Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. (Mrs.) Ngozi Nma Odu (6th Right), flanked by the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi (6th Left), the Dean, Church of Nigeria, Archbishop, Province of Niger Delta/Bishop of Ikwerre Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Blessing Enyindah (5th Right), the Bishop, Diocese of Niger Delta North, Rt. Rev. Wisdom Ihunwo (4th Right), the Chief of Staff, Government House, Barr. Sunny Ewule (3rd Left) and other dignitaries shortly after the Inter-Denominational Church Service in Commemoration of the 66th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Rebisi, Port Harcourt on the 27th Sept. 2026.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called on the people of the state to remain united, uphold peace and deepen their commitment to God as the foundation for sustained development and prosperity.
The governor made the appeal during an Inter-Denominational Church Service marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Rebisi, Port Harcourt, on Sunday.
Represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Fubara urged Rivers people to continue praying for enduring peace, unity and an unwavering commitment to the common good, stressing that the state would make greater progress when its people speak with one voice.
According to him, steadfast faith in God and collective unity remain essential ingredients for advancing human prosperity and accelerating development across the state.
He also prayed for God’s continued protection over the people of Rivers State, expressing confidence that the state would witness even greater developmental strides.
In his sermon, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Archbishop of the Province of the Niger Delta and Bishop of Ikwerre Diocese, the Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the nation’s challenges.
Preaching from Isaiah 49:14-15, Enyindah said the assurance of God’s unfailing love and remembrance of Israel remained relevant to Nigeria’s current circumstances.
“God is saying to Nigeria and Nigerians, I will not forget you. God has not forgotten Nigeria,” he declared.
The cleric also challenged citizens to reflect on their personal character, embrace honesty and integrity, improve productivity and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development, insisting that national renewal begins with individual responsibility.