Rivers
Unite To Salvage Our Youths -Banigo
Rivers State Deputy Governor Dr Ipalibo Harry Bagnio, says the unity of the Christian-body is needed to salvage the nations youths from the depths of darkness they have been sunk into.
The Deputy Governor stated this during a courtesy visit by the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (Women) at the Government House in Port Harcourt yesterday.
Dr. Banigo said if Christians could unite as one in this nation, most of the evil things we are experiencing amongst our youths today would be curtailed, noting that her experience as the President of the Boys Brigade between 1996 and 1998 in the old Rivers State showed the positive impact of interdenominational fellowship on our youths.
“Boy’s Brigade goes to all the churches, Anglican, Presbyterian, Catholic, Salvation Army, Methodist, all of them, we used to visit them, grow up the boys, teach them discipline, and engaged them in Boys Brigade activities and they were very vibrant, and were not involved in social vices”, Banigo stressed.
She expressed regrets with the conduct of our youths today which she described as worrisome.
“When I came back into Government in 2015, I was quite taken aback on the level of helplessness and hopelessness that our youth had retrogressed to; it has been a problem for me. I have tried so many ways to see how we can reengage them, energize them, get them to be more focused and see that God has a purpose for their lives, they have a destiny to fulfill, and I do believe that chapters like yourselves, especially when you talk about the ladies of the fellowship arm, you will be able to reach out to those our youths as well”, she said.
The Deputy Governor who wondered if there is a generation to hand over to, said “the whole creation is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God, where are the sons of God, the sons of God in banking, in politics, in health, in education, in business, where are they, the whole creation is waiting for our manifestation, that is the cry I want us to go home with today”.
She expressed appreciation with the work of the full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International, all over the country, working towards the harvest of souls.
In her remarks, the Committee Chairperson Ladies of the Fellowship Arm of FGBMF Mrs. Edith Akwaeke informed the Deputy Governor, that the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International comprises millions of men saddled with the responsibility of winning souls for Christ in 160 nations, adding that Nigeria accounts for more than 3,500 chapters, while Rivers State plays host to over 200 chapters.
She said as a fellowship of Christian Business men and Professionals they were at the Government House to offer a hand of fellowship to the Governor Wike led Administration towards building a greater society, based on strong Christian values and principles because, righteousness exalts a nation.
A former supervisory councillor for Health in Etche local government of Rivers state, Eld Chimezie Ogbu has been honoured with an excellent service Award by the Adventist men Organisation (AMO), Port Harcourt west mission.
Eld Chimezie Ogbu, received the award for alongside fifteen others for his contributions and support to the association and uplifting humanity.
Elder Chimezie Ogbu left receiving the Rivers west mission AMO Excellent Service Award from the former AMO Director and the former General manager, RSNC, Eld Vincent Ake during the extra ordinary meeting of AMO held at Rumuolumini, Sunday.
Speaking during an extra ordinary and end of year meeting, the Director of Adventist men Organisation, Port Harcourt west mission, Dr Sam Emejuru said the award was in recognition to Hon Ogbu’s contributions and support to the association, noting that Eld Chimezie Ogbu have been one of the sponsors of the Association in the mission.
Dr Emejuru who was a fomer chairman of the state secondary school Board noted invaluable contributions of the recipients to the association and the church at large and urged them to continue to be generous in the development of church and humanity.
In an interview with the tide, Hon Chimezie Ogbu, a serving elder in the seventh-day adventist church, Rumuolumeni District expressed appreciation to the Association, adding that the award will encourage him to do more
He highlighted the importance of investing in God’s vineyard and to help humanity and dedicated the award to God Almighty and members of his family.
Members of landlords of Ceenamore and Iroko Drives in Cedarwood Estate, Rumuaholu, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, have urged the Inspector General of Police and the State Police Commissioner, CP Olungbenga Adepoju, to urgently act on the petition they sent to him regarding the alleged move by the Managing Director of Niger Delta Technology & property development Ltd, Engr. Stephen Nyegwa, to demolish their estate.
The group alleged that the MD of Niger Delta Logistics Limited had purportedly, through a court judgment notice, claimed that he had gotten an order to demolish the estate.
Speaking to journalists at the estate, Mr. Manuabuchi Elem Chioma, one of the affected landlords, said the call becomes very imperative following the continued harassment by Mr. Nyegwa and his associates, noting that they woke up and discovered that their houses have been marked for demolition.
Also speaking, Barrister Victor Okezie urged the police to act swiftly to save landlords of the estate from the impending problem, stressing that they are ready to comply if there is a confirmed valid court judgment.
Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have inaugurated an ultra-modern, specialised Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for youth empowerment in innovations.
The fully equipped ICT centre, located at Baptist High School in the city, was inaugurated as part of the close-out ceremony for the Human Capital Development Basic Training Programme.
Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Mr. Felix Ogbe, stated this in a statement issued on Friday by the Manager of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs at NLNG, Mrs. Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku.
He described the ICT centre as a gateway to knowledge and innovation, as well as a window to future opportunities.
Represented by the organisation’s General Manager of Institutional Strengthening, Mr. Olugbenga Sheba, Ogbe explained that the project was designed to equip young Nigerians with digital skills to prepare them for a technology-driven world.
“The remodelled ICT centre is more than a building. It is a statement of belief that students here can learn coding, design, and innovation that connects them with the wider world.
“It represents our confidence that when given the right tools, Nigerian students can become creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs”, he said.
Ogbe commended NLNG for its continued collaboration with the NCDMB and its steadfast commitment to advancing Nigerian Content objectives.
He added that the partnership demonstrated what could be achieved through meaningful collaboration between government and corporate stakeholders, noting that such investments would help build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to compliance with Nigerian Content regulations and its dedication to improving lives sustainably.
She emphasised that NLNG was passionate about enhancing human capital development and promoting technological inclusion, both of which were aimed at improving employability and industry-relevant skills among young Nigerians.
According to Horsfall, the project aligns with NLNG’s vision of empowering communities through education and technology.
“The upgraded ICT centre, which complies with existing NCDMB regulations, is an investment that provides students with a modern learning environment and equips teachers with improved tools to deliver quality education”, she said.
The Tide reports that the ICT centre has been upgraded to a 40-seater facility and equipped with 20KVA solar and inverter system.
The facility also includes renovated classrooms and administrative buildings, as well as digital smart boards and modern learning tools.
Meanwhile, Palmer-Ikuku, in the statement, announced the graduation of 30 trainees under the Human Capital Development Basic Training Programme jointly organised by both organisations.
She stated that the trainees earned international certifications after completing rigorous training in Engineering, Marine Operations, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), and Entrepreneurship, among other disciplines.
According to Palmer-Ikuku, the training underscores the shared mission of NLNG and NCDMB to build local capacity, promote technological inclusion, and support Nigeria’s broader vision of sustainable development through education and skill acquisition.
By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso