News

Fubara, Odili Eulogise Apostle Numbere At 10th Memorial Lecture

Published

1 year ago

October 21, 2024

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has described the founder of the Great Evangelism World Crusade, Apostle Geoffrey Dabibi Numbere as a true Apostle of God who always stood for and preached what was right.
Governor Fubara noted that the legacy of the pioneer International Director of the Greater Evangelism World Crusade would remain indelible as he was a remarkable servant of God, hero and father of faith whose commitment to the vineyard of the Lord impacted positively on the society.
Represented by the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, Governor Fubara said: “Today, we gather not only to remember the life and legacy of this remarkable servant of God, hero and father of faith, but also to reflect on the powerful ways in which his Ministry continues to impact us all. Apostle Numbere was not just a Missionary Leader. He was an embodiment of the New Testament Apostolic coming. A true epitome of what it means to serve God with undivided commitment, humility and passion in contemporary times.
“As we reflect on his remarkable legacy today, it is also a moment to draw inspiration and motivation from his life and Ministry. Apostle Numbere’s work was not just for his time but continues to challenge us in the present, urging us to be faithful stewards of the gospel, diligent labourers in the vineyard of the Lord, courageously standing for the truth in a rapidly changing world and untold generations.”
He said that Apostle Numbere’s lifestyle is one that is what we call a true Apostle, saying the truth in a every situation.
”Our State is where we are today, because of some of your love for the Governor. It is particularly the prayers of the church that is keeping us. I wish Apostle Numbere were to be alive, I can imagine what he would have been saying now, at a time when everybody is a lawyer, at a time when the police will abdicate their responsibilities and all that. I know that he must be in heaven.
“His prayers for Nigeria has not waxed cold,” Governor Siminalayi Fubara noted.
The Governor promised to stand by the Apostle Numbere’s family and the church, pointing out that, “because it is the church and the Almighty God that have been keeping us and the state.”
He thanked Pastor (Dr.) Mrs. Nonyem Numbere and the International Director, Pastor Isaac Olori and the Church leadership for sustaining the legacy and the Ministry, 10 years on after the transition of its Founder/pioneer International Director, Apostle Geoffrey Dabibi Numbere who was one of the pioneers of Pentecostalism in Nigeria.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion and former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, traced their long standing relationship to the early 1990s when the great man of God was introduced to him by the late Catholic Bishop of Port Harcourt, Bishop Edmond Fitzgibbon, a relationship that blossomed over the years until the passage of the great charismatic Apostle.
He used the opportunity to applaud the Special Guest of Honour and Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara as a young, vibrant and heavyweight, performing Governor, who God has used to liberate the state.
“Your Excellency, the young, vibrant, heavyweight, performing father of Rivers State. The man who has come to liberate our State.
Let me begin on a celebrating note of appreciation to the Numbere family, for doing us the honour of inviting us to chair this occasion, an occasion in memory of my very dear friend, Apostle Geoffrey Numbere.
“I am delighted and indeed honored to be here to identify with this celebration, and to lead the role of the chairman of the occasion.”
He thanked Pastor (Dr.) Mrs. Nonyem Numbere for the honour of inviting him to chair the 10th Memorial Lecture held in honour of his friend, Apostle Geoffrey Dabibi Numbere, noting that even though he is a Catholic knight, it never affected his relationship with the Apostle.
“When in 1998, I decided to take a shot at the governorship campaigns, Apostle Numbere was one of my closest confidants, advisor and spiritual director. He worked hard for that election as though he was a contestant, and God answered his prayer,” he added.
Dr. Odili noted that Apostle Numbere succeeded in his mission because he was a true soldier of Christ, observing that like Paul who encountered Jesus on his way to Damascus, Apostle Geoffrey Dabibi Numbere encountered Jesus while pursuing a degree programme at the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), and never looked back afterwards as he abandoned his studies to go into full-time evangelism that later gave birth to the Greater Evangelism World Crusade.
”Today, the mission he started is an international mission, why did he succeed? Because of his absolute faith in Christ. He held Christ gloriously, the courage, the tenacity, absolute devotion, in honesty, integrity, discipline, compassion, he won many souls to Christ, that is why yes he has passed on, but his glory will continue till eternity. I want to thank especially the family for keeping the faith of his vision alive.
“Let me specially congratulate all of you who have held this vision, I commend you and urge you to keep it to the end. You know when we are doing a good work, there will be challenge, some people will be beside you, and if you are convinced that you are working for God, nothing, no obstacle can stop you.
“Faith is the key, absolute faith in Christ is the key, those of you who were privileged to have come in contact with him while he was with us can tell that he is such a nice man. 10 years ago he left us, but his good work has brought us here we are to respond to this invitation the way we have come, it reminds me of this celebration, it will not just end with celebration, it will become a new impetus to lead the Nation to another level.”
He promised to continue to support the church. “Let me assure you that we will continue to stand with you, we will continue to support you by the special grace of God, all of us collectively will ensure that his memory remains forever. I urge you to participate fully and actively in every activity of this celebration.”
In his welcome address, the International Director of the Greater Evangelism World Crusade, Pastor Isaac Olori, paid glowing tribute to the Apostle Geoffrey Dabibi Numbere, describing him as a “visionary leader and an embodiment of the new testament Apostolic calling, a true epitome of what it means to serve God with undivided commitment, humility and passion in contemporary times.”
Pastor Olori noted that Apostle Numbere dedicated his life to the advancement of the gospel and underscored the need to reflect on his remarkable legacy as well as draw inspiration from his life and Ministry.
In his memorial lecture titled: “Apostle Geoffrey Dabibi Numbere: An Epitome of a New Testament Apostle in Contemporary Times,” the Guest Memorial Lecturer, Prof. Danny McCain, traced his association with Apostle Numbere and gave detailed analysis of his Apostolic calling and how he gave his all for the propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The event which was held in the Atlantic Hall of the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt on Saturday was attended by dignitaries from across the world, including captains of industry, top government functionaries, traditional rulers and members of the Christian community as well as kinsmen and women of the great Apostle.

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

7 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

7 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

8 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor