Rivers
Cleric Unveils Archdeaconry, Tasks Leaders On Church Growth

The Bishop, Diocese of Evo Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, creation of a new archdeaconry is an empowerment to disciple the immediate community and environment of the church.
To do this, he said, every archdeaconry requires sacrificial men and women who are ready to give to the growth of the Diocese.
Ordu, who said this at the inauguration of Okporo-Rumuogba Archdeaconry stated that “Church leaders must therefore be serious with their assignment because the Holy Spirit had made them overseers and a time of reward is coming.”
The Bishop, who had earlier in the day, laid a foundation stone for a church building of Calvary Anglican Church, Mgbuesilaru, a church in the new Archdeaconry, noted that if the church must grow, all pastors and church leaders must cheerfully carry the burdens the church would place on them, without complaints, as Apostle Paul did, and the pastoral team must work together to avoid having a sickly Archdeaconry.
Speaking while drawing from 2 Cor. 11:28, Acts 20:28, Gal 6:9,10; Heb. 13:7 & 1 Peter 3:8, Ordu argued that since Jesus died for the church, church leaders and pastors must be careful how they took care of the flock, noting that if anything happens to the church, in this case, the Archdeaconry, God would hold all strata of church leadership responsible.
While urging the ministers to set good examples for members to follow by eschewing rancour and parochialism, he enjoined the new Archdeaconry faithful not to frustrate or grieve the ministers because if they were happy at their duty posts, the church would grow.
The joyful occasion which witnessed the formal induction of Ven. Chidi S. Worgu as the pioneer Archdeacon of the new Archdeaconry, had in attendance, members of the Diocesan Board as well as those of the new Archdeaconry.
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PR Professionals Must Rebuild Public Trust – Eze Gbakagbaka

The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII), His Majesty, King Prof. Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, has called on communication professionals to rise above routine narratives and become vanguards in rebuilding public trust in the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic realities.
The revered monarch made the charge while delivering the Chairman’s Opening Remarks at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter, held in Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Refocusing Stakeholders’ Engagement and Public Trust in a Challenging Economy.”
The event, which drew leading figures in public communication, governance, and industry, witnessed presentations, keynote addresses and robust deliberations aimed at repositioning the PR profession to respond to national realities with innovation and integrity.
In his remarks, HM Eke commended the Rivers State Chapter of NIPR, led by Rev. Francis Asuk, for what he called its unwavering commitment to professionalism, knowledge-sharing, and continuous dialogue on issues affecting the nation’s social and institutional fabric.
He noted that the theme of the conference could not have been more appropriate, considering the current national climate where public confidence in institutions is at an all-time low, and economic uncertainties have strained relationships between stakeholders and the state.
“We are living in a season when trust has become a scarce commodity. Citizens are asking tough questions, and institutions are struggling to maintain credibility. In such a time, the role of the Public Relations professional becomes even more crucial”, he said.
The Eze Gbakagbaka, who is the Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, noted that Public Relations practitioners must understand their strategic role as mediators between the people and the truth, adding that the tools of their trade: honest communication, transparency, and empathy, must be wielded with renewed purpose and patriotism.
“You are the bridge between the people and the truth; between perception and reality. Your work determines whether society believes, doubts, or hopes again. Let this conference remind us that trust is not demanded, it is earned”, he urged.
He emphasized that the restoration of trust in both public and private sectors requires consistent, deliberate, and sincere stakeholder engagement.
According to him, when communication is driven by integrity, not propaganda, society will gradually find its voice and confidence once again.
“With transparent communication and genuine engagement, even in a difficult economy, confidence can be restored”, the monarch said, urging the delegates to see themselves not just as professionals, but as nation-builders with a moral obligation to influence public perception positively.
The Evo apex King, who is also a Fellow of the Institute, called on participants to approach the discussions with open minds and patriotic intent, stressing that every contribution must be geared towards rebuilding national cohesion and institutional trust.
“With a deep sense of honour and responsibility”, he declared, “I, His Majesty, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII) and Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, formally declare open the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rivers State Chapter to the glory of God and for the good of our society.”
At a post conference courtesy call at the instance of the Eze Gbakagbaka, the President of the Association, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the Kung as an astute Fellow who is determined to add colour to the Institute regardless of any odds.
Also, the Council Member, Pastor Palunius Nsirim, who corroborated the President’s position, noted that His Majesty’s recognition was something valid given his contributions to the growth of the association.
“We value your presence with us. We will continue to benefit from your wise counsel. We won’t take your support for granted”, he said.
Climax of the visit was the decoration of Dr. Neliaku by the Evo apex King as a Honorary citizen of the Kingdom.
By: King Onunwor
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