The Atlantic Bell

BOPANE Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) has commissioned two landmark community development projects in Finima, Bonny Kingdom, Rivers State, while simultaneously flagging off two additional projects in what stakeholders described as a significant milestone in sustainable host community development under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

The newly inaugurated projects, the Buo-Nungo Playground and the Owu-Ogbo House, were unveiled at a colourful ceremony attended by traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders and residents, who applauded the Trust’s commitment to improving the quality of life in oil-producing communities.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of BOPANE HCDT, Mr. Samson Agba, said the event transcended the commissioning of physical infrastructure, describing it as a celebration of a shared commitment to sustainable development, cultural preservation and partnership.

According to him, the Trust was established under the Petroleum Industry Act with TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited as the Settlor to serve host communities in Bonny, Opobo-Nkoro and Andoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State, as well as Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Agba said the Trust was designed to respond to the genuine aspirations of host communities through impactful projects and programmes that deliver lasting value.

“Today’s commissioning is a practical demonstration of that vision. It is a testament to what can be achieved when communities, traditional institutions, our Settlor and the Trust work together with a shared commitment to sustainable development,” he said.

He disclosed that the Trust has installed more than 1,000 solar-powered streetlights across 50 communities, distributed fibre fishing gears and safety jackets to fishermen, and embarked on the construction of modern guest houses to stimulate local economic growth.

Other completed interventions, he said, include the renovation of community town halls, construction of public conveniences, rehabilitation of water supply systems, establishment of sachet water factories and installation of solar-powered boreholes fitted with water treatment facilities.

“We have deliberately pursued projects that create lasting social, economic and educational value while preserving the dignity and cultural heritage of our people,” Agba stated.
On human capital development, he revealed that the Trust had awarded scholarships to over 203 undergraduate and 28 postgraduate students, while nearly 300 youths are undergoing vocational training in fashion design, catering and hospitality.

“The greatest legacy we can build is not merely in concrete and steel, but in the opportunities we create, the lives we transform, the culture we preserve and the hope we inspire,” he added.

Agba also announced the commencement of two additional projects in Finima—a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) lodge and a waste management facility—which, according to him, will further strengthen infrastructure and improve environmental sustainability within the community.

He commended TotalEnergies for its commitment to the implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust framework and lauded the people of Finima for their cooperation throughout the execution of the projects.

Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, who commissioned the projects, described the Owu-Ogbo House as one of the finest cultural edifices in Bonny Kingdom.

“I make bold to say that the Finima Opobo House is the most beautiful Opobo House in Bonny Kingdom,” he declared.

Pepple also praised the leadership of Finima Community and TotalEnergies for ensuring accountability and transparency in the utilisation of development funds.

“Community leaders can decide to pocket the funds and nothing would have been seen on the ground. But to show you that you have a leadership that is accountable to the people, that is why you are seeing transparent development,” he said.

The council chairman announced that the local government would soon commence the construction of a Women Development Centre in Finima, while plans were also underway to build a modern fire station to further enhance public infrastructure in the community.

Amadabo of Finima and Head of Buoye Omuso Brown Major House, His Royal Highness Aseme Alabo Dagogo Lambert Brown, commended TotalEnergies for what he described as full compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act and the regulatory framework governing host community development.

“The difference between before and now is clear—so clear that even the blind and the deaf can feel it,” the monarch remarked.

He urged other oil and gas companies operating in Bonny Kingdom, particularly Shell and Mobil, to emulate TotalEnergies by faithfully implementing the Host Communities Development Trust provisions of the PIA.

Brown said the proposed NYSC lodge would encourage more corps members to serve in schools and healthcare facilities within the community, while the waste management facility would create employment opportunities through recycling and transform Finima into an emerging environmental management hub.

“When communities benefit, the kingdom grows. Growth is always from the bottom up,” he said, adding that a management committee would be constituted to ensure proper maintenance and sustainability of the newly commissioned facilities.

Nigeria’s growing manufacturing capacity received a major boost on Friday as Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment while commissioning Solewant Specialty Protective Coatings and Paints (SSPC) manufacturing plant in Alode, Eleme Local Government Area.

The commissioning of the state-of-the-art facility, which also witnessed the unveiling of 11 advanced coating products under the Solguard and Novaguard brands, was celebrated by government officials and industry stakeholders as compelling evidence that Nigerian companies possess the capacity to compete with the world’s best in manufacturing and industrial technology.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Barr. Sonny Ewule, Governor Fubara said the investment by Solewant Group was a testament to the prevailing peace and investment-friendly atmosphere in Rivers State, assuring investors that his administration would continue to provide the enabling environment required for businesses to thrive.

He noted that the state’s aggressive investment in infrastructure was deliberately designed to attract industries, stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities and accelerate sustainable development.

Describing the facility as a landmark investment, the governor urged both local and foreign investors to emulate Solewant by taking advantage of the peaceful environment in Rivers State to establish industries capable of transforming the state’s economy.

He also pledged the government’s readiness to partner with the company in advancing manufacturing, local content development and industrial expansion.
According to him, such collaboration would deepen business activities, create jobs for young people and broaden the state’s revenue base.

Fubara further disclosed that his administration was working with relevant agencies to improve electricity supply in the state in order to reduce energy costs for industries and enhance productivity.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described the commissioning as a milestone in Nigeria’s industrialisation drive and a practical demonstration of the remarkable progress indigenous companies have made in the oil and gas sector over the past decade.

He said the facility was not only positioned to meet Nigeria’s industrial needs but also to serve markets across Africa, stressing that it confirmed the emergence of Nigerian firms as globally competitive manufacturers.

“This is clear evidence of the growth that local service providers in Nigeria have developed over the past 15 years,” the minister said.

“I am very happy today that I have the privilege to witness this plant that will not just serve Nigeria but the entire African continent.”

Lokpobiri reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting indigenous companies, noting that policies were already in place to ensure that critical oil and gas services such as pipe coating are executed within Nigeria.

He maintained that the country’s energy challenges would be solved through local expertise and innovation rather than dependence on foreign solutions.

“Our pipes are completely corroded, and we need solutions like Solewant is providing to address that problem. What you have done here is a Nigerian solution to the Nigerian problem,” he added.

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Solewant Group, Engr. Solomon Ewanehi, said the project represented the fulfilment of a vision conceived 16 years ago to eliminate Nigeria’s dependence on imported industrial coatings while building a globally competitive manufacturing enterprise.

According to him, the commissioning of the plant was more than the opening of a factory.

“We are launching confidence; confidence that Nigeria has the competence, the capacity and the courage to manufacture not just what we consume but also what we can export to compete with international standards,” he said.

Ewanehi explained that the company unveiled 11 enhanced products developed and manufactured in Nigeria for the oil and gas, marine, infrastructure and industrial sectors.

He noted that the products, marketed under the Solguard and Novaguard brands, were designed to meet global standards while providing durable protection for critical national infrastructure.

Namibia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E. Walde Natangwe Ndavishiya, described Solewant’s investment as timely, particularly with the company’s expansion into Namibia, saying it positioned the firm to support the country’s emerging oil and gas industry.

Former Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Mr. Emeka Ene, said the project had once again demonstrated that Nigerian entrepreneurs, engineers and technicians possess the expertise to compete favourably on the global stage.

Also speaking, Professor Olugbenga Falode of the Centre for Petroleum Energy Economics and Law, University of Ibadan, unveiled the Solguard and Novaguard product portfolio, describing the innovations as evidence that world-class coating technologies could be researched, developed and manufactured in Nigeria.

The products include architectural paints, industrial protective coatings, heavy-duty protective systems and premium specialty coatings designed for homes, factories, pipelines, bridges, offshore platforms and other critical infrastructure.

Falode said the products were developed through extensive research and collaboration, proving that Nigeria has the technological capability to produce advanced industrial solutions for both domestic consumption and international export.

For industry stakeholders, the commissioning of the Solewant plant is more than another factory opening. It is a bold statement that Nigerian companies are increasingly shifting from import dependence to innovation-driven manufacturing, reinforcing confidence that indigenous enterprises can compete successfully in global industrial markets while driving Africa’s industrial transformation.

The Chief Fowler Peter Enezegile Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian service by providing free medical care to hundreds of residents of Ogu Community in Atissa/Epie Clan of Bayelsa State, while also celebrating the enduring legacy of its late patriarch and matriarch, Chief Fowler Peter Enezegile and Mrs. Edna Enezegile.

The two-day programme, held on July 25 and 26, combined a comprehensive medical outreach with a thanksgiving service and memorial activities, drawing traditional rulers, community leaders, family members, friends and well-wishers from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

Held at St. John’s Primary School, Ogu Community, the medical outreach brought essential healthcare services to residents, particularly the elderly, women and vulnerable persons who ordinarily have limited access to quality medical care.

Medical professionals and volunteers offered free consultations, blood pressure and blood sugar screening, eye examinations, health education, prescription glasses, medications and referrals for patients requiring specialised treatment.

Beneficiaries also received counselling on disease prevention, healthy living and the importance of routine medical check-ups, with medical personnel providing further guidance to those diagnosed with hypertension and other health conditions.

The Foundation said the outreach reflects its vision of improving access to healthcare at the grassroots and promoting healthier communities through compassionate service.
Residents described the initiative as timely and life-changing, expressing appreciation to the Foundation for bringing quality healthcare directly to their doorstep.

Founder of the Foundation, Prof. Nedie Patience Akani (née Enezegile), said the programme was organised in memory of her late parents, whose lives were defined by service to humanity, compassion and community development.

She reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to sustaining humanitarian interventions in healthcare, education, scholarships and other initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of vulnerable people.

PARTICIPANTS COMMEND INITIATIVE

The outreach attracted widespread commendation from participants and guests, who praised the Foundation for preserving the humanitarian ideals of Chief Fowler Peter Enezegile and his wife.
Mrs. Veronica Daria, who attended the memorial activities with her family, described the event as “a powerful expression of love, gratitude and honour.”

She said every tribute, song and prayer reflected the remarkable lives the couple lived and the countless people they impacted.

“While my heart aches for my dear friend and the family as they continue to miss their beloved parents, I left with a deep sense of peace knowing they were celebrated and honoured so beautifully,” she said, praying for the continued repose of their souls.

The Ebeni-Otubo of Atissa Kingdom, HRH Anderson Olomu, also applauded the Foundation, saying: “You have done so marvellously well and God will surely remember your kind deeds.”

Similarly, Chief Oz Emoyon-Iredia described the programme as a remarkable demonstration of selfless service and community development, noting that the Foundation continues to make meaningful contributions through healthcare, education and humanitarian interventions.

Thanksgiving celebrates enduring legacy
The activities climaxed with a thanksgiving service at St. John’s Anglican Church, Ogu, followed by a colourful reception attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, church members and invited guests.

The service celebrated the enduring legacy of Chief Fowler Peter Enezegile and Mrs. Edna Enezegile, whose lives of faith, generosity and service continue to inspire generations.

Delivering the sermon, Venerable Innocent Amos Ebiye urged members of the Enezegile Dynasty to remain steadfast in the face of life’s challenges, preaching from Ephesians 6:12.

He reminded the family that their strength lies in God, adding that the dynasty had remained resilient through divine grace and would continue to prevail despite adversity.

One of the emotional highlights of the thanksgiving was the presentation of gifts by the Women of St. John’s Anglican Church to the children of the late Chief Fowler Peter Enezegile in recognition of their parents’ enduring contributions to the church and the community.

The celebration continued with a grand reception where the Paramount Ruler of Ogu Community, HRH Bishop Dr. Paul Akuegbe, accompanied by members of the Council of Chiefs, presented a commemorative gift to the Enezegile Dynasty in appreciation of the family’s longstanding commitment to community development.
Traditional dance troupes added colour and excitement to the event, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Ogu Community amid an atmosphere of joy, thanksgiving and unity.

A legacy of service
Chief Fowler Peter Enezegile is remembered as a humanitarian, educator, church leader and community builder whose life was devoted to uplifting others.

A firm believer in education, he ensured that all his children, including his daughters, received Western education at a time when educating girls was uncommon, reflecting his conviction that every child deserved equal opportunity.

His Christian faith inspired him to donate land for the construction of his church, where he also served faithfully as an organist.

As General Secretary of the Epie/Atissa Welfare Union between 1959 and 1964, he assisted numerous young people to secure employment, particularly in the Police Force, while facilitating admissions into higher institutions and mentoring many others.

His enduring legacy of compassion, integrity, faith and community service continues to inspire the humanitarian vision of the Chief Fowler Peter Enezegile Foundation, whose interventions are focused on healthcare, education, scholarships and the welfare of humanity. The Foundation was incorporated in 2025.

The historic Bonny Island in Rivers State will become the epicentre of Nigeria’s creative industry from October 29 to November 1, 2026, as it hosts the fourth edition of the Rivers International Film Festival (RIFF), an event designed to leverage cinema as a catalyst for tourism, cultural preservation and economic growth.

With the theme, “Film Tourism: A Pathway to Economic Development,” the festival will assemble filmmakers, actors, producers, industry executives, cultural enthusiasts and international guests for four days of film screenings, masterclasses, panel discussions, networking sessions, cultural showcases and awards celebrating excellence in filmmaking.

A statement made available to The Atlantic Bell by Blessing Ezeigbo, Public Relations Officer, Rivers International Film Festival (RIFF), stated that this year’s edition marks a strategic shift towards positioning film as a driver of tourism and sustainable economic development, while projecting Rivers State and Nigeria as emerging destinations for global creative investment.

According to the statement, the vision has received a major endorsement from the Federal Government, with the Minister commending the Rivers State Government and the festival organisers for deploying film and the arts as instruments for cultural preservation and youth empowerment.

According to the Minister, “I am aware that the Rivers State Government, backed by the Rivers International Film Festival, partnered with entertainment stakeholders to encourage the use of film and art for cultural preservation and youth empowerment. This really will make Nigeria the cultural and creative hub of Africa, and Rivers State is taking a huge step in claiming that position.”

The commendation is widely seen as recognition of RIFF’s growing influence as a platform for promoting creativity, cultural diplomacy and economic inclusion through the creative industries.

RIFF 2026 has already generated significant international interest, attracting submissions from filmmakers across the world, further consolidating its reputation as one of Nigeria’s emerging international film festivals. Details of the total number of entries and participating countries are expected to be announced by the organisers.

To ensure credibility and professional excellence, films selected for competition will be adjudicated by a distinguished international jury comprising respected practitioners from Africa, Europe and North America.

The jury includes Ambassador Endy Ojo Abanonkhua (Nigeria), who will serve as Head of Jury; Frank Hermans (South Africa), Assistant Head of Jury; veteran actress Hilda Dokubo (Nigeria); Tawanda Sarireni (Zimbabwe); Ian Evance (Malawi); Marc Adebesin (Germany); Eric Stephenson (Nigeria); Moses Matanda (Zimbabwe); Frank Gharbin (Ghana); and Mary-Ann Ibeziako (United States).
Organisers said the diverse composition of the panel reflects RIFF’s commitment to global best practices, transparency and artistic excellence.

Central to this year’s edition is the choice of Bonny Island as the festival host. Renowned for its rich history, enduring cultural heritage, scenic waterways and coastal landscape, Bonny offers an authentic backdrop for conversations on film tourism and destination marketing.

Festival organisers believe bringing filmmakers and visitors to the island will not only showcase Bonny’s tourism potential but also stimulate local enterprise by creating opportunities for hospitality operators, creative entrepreneurs, artisans, transport providers and other businesses within the tourism value chain.

Beyond showcasing films, RIFF 2026 is expected to immerse participants in the island’s unique cultural traditions, allowing visitors to experience first-hand the heritage and attractions that distinguish Bonny as one of Nigeria’s historic coastal communities.

According to the organisers, the festival seeks to demonstrate that cinema extends beyond entertainment, serving as a powerful medium for preserving cultural identity, promoting destinations and unlocking new streams of economic prosperity.

They noted that countries across the world have successfully harnessed film tourism to attract visitors, generate employment and stimulate investment, adding that Nigeria possesses the cultural diversity, natural landscapes and creative talent required to build a thriving film tourism ecosystem.

Discussions throughout the festival will therefore focus on forging partnerships between government, filmmakers, tourism operators, investors and cultural institutions to maximise the economic opportunities within the creative sector.

Beyond the screenings and awards, RIFF 2026 will offer emerging filmmakers access to mentorship, professional development and international networking opportunities aimed at strengthening careers and expanding Nigeria’s footprint within the global film industry.

As Rivers State continues to deepen its investment in culture and the creative economy, the festival is increasingly being positioned as a flagship platform for showcasing the state’s artistic talent and tourism assets to the world.

With support from government, entertainment stakeholders and international partners, organisers say RIFF 2026 will reinforce the role of cinema in inspiring innovation, preserving heritage and driving inclusive economic development.

As the countdown begins, attention is turning to Bonny Island, where cinema, culture and tourism will converge in what promises to be one of the continent’s most significant creative gatherings.

For enquiries, visit www.riffestivals.com or call +234 803 324 7337 or +234 814 226 8148.