Rivers

New Book, ‘Spiritual Instructions’ Launched In Rivers Community

Published

2 months ago

February 28, 2024

A new Christian book, ‘Spiritual Instructions’ was successfully launched on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Umuechem Community in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The writer of the book and Music Director of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Umuechem, Catechist Cornelius Chinedu Iroegbu used the opportunity to thank God profusely for the unveiling of the new package, which he said has the capacity of providing solutions to mankind’s numerous spiritual, financial and health problems, among others.

The book launch, which attracted people from all walks of life was chaired by an illustrious son of Etche ethnic nationality, Chief Promise Akpasobe while the chief launcher was Mr Obinna Nwachukwu.

Very articulate Sir Austin Amaechi reviewed the book while the royal father of the day was Chief Bartholomew Onwuli.

A freelance journalist, simply addressed as Mr Julius excellently anchored the programme whereas the Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Umuechem, Rev Father Paul Iroulor served as the spiritual father of the day, as he ensured that everything was functionally in place for the ceremony.

Incidentally, the book got special endorsements from highly placed men of God in the State and the wider society including no less a personality than the Auxiliary Bishop of Port Harcourt Diocese of the Catholic Church, Most Rev (Dr) Patrick Eluke whose imprimatur is contained in the book; Rev Father (Dr) Tochi Theo Nwosu, who wrote the foreword of the book; and Rev Father ( Dr) Sixtus Chikwe of the Port Harcourt Diocese, who artistically wrote the preface.

Speaking shortly after the book launch, the author, Catechist Cornelius Iroegbu said in an interview that God inspired him through the Holy Spirit to write the book on discovering that a lot of people were growing cold in their faith.

On discovering that, he said as somebody called by God, he had prayed more to God for a solution, particularly against the backdrop that the world also was satanically deranged.

According to him, God had equipped him through the Holy Spirit with strength, knowledge and inspiration on a daily basis to write the book.

Iroegbu, who is popularly known as Ntuoyi disclosed that it took him over three years to put together the book, which he described as a manual for people’s lives and essentially for people who want to grow spiritually and those who want to know God and get solutions for their spiritual, financial and health problems.

The Catechist of St Michael’s Catholic Church, Abara Etche further indicated that the book is capable of providing solutions to people’s spiritual, financial and health challenges, among others.

“There is no problem this book is not capable of providing solutions to”, he said, hinting that his target is to reach out to the entire world, to both Christians and non-Christians, saying, “It is good that people who do not know Christ would know Him through this book so that we all should be happy”.

He said the book is deliberately laced with Biblical quotations to demonstrate the power of God through the Scriptures and how it works.

Iroegbu expressed gratitude to the Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Umuechem, Rev Father Paul Iroulor for his moral and spiritual support, particularly in ensuring that the book was successfully launched in his parish, describing him as a good father to all and a lover of all.

He also commended his father, Elder Raymond Nwairoegbu Amaechi for being physically present during the book launch, and assured that he would churn out many other books to truly make him proud.

On his part, the Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Umuechem, Rev Father Paul Iroulor narrated how he first met the writer over 10 years ago at a filling station and encouraged him to start a youth devotion in the area, with the aim of evangelising Etche by being more involved and devoted to the things of God.

The cleric described Iroegbu as a hard working and committed servant of God, who is deeply involved in his spiritual life, and admonished the people of the area to toe the path of God and hold Him firmly as the writer had done.

A parishioner, Dame Benedicta Eze Nwala, who was visibly elated over the accomplishments of the writer, praised him for making his community proud, and expressed optimism that in the nearest future, the church would boast of a league of writers.

An indigene of the community, Mr Eddy Enoch described the writer as a brother, and enjoined the people to continue to support the author with their prayers.

The reviewer of the book, Sir Austin Amaechi expressed delight that the book has the imprimatur of a renowned man of God, whom he described as a friend, Most Rev(Dr) Patrick Eluke, saying, “It is to tell you that the book has gone through the crucibles of the Catholic vehemence of denouncing heresy and apostasy”.

According to him, the writer presented the materials to the world in such a way that the entire package is self-explanatory.”

“This book is simple to read, Ntuoyi made it easy for its readers in 11 Chapters, prudently presented in 62 pages as the font is sizeable to accommodate all visual shades of readers.The cover page is pictorially evident as we see the Master, minister to a rapt-attention audience. The sentence and grammatical patterns are simple and cheap. Therefore, making every chapter easily readable and understandable,” he said.

Rev Father(Dr) Sixtus Chikwe, in the preface, said the book is a momentous text for spiritual revival and re-awakening of God’s people, as the author writes for God’s spiritual revival and re-awakening of God’s pilgrim people.

He further underlined the fact that “reading through the work, one cannot but agree with the writer that the ways of the spirit are ineffable and patently inscrutable. Yet, nudged by an abiding docility to God’s ways, anchored on a healthy life of prayer and virtuous living, they are not after all, incomprehensible to the humble, faithful and desirous soul”.

This is why, he noted, the writer’s exhortation that the faithful need to adopt a more pliable, malleable disposition to the diverse manifestations of God’s ways, including in adversities or unfortunate twists in life’s ways is commendable.

According to him, “the faithful discipline is never alone through the rigors of life. Though high the billows of life’s storms or deep their reaches, the Divine is always nearby to intervene at the most divinely auspicious moment for the focused.”

Little wonder, the erudite cleric intoned, “So why quake while the master still rides closely by you in the boats of life? Enduring faithfulness to God, therefore, is vital for weathering through the fleeting storms of earthly pilgrimage”.
This, indeed, appears to be what ‘Spiritual Instructions’ is all about.

Rivers

Former Perm Sec Lauds Fubara’s Loan Scheme

Published

2 days ago

May 10, 2024

The Tide

A former Permanent Secretary in Rivers State, Sir Kingsley Fubara Hart, has applauded the Governor of the State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for the N4billion loan scheme recently flagged off by the Governor and disbursed to 3,066 beneficiaries by the Rivers State Microfinance Agency(RIMA) in conjunction with the Bank Of Industry(BOI).
Sir Hart, who made the commendation while speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt, described the loan scheme for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises and NANO as a landmark achievement recorded by the present administration.
According to him, Governor Fubara’s efforts to ameliorate unemployment and the harsh economic conditions of the people of the State are yielding fruits.
The former House of Representatives aspirant noted that the loan scheme is a frugal innovation geared towards addressing the financial challenges faced by Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in the State.
According to him, it creates a simplified, affordable and sustainable solution to complex challenges in business for those doing business in the State.
Sir Hart further indicated that the immense benefits and impacts of the loan scheme can never be over-emphasised, considering the current economic situation in the country.
He noted that it would go a long way in increasing the revenue base of the State, thereby enabling the Fubara administration to carry out more development projects in the years ahead.
He, however, appealed to other States in the country to borrow a leaf from Governor Fubara in order to curtain youth restiveness across the country.
He also called on well-meaning Rivers people to support the Governor as he intends to create the enabling environment for industrialisation of the State.
This, he said can be attested to going by the plethora of people-oriented projects going on across the nooks and crannies of the State.
“Let me congratulate the beneficiaries.It has never been like this. It is left for them to be prudent in managing the funds to enable others to be part of it.The Governor means well for everyone in the State despite the distractions.It is a frugal innovation to address the challenges facing small and medium scale industries in the State.It has created a simplified, affordable and sustained solution to complex challenges in business in the State.The IGR of the State will increase and militancy would be addressed. Every sane mind is expected to automatically leverage on this wonderful opportunity provided by the Fubara-led government,” he said.
Sir Hart, therefore, advised those opposing the government to sheathe their swords and support the government to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

Rivers

Customary Law: CCA Harps On Fair Hearing Importance

Published

2 days ago

May 10, 2024

The Tide

The President of Customary Court of Appeal (CCA), Rivers State, Justice Iheanachor Obuzor, has tasked chairmen and members of the state customary courts to ensure that the principles and doctrines of fair hearing are adhered to in the adjudication of customary matters in their respective areas of jurisdiction in line with administration of justice.
Obuzor made this call while declaring open a two-day capacity building workshop organized for chairmen and members of the state customary courts in the state, held at Justice Mary Odili Judicial Institute, Port Harcourt, with the theme, “Empowering Chairmen and members for efficient and fair dispute Resolutions”.
The CCA boss, who was represented at the occasion by justice B. N. L. Deemua, recounted the importance of fair hearing in the adjudication of justice, stressed that fair hearing principles are crucial as it gives parties the benefits to be heard before arriving at judgment .
He asked the Chairmen and members sitting at the Customary Bar to always be fair and upright in the discharge of their duties and conduct their trials in line with the native traditions, laws, and customs of their respective communities of areas of their jurisdiction.
Describing the theme of the workshop as apt and timely, while noting the importance of training and retraining, he said, “Take the two days training very serious and it will impact and improve all of you on the job as there is no limit to where you can attain. If you do well, you can get to be a judge”.
Justice Obuzor used the opportunity to thank the management of the institute for putting up the programmes for the customary workers and assured of his continued partnership with the institute for enhanced service delivery in customary jurisprudence in the state.
Earlier in her opening address, the Director of the Justice Mary Odili judicial Institute, Port Harcourt, Justice Anuri Ken-Chikere, said Customary court’s jurisprudence deals with summary jurisdiction, unlike the superior conventional courts, adding that they have the jurisdiction to hear both civil and criminal cases .
She further emphasized that the doctrines and principles of fear hearing must be given credence in arriving at there rulings and judgement, stressing that customary courts play key roles in contributing to peace and harmony in the society.
Highlights of the occasion were good will messages from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt Branch, and many others.

Amadi Akujobi

Rivers

IAUE Promotes 51 Staff To Professors, Associate Professors

Published

2 days ago

May 10, 2024

The Tide

Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) has promoted 17 academic staff to the rank of Professor, and another 34 to Associate Professors (Readers).
Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, disclosed this during an Emergency Senate Meeting, held on Wednesday at the Postgraduate Hall.
While congratulating those affected on behalf of the 12th Governing Council, the Acting Vice Chancellor reminded them that higher position means higher responsibilities.
He urged them to continue to stand out by doing their jobs very well and providing the needed leadership in their various fields of discipline.
Professor Onuchuku, who also congratulated non-teaching staff promoted, informed that they would get the monetary value attached to the promotion and expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Joseph Fubara, for prioritising education and for the financial benefits.
He advised staff to eschew hatred and bitterness and to give their subordinates what is due them irrespective of tribe and religion.
He implored Members not to “bear grudges, but be good to others at all times, even in the face of prosecution, and allow divine justice to reign supreme”.
With this promotion, the University now has 97 Professors.
Those promoted to the rank of Professors in the Faculty of Agriculture are: Joseph E. I. Ansa (Professor of Agronomy).
The Faculty of Education has Okai N. Okai (Professor of Administration of Higher Education); Tamunodienye Mba (Professor of Curriculum Teacher/Education); Marilyn Ochoma (Professor of Curriculum and Instruction); Nwankwoala H. N. L. (Professor of Educational Management); Ibiene T. LongJohn (Professor of Educational Measurement and Evaluation); Dagogo A. F. Daminabo (Professor of Sociology of Education); and Josephine E. Elekwa (Professor of Sociology of Education).
Faculty of Humanities has Anthony Adele Orlu (Professor of Environmental Literature); Israel N. Johnson (Professor of Church History); Ante James Eteka (Professor of African Literature in French); Bernadette C. Ugochukwu (Professor of Music Pedagogy—2021); and Charles G.T. Omuaru (Professor of Sculpture).
In Faculty of Management Sciences there are: Jude Nwoka (Professor of Human Resource Management); Nwakaego Chukwuigwe (Professor of Organisational Behaviour); Israel Umesi (Professor of Accountancy, Tax Management).
Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education has Azunwena Reginah N. (Professor of Home Economics Education).
Those appointed Associate Professors (Readers) are, Faculty of Agriculture: Wilcox G. Ibim (Agricultural Economics and Extension); and Eunice N. Ajie (Agricultural Economics, Agric Marketing).
In the Faculty of Education, there are: Love Nwamadi (Guidance and Counselling); Emmanuel Okwu (Library and Information Science); Iyagba Philemon W. (Educational Psychology); Amadi-Ali Beatrice O. (Early Childhood and Primary Education); and Jerome I. Wosu (History and Policy of Education).
For the Faculty of Humanities, there are: Grace Lawrence-Hart (Religious and Cultural studies); and Emeka Ikechi (African Literature -202)
Faculty of Management Sciences has Dumo Opara (Human Resources Management and Organisational Behaviour); Lawrence Amadi (Strstegic Marketing and Entrepreneurship); Ikechi Prince Obinna (Consumer Behaviour and Sustainable Marketing); Godswill Chinedu Chukwu (Consumer Behaviour and Strategic Marketing); Joy A. Mekuri-Ndimele (Human Resources Management and Office and Information Management); and Victor Chima Anucha (Marketing, Green Marketing).
The Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences has China Worukwu (Science Education); Comfort Emma Elechi (Community Health Education and Promotion); Glory Godspower- Echie (Science Education); Nwala Longinus (Science Education); Ibim Dagogo Franklin (Geophysics); Nchelem R. George (Mathematics Education); and Constance I. Amannah (Computer Science).
Faculty of Social Sciences has Ukpere Dennis Tobins (Rural Development and Resources Management); David Baride Ngeh (Sociology of Development); Poroma Celestine Lekia (Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management); Nwiekpugi B. Poronakie (Regional Development Planning); Okwakpam I. Omenuihu (Environmental Management); Wabah Goodnews (Medical Sociology); Odike Ebenezer Levi (Sociology of Development); Leelee N. Deekor (Development Economics); and Iwarimie B. Uranta (Political Theory and Methodology).
For the Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education, there are: Joseph O. Amaechi (Industrial Technical Education); Paulinus Emennu (Industrial Technical Education); and Salome Emeya (Agricultural Education).
At the non-teaching staff category, those promoted as Directors are: Rose K. Okah; Priscilla M. Oriji; Obi N. Wichendu; Didia Christopher; Wilson E. Ibokama; Chisa Egu; and Emejuru Chioma.
Also promoted in the Bursary Department are: Ikuru Osekeigak Bertram (Director); Graham-Kingsley Gift(Deputy Bursar); and Nicholas O. Nkwoji (Deputy Bursar).
In the Audit Unit, there is Elechi Innocent Alete (Deputy Director, Audit), while those appointed as Deputy Registrars are: Queen A. Ikhumni; Kate Ukwoma O; Dorathy N. Abinusawa; Barnabas Obi Emordi; Uchenna P. Nwankwo; Wawhua Christiana B.; Eucharia Chigbu O.; Nyebuchi Owabie; Tom-West Igbaniboba J.; Felicia Court; and Daughter O. Wugate; Legborsi Kara John.
For the position of Chief Confidential Secretary 1, there are: Elizabeth O. Wike; and Gooba E. B. Ikiriko.
Health Services Department has only Dr. Destiny Osuchukwu as Deputy Director, Health Services, same thing with Laboratory Technology which also have only Felix Tennyson Chioma as Chief Technologist 1
Also, the Security Department has only Mr. Nwidua Nwibari as Chief Security Officer 1.