Member representing Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Awaji-inombek Abiante, at the Federal House of Representatives has disclosed that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Creative Economy, is taking steps to immortalise the famous King Jaja of Opobo by setting up a research centre.
The lawmaker disclosed this in a statement on his social media platforms, indicating that the journey to immortalise the black merchant, famous for his business acumen, began in 2017 but suffered several unnecessary bureaucratic delays.
He noted that on February 15, a delegation from the ministry, led by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. James Sule, represented the minister, Hanatu Musawa, on an inspection tour of the proposed site for the King Jaja Cultural and Historical Centre in Opobo Town.
According to him, the centre will serve as a research centre for cultural and historical studies and is aimed at immortalising the King and business mogul, King Jaja of Opobo Kingdom (founder of Opobo Kingdom), who displayed uncommon bravery, resilience and fought internal and external aggression.
He said: “King Jaja was called the Black Merchant King because of trading exploits. He lived a very principled life and was very dedicated to the protection of the territorial integrity of Opobo Kingdom and beyond. He fought against British colonial incursions in our land and paid the ultimate price for the liberation of his people.”
