Rivers

Commissioner Tasks BSN On Bible Translation

Published

2 years ago

October 11, 2023

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Rivers State, Dr. Roseline Apawari Uranta, has emphasised the need for the translation of the Bible to the various local languages as a tool in preserving the indigenous language of the nation.
Hon. Uranta, while giving her address at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Annual Life Members Conference/ Fund Launch for Bible House Project, organised by the Bible Society of Nigerian (BSN), Rivers/Bayelsa Area in Port Harcourt, said language is the key to any people or community.
She called on the various language groups in the country to partner with the Bible Society of Nigeria to do more translations as it promotes the culture and traditions of the people.
“I see the work of the society in translating the Bible into languages as preserving the language. It is alarming to note that in Rivers State, out of 23 languages spoken, about 5 has gone into extinction and if this is not checked more of our languages will follow”, she stated.
“The need to raise fund to build Bible House is a noble one and I therefore appeal to the Christian Community in Rivers and Bayelsa States to support this project and donate faithfully to actualize the dream to come true”, she said.
According to her, with commitment and sincerity, the project will be achievable, if everyone will work together and see the Bible Society as their own, and not a one man business.
The Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Dr. Eustace Bellgam, further said the Bible has to circulate according to the Word of God, which is to reach the nooks and crannies of the world, adding that it is the goal of BSN to carry out this assignment.
According to him, BSN has been of particular interest to the society in translating the Bible to frequently used languages, adding that the Society has this particular interest to reach out to the rural areas with the Word of God.
He noted that the aim of the conference is to bring the Bible to awareness of their members to appraise what has been achieved since the inception of the Society, to know what to do next and to know areas to strengthen their weaknesses.
Dr. Bellgam further called on the Ministry of Education to come up with a policy whereby these languages can be taught in primary schools to aid swift understanding and translating of these languages.
Also Speaking, the Area Chairman, Eld. Omoni Ayo-Tamuno, said they are geared towards educating and enlightening the Christian community of what they do and their continued efforts to remain a helping hand to support the church in making available the written Word of God to the people in their own languages.
He called for more co-operation and support from denominations such as head pastors, sponsors, friends and well wishers to assist the society to actualize its aim and objectives of getting the Bible to every part of the nation and the world at large.
“May I humbly appeal to other denominational heads to appoint chaplain of BSN and grant express permission to the Society to visit churches under their supervision.
“It is however regrettable to note that some churches turn the society back whenever visit is carried out on the excuse that the bishops have not permitted or approve such visits”, he said.

By: Iragunima Benice

Rivers

Motor Spare Parts, Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union Swears Gets New Chairman in Port Harcourt

Published

1 day ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Owhonda Dickson Motor Spare Parts and Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union operating in Ikoku Port Harcourt, Rivers state has sworn in Mr. Cyril Igbokwe, popularly known as Onyeoma Cy, as its new Chairman.

The brief swearing _in ceremony was held at the union office in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Igbokwe expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence his members had shown in him, despite his perceived educational background compared to others. , “I feel very happy to be the chairman of this great union in this great market. I’m proud of my executives for demonstrating commitment and cooperation.” Notably, the executives raised over ?1 million for the inauguration ceremony within an hour.

The new Chairman promised to tackle key challenges facing the union, including security and indiscipline. He vowed to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, who he praised for excellent performance, and aimed to possibly do better.

Mr. Igbokwe emphasized maintaining a robust relationship with the host community and conducting his affairs within the ambit of the law.

In his remarks,the Electoral Committee Chairman’, Igwe Amobichukwu Eze Okorie, assured that the elections were conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. Despite facing challenges such as non-compliance with guidelines and unfounded propaganda campaigns, no formal protest letters had been received.

Also speaking, the Women’s Leader, Lolo Nkechinyere Okolie, expressed faith in the new Chairman, citing his integrity and experience. She highlighted her role in ensuring women’s voices are counted in the union and vouched for the credibility of the election, noting that Mr. Igbokwe was the popular choice among members.

Rivers

CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

Published

1 day ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) host communities to protect national assets located within their areas.

Musa made the appeal at a monthly stakeholders’ meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.

Represented by Navy Capt. Lassie Ozovehe, he said the effects of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism were mostly borne by the host communities themselves.

He noted that the environmental and health risks from pipeline damage affect locals more than the oil companies operating in the region.

“These assets are on your land. You benefit from them, so you must protect them and safeguard yourselves from the hazards”, he said.

He praised PINL for its consistent efforts in securing the assets, particularly its record of zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipelines.

Earlier, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, urged host communities to collaborate in tackling security challenges in the Niger Delta.

Mezeh said PINL had expanded its mandate to include the security of all oil and gas infrastructure in the Eastern Corridor, including gas pipelines.

He explained that the meeting aimed to reduce pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which have major economic consequences for the country.

He stated that PINL had seen near-zero incidents over the past month, crediting host community cooperation for the achievement.

He, however, identified ongoing issues such as poor information sharing, threats to surveillance guards, stakeholder collusion, and leadership disputes.

A keynote speaker, Mr. Otoyo Sunday, discussed the serious health effects of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.

He urged people to view the environment as living, warning that harmful activities have long-term consequences for people and nature.

Sunday condemned gas flaring caused by well testing, pressure releases, and illegal refining activities.

On his part, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Mr. Datolu Sokubo, called for a balanced focus on security and human development.

“You can’t protect pipelines without addressing people’s welfare. Without our cooperation, infrastructure is never truly secure”, he said.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise development, especially in education and healthcare, across the region.

The Traditional Ruler of Ekpeye Land, Eze Kelvin Anugwu, called on oil companies to end gas flaring immediately.

Represented by Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya, he urged PINL to raise awareness of the health and environmental concerns of the communities.

“We keep advising our youths against bunkering. But oil firms must take responsibility for the long-term effects of their operations”, he stated.

Other traditional leaders at the meeting requested improved welfare for surveillance workers, chiefs, and communities to maintain stability and protect oil infrastructure.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption

Published

1 day ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Ehie II, HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, has cautioned youths in his kingdom and Ekpeye at large on the need to abstain from illicit drugs consumption.

Ehie said this recently while fielding questions from newsmen in commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Abuse Day at his liaison office, Ahoada.

He emphasized that drug abuse was dangerous to the body system as it had harmed many physically, mentally and otherwise.

The Monarch noted that people should always take ‘drugs’ based on prescription by qualified medical and health personnel.

He said youths’ alleged disrespect for constituted authorities, mental challenge and various types of illnesses can be linked to the consumption of illicit drugs.

The Royal Father further noted that except government agencies saddled with the requisite responsibilities synergized with traditional institutions and other like-minded organizations, much may not be achieved against the campaign and fight against illicit drug consumption.

According to him, most youths today can do nothing without taking hard drugs, which he said makes them ‘high’ and hyper elated.

The Orlukwor Monarch wondered how the youths would take over the mantle of leadership at both communities and federal levels with such uncultured behaviour and repugnant attitudes.

The World Day of Drug Abuse, was tagged, “Breaking The Chains, Prevention, Treatment And Recovery For All”.

King Onunwor