HRH KADILO KABARI BACKS MONAGBOKA INITIATIVE, CALLS FOR GREATER FOCUS ON GIRL-CHILD EDUCATION

His Royal Highness Kadilo Barina Kabari , Paramount Ruler of Ancient Barako Community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, has pledged support for the Monagboka Community Builders Initiative and called for stronger advocacy on girl-child education, drug abuse and other social challenges confronting Ogoniland.

Kabari made the pledge when the leadership of the women-led initiative, headed by its President, Mrs Sorochi Annas Dumnamene, paid him a courtesy visit to discuss the organisation’s activities and its forthcoming annual conference.

The delegation, led by its president and accompanied by the initiative’s event consultant, Mr Teenager, expressed appreciation to the traditional ruler for granting the group an audience. It also presented gifts to him and his wife.

Speaking during the visit, Dumnamene said the initiative was established about three years ago to encourage Ogoni women to move beyond their immediate communities, work together and contribute more actively to the development of their communities and the wider Ogoni nation.

She explained that the organisation’s annual conference provides a platform for women from different communities to share experiences, learn from one another and celebrate their contributions to society.

According to her, the gathering also promotes unity and strengthens relationships among Ogoni women.

She said the organisation was committed to creating a stronger collective voice for women and encouraging greater participation in community development.

Responding, Kabari commended the initiative for its efforts to mobilise women and promote peace, unity and development in Ogoniland.

He said he was familiar with the organisation’s activities and assured its members of his willingness to support its work through royal blessings, material assistance and public endorsement.

The traditional ruler described the initiative as a platform through which Ogoni women could contribute meaningfully to public discourse and community development.

He noted that the organisation’s annual conference would help transform individual opinions into a collective position on issues affecting Ogoni society.

Kabari also expressed interest in establishing a strategic partnership with the initiative, particularly in areas that promote development beyond oil and partisan politics.

He encouraged the women to sustain their efforts, noting that even interventions beginning in a single community could contribute to wider social change.

The paramount ruler urged the organisation to expand its advocacy to include girl-child education and campaigns against drug abuse, cultism and other antisocial behaviours.

He described these challenges as threats to the social fabric of Ogoni communities and called on mothers and women’s groups to play a more active role in addressing them.

Kabari also expressed concern about misinformation and the extent to which partisan politics could undermine professional relationships and social cohesion among Ogonis.

He urged the initiative to use its platform to promote responsible public conversations and encourage community members to look beyond political differences.

The traditional ruler, who is also a member of the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt and Director of Welfare of KAGOTE, said he was particularly interested in initiatives that promote the welfare of women and families.

He cited his personal background and the influence of women in his family as part of the reason for his commitment to women’s development.

Earlier, Dumnamene said the organisation was established to encourage Ogoni women to contribute more actively to the development of their communities rather than remain confined to their immediate social circles.

She said its annual conference brings women together to exchange ideas, learn from community development activities in different locations and celebrate achievements.

She added that the initiative believes collective engagement can strengthen unity and help women develop shared positions on issues affecting Ogoniland.

The visit provided an opportunity for the organisation to seek the traditional ruler’s support ahead of its forthcoming conference and explore areas of collaboration.

Kabari congratulated the group on its efforts and encouraged its members to remain committed to their vision of empowering women and contributing to peace and development across Ogoniland.