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Elder Statesmen Drum Support For Sim
Kinsmen in Opobo Kingdom under the aegis of ‘Opobo Elder Statesmen 4 SIM’ have thrown their weight behind the candidacy of the governorship flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, in the forthcoming 2023 elections, Amaopusenibo Siminilayi Fubara, popularly called Sim.
Speaking at the grand finale of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI) Sensitisation and Collection of PVC Rally in Opobo Town, some elder statesmen the unanimous in the choice of Sim as the PDP candidate.
The statesmen comprising Chiefs, titled citizens, opinion leaders and other respected sons across Opobo Kingdom reiterated that the emergence of Sim as the PDP flagbearer for next year’s governorship election in the State is a historic feat.
Chairman of the group, Opobo Elder Statesmen 4 SIM, Alabo Edwin Cockeye Brown, said they were at the event to sensitise the people of Opobo on the need to collect their PVCs and use them to vote for their son as the next Governor of the State, at the 2023 general elections.
Commending the GDI for painstakingly touring the 23 Local Government Areas of the State for the campaign, Alabo Brown, a Justice of the Peace and Chief of the Brown War Canoe House of Opobo, stressed that the group is non-partisan but made up of men of impeccable integrity whose sole objective was to further the advancement of Opobo Kingdom.
According to him, “Electoral victory is determined by the active participation of the electorates. This can only be achieved through conscious participation of the citizenry, not only in voters registration exercise, but also in the collection of their voters cards”.
He pledged the commitment of the entire War Canoe Houses in Opobo Kingdom to drive the initiative of ensuring that the PVCs are collected and put into productive use.
On his part, the Chairman of the Board of Opobo Elder Statesmen 4 SIM, Alabo Reuben Mietamuno Jaja, said the unprecedented turnout of people for the event showed the solidarity of not only the people of Opobo and Nkoro, but the entire Rivers people, for the candidacy of Sim.
He appealed to the people to understand the need to exercise their civic responsibility, which he said, can only be exercised by collecting their PVCs.
Also speaking, Alabo Douglas Macpepple Jaja, said as traditional rulers, they had attended the GDI sensitisation in their numbers, adding that they would not chicken out from lending their son to enable him emerge as the next Governor of the State.
The group’s Director of Operations, Senibo Donald Afanya Brown, in his contributions, noted that the group was careful in selecting its membership, as they did not want those who were politically disposed in their midst.
In his comments, Alabo Godwin Bupo, expressed joy that Opobo and Nkoro people had demonstrated their readiness to collect their PVCs and were merely waiting for election day to vote for their son, Sim, adding that this was the first time in the political arrangement of the State that Opobo elders and statesmen have come in their numbers for a common cause.
Another member of the group, Alabo Justus Clinton Captain, said in politics, opportunities come and go.
“And for us as Opobians, and particularly for some of us who are Alapo Council members, though we don’t play politics because we are restricted by our constitution from playing politics, we are here today not on any political platform but simply to support our own son whom God has graciously given an opportunity to be the flag bearer of his political party. That is why we are here.
“It is our own decision and conviction to support our son irrespective of his party. Let me put on the simpler side, as far as Opobo is concerned now, we have dissolved all parties into one party which is the ‘Sim Party’.
“However, since everyone is a political animal, when you are in a political environment, you don’t extricate yourself completely. We hope that if he wins, he will bring development to our community.That’s our common prayer”, he said.
Also speaking in support of the PDP guber candidate, Amaopusenibo Adagogo Brown, KSC, said, “We are all political animals, as they say in political philosophy. Even in your homes, there is politics by the way you manage your wife and children to avoid unnecessary rancor.
“And so, we are all politically aware of what is before us. That is why we have put every sentiment aside to actualize what we now call an Opobo Project, our community project because we have attained a reasonable level of political consciousness”.
By: Tonye Nria-Dappa
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo