By Daniel Abia
PORT HARCOURT — The Kpean Community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State has congratulated the President of KAGOTE and Chief Executive Officer of Giolee Global Resources Ltd, Chief Lesi Maol, on his emergence as President of the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Ogoni people, while commending his investment in human capital development and community projects across Ogoniland.
The community also lauded Chief Maol for sponsoring the groundbreaking and foundation-laying ceremony for the Kpean Paramount Ruler’s Palace.
KAGOTE is the acronym for the four local government areas of Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme, which make up Ogoniland.
The commendation was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Paramount Ruler and Chairman of the Council of Chiefs and Elders, Chief Lucky Gbene-Ewoh; Chairman of the Elders’ Forum, Mr. Barikpoa Nwinee; Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman, Mr. Baridakara Nwinyordee; Youth Leader, Comrade Lemii D. Petaba; and Women Leader, Madam Lesor E. Biragbara, on behalf of the Kpean Community.
The statement described Chief Maol as a leader committed to the development of Ogoniland, noting that he had, within a few months of assuming office, initiated and supported several programmes aimed at improving livelihoods across Ogoni communities.
According to the community, the initiatives include scholarship schemes, skills acquisition programmes in environmental services, agriculture and the oil and gas sector, as well as the engagement of ad hoc teachers to strengthen teaching and learning in primary and secondary schools.
The statement added that Kpean Community had benefitted from the employment of ad hoc teachers and other humanitarian interventions, describing Chief Maol’s attendance at the July 25, 2026, groundbreaking ceremony for the Paramount Ruler’s Palace as a demonstration of his commitment to grassroots development.
It noted that the event drew traditional rulers, elders, chiefs, members of the Community Development Committee, youths, women groups and other stakeholders.
The community described the palace project as the fulfilment of a long-held aspiration, saying it would provide a befitting seat for the traditional institution.
According to the statement, the foundation-laying ceremony marked the beginning of a project that would strengthen traditional leadership and preserve the community’s cultural heritage.
The signatories expressed optimism that the palace would serve as a lasting symbol of unity and progress while reinforcing the traditional institution for the benefit of future generations.
They added that the project had renewed hope among residents, strengthened community cohesion and laid the foundation for sustained development in the Kpean Autonomous Community.
The post Rivers Community hails KAGOTE president for human development initiatives appeared first on Vanguard News.