Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill, Da Ogo the VIth, marked his first 50 days in office with a significant cultural and community initiative, leading key members of the Queen Elebabene Da Ogo group of houses to the historical town of Elem Kalabari. The visit was timed to celebrate the Kalabari New Year Festival, demonstrating support for the Chief Host and King of the source, HRH Mujahid Dokubo Asari, Africa Update reports.
The Kalabari New Year Festival, observed annually on the 16th of November, with the preceding evening recognized as the “transition,” is tied to a beautiful natural phenomenon. Princewill explained the event’s significance, noting that it symbolizes renewal and identity: “The date is tied to a beautiful natural phenomenon of the tidal surge or ‘turning of the tide’ where saltwater pushes back fresh water—considered a natural reset that symbolizes renewal, rebirth and the reaffirmation of identity.”
The revived festival, believed to date back centuries, featured activities such as the cleansing of the water, cultural displays, and a tree planting ceremony, which the Prince himself led. The colorful celebration included a display of the “18 types of Iria.”
The traditional pilgrimage coincided with the 50-day milestone of Prince Tonye Princewill’s ascension as Da Ogo the VIth, a period already characterized by substantial empowerment and development initiatives within the group.
Among the key achievements recorded in his first 50 days:
Business Empowerment: Twenty existing business owners within the group were empowered with N500,000 Naira each.
Medical Intervention: A medical intervention scheme was launched, providing urgent healthcare needs to 32 beneficiaries.
Environmental Sanitation: Women and youth were equipped with necessary materials to ensure the cleanliness of Ogo Polo.
Infrastructure Upgrade: The Ogo memorial hall was refurbished, and cutting-edge solar energy systems were installed.
Skills Development: A donation of N5 million was made to youth skills development across five different disciplines, including sewing, hairdressing, GMP installation, soap, and shoe making.
Furthermore, the Da Ogo the VIth launched the Abbi youths skilled jobs scheme, targeted at the wider Abbi group, of which Ogo Elebabene is a key part. The scheme benefits 160 youths, providing them with training, practical work experience, and equipping them with working materials to establish their own businesses.
Osaki Kpaluku Amachree, the Abbi Youths Chairman, received the funding and expressed gratitude, promising visible results in a short period. In a commitment to accountability, Princewill appointed a monitoring team, headed by Chief Daogigo Ebenezer Pepple Amachree, tasked with providing monthly progress feedback on the scheme.
The initiatives signal Princewill’s commitment to combining cultural affirmation with tangible economic and social development for his people.
Source: Jenewari Ntiego Alioma, Secretary, Ogo Elebabene Group of Houses.
