The Finima community has embarked on a landmark environmental initiative with the commencement of the long-awaited rehabilitation of the Finima Dumpsite. The clean-up exercise, which began on 8 September 2025, marks a turning point in the quest for a healthier, safer, and more sustainable Finima.
The project, spearheaded by the Amadabo-in-Council of Finima, is being carried out in collaboration with construction firms currently operating in the community. The united effort reflects both visionary leadership and a practical commitment to improving the quality of life for residents.
Appreciation to Community Liaison Officers
The Finima Youth Congress (FYC) has publicly commended the role of Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) in ensuring the success of this project. In a statement issued by Opara Henry C. Brown, Director of Environment, on behalf of the Chairman of FYC, the Congress praised:
Kobo Alabere of Evomeck
Akio Brown of MPI
Tumini Brown of Northridge
Their professionalism, dedication, and leadership were described as instrumental in anchoring this crucial community vision.
“Your companies’ proficiency and unwavering dedication to this project have brought about a monumental improvement for our community,” the statement read. “This achievement is a clear testament to your commitment to Finima and your professional responsibilities. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and we commend your outstanding work.”
From Liability to Opportunity
The rehabilitation project aims not only to clear the long-neglected dumpsite but also to transform the land into a resourceful community asset. Plans for the reclaimed site include new community spaces that will promote social interaction, recreation, and economic development.
This initiative is more than just an environmental clean-up; it represents a bold step towards sustainability, aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By addressing long-standing environmental hazards, the project also opens pathways to job creation and new investment opportunities for Finima residents.
A Collective Vision for a Healthier Future
The support of the Amadabo-in-Council has been central to the progress of this rehabilitation. Their leadership continues to inspire collective responsibility and partnership between the community and private sector stakeholders.
As work progresses, optimism runs high that Finima will soon boast an environment where residents can thrive in healthier surroundings, with improved prospects for social and economic development.
The Finima Youth Congress reaffirmed its commitment to supporting such community-driven projects and called on all stakeholders to sustain the momentum until the rehabilitation is completed.
The leadership of the Finima community in Bonny Local Government Area has been decisively settled once again, following today’s ruling by the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division, which dismissed the appeal filed by Mr Evans Clement Brown for want of jurisdiction.
Delivering judgment between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., Hon. Justice Oluwayemisi E. Williams-Dawodu, sitting with Hon. Justice Hannatu Azumi Laja-Balogun and a third Justice, held that the appeal was incompetent and struck out the entire proceedings. The ruling leaves Aseme-Alabo Engr. Dr. Dagogo Lambert Brown (Kongo XVII) as the undisputed Chief, Paramount Ruler and Amadabo of Finima.
Case History and Legal Background
The dispute dates back to the Rivers State High Court ruling of 5 October 2022, delivered in Suit No. PHC/1329/CS/2022, where an interlocutory injunction restrained Mr Evans Clement Brown from parading himself as Chief of the Buoye Omuso (Brown) Major House (BOBH).
In response, Mr Brown attempted to appeal. However, he only filed his Notice of Appeal on 6 April 2023, almost five months after the ruling—well outside the statutory timeline. Crucially, he had not obtained the necessary leave of court before doing so.
On 21 November 2023, Mr Brown returned with a fresh application seeking three prayers:
Extension of time to seek leave to appeal;
Leave to appeal;
Extension of time to file a notice of appeal.
The Court of Appeal heard arguments but found the application defective.
Today’s Ruling
Pronouncing judgment, Justice Dawodu stated:
“The application is refused and dismissed. The entire appeal and all related processes are struck out for want of jurisdiction. Parties shall bear their respective costs. I find the appeal incompetent.”
With those words, the Court of Appeal confirmed that Mr Brown’s challenge had collapsed entirely, leaving Engr. Dr. Dagogo Lambert Brown (Kongo XVII) as the legitimate and recognised Paramount Ruler of Finima.
The appeal was entered as Appeal No. CA/PH/331/2023.
Community Reactions
The courtroom pronouncement was met with relief and celebration among supporters of the Brown Omuso Major House, who said it vindicated years of struggle for clarity.
One elder described the judgment as “a triumph for law, tradition and the peace of Finima”. Outside the court, others called it “a divine victory that ends unnecessary distractions.”
Engr. Tamunofiniarisa Brown, who witnessed the proceedings, noted: “This ruling is historic. It restores dignity to our traditional stool and clears the path for unity and progress in Finima.”
Implications for Finima
The affirmation of Engr. (Dr) Dagogo Lambert Brown’s leadership consolidates stability in Finima at a time when the community hosts major energy projects, including facilities of Nigeria LNG (NLNG). Analysts say clarity in traditional leadership is crucial for both cultural cohesion and negotiations with corporate and governmental stakeholders.
Conclusion
With today’s ruling, the Court of Appeal has not only dismissed Evans Clement Brown’s appeal but also struck out the entire proceedings, effectively closing the chapter on a long-standing succession dispute.
For the people of Finima, this represents more than a legal triumph; it is a reaffirmation of tradition, legitimacy, and communal peace.
Congratulations to the Buoye Omuso Brown Royal House and Finima. God bless Finima.
Community Spirit Shines in Agaja Market Sanitation Drive
By Omie D. Brown, Special Correspondent
Finima, Bonny Local Government Area – A wave of community-driven action swept through Agaja Market on Thursday, 14 August 2025, as local traders and a dedicated environmental team joined forces for a comprehensive sanitation exercise. The initiative, spearheaded by the Finima Youth Congress (FYC) Environmental Committee, underscored a strong and ongoing commitment to public health, hygiene, and environmental sustainability within the Finima community and the wider Bonny Local Government Area.
The periodic clean-up, conducted between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., was described as a resounding success, demonstrating the power of a united community. Led by the Public Relations Officer (P.R.O) of the FYC Environmental Committee, Omie D. Brown, and executed under the direct instruction of the FYC Director of Environment, the operation forms part of the FYC’s long-standing resolution to maintain a clean and healthy environment for both residents and visitors.
Market Women Lead by Example
The response from the market women was overwhelmingly positive. Guided by their own leadership, traders participated with enthusiasm, discipline, and a shared sense of responsibility. Witnesses reported a high level of compliance, with market women diligently clearing refuse, sweeping stalls, and ensuring that trading areas were spotless.
For two hours, the normally bustling market transformed into a hive of coordinated cleaning activities. Stalls were rearranged, waste was collected in an orderly fashion, and the drainage channels were cleared of debris. The scene reflected a community determined to set a high standard for cleanliness.
A senior market representative, who preferred to remain anonymous, summed up the general sentiment:
“We are so happy with how clean the market looks now. The FYC team has done a wonderful job in organising this, and it shows what we can achieve when we all work together.”
Shared Pride in a Job Well Done
Following the completion of the exercise, the atmosphere in the market was one of palpable satisfaction. Traders resumed their daily business against the backdrop of a cleaner, more welcoming environment. Many expressed their gratitude to the FYC Environmental Committee and the FYC Central Executive Council for initiating, enforcing, and overseeing the sanitation exercise.
The traders’ praise was accompanied by a pledge—one that holds significant meaning for the community’s environmental future. They promised to continue observing the sanitation routine regularly, even without external supervision. This commitment marks a shift from reactive clean-ups to a proactive, ingrained culture of cleanliness.
Such self-sustainability is a hallmark of successful community-led initiatives, and in this case, it signifies a long-term win for both the FYC and the people of Finima.
Calls for Urgent Infrastructure Support
Despite the upbeat mood, the market women also seized the moment to raise pressing infrastructural concerns. They issued a heartfelt appeal to the Sole Administrator of Bonny Local Government Area (LGA) and other stakeholders, urging immediate intervention in rehabilitating the market’s borehole.
A reliable supply of potable water, they stressed, is vital for maintaining hygiene in both food preparation and general market operations. The lack of a functioning borehole hampers these efforts and undermines the sanitation gains made during such exercises.
One stall owner put it plainly:
“A clean environment is not just about sweeping and tidying up; it’s also about having the basic amenities to support that cleanliness. We need clean water for our produce and for ourselves, and proper toilets are essential for public health. We hope the LGA and other stakeholders hear our plea and come to our aid.”
Alongside the call for water infrastructure, traders also highlighted the urgent need for functional, well-maintained toilet facilities. Without these, they warned, it will be difficult to sustain hygiene standards and prevent the spread of disease.
FYC’s Ongoing Mission for a Cleaner Finima
The FYC Environmental Committee has consistently demonstrated leadership in promoting cleanliness and environmental awareness in the Finima community. Regular market sanitation exercises, community-wide clean-up campaigns, and educational outreach form part of their broader strategy to foster a healthier and more sustainable environment.
Speaking after the exercise, Omie D. Brown reaffirmed the organisation’s vision:
“Today’s success shows what’s possible when a community comes together. Our goal has always been to instil a culture of environmental responsibility that will last for generations. The market women’s commitment to continuing this work, even without our direct supervision, is proof that change is taking root.”
A Model for Other Communities
The Agaja Market clean-up stands as a model for other markets and communities across the Niger Delta and beyond. It demonstrates that when local leadership, community members, and youth organisations work hand-in-hand, tangible improvements in public health and environmental quality can be achieved.
However, sustaining these results will require continued investment and collaboration. Stakeholders, both public and private, have an opportunity to reinforce the community’s efforts by addressing infrastructure needs such as the borehole and sanitation facilities.
Providing these amenities would not only safeguard public health but also serve as a powerful endorsement of the traders’ self-help initiatives. It would show that community-driven projects are not only acknowledged but supported at higher levels of governance.
Looking Ahead
The story of Agaja Market on 14 August 2025 is one of collaboration, resilience, and shared vision. It is about a community taking ownership of its environment, celebrating its achievements, and advocating for the resources it needs to sustain them.
As the freshly cleaned stalls reopened for business, the air carried more than the scent of fresh produce; it carried a renewed sense of pride and unity. The clean-up was more than an exercise—it was a declaration that environmental stewardship in Finima is not just a policy but a way of life.
Now, the challenge and opportunity lie with local authorities and stakeholders to respond to the market women’s plea, ensuring that this vision of a healthier, cleaner future becomes a permanent reality.
🖊️Omie D. Brown P.R.O – FYC Environmental Committee For and on behalf of the FYC Director of Environment
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