News
Emulate Gowon, Wike Urges The Youth …Harps On Religious Tolerance
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has challenged the Youth of Nigeria to take a cue from the humble and patriotic lifestyle of the former Head of State, Gen. Dr. YakubuGowon and work for the peace and unity of the country.
Governor Wike stated this during a one Day National Prayer Rally in Port Harcourt, tagged Nigeria Prays, South-South Zone, with the theme “When a Nation Travails.”
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, thanked the Chairman and Convener of Nigeria Prays, Dr. Yakubu Gowon for sustaining the vision of a united Nigeria and holding regular prayer sessions for the stability and prosperity of the Nation for 19 year’s running.
He described Nigeria as a nation covenanted to God and expressed optimism that Nigeria would come out stronger as a country from its onerous challenges.
According to the Governor, the hosting of the programme in Port Harcourt, would bring about spiritual rebirth in the State and advised the people not to lose faith in the efficacy of prayer.
“Today you have stepped your feet in Rivers State and I know there will be a spiritual shake up in heaven over our State. Light and liberty will prevail over Rivers State.” He asserted
Chief Wike cited the importance of corporate intercession by Believers during the build up to 2015 General elections when there were negative predictions over Nigeria’s corporate existence.
The State Chief Executive thanked the body of ‘Nigeria Prays’ and the former Head of State for finding Rivers State worthy to host the South-South zonal rally and assured him that Rivers people will continue to pray for him until he fulfills his vision for the country.
Chairman, Nigeria Prays, Gen Dr. Yakubu Gowon said the essence of the programme was to intercede for leaders at all levels of Government, including the stability, unity and end to the incessant terrorist bombing in the North East.
“We should confess our transgressions and forgive one another irrespective of ethnic and religious background. Let us continue in the faith and seek for peace and tranquility.” Gowon declared.
In his sermon, the General Oversea of Glorious Covenant Church, Bishop Samuel Akinola, advised Christians to be steadfast and faithful to attract God’s blessings.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the National Secretary, ‘Nigeria Prays’, Evang. Austin Kemie said the Ministry is a non–denominational and non-partisan prayer network borne out of genuine concern for God’s intervention and transformation of the nation.
Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Bishop Winston T. Iwo said the present administration is considering changing the annual carnival festivity which was used to showcase masquerades and all kinds of idols in the State and replaced it with Rivers Praise and Choral Night slated to hold on the 19th of December this year at the renamed Gen. Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia Port Harcourt on the December 19, 2015.
He therefore urged Christian Organisations of all denominations and the good people of Rivers State to attend the programme.
The event featured inauguration of Rev. Winston T. Iwo, Special Adviser to the Governor of Rivers State on Religious Affairs and General Oversea of Grace Covenant Church and the presiding Bishop of Glorious Covenant Church, Bishop Samuel Akinola as Patrons of Nigeria Prays, Rivers State Chapter.
High point of the event was symbolic intercession session by representatives of the various ethnic groups, Professional bodies, Leaders at all levels of Government, Security Agencies, Institutions and Children.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has declared that people should be tolerant of each other’s religion.
Governor Wike made the statement yesterday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, while addressing the Regional Eck Spiritual Aide, Mr. Ifeatu John Areh and his entourage who paid him a courtesy visit.
“What is important for us, as a government, is religious tolerance. Your religion should preach about peace, unity and how to live in harmony. This is the essence of religion. Religion is a personal thing. “Governor Wike said.
Governor Wike who was thankful to Eckankar Nigeria for choosing to organize the African conference in Port Harcourt remarked that Rivers state will gain positive publicity because its current image an insecure place will be dispelled.
“It is not easy for a city to host an entire continent. Government will benefit from this event. We are supposed to lobby people to come to our state, but you have decided to come on your own. We are really appreciative of that”, Governor Wike said.
The State Chief Executive also described Eckankar as a religion that preaches discipline among its followers.
Governor Wike who remarked that wastage of public funds is bad and good governance is about making the people happy said that his administration will do everything to attract investors to the state and finish projects that will benefit Rivers people even if they were initiated by previous administrations.
He also said his administration would do everything to partner with groups that would move Rivers state forward.
Speaking earlier, the Regional Eck Spiritual Aide, Head of Eckankar in Nigeria, Mr. Ifeatu John, who lauded Governor Wike’s infrastructural developmental efforts said the African seminar is meant to be informed and teach about Eckankar.
He said that the recent rally of where over 800 eckists marched through the streets of Port Harcourt distributing flyers was an awareness exercise to portray Rivers state and its inhabitants as a peaceful, accommodating and loving people.
Also speaking, Anne Archer Butcher, the ECK African Seminar guest speaker, said the seminar will be centered around her new bestselling book, titled, “INNER GUIDANCE A DIVINE BIRTHRIGHT” which is really about the promoting the teachings of Eckankar.
Anne Butcher emphasized that all religions are important and people who are seeking God should be honored and respected because all human beings are one.
According to her “our responsibility is to reach the divine spirit so that we may become worthy vehicles of love and harmony. I understand this is a mission you hold dear to bring love, harmony, peace and happiness to the people of Rivers state.” She informed Governor Wike.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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