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Ogoni Youth Endorse New Oil Firm To Replace Shell
League of Gokana Community Youth Leaders has endorsed the decision of the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers to allow the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland.
The youth leader said this at the end of an extra-ordinary meeting held at the palace of the Gbenemene of Gokana in Biara.
A communiqué made available to newsmen at the end of the meeting, stressed the need for Ogonis to adopt the declaration made by the Ogoni traditional rulers during their meeting on February 2, 2015 at Korokoro, which endorsed Belema Oil to resume oil exploration in Ogoni.
The youth said that Gokana, with the largest oil wells in Ogoni, have accepted the postion of chiefs, elders, women and youth on the choice of Belema Oil.
The youth also said that no other companies or company shall be welcomed in Gokana land, stressing that all anti-Belema movement in the area would be rebuffed.
The communiqué, which was read by the Youth President of Kegbara Dere Community, Mr. Norteh Meebari Morgan, warned those peddling rumours against Belema Oil working to create division among the people to desist from it or be exposed.
“Belema Oil is a dream builder, and we, the youth have heard of the Belema story and are motivated because we believe many more Belemas will spring up in our land,” they said.
On his part, the President of the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP), Comrade Victor Promise Wisdom, said that the youth group has resolved to engage Belema Oil, adding “lets see what he has for the youth”.
He stressed that NYCOP will be part of the decision taken at Ogoni Congresses in relation to Belema Oil in Ogoniland.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ogoni Solidarity Forum, Mr. Celestine Akpobari has dismissed claims by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that, the indigenous company (Belema Oil Company) recently seeking to resume oil exploration in Ogoniland belong to Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, and Senator Magnus Abe of Rivers South East Senatorial District.
Akpobari debunked the claim last Saturday in a chat with newsmen in Port Harcourt following comments by the Director of Communication of PDP Governorship Campaign Organisation in Rivers State, Barr. Emma Okah, that Belema Oil Company was owned by Governor Amaechi and Senator Magnus Abe, who have reportedly pushed for the firm to replace Shell Company oil exploration in Ogoniland in Rivers State.
Akpobari said, the oil company belongs to a Kalabari person from Kula, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, and described the PDP allegation as baseless and untrue.
Akpobari urged the PDP leadership to verify their facts before going public to avoid portraying the party as deceitful.
According to him, President Goodluck Jonathan had the final say in any oil company to replace Shell, asking, is it possible that the President would wish to allocate the Ogoni oil wells to his opponent’s company, assuming that Governor Amaechi and Senator Abe owned Belema Oil Company?.
“Politicians, especially those in PDP should know that, Rivers people are not ignorant and tools, politicians should stop policising issues that have nothing to do with politics.
“Like our chief said, this man (Belema Oil) has been on negotiation with government and Ogoni people over a year now, and we have seen the good plans of the company. Politicians should stop politics of gimmick, PDP just wants to embark on campaign that does not have base and fact, even in the 21st century”, Akpobari said.
He warned politicians against using Ogoni issues to cause crisis among Ogoni people.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Kpean Council of Chiefs, Chief Nwarinee Gilbert called on political parties to desist from using Ogoni oil wells as issue of political campaign in the area.
He explained that, Belema Oil Company started plans to resume oil mining in Ogoni years ago, and that its plan was well articulated which has made the traditional rulers and youth to endorse it.
He challenged companies with better plans to come out, stating that Ogoni People were ready to work with such company.
Gilbert further disclosed that no company will operate in Ogoniland, if the environment is not cleaned up as recommended by UNEP.
Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (right), with High Chief Jonah Tamuno and Ogu/Bolo Council Chairman, Hon (Mrs) Maureen Tamuno at the commissioning of an electricity project in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area recently.
Enoch Epelle
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
