Contrary to widely held belief that Kalabari is a Kingdom, the Amanyanabo of Ke Kingdom, HRH, King, Rt. Hon. Agolia Cookey Aboko Benebo, Omoni XII, has said Kalabari is rather an Ethnic Nationality.
King Omoni, who made this clarification recently when a delegation of the Kalabari Media Forum (KMF), an apolitcal international organisation, paid him a courtesy visit in Port Harcourt, said it amounts to a demotion to refer to Kalabari as a Kingdom, because it is beyond a Kingdom.
Throwing more light on his declaration, he took his domain, Ke Kingdom, as an example, saying his community is a Kingdom, no matter what others may say, and he would stand by it.
“We are ‘Ke Kingdom’. Nobody will take that Kingdom away from Ke. I’m not saying it out of pride. I’m not saying it out of stubbornness. I’m saying it with the understanding that as long as you call Kalabari a Kingdom, you’re reducing Kalabari.
“As long as you call Kalabari a Kingdom, with just one King, you’re reducing Kalabari. Kalabari is an Ethnic Nationality, they are beyond a Kingdom”, he stated.
He explained that Ke wasn’t the first to pronounce itself a Kingdom in Kalabari. Not even others like Tombia, saying Abonnema and Bakana were the first to declare themselves as Kingdoms, though they didn’t give it a categorical pronouncement as such at the time.
He traced it to the point at which Abonnema and Bakana communities pulled out of the Kalabari Se Kobiri (Kalabàri Kingdom Gathering) to declare themselves as their own Se (Kingdom).
The Kalabari Se Kobiri has hitherto been the highest law-making body of the Kalabaris, but has lately been divided against the dictates of its original founding fathers.
Noting that ever since that self declarations, only a faction of the two communities still attend the Se Kobiri, with their Kings no longer bowing to the supremacy of the King Amachree stool of Kalabari.
This action, he noted, was a subtle declaration of a Kingdom by Abonnema and Bakana.
The Royal Father further noted that this was what created the “Tra Se” (three Kingdoms) in Kalabari, which are “Kalabari Se”, “Abonnema Se”, and “Bakana Se”, from which the saying “Kalabari Se na amina abille na”, meaning Kalabari Kingdom and its adjoining communities.
He explained further that consequently, “Kalabari at a point had three Kingdoms: Abonnema, Buguma, and Bakana. So, now, we have Ke Se, Tombia Se, Kula Se, etc. All of us are under ‘Kalabari Ethnic Nationality’”.
This, he explained, is to enhance growth and development of the Kalabari Ethnic Nationality, which, he said, needs to come together, as a people, to take back its rightful position in the comity of ethnic nationalities in the State, and Nigeria at large in order to be relevant.
He also assured KMF of his support, as long as it is targeted at uniting the Kalabari nationality, while also giving his blessings to KMF in its pursuit.
Earlier in his address, the Coordinator of KMF, Alabo Dagogo Clinton, who led the delegation to the Royal Father, explained the reason for the visit, saying it is to seek the support of the Royal Father in giving the Kalabari nation a single voice, among other things.
He said, “As a group, we have in addition to being the eye of the Kalabari nation in the media, put together some ideas that we believe can show the way to Kalabari renaissance.
“These ideas can be best operationalised by a pan-Kalabari group that we do not have yet. It should be noted that the Kalabari Se Kobiri was not envisaged for the current power play in our polity.
“We need the equivalent of Affenifere of the Yoruba nation, Ohaneze of Igbo and Ogbako Ikwerre etc.
“The leadership of the Kalabari nation will need to put together an acceptable group of proven and tested persons drawn from all the major Communities, to form a sociopolitical group to work for Kalabari from the flanks. On this, we earnestly need your support”.
Alabo Clinton also thanked the King for the reception accorded the KMF delegation given the promptness of the visit.
Also in the KMF entourage were: Awolayeofori Harry Macmorrison (Secretary), Soibi Max-Alalibo, Kariba Harry, Kingdom T., and Opaka Dokubo.

Soibi Max-Alalibo

A Professor of Entomology, Rosetta Bekinwari Bob-Manuel, has said contrary to widespread beliefs that insects are enemies to humans, they are significan to human existence.
Professor Bob-Manuel, who stated this during the 58th Inaugural Lecture of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), midweek, explained that insects have redeeming values for human existence and the world’s ecosystem.
“They play a significant role in natural biocontrol, provide valuable products like honey and silk, and have medical applications”, she said.
Ahe continued that “insects represent the most important forms of life on the planet, influencing human existence since the beginning. They deliver ecological services fundamental to human survival, serve as pollinators, and provide an alternative food source”.
She stressed the need to understand and appreciate insects beyond their perceived threat, noting their potential to “alleviate environmental issues associated with meat production, improve food security, and provide a sustainable food source”.
According to her, “the increasing global population and demand for food have led to unsustainable practices, habitat loss, and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Insects offer a promising alternative food source, requiring less land and resources to produce… They are a nutritious alternative to mainstream staples, rich in protein, food fats, calcium, iron, and zinc.
“They can be prepared in various ways and are already consumed in many rural African communities”.
Professor Bob-Manuel emphasized the need to consider insect farming as a promising protein source, raising awareness about their valuable roles in sustaining nature and human life.
Noting that by 2050, the world will host 9 billion people, facing food shortages and security concerns, she said insect farming can help address these challenges.
In his remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, represented by Professor Ozioma Ekpete, commended the inaugural lecturer for her insightful position on insects and encouraged all to consider them as an alternative food source.
He also appealed to the government to fund insect farming for adequate food production and security.
In a vote of thanks, Professor Mercy Olufunmilayo Adesanya highlighted the need to take the lecture seriously and thanked everyone who contributed to the event’s success.

Sogbeba Dokubo

As part of measures to bridge the healthcare gap in Rivers State, the Rivers State Health Contributory Protection Programme, has partnered with the Rivers State Microfinance Agency (RIMA) for improved service delivery.
This milestone is geared towards actualising the blueprint of the Governor Fubara administration in addressing the health needs of the people of the State.
Driving the mandate of Governor Fubara is Dr Vetty Agala, the Acting Executive Secretary of Rivers State Health Contributory Protection Programme ( RIVCHPP).
On a courtesy visit to the management of Rivers State Microfinance Agency (RIMA) in Port Harcourt, recently, Dr Agala said one of the reasons for the visit was to partner with RIMA in order to enhance the partnership and collaboration of both agencies.
Dr Agala said the Governor Fubara deserves applause for taking the huge health burden off Rivers people and residents of the State.
She said Governor Fubara means well for the well-meaning Rivers people including those residing and doing business in the State, hence, the need to support him.
Dr Agala, former Vice Chairman 1 of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Rivers State Branch, said Rivers State remains the best in healthcare provision, courtesy of Governor Fubara with a renowned medical practitioner in the person of Dr Adaeze Oreh supervising the State Ministry of Health.
She said Dr Oreh as State Commissioner for Health has proved her worth by taking Rivers State health sector to enviable heights.
The Acting Executive Secretary commended the RIMA boss for keying into the health contributory scheme, saying, partnering with RIMA would assist in achieving the agency’s set goals.
She said the partnership will secure the health of the staff of the agency and better their living conditions by allowing them to access funds to carry out their businesses and make profits.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of RIMA, Pastor Jonathan Tobin expressed gratitude to Dr Agala and her team for the visit, assuring them that necessary assistance will be accorded to them to make their agency achieve its objectives.
The RIMA CEO said his staff and beneficiaries of the agency’s loan scheme shall be part of the programme.
He said health is wealth, hence, members of staff of the agency shall be part of the scheme approved by the state government to cater for the health needs of the citizenry.