Rivers
Unite To Salvage Our Youths -Banigo
Rivers State Deputy Governor Dr Ipalibo Harry Bagnio, says the unity of the Christian-body is needed to salvage the nations youths from the depths of darkness they have been sunk into.
The Deputy Governor stated this during a courtesy visit by the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (Women) at the Government House in Port Harcourt yesterday.
Dr. Banigo said if Christians could unite as one in this nation, most of the evil things we are experiencing amongst our youths today would be curtailed, noting that her experience as the President of the Boys Brigade between 1996 and 1998 in the old Rivers State showed the positive impact of interdenominational fellowship on our youths.
“Boy’s Brigade goes to all the churches, Anglican, Presbyterian, Catholic, Salvation Army, Methodist, all of them, we used to visit them, grow up the boys, teach them discipline, and engaged them in Boys Brigade activities and they were very vibrant, and were not involved in social vices”, Banigo stressed.
She expressed regrets with the conduct of our youths today which she described as worrisome.
“When I came back into Government in 2015, I was quite taken aback on the level of helplessness and hopelessness that our youth had retrogressed to; it has been a problem for me. I have tried so many ways to see how we can reengage them, energize them, get them to be more focused and see that God has a purpose for their lives, they have a destiny to fulfill, and I do believe that chapters like yourselves, especially when you talk about the ladies of the fellowship arm, you will be able to reach out to those our youths as well”, she said.
The Deputy Governor who wondered if there is a generation to hand over to, said “the whole creation is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God, where are the sons of God, the sons of God in banking, in politics, in health, in education, in business, where are they, the whole creation is waiting for our manifestation, that is the cry I want us to go home with today”.
She expressed appreciation with the work of the full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International, all over the country, working towards the harvest of souls.
In her remarks, the Committee Chairperson Ladies of the Fellowship Arm of FGBMF Mrs. Edith Akwaeke informed the Deputy Governor, that the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International comprises millions of men saddled with the responsibility of winning souls for Christ in 160 nations, adding that Nigeria accounts for more than 3,500 chapters, while Rivers State plays host to over 200 chapters.
She said as a fellowship of Christian Business men and Professionals they were at the Government House to offer a hand of fellowship to the Governor Wike led Administration towards building a greater society, based on strong Christian values and principles because, righteousness exalts a nation.
Rivers
Cleric Hails Gov Fubara Over Award
A cleric in Rivers State and Resident Minister of the Assemblies of God Church, Nigeria, Nvigwe 1, Woji, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rev. Godswill Stewart has described the ‘Peace Advocate Award’ bestowed on Governor Siminalayi Fubara by Silverbird Communications Limited, as very deserving.
Speaking with newsmen recently in Woji Town on the quality leadership of the Governor, among other state and national issues, Stewart said, “Today, we note that the economic and social landscape of Rivers State have become positively transformed as the average citizens can go about their normal businesses without any fear of intimidation.
“The fact that you achieve this feat within such a short time is an eloquent testimony of your administrative acumen and love for the people of Rivers State”.
Reacting to the development, Stewart said: “I welcome the recognition of Governor Fubara’s resoluteness and uncompromising stance against ill-conceived mischief-making, and all forms of criminality that made life difficult for residents and businesses in the State.
“I note with commendation that there has not been a single attack by hitherto prowling gunmen or incident of killing of law enforcement agents or burning of police offices or the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) since the coming of the Fubara-led administration. Kudos to the courage and determination of one man, his team, and the commitment of the security agencies”.
However, Stewart called on the National Assembly and President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the decentralization of policing for people like Sir Siminalayi Fubara to do more.
“It is unfortunate that the successive efforts and campaigns on constitutional amendment bills to create state police fell on deaf ears. But as the kidnapping epidemic and widespread insecurity in various parts of Nigeria rightly shows that we can no longer run from the reality, which is what we have to revert to decentralised policing lest we all perish.
“Importantly, what Governor Fubara has done with the security of lives and property even within the constitutional constraints is a confirmation that his dispensation and other services in the State could do so much under a state police system in collaboration with the federal police and other security agencies,” Stewart said.
By: Bethel Toby
Rivers
IWD: Invest In Yourselves, Gov’s Wife Urges Women
The wife of Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara has called on Rivers women and indeed all women to use the theme of 2024 International Women’s Day, ‘Count Her In: Invest In Women. Accelerate Progress’ to focus and pay more attention on themselves on how to better their lot by maximizing their potentials.
Speaking at an event organised by the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), a world class organisation with the United Nations ECOSOC special consultative status, for the official observance of this year’s Women’s Day at the White Jade Event Centre in Port Harcourt recently, Mrs Fubara noted that the Day’s theme was apt and timely and charged women to always uphold the deliberate act of investing in themselves, be it in furthering formal education, developing new skills set or learning a trade.
According to her,” women must endeavor to shun idleness, gossip, malingering and always find something positive and productive to do regardless of age, social and financial capabilities, you all have something to offer”.
The Governor’s wife, who was represented by the State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Roseline Uranta had noted that everyone, irrespective of gender deserved a fair share of life, to let out their voices and be heard. Women, she said, have from time immemorial been great pillars in achieving remarkable heights in the society.
“The International Women’s Day therefore, is of important essence to celebrate all women for the roles they play in bringing, nurturing and sustaining life. It’s a day that provides us the platform to discuss women’s economic inclusion, limited participation in political and public life, lack of access to education for the girl-child, gender-based violence, child marriage, child trafficking, harmful cultural practices and other challenges facing women”.
“It’s a day, she continued, ‘ to reflect on the progressive achievement, an opportunity to call for change, to celebrate the acts of courage and every achievement made by ordinary women, who made extraordinary things”.
Mrs Fubara added that in order to achieve gender equality, which is one of the sustainable development goals of the United Nations and one of the essence of Women’s Day, governments and society must ensure that the right responsibilities and opportunities of women do not elude them. Investing in women must be seen and taken as a human rights issue and considered as a social tool towards eradicating poverty.
The event which was organized by IAWPA to essentially celebrate women from different walks of life witnessed an impressive attendance by men, women, groups, corporate and social organisations.
Over 65 persons, including the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Rivers State First Lady, Mrs Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof Ngozi Odu and Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo were among those recognized with awards and received the class of 2024 Eminent Peace Ambassadors, Mayor of Peace and Justices of Peace appointments by IAWPA.
By: Gabriel Nwanetanya
Rivers
Court Adjourns Case Against Rivers Lawmakers To April
A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, yesterday adjourned till April 22, 2024 for hearing, the suit , seeking the interpretation of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), concerning the defection of the 26 Assembly members of the of Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
When the matter was called up by the presiding Justice, Hon Justice Phoebe Ayua in suit No FHC/PH/CS/17/2024, the Counsel to the plaintiff, Alasime Olunywe Karibo (Esq), disclosed that the court graciously authorised them to reach the defendants through substituted service on the last sitting date of February 8, 2024.
Olunywe however, expressed regrets that the actual date of service execution was not clear.
He pointed out that such may be part of the reason why the defendants did not appear in court except that of the lawyer representating Governor Siminalayi Joseph Fubara.
The suit which came by originating summons was instituted by one Mr Athanicious Eneyo, a Rivers man against Hon Martins Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers in addition to Governor Siminalayi Fubura.
The suit is seeking to know among other things, whether or not by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), those lawmakers who defected from the PDP to the APC in Rivers State last December, can still be legitimately called members of the State Assembly vide Section 109.
Based on the issue of non-clarity of date, the court , however, promised to put the Plaintiff and Amaewhule on proper notice before the next adjourned date.
By: Kiadum Edookor
-
Niger Delta4 days ago
Gov Otu Tasks Nigerians On Religious Tolerance
-
Politics4 days ago
Dump PDP, Enhance Your Value, APC Woos Gov Mutfwang
-
News4 days ago
Fubara Charges New Council To Restore Discipline, Quality Academics At CEAPOLY
-
Front Pix4 days ago
We’re Determined To Leave Legacy Of Quality Education -Fubara
-
Opinion4 days ago
Of Being Begotten
-
Politics4 days ago
Senate Has Clarification To Make On Budget Padding Claim -Obi
-
Niger Delta4 days ago
Edo Moves To Improve Efficiency In Governance
-
Front Pix4 days ago
Fubara, Others Eulogise Rivers First Lady’s Mother