Niger Delta
Navy Seizes 3,039 Bags Of Rice In C’River
Authorities of Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Victory, said they had seized no fewer than 3,039 bags of contraband rice valued at N46 million in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The Commander of the ship, Commodore Julius Nwagu, stated this while conducting newsmen round the goods at the state government’s warehouse, in Calabar.
He said that the seizure was the largest so far by the Navy in the state, and that the consignment came in from the Republic of Cameroon and was to be sold in the open markets in Cross River.
Nwagu said the parboiled rice was smuggled through Effiong Nsung community, adding that a suspect had been apprehended over the seizure.
He said that four trucks used in conveying the rice had been handed over to the Nigerian Customs Service.
“The value of the rice is about N46 million and this is outside the 257.50kg bags we equally seized just some days ago,’’ he said.
Nwagu said that the Navy had zero tolerance for all forms of criminality in the nation’s waterways and would continue to collaborate with other agencies to end such illegalities.
“This seizure is remarkable as this is the first time the Navy will extend its tentacles to the Bakassi waters with a view to adding momentum to the war against banned rice.
“The Navy will soon move into the market to mop up banned foreign rice.
“I want to use this opportunity to advise our traders that sooner than later we are going to move to the market, shop-by-shop, to get every foreign rice that is banned.
“The Navy will continue to ensure that we implement government’s policies and there is no going back on it,’’ he said.
He said the Force was presently waging “serious war’’ against smuggling, adding that the command was going after those who owned the products rather than the boat drivers.
Assistant Controller of Customs, Eastern Marine Command, Mr Joshua Omachi, who received the suspect and the goods, said the command would continue to partner sister agencies to end smuggling.
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.