‘This Union Will Serve Members’, FURIBS President Declares
The Federated Union of Rivers Indigenes in Bayelsa State (FURIBS) held its June Congress on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Model Primary School, Biogbolo. The event, hosted by the Bonny community, gathered members from across Bayelsa for a day of deliberation, vision casting, and celebration of unity.
In his opening remarks, the President of FURIBS, Chief Barisuka Prince Beteh, reiterated the union’s commitment to the welfare of its members. He stated that the “New Era” administration is rooted in policies that promote empowerment, capacity building, and structural transformation of the union.
“Our goal is to build a FURIBS that truly works for every Rivers indigene living in Bayelsa. This union must not only speak for the people but serve them,” Chief Beteh declared. He further called on stakeholders to align with the leadership in ensuring the smooth execution of programs designed to uplift the union.
The congress also featured the formal introduction of new members, reflecting FURIBS’ continuous growth and expansion across communities. “This family keeps growing, and with it, our strength and voice,” one member noted during the welcome session.
A major highlight of the day was the presentation on the revitalized Rivers Cooperative Society by its Director, Mr. Imaotu Amiofori. He explained that the cooperative, once underutilized, has now been restructured to function as a viable savings and investment platform for members.
“We envision a society where Rivers indigenes are economically empowered through collective savings and access to loans. It’s not just about money; it’s about building a culture of financial discipline and self-sufficiency,” Mr. Amiofori said.
To round off the congress, certificates of participation were awarded to winners and participants of the Children’s Day event held in May, marking a gesture of appreciation and encouragement to the younger generation.
