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Amaechi Condoles With Dame Jonathan …Urges Communal Peace
The Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi has condoled the wife of the President, Dame Patience Jonathan over the sudden death of her mother, in a ghastly motor accident in Rivers State.
In a statement signed on behalf of the Rivers State Government, Governor Amaechi said, ‘it is with utmost shock and sadness that we have received the news of the death of your dear mother, confidant and cherished companion Madam Charity Iwari Oba.
“No doubt the demise of a loved one leaves us feeling hollow and alone. Yet in the midst of our pain we must not forget that we are Christians and therefore should not mourn like those without hope”.
“It is our firm belief that our beloved Sisi has gone to a better place. Her charity and faith remain a hallmark not just in Oba-ama and Okrika but everywhere she lived”.
“Her ever open arms and warm hospitality cannot be forgotten and remain as always a beacon of hope and candle light that all who love her can cling unto”.
“On behalf of my wife Judith, the Government and people of Rivers State I want to assure you of our prayers and steadfast support at this very trying time., as we trust our ever faithful God to grant you and the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”, the statement said.
Wife of Rivers State Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi on Friday paid a condolence visit to the King Perekule’s residence of the late Charity Oba, mother of First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan.
Mrs Amaechi who was accompanied by the state Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru and top government functionaries and their spouses earlier received Dame Patience Jonathan at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.
Dame Patience cut short her foreign trip to visit the Rivers State, following the death of her mother in a ghastly motor accident on the East-West road.
The governor’s wife in her condolence message described late Mrs Charity Obah as a woman who has made appreciable contributions to the development of the nation.
“On behalf of women of Rivers State and my family, I mourn your painful demise, your death occurred when your contributions to national development is really needed”.
She prayed God Almighty to grant the Obah family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has charged communities in the state to respect mutual co-existence and promote good neighbourliness to complement government peace initiative.
Governor Amaechi stated this when the Rumurukani Ekinigbo community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area paid him a solidarity visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.
Governor Amaechi who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Tony Okocha said only peaceful co-existence among communities can drive rapid development of the people. He added that communities have major role to play in actualizing government peace initiative.
Governor Amaechi stated that all policy of government were geared towards protecting the interest of communities and to attract more investors to the state.
“Communities are instrument of change and dependable partners in our effort to deliver our electoral promises to our people, we must continue to respect each other”.
He said the Rumuigbo community has demonstrated its assurance to the government as partners in our collective effort to make Rivers State an investors heaven.
In his speech, Chairman of the Community, Azunde Nyege said the community was pleased with the state governor for appointing one of their sons to an enviable position in the land.
Mr Nyege who also assured the governor that their son and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Sir Tony Okocha will not abuse the confidence reposed in him, described him as a tested leader of men and materials.
The community also charged Governor Amaechi to remain focused and courageous despite the teething challenges facing the state and commended him on the developmental initiatives in various sectors of the economy.
Highpoint of the visit was the presentation of an award of meritorious service to Sir Tony Okocha who was also installed with the title “Eze Enwa Gbanu of Rumurukani I”, meaning the Moon that illuminates the state’s community.
The event was attended by Chairmen of Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor and Ogu/Bolo who commended the Rumurukani community for their support to Governor Amaechi.
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