Amayanabo of Opobo and natural ruler of Opobo kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, has commended state governor, Sir. Siminalayi Fubara for siting the new College of Education in Opobo.

He gave the commendation during his 21st coronation anniversary and awards to prominent citizens within and outside Opobo kingdom at the weekend.

He said, “We express gratitude to the state government for siting the Rivers State College of Education in Opobo Kingdom. We hope further reclamation efforts will be undertaken to create more land for development.”

The Opobo monarch also commended the Federal Government for acquiring land to build the King Jaja Historical and Cultural Center, in honor of the late founder of the Kingdom, King Jaja, stating that the center will not only preserve the heritage but also position kingdom for industrial and tourism-driven growth.

On those recognised and awarded the kingdom’s highest awards, the king explained that the awardees were meticulously selected for their various contributions to the kingdom’s growth, while others were selected based on national and international reputation through academic and professional achievements.

In his words”, Notably, we are honouring a young man for his extraordinary skill as a drummer, hoping this example will inspire other youth to develop and share their creative talents, ensuring that our Ibani songs, drumming styles, and rhythms thrive for generations to come”.

Among those honoured include the deputy governor, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, who got the title of Balolo, shining star of Opobo alongside Jake Epelle of the Nigeria Albino Association.

Also, media icon and National Coordinator for Rivers Women Unite for Sim (RWUS), Mrs Sotonye Toby-Fulton got the title of “Amaopuorubo,” elderstatewoman of Opobo alongside, Prof Emylia Jaja, former Chairperson of ASUU in Rivers State University.

King Jaja V congratulated all the new title recipients, and reiterated that the awards have never been, and will never be, for sale, but rather committed to transparency and fairness in all selections.

Assuring of more excellence and transformation in the future, he said the kingdom would persist in pursuing further developments and excellence until we realize its full potential.

Kevin Nengia

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has described Senator John Azuta Mbata, who previously represented Rivers East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, as an amazing and outstanding leader who had not shied away standing on the side of truth in defence of Rivers State.

Governor Fubara made the remark when he paid a visit to Senator Mbata, who hosted him and some leaders of the State on his 65th birthday at his residence along Nwanuna Street, Mgbuoba Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, last Friday.

The Governor said it takes a man of integrity and love for the State to stand on the path of truth, describing Senator Mbata as such a person because of his love for the continual progress of the State.

He said, “As we join to mark this day with you, I want you to know that we appreciate your support for us. It takes a man who has integrity, not the one that will hear when people are talking publicly, but the real one to stand on the path of truth, and you have shown it in this State. We appreciate that.

“We want to also assure you that we will continue to work with you, to support you to make sure that in this State together, we will get to that Promised Land.”

Governor Fubara described Sen Mbata as a very rear person who, in the midst of his splendor, not only of the wealth he inherited but also those acquired by dint of hard work, have continued to show humility.

The Governor said: “No wonder, whoever crosses your path always have positive things to say. I want to wish you good health and more blessings. You know David (of the Bible) was blessed that even in his old age, he was still receiving a lot of honours.

“So, I want the blessings of God that added no sorrow to continue to be your portion. To the family, Daddy is marking his birthday. He has lived a good life: life with reputation; so that people will also make reference just like they make to that of his father. Let it also be so with his own children. Make him proud.”

Governor Fubara also proposed the toast, and wished the celebrant good health and longevity of life.

Highlights of the occasion were the cutting of the 65th birthday cake and intercessory prayers offered by the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus.

The Governor was joined at the event by Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo; Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr Edison Ehie; members of House of Representatives: Hon Awaji-Inombek Abiante,  Boniface Emerengwa, Anderson Igbiks, Umezuruike Manuchim; Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees (BOTs), Sen Adolphus Wabara; Sen Bennett Birabi; Senator Lee Maeba; former National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus; former Transport Minister, Dr Abiye Sekibo; Chief Theodore Georgewill; Chief Ambrose Nwuzi; Chief Orits Oyiri; Chief Mike Elechi; Dr Tamunosis Gogo-Jaja; some members of State Executive Council; some Local Government Council chairmen; and other top politicians and political office holders, among others.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed solid faith in the omnipotence of God to crush self-styled enemies of the State and its people.

Governor Fubara spoke at the crossover into 2025 church service held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Opobo Town in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area.

He raised a gallantry song, with the brethren picking up the lines, and singing along: “At the mention of your name (God), every knee shall bow. At the mention of your name, every tongue confess. That you are Lord, you are Lord, you are King, you are King of kings.”

Governor Fubara said the wordings of the song were not just consolatory but a charge to embolden the people to firm up their trust in God, who alone, can navigate the path to greater triumph in the New Year.

He said, “The Red Biro is still filled. It is still here with me. Every plan of the enemy will continue to crash,” and wished everyone a Happy New Year.

The Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Niger Delta, Dr Emmanuel Oko-Jaja, who conducted the service, recalled the many challenges, including conspiracy, blackmail, attacks, economic hardship and ill-health and near hopeless situations experienced in 2024 but quickly added that those troubles never overwhelmed the brethren.

Rt Rev Oko-Jaja said God has given a new song of triumph to those who are grateful to Him for the marvellous works perfected in their lives, admonishing them that in the New Year, God will faithfully uphold, deliver and ensure that they continue to live victoriously.

He prayed for the peace, unity, progress and accelerated development of the State in line with the key targets of the State Government’s 2025 Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development.

Highlights of the service included Praise and Worship, Choir Ministration, which ushered in 2025 at midnight Tuesday with shouts of ‘Happy New Year’ renting the air.

Those who joined the Governor in the service include, the Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo; Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr Edison Ehie; some members of the National Assembly – Hon Awaji-Inombek Abiante; Hon Boma Goodhead; Hon Anderson Igbiks; – and Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja.

Others were Senator Adawari Michael Pepple; former Inspector-General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro; Hon Theodore Georgewill; Dr Tamunosis Gogo-Jaja; members of the State Executive Council; some Local Government Council chairmen; elders; political leaders; and key stakeholders in the State.