Tag: community

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FINIMA COMMUNITY HOLDS SUCCESSFUL ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION EXERCISE: A SHOW OF UNITY AND CLEANLINESS

By Omie D. Brown, P.R.O, Environmental Committee | For & on behalf of the FYC Director of Environment

Edited by Engr. Tamunofiniarisa Brown

FINIMA, BONNY ISLAND — Saturday, May 31, 2025.

In a compelling demonstration of civic responsibility and environmental consciousness, the people of Finima Community came out in full force today to participate in the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. The exercise, held on the final Saturday of May, saw an overwhelming turnout from residents, who enthusiastically cleaned their homes, streets, gutters, and public spaces with remarkable energy and discipline.

The event, spearheaded by the Finima Youth Congress (FYC) Environmental Committee, was not just another routine cleanup; it became a symbol of community unity, environmental awareness, and leadership engagement. From the early hours of the morning, young and old residents alike could be seen actively sweeping, clearing weeds, disposing of refuse, and ensuring that every corner of the community reflected cleanliness and order.

Speaking after the exercise, the FYC Executive Chairman, Comrade Darlington Tobin, and the Director of Environment, Comrade Opara Henry Brown, jointly expressed their deep appreciation to the residents of Finima for the high level of participation. “Today’s turnout is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. Cleanliness is not just a task—it is a culture, a lifestyle. And Finima is clearly setting the pace in Bonny LGA,” said the Director.

Royal Involvement: The Amadabo Leads by Example

The significance of today’s sanitation exercise was further elevated by the presence and active involvement of the Amadabo of Finima, Aseme Alabo Engr. (Dr.) Dagogo Lambert Brown. FNSE, FAIPA, who not only endorsed the exercise but also joined the Environmental Committee and community members in patrolling the various areas of Finima to monitor compliance and offer words of encouragement.

The Amadabo’s presence served as a major source of inspiration to many residents, especially the younger generation. Known for his dedication to community development and cultural preservation, Amadabo’s involvement underscored the importance of leadership by example. As he moved through the streets, the Amadabo engaged with residents, inspected sanitation efforts, and applauded those who showed exceptional commitment to maintaining a clean environment.

Community members expressed delight at the royal presence, noting that it brought a renewed sense of purpose and pride to the exercise. “When we see our traditional ruler walking with us and ensuring we clean up our surroundings, it tells us that everyone has a stake in the health and beauty of Finima,” said one resident.

Local Government Support: Sole Administrator’s Visit Marks a Historic First

In a rare and commendable gesture of solidarity, the Sole Administrator of Bonny Local Government Area, Sir Kingsley Banigo, also paid a supervisory visit to Finima Community during the sanitation exercise. Accompanied by members of his administrative entourage, the Sole Administrator was received with traditional honour and hospitality.

Welcomed by the Amadabo and the FYC executives, Sir Banigo was given a tour of the community, during which he observed firsthand the community’s coordinated cleanup activities. The Sole Administrator was visibly impressed with the level of organisation, the enthusiasm of the people, and the cleanliness achieved during the exercise.

Speaking during the visit, Sir Banigo expressed his satisfaction with the efforts of the Finima people. “This is what grassroots governance should look like. When the people take ownership of their environment, they contribute immensely to public health and safety. I commend the FYC, the traditional institution, and the residents for this exceptional exercise. I will take this back as a model for other communities,” he stated.

During the tour, the Sole Administrator was also taken to the Finima Cemetery, a historically significant but presently overgrown part of the community. Moved by what he saw, Sir Banigo promised to support the Finima community in a special cleanup project within the cemetery, including the felling of dangerous and obstructive trees. This commitment was met with applause and appreciation from both residents and the FYC leadership.

A Community on a Mission: Sustainability at the Core

The Finima Youth Congress has consistently demonstrated its resolve to lead a grassroots environmental renaissance in the region. Through its Environmental Committee, the FYC has championed monthly sanitation exercises, waste management campaigns, and advocacy for responsible community behaviour.

Today’s success was a culmination of weeks of mobilisation, community sensitisation, and strategic planning. Flyers were distributed, town criers engaged, and local influencers leveraged to spread the message of the May sanitation day. These efforts paid off as virtually every household participated—either by cleaning their premises or joining group efforts in communal areas.

According to the committee’s coordinators, the next phase will include targeted awareness programmes on recycling, proper waste disposal methods, and the launch of a “Green Finima” project aimed at planting trees and flowers to beautify the community.

“We’re not just cleaning for today.” “We are setting the tone for a sustainable, environmentally conscious Finima. Our children deserve a clean, green, and healthy environment, and we’re committed to delivering that.”

Looking Ahead: A Model for the Region

The joint efforts of traditional leadership, local government, youth, and ordinary citizens today present a powerful narrative: when stakeholders work together, community transformation becomes not only possible but inevitable.

The FYC has made a clarion call to other communities within the Bonny LGA and beyond to emulate Finima’s example. “We are open to sharing our strategies, our challenges, and our solutions with other youth groups and environmental bodies. This is not a competition—it’s a collective responsibility,” said the Executive Chairman.

Meanwhile, residents expressed hope that the promises made by the Sole Administrator—especially regarding the Finima Cemetery—would be promptly fulfilled. “His visit today was reassuring, but what we need now is action. If he delivers on his promise, it will further boost community trust in the local government,” said Mrs Ibim Hart, a local women leader.

Conclusion: A Clean Finima Is a Proud Finima

In wrapping up the day’s event, the FYC Director of Environment expressed heartfelt gratitude to every resident who participated and urged continued commitment in subsequent months. He noted that the success recorded today should serve as a foundation for more ambitious environmental projects, including waste recycling, drainage desilting, and public space greening.

As the sun set on a refreshed and reinvigorated Finima, one thing was clear—this community is not waiting for change; it is creating it, one cleanup at a time.

This report was edited by Engr. Tamunofiniarisa Brown.

For questions or further enquiries, please contact the Environmental Committee P.R.O.

Wari-Seniapu (Elders) of Buoye-Omuso Royal Group of Houses Respond to Bonny Titled Citizens Assembly (TCA) in Defiant Press Statement

By Engr Tamunofiniarisa Brown | Finima, Nigeria

In a bold and detailed press statement, the Wari-Seniapu—accredited representatives and heads of the various nucleus family units (Burusu) within the Buoye Omuso Brown Group of Houses of Finima—have issued a strong rebuttal to what they describe as a misleading and biased publication by the Tittle Citizens Assembly (TCA) of Grand Bonny Kingdom. Their release, issued under the title “That We May Preserve the Sanctity of Our Time-Honoured Unique Traditional Institution,” seeks to clarify their position regarding the recent formalisation of chieftaincy (Alawari) titles across Finima’s traditional family units.

At the heart of the statement is a critique of the TCA’s narrative, which the Wari-Seniapu claim has been shaped by subservience to the Amanyanabo-in-Council. They argue that the TCA has failed to live up to its constitutional and traditional responsibilities, having lost credibility and influence among the wider Ibani community. According to them, this failure is manifest in the TCA’s silence in the face of numerous anomalies and deviations from traditional norms within the Kingdom.

They allege that the TCA has become little more than a mouthpiece for the kingdom’s power brokers, providing justification for decisions made by the Amanyanabo-in-Council rather than representing the true interests of the people. The Wari-Seniapu refer to the abandonment of the TCA by prominent figures such as the late Amaopusenibo Aseme Frazer Dublin-Green, who reportedly distanced himself due to the assembly’s perceived failure to meet its objectives.

The statement commends the swift and intelligent responses of Finima’s Asawo and Ogbobiri-Asawo to the initial communique issued by the Bonny Kingdom Ogbobiri-Asawo and the Bonny Youth Federation. These rebuttals are described as both articulate and necessary and indicative of a conscious effort to educate the youth of Finima on their cultural and historical identity.

Regarding the formalisation of the chieftaincy status of Finima’s family units, which took place on 25th and 26th April 2025, the Wari-Seniapu insist the process is deeply rooted in historical precedent. They cite numerous examples within Bonny Kingdom’s history, including the 1942 declaration of independence by a faction of the Manilla Pepple House, noting that these events occurred without similar backlash. The reaction to the Finima initiative, they argue, reveals a short-sighted and narrow understanding of the Kingdom’s historical dynamics.

They further explain that Bonny Kingdom is a confederation of semi-autonomous communities and chieftaincy houses, each with sovereignty over its own lands and institutions. The monarch serves primarily a ceremonial role. Finima, they argue, entered into this union as a matter of convenience, not subordination, and its rights and distinctiveness must be respected.

The Wari-Seniapu raise legal concerns about attempts to redefine Bonny as a singular “Kingdom Community,” particularly in the context of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). They point out that Finima is recognised by law and judicial pronouncements as a host community entitled to direct benefits from International Oil Companies (IOCs). According to them, efforts to collapse Finima’s identity within a larger kingdom narrative are deliberate attempts to divert these resources unfairly.

An important section of the release is devoted to correcting the “erroneous” characterisation of the Buoye Omuso Brown Major House as being factionalised. They clarify that no such division existed prior to the installation and coronation of HRH Aseme Alabo Engr. (Dr) Dagogo Lambert Brown as Chief and Head of the House. It was only after this event, they allege, that the Amanyanabo-in-Council sought to create a rival leadership by installing Evans Brown as a parallel chief in Bonny town.

This move is labelled by the Wari-Seniapu as “abominable” and contrary to Ibani customs and traditions. They express disappointment that the TCA did not act to halt or condemn this alleged breach of protocol, calling it a missed opportunity for the Assembly to fulfil its advisory role.

They argue that the phrase “faction of Buoye Omuso Brown Major House” is a political construct aimed at justifying continued control over Finima and its resources by the central Bonny traditional leadership. In their words, “the faction… only ends with them in Perekule Palace at Okoloama and not in Finima.”

The Wari-Seniapu also raise alarm over what they describe as a centralised oligarchy of chiefs and traditional heads within the kingdom. They allege that many of these leaders have abandoned the governance of their individual houses in favour of consolidating power through a central council, from which they attempt to control other communities such as Finima, Kurama, Deghma, Oguede, Kalaibiama, and the Jumbo Major House.

Nevertheless, the statement strikes a tone of resilience and readiness. The leadership of the Buoye Omuso Brown Group of Houses, the Wari-Seniapu state, is fully aware of these manoeuvres and has the capability to resist them effectively. They express appreciation for the more balanced approach taken by the Okoloama Ikpangi, whose publication called for both sides to be heard without being judgemental.

In closing, the Wari-Seniapu extend an olive branch to members of the TCA who have opted to reach out for genuine dialogue rather than propagate division. They reaffirm Finima’s commitment to preserving its cultural integrity, asserting that political expediency will not be allowed to undermine its identity.

The release concludes with solemn blessings and affirmations in Ibani, encapsulating the spiritual and cultural depth of their message.

Signed by the undersigned Wari-Seniapu of the Buoye Omuso Brown Major House of Finima:

Wari-Senibo Owuna Fenibo Esq.
Owupele Chieftaincy House of Finima
Wari-Senibo Sonny Jack Brown
Abobo Chieftaincy House of Finima
Wari-Senibo Henry Loving Brown
Abobo Chieftaincy House of Finima
Wari-Senibo Igbiwari Prince Brown
Owupele Chieftaincy House of Finima
Wari-Senibo Young Christopher Brown
Goni Chieftaincy House of Finima
Wari-Senibo Josiah Sonye Brown
Owari Chieftaincy House of Finima
Wari-Senibo Adaigbi Gabriel Brown
Papanye Chieftaincy House of Finima
Wari-Senibo Ernest Doughbo Brown
Papanye Chieftaincy House of Finima
Wari-Senibo John O. Brown
Owari Chieftaincy House of Finima
Wari-Senibo Philip Samuel Brown
Atamunotorudiari (Dupoyo) Chieftaincy House of Finima
Wari-Senibo Dr. Ibianga Philip Brown
Atamunotorudiari (Dupuyo) Chieftaincy House of Finima

Finima Tamuno bara imim.
Ori Obu se wapiri gbamsobiem.
Pighi wamina ironapu bara bie wa duapamabo samangba.
Akimu besa besa la. Amen.

PRESS RELEASE BY CONCERNED WARI-SENIAPU-BOBH DOWNLOAD

the court affirms the nogicd acts and pias recognition of host communities

Finima as Host Community – The court affirms the NOGICD Act’s and PIA’s recognition

Finima as Host Community. The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday 15 September 2023, has ruled that the community where an oil and gas company operates has the right to host such activities and should be engaged in that regard by the company conducting such operations.
In accordance with the Community Content Guidelines of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, and the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the Buoye Omuso (Brown) Founding Royal Major House of Finima (Founders of Finima, and owners of all lands in Finima) and Finima community in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State filed a lawsuit before the court. The lawsuit demanded recognition as the host community of the Nigeria LNG Limited.

The plaintiffs had on 15th August 2022, filed the suit through their Counsel, Prof Mike Ozekhome,SAN, for themselves and on behalf of the People of Finima Community of Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, suing four defendants, namely, the Federal Minister of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Nigeria LNG Limited and Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

The court in its judgement held,agreeing with Ozekhome who led a team of lawyers comprising of Benson Igbanoi, Esq, Mrs Amauche Onyedum, amongst others, that, there exists a binding lease agreement between the NNPC, the NLNG Ltd and the FINIMA community; and that the community was entitled to compensation for breach of the said lease agreement.

They also complained about the Defendants’ failure to provide adequate relocation arrangements for affected members of the community which resulted in the breach of the said lease agreement and the NCDMB community guidelines.

The court also held that the plaintiffs have the locus to institute the suit in a representative capacity for the FINIMA community,as they testified and provided in court, a copy of the resolution wherein the entire community agreed to that effect.

They also, most notably, tendered an earlier judgement in rem delivered by Hon. Justice Inko-Tariah, sitting at the High Court of Rivers state, in suit no: PHC/174/72, wherein the trial Judge had declared that “all land situates and lying between FINIMA and Bonny belong to the FINIMA community represented by the Plaintiffs”.

In his decision in the case No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1419/2022, Justice Donatus Okorowo ruled in favour of the plaintiffs, the Buoye Omuso (Brown) Major House of Finima.
Respondents in the suit include Nigeria LNG Limited, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
The plaintiffs had asked the court, among other things, to declare Finima as the host community of NLNG rather than Bonny Kingdom, just as the company had recognised Ogbum-nu-Abali community and Amadi-Ama community as joint host communities of its Corporate Head Office in Port Harcourt rather than Rebisi Kingdom or Okrika kingdom.

The plaintiffs, who contended in the abovementioned complaint that they are the founders and proprietors of the lands in Finima, sought and received all of the reliefs granted, represented by Amauche Onyedum, a Principal Counsel in Mike Ozekhome’s Chambers.
Some of the reliefs include, “A declaration that the Plaintiffs, who sued in a representative capacity for themselves and on behalf of the Buoye Omuso (Brown) Major House of Finima, (founders of Finima, and owners of all lands in Finima) and Finima Community in Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State, is the host community housing the NLNG Plant and other NLNG facilities, referred to in the 2nd Defendant’s

“A declaration that the defendants’ refusal, neglect, and failure to ensure compliance with Sections 25, 26, 27, and 28(2) of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, and Guidelines 1.0 to 7.0 of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board – Community Content Guidelines (NCDMB-CCG), 2017, as they apply to the Plaintiffs’ land in their community before or after the Defendants’ conduct is illegal, wrongful, unconscionable, and unlawful.”

An order of perpetual injunction prohibiting the defendants from performing any additional works or operations on the site of the NLNG Plant in Finima Community until they have complied fully with the terms and conditions agreed upon by the plaintiffs and the third defendant, the provisions of the NOGICD Act 2010, and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board
The management of Nigeria LNG Limited responded to the court ruling by stating that the company’s solicitors were reviewing the ruling and would respond as soon as it was appropriate.

The defendants must execute a leasing agreement between the plaintiffs and the NLNG or any other pertinent party within thirty days of the ruling, according to Hon. Justice Okorowo. The defendants were given one hundred billion naira in general damages by the judge for failing to acknowledge the plaintiffs as their host community.

The business remains committed on guaranteeing and maintaining a cordial relationship with its host community as a global gas firm, according to NLNG General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development, Mr. Andy Odeh, in a statement.
“Nigeria LNG Limited is aware of a decision made by the Federal High Court in Abuja on a case filed by the Buoye Omuso Brown House of Finima against the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, NNPCL, NLNG, and NCDMB, asking the court to interpret issues pertaining to host communities and the Petroleum Industry Act.

The company via Andy Udey further reiterated, “NLNG wishes to state that its lawyers are studying the decision and will react at the appropriate time.
“Nigeria LNG remains focused on ensuring cordial relationship with its host communities and remains committed to sustainable community development, peace in its areas of operation as it continues to be a to globally competitive LNG company helping to build a better Nigeria.”

The Honorable court, consequently, granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs,to wit:

A DECLARATION that the Plaintiffs who sued in a representative capacity for themselves and on behalf of the Buoye Omuso (Brown) Major House of Finima, (Founders of Finima, and owners of all lands in Finima) and Finima Community in Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State, is the host community housing the NLNG Plant and other NLNG facilities, referred to in the 2ndDefendant’s letter dated 3rd March, 1978, with reference No: GPD.001/S.1/21 50230/225, same being their ancestral homelands.
A DECLARATION that the refusal, failure and/or neglect by the Defendants, their representatives, aides, workers, agents, privies, and servants, to enter into a lease agreement with the Plaintiffs, and ensure compliance with the terms agreed upon by the 2ndDefendant and NCDMB Community guidelines constitutes a deprivation of the rights of the Plaintiffs as host community and a breach of the terms so agreed upon.
A DECLARATION that the Defendants ought not to have commenced any form of business in the Plaintiffs community without due, total and adequate compensation to and relocation of the Plaintiffs to a decent settlement which shall be in compliance with the terms duly entered into by the 2ndDefendant; and in any case not below the standards of what the Plaintiffs had enjoyed before the coming of the Defendants to their ancestral lands.
A DECLARATION that the Defendants’ non-compliance with the required terms, conditions and guidelines of extant laws, has had direct consequential adverse effect on the Plaintiffs, their livestock, buildings, tombs, totems, residential homes, streams, cash crops, minerals, life, means of livelihood and dignity of the human person.
A DECLARATION that the dealings on the said lands and alleged compensations clandestinely and surreptitiously paid to any person or persons not being the representatives of the Buoye Omuso(Brown) Major House and members of Finima Community are illegal, wrongful, unlawful, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.
A DECLARATION that the acts of the Defendants, whether by themselves, their workers, representatives, privies, servants, agents, e.t.c, in demolishing all, or any part of the structures, built and erected by the Plaintiffs in Finima community, including farmlands, economic trees, livestock, totems, relies, etc, and consfication of ancestral lands in Finima Community contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, and Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board – Community Content Guidelines (NCDMB-CCG), 2017, are therefore illegal, wrongful unlawful, unconscionable, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.
A DECLARATION that it is, illegal, wrongful, unconscionable and unlawful for the Defendants to refuse, neglect and fail to ensure due compliance with the provisions of Sections 25, 26, 27, and 28(2) of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, and Guidelines 1.0 to 7.0 of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board – Community Content Guidelines (NCDMB-CCG), 2017, as they affect the Plaintiffs’ land in their community before or after the commencement of work, or soon after the coming into effect of the instant Act and guidelines by the 3rd Defendant.
AN ORDER directing the Defendants to effect a lease agreement between the Plaintiffs and the NLNG and or any other interested or relevant party within 30 clear days from the date judgment is delivered in favor of the Plaintiffs in this suit.
AN ORDER directing the Defendants to accord and award the Plaintiffs directly, their entitlements, privileges and benefits which have accrued and accruable to the Plaintiffs as host community that bear the brunt of the Defendants’ operations.
AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, whether by themselves, their representatives, workers, servants, agents and/or privies howsoever called, from carrying out further works or operations on the site of the NLNG Plant in Finima Community until due and total compliance with the terms and conditions agreed upon by the Plaintiffs with the 3rdDefendant, the provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board – Community Content Guidelines (NCDMB-CCG), 2017, as well as other extant regulatory requirements.