The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations INIPR) wants the traditional institutions reviewed and restructured to achieve maximum benefit especially in peace and development for the Niger Delta region.
This was the outcome of the body’s annual Memorial Gold Paper Lecture in honour of its revered late founding member, late Sir, (Alabo) Olu B. Fubara, of blessed memory over the weekend in Port Harcourt.
The NIPR, Rivers State chapter made it known through a 4-man discussants which includes the Bonny LG Council chairperson, Dame (Hon) Anengi Barasua Claude Wilcox; M/s Emem Bridget Okon; Mr. Kingsley Ibanichuka and Rev. Francis Asuk, that the customs and traditions that inhibits the potentials of women in particular needs to be reviewed.
“There is also need for the cultural values of various communities are reviewed to make room for innovations” they said. The NIPR maintained that the occupants of the traditional institutions need to be assigned constitutional roles and be properly remunerated to dissuade them from corrupt practices temptation.
“Above all, they said, it is very important for the grassroot leaders to work in synergy with the security agents for sustainable peace, security and development in their domain,”
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, HRM Eze, (Amb) Sir Lesile Nyebuchi, Eke, Nyerisi Mbam Oro Evo Kingdom in Obio/Akpor LGA said in his opening remarks that the topic for discussion is apt at this point in time of Nigeria’s development, adding that poverty has made some of the traditional rulers to deviate from their primary functions of supporting the authorities in maintaining peace, leading to constant conflicts.
In her welcome address, the acting chapter chairman of the NIPR, Dr. (Barr) Rita Inoma-Abbey said the group is poised to use the platform to profer solutions for the development of the country annually as a way of support and also lent support to the opinion that corruption is the bane of the traditional institutions.
In his remarks, the president of the body and chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku poured encomium on the leadership of the Rivers State chapter especially the invaluable contributions of late Sir, O. B. Fubara and urged others to emulate him, adding that the legacies the late monarch left behind will be hard to erased. He also said the body will continue to profer solutions to the country’s political and economic challenges in support.
A one minute silence was observed in honour of the slain DPO of Ahoada East LGA, late SP Bako Angbashim.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of Awards of Excellency to the hardworking Executive Chairperson of Bonny Local Government Council, Dame (Hon) Anengi Barasua Wilcox in appreciation.
There was also an award for the winners of the “O. B. Fubara annual essay competition to further immortalize his name as well as a post Humous Award to the late Emeritus Professor, Nimi Briggs for his contributions to humanity.
There were goodwill messages from natable leaders of NIPR both in and outside the state including Amaopusenibo Bobo Sofiri Brown, former Commissioner for Information & Communication in Rivers State and member of its council, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim and the Rivers State NUJ chairman, Mr. Stanley Job Stanley.
The famous ‘Amasati; cultural club of Opobo Kingdom entertained the guests at the event with its colourful masquerades.
