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20th Anniversary: National Network Team Visits Homes For The Elderly, Children In PH
As part of activities marking its 20th anniversary celebration, the management and staff of National Network newspapers have visited the Home for the Elderly and Port Harcourt Children Home in Port Harcourt, bringing joy and cheer to the residents.
The team, led by the Publisher of the newspaper, Rev Canon Jerry Needam, presented gifts and interacted with the elderly and children, sharing words of encouragement and hope.
At the Home for the Elderly along Harbour Road in Port Harcourt, the team was warmly received by the Rev Sister in charge, Rev Sr Jane Raphael Agubosi, who expressed gratitude for the visit and the gifts presented.
“Your gifts came as answered prayers, and we pray for your continued success in business. God is awesome.
“Whenever we call on God to supply our needs, he touches some individuals and groups to supply those needs.
“We are happy that you became that instrument that God used to meet our needs today.
“The reward of obedience to the voice of the Almighty will be your portion in Jesus’ name, amen,” she prayed.
Rev Sister Agubosi said the facility, which is owned by the Catholic Church, depended solely on charity for its sustenance, and drew the attention of the Rivers State government to the deplorable state on the road leading to the Home.
The elderly residents, who were visibly delighted by the visit, shared their life experiences with the team while the Vice Chairman of the National Network Editorial Board, Rev (Prof) Faraday Iwuchukwu led a prayer session with the elderly citizens.
Speaking on their behalf, 80-year-old Pa David Odogwu thanked the newspaper for their benevolence.
His words, ”We are delighted to have you with us today, as you celebrate your 20th anniversary. We are thrilled that you have come to share in our joy and to bring blessings to our lives.
“We pray that God will continue to guide and prosper National Network Newspaper and that your publication will reach a global audience, spreading truth and inspiration to all who read it.
“We thank you for your kindness and generosity in coming to visit us today. May God bless you abundantly and surprise you with His goodness as you have surprised us with your presence.
“May He be with you always and provide for your every need”, Odogwu prayed.
Similarly, at the Port Harcourt Children Home along Nembe Street, Borikiri, Port Harcourt, the Director of Child Welfare, Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Jacinta Lenu Vipene, and the children welcomed the team and were thrilled to receive gifts and words of encouragement. They offered prayers for National Network newspapers.
Addressing the visitors, Mrs. Vipene said: “Our primary responsibility here at the children’s home is to provide care and protection to the children, treating them as if they were in their own homes with their parents.
“We currently have good number of children in our care, and I’m pleased to report that they are all happy and content. You can see for yourself that they are well taken care of.
“As for challenges, I’m grateful to say that we don’t have any significant issues at present, thanks to our children-friendly governor, compassionate permanent secretary, and caring commissioner”.
In his remarks, Chairman of National Network newspaper Editorial Board, Prof Baragbon Nsereka, told the visibly excited children, “We are honored to represent National Network Newspaper, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary today.
“For two decades, our publication has consistently provided news and information to the public, shedding light on important issues affecting our community, including the struggles of our children and the elderly.
“We attribute our success to God’s guidance and provision, which has enabled us to overcome challenges and continue publishing without interruption.
“We are delighted to be here today to show our love and care for you and to assure you that we will advocate for your needs to be met by the government and other organizations
“We want to ensure that you are comfortable, happy, and joyful during your stay here.
“We are pleased to see that you are well taken care of by the dedicated staff, and we appreciate their hard work.
“We have brought some gifts to contribute to your well-being, which will be delivered to you,
“Our publisher, Rev Canon Jerry Needam, is a man of God, a seasoned journalist, and a government official who will draw attention to your needs and advocate for government support. We are proud to have him lead our team,”Nsereka said.
National Network’s General Manager/Editor in chief, Chris Konkwo, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of showing love and care to the elderly and vulnerable children and commended the management of the homes for their selfless service.
Mr. Konkwo, who also Chairs the 20th Anniversary Planning Committee, pledged the newspaper’s continued support to the homes and vulnerable groups in the society.
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