Niger Delta
‘Air Force Parades Abundant Talents’
Head of Publicity Committee for the 7th Nigerian Air Force games, Wing Commander Ayodele Famuyiya, says the Force parades abundant talents who can make Nigeria proud in athletics
He told Newsmen in Calabar on Sunday that an Air Force Officer, Flt.Lt. Zacharia Fwanfur, currently holds the national record in the 3000 metre race.
He said there were other service personnel taking part in the games that had potentials to set new records in some track and field events.
He urged the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to closely monitor the games and see the athletes in action.
‘’ I foresee some records falling during this game because we already have an Air Force officer as a national record holder in the 3000m race.
‘’There are other budding athletes in the Air Force eager to show case their talents during the games.’’
Famuyiwa said the games was an opportunity for younger Nigerians in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states to take the opportunity and join the Air Force.
‘’ Talking about what to watch for, I will probably talk to the youths because i see this occasion ,one , as an opportunity for the people to assess their own Air Force.
‘’ This is an opportunity for people to come closer to us ,and then we are using it again as an avenue for younger aspiring Nigerians who will like to join the Air Force.
‘’And that perhaps explains the aspect of the air display that is being incorporated both in the opening and closing ceremony.
‘’ There are young Nigerians who are capable, intelligent that can be in the Air Force. So, this is an avenue and we expect to see this people in the future.’’
He also said the games would end on Nov.4 instead of Nov. 5 to enable personnel who are Muslims to travel for the Sallah celebrations which comes on Nov.6.
About 1,000 athletes from five formations of the Air Force are taking part in the games in Calabar and Uyo.
The theme of the games, tagged; Calabar/Uyo 2011, is ‘’ Harmony through Sports’’.
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.