Alabh George Turnah – Moving Forward Together: A Greater Ogbia Is Possible

****Charge Ogbia Sons, Daughters To Be Progressive Minded

Godson to former president of Nigeria Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Alabh George Turnah has called on sons and daughters of Ogbia To put on their thinking cap, as the time to take Ogbia to the next level is now.

The youth leader and shining example of philanthropy George Turnah postulates on the occasion of the maiden stakeholders summit themed “OGBIA SHALL RISE AGAIN”. According to him this births a new opportunity to chart the way forward for the Oil rich local government area which has not only bloated the fortunes of the country but has produced illustrious sons of Bayelsa state and Nigeria at large, ranging from former Governor of old rivers state, Chief Melford Obiene Okilo and former president Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to mention a few.

According to The statement signed by him: “It is with profound honour and gratitude that I extend my goodwill message to you all on the occasion of the maiden stakeholders summit, themed “Ogbia Shall Rise Again.”” This gathering embodies the spirit of unity, purpose, and renewed commitment to the progress of our beloved Ogbia Kingdom and its people. I commend the organizers for their unwavering vision and dedication to fostering a brighter future for Ogbia.

The theme of this summit is both timely and significant. It beckons us to reflect on the principles of unity, peace, and progress. In these critical times, there is a pressing need for strong cooperation among all stakeholders. We must cultivate political awareness and reawakening among our people just as we must prioritize education and pursue industrialization that harnesses our local resources if Ogbia is to rise again. Investment in agriculture is essential, not only to secure our food supply but also to bolster our local economy.

As we strategize today, we must anchor our efforts on youth empowerment, focusing on capacity building through skills acquisition and trade opportunities, especially for our women and the girl child. The social issues of drug abuse, crime, and criminality are challenges that our vibrant youth face, compounded by the scourge of cultism. I believe that through education and positive reinforcement, we can achieve real change.

To rise again, we must engage in a respectful dialogue surrounding our traditions and the traditional institutions that have long guided our Kingdom. We must come to the deliberate realisation that supporting our political leaders and captains of industry fosters an ecosystem of success and resilience, thst will eventually lead to prosperity for all. In the same vein, we must strive for the development of soft institutions and the strengthening of the Ogbia Brotherhood, our socio-cultural organization that tirelessly advocates for our people’s interests.

On a day such as this, we certainly can not overlook the contributions of distinguished Ogbia figures, whose legacies have shaped Nigeria’s development. We remember the late Captain Amangala and late Chief Melford Okilo, both of whom laid foundational stones for our collective advancement. Most recently, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, continues to be a source of inspiration and leadership, representing the Ogbia spirit on national and international stages. In addition, I would like to acknowledge Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the performing Managing Director/CEO of the NDDC, whose efforts make Ogbia proud today.

Historically, Ogbia has played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic narrative. Oil was first discovered in commercial quantities in Ogbia land back in 1956; however, our Kingdom has not received commensurate attention from the Federal Government and International Oil Companies. I am of the opinion that Ogbia deserves enhanced infrastructure and essential amenities. To this end, the commencement of the greenfield refinery project in Ogbia and the Airforce base project located somewhere around the Otuoke – Onuebum road should be paramount on our agenda as we deliberate on our rising again. These initiatives, if crystallised, will not only create jobs but will also position Ogbia as a key player in Nigeria’s economy.

Furthermore, as we navigate the complex political landscape of Bayelsa State, we must assess our past and formulate our aspirations for the future. How have we fared as a Kingdom, and where do we stand today? With the 2027 Governorship elections on the horizon, it is imperative that this summit strategizes for Ogbia’s political and economic future. We must ensure that our voices are amplified and that our demands for equity and development are heard and addressed.

In closing, I urge everyone present to take ownership of this vision to collaboratively work for a greater Ogbia. The theme, “Ogbia Shall Rise Again,” should not just be a statement; but a call to action for all of us. Together, with conviction and resilience, we can transform this vision into reality.