Inauguration of Central Working Committee Marks Commencement of Late Monarch’s Burial Preparations
BUGUMA/Nigeria: The central working committee, alongside the subcommittee chairman and secretaries for the burial of the longest-serving Monarch in Rivers State, His Serene Majesty King Prof. T.J.T Princewill, JP CFR, Amachree the XI and Amanyanabo of the Kalabari Kingdom, was officially inaugurated in the capital of Buguma, Asari Toru local government. This ceremony signals the commencement of activities for the grand burial of the late monarch.
Headed by Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill as Chairman, Chief (Dr.) David T Briggs as Co-Chairman, and Hon Dr. Tammy Danagogo as Alternate Chairman I, the committee boasts a prestigious lineup of individuals dedicated to honoring the memory of King Prof. T.J.T Princewill. Other notable members include Hon Dr. Dax George Kerley as Alternate Chairman II, Prof. Victor Omuaru as Secretary, Chief (Dr.) Emi Membere Otaji as Chairman of the Finance Committee, and Sir Opunabo Inko-Tariah as Chairman of Media and Publicity.
Additional committee members are Sen Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Hon Igo Aguma, Sen Seriake Dickson, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari, Rtd Navy Capt Ibim Princewill, Alhaji Nasiru Danu, Mrs. Betsy Godwin Obaseki, and Mr. Segun Owolabi.
Shortly after the inauguration, the regent of the Kalabari kingdom, Dr. Charles Numbere Princewill, expressed his expectations for maximum commitment from the committee to ensure a PAN Kalabari Nation burial ceremony. He emphasized that the burial celebration would promote peace and unity among Kalabari people and Ijaws in general.
In his remarks at the inauguration, Prince Tonye Princewill, the son of the late monarch and the chairman of the burial committee, highlighted the significance of the burial, describing it as a demonstration of unity, peace, and a showcase of the rich cultural heritage of the Kalabari kingdom. He acknowledged the sadness surrounding the event but took solace in the fact that King Prof. T.J.T Princewill had lived a good life and left a legacy that would serve as a template for future generations.
Prince Tonye Princewill expressed his gratitude to the regent, his kitchen cabinet, and Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari, among others, for their commendable roles in the preparations.
Co-Chairman of the burial committee, Chief Dr. David Briggs, expressed his anticipation of the responsibilities ahead and called on the entire Kalabari Nation to fully participate in ensuring a befitting burial ceremony for the late monarch. He praised the work done so far and commended the Kingdom for its active involvement.
Meanwhile, D.B. Kaladokubo, the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, pledged to mobilize Christians across Rivers State to pay their respects to a King who truly deserved the honor. The burial has been scheduled for the 29th and 30th of November, and it promises to be a momentous occasion that will celebrate the life and legacy of King Prof. T.J.T Princewill.
