Niger Delta
Okowa Appreciates Workers, Urges Support For Governor-Elect
Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has appreciated the workers under the auspices of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) for the sustained support over the past eight years.
Okowa, who is currently on pilgrimage to Israel, was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah, on Monday at an event to mark 2023 May Day (Workers’ Day) in Asaba.
The Tide source reports that this year’s commemoration has as its theme, “Workers Right and Socio-Economic Justice”.
The governor said his administration had made good progress due to the cordial relationship it had with the workers’ unions; NLC and the TUC.
He, however, urged the unions to extend the same hands of fellowship to the incoming administration of Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, the Governor-Elect.
He said that when labour unions engaged in frank negotiations, it would be reflected on the economy as improved productivity.
Okowa assured that the next administration led by Oborevwori would no doubt listen to the labour demands and address the issues therein.
He said his administration had archived good success on opening rural roads and connecting communities; functional health insurance scheme; approved new retirement age for teachers; and trained and empowered over 9,000 youths via skills acquisition programmes.
According to him, government has been steadfast in the payment of workers’ salaries and recently has approved the payment of their promotion arrears.
While wishing the workers a successful Workers’ Day celebration, Okowa thanked the leadership of NLC and TUC and appealed that they extend the same support to Oborevwori, the incoming governor of the state.
Earlier, in a joint address, the State NLC Chairman, Goodluck Ofoburuku, and Martins Bolum of the TUC, lauded the Okowa-led government for workers’ welfare, human capital and infrastructure development.
They noted that the year’s Workers’ Day celebration was unique as it marked the last that the labour-friendly Governor Okowa would attend as governor after eight years in office.
According to them, the celebration is that of appreciating Okowa for the robust relationship with workers and not time to reel out litany of demands before a man who had done so much for workers and will be leaving office soon.
The unions counted as worthy the robust relationship with the Okowa administration, regular payment of workers’ salaries, payment of promotion arrears and implementation of new National Minimum Wage.
“Also, the new state secretariat, the establishment of three state universities, technical colleges, road networks and bridges linking various communities, monthly funds allocations to Local Government Areas to settle pension matters and sundry interventions.
“As the baton of governance is about to be transferred to Chief Oborevwori, our single and humble request is that your Excellency should handover the cordial relationship you had with the organised labour to the next administration”, the unions said.
The source reports that the event was marked with the usual match past by industrial unions who chanted the labour solidarity song while gifts were presented at the end of the match past.
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.