Niger Delta

Edo To Host 40,000 Delegates For CGMI 2025 Convention

Published

4 months ago

August 4, 2025

Benin City, the Edo State capital, is set to experience a week-long spiritual revival as it hosts over 40,000 delegates for the 2025 Convention of the Church of God Mission International (CGMI).

Chairperson of the Mega Convention, Rev. (Mrs) Maureen Okoro-Sokoh, made this known during a press conference on Friday in Benin.

According to her, the convention—codenamed MegaCon 2025—with the theme, “Focus on Christ for Immeasurable and Infinite Love”, will take place between Aug. 4 and Aug.10 at the Balm of Gilead City, Benin.

She described the event as a spiritually enriching and life-changing experience for all attendees, with participants expected from across Nigeria and other countries.

The convention, she said, would feature powerful teachings, dynamic worship experiences, and transformative leadership programmes designed to uplift and empower lives.

“This gathering not only reflects CGMI’s spiritual authority but also boosts local tourism, hospitality, and economic activity in Edo”, she noted.

Okoro-Sokoh also announced that CGMI’s Presiding Archbishop, Margaret Benson-Idahosa, would lead the event, alongside notable ministers such as Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide.

Other key ministers expected include Bishop (Dr) Feb Idahosa, Head of the CGMI Cabinet and President of Benson Idahosa University; and Bishop Wale Oke, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), among others.

“There will be anointed gospel ministers leading worship, creating an atmosphere of soul-lifting praise, heartfelt worship, and powerful encounters with God”, she said.

She added that MegaCon remained CGMI’s flagship event, drawing thousands of believers, leaders, and seekers annually for spiritual renewal and growth.

The week-long programme will also feature leadership training, youth empowerment, and community development sessions aimed at deepening faith and encouraging practical Christian engagement.

Quoting Margaret Benson-Idahosa, she said MegaCon 2025 was “a divine appointment” and urged all believers to refocus on Christ’s immeasurable and unfailing love.

“It is an opportunity to reconnect with Christ, the centre of our faith, and experience His limitless, transformative, and eternal love”, she emphasised.

Also speaking at the briefing, Rev. Tari Hudson-Ekiyor, CGMI’s Director of Administration, assured the public that adequate security and logistics had been put in place to ensure a safe, smooth, and hitch-free convention.

Other key officials present at the media briefing included Rev. Steve Okoro-Sokoh; Rev. Engr. Etinosa Igbinobaro; and Rev. (Mrs) Joy Ayere, Director of Kingdom Builders.

Others were, Rev. (Mrs) Sharon Ighile, Head of CGMI Corporate Affairs; and Dr. Elder Dan Tolofari, Chief Protocol Officer of the Convention Committee.

Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

Published

22 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

A High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has awarded damages to a masquerade who was arrested by the State Police Command for allegedly disturbing public peace during traditional worship rites.

The arrest followed an executive order reportedly issued by the State Governor, directing the Commissioner of Police to detain any masquerade seen performing during the Yuletide period.

Acting on this directive, a masquerade, identified as Mr. Effiong, a practitioner of traditional worship, was arrested and subsequently charged to court.

In a landmark ruling, the court sided with Mr. Effiong and his custodian, affirming that Ekpo, a recognised traditional religious practice in Akwa Ibom State, is protected under the law, and that its adherents are entitled to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

The judge held that Mr. Effiong’s arrest and detention violated his rights to personal liberty and freedom of religion.

The court ordered his immediate and unconditional release and directed the Akwa Ibom State Government to pay damages for the infringement of his fundamental human rights and freedom of worship.

Human rights experts have hailed the judgment as a significant affirmation of Nigeria’s constitutional protection of traditional religious practices, emphasising the importance of respecting the country’s cultural and religious diversity.

By: Enoch Epelle

Niger Delta

MOSIEND Seeks Water Projects In Buguma From NDDC … Urges RSG To Revamp Fish Farm

Published

22 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to embark on water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area (ASALGA), Rivers State

The Group also called on the Rivers State government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths.

On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously and that the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people.

The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the LGA to assist in making the project a reality and also attract more developmental projects to the LGA.

MOSIEND’s Eastern Zonal Coordinator, Half Hour, Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn, made the call on a radio programme in Rhythm 93.7fm, “Talk of the Town”.

LongJohn, who made the call alongside the Chairman of MOSIEND in Buguma, Mark Ojuka, and his counterpart in Obuama, Hon. Sandra Owunari, also called on the Management of Nigeria Liquidifed Natural Gas (NLNG) to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kalabari communities to improve their health status.

He appealed to NLNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting that the company is doing same in Bonny, while abandoning Kalabari communities

“We need contracts, free medicals, scholarships and employment, including skill acquisition programmes for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions”, LongJohn stated.

On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is at zero level with the help of the Amama soldiers, saying “the city is more peaceful and investor-friendly as the youths of the area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area.

“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”

On revamping the Buguma fish farm, he said, “The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment.

“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence.”

By: Chinedu Wosu

Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

Published

4 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.