leadership to align KALCCIMA’s programmes with NACCIMA’s national vision, stressing professionalism, transparency, and innovation in advancing commerce, mining, agriculture, and small and medium-scale enterprises in Kalabari.
“The Chamber must become a rallying point for entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. Kalabari has immense economic potential, and KALCCIMA must provide the structure and leadership to unlock it”, he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Pastor Prince Billy Harry, charged the Exco to lead with integrity, unity, and purpose.
He encouraged them to move beyond ceremonial roles and focus on tangible outcomes that would uplift Kalabari communities, empower youth and women, and attract sustainable investments.
In his acceptance remarks, Elder Monima Daminabo, President of KALCCIMA, expressed gratitude to NACCIMA, the Board of Trustees, and stakeholders for their confidence in the new leadership.
He assured members that the Exco would prioritize stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and partnerships aimed at stimulating trade, supporting local industries, and promoting agricultural and maritime opportunities unique to the Kalabari axis.
Highlight of the occasion was presentation of goodwill messages by notable professionals and stakeholders, including Arc. Eniye Braide, Arc. Danny Sokari George, and Ebianga Bestmann, all of whom commended the inauguration and expressed confidence in the capacity of the new Exco to reposition KALCCIMA as a strong voice for economic advocacy and development.
They urged the chamber to leverage Kalabari’s strategic location, cultural heritage, and human capital to foster entrepreneurship, attract investments, and contribute meaningfully to the economic prosperity of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
The inauguration ceremony ended on a note of collective resolve, with stakeholders expressing hope that the new leadership would usher in a new era of relevance, impact, and sustainable development for KALCCIMA and the entire Kalabari nation.
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Rivers Police Commissioner Condemns Vigilante Group Over Aluu Attack

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The Rivers State  Commissioner of Police, Mr.  Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has condemned the actions of the vigilante operatives involved in the recent gun attack on residents of Unity Estate at Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
A statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, in Port Harcourt, said the Rivers Police Commissioner noted that no group was  permitted to take the law into its own hands irrespective of their claims.
The Police Command, through the statement, reassured residents of the State of their safety.
“Members of the public are advised to provide credible information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects.  Efforts are on  to bring all those involved to justice”, it said.
Meanwhile, normalcy was said to have  returned to the area following the arrest of 12 suspects linked to the attack.
The assault occurred in broad daylight on January 5, 2025, when armed men stormed the Mbodo–Aluu estate, firing shots indiscriminately and unleashing fear across the once-peaceful neighbourhood.
According to Police findings, the attackers were suspected members of a vigilante group, the Onelga Peace And Advisory Committee popularly known as OSPAC  from parts of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The Police report said the attack was allegedly supported by some hired thugs brought in to reinforce the operation.
Witnesses said the assailants were armed with Pump-Action guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons.
 The Police noted that the coordinated attack resulted in the destruction of sections of the estate, with several vehicles vandalised in what residents described as a calculated show of force.
One of the victims was shot in the leg during the attack and was  abducted subsequently by the gunmen.
Swift police action followed a distress call, with operatives from the Choba Division racing to the scene and receiving reinforcement from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Octopus Tactical Teams.
The combined operation led to the successful rescue of the abducted victim, who was immediately rushed to a medical facility where he is currently receiving treatment.
Exhibits recovered include one automatic Pump-Action gun, a live cartridge, expanded shells, assorted charms, five motorcycles, two mini-buses and a Siena van allegedly used during the operation.
King Onunwor
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