A Call for Diaspora Investment in Nigeria’s Kalabari Kingdom: A Message of Hope and Development from Abubakr Dokubo-Asari
In a New Year’s address brimming with optimism and a vision for economic advancement, Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, the revered Da-Amakiri Tubo and Amanyanabo of the Elem Kalabari Kingdom, extended a heartfelt invitation to the Kalabari diaspora, urging them to invest in their homeland and contribute to the region’s economic resurgence. Dokubo-Asari’s message resonated with a powerful call for unity and collective action, emphasizing the untapped potential within the Kalabari Kingdom and the vital role the diaspora can play in unlocking its prosperity. He underscored the importance of redirecting investment back into the community, encouraging diaspora members to build homes and establish businesses within the Kalabari Kingdom, rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Central to Dokubo-Asari’s appeal was the immense economic potential embedded within the Kalabari region. He highlighted the abundant natural resources, particularly oil and gas, which provide a solid foundation for growth and development. Furthermore, he emphasized the promising prospects in marine transportation, a sector intrinsically linked to the region’s coastal geography and offering significant avenues for investment and job creation. Beyond these established industries, Dokubo-Asari recognized the untapped potential of agriculture and tourism, sectors ripe for development and capable of generating substantial economic benefits for the community. This diversification strategy aims to create a robust and resilient economy, less reliant on fluctuating global commodity prices and more focused on sustainable, long-term growth.
Addressing the youth of the Kalabari Kingdom, Dokubo-Asari delivered a message of hope and empowerment, encouraging them to embrace peaceful and constructive endeavors while shunning the destructive path of cultism and violence. He stressed the importance of education, skill development, and entrepreneurship as pathways to personal and communal prosperity. Dokubo-Asari’s commitment to the well-being of the community extended beyond economic development. He reaffirmed his steadfast dedication to advocating for resource control, addressing issues of oppression, and championing environmental conservation in the Niger Delta region. This holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of economic progress, social justice, and environmental sustainability.
To underscore his commitment to the Kalabari Kingdom, Dokubo-Asari recounted his personal journey of relocating from Port Harcourt to Obuama in 2017. This significant decision involved divesting from his properties in Port Harcourt and reinvesting in Obuama, demonstrating his unwavering belief in the potential of his homeland. Dokubo-Asari’s investments have not only spurred economic growth within Obuama but have also contributed to its transformation into a vibrant and diverse community, showcasing the tangible benefits of investing locally. This personal commitment serves as a powerful example for the diaspora, highlighting the positive impact their investments can have on the Kalabari Kingdom.
Dokubo-Asari’s New Year message serves as a rallying cry for the Kalabari people, both at home and abroad. It encapsulates a vision of a prosperous and thriving Kalabari Kingdom, built on the foundations of diaspora investment, sustainable development, and a commitment to the well-being of the community. This message underscores the importance of unity and collective action in realizing the full potential of the region. By highlighting the economic opportunities, emphasizing the importance of peace and development, and reaffirming his personal dedication to the Kalabari Kingdom, Dokubo-Asari has laid out a compelling roadmap for the future, inspiring hope and encouraging action towards building a brighter future for all.
The significance of Dokubo-Asari’s message extends beyond the Kalabari Kingdom. It serves as a model for other regions in Nigeria grappling with economic challenges and seeking to engage their diasporas in development initiatives. His emphasis on resource control and environmental conservation resonates with broader concerns across the Niger Delta and beyond, highlighting the importance of sustainable development practices. By demonstrating the transformative power of local investment and community engagement, Dokubo-Asari’s call to action has the potential to inspire similar initiatives across the nation, contributing to a more prosperous and equitable future for all Nigerians.
