Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has formally presented the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the new Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja, Jeki VI. The presentation ceremony took place at Government House, Port Harcourt. Fubara congratulated the monarch on his emergence and urged him to promote peace, unity, and inclusiveness throughout his reign.
Fubara described members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state as “critical assets to the growth and development of Rivers State.” He made this statement at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area, while presiding over the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch C Stream I Corps Members. The governor was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Bureau, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Promise Oguzie.
The governor urged King Jaja to carry along other contenders in the selection process, describing them as “comrades” whose contributions remained important to the development of the kingdom. Fubara also explained his absence from the monarch’s coronation, saying it was occasioned by a call to higher national service. He said his administration had successfully managed the transition following the death of the late Amanyanabo, King Douglas Dandeson Jaja.
Fubara said the government deliberately worked to ensure that the selection and coronation of the new monarch were concluded peacefully and without fresh litigation. He charged King Jaja to use his reign to promote development in education, healthcare, and small businesses, describing these areas as important avenues for addressing youth unemployment and criminality.
The governor urged King Jaja to maintain zero tolerance for crime and to place the security and interests of Opobo above considerations of kinship. Fubara further tasked the Alapu Council and titled citizens to move beyond ceremonial responsibilities and initiate projects that would produce visible development in the kingdom.
In his acceptance speech, King Jaja described the Staff of Office as more than a symbol of authority, saying it represented a sacred trust from the government and people of Rivers State. He expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara, the Opobo Council of Alapu, elders, women, youths, and other stakeholders for their confidence in his leadership.
King Jaja pledged that Opobo Kingdom under his reign would remain “a dependable partner for peace, development, and unity” in Rivers State. Fubara also urged the NYSC management to continually reform the scheme to meet the changing needs of Nigeria. The governor’s administration has prioritized development and unity in the state, and the presentation of the staff of office marks a new chapter in the kingdom’s history.
Key points
- Governor Fubara presents staff of office to King Jaja, urging unity and development in Opobo Kingdom.
- Fubara describes NYSC corps members as critical assets to Rivers State’s growth and development.
- King Jaja pledges to maintain peace, development, and unity in Opobo Kingdom during his reign.
