By Henry Okoduwa
Little did he know, while growing up, playing basketball and singing in his church and school choir that he was being prepared for the divine role of a fortune transformer for many talented youths in his state -- Rivers State.
Hon.Tonye Ibiama grew up, engaging in pastimes that helped him express his God-given talents, not knowing he would ultimately be used as a facilitator to unearth the natural endowments of several others in years to come.
Well, who can predict the future? The man who now sits as Chief Executive Officer, Grafton Security and Entertainment Company Limited, having run his course in music and sports, gone to school, set up his own outfit now today oversees initiatives, programmes mostly targeted at developing the youth of not only his immediate environment, but Nigeria as a whole.
"My background in sports and music helped me in toeing this career path. I am originally from Bonny Kingdom. I was born and raised in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. I had the opportunity to taste how playing basketball felt like because we lived just opposite a basketball stadium in Port Harcourt while growing up.
"Side by side with that was my pull towards music. Singing in both my school and church choir really helped to shape what people see me doing today," he intimates.
Tonye Ibiama could not run away from his first love -- music and sports. Not even a B.sc degree from the University of Port Harcourt or the hustle and bustle to eke out a living with his family in faraway United Kingdom could separate him from these pastimes.
"I graduated from the University of Port Harcourt, later went to the UK, but I just couldn't think of anything else that matched the passion I had for sports and entertainment. So, I decided to set up Grafton Security and Entertainment Company which I would later import into Nigeria," he reveals.
In Nigeria, he quickly found an avenue to fully express himself. His company discovers, grooms and mentors hundreds of youths who would otherwise have lived unfulfilled lives because of their underprivileged backgrounds.
This he does in both music and sports.
With the active support of sponsors and the community's royalty, Ibiama has been able to crystalise his plans over the years.
In a country where entrepreneurs usually grapple with unfriendly investment policies and scarce resources, it was so easy for Ibiama's pet project not to see the light of day.
But he is eternally grateful to the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) for deciding to sponsor his projects which includes talent hunting, carnivals and a yearly football tournament which comes up to herald the yuletide celebrations at the start of every December.
"I am grateful for the support NLNG has given us over the years. Their decision to bankroll our yearly activities stems from their strong belief in youth empowerment as the fastest way to development. It was not easy to win their support considering that there were other businesses that also wanted similar backing."
Ibiama also expresses his appreciation to His Majesty, King Edward Asmini William Dappa Pepple the 3rd of Bonny Kingdom for his invaluable contributions towards making his youth developmental efforts in the region a resounding success.
"I wish to sincerely thank His Majesty, King Edward Asmini William Dappa Pepple the 3rd for his unwavering support in seeing to the realisation of the yearly Amanyanabo Football Tournament. I pray for his longevity on the throne as he continues to contribute his quota to the development of the Bonny Kingdom."
Ibiama shares a similar sporting background with the King who he says was a former footballer. He believes that their shared antecedents has had a telling impact on the sports development in the community.
The serene, picturesque Bonny Island usually comes alive every December during the yuletide festivities when sons and daughters of the town all gather to savour and enjoy the many activities that adds colour to the Christmas and New Year events.
The Amanyanabo Football Tournament climaxes a series of cultural activities as young footballers compete for mouthwatering prizes in a convivial, carnnival-like atmosphere in one of the country's most idyllic tourist destinations.
Ibiama hopes to build on the successes of the last two editions and hopes for the day, in the not too distant future, when more and more Nigerians will come to discover the attraction it's end of the year cultural and sporting packages provides for that total family enjoyment.
He also envisages a period when the country's national football teams, particularly the Super Eagles, would choose to camp on the Island ahead of a major tournament in the future.
"It will be my privilege to welcome our national team, the Super Eagles as guests on the island as they prepare for a major tournament some day in the future. I have no doubt that they would be welcome and well taken care of," he says.
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