My dear good people and residents of Bonny Kingdom, as you all know, today, December 21, marks my 27 years on the throne as Natural Ruler and Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom. We give God Almighty all the glory and adoration for His abundant grace which has taken us this far. As the Bible rightly says: “By strength shall no man prevail.” It has been God all through. We pray that He continues to lead and guide us in Jesus name, Amen.

My people, as your king, I am deeply grateful for your unwavering loyalty, support, and cooperation. I am proud to be the king of a blessed Kingdom with fantastic people like you. Together, we shall arrive our destination.

As I look back to my coronation in 1996, I am honoured to acknowledge the remarkable achievements we have attained together. From the provision of essential amenities such as uninterrupted electricity, potable water, road networks, healthcare and social facilities, interventions in sports and educational sector to the ongoing construction of vital infrastructure, I believe we have not fallen short of expectations.

We have remained deliberate in the pursuit of our dreams, vision and aspirations as a people.

As we all know, works will soon commence on the following projects: Expansion of Bonny main road from Shell Gate to Coal Beach and from Amaomu Junction down to King Perekule Palace; A Sports Academy with 5000 Capacity Stadium, Hostel, Clinic and other training and social facilities; Express Road from Workers’ Camp junction to Simidia Junction on Abalamabie Road, as well as Vehicular Terminal that would complement the soon-to-be completed Bodo-Bonny road. With all these and others too numerous to mention we believe that we have made significant strides towards building a kingdom that we can all take immense pride in.

I am aware that execution of these projects will come with a price as many buildings and structures have been marked for partial or total demolition. I understand the pains of having to lose a place of business or service. However, I enjoin you to see it as the sacrifice we must make for our Kingdom to develop and prosper. Moreover, we would ensure that owners of affected buildings and structures are compensated so they can rebuild or acquire new ones. I sincerely appreciate your understanding in this regard.

I thank the Bonny Chiefs’ Council and all Committees and Agencies of the kingdom for all their interventions on behalf of Bonny Kingdom.

I would like to appreciate our corporate friends, especially the Nigeria LNG Limited for being on the same page with us in our developmental drive and aspirations as a people. I encourage them to continue to cooperate with us in reciprocation and acknowledgement of our hospitality and goodwill.

I urge you, my people, to continue to stand with me and key into my Vision of a New Bonny kingdom that is synonymous with progress, prosperity, unity, and love. Your steadfastness and unwavering support are pivotal as we strive for even greater development and success. Together, let us forge ahead with determination and dedication, knowing that our collective efforts will lead to a future where every individual in our kingdom can thrive and find fulfillment.

May our continued unity and commitment pave the way for a kingdom that stands as a shining example of growth and prosperity for all. Thank you for your enduring loyalty, and may we move forward together towards a future that surpasses even our most ambitious dreams.

I am not unaware of the reality that we are now in yuletide season with celebrations, festivities and conviviality. As we celebrate and take care of ourselves and our loved ones, let us remember that the true spirit of Christmas lies in the love and support we share with one another. May this Christmas season bring us closer to our loved ones and strengthen our bonds as a community.

I would like to advise us that, as we celebrate, we should be mindful of our core values, originality and ways of life as a people. Let us be responsible and decent in whatever we do, so that we shall live to celebrate for many more years.

I look into the future with great expectations and optimism. I urge you to continue in this journey with me as we build a Kingdom that posterity will be proud of. I bless you all and wish you a merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.

God Bless You All!!!

Signed:

His Majesty,

King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, Edward I, JP, DSSRS, CON, Perekule XI, Natural Ruler and Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom.

21/12/2023