Ordinarily, an invitation to a New Year get-together suggests merriment, music, and light refreshments. But for the people of Brass Island in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, it represented something far deeper a rare opportunity to reconnect with kinsmen who had, over the years, become adversaries.
For decades, political differences and rivalries had fractured relationships across homes, families, and communities on the island, breeding division and lingering resentment. However, a reunion organised by Old Time Friends of Brass Island and sponsored by one of their own, former Member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Israel Sunny Goli, rekindled hope for a new beginning anchored on peace and reconciliation.
The atmosphere at the reunion, held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Yenagoa, was charged with enthusiasm and goodwill, reflecting a collective yearning to turn the page on past disagreements.
Eminent sons and daughters of Brass Island were in attendance, including traditional rulers, politicians, youth leaders, and women leaders, all united by a shared commitment to restoring harmony and mutual understanding among the people.
One of the highlights of the gathering was the presence of His Royal Highness, Moses Theophilus, Kenibara V of Moko Ama, Sangana, who expressed delight at the turnout and urged all present to wholeheartedly embrace peace and reconciliation as the pathway to sustainable development.
Speaking as Chairman of the occasion, High Chief Dr. Kune Igoni Claudius described the reunion as historic, noting that it reaffirmed the enduring bond of the Brass Island people, regardless of how far life may take them.
According to him, “This forum and today’s celebration signal better things ahead. What is happening here should awaken all of us. It reminds us that friendship should last longer than misunderstandings, and that old quarrels, like expired phone numbers, should not be dialled again.”
High Chief Claudius commended the initiator and sponsor of the reunion, Rt. Hon. Israel Sunny Goli, describing him as a natural unifier.
“Rt. Hon. Sunny Goli has a gift for bringing people together. Unity would have been his profession, and he would have retired with honours. This initiative reflects his belief that leadership is not about titles alone, but about connecting people especially those who have not seen one another since their hairlines were still negotiating peacefully,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.
He further stressed that the gathering should mark a turning point for Brass Island, urging the people to celebrate together rather than return to past animosities.
“Life is too short and reunions are too rare to waste time on grudges we can hardly remember clearly,” he added.
In his remarks, the sponsor of the event, Rt. Hon. Israel Sunny Goli, described the reunion as a deliberate effort to revive the island’s tradition of togetherness and vibrant social life.
“This gathering has shown the positive disposition of the people of Brass Island towards reawakening our social life. It is about bringing together people who have not seen each other for a decade or two,” he said.
He noted that the reunion carried a strong message of peace, adding that the social
and economic life of Brass Island could only thrive in an atmosphere of unity and mutual respect.
“It is a call for our people to return to peaceful coexistence so that progress can take root once again on the island,” Goli concluded.
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