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RSG Recommits To Children’s Welfare Urges Partnership In Upbringing
The Rivers State Government has joined the rest of the world to celebrate the 2025 International Children’s Day with a wake-up call on parents/guardians, teachers, organisations and multinationals to collaborate in building the children of today for a resilient and better Nigerian future.
To this end, the state government said it is commited to creating and recreating an enabling environment that prioritises the welfare and development of children.
Delivering her speech at the occasion held at the Sharks Football Stadium, PortHarcourt, the wife of the State Sole Administrator, Barrister Theresa Ibas, said that the administration places children at the centre of the State with a continued efforts in ensuring that every child in the State has a reason to hope and platform to grow.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs Ruhuoma Kejeh, Ibas said the year’s theme: ‘Children: Our Future And Our Responsibility’ could not be more timely as it reflects on not only the dreams of the children but also the sacred duty of parents/guardians to nurture those dreams into reality.
She said, “It is a profound call to action, reminding us that the children we see around us today are not just playing, learning or growing. They are quietly carrying within them the seeds of tomorrow’s society. Every child, no matter the background, is a potential leader, innovator, caregiver or visionary. Their laughter today is the foundation of a joyful nation, tomorrow.
“While their future holds promise, it is shaped by the choices we make today – the quality of education we provide, the values we instill, the love we show and the protection we offer. Our children’s future is inextricably tied to how seriously we take our responsibility to guide, nurture and empower them. We must never take that responsibility lightly.”
Describing every child as beautiful and full of promises, Ibas said, “ the journey to their full potential cannot and must not be walked alone. No child becomes great in isolation”.
She therefore called on parents, teachers, guardians, leaders and members of the society to be deliberate in recognising the sacred role of building an environment where every child is safe, educated and empowered.
“As we celebrate today with music, dance, games and joy, let it also be a time of recommitment – for all of us to build a Rivers State where every child can become what they were born to be”, Ibas stated.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Prof. Justina A.Jumbo, said this year’s celebration was marked with a reaffirmation of the Ministry’s commitment to providing inclusive and equitable education, ensuring access to healthcare and nutrition, protecting children from abuse, neglect and exploitation and promoting child participation and empowerment.
Jumbo, who noted that the Ministry, through its Department of Child Welfare, has been working tirelessly to ensure the protection and well-being of state’s children said, “Some of our notable efforts include:, providing shelter, healthcare, education and support for vulnerable children at the Port Harcourt Children’s Home-Borokiri, implementing programmes to prevent child abuse, gender based violence and collaborating with stakeholders to promote child rights and welfare as well as offering counselling and rehabilitation services for children in need”.
“May I also use this forum to call on corporate and private organizations, multinational companies, and philanthropies, as part of their corporate social responsibility, to continue investing in our children’s futures, upholding our responsibility to nurture and protect them.
“I appeal to you all to see it as your duty to supplement government’s efforts, knowing that the government cannot do it alone in putting the future of Rivers State Children first. Let us work together to create a society where every child can grow, learn, and flourish.
“To our dear children, we say: your voices matter, your dreams are valuable, and your futures are bright. Keep reaching for the stars and shining your light!
Never let anyone or anything dim your light – your potential is limitless, and your future is full of promise”.
Highlights of the celebration included dance and drama presentation by the Ministry of Arts and Culture (Arts Council), match pass by selected schools and voluntary organisations, presentation of trophies and cutting of cake.
By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu
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