COVID-19 LOCKDOWN: Amanyanabo of Abonnema Inaugurates 30-Man Palliative Committee

In a bid to cushion the sufferings of the Nyemoni people, caused by the painful but necessary lockdown (Stay-At-Home) order of the state and federal governments to contain the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus Pandemic ravaging the entire world, the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, His Majesty, King (Barr.) Disrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel (ii), Owukori (IX), has constituted and inaugurated a 30-member Nyemoni COVID-19 Relief Management and Administration Committee.

Members of the committee, drawn from a large pool of notable individuals and institutions in Abonnema, are expected to raise awareness of the virus, raise funds for food items, drugs, preventive kits amongst others.

The Committee which is headed by a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt and Chairman Governing Council, Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Nimi Briggs, is expected to approve all disbursements of funds, operate the designated bank accounts, identify secured holding areas for relief materials and control or direct the distribution of the relief materials.

Inaugurating the Nyemoni COVID-19 Relief Management and Administration Committee Saturday, April 11, 2020, in Port Harcourt, the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, disclosed that a website: www.abonnemasolidiarity.com has been created to provide reliable information on the COVID-19 pandemic in English and Kalabari languages.

While announcing a dedicated UBA account number: 1022764408, with the account name– ‘Abonnema Council of Chiefs’, the First Class traditional ruler appealed for kind donations from sons, daughters and friends of Abonnema to enable them cater for their people, especially the aged, helpless and vulnerable at this most difficult times.

He lamented that the lockdown and closure of regular markets, had resulted to loss of jobs and income for his people, “who regularly eke out a living on a day-to-day basis”.

Adding that “After due consultations, we are therefore putting together a community based Committee to raise awareness of this deadly virus, raise funds and food items including safety materials, for the benefit of our people including persons living and working in aliens such as health officials”.

The Royal Father used the occasion to commend the Rivers State Government on the steps it is taking to curb the spread of the virus in the state and the provision of food items to palliate the sufferings of Rivers people under the leadership of Amb. Desmond Akawor led State COVID-19 Palliative Committee.

The Monarch equally lauded the relentless efforts of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo and Chairman of Akuku-Toru LGA, Hon. Rowland Sekibo, at supporting the Abonnema Council of Chiefs and the good people of Abonnema throughout this lockdown period.

While thanking members of the Committee for accepting the onerous task of coordinating the community’s efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and provide succor to their people, the Amanyanabo of Abonnema also assured them of the firm support of the Abonnema Council of Chiefs.

Members of the Nyemoni COVID-19 Relief and Administration Committee include; 1. Emeritus Prof. Nimi Dimkpa Briggs–Chairman. 2. Chief Prof Felix Ideria – Vice Chairman 3. Chief Engineer Austin Bob-Manuel – Secretary 4. Oruwari Compound Youth Leader 5. Chief Prof Ibiba R Jack 6. Chief Senibo A Gabriel Whyte 7. Chief Digibujiri Standfast Jack 8. Iju compound Youth Leader 9. Chief Prof Oruambo 10. Obong Odoloiyi Lolomari 11. Chief Boma Tam pedro 12. Chief Ibiba Ambie Georgewill 13. Otaji Youth Leader 14. Chief Prof Kelvin Bob-Manuel 15. Elder Tom Fabyan 16. Chief Ipalibo Peters Manuel 17. Chief Alaye Oweredaba 18. Owukori Compound Youth Leader Institutions & Groups 19. Akulga LGA Chairman Hon.Rowland Sekibo 20. President -Kengema Mina Ogbo 21. President -Nyemoni Asawo 22. President -Nyemoni Awo 23. President – Minapu Ogbo 224. Primate Nimi John Fynface 25. Rev. Boma Briggs (St Augustine) 26. President Market Women 27. President – NIS Dr. Tennyson Ajieh 28. Secretary– NIS 29. Chairman – Abonnema Community Trust; Chief Biokpo Bestman 30. Chairman, DAA3 Cluster Board.