In the Nigeria political conclave, with particular reference to Port Harcourt – the capital city of Rivers State – there abound different crops of politicians that represent  one, two or more positive  features to their followers, admirers, or political observers, analysts and commentators. It is the charismatic or rather appealing individualistic socio-political disposition that gives bite to the growing followership base such a politician enjoys.  

The above could be said of Prince Tonye Princewill who has over the years earned the admiration of many through his charismatic outlook.

For those who may not know, Tonye as he is fondly called by his associates and admirers, is the only scion of the king of Kalabari land, King Prof TJT Princewill. Born on January 4, 1969, Prince Tonye attended Hillcrest High School in Jos, Plateau State. Afterwards he gained admission to further his education at Federal Government College (FGC) Port Harcourt, where he sat for his WAEC examination in 1985. He then studied Petroleum Engineering at the University of Port Harcourt.

Tonye Princewill who has Master’s degree in Mineral Resources Engineering from the Imperial College, London, has relentlessly put smiles on the faces of many through his big-heartedness. This is one of the main characteristics that distinguish him from other politicians or businessmen from Rivers State.

It is crucial at this juncture to take a walk down memory lane on the charming, real and genuine tales of this rare blue blood of Niger Delta stock who makes no mistakes about his munificence not only to the people of his region but also to others who are not in any way related to him. To this end, it appears to be an innate-compelled love embellished with wisdom and a show of concern for the circumstance of the less privileged, the unemployed, and orphanage homes among others that spurs Prince Tonye to identify with them.

To begin with, having taken the milk of human kindness to elevate and impact on the blighted condition of the destitute, Prince Tonye made himself available to be the protagonist sponsor of a Nigerian home movie Nnenda in September 2009. Nnenda, which is a special movie and orphanage awareness campaign, revolves around the touching plight of an abandoned baby and the rare efforts made by a concerned female doctor (Stepanie Okereke – a lead actress in the movie) to bring succour and safe life in the face of strict opposition from the hospital’s management hierarchy.

Then came the first ever musical reality show for orphanages organised by Melody Shelters, a collaboration of Adonis Productions and Prince Tonye Princewill, which came to a climax on May 5, 2012.

Prince Tonye, the PDP chieftain and Leader of Princewill Political Associates (PPA), was on hand to present cheques totalling N20 million to all the beneficiaries in a star-studded event witnessed by an enthusiastic Port Harcourt crowd, government officials and chieftains of the entertainment industry, amongst others.

The winner, Godswill Orphanage of Kogi State, got the coveted trophy and the Championship Prize of N10m while the runners-up, Lifetime Orphanage of Rivers State, got N5m. Rachael Homes, Abuja came third, carting home N3m while half a million naira each was given to the other remaining five homes as co-champions.

An elated Mrs. Elizabeth Opanachi, Matron of the Godswill Orphanage Abuja, thanked Prince Tonye Princewill and the Directors of the Melody Shelters for setting up that great innovative and God-inspired project to change the course and lives of the less privilege in Nigeria.

She quoted the gospel of St. Mathew Chapter 5verse 7, which says: “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.” She assured the Prince that his investment and concern for the poor in Nigeria would not go in vain as they would continue to pray for his upliftment in all aspects of his life.

“You are a gift from God and the poor will surely celebrate you when the time comes,” Mrs. Opanachi said.

She went further to challenge other rich men in Nigeria to emulate the Prince and invest their funds to alleviate the suffering of orphans and other less privileged citizens. She concluded by urging the various segments of government in Nigeria to assist the credible orphanages in the country in their onerous task to reduce poverty and provide succour to the orphans in Nigeria.

The second part of this article coming later this week has more on The Prince and why the people love him. Be sure to check it out, please.

*Nwaorgu Faustinus wrote in via ngorokpalaresearcher@gmail.com • Photo shows Prince Tonye Princewill.