Rivers
Rivers Dev: Christians Call For Prayers
Christians in Rivers State have been called upon to pray fervently for the development of the state.
The Provincial Pastor Bayelsa Province of Redeemed Christian church, Pastor, Belemina Obunge who made the call last Saturday at the occasion of a book launch, entitled “Dynamic Prayer Nuggets for Success” in Port Harcourt said prayer is an immeasurable told at the disposal of every government to accomplish great success of its vision.
Pastor Obnnge who commended Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s government for it’s effort to give Rivers State a new pace of development, said there is need for Christians to back up the government with more prayers in order to envelope the Governor and his officials with the fear of God to enable them continue with the vision.
He called on men of God to stop going to government officials for money in the name of miracles and prayers, saying that the trend was against godly principles and standard.
Pastor Obunge opined that, poverty and desire for leadership have made some men of God to deviate from the true worship of God in Nigeria, which has contributed to problems of Nigeria economically and politically.
The Provincial Pastor commended the author of the book, Evangelist Paago Tom-West for the book as a true guide for living in the realms of the supernatural.
He explained that the book is an investment for translating the dying generation into a strong body of winners in Christendom
Also speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Pastor Yomi Dada described the author of the book as a rare gift to the church of Jesus Christ with prophetic and Apostolic anointing.
Pastor Dada stressed that the book is useful for all Christians in terms of strategic prayers points to enable every reader victoriously pray through different issues of life.
He said a lot of person have totally neglected the most viable and forceful implements of fulfillment, hence lack of wonderful resource material of significant value.
Enoch Epelle
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PR Professionals Must Rebuild Public Trust – Eze Gbakagbaka

The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII), His Majesty, King Prof. Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, has called on communication professionals to rise above routine narratives and become vanguards in rebuilding public trust in the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic realities.
The revered monarch made the charge while delivering the Chairman’s Opening Remarks at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter, held in Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Refocusing Stakeholders’ Engagement and Public Trust in a Challenging Economy.”
The event, which drew leading figures in public communication, governance, and industry, witnessed presentations, keynote addresses and robust deliberations aimed at repositioning the PR profession to respond to national realities with innovation and integrity.
In his remarks, HM Eke commended the Rivers State Chapter of NIPR, led by Rev. Francis Asuk, for what he called its unwavering commitment to professionalism, knowledge-sharing, and continuous dialogue on issues affecting the nation’s social and institutional fabric.
He noted that the theme of the conference could not have been more appropriate, considering the current national climate where public confidence in institutions is at an all-time low, and economic uncertainties have strained relationships between stakeholders and the state.
“We are living in a season when trust has become a scarce commodity. Citizens are asking tough questions, and institutions are struggling to maintain credibility. In such a time, the role of the Public Relations professional becomes even more crucial”, he said.
The Eze Gbakagbaka, who is the Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, noted that Public Relations practitioners must understand their strategic role as mediators between the people and the truth, adding that the tools of their trade: honest communication, transparency, and empathy, must be wielded with renewed purpose and patriotism.
“You are the bridge between the people and the truth; between perception and reality. Your work determines whether society believes, doubts, or hopes again. Let this conference remind us that trust is not demanded, it is earned”, he urged.
He emphasized that the restoration of trust in both public and private sectors requires consistent, deliberate, and sincere stakeholder engagement.
According to him, when communication is driven by integrity, not propaganda, society will gradually find its voice and confidence once again.
“With transparent communication and genuine engagement, even in a difficult economy, confidence can be restored”, the monarch said, urging the delegates to see themselves not just as professionals, but as nation-builders with a moral obligation to influence public perception positively.
The Evo apex King, who is also a Fellow of the Institute, called on participants to approach the discussions with open minds and patriotic intent, stressing that every contribution must be geared towards rebuilding national cohesion and institutional trust.
“With a deep sense of honour and responsibility”, he declared, “I, His Majesty, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII) and Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, formally declare open the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rivers State Chapter to the glory of God and for the good of our society.”
At a post conference courtesy call at the instance of the Eze Gbakagbaka, the President of the Association, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the Kung as an astute Fellow who is determined to add colour to the Institute regardless of any odds.
Also, the Council Member, Pastor Palunius Nsirim, who corroborated the President’s position, noted that His Majesty’s recognition was something valid given his contributions to the growth of the association.
“We value your presence with us. We will continue to benefit from your wise counsel. We won’t take your support for granted”, he said.
Climax of the visit was the decoration of Dr. Neliaku by the Evo apex King as a Honorary citizen of the Kingdom.
By: King Onunwor