Belemaoil Joint venture in collaboration with Jack-rich Tein Aid Foundation and Belema Aid Foundation, on Tuesday January 28th 2020, donated a 5-Bedroom duplex to Elder Tamunoeni Gold, the only surviving member of the legendary Rex Lawson band.
Speaking at the occasion, Engr. Jack-Rich Tien, president and founder of Belemaoil Producing Limited, who was represented by Engr. Sunday Akpaduado, Manager in charge of exploration, disclosed that the initiative was a celebration of Kalabari people, for their immense impact and contributions in all spheres of life.
Noting that the donation was a birthday gift from the president of Belemaoil to his people of Kalabari, and that the purpose was to promote art and music in Kalabari land and beyond.
Although the song of Tamunoemi Gold that attracted Engr.Jack-Rich Tien on the social media was for the reelection of Governor Nyesom Wike that is also being contested by Mr.Awara, a Kalabari son, that the detribalized Engr. Jack –Rich Tien looked at the overriding merit of the song and the need to preserve the cultural heritage of Kalabari people.
On his part, the Managing Director, Mr. Pedro Daiz, who was represented by the Manager, External Affairs of Belemaoil Producing Limited, Barr. Sam Abel Jumbo, said the event was not just about Elder Gold, but about a man of Kalabari origin who decided to transform the lives of people.
He recalled that Engr. Jack –Rich Tien, president and founder of Belemaoil Producing Limited was moved to change the story of Elder Gold by the performance of Gold which he heard and saw on the social media.
Old house of Elder Tamunoemi Gold before help came from Belemaoil JV
Jumbo noted that the building project began about a year ago, and that the music house is the first of its kind in Nigeria to sustain traditional music.
In his response, the chief beneficiary of the project, Elder Gold, who later performed with his band, was overwhelmed with joy. Flanked by his wife and other relations, he said a big dream has become a reality.” With this blessing, my life is prolonged and fruitful at last’’, he said while thanking God and the sponsors for the favour.
The ceremony had representatives of Amanayanbo of Kalabari, King J.T.J.Princewill, King Alfred Diette-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, Buguma Council of Chiefs, chiefs from Kula, Asari-Dokubo, Niger Delta activist; Chief Anabs Sara Igbe, Ambasador Sukubo Sara Igbe Sokubo, national chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria; executive members of Performing Musicians of Nigeria, Rivers state branch led by Arthur Willy Pepple and a host of other dignitaries.
Elder Gold was born in 1946 and joined Rex Lawson’s band in 1970 before Lawson’s sudden demise in 1971,
