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Military Power Alone Cannot Defeat Terrorism – US
R-L. Former Prime Minister of Spain, Jose R. Zapatero, Special United Nations Envoy, Mohamed Ibn Chamber, former Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Ian Bowles, former President of Ghana, John Kufuor, Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi, MP, House of Commons, Eric Joyce, former Prime Minister of France, Francois Charles Fillon, former President of Poland, Lech Walesa and Consul General, People Republic of China, during the Energy Evironment and Investment Forum in Port Harcourt, recently.
The United States of America has said that it wants Nigeria to win the war against terrorism in the North-Eastern part of the country and other areas where Boko Haram is disrupting the socio-economic life of the citizens.
It stated that defeating terrorism required more than just military power, noting that it entails protecting civilian populations despite terrorists’ disregard for human life in their campaign to wage war on the state, working to develop impoverished areas where extremism takes root, and making education accessible to all.
The US also insisted that winning the war against terrorism required empowering a free and fair press to report openly and without fear of reprisal, among other things.
Speaking at the 238th Independence Day anniversary of the US in Abuja on Friday, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, described Nigeria as America’s long term partner, adding that the US will continue to support Nigeria to succeed against insurgency and insecurity.
He said, “Defeating terrorism required more than just military power. It requires protecting civilian populations despite terrorists’ disregard for human life in their campaign to wage war on the state; It requires working to develop impoverished areas where extremism takes root.
“It requires ensuring that education is accessible to all, it requires empowering a free and fair press to report openly and without fear of reprisal. And, perhaps most importantly, it requires engaging the growing youth populations that are being swayed towards extremism due to lack of economic opportunities, education, and trust in government.”
The envoy explained that security partnership was at the forefront of its assistance to Nigeria against the backdrop of the recent spate of kidnappings, bombings, and other despicable acts of terrorism by Boko Haram.
Speaking further, he averred that winning the war against terrorism required a comprehensive, “whole-of-government approach and the work we’re doing with the Nigerian government and people addresses all of these needs.”
He said, “Let me be clear, we want Nigeria to win its war on terrorism. And we are here to support you in that effort. It may seem that we suddenly sprang to Nigeria’s aid in the wake of the Chibok kidnappings, but the truth is we’ve been providing support for a long time. You’re our partners, and we’re going to continue this journey together.
“As we stand with Nigeria on its democratic journey, I want to make it clear that the assistance that we have offered over the years is in the same spirit as that offered to us by other nations as we began our democratic journey.
“You have many friends and partners who want Nigeria to succeed, and the United States stands at the front of that line.”
He added that his country was deeply committed to helping Nigeria ensure that elections, particularly the national ones in 2015, are free, fair, peaceful, and credible.
According to him, the Ekiti elections were an excellent example of what happens when all players, the government, citizens, security forces, and political parties commit to ensuring respect for the electoral process and for one another.
The ambassador expressed optimism about the unity of Nigeria, saying he was struck by the fact that what united Nigerians was more than what separates them, adding that every citizen wanted to participate in a strong, active democracy, they all want better roads, better schools, and more access to basic services like clean water and electricity, as well as more economic opportunity for themselves and their families.
Entwistle identified the role of partnership in improving democracy stressing that the democratic experiment in the United States would not have been possible without the influence and support of its international partners.
He said when America’s Founding Fathers authored their Declaration of Independence, they were inspired by British and French philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Charles Montesquieu with the building blocks of their democracy derived from the thoughts of individuals from other nations.
“As our fledgling democracy grew, we relied on security assistance from a number of international partners. As time went on, our democratic ideals began to inspire the rest of the world. Through diplomacy and cultural exchanges, an idea took root that changed human history,” Entwistle said.
He added that the idea that humans are all created equal and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, combined with the belief that governments derived their authority from the consent of the governed, became a source of inspiration to the world.
The envoy also pointed out that the US did not get to where it is by itself but took international partnership, diplomacy, an effective military, and government representatives who responsibly exercised their power to develop and improve their democracy with some coming from within the character of the American people while some came as inspiration or direct support from their partners.
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