Connect with us

News

OUR GOVT, CHURCH SYNERGY REMAINS UNBROKEN – FUBARA 

Published

on

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that God remains his greatest source of strength, wisdom, inspiration, and direction with the church as an integral partner of the administration that is determined to sustain good governance being provided to all residents in the State.

Governor Fubara spoke at the 7th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of the Government House Chapel of Everlasting Grace in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mr. Augustine Ndudi Chukwuma, Governor Fubara stated that without God, it would have been almost impossible to celebrate anything of hope about his administration.

Governor Fubara expressed thanks to God for being an abiding helper and to the church for the fervency of prayers and godly counsels while also contributing to the peace-building efforts.

He noted: “He (Governor) said that I should tell the house, that he knows that the church needs him and he needs the church. For that reason, he will support the church.”

He, therefore, announced the Governor’s donation of the sum of N10million to support the church.

In his Sermon, the Chaplain of  Government House Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Pastor Ogan Barasin, while preaching on the theme: “On Eagles Wings” taken from Exodus 19: 1-6 and Psalms 36: 7-10, said God is still in the business of saving souls and preserving them for Himself.

Pastor Barasin, who recalled the benevolence of God on the chapel in its seven years journey, said the prize that Jesus paid to redeem humanity has not expired but still potent, adding that it requires many to make the decision to surrender their lives to Him and acknowledge Him as their Saviour.

He said, “God is saying: obey my word. Keep my commandments. If you want me to spread my wings for you to land when the troubles of life comes, you must keep to the covenant. What is the covenant? Jesus has come, look at the cross, He paid the prize. He will not die again. He is coming back as a King to take as many that have said yes to Him.”

Pastor Barasin said as church, they have continued to pray persistently for Rivers State and Governor Fubara because no person can falter under the cover of God and fervent supplications.

He said: “As a culture here, we pray for Rivers State. And I want to enjoin every one, Rivers State belongs to all of us. Pray for this State. It has never happened before. I’ve not heard it done here, maybe elsewhere, that civil servants were promoted across multiple grades, at least, three grades at a time. I have never heard.

“The award we have given him is the “Man of Peace” award. Tell him we love him, and our knees are on the ground. God will contend with his contenders. From this altar, the fire is going up everyday. Rivers State is not for sale, and the right hand of God will bring it to pass.”

Elder Statesman, Amaopusenibo Sam Sam Jaja, performed the award presentation to the Governor, which was received on his behalf by the Government House Permanent Secretary.

While the Assistant Chaplain of the Chapel, Pastor Eferebo Joseph, coordinated the cutting of the 7th Anniversary Celebration Cake, Mr Chukwuma and the Acting Chairman of Local Government Service Commission, Pastor Ben Goodlife presented awards to some retired and serving staff members of Government House for their faithful service to the chapel.

The service was also attended by the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof Okogbule Nlerum, and other Directors of Government House.

Prayers were offered for the Governor and Government of Rivers State.

Continue Reading

News

Hausa Community Debunks Saidu’s Appointment Report

Published

on

The Hausa Community in Rivers State has dissociated itself from media reports credited to one MaiwadaAdamu that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has appointed Alhaji Musa Saidu as the acting SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt, following the inability of the former SarkinHausawa, Alhaji Isa Madaki to carry out his functions.
MaidawaAdamu, who is also the spokesman of the Arewa Initiative for Peaceful Co-existence, had briefed journalists on the change, but in a swift reaction, the Office of Alhaji Isa Madaki, has come out to say that the only recognised body which has the powers to appoint the SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt is the Council of SarkinHausawa in PortHarcourt headed by Alhaji Isa Madaki.
The statement also said Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki is the only recognisedSarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, adding that his appointment follows the proclamation and endorsement by the council members of SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement further called on the general public and all authorities concerned to give Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki maximum co-operation and support,as he discharges his duties as SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt.

Continue Reading

News

Suspended Commissioner Denies Disruption Of Empowerment Programme 

Published

on

The Suspended Rivers State Commissioner for health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has described as baseless allegations in some quarters that she was responsible for the purported disruption of the Nigerian First Lady’s empowerment program in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh, who said this in a statement personally signed by her and a copy made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt also described the allegation as a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers
According to Dr Oreh, “they are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord”
In her words,”the  allegations levelled against me, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, regarding the supposed disruption of the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday 2nd May, 2025, are entirely unfounded, completely false, and a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs.
“They are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord.”
The suspended commissioner challenged those behind the allegation, especially the Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation to show proof of its assertion adding “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I challenge the “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” (assuming such a body really exists) to provide tangible proof to support their assertions.
“It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I have neither sponsored nor will  sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.
“I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.
“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.
“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our State, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort,”she said.

By: John Bibor

Continue Reading

News

HYPREP Solicits Regulators, Asset Owners’ Support

Published

on

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on key regulators, asset owners and other stakeholders to continue to support the agency toward the goal of remediating the Ogoni environment and restoring the livelihoods of the people and building structures for peace.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call during the Project’s first quarter meeting with regulators, asset owners and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, urged the stakeholders to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s work.
“We particularly expect each regulatory agency and asset owner to deepen their involvement and continue to provide strategic support to the project”, he said, stressing that the quarterly meeting platform remains instrumental in providing a structural avenue for regulators, asset owners, and implementation partners to offer feedback to HYPREP on project performance and deliberate on ideas that move the project forward, as well as strengthen collaboration, deepen synergy and reinforce collective responsibility.
Zabbey disclosed that the socio-economic study of Ogoni has started, as HYPREP has contacted the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation(WHO) to commence in the next quarter a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
He noted that work on several fronts of the cleanup project is progressing steadily, adding that as key project partners, the insights and shared experience of the regulators and asset owners have always enriched HYPREP’s operations.
He said the policy thrust of HYPREP for 2025 is clear, as the Project is intensifying efforts to complete within stated timelines, the various ongoing projects, including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and Buan Cottage Hospital, among others.
Zabbey, however, announced that HYPREP would commence new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration and livelihood projects, to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni cleanup, adding that the agency would also conduct detailed site characterisation of the high-risk complex sites, leading to remediation works at the sites.
He noted that HYPREP’s collaboration with Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power and Environment, and civil society organisations remains vital, stressing that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping HYPREP overcome operational bottlenecks, especially those encountered in interfacing with host communities.
He further indicated that “the people of Ogoni and the nation are looking to us with hope and expectation, and expect tangible results from the remediation initiative”, assuring the participants that the Project Coordination Office is committed to delivering positive results.
“We must, therefore, continue to work with diligence, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, he declared, saying, “ the completion and commissioning of projects this year must reflect not only our technical ability but also our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Ogoni.”
During the interactive session, the Project Coordinator briefed the participants on the progress made so far by HYPREP to conclude the distribution of starter packs to the 5,000 Ogoni trainees, and called on contractors who had already collected huge chunk of money for the project, to deliver without further delay.
In all, the regulators, asset owners and stakeholders commended HYPREP for the good works it is doing, and urged it to do more.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Oil Field Assessment, Dr Abam Komommo Omini, while Dr Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services, represented the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The Rivers State Ministries of Water Resources, Power and Environment were represented by Dr Bealo Brownson; Engr K. J. Osele; and Mr James Ordu respectively, while the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA); and the Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN); among other civil society organisations were also at the event.

By: Donatus Ebi

Continue Reading

Trending