HRH King (Prof.) Theophilus Jacob Tom Princewill, the Amachree XI, Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom
PRESS RELEASE: National Award on King T.J.T Princewill is Recognition of Examplary and Selfless Service - PPA
Princewill’s Political Associates (PPA) has described the inclusion of His Majesty King (Prof.) Theophilus Jacob Tom Princewill, the Amachree XI, Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom and Chairman of Rivers State Traditional Council of Chiefs among the handful of distinguished Nigerians to be conferred with National Honours at the National Merit Award slated for the 14th of November, 2011 as a welcome development signifying national recognition of its Patriarch and the father of its charismatic leader.
According to the PPA, the conferment of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) that King T.J.T. Princewill, will receive is indeed testament to the Amanyanabo’s exemplary selflessness in the course of his career in Academia and also in service as Royal Father to his people and all other tribes of Rivers extraction as the current head of all Traditional rulers in Rivers state. Widely considered a rare gem and a living legend,
His Majesty is also a foremost Professor of Medical Microbiology who distinguished himself in Academia as a lecturer and well sought after External Examiner to various Universities. He served as Head of Department of Microbiology University of Port Harcourt from 1982-1984. Dean of Students Affairs of University of Port Harcourt from 1985-1986, Dean, School of Graduates Studies, University of Port Harcourt, 1987-1990; Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt from 1991-2000. Two students who passed under his wing were the current Mr. President himself and the current Executive Governor of Rivers state.
This gift to Nigeria is an international figure – a member Society for General Microbiology (UK), member; Society for Applied Bacteriology (UK), member, British Spore Group and countless other societies both in Nigeria and abroad. He is also a member, Nigerian Society for Immunology, Nigerian Society for Animal Production amongst others.
Closer to home, he was a member of Rivers State Advisory Council from 1999-2007, Member, Rivers State Peace and Reconciliation Committee from 2006 to 2007 and decorated as the Grass Root Royal Father of the year in 2005 (GRRF).
King Princewill holds tenaciously to the traditions and culture of the ancient kingdom of Kalabari, a lion, an icon, an academic par excellence, a peaceful and amiable personality, a true father, a study in the virtues of humility, a great grassroots leader.
He is also a philanthropist par excellence who has been in the forefront of sponsoring the less privileged in the country to schools of higher learning as well as employment of youths in the country, thus, reducing the menace of poverty and youths’ unemployment and restiveness in Kalabari Kingdom and Rivers State at large. Last year alone he awarded scholarship to 96 Rivers State indigenes in Higher Institutions for postgraduates and undergraduate studies.
Speaking on the award, the National Coordinator of PPA, Dr Ikanya Ibiamu described the award as well deserved and a special early birthday gift to the King, who turns 82 on the 4th of January, 2012.
Ibiamu prayed that with the peace that currently pervades the Kalabari Kingdom where he holds sway and the maturity he has brought to bear as Chairman of Rivers State Traditional Rulers; he will give even more to our nation.
Prince Tonye Princewill the PPA Leader and the Prince of the Niger Delta described the award as a splendid gift not only to his father, but to the whole of Kalabari Kingdom, the entire Rivers State but most especially to him. The Prince in an emotion laden voice, recalled with nostalgia when in 2003/2004 King (Prof.) T.J.T. Princewill was nominated for a national honour award in the category of the 'Commander of the Order of Niger (CON), only to have his name mysteriously disappear ahead of the Award Event with no explanation. Not one to dwell on such past misadventures, Prince Tonye expressed gratitude to God and reiterated the divine assurance that whatever has been ordained, will surely come to pass even in greater measure.
Princewill expressed his gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan and Rotimi Amaechi (two University of Port Harcourt alumni) for the honour, whilst reiterating his commitment to dedicating himself to greater service to the nation. Amaechi himself is due to receive the prestigious Commander of the Niger (CON) title and to that the Prince also had something to say. The history of Nigeria he said would not be written without the name of Amaechi being involved. Not many people at his age can have that said about them. For a Governor who rose against all odds to become what he is today and enjoy the goodwill of so many says enough. My only addition to that is he is not finished yet. "Nigeria should watch out for this man."
To Dame Queen Florence T.J.T. Princewill, JP the wife of King Princewill, her elation on receipt of the news of her husband’s award is best captured in her words “I am highly privileged to be the wife, friend, mother and Queen to Amachree XI who today is an epitome of excellence and a reservoir of ideas and knowledge. Having spent a great part of my life with this great but unassuming King of our people whose life is the study in humility; a Professor of repute and world acclaimed academic who still comes down to the level of any of his subjects to relate to them.
This is a first class King who is well respected and feared both near and far but still exhibits humility uncommon to men of his class. To me and those close to this great source of knowledge we are truly privileged to be related to him”.
In his reaction to the award, the Amanyanabo of Kalabari, King (Professor) TJT Princewill, called on the relevant authorities to accord the traditional institution its rights in the scheme of things, especially in the present political dispensation. He expressed joy over the conferment of the award, as it shows that the Kalabari people have a king that will help the kingdom to grow and thanked Mr. President for deeming it fit to recognize his little efforts and contributions toward his people and mankind in general.
As a body, we at the PPA give all the Glory to God that Our King, Our Father, our Prof. has been endorsed by the Nation.
~ Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze,
Media Consultant, PPA
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