News

Compassion, Good Medicine For Health-Rt Rev. Enyinda

Published

16 years ago

October 24, 2009

The indispensable roles of health workers in the development of our society cannot be over emphasised. However, in a sermon on last Sunday tilted “Thus Far, The Lord Has Helped Me” (1 Sam 7:12), The Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Blessing Enyinda noted that health workers contribute immensely in ensuring the good health and wealth of a nation because health is wealth. In the sermon at the thanksgiving ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of St. Luke’s Anglican Church Emohua in Emohua Local Government Area (EMOLGA), The Lord Bishop said the anniversary is dedicated to St. Luke the doctor and evangelist. He stressed that St Luke, one of the disciples of Jesus Christ was a Greek and gentile Christian who travelled round the world with St Paul preaching the gospel and attending to the sick with compassion and great care. Rt. Rev. Enyinda contended that St Luke also contributed in spreading the gospel through his publications such as St. Luke gospel and The Acts of the Apostles among others. He said Lukes evangelical and humanitarian services form part of our Christian faith. He stressed that “health workers should emulate the good example of St. Luke by showing compassion to their patients at all times because compassion is a good doctor’s medicine.” Speaking with The Weekend Tide shortly after the thanksgiving service, the Arch Deacon of Emohua Archdeaconry/Vicar of St Luke’s Anglican Church Emohua, Ven. Prof. W. O. Wotogbe-Weneka thanked God for the laudable achievements recorded in the church since 75 years ago, all due to the glory of God as well as to the efforts of dedicated members. The Vicar noted that the motto of St Luke’s is “to bring the gospel closer to the people” which the church has been doing over the years. He said the church which arrived 75 years ago has not only lived up to its spiritual expectations by establishing more Anglican church branches in Emohua, but had also lived up to the educational expectations of the people as the school that came with it (St. Luke’s Anglican school) Emohua has also produced many great men and women from within and beyond Emohua communities. Ven. (Prof.) Wotogbe Weneka stated that the church with a humble beginning as a single station 75 years ago metamorphosed to a district church in 1991 and by today it is Emohua Archdeaconry headquarters in the now Diocese of Ikwerre. He stressed that the way the church of Nigeria, Anglican communion is progressing in recent times one may not be surprised if the church advances to a Cathedral status in the near future. The chairman of the anniversary planning committee Sir (Dr) F. C. Obinna thanked members and other guests for their positive response which contributed greatly to the success of the event. He said “for the past 75 years we have not had the opportunity to celebrate earlier than now so the church decided to make it a special and memorable celebration and by all standards it turned out to be what we expected.” He noted that the church is growing from strength to strength, stressing that even some members who left the church for personal reasons are now coming back to the church. He said more members are expected to come back to the fold and the church is ever willing to accept them back. Sir (Dr) Obinna who is also one of the leading members of the church maintained that as a rural church money is always a problem but to the glory of God the church is moving forward.” We are moving towards expanding the church but, the priority now is to complete the church auditorium, and ceiling of the new churches at Mgbuetor, Isiodu, Rumuohia and Mgbritanwo,” he said. Among the activities that marked the five day anniversary celebrations include sensitisation of Emohua community, powerful crusade, gospel music fiesta, novelty football match, drama, film show and thanksgiving service.

Jacob Obinna

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

3 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

3 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

3 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor