Niger Delta
Lawmaker Tasks FG On Shore Protection
The Chief Whip, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Mr Obedient Emoto, has called on the Federal Government to build shore protection in riverine communities to forestall flooding in the Niger Delta.
Emoto gave the advice in an interview with The Tide after inspecting 18 flooded communities in Ogbia Constituency II, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on Friday.
According to him, the situation here is pathetic, my people are dying. We need urgent government intervention.
“ Let the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Niger Delta Development Commission, commence the construction of shore protection in our communities.
“As I speak now, 18 communities in Ogbia have been submerged by flood. This is our experience every season.
“The shore protection will no doubt help check this annual flooding of our communities,’’ he said.
Emoto said that the appeal became imperative following the devastating effect of the flood which ravaged communities in the hinterland and displaced the people and explained that the flood, which had caused untold hardship to the Ogbia people, had destroyed homes, livestock and fish ponds, as well as properties worth millions of naira.
He sympathised with the paramount rulers and people of the communities and urged them to be steadfast and be their brothers’ keeper in these trying times.
The Tide reports that at Ologi community, the home of the lawmaker, many of the villagers had taken refuge in the only one-storey building in the community while
Many other residents also used canoes to escape to neighbouring communities.
Emoto commended the efforts of both the Federal and Bayelsa State Governments, for the provision of funds and relief materials to the flood victims.
He said the flooding had cut off the communities from food supply and medicine, adding that hunger, starvation and epidemics, now stare the people in the face.
The legislator noted that the temporary resettlement camp provided for the displaced persons at Ologoghe community was grossly inadequate for the victims.
“Many of our people are displaced and the camp at Ologoghe is grossly inadequate.
“Something urgent need to be done to save the people, including the thousands of children caught up in the flood with regard to the provision of food.’’
Niger Delta
Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday
The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.
Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.
Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.
According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.
The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.
“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.
He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.
On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.
“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.
