News
Church Urges More Education On Environmental Sanitation
President of Umuahia District of Nigeria of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, Lemmy Odoemelam, has called on the government at all levels to lay greater emphasis on enlightenment of the masses on the implications of living in a clean environment instead of focusing more attention on refuse clearing.
Speaking with The Tide Saturday during a clean up exercise carried out by Umuahia District members of the church at Apummiri Ubakala headquartes of Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, Odoemelam also charged people to imbibe the habit of living in a clean environment and teach the younger ones the virtues of selfreliance.
Suggesting ways of evolving an enduring sanitation culture that would leave the environment sparkling at all times in the country, the Umuahia District President said:
“The government, first and foremost, will have to teach more of cleanliness; the need for people to live in a clean environment and not always embarking on contracts to clean the places for the people.
“For us, as individuals who are members of the society, we should always know that cleanliness is next to godliness and that we should learn to work for ourselves and then teach our children the principles of work. By so doing, one, they would learn to be selfreliant and, two, it will assist them in whatever endeavour they will embark upon in their future.”
He pointed out that a clean environment would have positive health, economic and social implications for the people.
The three-hour clean-up exercise which saw hundreds of members of the church cutting and weeding overgrown grasses and sweeping same; raking and picking up of dirt and clearing of accumulated refuse heaps inside and outside the council headquarters lasted from 8 – 11 am. It is an annual humanitarian service observed by the church throughout Africa.
“We embarked on this’assignment because it is a commandment from God that we should serve one another and the service we mean here is assisting our neighbour in doing that
he could not do for himself and annually the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the whole of Africa carries out this obligation,” Odoemelam volunteered, adding, “last year, we (Umuahia District) had it at Umuahia North LGA and we decided to come to Umuahia South this year.”
He explained that the essence of the humanitarian service, apart from practicalising “pure religion,” was aimed at impressing it upon the people that they should be partners in progress with the government.
“We want to teach people that we are partners in progress with the government. We are government. So we don’t wait for the government to do everything for us and as we do this (clean-up), it will assist in reducing the overhead cost in the running of the local government administration here. That is why we are here today,” he observed.
Assessing the impact of the exercise on residents of Umuahia over the years, Odoemelam said “by my reckoning, the impact so far observed is that the places we have done this projects before have taken a different shape like the Umuahia main town. Now, people have learnt to keep, most particularly the market area, clean always, knowing fully well that they can do that without waiting for the government. It is a matter of living in a clean environment, so they have learnt to do that. Second, it has helped to publicise the church because not everybody is aware of the church here.”
Flagging off the exercise, Chairman of Umuahia South, Pastor Goddy Kanu, represented by the Supervisor for Works, Chief Leonard Omenazu, said the council was overwhelmed by the kind gesture of the church.
“We were all happy, including the chairman. This shows that the churches around us show great concern for this local government area. We are very happy,” Omenazu said, urging other organsations and individuals to emulate the church in promoting environmental cleanliness which would impact positively on the health of the people.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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