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Jubilation, As DELGA Chairman Unites Ogurama Youths
It was a memorable day of celebration, as chiefs, elders, youths and children of Ogurama community in Degema Local Government Area, last Saturday, gathered to witness the return of peace to the ancient island community.
This was as the Chairman of DELGA, Hon. Michael John Williams, in furtherance of his peace efforts in the area, brokered peace amongst youths of Ogurama community, who had been at daggers drawn with each other.
The ugly situation, which led to the self-exile of some groups from the community for a couple of years, was however, peacefully resolved, following the mediation of the council boss.
Speaking at a one-day peace summit in Ogurama, Williams, who emphasised that peace was priceless and terror senseless, noted that Ogurama and other communities of Degema needed to be peaceful and united, in order to attract development from both government and private investors.
He added that no meaningful development would take place in a rancorous and turbulent environment, unless the people embraced peace.
Williams appealed to the various groups and their leaders to genuinely forgive one another and move on in the spirit of brotherliness, whilst also turning a new leaf and engage themselves in meaningful ventures to better their individual lives, community, LGA and Rivers State at large.
He urged the community members to be vigilant and checkmate the activities of strange faces, who may take advantage of the community’s hospitality to perpetrate crime and criminality, adding that Ogurama was a peace-loving community, which needed to protect its image from hirelings and mercenaries.
Williams, who attributed his success in tackling insecurity to Governor Nyesom Wike, stated that the governor, whom he described as a lover of peace, had set the pace in crime fighting in Nigeria.
He, however, warned that the council would deal decisively with any anyone, who reneges on the peace accord and is fingered in any crime activity within the area.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ogurama Council of Chiefs, Chief Ben Orugbani, commended Williams for the peace initiative, adding that no chairman of DELGA in the past had been this good to Ogurama people.
He noted that the council chairman frequents Ogurama community as his home and shows deep interest in every concern of the community, praying God to reward his kind gestures.
Orugbani, who equally commended the youths for embracing peace, enjoined them to maintain it both at home and elsewhere, as according to him, resuming hostilities outside could find its way back to the community.
“As you have agreed not to fight yourselves again in the community, also endeavour to be good children outside, because if you go out and make trouble, either the government or those you offended will come to look for you in the community and that would portend danger for your community,” Orugbani stated.
In her admonition, an aged woman, Madam Mina Joe Kilo, who appealed to the youths to live peaceably with one another, lamented that Ogurama community has never had a need to be policed by military men in the past, as the people used to love themselves and live as a united people.
In his contribution, the Youth Chairman of Ogurama, Comrade Dakuro Bille, who hailed Williams for his courageous move, stated that Ogurama people would never forget the council chairman for his love towards the community.
Bille, while noting that peace had come to stay in Ogurama, however, warned dissident and recalcitrant elements to steer clear from the community, as they would be fished out and handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
Meanwhile, in their unanimous responses, on behalf of the various groups, Mr. Godswill Ikiroma (Daddy Blaze), Mr. Charles West and Mr. Ibinabo Braide, commended Williams for the peace initiative, promising to live together in peace and harmony.
They also appealed to the chiefs, elders and political class to be part of the peace process and stop using the youths to pursue their individual ambitions, as according to them, some of the youths may not be as exposed and enlightened as the elites of the community, who sometimes mislead the youths.
The event, which ended with a brotherly embrace and dance, witnessed a large turnout of community members, made up of chiefs, elders, women, youths and children, the council chairman and his entourage, as well as security operatives.
By: Ike Wigodo
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