Monarch Charges Historians On History Documentation

Eze Apara of Rebisi Kingdom and Paramount Ruler of Port Harcourt, HRM Isaiah Elekwu, has charged historians to begin earnest documentation of Rebisi people as a way to preserve their heritage.
The royal father gave the charge during the launch and public presentation of the book, “Rebisi Natives of Port Harcourt: History and Developments”, written by Arthur Kalagbor held in Port Harcourt.
He said intellectuals in the kingdom should engage more in written than oral history, as he commended Kalagbor for leading the light in documenting his people.
He described the book as the beginning of a new era in Rebisi kingdom and quest to ensure that there is cohesive and united front among the people.
Calling on elites in Rebisi to rise to the challenge of leadership, Eze Elikwu said time has come to save the future of the kingdom.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Sunny Amadi, said he was elated that a new awakening has started in Rebisi Kingdom with the book.
The university don, however, advocated for a new economy for Rebisi as he advocated use of estate development to drive future growth of the people.
In his words, “Today, most parts of Rebisi have been overtaken by development and that is why I urge our people to see opportunities from the estate, and built environment to preserve the future of children”.
Reviewing the book, Dr. Chris Akani described the work as historical legacy that seeks to throw light on the ontology of the people.
He stated that the seven chapter book with 106 pages is fluid and easy to read, with special focus on the origins of Rebisi people.
Akani added that, “it’s an exciting book that has come at the right time and I think the author should be given a resounding ovation”.
In his remarks, the author, Arthur Kalagbor, disclosed that the book is an outcome of a study group set up by Rebisi Monarch in 2014.
With the completion of the assignment to collate history of the kingdom, he noted that he was compelled to expand the frontiers to cover other areas of culture and origins to educate young generation.
Kalagbor reiterated that the book is dedicated for the future generation which has little knowledge of their history, and thanked royal fathers, and local sources for support, including former President of Ogbakor Ikwerre.

By: Kevin Nengia