Rivers
Diocese Tasks Govt On Security Of Lives, Property
Diocese of Okrika, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has criticised the Federal Government over the state of insecurity in the country.
This was contained in a presidential address delivered by Bishop of the Diocese, Rt Rev. Enoch Atuboyedia, at the 2nd session of the 7th Synod of the Diocese at St Peter’s Church, Okrika.
The theme for the Synod was “We Wrestle Not”.
The Diocese described as worrisome, attacks on Christians, churches, communities and even on the citizens of the country.
According to the church,”if citizens and their properties are properly secured, the economy of the country will be boosted.
“The church demands that government should put high priority on the security of lives and property of citizens by providing adequate security for all citizens.
“The present state of insecurity and attacks on Christians, churches, communities and indeed the citizenry of this country is worrisome”.
The church also called on the government to ensure quality education for children at all levels as it is the best legacy the country can bequeath to her youths.
It further called on the government to improve on the health care delivery system in the country to stem the rising tide of medical tourism.
According to the church, Nigeria has the capacity to provide good health care delivery system and be a destination for health tourism on the African continent.
It expressed dismay over the rising inflation, debt servicing burden, and fuel subsidy as well as fear for the future of Nigeria.
“Alleviating the sufferings of the masses should be the priority of the government at all levels.
“The church demands adequate provisions for education, economic empowerment and jobs for the teeming youths and citizens.
“The provision of grants and loans for indigent people and social safe net for the citizens will offer every opportunity to contribute to the development of the country.
“The synod frowns at the negligent attitude of leaders and the lack of political will to enforce the rule of law.
“We, therefore, advise the government to maintain the rule of law and to uphold civil rights, justice and equality”, it stated.
The Synod said the judiciary should be made to serve the citizens in matters of justice and equity, while also calling for the decentralisation of the police force to improve security.
“The church demands that our leaders should make comprehensive assessment of the policies and procedures of government to be able to make governance in Nigeria an all inclusive matter.
“The government should ensure that the appointments into political offices are not lopsided and should not be done on sentiment or sectional interest”.
It added that the church would hold the government accountable for any form of infrastructural neglect and therefore demands full execution and completion of road, construction of schools and others.
The Synod also demands for provision of electricity and power, good public transport system and housing for the citizens.
By: John Bibor
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