Niger Delta
Diri Charges Church On Responsibilities
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has lauded the Niger Delta West Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, for the seamless election and enthronement of its new Bishop.
Governor Diri gave the commendation at the enthronement service of the third Bishop of the Diocese, Right Reverend Nixon Akpotunumubofa Enekeme, at the Cathedral Church of St Luke, Nembe, in the Nembe Local Government Area of the state.
Represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the governor noted that the collective prayers, cooperation and sense of singleness of purpose demonstrated bythe people and friends of the Niger Delta West Diocese, contributed to the emergence of the new Bishop.
He also acknowledged the various roles played by the Primate of the Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, and the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province, Dr. Blessing Enyindah, for effectively superintending over the affairs of the Diocese.
Governor Diri, however, urged the church universal not to abdicate its responsibility of encouraging people to live pious lifestyles that will qualify them for heaven.
The governor stressed the need for religious leaders to be above board in the discharge of their ecclesiastical duties, including speaking truth to those in authority for the betterment of society.
”The church must play its role. The church should not abdicate its duty for anything. The duty of the prophet is to speak to the King what God says.
“He is not to speak to the King what he (prophet) thinks he should say because of pecuniary gains, aggrandizement or for self exultation .
“Unfortunately, with due respect to all the bishops who are here, the Church has recalibrated itself from what it should be to something else. The pulpit must not be polluted to pollute the pews.
“But we are happy today because the Anglican Communion has brought to us a man who is committed, dedicated, courageous and spiritually endowed at this time of our history. He is one of the few voices that believe in the apostolic mandate,” he said.
He also used the opportunity to call on politicians seeking elective positions to play by the rules and avoid the use of violence in the pursuit of their political ambitions.
While congratulating the new Bishop, Right Reverend Nixon Enekeme, on his successful consecration and enthronement, Senator Diri enjoined him to maintain his integrity as a committed, dedicated and truthful cleric.
Taking the Oath of Canonical Obedience at the service, Rt Rev Enekeme swore to be loyal to the Primate of the Church of Nigeria in all things lawful and honest.
The Amassoma-born Bishop also promised to respect, maintain and defend the rights, privileges and liberties of the Church and the Diocese in addition to promoting truth, justice and charity.
Highpoint of the service, which was well attended by people from all walks of life, was the presentation of the Pastoral Staff, symbol of the bishopric office, to the newly enthroned Bishop by the Primate, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba.
The Primate was, however, represented by the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province, Anglican Communion, Dr Blessing Enyindah, who until the enthronement of the new Bishop, served as the Supervising Bishop of the Niger Delta West Diocese.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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.