Rivers
2023: Olumba Urges Religious Leaders To Pray, Fast
The Personal Assistant to His Holiness, Olumba Olumba Obu, of Brotherhood Of the Cross And Star (B.C.S), Brother Namnso Etukudoh, has urged religious leaders and churches in Nigeria to fast and pray as election period approaches in the country.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, Brother Etukudo said regular prayer and fasting has become necessary, particularly now that the nation is about to withness a transition to another civilian government.
Noting that he has continued to pray and fast for the nation, he urged other religious bodies to do so.
While making reference to Brotherhood’s Thursday Weekly fasting and prayers, he said “years back The Holy Father, Leader Olumba Olumba Obu, had used a certain group of priest known as ‘The 144s’ to ensure that weekly fasting and prayers in the church is not neglected”.
Etukudoh said fasting and prayer is also being held for those in Leadership positions at the local governments,, states, nations and the world at Large, adding that such prayers was not only for the kingdom, but a day in which members pray and fast for leaders and the whole world.
He explained that Brotherhood has always been ahead, “because in brotherhood, we believe so much in prayer and fasting”.
The cleric stated that it is imperative that outside the usual church events, “those with spiritual insights must always go on their knees to pray and fast for God to direct our leaders, because, most of our leaders hardly have the time to pray.
“You see, believers must seek God’s face if we want the right leaders, because failure to seek divine direction from the Holy Father and think we can do it ourselves means we would still be in what is happening across the nations and the world”, he said.
On why B.C.S has not spoken for all this while, Brother Etukudo said, “if you are abreast with the doctrine of our Holy Father, you will find out that The Holy Father Leader, Olumba Olumba Obu, believes in talking less and doing more, because when people try to talk, one could talk out of God’s divine direction, and you know the consequences”.
He further explained that it is a serious issue for word to come out of religious circle without manifestation, “especially in the likes of Leader Olumba Olumba, whose words are always authentic”, noting that “such spirit of talking any how is not of Brotherhood.”
Etukudo continued that there is need for every Nigerian to remain consistent in prayer and fasting, noting that this is the only weapon to forestall some of the challenges facing the nation.
“Outside prayer and fasting, we would then be going for load bigger than us. Nigerians must not fail to exercise their franchise peacefully during election to elect the kind of leaders that they want”, he emphasized.
On the Muslim/Muslim ticket,the B.C.S priest siad he wouldn’t speak much on that because he doesn’t know the will of God for the nation, adding that in fairness, he thinks that in the presence of God, he believes that there is nothing like Muslim, Pagan or otherwise.
“I wouldn’t like to talk more on this issue, because in the sight of God, there is no Muslim or Christian or pagan, but it is those that does His will”, Brother Etukudo explained.
He insisted that in the presence of God righteousness prevails and not the other way round, but disclosed that in a rational way of thinking as human, he believes that things should be done harmoniously for peace to prevail.
“By rational thinking, the right thing should be done to avert provoking the thought and wishes of other humans”, he stated.
The priest, however, counseled Nigerias never to lose faith for a second in God because of His love for the nation, adding that “in the face of all challenges in our country, one can still look back that truly God really loves our nation”.
By: John Bibor & Oribim Ibama
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, under the dynamic leadership of Amb. Ambrose Sopuruchukwu Okpor, has called on the result-oriented National President, Amb. Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo, to re-contest.
This call stems from the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by Nigerian youths, based on his outstanding track record, charismatic leadership, and unwavering commitment to youth development.
This was contained in a statement made available to news men, yesterday.
Amb. Akpor explained that under the leadership of Amb. Sokubo the NYCN has experienced unprecedented progress in youth empowerment, advocacy, and national unity.
“I want to say that Amb. Sokubo’s ability to maintain harmony, sustainable peace, and foster an inclusive atmosphere within the youth leadership structure is a testament to his visionary and tactical approach to leadership.
“The Rivers State Chapter, with other progressive and stakeholders, believes he is best positioned to continue piloting the affairs of the Council towards greater heights”,he said.
The youth council chairman in the State further appeal to Sokubo to answer this noble call to serve once again, for the sake of continuity, growth, and the collective aspirations of Nigerian youths across the country.