50 days after assuming office, Da Ogo VI, Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill, led key members of the Queen Elebabene Da Ogo group of houses to the historic town of Elem Kalabari for the Kalabari New Year Festival. The visit was in honour of the Chief Host and King of the Source, HRH Mujahid Dokubo-Asari.
Speaking about the significance of the celebration, Princewill explained: “The festival is observed on the 16th of November each year, with the evening of the 15th recognized as the ‘transition’. The date aligns with a beautiful natural phenomenon—the tidal surge or ‘turning of the tide’—when saltwater pushes back freshwater. It is considered a natural reset that symbolizes renewal, rebirth, and the reaffirmation of identity.”
Believed to be centuries old, the revived festival featured activities such as cleansing of the water, a symbolic tree-planting ceremony which the Prince personally led and various cultural displays, including the famed 18 types of Iria.
The celebration coincided with Princewill’s 50th day in office, a period already marked by significant interventions. So far, he has empowered 20 business owners within the group with ₦500,000 each, launched a medical intervention scheme, with 32 beneficiaries receiving urgent healthcare support, provided women and youths with environmental sanitation equipment to keep Ogo Polo clean, refurbished the Ogo memorial hall, installed cutting-edge solar energy systems and donated ₦5 million to youth skills development across five disciplines, including sewing, hairdressing, GMP installation, soap-making and shoemaking.
The Abbi Youths Skilled Jobs Scheme—targeted at the wider Abbi group, of which Ogo Elebabene is a key part will benefit 160 youths. The initiative will not only offer training and practical work experience but also equip participants with tools to establish their own businesses.
Receiving the funds, Abbi Youths Chairman, Osaki Kpaluku Amachree thanked the Prince for redeeming his pledge and assured that the resources would deliver visible results soon.
In response, Princewill appointed a monitoring team headed by Chief Daogigo Ebenezer Pepple Amachree to provide monthly progress reports.
