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Cleric Charges Mankind To Be Prepared For Death

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The clergyman in charge of Ahoada Baptist Church, Rev. Friday Anthony has charged mankind to be prepared at all times to meet their maker for judgment.
Speaking at the burial service in honour of the former Director of Finance and Accounts of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation (RSNC), Late Mr Alfred Amojiyeobueka Ojo at Okoma I Baptist Church in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State the cleric said death is inevitable and  “whatever we do on earth, one day God will call us and ask us questions on what we did while on earth – Judgment  and we will be rewarded accordingly.”
Rev Anthony who spoke on the topic: ‘Beyond Death,’ with a text from Luke 16:19-31 said that “death will surely come to all whether poor or rich, young or old.” According to him, that there are three types of death the physical death which he described as a process by which the soul departs from the body, the spiritual death in which one is ungodly living a life that is full of sin and the eternal death which he called the second death, pointing out that the Late Mr Ojo has died a physical death waiting for the final judgment.
He told the congregation that “the burial of Mr Ojo gives mankind an opportunity to repent, pointing out that after death there is no opportunity to pray for salvation or to hear the word of God nor to repent.”
He reminded all “those engaging in killings and committing unpardonable crimes that there will always be a day of judgment and therefore, advised that “This is the time for repentance especially now that we are still alive, since there was no repentance in the grave.” He described the Late Ojo as an upright man, humorous and a man who was always ready to help the needy.
Among dignitaries who attended the Ojo’s burial were Director, Finance and Accounts Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mr Ntegun I.I. and the Weekend Editor, Mr Goodluck Ukwe.

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Clergy Confab Condemns Social Vices, Violence The Conference of Pastors, Assemblies of God Nigeria, Rivers District has decried the increasing spates of social vices across the country and the attendant wanton destruction of lives and property. In a statement at the end of a two-day capacity building programme for pastors and their wives tagged “School of Ministries” held in Port Harcourt, the conference expressed dissatisfaction over the alarming rate of kidnapping, insurgency, cult-related and politically-motivated killings. The statement noted that the trend was not healthy for the development of the nation’s democracy and urged security operatives and government at all levels to harness available resources to curb the menace. It described the inauguration of Governor Ezebunwo Wike-led administration in the state as a good omen for the people and advised the governor to translate to tangible reality the ‘New Rivers Vision’, while calling on those elected into various positions to deliver democracy dividends to the people to justify their mandate. The statement signed by a three-man committee chaired by Rev. Gospel Okwusi, Andoni South Sectional Leader and ratified by the Conference presided by the Rev Daddy Ibulubo, the Rivers District Superintendent also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for approval of “bail-out” to states for payment of workers’ salary arrears to cushion hardship faced by the work force and leverage the economy. Describing Missions and Evangelism as the primary purpose of the church and the heart-beat of God, it urged Christians to cultivate a passion for soul winning and live in the consciousness of eternity and affirm the reality of heaven and hell. It noted the multi-dimensional challenges pastors face in an effort to establish kingdom principles and expressed hope that with a determination to success, such obstacles efface in significance.

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2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring 

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As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.
In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.
Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.
“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.
“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.
He emphasized that being “head of the home”  is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”
The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.
To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.
The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.
“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.
The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.
International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.
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Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process 

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Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor
Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association  (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process
Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.
George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.
According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.
The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.
They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.
The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.
GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.
According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.
The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.
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Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

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The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.
He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.
Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.
According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.
The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.
Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.
He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.
A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.
He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.
The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.
The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.
Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.
By: King Onunwor

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