Community

Friday, 16 May 2025

Written by Engr. Tamunofiniarisa Brown

Finima, Rivers State— In a momentous act of leadership and community commitment, the Buoye Omuso Brown Major Royal House of Finima, one of the five founding Duawari of the ancient Bonny Kingdom, donated five strategically situated plots of land along Agadappa Road, popularly known as Workers Village, to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Friday, 16 May 2025. The land, totalling approximately 0.45 hectares, was officially handed over in a well-attended commissioning ceremony presided over by FRSC Sector Commander Iyange Umoh and witnessed by a host of dignitaries, chiefs, traditional authorities, security agencies, and community members. Notably absent from the ceremony were representatives of the local government, a detail that underscored the Royal House’s longstanding commitment to direct stewardship of Finima’s developmental agenda.

The event, marked by a spirit of collaboration and commitment to societal enhancement, brought together a host of dignitaries, including His Royal Highness Aseme Alabo Engr (Dr) Dagogo Lambert Brown, Kongo XVII, the Amadabo of Finima. Also present were the Asaawo chairman, Warisenibo Igbiwari Prince Brown, and other Alapu (chiefs) of the Buoye Omuso Brown Group of Houses. The attendance of the Nigerian Army, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and local police representatives added a layer of governmental support to the proceedings, even as local government officials were notably absent.

Commander Iyange Umoh, in his opening address, expressed deep appreciation to the Royal House for what he described as a profound act of generosity and civic responsibility. “This is a tremendous show of goodwill and an embodiment of community spirit. The land will provide a crucial space for the establishment of facilities aimed at enhancing road safety, which is essential for the development of Finima and the Local Government Area at large,” he said. He emphasised that with the new facilities, the FRSC expects to significantly reduce accident response times and improve safety standards across the region. The proposed structures to be developed on the land include a full FRSC sector command office, driver education and training facilities, an emergency response centre, and a community-based road safety education hub.

His Royal Highness Engr. (Dr) Dagogo Lambert Brown, in his remarks, reflected on the historical responsibility of the Royal House as custodians of the land and the people. “Today marks another chapter in our relentless commitment to not only preserve but also enhance the living standards in our community. By partnering with the FRSC, we are taking a stand in protecting our people and ensuring that they are better equipped to navigate the challenges of road usage,” the Amadabo said. He described the collaboration with the FRSC as a strategic alliance that aligns with the House’s enduring mission to balance heritage with development.

Warisenibo Igbiwari Prince Brown, the Asaawo Chairman, affirmed the decision of the Royal House to ensure that the construction phase would prioritise the use of local contractors and labour, creating both employment and skills-development opportunities within the Finima community. “The donation of this land goes beyond bureaucracy; it speaks volumes about leadership that is willing to make sacrifices for the betterment of its people,” he said. He also reiterated that the initiative would strengthen the socio-economic fabric of the community through engagement with local businesses, vendors, and services that will emerge around the new FRSC facility.

The strategic location of the land along Agadappa Road adds to its significance. This corridor is a vital transport link used daily by commercial and private vehicles, as well as pedestrians, linking Finima to other parts of Bonny Island and beyond. It has long suffered from traffic congestion, poor signage, insufficient regulatory presence, and frequent accidents. Residents and community leaders have often voiced their concerns regarding the condition and safety of the route, pointing out a lack of awareness around road safety protocols and minimal law enforcement visibility. The new FRSC command centre is expected to address these challenges directly, bringing a sustained regulatory presence to the area and reinforcing public education on road safety practices.

The wider community greeted the development with a wave of optimism and appreciation. Local residents, many of whom were present at the ceremony, praised the move and expressed their support. “It fills my heart with joy knowing that there are people out there who care about our well-being,” said one attendee. Another noted, “This development should serve as a template for future collaborations between community leadership and the government. It reflects the proactive steps that our royal house is willing to take in safeguarding our people. We need more of such initiatives across different sectors.”

The presence of the Nigerian Army, NDLEA, and Nigeria Police at the event signalled a broader commitment to inter-agency collaboration in ensuring the holistic safety and security of Finima’s residents. With their involvement, the vision for the FRSC command goes beyond just traffic management. Awareness campaigns, educational programs, drug and alcohol prevention training, and safety drills aimed at vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists are already being discussed as part of an integrated public safety agenda.

Despite the event’s high profile, the absence of local government officials did not go unnoticed. It highlighted a persisting disconnect between traditional institutions and elected administrative structures. Organisers from the Royal House reiterated their commitment to self-determined development, noting that they had deliberately chosen to work directly with federal and security agencies, in line with a historical precedent that upholds traditional autonomy in matters of land stewardship and community advancement. This autonomy has often been tested and defended through both legal channels and community consensus, reinforcing the Royal House’s status as a central pillar of Finima’s social and political fabric.

The potential impact of this donation extends well beyond the immediate scope of road safety. Once completed—an outcome targeted for the final quarter of 2025—the new FRSC command centre is projected to become a hub for training, coordination, and public engagement. Preliminary planning documents suggest that the complex will also serve as a base for community outreach initiatives, including road safety awareness drives in schools, market spaces, and religious institutions. It will provide a venue for FRSC-led workshops, townhall sessions, and safety inspections, thereby embedding public education into everyday life.

In addition to reducing accident rates and increasing enforcement efficiency, the project is expected to stimulate economic growth. Ancillary services such as vehicle maintenance shops, food vendors, and small-scale retail operations are likely to emerge around the facility. It is estimated that more than 150 jobs will be created through the construction phase alone, with additional permanent roles available once the centre is operational. Local entrepreneurs have already begun exploring opportunities to service the incoming demand that the command centre will generate.

As the formalities ended, Commander Umoh and the Amadabo jointly unveiled a commemorative plaque, symbolising the handover of the deed of conveyance of the land to FRSC. Photographs captured the moment, with the Royal regalia and FRSC uniforms intermingling—a striking visual testament to the harmonious union of tradition and modern governance. Attendees dispersed with a palpable sense of optimism, discussing the prospect of community-driven safety campaigns, road-safety workshops in schools, and regular “Safety Days” aimed at instilling best practices among youth and commercial drivers.

The FRSC has outlined a phased implementation timeline, beginning with land surveys and design tendering in June 2025, followed by construction throughout the third quarter of the year. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for October 2025 and will feature keynote addresses from the Corps Marshal, the Amadabo, and other dignitaries. Throughout this period, monthly community briefings will be co-hosted by the FRSC and the Royal House, ensuring transparency, accountability, and continued community involvement.

Looking ahead, the collaboration between the FRSC and the Buoye Omuso Brown Major Royal House is seen as a benchmark for how traditional institutions can catalyse contemporary development. In an era where community safety, accountability, and proactive governance are more critical than ever, this initiative stands out for its clarity of vision and impact. By leveraging its heritage and influence, the Royal House has once again positioned itself as a beacon of leadership and a custodian of progress.

This donation, while rooted in tradition, is firmly directed at the future. It represents a convergence of cultural responsibility and national interest—a gesture that elevates the collective safety of a community while laying the groundwork for more collaborative frameworks between traditional authorities and federal institutions. As the dust settles from the ceremony, what remains is not just land handed over but a powerful message: that when vision meets action and leadership meets purpose, transformation is inevitable.