The Amanyanabo of Oproama in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royal Highness King Tubotamuno Dick, has unveiled plans to introduce a community transport scheme along the Buguma–Abalama–Abonnema corridor.
The initiative, known as “AMA-APU ARU”, will deploy three mini-buses to provide residents with safer, more affordable and convenient transportation.
According to a statement shared by the monarch on his official Facebook page, the service will operate between Amatoru Polo in Buguma City and Bob-Manuel Polo in Abonnema, with a stopover at Abalama.
King Tubotamuno said the initiative was conceived as a philanthropic intervention to ease the transportation burden on residents, with fares projected to range between ₦500 and ₦1,000.
He said the scheme would also reduce commuters’ dependence on motorcycles, lower their exposure to motorcycle-related accidents and provide greater protection from adverse weather conditions.
The monarch described the route as an important transportation link connecting communities in Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru and Degema Local Government Areas, with significance for communities across the Kalabari area.
On funding, King Tubotamuno said he had personally committed ₦1.5 million to the project, while another donor had pledged a further ₦1.5 million.
Mr Briggs Ibifubara Godday has also pledged ₦200,000, bringing the total publicly announced financial commitments to ₦3.2 million.
The monarch said he had mandated automobile dealer, Mr Ojims Michael, to facilitate the procurement of the three mini-buses, with October 1, 2026, targeted for the commencement of operations.
He appealed to well-meaning sons and daughters of Kalabari and elected representatives from Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru and Degema Local Government Areas to support the initiative.
The AMA-APU ARU scheme is expected to provide an additional transportation option for residents and commuters along the Buguma–Abalama–Abonnema corridor.
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