By Nwaorgu Faustinus
The Amanyanabo of the Source, Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, Dabaye Amakiri I, has inaugurated a 16-unit Coronation Central Planning Committee to coordinate preparations for his forthcoming Se Diye and Coronation ceremonies, slated for December 19, 2026.
The Amanyanabo inaugurated the committee on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at his Ipokuma residence in Degema Consulate, where he charged members to work collectively towards delivering a coronation that would reflect the rich cultural heritage, traditions and dignity of the Kalabari people.
The event brought together prominent Kalabari personalities, traditional stakeholders, professionals and other members of the committee, who have been assigned responsibilities covering various aspects of the coronation programme.
Da Amakiri Tubo disclosed that the committee was constituted to ensure effective planning and coordination of the various activities associated with the coronation.
Chief Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill is the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, while Chief Dr. David T. Briggs and Chief Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji serve as Co-Chairmen.
Dr. Emi Iyalla is the Secretary, with Alabo Daerefa-a Christopher Braide serving as Assistant Secretary.
A statement signed and made available to news platforms by Alabo Daerefa-a Christopher Braide Spokesman & Chief Press Secretary to the Amanyanabo of the Source (Elem Kalabari, Torusaramapiri).noted that the committee will coordinate activities across the three principal locations of Elem Kalabari, Buguma and Obuama, with specialized units assigned specific responsibilities for the successful execution of the programme.
The units include Media and Publicity; Culture and Coronation; Transport and Logistics; External Relations; Contact and Mobilization; Venue and Catering; Protocol and Access Control; Security; Accommodation; Finance; Souvenirs; Secretariat and Documentation; Boat Regatta; Kalabari Dancing; Environment and Works; and Medical Services.
A Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has also been constituted to complement the work of the Central Planning Committee.
The Media and Publicity Unit is chaired by Chief Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill, with Ib Dakoru as Vice Chairman. Members are Mustapha Wakama, Humphrey Onyanabo, Alabo Daerefa-a Braide, Isokariari Otonye Bob-Manuel, Alabo Wabiye Idoniboye-obu and Melford.
The Culture and Coronation Unit is chaired by Chief Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, with Chief Kingsley Kio Young-Jack as Secretary. Se Alabo Prefaa Otaji and Se Alabo Prince Dateme are members.
Chief Dr. David T. Briggs chairs the Transport and Logistics Unit, with Dennis Braide as Secretary and Emmanuel Horsfall and Opunabo Princewill as members.
The External Relations Unit is chaired by Pope Tarsoo Linus, with Alhaji Abdulrahman Ibrahim Sade (Sadauki Bauchi), Gary and Nasiru Danu as members.
Alhaji Abdulrahman Ibrahim Sade (Sadauki Bauchi) chairs the Contact and Mobilization Unit, with Pope Tarsoo Linus as Vice Chairman. Other members are Humphrey Onyanabo, Flora, Alabo Onimim Batubo, Hassan Mohammed Ndanusa, Yerima Shettima, Igo Aguma and Henry Wordu.
The Venue and Catering Unit has Boma assigned to Elem Kalabari and Buguma, Flora to Obuama and Degema, alongside Alabo Lawrence Danagogo.
Dr. Dawari George chairs the Protocol and Access Control Unit, with Barrister Joseph Charles Brown, Se Alabo Omonaa Amachree, Se Alabo Amakiri Flag Amachree, Dennis Braide and Orusoso Don Pedro as members.
The Security Unit is chaired by Alabo CP. (Rtd.) Dr. Selem Vincent Amachree, Esq., with Obiobraa George ( Holy Mallam), HRH Otonye Williams (Ododo), Alabo Ibim Miame, Tomitamunoa Erekosima (Obio Akpor), Banimibo-ofori Harry, and the 3 Kalabari LGA Chairmen as members.
Dr. Emi Iyalla chairs Accommodation, with Hajiya Halima and Alhaji Orlu Onyekachi (Haram De Sweet) as members.
The Finance Unit is chaired by Stanley West, with Dr. Emi Iyalla as member, while Boma chairs the Souvenirs Unit, assisted by Crowther and Flora.
Prince Dateme chairs the Secretariat and Documentation Unit, with Humphrey Onyanabo as Co-Chairman and Isokariari Otonye Bob-Manuel as Secretary.
Chief Lucky Brown chairs the Boat Regatta Unit. Members are Alabo Daogigo Amachree, Alabo Ikien Okorosa, Dr. Adikibia Boyle, Opunabo Princewill, Sokeipriye Numbere, Endurance Henry and Alabo Adikiba Zeinas.
Sokeipriye Numbere chairs the Kalabari Dancing Unit, with Ibiso George as member.
The Environment and Works Unit is chaired by Songo Festus LongJohn (Adekunle), with Adokiye Princewill, Obelema Isokariari and Biokpomabo Princewill as members.
Dr. Opubo Idoniboye-obu chairs the Medical Services Unit, with Alabo Dr. Ebi Robinson as member.
The Local Organizing Committee is headed by Amb. Sobomabo Jackrich (Egberipapa) as Chairman, with Alabo JackLloyd Thomas as Vice Chairman and Alabo Wabiye Idoniboye-obu as Secretary.
Giving the terms of reference for the 16-Unit Committee, the Central Planning Committee has established clear guidelines to ensure effective coordination, accountability and collaboration among the various units.
Each unit, as constituted, comprises a Chairman, Secretary and members, with the Chairman responsible for the effective performance of the unit.
All units are to report directly to the Central Planning Committee, which in turn reports to the Palace of the Amanyanabo of the Source, Dabaye Amakiri I.
Each unit is expected to submit its detailed work plan and budget within seven days of its appointment for review and approval by the Central Planning Committee.
No unit is to incur expenditure or make any financial commitment without prior written approval of the Central Planning Committee.
The units are also required to submit weekly progress reports to the Central Planning Committee.
The committee further directed that all units should collaborate where their responsibilities overlap to ensure harmony and avoid duplication, particularly in activities involving Elem Kalabari, Buguma and Obuama.
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