Niger Delta
Sylva Warns On Abuse Of Naira
Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, has pleaded with Bayelsans to halt the apparent abuse of the naira either by spraying or dancing on it during social functions.
Governor Sylva gave the charge when the CBN’s Enforcement Committees on the Abuse of the Naira and Agricultural Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme led by Dr Joshua Umuya called on him in Government House, Yenagoa last Wednesday
.Represented by his deputy, Chief Werinipre Seibarugu, Governor Sylva condemned the abuse of the country’s currency in any form, noting that it was a crime going by the CBN Act of 2007.
He commended the management of the nation’s apex bank for its efforts to revive the provisions of the Act and assured the committee that the people of Bayelsa State would be encouraged to abide by it.
Governor Sylva called on the CBN to liaise with commercial banks to educate the people in the rural areas, adding that it was not only spraying and dancing on the naira that constitute its abuse but also allowing it to get wet and rumpled.
In respect of Agricultural Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme, the Governor called on the Committee to provide details on how to secure the loans, saying that it will promote self-employment and reduce the pressure on government and oil companies.
Earlier, the leader of the team, Dr Joshua Umuya, had said they were in the State to enlighten the people on the CBN Act of 2007 which defines the abuse of the naira as a criminal offence.
Dr Umuya said Section 21 of the Act stipulates an imprisonment of not less than six months and or a fine of not less than fifty thousand naira for people found guilty of abuse of the naira.
On the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme, Dr Umuya said it was set up by Decree 20 of 1997 with the purpose of guaranteeing loans of at most N10 million for small scale farmers.
He said Bayelsans have not taken full advantage of the scheme since inception, noting that out of 723,000 loans worth N46.7 billion given out nation-wide, Bayelsa accounts for only 1,200 loans worth N202 million.
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.