Niger Delta
Uduaghan Seeks Programme For Politicians
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has urged the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) to design a short executive programme for top politicians in the country.
According to the governor, the programme will help to prepare the politicians for the task of governance.
Uduaghan made the call when participants of Course 34 of the institute paid him a courtesy call in Asaba on Monday, saying that the institute’s Research Department could design programmes that would suit the political class.
He said that since most students of the institute were top government functionaries who were versed in different aspects of governance, it should also incorporate politicians in an interactive seminar.
“I want to request the institute to organise a short programme for the political class in the country.
“NIPSS has something for everybody in the society, l think it should organise an interactive programme for top politicians,” he said.
Uduaghan said that this year’s interactive tour for Course 34 students entitled “Resource Diversification for Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria” was apt.
He said that it was critical for the nation to move beyond oil and gas and explore its strength in other areas of comparative advantages because oil would not last forever.
The governor said that the recently-concluded Second South-South Economic Summit centred on diversification of the economy of the region, adding that Delta already had a programme on diversification titled “Delta Without Oil. “He said that the diversification programme was designed to pursue policies on agriculture, leisure and oil mineral resources among others, noting that the State Government was partnering with the Federal Government to develop the cargo wing of the Asaba Airport.
“We are also empowering the youths through agriculture and micro-credit scheme because once the youths are engaged, they will not be attracted to crime,’’ he said.
The Director General of NIPSS, Prof. Tijani Bande, said the team was in Delta to interact with top government functionaries.
He said that, diversification was now central to the economic development of the nation, and enjoined states to key into it.
Bande commended the South-South Zone of the country for its effort towards integration and economic diversification, saying that such drive will open the door for sustainable development in the region.
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.