Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has described the late traditional ruler of Egbema Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Eze Ginikanwa Everestus Amuda,  Ezeobi of Egbema, as a great leader whose reign was characterised by peace, unity, inclusiveness and commitment to the welfare of his people.

Prof. Odu stated this during the funeral ceremony of the late monarch at Aggah, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, yesterday.

The Deputy Governor, who expressed pride in identifying with the Egbema people, said she considered it a priority to attend the funeral and personally commiserate with the bereaved family, the people of Egbema and the entire Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

She described the late monarch as a respected traditional ruler who distinguished himself through exemplary leadership and earned recognition beyond his immediate community.

According to her, Eze Amuda was a father figure to all, who carried everyone along during his reign and consistently promoted peace, unity and empowerment among his people.

Prof. Odu said Rivers State had lost one of its illustrious sons, adding that his contributions to the development of Egbema Kingdom and commitment to the welfare of his subjects would remain worthy of remembrance.

She extended her condolences to the immediate and extended families of the deceased, the Egbema people and the entire Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area, praying that God would grant them the strength and comfort to bear the loss.

The Deputy Governor expressed the hope that the late monarch’s legacy of peace and empowerment would be sustained, noting that his transition should inspire renewed efforts towards the progress and development of Egbema Kingdom.

She also appealed to prominent sons and daughters of Egbema in Government and other positions of influence to establish a lasting memorial in honour of the late traditional ruler, in recognition of his place in the history of the kingdom as one of its foremost first-class traditional rulers.

Prof. Odu thanked the church, women, men, youths and other sympathisers who came from far and near to honour the departed monarch and identify with the bereaved family.

She prayed for God’s comfort and strength for the family and the entire community, as well as journey mercies for all who attended the funeral.

In his tribute, Engr. Iboh Justice, a mentee of the deceased, described the late monarch as a father figure, mentor and exceptional personality whose life was defined by hard work, determination and commitment to excellence.

He said he was deeply saddened by the loss, noting that Eze Ginikanwa Amuda was not only a father to many but also a personal mentor who played a significant role in shaping his life.

He disclosed that the late monarch’s mentorship had inspired him to extend the same gesture to the deceased’s son, Dr. Ogorchukwu Amuda, whom he is currently mentoring.

Describing the late traditional ruler as a man who never settled for less, Engr. Iboh Justice said his life exemplified the principle that success could only be achieved through hard work and perseverance.

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has asked anyone eyeing the office of Governor of the state to prayerfully seek the face and approval of God, saying only a truly God-fearing individual can succeed him.
Speaking during the state’s 15th thanksgiving at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene-Yenagoa on Monday, the Governor stated that nobody can say no to anyone okayed by God, emphasizing that the State had been handed over to God.
While stating that God will always have the final say on affairs of the state, the Governor stressed the need for people of the state to remain united, tolerant and peaceful, saying that it was the only way Bayelsa can witness the much needed development.
He stated the commitment of his administration to continue to impact on the lives of the people positively and that it had the political will to transform the state, which he said had one of the best environments for development.
While commending the people of the State for standing by his administration, Diri said, “All who want to be Governor, go and seek the face of God. Anyone who wants to be Governor must be God-fearing. If God said yes, nobody can say no, not even me.
“Let us continue to worship God. Let us be tolerant and patient as we will become victorious at the end of the day. The Bible itself recognises that it is good to give thanks to the Lord. Today we came to say thank you Father.
“As I keep saying, those of us who were born in Yenagoa or know Bayelsa of old can see the difference today. It is enough to give thanks. We’ve one of the best environments in Nigeria and with the political will we are bringing development to our people. “Dear people of Bayelsa, I thank you also for your support and for standing by this government.”
In a sermon, the guest preacher and former state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Very Rev. Joseph Opelema, who spoke on the theme: “Called to be Good Christians and Good Citizens”, said Christians hold dual citizenship – citizens of the church and citizens of the society. society.
Drawing his message from Matthew 22:15-22, where the Pharisees attempted to trap Jesus on payment of tax, he said His response: “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God”, underscored the call for Christians to be good citizens.
According to the Catholic cleric, the Bible passage, which he said had often been misinterpreted, emphasised that Christians must bring the virtues of sacrifice, prudence, accountability, justice, love, care and charity to bear wherever they find themselves, especially in public office.
He lamented that there were many worshippers today but few live the Christian life, stressing that Jesus called on believers to be witnesses, salt of the earth, light of the world, and to use any public position in Bayelsa and Nigeria to serve and witness to Christ.
Rev. Opelema described Bayelsa as abundantly blessed with natural and human resources, full potential. good weather, land and rivers, capable of making it a tourism hub in Nigeria, adding that with a God-fearing leader, the state would in no distant time attain its full potential.
High points of the service were the unveiling of a book: “Lively Oracle” containing the scriptural declarations of the governor during morning devotions, and song ministrations by various Gospel artistes.
Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Peter Akpe, and former Deputy Governors of the state, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd.), as well as other top dignitaries attended the event.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, CAN, Bayelsa State Chapter and Conference President, Baptist Conference, Bayelsa State, Rev. Abili Samuel Abili has described the State as “God’s shining light”.
The CAN Chairman, who spoke with newsmen shortly after the 15th annual thanksgiving anniversary of the State at the ecumenical centre in Yenagoa, said Bayelsa exemplifies its love for God through the yearly thanksgiving, noting that God would continually reign his blessings on the State.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has dismissed reports on social media that a bridge project under construction in Otuogori community, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, had collapsed
The Commission said an incident occurred at the construction site of the 600-metre Otuogori-Otuegwe Bridge, but insisted that the bridge itself had not been constructed and therefore could not have collapsed.
Addressing journalists during an inspection of the project, the NDDC Director, Bayelsa State Office, Engr. Godknows Alamieyeseigha, described the reports as misleading.
“We don’t have a bridge yet because we are still at the stage of crossing the beams. So, no bridge has collapsed.
“However, there was an incident at the construction site, and we are assessing the circumstances surrounding what happened”, he said.
Alamieyeseigha dismissed suggestions that the incident resulted from structural failure, describing it as an accident during construction.
He expressed confidence that the construction company would address issues identified during the assessment and complete the project.
He also said no bridge had collapsed in Bayelsa State or any of the nine Niger Delta states.
The NDDC Director said the Commission’s current board and management, led by Chairman Chiedu Ebie, and Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, had prioritised quality assurance in project execution.
He added that NDDC engineers and independent consultants regularly inspected project sites across the region to ensure compliance with approved engineering designs and standards.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the construction firm, Mr. Christian Emiezor, assured that the Otuogori-Otuegwe Bridge was being executed in line with high construction standards.
He explained that the project was still at the preparatory stage, with work focused on positioning the beams before the construction of the main bridge structure.
According to him, the incident occurred during the launching of the beams, which were being positioned on their bearings.
“We are constructing a 600-metre bridge, but as you can see, we have not constructed a bridge yet. What you are seeing is just preparations for the bridge”, Emiezor said.
He described the incident as a minor accident, explaining that a beam resting on a bearing but not yet secured could slide during the positioning process.
“What was going on was the launching of the beams, and in the process, there was a slight accident. Because the beam was resting on a bearing and had not been secured, it could slide. That was what happened”, he said.
Emiezor added that safety measures at the site prevented casualties. “The good thing is that, with the safety measures put in place, no life was lost”, he said.

Enoch Epelle