Niger Delta
CARNIRIV Will Export Rivers Culture – Commissioner
Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon Marcus Nle-Ejii has flayed critics of the state cultural festival (CARNIRIV) saying the exercise was not a waste of public funds.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the flag-off of the opening ceremony yesterday by Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Hon. Nle-Ejii said the festival is a window for exporting the rich culture and traditions of Rivers People to the outside world.
Aside that, he argued that it would in the long run de-emphasise over-dependence on oil hence diversify the economy of the state.
He remarked that this year’s CARNIRIV was billed to consolidate on the success of last year’s event, expressing the hope that Rivers people would see it as a platform to promote peace, unity among others.
In the same vein, consutant to the Minsitry of Culture, Mr. Yibo Koko has expressed hope that this year’s CARNIRIV would record more success than last year’s event.
Mr. Koko who is the Managing Director of Yib Assemble, said going by the huge participation and interest displayed by the people of the state, the festival was set to attract international attention in the future.
One unique dimesion to the event this year, he declared was in the area of the African Village, which in his view has brought colour aethetics for the programme.
He believed that arts is an expressive way of displaying culture and that culture is key to the existence of everyman.
Mr. Koko lauded the Rivers State Government for reviving the cultural festival since it was one path to unifying the people and create harmony in the state.
Meanwhile, chairman from Ahoada West and Andoni local government areas have expressed hope that groups from their areas would come out tops following their programme on Monday.
Acting chairperson of Andoni Local Government Council, Hon. Emilia Gilbert Nte stated that the various cultural groups that performed was a plus for the area.
Hon. Nte commended the Culture and Tourism Ministry for the effort made so far to make the exercise a success. She assured that the same would be replicated at home during the Christmas and New Year festivals, stating that her administration is poised to promote culture and tourism.
Similarly, her counterpart from Ahoada-West, Barrister Miller Awoye said that despite the pausity of funds, the local government had been able to put up a sintillating performance at the festival.
Asari-Toru, Bonny, Degema, Eleme, Emohua, and Etche Local Government Areas displayed yesterday with a massive turnout at the African Village Elekahia.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.
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