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2023: Olumba Urges Religious Leaders To Pray, Fast

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The Personal Assistant to His Holiness, Olumba Olumba Obu, of Brotherhood Of the Cross And Star (B.C.S), Brother Namnso Etukudoh, has urged religious leaders and churches in Nigeria to fast and pray as election period approaches in the country.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, Brother Etukudo said regular prayer and fasting has become necessary, particularly now that the nation is about to withness a transition to another civilian government.
Noting that he has continued to pray and fast for the nation, he urged other religious bodies to do so.
While making reference to Brotherhood’s Thursday Weekly fasting and prayers, he said “years back The Holy Father, Leader Olumba Olumba Obu, had used a certain group of priest known as ‘The 144s’ to ensure that weekly fasting and prayers in the church is not neglected”.
Etukudoh said fasting and prayer is also being held for those in Leadership positions at the local governments,, states, nations and the world at Large, adding that such prayers was not only for the kingdom, but a day in which members pray and fast for leaders and the whole world.
He explained that Brotherhood has always been ahead, “because in brotherhood, we believe so much in prayer and fasting”.
The cleric stated that it is imperative that outside the usual church events, “those with spiritual insights must always go on their knees to pray and fast for God to direct our leaders, because, most of our leaders hardly have the time to pray.
“You see, believers must seek God’s face if we want the right leaders, because failure to seek divine direction from the Holy Father and think we can do it ourselves means we would still be in what is happening across the nations and the world”, he said.
On why B.C.S has not spoken for all this while, Brother Etukudo said, “if you are abreast with the doctrine of our Holy Father, you will find out that The Holy Father Leader, Olumba Olumba Obu, believes in talking less and doing more, because when people try to talk, one could talk out of God’s divine direction, and you know the consequences”.
He further explained that it is a serious issue for word to come out of religious circle without manifestation, “especially in the likes of Leader Olumba Olumba, whose words are always authentic”, noting that “such spirit of talking any how is not of Brotherhood.”
Etukudo continued that there is need for every Nigerian to remain consistent in prayer and fasting, noting that this is the only weapon to forestall some of the challenges facing the nation.
“Outside prayer and fasting, we would then be going for load bigger than us. Nigerians must not fail to exercise their franchise peacefully during election to elect the kind of leaders that they want”, he emphasized.
On the Muslim/Muslim ticket,the B.C.S priest siad he wouldn’t speak much on that because he doesn’t know the will of God for the nation, adding that in fairness, he thinks that in the presence of God, he believes that there is nothing like Muslim, Pagan or otherwise.
“I wouldn’t like to talk more on this issue, because in the sight of God, there is no Muslim or Christian or pagan, but it is those that does His will”, Brother Etukudo explained.
He insisted that in the presence of God righteousness prevails and not the other way round, but disclosed that in a rational way of thinking as human, he believes that things should be done harmoniously for peace to prevail.
“By rational thinking, the right thing should be done to avert provoking the thought and wishes of other humans”, he stated.
The priest, however, counseled Nigerias never to lose faith for a second in God because of His love for the nation, adding that “in the face of all challenges in our country, one can still look back that truly God really loves our nation”.

By: John Bibor & Oribim Ibama

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2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring 

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As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.
In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.
Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.
“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.
“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.
He emphasized that being “head of the home”  is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”
The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.
To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.
The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.
“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.
The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.
International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.
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Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process 

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Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor
Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association  (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process
Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.
George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.
According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.
The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.
They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.
The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.
GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.
According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.
The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.
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Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

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The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.
He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.
Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.
According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.
The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.
Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.
He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.
A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.
He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.
The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.
The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.
Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.
By: King Onunwor

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