Between Princewill’s Riverdrill and Nigeria’s Hope 

It was the night of Saturday, June 25 2011. This writer had stayed glued to his television set watching one of Nigeria’s annually most-publicised event. Dignitaries had gathered from all spheres and localities to witness whose turn it was this year to wear the crown. It was the 2011 edition of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) beauty pageant organized by one of Africa’s most formidable business group, the Silverbird Group.

Being a live broadcast on both television and radio, ardent followers of previous editions were again accorded the opportunity of witnessing the emergence of the next beauty queen. Like other viewers and listeners, this writer had followed undisturbed the proceedings of the night. As contestants were gradually reduced in number, anxiety amongst watchers-alike grew as my favourite contestant made it to the last five against several odds. After the mention of the last five finalists by both compeers, it was time to “go on another commercial break”. It was at this point that this writer unapologetically lost interest in the show. He never returned after the break.

This break (though short-lived) was meant to place adverts of sponsors of the show. While other commercials were simply business as usual in the eyes of this writer, one of them however struck my sensibilities. In fact, its impact was enough to send me to the nearest PC for further information. The commercial, though corporate, had a single individual in almost all scenes. In fact, the show of notable personalities like former Vice-President AtikuAbubakar and the Governor of Rivers State, Chubike Amechi alongside this individual was more than enough incentive to keep me glued to the computer. The company was Riverdrill Group and the young accomplishing individual was Prince Tonye Princewill.

Born on January 4 1969, this amiable Prince of the Kalabari Kingdom in Rivers State is no stranger to many Nigerians and to this writer in particular. In fact, a written log of notable and influential personalities from the Niger Delta region would be incomplete without the mention of this Imperial College, London graduate of Mineral Resources Engineering. His father, a first class traditional ruler, is the famous King T.J.T Princewill (Amachree XI), the Amanayabo of Kalabari Kingdom and also doubles as the chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.

 This writer’s intent of discovering the business motive behind Riverdrill Group was the reason for the unending hiatus which only ended after the beauty queen had long been crowned. The Group comprises of four subsidiary companies including Delta Plus, Albayrak Africa, Intellistern and Pen Energy. Unlike some Nigerian-owned companies which are derelict of a concrete tenacity of purpose, these companies integrate people, talent, proprietary knowledge, brand, leadership, integrity and relationship within an international framework objective. 

Riverdrill Group as a major player in the oil and gas industry leaves no stone unturned in making sure that the environment and the host communities they operate in are not left worse than they met them.

For a man who has also found a niche in politics, one can gladly postulate how veritable his personality and experience would be should he be in charge of any public office. As a Certified Prince II Practitioner with sound knowledge in oil and gas, information technology and project management, it will be right to state with unwavering affirmation that his wealth of knowledge will be more than veritable for the upcoming generation.

It is no longer news that our nation has for so long been bereft of ideological leaders. Most who run affairs of public offices today are simply those who have found it extremely difficult (though not their fault) to offer hope to the teeming masses. Hope is what brings children from various backgrounds (either rich or poor) to a common pedestal without any discrimination. This, however, is what Riverdrill Group has been able to do in its little capacity. 

With an abysmal and most-unfriendly business climate currently ravaging this country, Riverdrill Group has been able to prove beyond all reasonable doubt that community service should be a major pivot on which any company should stand. One can hardly imagine how industrially buoyant Nigeria will be if it had at least one of such group of companies in each geo-political zone.

With the rate at which graduates are churned out from our universities daily but with a corresponding declining employment rate, it will be well said at this juncture that President Goodluck Jonathan humbly takes a cue from Governor RotimiAmechi of Rivers State, who having found Prince Tonye Princewill worthy, appointed him as member, Rivers State Economic Advisory Council and as an official consultant on investment to the Rivers State Government.

Baanuoluwatito Fasehun is Convener, Substance of Hope Project (SHP) fasehun@gmail.com