The 21 canon shots fired off this morning at exactly 6.00am signifying the commencement of the Silver Jubilee Celebration of the Coronation of the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of ancient Grand Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty, King Dr. Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, JP, Perekule XI.

It also signified the onset of several activities such as the Amaboro (street parade) by men, women and youths across the kingdom, which would be followed closely by special thanksgiving and dedication programmes in different churches, especially, at the oldest cathedral in Nigeria, the St. Stephen’s Anglican Church Cathedral, Bonny.

Chairman of the Central Working Committee of the 25^th Anniversary Celebration, Amaopusenibo Amairigha Hart, told Kristina Reports that this would be followed up in the evening with a live performance by the NLNG Choral Group at the King Perekule Palace, Bonny

A Mass Parade by various organizations across Bonny LGA; Boat Regatta featuring gigs from the various chieftaincy houses; Dance Parade by various dance troupes; Masquerade Display; Football Tournament; Royal Visits to the Finima Nature Park and the Zonal Hospital, Bonny; climaxing with the Coronation Anniversary are some of the activities lined up to celebrate 25 glorious years of King Edward 1^st on the King Perekule throne.  

Some of venues for the weeklong celebration include the Ikuba Square, Allison Compound, Bonny Government School field, St. Stephen’s Anglican Church Cathedral, amongst others.  

In 25 years since he ascended the King Perekule throne, indications are that Bonny Kingdom comprising every community in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State has continued to witness economic transformation and development on all fronts.  

According to Hart, who is also the President of the Bonny Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BOCCIMA), the celebration is basically an acknowledgement of the impeccable inputs of the Amanyanabo in the development progress and milestone coverage Bonny Kingdom has experienced since his ascendancy to the King Perekule throne.

“History is incontrovertible and undiminishable; we have seen how in the 25 years he has been on the throne as our Amanyanabo, he has not rested on his oars but has strategically engaged diverse stakeholders to attract development to the kingdom.”  

“Look at the Bonny-Dubai Vision, the Bonny Kingdom Free Trade Zone, the about to commence Asimini Line, the Finima Nature Park, the heavy security presence, the growing political relevance, the economic transformation, just to name a few.”

“Our dear Monarch has exhibited resourcefulness, strategic thinking, deep insight and uncommon courage in chasing issues that have advantageous potential for his people and this what the Bonny people are celebrating, a workaholic traditional ruler; a go-getter king; a monarch identified by his feast of achievements.”

Dignitaries expected during the celebrations include President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Opobo Kingdom, King Dr Dandeson Douglas Jaja, JP, Jeki V, who is also the Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers; several other traditional rulers, captains of industry, and political office-holders, amongst several others.