Niger Delta
Easter: Diri Tasks Bayelsans On Love
Ahead of the Easter celebrations, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called on the people of the state to exude love in all they do in order to attract God’s blessings upon their lives and the state in general.
Governor Diri made the call recently at the Enthronement Service and Inauguration of the ministry of Right Reverend Tamunotari Matthew Obaze as the second bishop of Diocese of Ogbia, Anglican Communion, at the Cathedral Church of St Paul, Ogbia Town.
Speaking through his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the governor reminded Bayelsans that love remains the greatest commandment of God, which must be obeyed at all cost for the good of humanity and society.
He stressed that those who suffer from what is known as ‘Pull him Down’ syndrome never make any meaningful progress in life.
Governor Diri, therefore, implored the church and people of the state to join hands with his administration to work for the peace and development of Bayelsa State.
He congratulated Right Reverend Obaze on his successful election and subsequent enthronement as the second bishop of Ogbia Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, following the retirement of its pioneer bishop, Rt Revd James Oruwori.
Making his personal remarks, the deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, described the newly enthroned bishop as his bosom friend who is passionate and committed to the service of God and humanity.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo, who expressed gratitude to God for ordaining two of his close friends, the Rt Revd Obaze and his Northern Izon Diocese counterpart, Rt Revd Funkuro Amgbari in less than ten years, enjoined them to remain focused as priests of the Almighty God.
In his inaugural sermon, the new Bishop of Ogbia Diocese, Rt Revd Tamunotari Matthew Obaze, stressed the need for everyone to discover and pursue his or her own divine purpose on earth.
Anchoring his message on John Chapter 12 Verse 27, Rt Revd Obaze, noted that while God gives grace to those who obey His call upon their lives to succeed in what they do, those who fail to discover or ignore God’s will, ultimately see life as a burden.
While thanking the governor, his deputy and all those who attended the enthronement service, the new bishop called for unity and support from every son and daughter of Ogbia Kingdom to move the Diocese forward.
In his remarks, the dean, Church of Nigeria and Archbishop of Niger Delta Province, the Most Revd Blessing Enyindah, described the enthronement of Bishop Obaze as God approved plan for the good of the church and Ogbia Kingdom in general.
Most Revd Enyindah who is also the Bishop of Ikwerre Diocese and was the supervising Bishop of Ogbia Diocese, congratulated Obaze on behalf of the Primate, Most Revd Henry Ndukuba and the House of Bishops of the Anglican Communion on his successful enthronement as bishop.
He thanked the chairman of the organizing committee, who is the vice chancellor of the Niger Delta University, Prof. Allen Agih and his members, the diocesan chancellor, Mrs Enenimiete Betty Abrakasa and all who supported while he held sway as supervisory bishop of Ogbia Diocese.
Some dignitaries in attendance include the state chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Hon Solomon Agwanana, the chairman of Ogbia LGA, Mr Ibu Mizodome, chairman of Ayalla Group of Companies, Chief Robert Enogha and the PDP Caucus chairman of Ogbia LGA, Chief Innocent Afagha.
Others are the Bishop of Niger Delta Diocese, Rt Revd Emmanuel Oko-Jaja, Northern Izon Diocese, Rt Revd Funkuro Amgbari, Niger Delta West, Rt Revd Nixon Enekeme and their Western Izon.
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The Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, has launched a free medical outreach for children with special needs in Delta South.
The event, which attracted scores of caregivers, medical professionals, and government functionaries, took place at Dom Domingos College, Warri.
It was organised by the governor’s wife’s pet project, “You Matter Charity Foundation”, in partnership with the State Ministry of Health.
In a speech at the event, Oborevwori said the initiative sought to promote public awareness about autism and other notable infants’ developmental conditions.
She said the programme also aimed ”to eliminate stigma and encourage inclusion of persons living with disabilities.”
According to her, the outreach is structured to cover the state’s three senatorial districts.
She noted that the programme took place earlier in Ughelli, Delta Central, where beneficiaries received medications and assistive devices, including educational materials to support learning among children with special needs.
Oborevwori, who thanked residents and local government chairmen in Delta South for their cooperation, also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and medical teams for their dedication to the success of the programme.
She admonished parents and caregivers to continue to show patience, compassion, and understanding towards children with special needs.
The Tide’s source reports that health workers from the ministry and Primary Healthcare Development Agency participated in the programme.
In her remark, the Director-General of the foundation, Mrs. Lawrentta Ogbedo, said the outreach would reduce financial pressure on families that have children with special needs.
She underscored the importance of early diagnosis and consistent medical attention for such children.
The Chairman of Warri South LGA, Mr. Isaac Agbateyiniro, thanked the governor’s wife for the initiative, and described her kind intervention as ”timely and beneficial to struggling families”.
Also, the Chairman, Post Primary Education Board, Mr. Samuel Mariere, applauded the foundation’s effort in extending support to children with special needs in society.
Mariere said the programme had provided hope and practical support to many households.
The source reports that the event featured free medical consultations and treatment for children.
Also, health experts delivered talks on autism awareness, care strategies, and social acceptance.
Participants were also enlightened on the legal protections against discrimination for persons with disabilities.
Other highlights included the distribution of wheelchairs, medications, and assistive materials, among other items, to the beneficiaries.
The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Offiong Offiong, has reiterated the institution’s commitment towards supporting the growth of nursing education in the state.
Offiong, who made the statement recently in Calabar when members of the Basic Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Certificate Affiliation Committee visited him in his office, said as a federal university located in Cross River State, the institution would remain committed to the development of the state and the wellbeing of its residents.
The Vice Chancellor said UniCal would strategically collaborate with the state government to ensure improved healthcare education, professional training and standards.
“I commend the state government for expanding nursing institutions, this development has stimulated youth interest in health-related careers.
“We shall revisit the affiliation process to ensure compliance with national and international academic standards,” he said.
Offiong continued that curriculum review, adequate academic staffing and strict quality assurance measures would be given priority attention in the process.
He urged the state government to provide logistics support to students undertaking clinical postings in health facilities.
Leader of the delegation, Dr. Henry Ayuk, congratulated Offiong on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the university.
Ayuk, who’s also the Commissioner for Health in the State, commended the university for its contributions to the growth of the health sector.
He said the Bassey Otu-led government was committed to deepening collaboration with the university in order to strengthen nursing education and healthcare delivery.
The team leader expressed optimism that the partnership would boost professional training, institutional development and healthcare outcomes in the state.
The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency has commenced the removal of illegal roadside structures and street traders across Asaba.
The enforcement drive targeted areas where traders and makeshift stalls have taken over roads, walkways and drainage channels.
Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said the action was necessary due to the growing safety concerns caused by unchecked roadside trading.
Ukah said the action formed part of a broader urban renewal programme aimed at improving sanitation, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety.
He noted that the activities had disrupted traffic flow and exposed motorists and pedestrians to avoidable dangers.
According to him, the agency’s action is not directed at individuals but aimed at restoring order and enforcing existing regulations.
Ukah warned that the agency would not tolerate activities that deface the capital or threaten public safety.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and orderly capital, saying a well-managed Asaba remains vital to the image of the state and its development.
Urging affected traders to relocate to approved government markets across the city, Ukah said the operation would continue and might be extended to other locations if violations persist.
Major locations affected include Akpu Junction, Marble Hill Junction, and the Arcade near Ogbeogonogo Market.
The Tide’s source reports that in addition to dismantling illegal structures, the agency intensified sanitation efforts along major roads.
Special attention was given to the Mammy Market and Traffic Light axis of Asaba to sustain cleanliness.
The agency’s Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, said the teams would ensure compliance and prevent a return of illegal roadside activities.
Nwosu called on residents and traders to support the agency by adhering to environmental regulations.