Rivers

Tears Of Joy As Ex-Sex Worker Weds At OPM

Published

10 years ago

November 16, 2016

As palpable tears of joy flowed freely at the wedding of hitherto Diobu-based sex worker, the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministry (OPM), Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, has admonished Christians not to look down on any human being, irrespective of their social status, but to encourage all to imbibe good moral values and dedicate themselves to the service of God and humanity.

Chinyere gave the advice while officiating at the wedding of one of the 38 Diobu-based prostitutes, who recently gave their lives to God and were baptized at the church.

While joining the couple in a Holy matrimony at the OPM headquarters in Port Harcourt, the general overseer said that the overflowing tears of joy from the other former 37 sex workers show that God was at work in their lives and would use them to change the destinies of many in the society.

The servant of God said, “I am delighted today in officiating this important wedding because on the day these 38 souls were converted, I told them that if they would only surrender completely to God and repent from their evil ways, God would use the church to provide them comfortable accommodation and viable businesses.

“I also promised that any one of them who will, in the cause of her service to God, find a husband of her choice, both her traditional and white weddings would definitely be bankrolled by the church without hesitation”, Chinyere added.

The general oversee promised to carry out a total rehabilitation and reformation of anyone who freely gave her life to Christ, noting that this marked the fulfillment of the earlier commitments.

The bride, who could not hold her joy said: “Thursday, September 22, 2016, was a day I can never forget in a hurry as it was the day I had personal encounter with the general overseer of OPM in our evil brothel in Diobu, a place where my life would have been ruined ignorantly in prostitution.

“I had listened to so many pastors, preachers, who came around the brothel to preach to me. But Daddy OPM’s own way, pattern and style were totally a different thing altogether, as he did not only preach the raw word of God, but also brought me and my fellow prostitutes out from the devil’s dungeon.

“He has kept to his vow by providing us special accommodation in an estate where he feeds and clothes us. He has also set up life-time businesses for us as we surrendered completely to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

“Today, I am a fulfilled born-again Christian, happily married to a man I truly love to spend the rest of my life with. God is really great to have used His servant, Daddy OPM to rewrite my ugly life story for good. I will ever serve God throughout the rest of my life”, the converted sex worker added.

In his response, the groom said: “I met my wife some years back, but soon lost contact with her. I am not a member of OPM, but came in contact with Daddy OPM after I was able to locate my wife.

“I cannot thank the members of the church enough, especially those whose tithes and offerings were used to fund our wedding. I am grateful to all, and most importantly, to the general overseer of OPM. May God continue to bless and increase him in His wisdom and knowledge as God used him to make our day a remarkable one”.

Rivers

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring

Published

5 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

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.

Rivers

Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process

Published

5 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

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.

Rivers

Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

Published

5 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

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