By Daniel Abia

The Biiranee Memorial Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to charity, peace, security and inclusive development with the successful hosting of an End-of-Year fitness walk, campaign against social vices for residents of Bua Zaakpon community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Addressing the gathering at the Mission Town Square, the Chairman of the Biiranee Memorial Foundation, Chief Kelvin Friday Baridakara Biiranee, commended the people of Zaakpon for their unity and peaceful coexistence, describing peace as the foundation for sustainable development.

“Let me make it very clear: anyone or any group that wants to destroy the peace of Zaakpon through crime will be arrested immediately and prosecuted,” he declared. “No one will be allowed to undermine the peace and stability we are enjoying today. Such persons will face the full wrath of the law, without exception.”

Biiranee said the Foundation’s interventions are deliberately structured to redirect the mindset of youths toward productivity, positive values and community service. He explained that his long-term vision is to raise and mentor a new generation of leaders and achievers who would surpass his own accomplishments and return to invest in the development of Zaakpon community.

“I want to raise and mentor young people who will be greater than me and come back to invest in this community,” he said. “Our children must not grow up seeing kidnappers, cultists, killers and internet scammers as role models. They should look up to entrepreneurs, professionals and responsible leaders.”

According to him, this vision can only be achieved through deliberate and massive investment in education, mentorship, skills acquisition and economic empowerment, stressing that when young people are given the right opportunities, crime and social vices would naturally decline.

He disclosed that no fewer than 300 entrepreneurs would be empowered through targeted funding, while the Foundation would expand its scholarship programme to cover all indigenous students of Bua Zaakpon community.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Dr. Thomas Bariere, praised the peaceful disposition of Zaakpon residents, describing the calm and orderly conduct of the night event as clear evidence that peace reigns in the community.

Bariere assured residents of the council’s quick intervention on the rehabilitation of a dilapidated primary school and the repair of the Zaakpon road, explaining that the road is a major access route leading to the police station currently being constructed by his administration.

“This road is critical to security operations. Fixing it will enable faster response by security agencies in times of distress,” Bariere said.

The council chairman stressed that Khana Local Government Area remains peaceful today because his administration is deliberately investing heavily in security infrastructure and confronting crime with all seriousness.

“Peace is permanent and priceless,” he added, noting that improved security has created an enabling environment for development and community-driven initiatives to thrive.

In his goodwill message, the Paramount Ruler of Kekara Zaakpon, Chief Saturday Nwigbarato, commended the leadership of the Biiranee Memorial Foundation for championing peace, security and development in the community.

“This Foundation has strengthened unity and stability in Bua Zaakpon. Chief Kelvin Friday Baridakara BIIRANEE has demonstrated uncommon commitment to the welfare of his people,” the monarch said.

Also speaking, Mr. Promise Gogorobari described Zaakpon as a model community within Ogoniland, attributing its stability to unity, collective responsibility and visionary leadership. He praised the Founder and Chairman of the Biiranee Memorial Foundation, Chief Kelvin Friday Baridakara BIIRANEE, for his love for humanity and commitment to community development.

“Chief Kelvin Friday Baridakara BIIRANEE is a man with genuine love for humanity,” Gogorobari said. “He is progressive-minded, focused and result-driven. His passion for peace and development has helped to shape Zaakpon into a community others can learn from.”

He urged other communities across Ogoniland to emulate Zaakpon’s culture of unity and peaceful coexistence, stressing that sustainable development can only thrive where peace, shared values and purposeful leadership are upheld.