Niger Delta
Ogbako Egbema Charts Way Forward For Egbema People
The Egbema ethnic nationality comprising 16 communities in Rivers State and Imo State, under the anspices of Ogbako Egbema, converged in Port Harcourt last weekend to chart the way forward for the oil and gas rich area which has been politically and economically marginalised in the Nigerian project.
The gathering, which attracted eminent sons and daughters of Egbema, called for unity of purpose and peaceful co-existence amongst Egbema people, despite their political or religious differences.
Speaking during the meeting, the interim Chairman of Ogbako Egbema, Mr Sunny Igwebuike Ifi, said Ogbako Egbema remains a socio-cultural and non- political body whose core mandate is to bring together all indigenes of Egbema at home and those in diaspora under a common platform and unified force for the well-being of the Egbemas.
Mr Ifi disclosed that Ogbako Egbema would be inaugurated in Owerri, Abuja, Lagos and overseas in future to provide the necessary forum to foster socio-economic and political advancement of the ethnic nationality endowed with agricultural and hydro-carbon resources.
He lamented that despite the huge human and natural endowments of the Egbema people, the area had not been accorded its right of place in Rivers and Imo States as well as in the larger Nigeria federation.
Ifi challenged all true indigenes of Egbema to be mindful of their God-given resources and ensure they prove themselves worthy wherever they find themselves, adding that the Ogbako Egbema would move the area to the next level if all pull their talents and resources together for common good.
He further stated that “ posterity and generations unborn will not forgive us if the present leadership of Egbema people keep slumbering and sit aloof while others are making steady progress”.
The meeting resolved to set up women and youth committees for galvanizing Egbema women and youths to key into the vision of Ogbako Egbema.
Niger Delta
Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday
The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.
Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.
Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.
According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.
The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.
“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.
He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.
On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.
“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.
