HRH King Tubotamuno Dick, Amanyanabo of Oproama in Asari-Toru Local Government Area, has announced plans to launch a community transport initiative called “AMA-APU ARU” along the Buguma–Abalama–Abonnema route. The scheme will involve three tricycle buses intended to give residents a more affordable and convenient way to travel the corridor.
In a Facebook post, the monarch explained that the service will run from Amatoru Polo in Buguma City to Bob-Manuel Polo in Abonnema, passing through Abalama along the way. Fares are expected to fall between ₦500 and ₦1,000, with the project framed as a philanthropic effort to offer commuters a cheaper and more dignified mode of transport.
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He said the initiative is also meant to reduce reliance on motorcycles and address safety concerns linked to motorcycle accidents, while giving passengers better protection from rain and sun. He emphasized the route’s broader importance to the Kalabari people, noting that it links communities across Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru, and Degema Local Government Areas.
On funding, the King disclosed that he had personally pledged ₦1.5 million toward the project, with another individual matching that amount and Briggs Ibifubara Godday committing ₦200,000, bringing publicly announced pledges to ₦3.2 million. He added that he has engaged car dealer Ojims Michael to handle procurement of the three tricycles, with a target launch date of October 1, 2026.
The Amanyanabo also called on well-meaning individuals and elected representatives from Akuku-Toru, Asari-Toru, and Degema to support the initiative, which is being positioned as a community-led effort to improve mobility and accessibility along the Buguma–Abalama–Abonnema corridor.
