Niger Delta
LGA Boss Signs 2023 Budget Into Law
By: Wokoma Emmanuel & Michael Abraham
The Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Akuro Tobin, has assented to the 2023 appropriation bill of Four Billion Two Hundred and Seventy Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty Five Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty Seven Naira, Two Kobo only (N4,279,735,667.02).
Signing the approved budget into law, the Chairman stated that the exercise signified the completion of the process of appropriation of funds for the business of governance in the LGA, “sequel to the presentation of the budget proposal to the Legislative Assembly last month”.
The Council Boss added that his administration, through the instrumentality of the 2023 budget christened “Budget of Consolidation,” seeks to consolidate on achievements so far and targets completion of all ongoing projects.
Hon. Tobin who expressed delight that the Legislative Assembly gave the budget proposal expeditious consideration and approval, reiterated his administration’s preparedness to commence the 2023 budget implementation in earnest by God’s grace.
He thanked the leadership of the Legislative Assembly, and their colleagues for the imperative of accelerated consideration and approval of the budget, and also the clerk and other staff of the Legislative Assembly, whose in valuable commended contributions to the legislative business though invaluable, are largely unsung.
The Chairman, therefore, enjoined the good people of the LGA to remain resolute as his administration would continue on its developmental drive geared towards accelerated infrastructural renewal, growth in critical sectors, enhanced human capital development and empowerment, amongst others.
Presenting the approved budget for the Chairman’s assent earlier, the Leader of the Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Paul Abam, represented by the Deputy Leader, Hon. Hebron Nyanabo, described it as “a wonderful and realistic budget”, that has captured critical sectors and ongoing projects.
Rt. Hon Abam, on behalf of his colleagues appreciated the Chairman for his exemplary leadership qualities anchored on peace and good governance, stressing that the councillors have enjoyed cordial working relationship with his administration and will continue to support him in delivering socioeconomic development and democratic dividends to the good people of Okrika LGA.
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.