Niger Delta
FG May Establish Central Naval Command In Bayelsa
A Central Naval Command is to be established in Bayelsa State if the disccusion with the state officials and that of the Naval leadership scheduled to hold in the next few weeks full through.
When the command became operational, it will strengthen the existing oeace and security challenges in the state.
Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson who stated this in Government House in Yenagoa when a delegation of the Nigerian Air Force led by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Umar paid him a coutesy call restated government’s resolve to work closely with the various security agencies to stamp out crime in the state.
Represented by his deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah (rtd), Governor Dickson said government has declared zero tolerance to crime and all criminal tendencies within the state.
Noting that there is a correlation between security and development, Governor Dickson said with the presence of the existing Air Force Mobility Command, the Joint Task Force Headquarters and the proposed Naval Central Command, the level of security will be boosted and this will engender development and prosperity in the state.
While observing that the state airport project, which has been taken over by the Federal Government, will enhance the operations of the Mobility Command when completed, the Governor assured the Nigerian Air Force of the state government’s continued support.
He also promised to keep faith with government’s pledge to ensure transparency and accountability.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Umar, recalled that last year the Nigerian Air Force reactivated its Mobility Command with its headquarters in Yenagoa.
According to him, the choice of Yenagoa for the establishment of the Command was informed by two major factors, one of which, he said, was the strategic importance of Bayelsa to the economic survival of the country while the other was that the Mobility Command will provide easy access for the service to conduct its operations especially within the Niger Delta area.
The Chief of Air Staff, who noted that Bayelsa ought to be a model state in the country, said he was convinced that the administration of Governor Dickson would respond to the yearnings of Bayelsans and urgently address the degrading state of affairs in the young state.
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.