In a historic first visit to his native Ke Town after appointment, the Sole Administrator of Degema Local Government Area, Dr Sokari Ibifuro...
In a historic first visit to his native Ke Town after appointment, the Sole Administrator of Degema Local Government Area, Dr Sokari Ibifuro Francis, MLSN, Ambassador of Peace, has set the stage for transformative infrastructure and security improvements. Welcomed by a jubilant crowd that included chiefs, elders, women, youths, school children and other key stakeholders and celebrated with vibrant dances, songs, and traditional displays, Dr Sokari’s arrival marks a turning point for the community.Immediately upon his arrival at the headquarter of the Ke Kingdom, Dr Sokari approved the urgent construction of a new landing jetty. The move, authorised on Saturday 7th June 2025, is aimed at easing the loading and alighting of goods and passengers for Ke Town and its surrounding satellite communities. Speaking at the community Town Hall, he decried the deplorable state of the existing jetty, labelling it a "death trap" and confirmed that all procedures with the Bureau of Public Procurement have been finalised, with funds already set aside for the immediate commencement of the project.
In tandem with the jetty approval, the Administrator has taken decisive steps to bolster security in the area. He announced that requests have been made to the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), for the establishment of police posts in both Bakana Community and Ke Town. A forthcoming meeting with the Commissioner of Police is expected to finalise these plans, addressing longstanding internal security concerns within the communities.
Adding a regal note to his visit, Dr Sokari paid a courtesy call at the palace of the Ke Kingdom’s Paramount Ruler and Chairman of the Degema Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty King (Rt. Hon.) Agolia Aboko Omoni XII. The Administrator was warmly received by the King, Queen, and chiefs, and received the royal blessing for his initiatives. In his welcome remark, the King commended Dr Sokari’s prior contributions such as the provision of double outboard engine speedboats, the award of a contract for potable water, and the construction of a concrete pavement walkway under the Petroleum Industry Acts (PIA) initiative and urged him to further prioritise the development of low-cost housing to alleviate the housing shortage that has persisted since the 2001 invasion.
In a touching display of community solidarity, Dr Sokari also attended the funeral of the mother of his Personal Assistant 1, Hon. Lucky Igbikialabo, offering prayers for the repose of the late Mrs Bibipoki Benson Ossai’s soul and consoling the grieving family.
Accompanied by a prominent delegation including Hon. Ipalibo Yellowe (Secretary of Council), Chief Security Officer Enegbainya-a Eli, Chief Press Secretary Ibiala Martyns Yellowe, Chief Protocol Officer Opakirite Charles, Hon. Mayor Gabriel Taylor, and several other dignitaries the Administrator’s visit exemplifies his people-centred approach and unwavering commitment to uplifting the community’s welfare.
As these landmark projects commence, residents of Ke Town and the broader Degema Local Government Area eagerly anticipate the positive changes that this dynamic leadership promises to deliver. With a determined focus on pragmatic governance and infrastructural revitalisation, the community stands poised on the brink of a new era of progress.
