Rivers

Cleric Cautions Christian Faithful Against Evil Cultures

Published

4 years ago

April 22, 2022

The Bishop of the Etche Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt Reverend Okechukwu Precious Nwala, has called on Christian faithful to stand up against evil cultures in the society. The cleric gave the charge on Wednesday, at a launch/dedication of a book titled: “The Story of” Itu Anya Culture” in Mba Asaa, ”written by Archdeacon Jonathan Chimezie, at the Cathedral Church of St Matthias, Okomoko/Egwi/Umuanyagu, in Anglican Diocese of Etche.
Pointing out the inherent nefarious attributes of the culture as highlighted by the book, Okechukwu warned against christians secretly identifying with cultures like the “Itu Anya Culture”, stating that any christian found secretly doing that is not worthy of being called a christian. He noted that “any culture that can not move with time and can not openly compete favourably with other cultures is not a good culture and should be discarded.”
He gave instances of the devilish practices inherent in the culture under review where a new initiate at Isu Etche died in the process of toture during the initiation and was buried in the bush in the presence of his father, and another case in Egbu Etche where a pastor would have been attacked for holding a crusade during the period of the Itu Anya initiation. The bishop praised the author and encouraged him to continue to fight a good fight of faith as God will always protect and bless him.
The author of the book, Archdeacon Jonathan Chimezie, in his vote of thanks thanked God for his protection in all the years he had been persecuted for speaking against the satanic culture. In a chat with our correspondent, Chimezie narrated his ordeal in the hands of perpetrators of the heinous culture called Itu Anya, a reason for which the documentary became imperative.
The author explained that he was propelled to put down this piece of information basically because of the activities of the initiates of the Itu Anya culture around him. Although his late father’s instruction for all his children not to be initiated into the cult had already distinguished them from the crowd,the attendant persecutions in which the old initiates succeeded in lurring his daughter to initiate her son, a native of Orodo in Imo State as well as the pinning of a shrine dedicated to Ogba deity in his father’s compound against his wish, the numerous dangers especially blood-letting in the community and his obligation as a child of God, made the book a reality.He said that gathering of the information, arranging them in the form of writing, the energy, time and finance as well as dealing with doubts of success were challenges he had to contend with.
However, he considers the book, a milestone in the fight against dangerous and obnoxious cultures, which have come to create awareness of the satanic activities going on in the guise of culture on a wider spectrum.
Meanwhile a personality in attendance, who happened to have encountered the attack of the Itu anya culture initiates, Mr Francis Rollingstone, while commending the effort and courage of the author, expressed happiness for such a wonderful write up. Narrating the ordeal his family in Omademe, a community in Ikwerre LGA had to go through for their refusal to participate in the culture, Mr Francis stated that his late father, Mr Apollos Francis, had a historic battle of his life in 1972 for not yeilding to the pressure of the community but stood his ground. He pointed out that the family had recurring attacks in 1992 and 2001 respectively. He gave glory to God for the publication of the book and prayed that God will use it as an avenue to liberate the communities involved from the bondage of the devil.
Also, the chairman of the occasion, Egnr. Ugochukwu Chukwuezi in his opening remarks praised the author for his courage in the face of intimidation and persecution and enjoined the audience to take a que from the author. He also admonished christians to be examplary and stand firm in their faith so as to make better impact in their communities.The book was reviewed by Venerable Dr Okey G Orji, while Engineer Ogbonnaya Njoku was the chief launcher. Other dignitries in attendance include Prof Samuel Amaele; a lecturer with the Ignatius Ajuru University, Mr Rollingstone Francis and Pastor Godfrey Iwuala.
Recall that Itu anya culture, popularly known as Ogba, is practised by three communities in Ikwerre; Omademe, Ozuaha and Ipo, six communities in Etche; Elele, Isu, Ogida, Owu, Egbu, and Ihie and Etioha in Ohaji, IMO State.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.

Rivers

Rivers Monarch Warns Against Violence … Urges Peaceful Christmas, New Year Celebrations

Published

3 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, HM, King Leslie N. Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, has urged residents to embrace peace and avoid all forms of violence as the Christmas and New Year festivities draw near.

Eze Eke issued the caution during a pre-festive security briefing at his palace in Woji, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

The Eze Woji XII, who is also the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Ikwerre Government-Recognised Traditional Rulers, reminded the community and its residents that Christmas should be a season of love, reconciliation, and communal harmony and not be used for violence.

He stressed that no celebration should be allowed to degenerate into violence and added that peace remains central to the cultural values of the Ikwerre people.

The monarch expressed concern over the tendency for heightened social activities to lead to avoidable confrontations.

He urged residents to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid actions that could endanger other people’s lives and property.

“The festive season should strengthen community ties, not create opportunities for conflict or reckless behaviour”, he said.

Addressing the youths specifically, King Eke advised them to steer clear of cultism, drug abuse, street fights, and other disruptive acts.

He emphasised the need for young people to play critical roles in peace sustainance across Evo Kingdom and beyond.

“You must not allow yourselves to be used as instruments of violence. Channel your energy toward productive engagements that is capable of promoting unity and peace”, he said.

He further urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children and wards during the holiday period.

The monarch also noted that seasonal gatherings often expose young people to negative influences and that family oversight was essential to preventing misconduct.

On security preparedness, King Eke disclosed that both local vigilantes and formal security agencies have been placed on heightened alert to ensure a hitch-free festive period.

He noted that the safety of the community remained a collective duty and encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

The King cautioned against jungle justice and retaliatory actions, advising that disputes be resolved through lawful and peaceful channels.

He also lauded the efforts of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, over his relentless push for peaceful environment in the state.

King Onunwor

Rivers

‘Poor Funding, Bane Of RSU’s Academic Progress’ … As 1,356 Set For Convocation

Published

3 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The management of Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, has stated that poor funding has hindered the institution’s ability to meet its expected academic targets.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, made this statement during a press briefing held at the institution on Monday ahead of the week-long 37th and 38th combined convocation ceremony scheduled for today and tomorrow.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi emphasized that poor funding continues to be a major challenge limiting the institution’s ability to meet its targets, adding that the management of the institution trusts the State Governor, Sir Fubara Siminalaye, who is the visitor to the university, to continue to strengthen and support them.

He noted that the state governor has demonstrated his commitment to supporting the university, recently approving N700m for the ongoing NUC accreditation.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that the university faces deficits in classrooms, staff accommodation, and student hostels, with the infrastructure gap widening, and existing lecture halls and laboratories requiring renovation.

“We are prioritizing phased upgrades based on program needs,

He added that the university is short-staffed, having lost staff to retirement, death, and changes in job or place of work, and that new programs, departments, and faculties have been created to meet the contemporary needs of society.

Mean while,a total of 13,242 students are set to graduate in the combined convocation, with 10,648 undergraduates, 1,356 Master’s degree students, 700 postgraduate diplomas, and 538 Doctors of Philosophy.

The Vice-Chancellor also used the opportunity to list some achievements of his administration, including the creation of new directorates, completion of abandoned laboratories, and upgrades in the faculty of sciences, made possible with support from the Tertiary Education Technology Fund (TETFund).

He expressed appreciation to the governor and visitor to the university, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, for approving his appointment and promised to justify the confidence placed in him.

Akujobi Amadi