Focus
374 Students Benefit From Belemaoil Host Communities Scholarship Award
In keeping with its policy of good community relations and advancing education of host communities, a leading indigenous oil company in the Niger Delta, Belemaoil Producing Ltd has awarded an annual scholarship worth over N100million to 374 indigent students in its areas of operation for the 2017 session.
Out of the 374 beneficiaries, 78 are post-graduate students, 175 undergraduates while 121 are post-primary students drawn from Kula, Idama, Bonny, Elem Ifoko, Abuloma, Okuru, Okujagu and Peni Peni-Ama, communities.
The scholarship, was awarded under the NNPC/Belemaoil Joint Venture (JV) as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Speaking during the official handing over of the scholarship awards to beneficiaries at the Hotel Presidential, in Port Harcourt last weekend, the Founder/President of Belemaoil Producing Ltd., Mr Jack-Rich Tein Jr, stated that the scholarship is in recognition of the important role education plays in the lives of the young ones and the host communities.
“We are here not just to celebrate the success that has come to them, but to also honour the privilege given to us as a company to serve. And we recoignise very importantly that if you joke with education then you are joking with future and if you fail to grab these young ones who have the enthusiasm and that flair to pursue their academic dream you are limiting the unraveling of future opportunities that they would have used to grow themselves and as well as society.
“And I believe very strongly that what we have come here to celebrate is not just a display of so much wealth but a display of interest; that believing in the young ones of today is unlocking the future of tomorrow and that is making the society a better place”, he said.
The President/Founder of Belemaoil Producing Ltd, who thanked all the partners, including, NAPIMS, NNPC, host communities, youths, the bank and as well as the state government and President Muhammadu Buhari, for their support, charged beneficiaries to see the scholarship as opportunity to develop themselves. He further called on the beneficiaries to use the scholarship and unlock their future potentials rather than use it for misplaced priorities.
Tein Jr, who also fielded questions from journalists shortly after the programme, explained that the scholarship is worth over one hundred million naira annually, pointing out that it is both for students in Nigerian schools and overseas.
He said: “The total scholarship per annum is over a hundred million naira. What we have given today is over seventy million naira cheques and we have other students in Cyprus, we have other students in the UK, America, Canada, Ghana, Malaysia, Phillipines and in Nigerian schools. And what we have done is not just to show wealth but so that they can in turn do same for society when they come out.”
He further stated that the company is also hoping to create about twelve thousand jobs if its proposal with the Presidency is approved.
According to him, the Belemaoil Model is aimed at making sure the company supports the local communities where it operates.
“The Belemaoil Model is all about making sure that the local communities where we operate and competent Niger Deltans are given technical opportunities to showcase their competences such as alliance with technical companies that provide specialised types of jobs where they can partner with them and begin to provide those services. We also make sure that we create strategic capacity development through training for the local communities. We have also awarded scholarships like you have seen today.
“Basically as we speak now, we have our offshore floating and offloading terminal sailing to Nigeria. We are expecting to build some pipeline, we are also expecting to create some opportunities based on proposal we put forward to Mr President and we believe very strongly that Mr. President is a man that loves the Niger Delta region and he wants to see employment everywhere, he wants to see peace return very quickly, he wants to make sure that the operating communities are in harmony with the operators and with the federal government so that wealth creation can begin to improve. So we have put forward a programme that we believe will create additional 12,000 employments which can turn around about 36,000 jobs. And we believe that as soon as he gives a nod to it, the employment will begin to roll out,” he added.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Alabo Tonye Graham Douglas, lauded the Founder/President of Belemaoil Producing Ltd, Mr Jack-Rich Tein Jr for his passion towards developing the host communities and the Niger Delta at large.
Chief Graham-Douglas, who is a former Minister of Aviation and a Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, (PANDEF) in Rivers State, charged Tein Jr to create a department to tackle environmental pollution in the company to help secure the environment.
He, however, charged the beneficiaries not to misuse the opportunity given them.
On his part, the Managing Director of National Petroleum Investment Management Services, NAPIMS, represented by Mrs Tolu Adefuwa, stated that NNPC is supporting Belemaoil in the scheme.
On the benefit of the scholarship to both the communities and the Nigerian economy, the NAPIMS MD said, “If you are able to educate the children at the young age you are rest assured that our future is sustained because it means we are raising the next leaders, we are raising the next generation. So we are encouraging them not just to be educated but take it to the next level.”
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Executive Vice President, Finance, Administration and Human Resources of Belemaoil Producing Ltd, Mrs Rosemary Asiegbu, called on the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity and emulate the President/Founder in his vision.
She said: “Aside the joint venture with NNPC, he has joint venture with the communities. So the young ones, this is not just another event of giving you scholarship, we want you to emulate and see him as your mentor and want to be like him so that all his efforts will not be in vain. Let it be as a challenge to all of you the benefactors that this is not another scholarship, but a scholarship that has an underlying tune of challenges of saying I want to be like him, I want to surpass him.”
When interviewed, some of the beneficiaries hailed Belemaoil for the opportunity, saying it would ease their financial challenges. According to Miss Kuromiema Oburamadim, a JSS One student of Government Girls Secondary School, Abuloma, “this scholarship will help me pay my school fees. I don’t have to think of how my school fees will be paid anymore and it will help my parents too. I want to say to Belemaoil thank you for what you have done for me.”
A post-graduate student, Alalibo Rita-Malley, said: “I feel very excited that this is coming at this time.They are an indigenous company. I think this is the first time an indigenous company is doing this. The companies that actually do this are IOCs and it is my prayer that God blesses them.”
Also, another Post-graduate student, Prince (Barr) Opunabo Ekine, said: “I must say that words will be inadequate to express how I feel. Personally I feel very happy to be a beneficiary of this kind gesture. And no doubt it will go a long way to develop me as a person to also contribute to society. I will say to Belemaoil God bless you, I will also say to NNPC, God bless you. I’m from Kula community and I am also from Belema community and this is the reason why some of us are agitating for an indigenous company because of this kind of opportunity.”
Focus
Fubara : That Akpabio’s Needless Outburst
Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the current Governor of Rivers State. Godswill Akpabio is the current President of the ninth Senate. The latter was two-time Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs. The former was the Accountant-General of Rivers State under then Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, with whom he is now estrangedz.
Both Amaopusenibo Siminalayi (Sim) Joseph Black-Fubara and Godswill Obot Akpabio met on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the funeral ceremony of late Access Bank chief, Herbert Wigwe, who died alongside his wife, son, and a friend in a helicopter crash in the United States.
Fubara, being the governor of the late Wigwe’s State, was the chief host of the retinue of mourners at the obsequies of the Wigwes, while Akpabio who also hails from the South South geopolitical zone as the deceased and the governor, represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
You would expect that protocols allowed the governor to dictate the pace of the ceremony even if the President of Nigeria or his representative was there.
I dare to say that Akpabio misrepresented the President of the federation by what he said thereafter.
Ask me how.
A grieving Fubara took to the stage to explain the vanity of life. He did it so eloquently and his speech reminded those present that this life is not worth the struggle. He wondered why we had to struggle to kill, maim, get political power, become rich only to die the way the Wigwes died.
“This one has to do with our political class. What is all this struggle about? You want to kill…, you want to bury. What is it all about?” he asked.
His speech was moving, even though it sounded too harsh on the political class to which he belonged. It moved many to tears. Those who thought they had shed enough tears since the deaths occurred cried a little bit more considering the circumstances and its connection with the governor’s speech.
But not for Akpabio. Everything to him is politics. There are no bounds when it comes to playing it. It does not matter whether the occasion is a burial ceremony or a church service. He must seize every opportunity to play to the gallery, and that was exactly what he did at Isiopko last Saturday.
“If there’s nothing in it, don’t struggle,” he fired back at the governor. No respect for protocols. No regards to the nonagenarian father of Herbert.
He took the microphone and told Fubara to stop shedding crocodile tears. He told the state chief mourner that if he felt the struggle was not worth it, he should not get involved in it.
He did not understand the import of the governor’s speech. He could not just as he did not understand that he goofed when he announced in the hallowed chambers of the Senate that money had been transferred to the accounts of the Senators to enable them to celebrate Christmas. When his attention was drawn to the gaffe, he tried to correct himself in the most annoying manner possible. He gleefully announced that it was not money that was sent but prayers.
Watching him that day, I felt like a child in a kindergarten. I wondered if he understood the harm his open microphone gaffe did to struggling Nigerians who were irked that while they were thinking about where their next meal will come from, their leaders were sharing money like children sharing cabin biscuits at a children’s end of year party.
He is known to have spoken on many occasions in a manner that is beneath the office he has occupied and the current one he occupies.
Nigerians may have gotten used to politicians’ loose talk that nobody bothers anymore. Many public officers speak in like manner when discussing serious issues ailing the nation.
But what surprised zzmany was that at Akpabio’s level and the position he occupies, he ought to know that certain things are better left unsaid. Even if Fubara did not sound tough like his predecessor/godfather, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, the fact that the occasion was a funeral ceremony would have taught him to exercise restraint and leave that petulant response for another time, maybe when they meet to settle the roforofo fight between Fubara and Wike.
You see, my friends, in civilised climes, the likes of Akpabio should be in one federal correctional centre, awaiting trial over corrupt allegations levelled against him while serving as governor.
Unfortunately, ours is not a sane clime or a civilised one. Therefore, no court of law has, will ever commit such characters to jail terms for what they did while holding public trust.
It is for this and other reasons that the likes of Akpabio will never learn that words have meaning and that, like the Yoruba will say, ‘it is not every cloth that is spread outside.’
Akpabio displayed a worrying behaviour in his response to the speech by the governor, and all who have his ears should whispper to him that the future generation looks up to leaders like him to show them the way. He should be told that, like Fubara said, this life is fleeting and is not worth the fights and struggles.
Here today. Gone tomorrow.
The Wigwes were here and they are now gone forever.
So shall Akpabio and all those who are privileged to hold publuc offices and who see politics as ‘door or die affair,’ and who have no qualms how it is played.
Words have meaning. Let those who use them weigh their public utterances. History does not forget.
Chukwuelobe is a public affairs analyst and former media aide to former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili.
By:
Fred Chukwuelobe
Focus
The Wigwes: Didactics For The Living
On Saturday, March 9, 2024 the remains of Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe were committed to mother-earth in his home town, Isiokpo, headquarters of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. Herbert Wigwe, his wife, Chizoba and son, Chizi died in a helicopter crash near Nipton-California in United States on February 9, 2024.
The week-long beehive of funeral activities began on March 4, 2024 at Eko Hotel in Lagos with presentation of “Professional Legacy of Wigwe”. It was followed by a Night of Tribute at Eko Hotel on March 5; a combined service of songs at Resurrection Parish, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lekki Lagos on March 7. Friday, March 8 was a Christian Wake at Umueke, Isiokpo which was attended by some dignitaries, including the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential Election, Peter Obi. The body had earlier arrived at the Palace of the king of Isiokpo Clan and was received with 21 canon shots in each of the ten villages that make up Isiokpo Kingdom.
The demise of the Wigwes at a time least expected is a constant reminder of the brevity of life and that everyone is a sojourner or a pilgrim.
It is certainly not saying a new thing that life is transient and at its very best, life is as brief and evaporative as the vapour. No wonder, the Bible King Solomon said unequivocally, “I made me great works, I builded me houses, I planted me vineyards: I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits. I made me pools of water to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees. I got me servants and maidens, also I had great possession…So I was great and increased more than all that were before me…And whatever my eyes desired I kept not from them. I withheld not my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced in all my labour. Then I looked at all the works my hand hath wrought, and the labour that I had labored to do, and behold all was vanity and vexation of Spirit, and there was no profit under the sun…”(Ecclesiastes 2:4-10).
Solomon’s wise saying is timeless, finds expressions daily as people fail to see life as vanity, and a “passing through” according to Jim Reeves (of blessed memory).
Speaking at the well attended funeral service at Lion of Judah Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Isiokpo, on Saturday March 9, 2024, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalaye Fubara echoed the wise saying of the King Solomon, warning politicians of the emptiness of the inordinate quest for power and promised to sustain the legacy of Wigwe University.
According to a statement signed by Boniface Onyedi, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara “challenged the political class to reflect on the essence of the struggle for power when it is not actually deployed in impacting society positively”.
Sir Fubara pointed to the three corpses of persons who used their time, within the short period they lived to make enormous and impactful contributions to humanity.
“Here lies our brother, his wife and son, everyone has come to celebrate them. It means even in the short period that they lived, they lived impactful lives. They made great contributions to humanity.
“Here is a man, though not a politician, he made his money through our investments. He had the world in his palm financially. He even controlled the political class.
“This takes me to my question to the political class. What is all this struggle all about? You want to kill and bury, to what end?
“But today, with all the power financially, he couldn’t control life. Is it not enough for us to ask ourselves, why are we struggling?
“Why are we not making enough impact in the life of our people. Please, let the political class reflect on this”
Governor Fubara said in immortalising the deceased, the state government will work with Herbert Wigwe Foundation to ensure that the Wigwe University is sustained in accordance with the dreams of Herbert Wigwe.
In his address, Nigeria Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who represented the federal government at the event, said Nigerians, the political class, and indeed Africa leaders will continue to mourn the passing of an iconic personality as Herbert Wigwe.
In his sermon, Vice Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria in Rivers State, Pastor Adesoji Oni said God by the death of Herbert Wigwe reminded everyone to be prepared for eternity because it will come when they least expected it.
Several dignitaries attended the nights of tributes in Lagos and funeral at Isiokpo his home town. They included the Senate President,Godswill Akpabio, Governors of Akwa Ibom state, Governor Umo Eno, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa, Governor Alex Otti of Abia, Former Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi..
Earlier at the Night of Tributes in Lagos on Wednesday March 6, the 14th Emir of Kano State and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mohammed Sanusi recounted in tears how the late Herbert Wigwe helped him after he had been dethroned and sent out of the State.
According to Sanusi, “When I had problems in Kano, I called him (Wigwe) about six months before I was to leave Kano and I said to him, ‘Herbert I know you will give all your best to solve all these problems but I am convinced that this is what is going to happen. And he said to me, ‘Your Highness, don’t worry, whatever happens don’t worry we are here for you.
“On that day I heard on the radio that I have been dethroned, the night before it happened, I called and said I wanted to come to Lagos. The announcement was made by 9 am and by noon; Herbert had a plane at the tarmac in Kano ready. I put my family on that plane, no message, no phone call, l put them on that plane. Herbert received them, put them in an hotel and later got them accommodation for months…”, Emir Sanusi who broke down in tears thrice narrated.
Recall that Dr. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe was born at Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos, to Pastor Shyngle and Pastor (Mrs) Stella Wigwe on August 15, 1966. The nation was in the midst of severe political crisis which eventually led to the outbreak of the civil war the following year. Herbert’s father had enlisted as a captain in the Nigerian Army in 1963 and was based Kaduna; but he relocated to Lagos just before the military coup of January 15, 1966. Herbert was their third child, coming after Osita and Chilo; and was followed by Emeka, Peggy and Stella. During the civil war, his family settled in various South Eastern cities, including Calabar. It was at this time that Herbert learnt the Efik language which he spoke fluently, in addition to his native Ikwerre.
After the war, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe commenced his famed career as a broadcast professional in the state and federal service, working in Port Harcourt, Ibadan and Benin, and rising to become the Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority. Herbert’s mother, who studied nursing in the United Kingdom, managed the growing family with clinical efficiency.
Herbert therefore grew up in a typical post-independence civil service household, imbibing traditional values of integrity, meritocracy, respect and accountability which typified the character of Nigeria’s public servants in the 1960s. Herbert commenced his formal education at Port Harcourt Primary School; he was admitted into Federal Government College, Sokoto in 1977, but after his first form, he transferred to Federal Government College, Warri, where he completed his secondary education in 1982. His detribalized, patriotic worldview was formed very early in life. Herbert related with and treated everybody with kindness and respect irrespective of class, social status, ethnicity and religion. He made friends from across the country and the world and was always embraced, at work and home, by Nigerians from different parts of the country.
As a young man, Herbert was also mentored by his father’s younger brother, Chief Henry Ikechi Wigwe, a very successful entrepreneur. Herbert continuously sought the approval of his father, a strict disciplinarian who prioritized education and ensured that his children went to the best schools an honest public servant could afford. Herbert’s love for mathematics and his skills in numeracy were apparent even at an early age, prompting Emeka, his younger brother, to nickname him ACG, short for ‘Accountant-General’, predicting that Herbert would one day become Nigeria’s Accountant-General.
In 1983, Herbert was admitted into the University of Nigeria to study accountancy. He graduated with a Second-Class Upper division degree in 1987, maintaining his strong academic track record. But his outstanding academic capabilities did not come at the expense of other aspects of his life. His love for music, particularly Herbie Hancock and his zest for the finer things were apparent to those who knew him.
Igbiki Benibo
Focus
Opobo Agog For Governor Fubara
Everyone has a moment in history which belongs particularly to him. He carries the stamp of that passing moment for ever, and the appeal of that moment shapes his generational impact.
Beyond the return of an illustrious and exceptional son to his root, Opobo Town in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State, home of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday, January 28th, 2024 witnessed a momentous and historic moment as it played host to throngs of visitors and guests from far and near.
The mission was to felicitate the Rivers State Governor, Sir Fubara in the double celebration of his 49th birthday and his victory at the Supreme Court as the duly elected Governor of the State.
Before this auspicious occasion and outright vindication of Governor Fubara in the contentious legal tussle, the State had been caught up in a web of impending political explosion that kept everyone in suspense.
Then came the Supreme Court verdict which cleared the legal barriers and affirmed Sir Fubara as the man with legitimate clout to navigate the course of governance in the oil rich State that bears the enviable sobriquet; “Treasure Base of the Nation”.
There was relief in the air, as the teeming Rivers population who have come to trust their brand new, genial, affable, benevolent and resourceful Governor hailed the verdict in unison.
As a man who has premised his elevations and breakthroughs in life on providence and divine endorsement, Governor Fubara chose to celebrate his political victory and 49th birthday in a grand thanksgiving to God who made everything possible.
But Rivers people stepped in and in full solidarity to honour their new leader, a man in whom they are pleased. Thus, Governor Fubara was amazed and astonished as he beheld the warmth, acceptance and show of love by his family, kinsmen, supporters and well wishers who thronged in their numbers to felicitate him in his double celebration.
The tumultuous reception by Governor Fubara’s kith and kin and the larger Rivers family at Opobo Town, signalled a new dawn in the annals of Rivers political history. There was nothing unusual about the gathering in terms of regular political estimation but there was everything different about the mood of the people and their declarations which were explicit in demands and hope of redemption into a new era of economic prosperity under Governor Fubara.
The event was held at the St Paul’s Anglican Church, Opobo Town in Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government Area, and fully attended by all strata of the society; the business community, the religious community, the political class, the academia, the traditional institution, and the masses, the popular base very much at home with, and grateful to the Rivers State Governor for giving them a sense of belonging in his governance.
There were also those who braced up against skewed, vested political control and surveillance to identify with the people’s Governor. It was an interesting scenario laden with intrigues, fanfare and great expectations.
The festivities that graced the event were akin to a carnival as the people of ancient Opobo Kingdom rolled out their drums to honour their son. Chiefs, elders, women, youths and children revelled in unbridled excitement as they celebrated the Governor in sonorous and enthralling renditions.
During the intensive thanksgiving service at the St Paul’s Anglican Church, Opobo Town, the Bishop of Niger Delta Diocese, the Most Rev, Bishop Emmanuel Oko Jaja had taken time to explain the importance of leadership and execution of leadership responsibilities.
In delivering his homily, the Bishop harped on the importance of forgiveness and thanksgiving as a key leadership function.
According to the revered cleric, “thanking God is a sign of gratitude, and we are under obligation to thank God as God honours faith and dependability on him life’s circumstances”.
He said now that the Supreme Court has declared him the authentic helmsman in Rivers State, Governor Fubara should, “forgive those who have hurt you for God to continue to fight for you and crown you with more victories”, while the aggrieved should, “sheathe their swords, respect the office of the Governor and pursue peace to promote development in the State.
The Bishop further urged the Governor to expand development to all sectors of the Rivers economy and prioritise youth and women empowerment to boost enterprise development in the state.
In his admonition, the Bishop of Ikwere Diocese of the church, Most Rev Bishop Blessing Enyinda urged the Governor not to be distracted by the onslaught of his opponents but should remain focused to give Rivers State the best to be the envy of all States. He congratulated the Governor and urged him to hold on to God and pursue peace.
Special prayers were offered forthe peace of Rivers State and for the Governor to have clear vision and wisdom to lead the State.
Addressing the people shortly after reading the only lesson in service taken from Luke 17, 11 to 19, Governor Fubara expressed deep appreciation to God and Rivers people for their contributions and support which had propped him up in the evolving political tension in the State, before, during and after his election as Governor.
The Rivers State Governor said he drew his strength and encouragement from God and people’s huge support base to tread on in the task of governance, stating that the development on the State depended on total peace..
The Governor who dedicated his Supreme Court victory to the endearing peace process in the State urged those persecuted for standing for the truth to count it as a blessing and sacrifice for the development of the State.
He commended the security agencies for maintaining peace in the State, noting that Rivers State remains peaceful despite the heightened political tensions in the State.
While thanking the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his fatherly support during his travail, Governor Fubara noted that the battle was yet over as there were still ploys to create disharmony in the State.
But Governor Fubara perceives such trappings as raw materials for the glorious exploits of his administration which is poised to bequeath an endearing legacy of peace and development in Rivers State.
He called on religious leaders and Rivers people to continue to pray for the peace of the state.
“We have a lot of distractions but I strongly believe that while we navigate the path of peace, prayer is also needed for us to pass over this phase. Continue to put us in your prayers, there’s nothing God can’t do”
“A lot of people who started this journey with us ought to have been here with us but unfortunately they are not here. God knows why. We can’t question the Almighty.
“But one thing we can’t take away is that God does not make any mistake. Whatever happens, and when it happens, it is for a purpose.
“I am happy to return this glory to God Almighty, to say thank you to God, and ask for extra energy to continue with the task of governance. But no battle can be bigger than God.”
While celebrating the surmounting of a critical stage his journey to the exercise of his electoral mandate, Governor Fubara believes that the grave challenges, trials and ominous signs of chaos that hung over the State were enough lessons to be learnt to have a collective rethink on the positive way forward for the development of the state.
He emphasised that the hope of the future was tied to the collective responsibilities of the people to embrace peace and keep faith with the Rivers dream above individual interest.
In his characteristic conviviality and deep sense of accommodation, Governor extended the olive branch across political divides to jointly build the State, stressing rectitude as a political culture of strengthening the prospects of development in the State.
Most importantly, the Governor expressed concern over the need for his team to bequeath an endearing legacy of prestige, excellence and positive impact on both the office of the governor and the development of the State at large.
In outright detestation, Governor Fubara dissociated his administration from predatory and vindictive politics, noting that his administration will not yield to the trappings of anarchy but remain open to reconciliation and accommodation of constructive criticisms and divergence in views to place Rivers State on its deserving pedestal among the comity of Nigerian States.
A cursory appraisal of Governor Fubara’s political antics shows that as an active catalytic administrator, he approaches political governance from a practical mindset inclined towards achieving the goals of development and devoid of an abrasive and infringing order, a philosophy mistaken to be weakness by his traducers, and detractors.
In his welcome address, the Intercontinental Youth Pastor of RCCG, Pastor Belemina Obunge acknowledged the immense support RCCG had received from the state government towards the hosting of the rally, which he noted has prophetically coincided with the birthday of Governor Fubara.
Earlier on the eventful Sunday at the Port Harcourt Holy Ghost Rally organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium Governor Fubara had declared that the foundation of his administration was anchored on God who has given him unfettered promotion and breakthrough in the face of glaring challenges.
Governor Fubara described the theme of this year’s edition of the Port Harcourt Holy Ghost Rally, “Promoted for a Purpose”, which coincided with is birthday and Supreme Court Victory, as a personal gift from the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
“Let me take that theme to be a personal gift from the Redeemed Christian Church of God, because the theme isn’t different from my story, I was promoted by God, first through my party, and leaders of my party, promotion comes from God alone.”
“I want to say a big thank you to the Redeemed Christian family for your support before, during and after our elections, your prayers have kept us going. Our government will continue to support this programme in this State, continue to pray for us so that the purpose of governance will be achieved in the State.”
The Governor expressed special gratitude to the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye for his love for Rivers State as demonstrated by the choice of Port Harcourt for the Special Holy Ghost Rally and blessings at the beginning of every year.
The Intercontinental Youth Pastor of RCCG, Pastor Belemina Obunge who officiated the Port Harcourt Holy Ghost Rally thanked the Governor for his commitment and support towards the success of the rally.
Governor Fubara’s deep sense of humility, civility, pragmatism and magnetic aura has continued to attract the support of Rivers people who see in him the sincerity of purpose to promote people-oriented policies and sustainable development in the State. In an enigmatic and metaphorical coinage, Governor Fubara sees himself as a man of destiny that God uses even his enemies to bless.
Taneh Beemene
-
Sports4 days ago
2024 Olympics May Miss Mbappe, Messi
-
Politics4 days ago
2024 Budget: Funds Were Shared Among Senators -Abaribe
-
News4 days ago
Child Mortality Drops To 4.9m In 2022 -UN Report
-
Rivers4 days ago
GDI Chieftain Wants General Hospital In Oyigbo
-
Politics4 days ago
Reps Want Tinubu To Hasten Betta Edu Fraud Probe
-
Sports4 days ago
UCL Quarter Final Draw Holds, Today
-
Business4 days ago
Reduce Food Prices, IMF Urges FG
-
News4 days ago
Troops Neutralise 213 Terrorists, Apprehend 283 Others In One Week