Niger Delta
Missionary Commends A’Ibom For Rescuing Stigmatised Children
A Faith-based Organisation in Brazil, Way to the Nations, has commended the Akwa Ibom government for the steps taken to rescue abandoned children accused of witchcraft in the state.
The Project Director of the organisation, Mr Leo Santos, said in Eket, Akwa Ibom, on Tuesday, that the organisation had offered to share its experience in rehabilitation of stigmatised children with the state government.
Santos told newsmen that the Akwa Ibom Government was doing well in the fight against stigmatisation of children accused of witchcraft and in child rights protection.
He decried the practice where some churches made profit from deliverance of children from witchcraft, and said that it was against the teachings of Christ.
“We are glad that the government of Akwa Ibom has led the way in helping out these abandoned children who indeed are innocent souls.”
“We whole heartedly congratulate the government of Akwa Ibom for this.”
“Way to the nations identified with this noble intervention and we are pleased to collaborate and cooperate with the government in the welfare and upkeep of these children.”
“Especially in providing psychological support to heal their emotional trauma.”
“In addition to providing their material needs the children need love and care that will help their reintegration into their families and our mission has capacity in this area.”
Santos urged the government to embark on sensitisation and advocacy programmes to change the attitude and belief of the society to end the phenomenon of child abandonment.
He said that such an advocacy would bring permanent solution to the child witch syndrome and relief to children.
The missionary said that he had been involved in social work in Akwa Ibom and was involved in sensitisation programmes in Oron in Akwa Ibom.
He explained that the organisation was providing assistance to the community to end child abuses in all forms.
Santos told newsmen that Way to the Nations was one of the largest Christian groups in Brazil and was led by Rev. Caio Fabio.
He said that the organisation was awaiting the approval of Akwa Ibom government to enable it to take some responsibility in the government’s rehabilitation of abandoned children in the state.
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.