Sylva Calls for Peace in Nembe Kingdom …as Brass Fertilizer Project Sets to commence
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By Ebiowei Lawal – Yenagoa
To ensure a successful take off of the Brass Fertilizer project that has capacity to generate over 20,000 jobs before 2023, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has called on citizens across all Nembe speaking kingdoms to remain law abiding and united
Chief Sylva made the appeal weekend when the people of Okpoama and Twon in Brass Local Government Area of the state organized a grand reception to honour him for his contributions to the growth and development of Brass Island and the State in general.
Speaking further, the former Bayelsa State governor , said that one of the major set-back for life changing projects like the Atlantic Modular Refinery, Gas Depot and the Nembe-Brass road is the absence of peace and unity amongst the people of Nembe Kingdom, which comprises ancient kingdoms such as Odioma, Okpoama, Twon, Nembe and Opu-Nembe.
He said “I feel humble today on the show of love by my people. It is said a prophet is not usually recognized by his people, but mine is different. This Community has given so much to me. First it gave me a place to be born. It gives me a lot of joy to see my mates around today. I am not special than any of you here because you people have given me the opportunity that I have today.
“We must be peaceful and we must be for the process of Brass and Okpoama people. We have finished touches for the Brass Fertilizer Project and we are going to get the FIG by the end of this year. This would be a huge success story for this Island as well as create a lot of opportunity for this Island.
“We have finished all touches for the Atlantic Modular Refinery. We have also finished touches on the Gas Depot which will be sited on this Island as well. Even the road from Nembe to Brass is possible as long as you continue to be a peaceful community that others would want to look up to.
“Nembe-Ibe have a lot of Kingdoms which comprises Opkoama kingdom, Twon kingdom, Odioma kingdom, Nembe kingdom and Opu-Nembe konkingdomt there is no leadership connecting them together. And that is why we have a lot problems trying to develop. Because of this factor we have an arrested development.
“If not, why would Odioma want to have problem with Okpoama? Initially we had the Nembe divisional council of chiefs, set-up to unite these kingdoms but that council has collapsed. So without peace we can never prosper as a people. Let our youths start to show good example, and shun any act of violence and crime by embracing peace.”
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Benson Agadaga, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, commended the Amanyanbo of Okpoama Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Ebitimi Banigo and other key stakeholder in the area for recognizing Chief Sylva’s effort.
He said “honour is given to those whom it is due. Today we’re enjoying your contributions to the state as a former Governor and now minister of State.
“We want to sincerely thank you for those things that you want to do for the state that will definitely elevate our IGR. We also want to felicitate with you for the new face of Bayelsa, the face of love, and collaboration.
“Sylva as a former Governor and now a Minister for State, has done well and brought about peace for the loving people of his kingdom and the entire Bayelsa State.” He said.
In his remarks, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, a former military Administrator of old Rivers State and the Amayanabo of Twon Brass, in Brass Island said Chief Sylva has done well in all sphere of life which makes his people proud of him.
“The celebrant is our son, in whom we are pleased. He is a hardworking man whom became a lawmaker at a very tender age, in old Rivers State. He is a great linguist, an orator, man of timber and caliber, a man with style, a man of many parts. We are proud of him in all,” he said.
Also speaking, King Edmond Dakoru, the Amayanabo of Nembe Kingdom in Nembe Local Government Area who was represented by a former military administrator of Delta and Ebonyi State, Capt. Walter Feyabo (rtd) described Chief Sylva as a man who has distinguished himself amongst leaders in Nigeria.
In his welcome address, Chief Inikio Sam-Sele, Chairman, Okpoama Kingdom Council of Chiefs, said the people of Okpoama Kingdom are very friendly, peace loving and hardworking people that are unique in their ways and determined to succeed in all they do.
He described Chief Sylva as a man of sterling qualities, a visionary leader, a strategic thinker, a man of courage and of positive actions that have impacted on the lives and well-being of many persons and communities as well.
“We salute you, as we say that we are proud of you today and always, as you have achieved a lot as a man. We do sincerely express our love and appreciation to you our respected guests and visitors who have come from different parts of Nigeria and elsewhere to join us to honour and celebrate this distinguish son of our great kingdom.” He said.
