The Governor of Rivers State Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi has promised the sum of five million Naira (N5m) for the completion of the St. Stephen’s Church, Opuoko Nyo Khana Archdeaconry in Ogoni.
Governor Amaechi gave the donation at the close of the 2nd session of the 3rd Synod of the church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Diocese of Ogoni on Sunday 9th September, 2012 at St Stephen’s Church, Opuoko Nyo- Khana Archdeaconry.
The synod had its theme: I know whom I have believed” 2Timothy l:12 as pronounced by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Solomon S. Gberegbara (JP), Bishop of the Diocese of Ogoni and the President of the synod.
Governor Amaechi was represented at the event by the Commissioner of Sports, Chief Hot Fred Igwe.
Chief Hon. Igwe said the Ogoni should be steadfast in the Lord at all times. On the issue of promises made to the people by the Governor, he said he will convey their message to the appropriate quarters without delay.
The Commissioner for Sport also thanked those Ogoni leaders who visited President Goodluck Jonathan. He urged the people of Ogoni not to use their land as a Kidnapping point or the delivery of ransome.
Hon. lgwe stated that the Governor is doing everything possible to engage the Youths in the State fur meaningful ventures as recently a street soccer competition was organized for talent hunt for the Youths while expressing happiness for the return of peace in Opuoko Community since the governor has done much to curb youth restiveness in the State.
In his address, the Anglican Bishop of Ogoni Diocese and the President of the Synod, His Lordship Rt. Rev. Solomon Gberegbara tasked the governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi to fulfill all the promises made to the people of Ogoni at Bori which include the building of All St Cathedral Church Bori and removal of illegal occupants encroaching on the Church land. He thanked the Governor for his developmental strides in the State.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Council of traditional rulers Rivers State and the Gbenemene of Tai Kingdom Chief G.N.K Giniwa advised the Youths of Ogoni to engage in only activities that will promote the stability in the area and shun Kidnapping and armed robbery saying Ogoni people are very industrious and honest people.
Addressing journalists after the event, Bishop Solomon Gbaregbara said the theme of the synod year 2012 was timely because many Christians did not know whom they believe in. Not just because they are Anglican, but they should serve God diligently and the secret of the success was that God answered their prayers. On the issue of some repentant militants who confessed God, Bishop Gbaregbara said it is only God that can change the wicked. He tasked other Youths to repent.
Earlier, Bishop Ignatius Cartey while chatting with media men tasked Governor Chibuike Amaechi to expedite action on the various contracts awarded in Ogoni land. He thanked God for the successful synod celebration.
In his remark the paramount ruler of Opuoko Community, Amb. Sir G.A Gima (JP) said this is the last day of the synod and the launching is the last part of the event. He said the synod was very successful because of the presence of the Governor and other invited guests.
Bishop Gberegbara appealed to government to refund the money used to build the Eleme flyover to the coffers of the Rivers State government so that the state can use it for other projects.
Highlights of the event was the confession and the thanksgiving of 20 former militants. ####
Pius Dukor
