Niger Delta
Group Takes Anti-Human Trafficking Crusade To Markets In Asaba
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), “Journalists Against Trafficking in Persons”, on Monday took the campaign against human trafficking to Nyanga and Wazobia markets in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
During the campaign, organised in collaboration with Devatop Center for African Development, the group urged traders in the markets to join the fight against human trafficking.
Members of the group carried placards with inscriptions such as, “No more silence on human trafficking’’, “If you see human trafficking, Talkam”, among others.
The Delta State Chapter Coordinator, Mrs Anthonia Mowah, urged parents not to fall prey to the deceits of human traffickers, who promise their victims greener pastures outside the country.
She stated that human trafficking was a form of slavery and criminal exploitation of unsuspecting young men and women.
“They take advantage of people’s poor economic status to lure their children into slavery and suffering, and it sometimes result to deaths.
“We can’t continue to be silent. Let’s rise up against this scourge. Let us collectively say no to it in the interest of the society”, she said.
Mowah said the group had a referral centre where victims could be counselled and re-orientated.
“Do not hesitate to report cases of trafficking in persons to the appropriate authorities for actions.
“We urge parents and guardians to stop giving out their children to people as housemaids, they are sometimes mishandled”, she said.
One of the traders, Mrs Esther Osasa, described the campaign as “a step in the right direction”.
She said many young girls had disappeared after being given out to people as housemaids, adding, ‘‘We have to rise up against this ugly trend”.
Also, Mr Chris Egwuelu, Chairman, Wazobia Market, commended the group for the campaign, describing it as a good step towards eradicating human trafficking.
He pledged that traders in the market would partner the group to ensure an effective anti-human trafficking campaign.
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.
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