It was a vibrant and culturally enriching day in Bonny Kingdom as students, elders, and dignitaries gathered for the “Reviving Our Heritage Through Knowledge” Ibani Quiz Competition for Junior Secondary Schools in Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State. The event, organized by the Bonny Kingdom Ogbobiri Asawo, showcased the rich Ibani heritage through intellectual engagement and cultural pride.
The quiz competition which was proudly sponsored by the Distinguished Senator representing Rivers West Senatorial District, Her Excellency, Sen. Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, DSSRS. The program brought together students from several junior secondary schools across Bonny LGA in a keen contest of knowledge and culture.
At the end of the competition, Bonny National Grammar School, Finima, clinched first place, followed by Community Junior Secondary School, Finima, in second place, and Lucille Educational Centre, Bonny, in third.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion, Se-Alabo Dagogo Soala Cloude-Wilcox, MON, commended Senator Banigo and members of the Bonny Kingdom Ogbobiri Asawo for their visionary initiative to inspire young Ibani children to embrace learning and take pride in speaking their native language. He described the competition as a vital effort to “catch them young” and preserve Ibani culture for future generations.
Representing the Distinguished Senator at the event, Hon. (Comr.) Adokiye Mujiton Ogonobere, Special Assistant to the Senator, praised the Ogbobiri Asawo Socio-Cultural Organization for hosting the second edition of the Ibani Language Competition, describing it as “a noble and transformative platform that promotes cultural literacy among young students.”
Award Presentation By the Special Adviser to the Distinguished Senator Dr. Ipalibo Banigo, Hon (Comrd) Adokiye Mujiton Ogonbere
Delivering her goodwill message, Senator Banigo emphasized the importance of preserving the Ibani language and identity. She stated:
“Today is more than an academic gathering; it is a celebration of identity, a reawakening of heritage, and a commitment to preserve the beauty of our Ibani language and culture. Our dialect, the Ibani tongue, is more than just words—it is the vessel of our history, the melody of our identity, and the heartbeat of our culture.”
She noted that the Ibani Quiz Competition serves as a crucial tool to promote language preservation, scholarship, and unity among young people across Bonny Kingdom.
Also in attendance was the Executive Chairman of Bonny LGA, represented by Pastor Mrs. Gift T. Jumbo, Senior Special Adviser on Ibani Language Education, who lauded Senator Banigo for her continuous support and commitment to the educational and cultural development of the area.
The event, held on October 16, 2025, at Ibanise House, Bonny Kingdom, was attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, educators, and other distinguished personalities.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman of Bonny Kingdom Ogbobiri Asawo, Chief Eugene Banigo, expressed profound gratitude to His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, Perekule XI, Amanyanabo of the Ancient Bonny Kingdom, and to Senator Banigo for their unwavering support and contributions toward the success of the program.
