Monarch, LG Chair Praise Bonny Women for Resilience, Value Addition, Sustenance of Ibani Value System

The Natural Ruler and Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, Con, JP, DSSRS, and the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Amasenibo Abinye Pepple have extolled the women of Bonny extraction for holding on to the ideals of the Ibani ethnic nationality.

These words of commendation were given on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at the 3rd Annual Women Conference organized by the Bonny Kingdom Women Forum (BWF) in Bonny, Rivers State.

The Bonny Monarch congratulated the BWF for sustaining the conference as a platform for dialogue and empowerment, which he said has remained focused on the growth of women, families and communities.

“I congratulate the leadership of the Bonny Kingdom Women Forum for sustaining this platform of dialogue and empowerment. Your commitment to the growth of our women, families, and communities is deeply appreciated by the throne and by the entire Kingdom.””

Reflecting on the theme of the conference; “The Woman, Her Home, in a Contemporary Society Like Ours”, the revered traditional ruler described it as “both timely and profound”, noting that “it compels us to reflect on the evolving role of the woman, particularly at a time when society, technology, culture, and the global economy are changing at a pace faster than any generation before ours has witnessed”.

“Traditionally, the home has always been the foundation of our society, and the woman its heart. In Bonny Kingdom, from ancient times, women have been the silent architects of stability—nurturing children, supporting their spouses, preserving our customs, and building the moral compass of our communities.”

“However, in a contemporary society like ours, the definition of home has expanded. Today’s woman is an economic contributor, a political voice, a cultural ambassador, a spiritual guide, and a global citizen. The modern woman balances career demands, family responsibilities, community expectations, and personal aspirations—all at once.”

Earlier on, the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Abinye Pepple commended the Amanyanabo for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to initiatives that foster inclusive growth and community advancement such as the Bonny Kingdom Women Forum.

He also applauded the Leader of the Forum, Amaopuorubo Helen Pepple, and the women of Bonny Kingdom for their resilience, unity, and pivotal role in strengthening the social, cultural, and economic pillars of the community.

He assured the women of his administration’s support for programmes that enhance the capacity and well-being of women, noting that empowering women remains fundamental to achieving sustainable development within Bonny LGA.

Earlier, the Woman Leader of Bonny Kingdom, Amaopuorubo Helen Pepple stated that her tenure, which began in December 2023, had been marked by zestful pursuit of mandate actualization and mustering the women into enterprising ventures.   

“Since we came on board in December, 2019, through an elective procedure under the supervision of His Majesty the King, we have not rested on our oars, ensuring our mandate of ensuring peace and galvanising Bonny Women into enterprising ventures. This conference which started in December 2023, has now evolved into being our flagship annual convergence.”

She praised Bonny women for their resilience, dedication and support of the various initiatives of the BWF, noting that their collective efforts have ensured Bonny remains peaceful, pointing out that such passion is a reflection of the values that define Bonny Kingdom.  

“To the women of Bonny Kingdom, your resilience and dedication are the backbone of our success story. Your tireless efforts in promoting peace, unity, and development are truly commendable.”

“Your sacrificial commitment to empowering each other, supporting our families, and uplifting our kingdom is a reflection of the strength, uniqueness and beauty of Bonny Kingdom.”

She expressed gratitude to the Natural Ruler and Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, JP, DSSRS, Edward I, Perekule XI, and other members of the traditional institution for their unwavering support and guidance, saying that “Your blessings and encouragement have been our driving force, inspiring us to strive for excellence in all we do”.

The 3rd Annual Women’s Conference featured stimulating panel sessions, cultural presentations, and strategic engagements designed to broaden opportunities for women and reinforce unity across the kingdom.

A major highlight of the event was the formal launch of the Bonny Kingdom Women Forum By-Laws, which will guide the Forum’s operations, enhance accountability, and promote transparency as it charts a brighter future for women in the kingdom.

The conference concluded with the issuance of an 11 point Communique, which noted among other things, that modern women in a contemporary society like that of Bonny Kingdom cannot be ignored.

The Communique further noted that women were encouraged to train up their children in the way they should go, be friends to their children, support their spouses financially and otherwise, make effective and positive use of their tongues to bless their children and desist from cursing them so as to have a fulfilled home, a thriving Bonny kingdom and an enviable society.