News
Easter: Clerics Task Christians On Peace, Forgiveness
National President, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji NajeemYasin (left), and Executive Secretary, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Ado Mohammad, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a Pilot Emergency Transport Scheme in Abuja, recently.
As Christians all over the world mark the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ through the Easter Celebration, clerics have admonished Christians to use the celebration as a period of sober reflection and self re-examination to enhance their spiritual growth and promote peaceful co-existence in the society.
The General Overseer of Global Reconciliation Ministry in Port Harcourt Pastor Edward Enenta gave the charge yesterday, while conducting a special Easter service.
He said Easter celebration was significant as it rekindled the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to mankind.
Enenta, who described the resurrection of Jesus Christ as an assurance of salvation, urged Christians to use the period to strengthen their faith in Christ who is the saviour of the world.
Speaking on the topic; “Do this in remembrance of me”, he said the holy communion was a symbol of purity, and decried the abuse of the practice by some people.
Meanwhile, the General Overseer of Chapel of Victory International Church, Rev. Ayo Odunayo, has also called on Christians to use the period of Easter to strengthen their relationship with God by showing love to mankind.
Speaking during the Easter Service at the Church in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Rev. Odunayo described love as the greatest mark of commitment to the service of God, and stressed that, Christ’s love for mankind was demonstrated on the cross of Calvary, where He laid down His life to save the world from damnation.
Another Cleric, Rev. Akuoma Kalu, also called on Christians to use Easter celebration to activate the spirit of forgiveness human fellowship and reconciliation.
Rev. Kalu, who is the resident Pastor of Assemblies of God Church, Ogbatai 1, Woji in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State also called on Christians to embrace peace and promote Godliness in the society.
Similarly, Christians in Abuja joined other faithful around the world yesterday to observe Easter with prayers for peace in the country.
Clergy and faithful in churches within the FCT marked the day with special prayers for Nigerian leaders.
Clergymen in different church services also called on Nigerians, especially those in leadership positions to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, faith and reconciliation with God.
At the All Christian Pentecostal Mission, Maitama, former State House Chaplain and General Overseer of the church, Rev. William Okoye, urged faithful to be willing to make sacrifices to advance the cause of society.
He said Christians including those in exalted positions in society must insist on doing the right things at all times.
At St. Matthews Anglican Church, Gwarimpa, Canon Ephriam Akanya, said Easter had brought the message of hope to all Christians.
According to Akanya, the resurrection of Christ is the most remarkable thing that has ever happened in Christianity.
He said Christ’s death and resurrection were a demonstration of God’s love for mankind, noting that Christians must reciprocate God’s love through reconciliation and unwavering faith in him.
In the same vein, clergymen at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Garki and Church of Assumption Parish, Asokoro, admonished faithful on the need for total submission to God’s will.
Rev. Fr Mark Okoi of the Church of Assumption said accepting Christ’s resurrection from the dead was one of the main preconditions for salvation.
Okoi said Christians must take advantage of the Easter season to reflect on their relationship with God and reconcile with him.
Rev. Fr. Peter Omale of Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral, urged Christians on repentance, submissiveness and faith in God.
He said the circumstances facing Nigerians were not strange to God which might be a fulfilment of His plans for Nigeria.
At the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Wuse Zone 3, the Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Joseph Oche, appealed to government to adequately fund and equip the security agencies to enable them to fight terrorism effectively.
Oche, who made the appeal in an interview with newsmen shortly after the Easter service, also appealed to the insurgents to embrace dialogue and stop the destruction of lives and property.
The bishop urged politicians to play by the rules and should not use politics to destroy their fellow citizens.
The Vicar of the All Souls Anglican Church Lugbe, Abuja, Rev. Ochei Louis had called on Christians to emulate Jesus Christ in preaching peace, love and humility during and after Easter.
In an interview with newsmen in Abuja yesterday Louis said Christian faithful should always demonstrate Christ’s love by supporting the poor and the needy.
The vicar urged Christians to shun activities that could breach peace and order, saying that such activities would amount to “crucifying Jesus Christ the second time.’’
He expressed concern over the loss of lives and property in the country and urged all citizens to remain calm, prayerful and put their trust in God.
He said the life of Jesus Christ entailed love and humility and urged all Christians to show love by caring for everyone around them, especially the children.
Taneh Beemene
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