Niger Delta
Mrs Oborevwori Harps On Girl-Child Empowerment
The Wife of the Delta State Governor and Founder of “You Matter Charity Foundation”, Mrs Tobore Oborevwori, says an empowerment for the girl child is one for all.
Speaking in Asaba on Tuesday, as part of the activities to mark the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl-Child, Oborevwori said the world would be better when females are empowered.
Oborevwori, who was represented by the wife of the Chief of Staff, Mrs Eyoma Erijo, said, “over the years, female children were seen as minor creatures whose voices should not be heard; fathers who had female children were not recognised by their families.
“Tradition once relegated the Girl-Child to the background; they lacked the right to quality education and the right to a good life.
“Factors like poverty, rape, sexual abuse, violence and early marriage derailed the success of the girl-child.
“Today, the power of the Girl-Child cannot be underestimated; we are witnessing a turnaround in the scheme of things”.
Oborevwori also said, “more than ever, female children are now soaring in places where males once dominated.
“They read courses that are meant as it were only for boys; they come out with good grades and even serve in the same committee with their male counterparts.
“Let me remind us that empowerment of a girl-child is for the benefit of all. I therefore encourage parents here present to do all you can to empower your daughters”.
She therefore encouraged mothers and parents to make it a point of duty to serve as mentors and sources of encouragement to their children, especially the female.
Earlier in her remarks, the host and Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl-Child Development, Ms Orode Uduaghan, emphasised the need to keep encouraging the girl-child.
On the theme for this year’s celebration: “Our Time is Now, Our Rights, Our Future”, she said the rights of the girl-child should be upheld at all points.
In her goodwill message, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Mrs Pat Ajudua, advised girls to protect themselves for the future.
“Now is the time to chart a course for yourself and tell God what you want out of your future”, she stated.
On her part, a representative of Anglican Girls Grammar School (AGGS), Asaba, Miss Ifeanyi Marvelous, said, “The girl-child is the mother of the future, she should be seen and heard”.
The celebration was marked with different activities, including quiz competitions and speech presentations from students from various schools across the state.
The event was graced by a number of female secondary school students from across 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.