Niger Delta

Bayelsa Poll: Diri Restates Need For Peace

Published

1 year ago

November 6, 2023

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called on members of the opposition parties not to breach the peace and security ahead of the November 11 governorship election.
He made the call recently at the dedication service of the St.Paul’s Catholic Church, Ofoni, home town of his running mate and Deputy Governor of the State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo in Sagbama Local Government Area of the State.
The church, The Tide learnt, was built by the Deputy Governor.
Governor Diri, who was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Gloria Diri, noted that his administration was anchored on peace and development without which meaningful prosperity would not be possible.
He enjoined people of the State to sustain the prevailing peace and stability before, during and after the poll, saying that peace was a precondition for the development and growth of any society.
The state Chief Executive also commended his Deputy for building a sanctuary for God, saying that his investment in God’s vineyard will attract manifold divine blessings upon him and the Ewhrudjakpo family.
A statement from the Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Doubara Atasi, quoted the Governor as saying:,“Today, we are all happy because we are dedicating this house built by my deputy to God.
“A lot of people would have had a plan to build a house like this, but it takes God to say ‘my son or my daughter’, build a house for me.
“So, for you to have built this house, it means God Himself gave you the grace to do so. God wants to dwell here. So, as humans we have no reasons to desecrate this place”.
Also speaking, the Deputy Governor, Senator Ewhrudjakpo, expressed appreciation to God for giving him the grace to start and complete the building of a place for Christian worship.

He also thanked the Governor, government officials and other guests who joined him to dedicate the church building to God.

Catholic Bishop of Bomadi Diocese, Most Reverend Dr Hyacinth Egbebo, commended the Deputy Governor, for building a house of God and impacting positively on many lives.

Most Reverend Egbebo prayed God to bless Senator Ewhrudjakpo’s selfless efforts in serving God and humanity and urged others to emulate him, stressing that those who give to God never lack.

He also gave kudos to the Governor and his team, noting that they had done fairly well in the development of the state, citing the construction of the three senatorial roads and urged them to sustain the tempo.

Bishop Egbebo further used the opportunity to remind the congregants that their bodies symbolizes the temple of God and advised them to live uprightly in order for the holy spirit to dwell in them.

Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, read the first lesson at the service, which was taken from the book of Nehemiah 8:2-10.

Dignitaries at the event included: the state’s National Assembly members, such as the Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Senator Konbowei Benson; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; and other members of the House.

There were also the State Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye; President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah; and other judges of the State High Court.

Others included the National Financial Secretary of PDP, Dr Woyengikuro Daniel; State Chairman of the party, Mr Solomon Agwanana; Commissioners, Special Advisers local government and RDA chairmen, other top government functionaries, service commanders and traditional rulers, including the Chairman, State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Bipi Celebrates Gen Asabuja On Birthday

Published

4 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Tide

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.

Niger Delta

Joint Provincial Council, East Of The Niger Salutes Diocese Of Evo

Published

4 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Tide

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.

Niger Delta

Okpebholo’s Aides Lead Cancer Awareness Walk In Benin … Offers Free Screening

Published

4 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Tide

In a bid to promote cancer awareness and encourage early detection, officials of Edo State Government, last Thursday held a cancer awareness walk in Benin City.

The walk, led by Sally Suleiman, Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was organised in commemoration of World Cancer Day.

The event also brought other health professionals, civil society groups, and residents to emphasise the importance of regular screenings, healthy lifestyles, and early diagnosis in reducing cancer-related deaths.

The notable stakeholders, include the Coordinator of the First Lady’s Office, Mrs. Edesili Anani; the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole; and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Marie Bisi Idaomi.

Speaking at the event, Suleiman reaffirmed the commitment of the Edo State Government to strengthening healthcare systems and to ensure that cancer awareness reached all corners of the state.

“Cancer remains a major public health challenge, but early detection can save lives.

“This walk is part of our efforts to educate residents on preventive measures and available healthcare services”, she said.

As part of the initiative, she said her office would be offering free mammograms and prostate screenings to encourage early detection.

“We are not just raising awareness; we are taking action. Early detection saves lives, and we want to ensure that more people get screened before it’s too late”, she added.

Suleiman expressed gratitude to all partners and urged continued collaboration in the fight against cancer.

“This is not just a one-day event. We must keep the conversation going and ensure that people have access to the healthcare they need”, she said.