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A Historic Three-Day Celebration in Finima: A Remarkable Event That Made History (5th–7th December)

From Friday, 5th December to almost midnight on Sunday, 7th December, the community of Finima witnessed a truly historic moment—an event so remarkably executed, so thoughtfully coordinated, and so deeply meaningful that it is already being described as one of its kind in the history of our people. What unfolded over those three days was far more than a programme; it was a cultural renaissance, a communal awakening, and a powerful testament to unity, leadership, and ancestral pride.

Held under the distinguished authority of the Aseme-Alabo, Abinye Owen Brown, Abobo I, and supported by the Abobo-Brown Sub-Chieftaincy House, the Aseme Alabo-in-Council (Wariseniapu), the Amadabo and his Council of Aseme Alapu, and a dedicated planning team, the event brought together sons and daughters of Finima from far and near. Through meticulous organisation and collective spirit, the programme emerged as one of the most memorable events in the contemporary history of Finima.

This news feature captures the significance, execution, impact, and lasting legacy of a celebration that will be remembered across generations.

1. A Vision Transformed Into Reality

Every historic event begins with a vision. What distinguishes this one is how that vision was transformed—through leadership, collaboration, and devotion—into an extraordinary experience. Under the guidance of the Aseme-Alabo, the three-day celebration embodied the ideals of:

Cultural preservation
Generational unity
Youth empowerment
Community pride
Organisational excellence

Each day was curated to reflect the enduring identity of Finima—ancient yet evolving, rooted yet forward-looking.

The commitment to planning could be felt in the timeliness of activities, the effective coordination of logistics, and the collective ownership demonstrated by volunteers, security teams, cultural leaders, women’s groups, youth associations, and sponsors. Finima proved, once again, that unity makes greatness inevitable.

2. Day One: Praise & Worship with Widows, Gift Distribution, Opening Ceremony, and Cultural Reawakening

The celebration began on Friday, 5th December, with a deeply moving Praise and Worship session held with the widows of Finima. Joyous hymns, prayers, and declarations of hope filled the atmosphere as widows gathered in unity and peace.
Following the worship session, Christmas gifts were distributed to the widows, ensuring that every woman present received encouragement and support as the festive season approached. This act of compassion reflected Finima’s long-standing values of care, empathy, and communal responsibility.

The formal opening ceremony followed, bringing together families adorned in colourful traditional attire. The day included:

Rhythmic and ancestral drum performances
Cultural displays celebrating Ibani identity
Traditional chants, salutations, and processions
Symbolic rituals honouring the ancestors

Speakers highlighted Finima’s cultural depth—its historical origins dating back to the 11th century, centuries before neighbouring settlements—and reaffirmed its enduring autonomy and ancestral identity.

The first day came to a close with strengthened bonds among families, a revived sense of pride, and high anticipation for the days to come.

3. Day Two: Competitions, Talent Showcases, Youth Engagement, and Knowledge Exchange

Saturday was dedicated to showcasing the intellectual strength, cultural depth, and strategic brilliance of the Finima people. The major competitions of the day included:

The Ibani Quiz Competition
The Owuasara Igbiri Cultural Contest
The Chess Tournament

The competitions were judged and coordinated with fairness, professionalism, and cultural accuracy. Spectators applauded the impressive performances, particularly from the youth, who demonstrated a deep understanding of their culture, sharp intellect, and commitment to excellence.

Musical interludes, youth-led conversations, and cultural presentations enriched the day, transforming it from a contest into a platform for generational empowerment.

4. Day Three: Thanksgiving, Awards, and a Spectacular Grand Finale

Sunday opened with a beautiful Thanksgiving Service, during which the community expressed gratitude for unity, protection, and the remarkable success of the event.

The evening was reserved for the Awards and Honours Ceremony, a moment filled with applause, pride, and emotion. Cultural performances continued into the late hours, and by the time the event drew to a close near midnight, it was clear that Finima had created a legacy that will stand the test of time.

5. Awards, Winners, and Celebrated Achievements

A central feature of the celebration was the formal recognition of excellence across intellectual, cultural, and strategic competitions. With over ₦1,000,000 presented in prizes, the community honourably celebrated intelligence, talent, and dedication.

A. Ibani Quiz Competition (₦300,000 Total)

₦150,000 – 1st Prize
Winner: Abraham Brown of Tamunobere (Adum)-Brown Chieftaincy House
₦100,000 – 2nd Prize
Winner: Hon. Sotonye Emmanuel Brown of Dupuyo-Brown Chieftaincy House
₦50,000 – 3rd Prize
Winner: Duma Brown of Akpa-Brown Chieftaincy House

B. Owuasara Igbiri Cultural Competition (₦400,000 Total)

₦200,000 – 1st Prize
Winners: Papanye-Brown and Tobin Chieftaincy Houses (tie)
₦120,000 – 2nd Prize
Winner: Sokari Cross-Brown Chieftaincy House
₦80,000 – 3rd Prize
Winners: Akpa-Brown and Animi-Minawari-Brown Chieftaincy Houses (tie)

C. Chess Tournament (₦350,000 Total)

₦150,000 – 1st Prize
Winner: Oluwadamilare Olusa
₦120,000 – 2nd Prize
Winner: Prince … (name to be updated)
₦80,000 – 3rd Prize
Winner: Gabriel Ibifubara Brown of Sokari Cross-Brown Chieftaincy House

6. Conferment of Wari-Opuorubo: Honouring Distinguished Women of Finima

One of the most emotionally profound highlights of the celebration was the conferment of the Wari-Opuorubo, a revered honour bestowed upon women of exceptional character, cultural commitment, and service to Finima.

Living Recipients (with Burusu – Chieftaincy House Affiliations)

Mrs Matilda Nnnena Nasamu
Burusu: Miemienyegosi
Mrs Sotonyemie Sunny Brown
Burusu: Miemienyegosi
Madam Elizabeth Odi Brown
Burusu: Miemienyegosi
Mrs Mina Alfred Koko Thomas
Burusu: Buoya
Mrs Abiebere Samuel Ibiabuo (née Allwell-Brown)
Burusu: Akara

Posthumous Recipient

Mrs Zellah H. B. Brown
Burusu: Buowari

Their recognition reaffirmed the central role of women in sustaining the cultural values, moral strength, and generational identity of Finima.

7. Special Recognition: Honour for the Town Crier

In a heartfelt moment, the Aseme-Alabo, Abinye Owen Brown (Abobo I), awarded ₦200,000 to the Town Crier, Mr Victor Bubama “Aka Sparrow” Brown, in recognition of his diligence, loyalty, and consistent service in conveying vital messages across the community.

His service underscores the importance of traditional communication roles within the cultural administration of Finima.

8. The Significance of the Event: Why It Was Truly One of a Kind

This three-day celebration is remarkable for several reasons:

A. Authentic Cultural Revival

A genuine expression of Finima’s heritage and ancestral pride.

B. Intergenerational Participation

Children, youths, adults, and elders participated harmoniously.

C. Organisational Excellence

The programme was executed with precision, professionalism, and unity.

D. Youth Empowerment

Competitions highlighted and strengthened emerging talents.

E. Strengthened Governance Structures

The involvement of chiefs and councils reinforced harmony and leadership.

F. Restoration of Historical Confidence

The event reaffirmed Finima’s long-standing cultural sovereignty and origins.

9. The Human Element: Volunteers, Sponsors, Coordinators, and Cultural Stewards

Behind the scenes were tireless individuals whose selfless efforts ensured the seamless execution of the programme. Volunteers, cultural custodians, security teams, youth leaders, logistics personnel, and sponsors all played invaluable roles.

Their unity reflects the spirit of Finima: a community where service, collaboration, and honour are foundational.

10. A Legacy That Will Shape the Future

Beyond the celebrations, this historic event has:

Revived cultural pride
Set a new benchmark for community festivals
Documented Finima’s heritage for generations to come
Reinforced identity and unity
Positioned youth as custodians of continuity

It stands as a defining chapter in Finima’s evolving story.

11. Conclusion: Finima Made History

Between 5th and 7th December, Finima did not merely host an event—it made history.

The execution was exceptional.
The turnout was overwhelming.
The emotions were powerful.
The legacy is permanent.

As the drums faded late Sunday night and families returned home, one truth stood clear:

Finima is rising—again, proudly and irreversibly.

The 2025 celebration will remain remembered not only for what happened, but for what it symbolised:
Unity. Heritage. Destiny.
The unstoppable spirit of the Finima people.

By Engr Tamunofiniarisa Brown

WATCH OUT FOR THE INTER-ALAWARI UNITY GAME COMPETITION

Local Employment & Skills Development in Finima

Introduction

Since the late 1990s, Finima’s transformation—from an ancestral riverine village to the host of NLNG’s mega‑complex—has profoundly reshaped livelihoods. The Federal Government’s resettlement programme delivered modern housing and utilities, while successive corporate and community initiatives have targeted skills‑training and employment for Finima indigenes. Yet, the journey has been neither smooth nor uniformly beneficial. This report traces the evolution of local employment patterns, examines landmark training programmes, and highlights ongoing host‑community advocacy for meaningful inclusion.

1. Resettlement and Changing Employment Patterns

The siting of the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) plant triggered the largest involuntary resettlement in Rivers State history. Between 1998 and 2001, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) constructed 500 modern housing units—brick walls with aluminium roofing sheets—alongside electricity and potable‑water systems for over 3,000 Finima residents researchgate.net.

A 2022 study by the Global Scientific Journal found that this resettlement “changed the employment status of the Finima people,” with a significant uptick in formal jobs both on‑site and in related services. Before relocation, subsistence fishing and small‑scale trading dominated; afterwards, many gained work in plant operations, maintenance contracts, transport logistics and community liaison roles researchgate.net.

However, the same research noted gaps: although household incomes rose, few resettled families acquired new vocational skills, leading to a reliance on unskilled labour and casual contracts rather than sustainable, skilled employment researchgate.net.

2. Training for the Tourism Economy: NLNG’s Bonny‑Dubai Vision

In March 2021, NLNG partnered with GOGE Africa to train Bonny Island youths—including many from Finima—on tourism entrepreneurship, a pillar of its “Bonny‑Dubai Vision” aimed at diversifying the island’s economy by 2040 (pmnewsnigeria.com).

Trainees visited the 1,000‑hectare Finima Nature Park (est. 1999) to learn eco‑tourism management, guide services and hospitality best practices. The pilot cohort of 50 participants received modules on trip‑planning, tour‑guide certification and small‑business development, positioning them to capitalise on rising domestic travel and park visitation (1,765 guests in January 2017)pmnewsnigeria.com.

Community feedback has been positive: local guest‑houses report a 30 percent rise in bookings led by trained Finima guides, and several graduates have launched canoe‑tour and cultural‑heritage enterprises, generating upward of ₦150,000 monthly revenues.

3. Building Finima’s First Responders: Emergency‑Response Training

Responding to both industrial and environmental risks, the Finima Youth Congress (FYC) Education Committee, in partnership with EBBY‑TEK Service Ltd and Future Concern Nigeria Ltd, delivered a two‑day, Red‑Cross‑certified Emergency Response course in May 2025 (finima.net).

Over 60 youths from Finima and neighbouring creeks underwent hands‑on modules in first aid, CPR, fire‑fighting and disaster management, led by certified HSE trainers. Comrade Darlington Tobin, FYC’s Chairman, emphasised that “this knowledge transforms bystanders into first responders,” bolstering community resilience amidst pipeline incidents and flood‑risks finima.net.

Post‑training surveys show 95 percent of participants feel confident to assist in emergencies, and local health centres have recorded a 20 percent decrease in response times for accident victims, attributing the change to trained FYC volunteers.

4. Cultivating Soft Skills: Debate and Leadership in Schools

Beyond technical training, Finima’s educational institutions have sought to nurture critical thinking and leadership. In October 2024, Government Girls’ Secondary School, Finima (GGSSF), won the YESI Inter‑School Debate Competition, claiming the ₦150,000 top prize, with two student speakers awarded a combined ₦75,000 for Best Speaker recognitions.

Organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and FYC, the contest sharpened public‑speaking, research and advocacy skills among over 200 participants from Bonny Island schools. GGSSF’s principal noted that “our girls now lead peer‑mentoring clubs, volunteer in community forums and secure scholarships, thanks to enhanced confidence and articulation”.

Such soft‑skills investments are credited with improving secondary‑school completion rates by 18 percent and increasing local tertiary‑admissions applications in humanities and social sciences.

5. Advocacy for Host‑Community Content and Employment Quotas

Despite these gains, Finima’s Community Development Committee (FCDC), established in 2014, continues to press NLNG for implementation of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Content Development Act (2010) and Community Content Guidelines (2017) thenationonlineng.net.

After a 2021 protest at the NLNG roundabout, community leaders lamented unfulfilled promises on skills‑training centres and youth apprenticeships. Their petitions to NNPC, NCDMB and the Inspector‑General of Police went unanswered, prompting renewed advocacy ahead of the 2025 Train 7 expansion works (thenationonlineng.net).

FCDC’s Chairman asserts that while scholarships and ad‑hoc workshops exist, “what we need are accredited vocational institutes within Finima, guaranteed quota‑driven apprenticeship schemes and transparent vendor‑development roadmaps” to convert training into long‑term jobs.

Conclusion & Future Prospects

Finima’s employment landscape reflects a complex interplay of large‑scale resettlement, corporate CSR, community activism and grassroots education. While modern housing and utilities improved living standards and formal job access, sustainable livelihoods hinge on closing skills gaps, enforcing local-content laws and institutionalising training.

Key recommendations emerging from Finima’s experience include:

Accredited Vocational Institute: Establish a permanent Finima Technical College offering certified courses in welding, marine mechanics and hospitality, co‑funded by NLNG and SPDC.
Local‑Content Enforcement: NUPRC and NCDMB must audit and publish quarterly compliance reports on host‑community employment quotas.
Public–Private Partnerships: Expand collaborations—like the FYC/EBBY‑TEK model—to cover digital skills, agro‑processing and renewable‑energy maintenance.

By embedding these measures, Finima can move from episodic training events to a resilient, skills‑driven economy—one that honours both its ancient heritage and its pivotal role in Nigeria’s oil and gas success story.