Bonny Kingdom’s Economic Value Not Matched By Its Infrastructural Development – Monarch to FG

The Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, DSSRS, JP, Perekule XI, says the economic value Bonny Island exudes has not been matched by commensurate infrastructural development.

King Pepple said this on Thursday, July 17, 2025 when a delegation from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State led by Real Admiral Abubakar Mustapha paid a courtesy visit at the King Perekule Palace in Bonny, Rivers State.

Represented by the Chairman of the Bonny Chiefs’ Council (BCC), Se-Alabo Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Dagogo Suoala Claude-Wilcox, MON, the King expressed his gratitude to the NIPSS participants for visiting Bonny Kingdom, emphasizing the kingdom’s significant economic contributions to Nigeria.

He urged them to advocate the prioritization of Bonny Kingdom’s development, noting that despite its economic importance, the kingdom lacks commensurate infrastructural development.

Speaking, Real Admiral Abubakar Mustapha thanked the King for the opportunity to visit and highlighted the Institute’s role in policy research and strategic studies.

He mentioned that the President had tasked the Institute to explore the benefits of the blue economy, and given Bonny Kingdom’s strategic location, they aimed to assess progress and provide recommendations.

The visit included a question-and-answer session, signing of the visitor’s register, and a tour of historical sites, including the Bonny Consulate.

The NIPSS delegation recognized the importance of traditional institutions in driving grassroots development and looked forward to submitting their findings to the President.