Connect with us

Rivers

Cleric Tasks Christian Faithful On Thanksgiving

Published

4 years ago

on

The need for Christian faithful to appreciate God’s favour and mercy with thanksgiving in order to attract more blessing from Him has been stressed.
Secretary, Conference of Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt Rev. Michael Akinwale, stated this last Sunday at Banham Memorial Methodist Cathedral, during the Valedictory thanksgiving church service held in honour of the Archbishop of Port Harcourt, Most Rev. Sunday I. O Agwu, who is retiring after 47 years of active meritorious service to God and humanity.
Rev. Akinwale further remarked that it was important and very compulsory that everyone should learn how to come back to give special thanks to God in appreciation for his immeasurable grace and mercy in our lives at all times.
The respected man of God also stated that it was not a contestable fact that one is bound to benefit more from God, ranging from “open heaven, supernatural blessings, everlasting covenant, God’s presence at all times etc, when he or she is addicted in thanksgiving to God.
“In fact, experience had shown that we cannot achieve anything good without God being on our side and there is no one who serves God with all his might and in truth that would not obtain favour and mercy in return from God.
“Truly, we would have been consumed with the evils of the day if not for God’s mercy, taking us out from obscurity into prominence.
In a separate interview, the visibly elated Most Rev. Sunday I. O. Agwu said he could not thank God enough for starting well, serving in his vineyard for 47 years and retiring in good health which he said was worth celebrating indeed.
According to Most Rev. Agwu, “I’m so happy that all through my service to God, I did not encounter any accident, I successfully ran the race and kept the pace according to the rules, in spite of what is happening in the ministry of our time today.
“Honestly, I make bold to say that I’m one of the genuine ministers who have their calling from God and that is why I don’t soil my hands in any abominable thing.
“However, I can beat my chest to say that I’m an accomplished man of God as my track records of service are intact to attest my claims”.
The retiring Archbishop however, seized the opportunity to advise his incoming successor to be cautious in service and ensure that he studied the environment and the people in the area firstly, so as to know the strategy to adopt to work with them.
On his part, the Royal Father of the day, Sir A.S.P Sekibo, who was graciously honoured at the thanksgiving event with a Macedonia Service Award described Most Rev. Sunday Agwu as not only a great man of God but a father of all who are very humble in serving God with all their heart, noting that his directives have brought great things to Methodist Church Port Harcourt Arch diocese.
He prayed God to give him greater blessings in his retirement.
Also in his tribute, the Chairman Planning Committee of the event, Sir Jimmy Nath Coker, did not mince words to describe the organisation of the thanksgiving service as a huge success to the glory of God.
“For me, Most Rev. Dr Sunday I. O. Agwu has served meritoriously well, starting from when he was a Sub-Pastor to the position of Archbishop in Methodist Church Nigeria and I pray that God will grant him happy retirement time with robust health in his other endeavours in life.

By: Gabriel Nwanetanya

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Rivers

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring 

Published

1 week ago

on

May 18, 2026

By

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.
Continue Reading

Rivers

Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process 

Published

1 week ago

on

May 18, 2026

By

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.
Continue Reading

Rivers

Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

Published

1 week ago

on

May 18, 2026

By

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

Continue Reading

Trending