News
Work Daily For God, Banigo Charges Christian Women
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, has charged Christian women to develop a daily work with the Lord Jesus Christ by the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Banigo gave this charge while speaking during the Young Adults and Youth Affairs Sisters’ Programme at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Jesus House, Rumuibekwe Housing Estate in Port Harcourt, last Saturday.
She said, “Being saved is the first and bringing the flesh under the submission of the Holy Spirit is key to living a fruitful and ever-increasing Christian life, and I encourage you to spend the few hours in the morning in His presence.”
According to the deputy governor, God wants us to touch His Heart by the art of worship, reverence and adoration, adding that in that place, there was an outpouring of His Spirit.
The deputy governor disclosed that shortly after her election into the office, she started running the Protect the Girl Child Initiative as a voice for the protection of the girl-child, and of course, the boy-child.
She said they have used the platform to mentor the young ones to understand that their body was the temple of the Holy Ghost and to protect their bodies from familiar persons and others.
“We have interfaced with various ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs) and non-governmental organisations, such as FIDA, Medical Women Association, Doctors without Borders, and others. We have also sponsored and mentored girls into academics, in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics. We have provided scholarship for students in higher institutions of learning.
“At the moment, we are running Peer Group Club, which was inaugurated in Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, to encourage peer enlightenment and support so that children would know how to support and encourage each other to stay and keep their bodies as temple for the Holy Spirit”, the deputy governor said.
Banigo disclosed that the Caywood Brown Foundation, which was inaugurated in 2006 as a non-governmental humanitarian foundation, serves as an intervention platform to reach out to the vulnerable in society.
“We train and retrain in various skills, some of the programmes include free computer acquisition, establishment of film academy in PH, breast cancer awareness campaign, mental health awareness seminar for women and youths, training in the digital economy,” Banigo further said.
In her remarks, the wife of the International Youth Pastor of RCCG, Pastor Tamunoemi Obunge, described the programme as a test run, to bring them together because a lot of them have become lukewarm.
She thanked the Almighty God for the Holy Spirit, which has continued to recharge them while urging them to go and spread the message of unity and love in their midst.
Obunge expressed the need for all RCCG members to unite and support each other, saying, “If you are an RCCG youth, anywhere you hear of a youth programme, you are part of it, we are one. We should support each other, whenever we have the opportunity to worship together, forget your region, province, zone or area, and worship the Lord Jesus Christ”, she stressed.
Highlights of the occasion were ministrations from various choirs, drama and sermon by Pastor Lawrence Oyor.
News
Independence Anniversary: Nigeria Is A Failed Grandfather – Monarch
A first class traditional ruler in Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Aaron Ikuru, has described Nigeria at 65 as a grandfather who cannot provide leadership to other African Countries.
The monarch stated this in an interview at his palace in Ikuru Town, yesterday.
According to him, Nigeria would have been a developed country to set the pace in the whole of Africa, considering its numerous resources.
“Nigeria is a grandfather but not behaving as a grandfather. Our country, Nigeria, before and from the era of Independence was in the state of becoming a great country, but unfortunately is not becoming anything.
“We should be far ahead with what we have in the country. God blessed us, we have almost what it takes in terms of mineral resources, manpower amongst others that can drive speedy development in the country.
“If we’re able to harness all the things we have, even America by now would have respected us”, he said.
While blaming the past leaders of the country, the monarch called on the current leadership of the country to redouble efforts in order to narrow the differences in terms of development, exchange rate between naira and foreign currencies.
King Ikuru, who is also the Chairman of Andoni Area Traditional Rulers Council, however, lauded the efforts of the founding fathers, past leaders of the country for the achievements so far.
He also expressed optimism that Nigeria would be great, calling on the opinion leaders to shun tribalism and political intolerance in the country.
“If Nigeria should experience rapid development in all sectors, it means we must shun tribalism and political intolerance, the interest of our country must be our priority.
“We need to fight corruption vigorously, and leaders must show good example of discipline and integrity”, he said.
The monarch used the opportunity to wish Nigeria happy independence anniversary.
By: Enoch Epelle
News
FG begins payment of N32,000 pension increment to retirees – PTAD
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate has announced the start of implementation of the new pension increments for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, saying the adjustments will be reflected in the September 2025 payroll cycle.
In a statement signed by Management and posted on its X handle, PTAD said the increase package includes a fixed N32,000 payment alongside percentage increases of 10.66% and 12.95% for eligible categories, which will benefit about 832,000 pensioners under its management.
Recall that PTAD in August announced President Bola Tinubu approved a series of measures, including new welfare benefits for pensioners under DBS.
The approval follows a formal request by PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, seeking an emergency budgetary allocation to implement pension reforms and welfare benefits for the scheme’s retirees.
The measures include a N32,000 pension increment, percentage increases for pensioners of defunct and privatised agencies, pension harmonisation for all DBS pensioners, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the settlement of long-standing unfunded pension liabilities.
In a statement yesterday, PTAD said the partial release of N820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance from the emergency funding has made it possible for pensioners to begin receiving the enhanced payments immediately.
The statement read, “Further to the President’s approval of the emergency budgetary allocation for the payment of the new pension increment rates for Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (DBS) that was earlier published by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate on Friday, 8th August, 2025, the Directorate is delighted to announce the commencement of the implementation of the 832,000, 10.66% and 12.95% pension increment for eligible pensioners under the management of PTAD, in the September 2025 pension payroll cycle.
“This achievement has been made possible through the partial release of 820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance, from the initial 845 billion emergency funding approval granted by the Federal Government.
“This milestone clearly reaffirms the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare and entitlements of DBS Pensioners in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The directorate thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the emergency allocation.
It also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Accountant-General of the Federation and key presidential aides and parliamentary committees for their “timely interventions” and support.
The statement also expressed appreciation to organised pension groups, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, for their cooperation during negotiations and implementation planning.
“We further assure all our DBS Pensioners and Stakeholders that the Directorate will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities towards release of the outstanding approved funds and subsequent fulfilment of all future obligations relating to the pension increments and the landmark reforms,” the statement added.
The DBS covers pensioners who retired before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2004, including those from defunct public institutions, privatised agencies, and treasury-funded parastatals.
Over the years, many have faced irregular payments, delayed harmonisation, and inadequate healthcare access, challenges that the new reforms are expected to address.
News
Nigeria At 65: NOA urges citizens to foster unity, progress
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigeria. citizens to remain united, peaceful to enhance development of the nation as it celebrates 65th independence anniversary.
Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, Director of NOA in Akwa Ibom, gave the charge in Uyo yesterday while addressing newsmen and stakeholders to mark the anniversary.
Mkpoutom said it was essential to recognise that the strength of Nigeria lay in its diversity
“With over 250 ethnic groups and an array of languages, the nation embodies a unique blend of heritage.
“This diversity should be seen not as a dividing line but as a unifying force that propels the country toward progress.
“As Akwa Ibom embarks on another year, it is crucial for all citizens to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose.
“Embrace dialogue, understanding and collaborate with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu in its efforts to addressing pressing challenges like poverty, security, education, and healthcare, thereby paving way for a brighter future for all.”
The state director, however, appealed to Nigerians from all walks of life to renew their commitment to a more prosperous, peaceful, and equitable nation.
“Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of the collective strength that lies in every citizen,” he said.
He urged everyone to contribute positively to the development of a better society.
Mkpoutom urged the people and all citizens to honour the labours of heroes past, as they celebrated the present, while working diligently toward a future filled with hope and opportunities for generations to come.
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