The first ever conference organized by the Bonny Women Forum has been described as the onset of progressive development and expanded opportunities for the women of Bonny Kingdom.

The Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty, King Dr Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, DSSRS, JP, Edward I, Perekule XI made this postulation on Wednesday, December 21, 2023 at the First Annual Conference, 2nd Phase of Skills Acquisition Programme and Launching of Maiden Calendar in Bonny, Rivers State.

Represented by the Vice Chairman of Bonny Chiefs Council (BCC), Se-Alabo Hanniel Jack-Wilson Pepple, the reverred Monarch stated that the decision of Bonny women to unanimously elect Amaopuorubo Helen Jack-Wilson Pepple as their Leader in December 2019 was apt and paying off now.

The Monarch said he was proud to identify with the sterling strides of the women under their current leadership, admonishing them to avoid the path of internecine crisis, noting that such was the undoing of the former leadership. 

In her goodwill message, the special guest of honour and Chairman of Bonny LGA, Dame Anengi Claude-Wilcox expressed pride in being a Bonny woman, noting that through excellent service delivery, productivity and measurable milestones in governance she has remained an ambassador of the womenfolk.

She sued for more synergy among the women, pointing out that such synergy is for the good of all, pledging her continuous support to the Bonny Women Forum.

In her address, the host and Leader of the Bonny Women Forum, Helen Jack-Wilson Pepple appreciated the invaluable support received from the Bonny Monarch since she and her executive came on board in December 2019, noting that resilience, strength and productivity has seen the women assail challenges faced.

“This current Exco of the Bonny Women Forum under my leadership came on board in December 2019 on the floor of the King Perekule Royal Palace under the supervision of our dear monarch, King Dr Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple, III, CON, DSSRS, JP, Edward I, Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Grand Bonny Kingdom.”

“Ever since, it has been an amalgamation of both sweet and challenging experiences which summarizes our resilience, strength and productivity. “To say there had been no challenges in these four years of our administration would be a barefaced lie, but in all, God’s mercies have been our shield. His Majesty, the King has also been crucial to the solution of many of our challenges as he we run to him whenever it gets tough with his doors always widely opened, showering us with unassailable wisdom and support.”

The keynote speaker, Christie Bature-Ogbeifun dwelling on the theme of the programme; “Winning Ways”, deconstructed patriarchal social templates that deny women a say in decisions that affect them, asserting that such paradigms need to be discarded.

Bature-Ogbeifun, who is also the Managing Director of 180 Degrees Rehabilitation Centre, drawing from personal experiences posited that compassion and intentionality can change the story for addicts of drug abuse and alcoholism, stressing that in a world where impulsive behaviour is becoming the norm, it is imperative that people have ‘thinking time’.

Other resource persons, Dr Justina Jumbo, a former Permanent Secretary in the Rivers State Government; and an anaesthetist and emergency physician, Dr Yvonne Buowari made presentations on health issues affecting women, as well as answered questions from the women.

In his goodwill message, President of the Bonny Kingdom Titled Citizens Assembly, Furosia Wilcox praised the women for intentionally changing their story by infusing a new leadership, urging the leadership of the Bonny Women Forum to pursue greater goals aimed continuously improving the lives of the women.

Highpoint of the event was the inauguration of subcommittees to amplify the effort of the women, launch of its maiden calendar and donation of cash support together with several bags of rice with cartons of noodles by the LGA Boss.