The Nima Memorial Care Foundation has announced plans for its highly anticipated Annual Symposium and Grand Ball Dinner, set to take place on Sunday, March 22, at the prestigious Marriott Hotel, Lagos.

The event will commence with a thought-provoking symposium before transitioning into an elegant Grand Ball Dinner.

This year’s theme, “Empowering Every Child: Breaking Barriers for Children with Disabilities,” underscores the Foundation’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity for vulnerable children across Nigeria. The symposium will convene experts, policymakers, educators, advocates, and key stakeholders to deliberate on practical solutions for dismantling societal, educational, and infrastructural barriers confronting physically challenged children.

Proceeds from the event will bolster the Foundation’s ongoing initiatives in healthcare, education, clean water access, and empowerment programs for underserved and orphaned children.

The dinner segment will feature special recognition awards presented to distinguished personalities from both government and private sectors who have shown exceptional commitment to advocacy, awareness, and support for vulnerable populations.

Hosted annually by veteran journalist and child rights advocate, Zainab Abdumalik Muhammed, Co-founder of the Foundation, the event also celebrates the enduring legacy of the late Nimatallahi Fashipe.

The Foundation invites media partners, corporate organizations, philanthropists, and well-meaning Nigerians to lend their voices and support to this noble cause.

For inquiries, partnerships, or RSVPs: +234 811 273 8706 | www.nmcf.ng�

Prince Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla will host the 2026 edition of his Annual Ramadan Lecture on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, bringing together prominent religious figures, traditional leaders, professionals, and members of the public for a spiritually enriching gathering in Lagos.

Among the distinguished personalities billed to grace the occasion are Prophet Olamilekan Johnson and Fadheelat Sheikh Abdul Fatai Muh Raji Athaqofy (Baba Ni Mushin), both of whom are scheduled to deliver lectures at the event. Also expected is Sheik Jamiu Ajadi Sanusi Ami Olohun, who will attend as Spiritual Father, alongside Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, who will serve as Spiritual Father of the Day.

Themed “The Impact of Religion and Economic Development in Society,” the lecture will take place at Awori Bus Stop, Abule Egba, Lagos State. The event is anticipated to attract a large audience comprising Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, business executives, community leaders, and faithful Muslims within and beyond the Abule Egba community.

Speaking during a recent media interaction, Prince Adedipe—a Lagos-based real estate investor, philanthropist, security expert, and Graduate Surveyor—described the forthcoming lecture as a spiritually significant platform designed to deepen public understanding of the wonders, greatness, and infinite mercy of Almighty Allah.

According to him, the Annual Ramadan Lecture has, for over a decade, remained a vital avenue for promoting faith, righteousness, moral discipline, unity, and a clearer understanding of Islamic teachings. He noted that the initiative continues to inspire individuals toward lives anchored in holiness, compassion, self-restraint, and dedicated service to humanity.

Prince Adedipe, who is the Chairman/CEO of Adedas Development Foundation, also expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Allah for his recent academic milestone his successful admission into the College of Environmental Sciences, Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics at Bells University of Technology.

He described the admission as a divine blessing and a significant step toward fulfilling his long-term professional vision of advancing excellence in surveying, geospatial science, and responsible land administration in Nigeria.

“As a Graduate Surveyor and a Master’s degree holder in Safety and Security Management, and now admitted into the Master of Technology (M.Tech) programme in Surveying and Geoinformatics, after successfully completing my B.Tech, I wish myself outstanding success, with a PhD-grade performance at the completion of the programme. I remain committed to academic excellence, professional integrity, and continuous self-development,” he stated.

He further emphasized that his academic pursuit complements his professional engagements in real estate development and consultancy, reinforcing his dedication to structured land governance, environmental sustainability, national security awareness, and sustainable national development.
Preparations for the 2026 Ramadan Lecture, he disclosed, are already in top gear. He is working closely with the organising committee, headed by Alhaji Nurudeen Ola Babatunde, to ensure that this year’s edition will be historic not only in attendance but also in its spiritual and societal impact.

Identifying himself as a free thinker, Prince Adedipe stressed that organizing or participating in a Ramadan Lecture is lawful, peaceful, and spiritually uplifting. He called for unity among Nigerians irrespective of religious affiliation, emphasizing that Islam promotes peace, tolerance, coexistence, and mutual respect.

He maintained that national development can only thrive in an atmosphere of religious harmony, mutual understanding, and collective responsibility. He therefore urged citizens across faiths Muslims, Christians, and adherents of traditional beliefs to embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence as foundational pillars for building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

Beyond the annual lecture, Prince Adedipe continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment to humanitarian service through his foundation and Ramadan outreach programmes, distributing food items and essential materials to widows and vulnerable members of society.
With renewed dedication, spiritual passion, and ongoing academic advancement, the 2026 Ramadan Lecture promises to be a remarkable convergence of faith, knowledge, unity, and community development.

Through faith-driven initiatives, academic excellence, structured land administration advocacy, and community-centered service,
Prince Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla remains steadfast in his vision of building not only structures and businesses, but also enlightened minds, united communities, and a morally strengthened nation.

Kalabari Kingdom Witnesses Historic Rite as King Dokubo- Asari Installs Son as Chief, rolls out a Boat Regatta

By; Al Humphrey Onyanabo

The rich customs and time-honoured traditions of the ancient Kalabari kingdom came alive in Buguma, Rivers State today, February 28, 2026 as Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari, Dabaye Amakiri 1, Amanyanabo of Elem Kalabari ( The Source) formally presented his son, Briebibo Dienyefa, to the Kalabari nation as a chief.

The ceremony marked the culmination of over two months of meticulous traditional processes — a demanding journey rooted in ancestry, honour and communal validation. In Kalabari land, chieftaincy is neither symbolic nor automatic. It is earned through a rigorous rite of passage that requires the candidate to be presented before chiefs of various houses and families with which he has paternal affiliation.

At each stage, Briebibo Dienyefa was introduced,scrutinised and affirmed. The chiefs examined not only his lineage but also his character, reputation and conduct. In keeping with tradition, he had to be accepted as worthy and without blemish — fit to lead, represent and uphold the dignity of his people.

With the traditional requirements satisfied, he was formally put forward by his father, the Amanyanabo of Elem Kalabari, to sit on his personal stool as Dokubo-Asari II — a title that carries both heritage and responsibility.

The presentation ceremony drew traditional rulers, chiefs, elders and well-wishers from across Kalabari land, underscoring the cultural weight of the moment. It was not merely a family milestone but a reaffirmation of Kalabari’s enduring governance structure — one that blends ancestry, moral authority and communal consensus.

The chieftaincy journey of Alabo Briebibo Dienyefa Dokubo-Asari began on January 17, 2026, with a colourful outing in Buguma.(He is taking over the personal chieftaincy stool initiated by his father since 2004).

On that day, he was formally presented to the Edi Polo family at the Edi Polo Memorial Hall, marking the first step in a process deeply rooted in Kalabari custom.

A week later, on January 24, 2026, the second stage — Polo Diye, the traditional compound presentation — took place at the Omubo Birinaomoni Memorial Hall. Close to one hundred chiefs were in attendance, underscoring the seriousness of the rite and the weight of communal endorsement required for the path he had chosen.

On Saturday, February 27, 2026, he advanced further in consolidating his chieftaincy as he was presented at the Kariboye-Abi Princewill Memorial Hall, Buguma. The day carried historic significance. His father, the Amanyanabo of Elem Kalabari, was also presented to the Abi Royal Family in fulfilment of custom ahead of his coronation — a reminder that in Kalabari land, even a king must submit to ancestral protocol.

Early morning showers that Friday were interpreted by many as a sign of divine alignment with the solemnity of the moment.

This weekend stands as a defining chapter for Da Amakiri Tubo, The Amanyanabo of Elem Kalabari. Father and son move through tradition side by side — one affirming his kingship rites, the other stepping fully into chieftaincy responsibility.

The royal convoy reflected the stature of the occasion. The Amanyanabo rode in a cream Rolls-Royce, followed by a 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser VXR and a Mercedes-Benz Brabus 800. The Amama Soldiers maintained tight security throughout the proceedings.

Today, at the King Kariboye-Abu Princewill Amachree Memorial Hall in Buguma, both father and son are being formally presented to the Abi Family chiefs, as tradition demands. The Abi Royal Family — custodians of ancestral legitimacy — play a central role in affirming both the king and the chief.

Proceedings are being overseen by the Regent of the Kalabari Kingdom, Chief Charles Numbere.

In keeping with Kalabari tradition, no coronation as Amanyanabo is complete without this presentation to the Abi Royal Family. It is a reaffirmation that authority flows not merely from title, but from lineage, acceptance and adherence to sacred custom.

After the opening speech of the Regent, The Amanyanabo’s hand was raised by Chief Basoene Abiyesuku raised the hand of the monarch and presented him to the Regent of the Kalabari Kingdom.

Thereafter it was the turn of King Dokubo-Asari to present his son Breibibo Dienboye formally to his kinsmen of the Kariboye Abi Royal family. That accomplished, step out into the afternoon sun,
The crowd accompanying us had ballooned. We move to the King Amachree town hall where a massive crowd waited at about 12 noon.

The Presentation ceremony is simple. The Regent of the Kalabari Kingdom, Chief Charles Numbere is running the show. There is a quiz to test the fidelity of the new chief. First he is asked to identify two items, a canoon ball and a tuber of yam on the table in front of the Regent and to choose one between both, afterwards he is asked what action he will take if he learns of an insurgency against the king.

Thereafter, A family chief raises his hand and presents him to the Regent. After the successful presentation of any chief, Cannon balls are fired.

There were about ten chiefs who came to show themselves today like the son of Amanyanabo of the Source but beyond doubt, the King stood out. Musical Entertainment outside was provided by the Ogele cultural troupe of the Amanyanabo and the members of the Alhaji Mujahid Abubarkr Dokubo-Asari Cultural Centre. Each tried to outdo each other. They sang and danced in the scorching son for other two hours non stop in honour of their patron. Today was payback day.

Today, Saturday February 28 is the grand finale, King Dokubo-Asari is championing the Se Diye( Presentation to the Kalabari nation) of his son, Alabo Briebibo Dienboye Dokubo-Asari.

To commemorate the installation, the kingdom staged a colourful boat regatta — a vibrant maritime display deeply woven into Kalabari cultural identity. The spectacle of decorated boats gliding across the waters, accompanied by music, chants and traditional pageantry, symbolised continuity, celebration and the living spirit of a riverine people.

For the Kalabari nation, the event stood as both a preservation of heritage and a declaration of succession — ensuring that the traditions of leadership remain intact, respected and passed from one generation to the next.

This afternoon, King Amachree Memorial Hall in Buguma is filled to capacity.
Influential chiefs and figures from every stratum of the Kalabari Kingdom — including members of the diaspora and invited friends — are present for the historic gathering.

Inside and around the hall, traditional drums thunder without pause. Dancers move in tight formations, voices rise in rhythmic chants, and the tempo of celebration has reached a fevered intensity.

The atmosphere is electric, and the crowd’s exuberance leaves no doubt that this is a moment of collective pride and cultural. Today, five chiefs from the Edi Compound — also headed by King Asari-Dokubo have advanced to the final and most prestigious stage of their chieftaincy journey: the Se Diye.

Those being presented
are: Alabo West Oburulele,
Alabo Seliman of Sama,
Alabo Dr Ebi Robinson Braide, Alabo Obiobra Pankin Braide, Alabo Briebibo Dienyefa Dokubo-Asari,
and Alabo Tubidikiba Braide.

The Se Diye — the formal presentation to the Kalabari nation — represents the highest level of chieftaincy installation in the Kalabari Kingdom. It comes only after a chief has successfully passed through the preceding stages of scrutiny and family endorsements.
By the time a candidate reaches this point, he has already been examined by his compound and lineage.

The Se Diye extends that validation to the entire Kalabari nation.

It is an undertaking of immense cultural and financial weight. The cost is substantial, but more importantly, the responsibility it confers is profound. The Se Diye is similar to the Ama Diye but to a wider audience.

At this stage, the chief (known in Kalabari as Alabo) publicly presents himself before fellow chiefs from across Kalabari land — men who have themselves undergone the same rites. It is both introduction and affirmation: a declaration that he stands as a full Kalabari chief, recognised by tradition and accepted by his peers.

For the Kalabari people, the Se Diye is not a mere ceremony; it is institutional continuity. It ensures that leadership remains rooted in ancestry, accountability and communal consent.

With its completion, Alabo Briebibo Dienyefa Dokubo-Asari steps fully into the privileges and symbolism of his office. He may now wear the Don attire — the distinctive regalia of Kalabari chiefs — anywhere in the kingdom. The walking stick with added swagger, is no longer ornamental. It signifies authority earned through process and endurance.

And truth be told, he has earned it. Today, he stands affirmed.

Congratulations, Alabo Briebibo Dienyefa Dokubo-Asari, (Dokubo-Asari 11). Continue to soar.

By: Al Humphrey Onyanabo,
The Storyteller,