History was made in the ancient Kingdoms of Ke (Obiansoama) and Bille, on Thursday, November 21, 2024, when the Executive Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Agiriye Monima Harry, visited the communities. The purpose of the visit was to express gratitude to the Communities for their support during the October 5th Council elections and to conduct a needs assessment as his administration takes the reins of governance.
Addressing the Chiefs and people of Ke Kingdom, Harry, thanked the community for their unwavering support, assuring them of a brighter future under his leadership.
The Chairman emphasized that the primary goal of his community visits was to gain firsthand knowledge of the situation on the ground and identify the specific needs of the people.
He stated, “One of my main objectives is to personally assess the conditions of each community and understand their requirements.
“I am committed to fulfilling my campaign promises and setting new standards. While it’s not an easy task, we must strive to create equitable development across the LGA.
“Many of the requests we receive are basic necessities that should have been provided long ago.”
In response to the community’s requests, the Council Boss pledged to address the issues of inadequate potable water, electricity, healthcare services, and marine transportation. He also committed to collaborating with the State Government to protect the shorelines of Ke, Bille, and other coastal communities in the LGA.
The renowned orthopedic surgeon also informed the community about two different health insurance enrollment schemes initiated by Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s administration and the Senator Representing Rivers West Senatorial District, Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo. He added that the Council had expanded the scheme’s coverage to include more beneficiaries.
He urged residents to take advantage of these schemes, as medical officers were already in the community to enroll children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Regarding education, the Chairman assured the community that the Council would take steps to support students preparing for external examinations and improve learning conditions by engaging with relevant authorities.
The elated community welcomed the Chairman with enthusiasm, hailing his visit as unprecedented since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999.
Alabo Prof. Tugwel Agina-Obu, Chairman of the Ke Kingdom Council of Chiefs, expressed gratitude to Dr. Harry on behalf of the Amanyanabo and the entire community. He lamented the neglect of Ke, by previous DELGA Chairmen, who often prioritized campaigning over fulfilling promises and delivering on development projects.
He praised Dr. Harry for his commitment to the community, highlighting his efforts in reviving the Ke health center during his tenure at the Primary Health Care Management Board.
Prof. Agina-Obu, said: “We will not forget in a hurry, how you gave approval and support to the revival of the health centre in Ke while you were the Executive Secretary and Permanent Secretary of Primary Health Care Management Board.
“The health centre in Ke was established as a cottage Hospital. It unfortunately went moribund for over 20 years. It lacked maintenance, no facility, no equipment, no staff, no drugs, etc, but by your benevolence and sheer wisdom the health facility was resuscitated.
“We are so grateful to you and to His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Executive Governor of Rivers State for approving the funds,” he stated.
Prof. Agina-Obu presented a list of the community’s needs, emphasizing the urgent need for infrastructure development, shoreline protection, and improved educational facilities. He also called for greater representation of Ke indigenes in government appointments.
“While thanking you for your efforts in reviving the health centre, we also deem it necessary to inform you that Ke community has been abandoned for too long by the Local Government and the State Government.
“There is an uncompleted model primary school building of the State Government, the secondary school building is highly dilapidated, the overhead water tank and the entire utility system require attention, our roads are impassable during rainy season, the shoreline of our community is eroding and buildings are submerged, the landing jetty at Ke has become a death trap for travelers.
“It would amaze you to know that in the last local government administration, no Ke indigene was considered fit to be appointed. We kindly urge you to consider our plight within your capacity and also send memo to His Excellency on other areas that are above your capacity,” he added.
The Amanyanabo of Ke Kingdom, HRH King Agolia Aboko Omoni, JP, King Omoni XII, also commended the Council Chairman for his compassionate and people-centered leadership. He expressed disappointment over the historical neglect of Ke and the negative impact of the previous administration’s lack of attention.
The traditional ruler thanked the Chairman for his genuine concern for the community and invited him to be the Special Guest of Honor at the community’s upcoming Thanksgiving event on December 28, 2024.
In a similar visit to the ancient Bille Kingdom, the Council Chairman engaged with community leaders and residents. Chief Boma Dappa representing the Bille Council of Chiefs presented the needs of the community, and Chief Victor Thompson, who represented the Amanyanabo of Bille Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Igbikingeri Ngowari Cornelius Herbert.
(Agbaniye-Jike xviii), praised the Chairman’s commitment to the people and prayed for his success.
Youth and women groups from both communities were present at the meetings, as the Council of Chiefs presented gifts to the Chairman as a token of their appreciation.
