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Akawor Unveils Constituency Projects In Eleme
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Rivers State, Amb Desmond Akawor has commissioned well-furnished town hall with a sound proof generator built by the lawmaker representing Eleme Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Aforji Igwe.
The lawmaker also empowered over 100 persons selected in the 10 wards, as some were given cars, while some got starter packs to start different businesses.
Speaking at the event in Aleto Community, at the weekend, Akawor described Igwe as a replica of Governor Nyesom Wike in terms of quality projects’ delivery and empowerment at grassroots level.
According to him, the party was pleased with the quality service delivery and effective representation exhibited by the lawmaker.
“We as party we are happy to identify with a man who has been in touch with his people, because he has made the work of the party easier in next election come 2023.
“Eleme is the home of PDP, Hon. Aforji Igwe has shown his Wikematic style of performance”, Akawor said.
Also speaking when he paid a courtesy visit to the King of Eleme, Emere Philip Osaro Obele, in the company of the Deputy Chairman of the party, Hon. Chukwuemeka Aaron; the State Secretary, Dr. Benibo George; other members of the state executives as well as the member representing Eleme State Constituency, Hon. Aforji Igwe; whose constituency project he visited Eleme to commission, Akawor commended the people for their support for the PDP and the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike.
He thanked the royal father for his support and for sustaining the peace in the area.
Also speaking, Hon. Igwe Aforji said he got the inspiration from Wike, haven followed him for some years now.
According to him, he was elated to follow a leader like Wike whose desire was to touch the lives of people at grassroots with dividends of democracy,saying that he has no option than perform like him.
“They say charity begins at home, I feel happy being at home and as well reaching out to people at home with meaningful projects.
“I am a true Wikematic man.A lion will never give birth to a goat.I have to do that which I was elected.
“I assure the people of my constituency that I will bring more development to the grassroots.
“I don’t have executive power, but I was able to train our people on different skills and gave them starter packs, empower some widows and gave out cars to support their families to improve their standard of living”, Igwe said.
Igwe thanked the leadership of the PDP for giving him a chance to serve the people of Eleme, adding that he came up with the idea of building a town hall, after interfacing with the king of Eleme on a project to embark on.
He added that the town hall was the first phase of the projects he has carried out, as he plans to give out cars, bikes and other items to his constituents, as part of his projects.
He added that he would not relent in delivering projects to his constituents because that was the sole aim of his office.
Earlier, Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Hon Ollor Obarilomate, said this was what was expected from any good politician, and commended the lawmaker for the gesture, saying that this would further develop the area.
Obarilomate heaped praises on Hon. Aforji Igwe for empowering youths in Eleme and building a state-of-the-art town hall in Aleto.
Speaking on the sideline of the commissioning of the town hall and presentation of cars to four youths from four clans of Eleme, starter packs and grants to 10 female graduates of hair dressing from Aforji’s skills acquisition programme, and second phase of empowerment for 50 widows, Obarilomate said he was happy and sees it as a complimentary action to what the local government council was doing in sustaining the peace in the area.
He said, “When you empower people, there will be peace in the area. This is a complimentary action to what the LG council is doing in sustaining peace in the area. I want to thank him for this laudable empowerment programme that he has carried out. This is one of the things that we expect our leaders who have been elected into various offices to do.
“From time-to-time, we want to tell the people of Eleme that PDP is the party that will give them all what they need for development and their growth. I am a core member of the PDP and I love what the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike is doing because all the younger politicians who are coming up now are following suit.That is why you can see development projects and this kind of programme all over the state.
“So, PDP has fully taken over the political space of Eleme LGA. From what you can see, we are happy, the place is peaceful, all our party faithful, supporters and Eleme people are very jubilant this morning for what our member, Hon Aforji Igwe has done. We want to thank him and we say that God will bless him more and more and give him many more prosperous years in office”, he prayed.
Responding, Emere Philip Osaro Obele thanked Akawor for honouring him with his presence before proceeding to the event he came for, adding that Governor Nyesom Wike must be commended for salvaging the traditional institution of Eleme, for being proactive in project delivery in the area, as well as putting sons and daughters of the area in key positions in his government.
He further commended the member representing Eleme State Constituency, Hon. Aforji Igwefor being a worthy son of the land, who has unveiled a landmark project by constructing and completing the town hall, which would be a legacy that would outlive his administration and impact the people of his domain.
He stated that despite the rants of the opposition, it was obvious that Eleme remains PDP because the support from the people of Eleme has shown that PDP has no rival in their domain.
Dignitaries present include, Hon. Marcus Nle Eji; Hon. Ejor Ngowa Ejor; Hon. Tambari Sydney Gbara; Hon. Field Nkor; Hon. Bellor Waite; Hon. Alice Chu; as well as other notable persons.
By: Tonye Orabere
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