Rivers
Cleric Seeks Unity, Peace Ahead 2023 Polls …Hails Wike Over Fubara’s Guber Project
A cleric in Rivers State, and Minister in charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Opobo, Pastor Ebenezer Pepple, has urged Nigerians to place the unity, peace and development of the country above all other interest throughout the new year and beyond.
Speaking with journalists recently in Port Harcourt on the 2023 elections, and fate of Nigeria, Pepple said it was only through concerted efforts by Nigerians, all tiers of government, public and private institutions, including non- governmental organizations could Nigerians build a peaceful and prosperous nation.
He noted that for Nigeria to move forward as desired in 2023 and beyond, Nigerians across all parts of the country must “purge themselves of self-centeredness, ethnicity, religious bigotry, political differences and avaricious lifestyles”.
He lamented that such negative tendencies in Nigeria are the major reasons at the state and federal levels, the country encounter several challenges that have marred its growth since independence in 1960.
“I urge all to place the unity, peace and development of the country above all other interest throughout the New Year and beyond.
“It can only be via concerted efforts by Nigerians, all tiers of government, public and private institutions, including NGOs that we can build a peaceful and prosperous country.
“I candidly believe that for our state and nation to move forward as required in 2023 and beyond, we must purge ourselves of religious bigotry, self-centredness, ethnicity, political differences and avaricious characters.
“Obviously, these negative tendencies are the major reasons why at the state and federal levels, we encounter several challenges that have marred our concomitant growth since after independence in 1960.
“As we have entered a new year, there are fresh hopes by all Nigerians for a peaceful and prosperous society. All the good things we yearn for will not happen on their own as it is left in our hands to make the nation to become what we want it to be”, Pepple said.
On 2023 general elections, he called on political leaders, candidates of various political parties and their supporters to pursue their aspirations in a friendly manner devoid of conflict, shedding of innocent blood and manipulations.
“The 2023 elections is an event that will come and go. So let politicians and their supporters not see the polls as a do-or-die affair.
“Power belongs to God and he will surely enthrone those who will be good to move the states and country forward”, he declared.
Meanwhile, Pastor Pepple commended Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, over the choice of the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Sir Siminialayi Fubara, ahead of the 2023 general polls in the state, as his successor.
He described his action as “divine will of God to salvage the state and humanity”, urging Rivers people to rally round Sim Fubara by voting for him and other PDP candidates massively in the polls.
By: Bethel Toby
A former supervisory councillor for Health in Etche local government of Rivers state, Eld Chimezie Ogbu has been honoured with an excellent service Award by the Adventist men Organisation (AMO), Port Harcourt west mission.
Eld Chimezie Ogbu, received the award for alongside fifteen others for his contributions and support to the association and uplifting humanity.
Elder Chimezie Ogbu left receiving the Rivers west mission AMO Excellent Service Award from the former AMO Director and the former General manager, RSNC, Eld Vincent Ake during the extra ordinary meeting of AMO held at Rumuolumini, Sunday.
Speaking during an extra ordinary and end of year meeting, the Director of Adventist men Organisation, Port Harcourt west mission, Dr Sam Emejuru said the award was in recognition to Hon Ogbu’s contributions and support to the association, noting that Eld Chimezie Ogbu have been one of the sponsors of the Association in the mission.
Dr Emejuru who was a fomer chairman of the state secondary school Board noted invaluable contributions of the recipients to the association and the church at large and urged them to continue to be generous in the development of church and humanity.
In an interview with the tide, Hon Chimezie Ogbu, a serving elder in the seventh-day adventist church, Rumuolumeni District expressed appreciation to the Association, adding that the award will encourage him to do more
He highlighted the importance of investing in God’s vineyard and to help humanity and dedicated the award to God Almighty and members of his family.
Members of landlords of Ceenamore and Iroko Drives in Cedarwood Estate, Rumuaholu, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, have urged the Inspector General of Police and the State Police Commissioner, CP Olungbenga Adepoju, to urgently act on the petition they sent to him regarding the alleged move by the Managing Director of Niger Delta Technology & property development Ltd, Engr. Stephen Nyegwa, to demolish their estate.
The group alleged that the MD of Niger Delta Logistics Limited had purportedly, through a court judgment notice, claimed that he had gotten an order to demolish the estate.
Speaking to journalists at the estate, Mr. Manuabuchi Elem Chioma, one of the affected landlords, said the call becomes very imperative following the continued harassment by Mr. Nyegwa and his associates, noting that they woke up and discovered that their houses have been marked for demolition.
Also speaking, Barrister Victor Okezie urged the police to act swiftly to save landlords of the estate from the impending problem, stressing that they are ready to comply if there is a confirmed valid court judgment.
Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have inaugurated an ultra-modern, specialised Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for youth empowerment in innovations.
The fully equipped ICT centre, located at Baptist High School in the city, was inaugurated as part of the close-out ceremony for the Human Capital Development Basic Training Programme.
Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Mr. Felix Ogbe, stated this in a statement issued on Friday by the Manager of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs at NLNG, Mrs. Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku.
He described the ICT centre as a gateway to knowledge and innovation, as well as a window to future opportunities.
Represented by the organisation’s General Manager of Institutional Strengthening, Mr. Olugbenga Sheba, Ogbe explained that the project was designed to equip young Nigerians with digital skills to prepare them for a technology-driven world.
“The remodelled ICT centre is more than a building. It is a statement of belief that students here can learn coding, design, and innovation that connects them with the wider world.
“It represents our confidence that when given the right tools, Nigerian students can become creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs”, he said.
Ogbe commended NLNG for its continued collaboration with the NCDMB and its steadfast commitment to advancing Nigerian Content objectives.
He added that the partnership demonstrated what could be achieved through meaningful collaboration between government and corporate stakeholders, noting that such investments would help build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to compliance with Nigerian Content regulations and its dedication to improving lives sustainably.
She emphasised that NLNG was passionate about enhancing human capital development and promoting technological inclusion, both of which were aimed at improving employability and industry-relevant skills among young Nigerians.
According to Horsfall, the project aligns with NLNG’s vision of empowering communities through education and technology.
“The upgraded ICT centre, which complies with existing NCDMB regulations, is an investment that provides students with a modern learning environment and equips teachers with improved tools to deliver quality education”, she said.
The Tide reports that the ICT centre has been upgraded to a 40-seater facility and equipped with 20KVA solar and inverter system.
The facility also includes renovated classrooms and administrative buildings, as well as digital smart boards and modern learning tools.
Meanwhile, Palmer-Ikuku, in the statement, announced the graduation of 30 trainees under the Human Capital Development Basic Training Programme jointly organised by both organisations.
She stated that the trainees earned international certifications after completing rigorous training in Engineering, Marine Operations, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), and Entrepreneurship, among other disciplines.
According to Palmer-Ikuku, the training underscores the shared mission of NLNG and NCDMB to build local capacity, promote technological inclusion, and support Nigeria’s broader vision of sustainable development through education and skill acquisition.
By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
