Plans by the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, to organize an Iria-Ibite (womanhood) celebration for five women as part of his 100 days in office projects have sparked widespread debate among residents and social media users.
The event, slated for Saturday, December 10, 2025, at the Government House Lodge in Bonny, has drawn both praise and criticism since it was announced.
Social media influencer Brian Dennis faulted the initiative, describing it as a misplaced priority in a time when citizens are struggling economically.
“I try to stay away from Rivers news and politics, but there are some things you can’t just ignore,” Dennis wrote. “This entire announcement is a masterclass in how low the bar for ‘empowerment’ has fallen. Instead of providing real tools for survival, they’re packaging a cultural rite like it’s a scholarship to Harvard.”
He suggested that the LGA should focus on tangible empowerment measures such as business grants, vocational training, healthcare support, or educational scholarships rather than organising ceremonial events.
Human rights activist, Chetam Nwala, also criticized the project, accusing the Bonny Chairman of lacking direction.
“This crop of LGA Chairmen, I don’t know what is wrong with them,” Nwala lamented. “Is it that they don’t know what to do, or have decided to just misbehave? The Bonny Chairman, whom we felt had prospects, is now showing otherwise.”
However, some residents and stakeholders have defended the initiative, arguing that the Iria-Ibite ceremony is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Ibani people.
Media personality, Allwell Ene, commended the Chairman’s move, noting that the ceremony holds significant cultural value.
“As a Rivers person or someone from the Ibani tribe, if you know how much it takes to undergo the Iria ceremony, you will appreciate what this Chairman has done,” Ene said. “Well done, Bonny LGA Chairman, Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple.”
Similarly, media influencer, Dagogo Achese described the criticism as unfair, stressing that the Iria-Ibite is more than a cultural event.
“The Iria is a sacred celebration of womanhood, dignity, and maturity among the Ibani people,” Achese explained. “This initiative upholds cultural heritage while promoting empowerment. Every big change begins with a single step, and this act sets a precedent that our culture can coexist with development.”
He urged critics to appreciate the cultural significance of the ceremony and not dismiss traditional values in the name of modernisation.
