Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured the people of the ancient Grand Bonny Kingdom of accelerated development, promising that critical infrastructure projects will be delivered in Bonny before the end of the first quarter of 2026.
The governor stressed that Bonny’s strategic status as a global economic hub demanded a stronger and more visible government presence to complement the activities of oil and gas multinationals, particularly Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited.
The governor gave the pledge at a reception in his honour by King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple the Third and the Bonny Chiefs Council.
The ‘Iria’ ceremony is a significant cultural event primarily observed in the Ibani kingdoms located in Bonny and Opobo-Nkoro.
It marks the transition of a woman from one stage of womanhood to another.
Thereafter, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, Perekule XI, the Chiefs in Council, and the people of Bonny hosted the governor, who is a fellow Ibani son from the Kingdom of Opobo, to a reception
While stressing the strategic importance of Bonny as a global economic hub, Governor Fubara also acknowledged that the Rivers State Government needed to provide a stronger and more visible government presence to complement the activities of oil and gas multinational firms, particularly the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited.
Governor Fubara, who described the first 23 months of his administration as turbulent and characterised by political instability that slowed the pace of governance and service delivery, noted that his administration has, nevertheless, made notable gains in Bonny and other parts of the state.
The highlight of the visit was the conferment of the highest title in the Grand Bonny Kingdom on the Rivers State Governor.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who accepted the title of Amaopusenibo of Bonny Kingdom, also used the occasion to thank the King of Bonny for his continued support and for standing by him during one of the most difficult periods of his administration.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
