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Bayelsa Plans Book On Azazi, Boro, Dapa-Biriye …As Amaechi Honours The Late General
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson has disclosed plan to begin work on a book to document the life and times of late Ijaw heroes including General Owoye Azazi, Isaac Adaka Boro, Harold Dappa-Biriye, as well as other living and dead eminent sons of Ijaw.
The Governor also announced plans to immortalise late General Azazi by sponsoring an award, chair or prize dedicated to excellence in his honour in a reputable institution in the country, and directed his Deputy retired Rear Admiral John Jonah to liaise with the leadership of the Nigerian military to work out modalities to achieve the purpose.
Governor Dickson also said a befitting edifice would be named after the late General in addition to a periodic memorial lecture that would be sponsored by the state government in his honour.
Extolling the qualities of the former National Security Adviser, the Governor noted that no amount of honour bestowed on Late Azazi would be considered too great in view of his monumental contributions to the state and country in general.
Describing the deceased as quintessential Ijaw man, a patriotic Nigerian and an accomplished military leader, the State Chief Executive challenged the youths to emulate General Azazi’s sterling qualities.
Hon. Dickson, who was full of appreciation for former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Musa Yar’ Adua for the roles they played in the Late General’s illustrious career, also expressed gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan for rising above blackmail and petty propaganda to appoint Azazi as National Security Adviser at the most trying period of the country’s history.
In his tribute, President Goodluck Jonathan described General Azazi as a good Nigerian who believed in merit and competence.
The President who called for attitudinal change, stressed that if only 50 percent of Nigerians should behave like the departed hero, the country would be a better place.
According to him, most of the issues bedeviling the country have nothing to do with corruption and that his administration has been fighting against the problem through different anti-graft institutions.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika said late Azazi spearheaded the transformation of the Nigerian Army.
He said, as a colonel several years back, he and others adopted the deceased as a role model both in the service and private life.
The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, eulogised the former NSA as a fine officer and gentleman, lamenting his demise as a great loss to the Ijaw Nation.
Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Alexander Ogomudia Rtd and President of Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, emphasised that Azazi stood for integrity, adding that, “greatness is not what you have but what you do with your greatness”.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Gorum, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has named the Nkpogu Road (now under reconstruction) after late General Owoye Andrew Azazi for his numerous contributions to nation building and his sterling qualities.
Amaechi spoke at the Funeral Service, Saturday in honour of late General Owoye Andrew Azazi in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
“Looking at the numerous contributions and sterling qualities of late General Azazi to this nation, and his love towards me, whom he usually calls my younger brother, I am left with no option than to name Nkpogu road after him by Monday”.
While expressing the deep pain of the death of late General Owoye Andrew Azazi before the bereaved families and the people of Bayelsa State, Governor Amaechi said, his relationship with the late retired General had been close and private.
“Most time when I get to Lagos and Abuja, I eat in late General Azazi’s house, we have a private relationship, but now, he is gone, who will call me my younger brother, where will I eat when I visit Lagos or Abuja”, Amaechi lamented.
“He is a true detribalised Nigerian. It was my wife, Dame Judith Amaechi that first called my attention on phone that, shortly after she had left Bayelsa State, information reaching her indicates that there had been an helicopter crash, it could be the helicopter carrying late General Azazi, I called his (Azazi) line twenty (20) times to confirm the unfortunate incident, but no one answered”, Amaechi explained.
Speaking further, Governor Amaechi assured the people of Bayelsa State of his administration’s commitment to support the bereaved families whenever his attention was needed.
“If there is anything that you want me to do for you (the bereaved families), in the form of support or assistance, please, kindly call my attention”, Amaechi said.
Amaechi also thanked President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience, and the Bayelsa State Government for the befitting burial accorded to late General Owoye Andrew Azazi.
“I wish to thank President Goodluck Jonathan, and his wife, and the Bayelsa State Government for the befitting burial accorded late General Azazi”, he said.
Also speaking, President Goodluck Jonathan commended the decision of Governor Amaechi to name the Nkpogu road after late General Azazi, describing it as a welcome development.
“I commend Governor Amaechi on the decision to name the Nkpogu road after late General Azazi, it is indeed a welcome development”, Jonathan said.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo