Rivers

OPM Marks World Down Syndrome Day In Style …Preaches Inclusion, Non-Discrimination

Published

4 years ago

March 23, 2022

The Omega Power Ministries (OPM) Worldwide, joined the rest of the world, on Monday to celebrate the World Down Syndrome Day to actually draw attention to children born with the condition, with a view to creating awareness on their plight, particularly in Rivers State.
As a way of truly marking the day and giving it meaning, the church organised and packaged a special programme at its Free Special School for Children Born with Autism and Down Syndrome in Umuakpu-Rukpokwu Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State, with the General Overseer of OPM, Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere; the state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kaniye Ebeku; and other personalities in attendance.
In keeping with the theme of this year’s event, which is “Inclusion Means…”, Apostle Chinyere and Prof. Ebeku, stepped out in grand style and danced with the children, wriggling their bodies and waists in ecstasy to the admiration of those present. The special way the General Overseer in particular stooped and danced with the children drew thunderous applause from the audience, who were mostly parents of the victims, amid laughter and jocularity. The children and their teachers wore special T-shirts designed specifically for the event.
The crowning moment, however, came when a handful of normal children, decked in their school uniforms, drawn from OPM Free School, presented the famous. “We Are One” rendition to their physically challenged counterparts, assuring them that like the rest of humanity, they were not supposed to be treated less than other human beings by circumstances of their birth, and telling them in essence that they had indeed not been forgotten by the society, as epitomised by all that OPM is doing for them.
As captured by the presentation, the reality of this assurance is underscored by the sheer fact that OPM itself through the uncommon magnanimity of the General Overseer had deemed it necessary to establish on January 11,2021 a special school for them where they are provided educational materials and among other items free of charge.
Another strong point about these special children is the fact that some of them, through the tutelage of their teachers, who the General Overseer described as core professionals and God-sent, are now able to do what they were not able to do before now.
Cakes, weavons, among other items made by them were actually displayed and exhibited at the event.
To crown it all, a special cake was also cut by the children alongside the General Overseer; Prof. Ebeku; among other dignitaries, to mark the day, while a popular radio presenter in Port Harcourt, Mr. Akas Baba anchored the proceedings.
In his remarks, Apostle Chinyere gave reasons for establishing the free special school in the first place, hinting that children of the wealthy, with similar conditions were privileged to be sponsored in special schools by their rich parents unlike the poor children who were more or less sent to public schools, where ordinarily they could not blend.
The General Overseer further noted that he decided to site the special school in the same environment with a regular school for the purpose of inclusion, a situation where, according to him, physically challenged children could conveniently blend and interact with normal children.
Chinyere stressed the need for the society not to discriminate against children born with autism and down syndrome because, according to him, they are created by God, adding that everything created by God is good and beautiful.
He disclosed that within 90 days, he was going to establish a department where persons with autism would be employed so that multinational companies would borrow a cue, to drive home the point that disability is not limitation.
Chinyere was full of praises for teachers in the special school whom he said were given adequate incentives to effectively do their work, contending that persons with disabilities actually needed to be accepted by the society instead of being seen as a curse.
On his part, the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kaniye Ebeku thanked Apostle Chinyere and the OPM Foundation for complementing the state government’s efforts in anchoring free schools and special schools in the State, describing the General Overseer as an icon of education. He said it was an act of great respect for the man of God that he personally decided to grace the occasion.
He said the state government is always happy with organisations that help to promote the process of governance, stressing that the government has spent a lot of money to revamp and reactivate special schools in the state.
“What Apostle Chibuzor is doing is to complement that effort. This is practical Christianity,” he said.
Ebeku also condemned in strong terms discrimination against persons with disabilities, which he said violates the Constitution of the country, and stressed the need for inclusion.
The Principal of the OPM Free Special School, Mr. Idoh Francis said the vision of the church is to alleviate the sufferings of parents and make the society a better place for all, and commended the General Overseer for the bold initiative of establishing the special school where both the regular pupils are playing together with the physically challenged ones.
In her welcome address, the OPM Director of Schools and Welfare, Dr (Mrs) Maureen Chukwu said the church is the only organisation running a free school for children born with autism and down syndrome, and commended the General Overseer for all that he is doing for mankind, describing him as the icon of quality free education.
She further hinted that the special school only recruited teachers with cognate experience in special children care, contending that the school believes in the synergy between teachings, extra-curricular activities and medical attention as well as prayers/spiritual impartations from the General Overseer in order to bring out the best from pupils.

By: Donatus Ebi

Rivers

PR Professionals Must Rebuild Public Trust – Eze Gbakagbaka

Published

2 days ago

October 13, 2025

The Tide

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

Rivers

NLNG Champions African Role In Global Energy Market

Published

2 days ago

October 13, 2025

The Tide

The Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited has called on Africans to take a more proactive role in shaping the continent’s energy future, urging them to move beyond being mere raw material suppliers to becoming key players in the global LNG market.
Speaking at the Africa Energy Week (AEW) 2025 in South Africa, NLNG’s Deputy Managing Director, Olakunle Osobu, emphasized that Africa has the resources, position, and ambition to double its share of the global LNG market within the next decade.
With Africa having over 850 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, Osobu noted that Nigeria, as the continent’s LNG pioneer, has a duty to lead.
He cited the NLNG Train 7 expansion project, which will increase the company’s capacity from 22 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 30 MTPA, as a demonstration of sustained leadership.
Osobu stated that emerging LNG frontiers across the continent represent over 45 MTPA of potential new supply, which could raise Africa’s LNG output from 70 MTPA to 120 MTPA by 2035, consolidating the continent’s standing as a global LNG hub.
He, however, warned that competitiveness, financing, and domestic responsibility remain significant challenges for Africa’s LNG industry.
Osobu stressed the need for Africa’s LNG journey to balance supplying the world reliably, catalysing African industrialisation, and demonstrating sustainability in line with global decarbonisation goals.
The Africa Energy Week 2025, organised by the African Energy Chamber, brought together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to shape Africa’s energy future.

By: Tonye Nria-Dappa

Rivers

Daewoo Restates Commitment To Transperancy In Tax Administration

Published

2 days ago

October 13, 2025

The Tide

The management of Daewoo Engineering and Construction Nigeria limited, a multinational construction company currently working on the NLNG Train 7 in Bonny Island, Rivers State, has restated its commitment to transperancy and accountability in tax administration.
The company, which said this in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt, also clarified that the conflict over the issue of tax deduction at the site has been resolved in collaboration with the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS).
According to the release signed by the Community Affairs and Security Manager of the company, Benard Ewubare, the clarification has become necessary inview of recent misunderstandings regarding tax deduction and clearance certificate.
The company added that the resolution was in line with the review carried out by the RIRS.
According to the release, “Daewoo Engineering and Construction Nigeria Limited (DECN) hereby announces that all matters concerning tax deductions at the NLNG Train 7 Project site have been fully clarified and conclusively resolved in cooperation with the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS).
“Following recent misunderstandings regarding tax deductions and clearance certificates, DECN requested the RIRS to review and verify the company’s overall tax compliance.
“During the official review process, the RIRS confirmed the following key points”, the release stated.
It also said All Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) and Tax Clearance Certificates (TCCs) issued to DECN personnel are authentic, valid, and duly issued by the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service while, DECN’s tax deductions, remittances, and filings have been accurately and transparently executed in full compliance with Nigerian tax laws.
The company further added that there are no longer outstanding tax liabilities, discrepancies, or irregularities associated with it.
It further said that, “To ensure continued transparency and prevent future misunderstandings, DECN also conducted a short simulation demonstrating how employees can independently verify their tax information through the RIRS online platform.
“This practical step further reinforced confidence among workers and stakeholders regarding the company’s compliance and accountability.
“DECN extends its sincere appreciation to the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service, the Bonny Local Government Council, the Welders and Fitters Association, the media, and all stakeholders for their cooperation and support throughout this process.
“The company reaffirms that the tax matter has been completely resolved, confirming DECN’s strong commitment to transparency, due process, and sound corporate governance.
“DECN remains dedicated to maintaining a compliant, trustworthy, and productive working environment as it continues the successful delivery of the NLNG Train 7 Project”, it said.

By: John Bibor