Niger Delta
Gov Bags Fellowship Award
Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, has been invested as an associate fellow of the Historical society of Nigeria.
The honour was conferred on him by the National executive of the society who called on him at government house in Yenagoa.
Speaking shortly after his investiture, Governor Dickson expressed gratitude to the leadership and members of the society for the honour done him.
According to the Governor, the appointment of Dr. Steven Temegha Olali, a member of the society as the Chief Historian was born out of the need to properly chronicle the policies and activities of government for posterity.
“History serves as a guide not just in the present but most importantly as a compass to the great unknown future. And I wanted the history of this state, the history of our government and our activities, our potentials, aspirations as well as our foibles imperfections to be properly recorded and put down in correct perspective that was why I look around for somebody who could help us do this not first for now but for posterity”.
Stressing the importance of history in human society, Hon. Dickson posited that unless a people have a clear sense of history their identity will be incomplete.
As part of efforts to foster cultural renaissance in the state, he said Friday of very week has been declared as Ijaw Cultural Day.
Governor Dickson also noted that efforts at making the study of vernacular in all primary and secondary schools in the state have reached an advanced stage.
While pleading support to the society, the Governor urged historians and other academics to redouble their efforts at promoting the growth and development of indigenous languages in the country.
Earlier in his presentation, the National President of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Akinwunmi had explained that the investiture was in recognition of Hon. Dickson’s contribution towards the growth and development of the society.
Prof Akinwunmi specifically commended Governor Dickson for appointing one of their members Dr. Olali as Chief Historian and Archivist of the Bayelsa State Government.
While appealing for the position to be made permanent through the creation of a historical bureau, Akinwunmi also called on the Governor to use his good offices to drive the process of making the study of history at primary and post primary levels of education in the state.
This, he said is achievable since education is on the concurrent list of the constitution of Nigeria.
Governor Dickson was decorated by the immediate past National President, Prof. Yakubu Oshefu.
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.
-
News16 mins ago
Seinye Lulu-Briggs Named Year 2024 African Philantropist
-
News15 mins ago
Recognise Abiola As Former President, Orji Kalu Tells Tinubu
-
News14 mins ago
FG Unveils AI Training For 6,000 Teachers
-
News12 mins ago
Let’s Partner To Curb Crude Oil Theft, Pipeline Vandalism, Fubara Tells New GOC
-
News9 mins ago
Our Governance Gives Peace, Offers Rivers People Freedom – Fubara
-
News8 mins ago
Nigeria Seeks EU Approval To Import Non-Hazardous Waste
-
Featured6 mins agoNigeria’s GDP Expanded By 3.84% In Q4 2024 -NBS
-
News3 mins agoJAMB Rules Out Extension, Says UTME Registration Ends March 8