News
Invest In Anambra, I’ll End IPOB’s Sit-At-Home, Soludo Tells Indigenes
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has asked indigenes of the state who own businesses in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, to invest in their home state for the development of the state and the South-East.
Gov Soludo, who spoke last Thursday during a town hall meeting with Anambra indigenes who reside in Abuja, also assured them that his administration had concluded an arrangement to end the infamous sit-at-home order in the state.
The Monday sit-at-home is usually enforced across the state and in the South-East by a faction of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group seeking the secession of the South-East and some parts of the South-South regions out of Nigeria.
“God did not make a mistake to make us Igbos and Anambra people. On the last day, God will ask how you contributed in developing the place.
“Every Anambra person has a role to play in developing our state. We, as Anambra people, have all it takes to make the state an (investment) destination rather than being a departure lounge,” he said in a mixture of Igbo and English languages.
“Anambra, this is the time to come in (and invest). I can tell you, the next axis of prosperity that will be sustainable over a long time is down in our place (South-East region).
“With the 2nd Niger Bridge now in place and the crop of new governors in the South-East now, if we collaborate together, the South-East will sing a new song,” Soludo stated.
The governor said there were many areas that the people could invest in the state, saying the state government was on the verge of acquiring large hectares of land for estate development in Awka, the state capital.
“We can only do it through strategic partnerships. I said earlier that the political party you belong to is irrelevant. It is just for the purpose of contesting elective offices. After that, we have only one project and that’s Anambra,” he said.
He also urged the National Assembly members from Anambra State to work harmoniously to bring resources and developmental projects to the state.
The National Assembly members in attendance at the event were the Senator representing Anambra Central District, Victor Umeh; Anambra South District Senator, Ifeanyi Ubah; his counterpart in Anambra North District, Tony Nwoye, and some members of the House of Representatives from the state.
“Let’s work together. If we do our part in Awka, you people in Abuja will help to make it work here. If there are things to be brought home from here, try and do so too,” he told the National Assembly members.
Gov Soludo said he had concluded an arrangement to end the IPOB’s sit-at-home in the state.
The governor said his administration had dislodged terrorists disturbing residents of the state, stressing that plans were underway to strengthen vigilante groups in various local communities in the state to stop the sit-at-home order.
“We are determined. The moment we put this in place over the coming weeks, we are going to focus very aggressively on opening up Anambra and ending the sit-at-home once and for all. We are going to end it,” he said.
This is not the first time Mr Soludo would be announcing efforts to stop the sit-at-home order in the state.
Since his inauguration as the state governor in March 2022, Mr Soludo has repeatedly declared an end to the sit-at-home in the state.
The governor had, in April 2022, organised a prayer rally to mark the end of the sit-at-home in Anambra and subsequently called for dialogue with the IPOB and other gunmen enforcing the sit-at-home order in the state and region.
But the action continued afterwards.
In May 2022, after visiting IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu at the facility of the State Security Service, the governor said those enforcing the civil action were criminals hiding under the cloak of Biafra agitation.
Like other Igbo leaders, the governor repeatedly appealed to the Nigerian government to release Mr Kanu in order for the South-east to ascertain those behind insecurity in the region, including the sit-at-home order.
The Nigerian government has , however, refused to release Mr Kanu who is being prosecuted for treason.
Despite all Mr Soludo’s efforts, the sit-at-home has continued to hold on Mondays across the state and the region.
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