The Bishop of the Diocese of Okrika, Enoch Atuboyedia, has said the forthcoming 8th Synod of the diocese will serve as a platform for spiritual renewal, strategic planning and renewed commitment to evangelism, with expectations of a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Addressing journalists ahead of the synod, Atuboyedia described the gathering as a critical moment in the life of the church, noting that it would focus on consultation, evaluation and charting a forward-looking course for the diocese.

“Synod is a time of consultation, evaluation and re-strategising. It is also a time when the church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, takes decisions to advance God’s kingdom,” he said.

The synod, themed “The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit,” is expected to climax with a thanksgiving service on May 3, with the bishop expressing hope that participants would experience a spiritual revival akin to the events of Acts of the Apostles chapter two, which marks the birth of the early church.

He called on delegates and participants, both physical and virtual, to prepare spiritually for what he described as a “Pentecost experience” that would empower the faithful for greater kingdom service.

The four-day event, scheduled to hold at Bethel Church Amadi-Ama from April 30 to May 3, will feature scriptural meditations, Bible study sessions, seminars, and the Bishop’s Charge, alongside the launch of a N2.5 billion Diocesan Secretariat Fund.

Reviewing developments since his enthronement on September 28 as the second bishop of the diocese, Atuboyedia said evangelism has remained the central focus of his episcopal ministry.

He noted that the establishment of youth-oriented and non-liturgical worship centres has helped reverse the drift of young people from the Anglican fold, with many returning and others joining from different denominations.

According to him, the non-liturgical centres retain Anglican identity but adopt flexible worship styles to meet contemporary needs, while still incorporating traditional liturgical practices, particularly during Eucharistic services.

The bishop also highlighted progress across key ministries of the church. He said the women’s ministry has gained renewed momentum, citing the maiden “Wakrike Willing Women” prayer and fasting gathering, which drew participation across denominational lines.

In the area of welfare and empowerment, he disclosed that over 100 persons have benefited from church support initiatives, including financial assistance for small businesses. He added that the diocese had sponsored 15 students in tertiary institutions and plans to increase scholarships to 20 beneficiaries this year.

On infrastructure, Atuboyedia said work on the diocesan secretariat has advanced, with the printing press and chapel wings already completed, while efforts are ongoing to develop the main complex and conference hall.

He appealed to government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, captains of industry and the general public to support the fundraising drive during the synod to ensure timely completion of the project.

Speaking on the role of the church ahead of the 2027 general elections, the bishop maintained that the church must remain non-partisan, even as it continues to promote ethical conduct in politics.

“The church is not a political party and should not be used as a political platform,” he said, urging politicians to adhere strictly to guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission and to conduct their affairs with the fear of God.

He stressed that political office should be seen as a call to service rather than an avenue for personal gain, adding that good governance remains the ultimate expectation of citizens.

While acknowledging calls for the church to endorse candidates, Atuboyedia said such actions could expose the church to undue criticism and politicisation, noting that personal interests often override truth in Nigeria’s political space.

He, however, insisted that the church would continue to speak on issues of accountability and leadership, revealing that attempts to engage local political office holders in dialogue had been met with limited participation.

Despite the challenges, the bishop expressed optimism that sustained engagement and moral guidance from the church would eventually yield positive outcomes in governance.

Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has commended the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for its growing contribution to grassroots healthcare, describing its Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) as a critical intervention transforming community health outcomes across Nigeria.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch A Stream II corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area, the governor said the scheme continues to positively impact ordinary Nigerians, particularly in underserved rural communities.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the NYSC State Governing Board, Dagogo Wokoma, Fubara expressed satisfaction with the increasing number of corps members deployed to the state. He attributed the trend to growing public confidence in the administration’s commitment to peace, progress and good governance.

He assured the corps members of sustained government support, noting that his administration remains committed to policies that uplift young graduates and prepare them for leadership roles.

Fubara urged the new entrants to maximise the opportunities provided during the orientation course and contribute meaningfully to national development.

In his welcome address, the NYSC State Coordinator, Moses Oleghe, described the corps members as motivated and ready to leave lasting impressions in their service year. He noted that the NYSC management has consistently prioritised programmes that equip participants with practical, life-enhancing skills necessary for self-reliance.

Oleghe also commended the state government for its continued support of the scheme but appealed for urgent intervention in addressing accommodation challenges at the camp. He specifically called for the construction of a 1,000-bed hostel facility to cater to the growing population of corps members posted to the state.

A total of 3,665 corps members—comprising 1,328 males and 2,337 females—were administered the oath of allegiance by Florence Fiberesima, who represented the Chief Judge of Rivers State.

The ceremony marked the formal commencement of the orientation exercise for the new batch, setting the tone for their service year in Rivers State.

The Steering Committee on the Establishment of State Police has proposed a four-phase transition roadmap for the creation of state policing structures, outlining a comprehensive reform plan estimated to cost up to N813 billion over five years.

The recommendation is contained in a report by the committee, constituted by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and obtained by The Atlantic Bell on Friday.

Chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, the eight-member committee was inaugurated on March 4 and tasked with developing an operational framework for state policing within one month.

The panel is also mandated to guide the implementation of state-level policing to complement the federal system and address rising security challenges, including frameworks for recruitment, training and funding.

According to the report, the proposed transition will span 60 months and be executed in four phases.

Phase one (months one to 12) will focus on legal and constitutional procedures, including amendments to Sections 213 and 215 of the 1999 Constitution, enactment of a State Police Act by the National Assembly, and passage of enabling laws by all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The phase will also involve the establishment of State Police Service Commissions and ombudsman offices across the states.
Phase two (months 13 to 24) will cover personnel transfer, with the introduction of Voluntary Transfer Programmes (VTP) to allow officers of the federal police to move to state commands.

In phase three (months 25 to 42), state police operations will commence fully, with responsibility for local policing shifting to state authorities, while the federal force refocuses on national duties.

Phase four (months 43 to 60) will consolidate the reform, including full reorganisation of the Federal Police Service.

The committee emphasised that constitutional and legal frameworks must precede implementation, warning that institutional structures must be built from the ground up in all states.

It recommended the establishment of fully functional state police services, including service commissions, ombudsman offices, community policing forums at the local government level, as well as ICT systems, custody facilities and forensic capabilities.

The report also called for the creation of a National Police Standard Board to oversee compliance and operations across six zonal offices.

It projected an establishment cost ranging from N589 billion to N813 billion, noting that the financial burden necessitates phased implementation.

On manpower, the committee said each state police service would recruit and train a new cadre of officers alongside personnel transferred from the federal force.

It added that the first batch of recruits would be enrolled in phase two, with deployment commencing in phase three, while a mandatory 40-hour Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme would be instituted for all officers.
The report further highlighted the need for a National Police Intelligence Portal, a national criminal records system, and an upgraded Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), alongside full ICT integration across all state and federal police formations.

It estimated that national ICT infrastructure alone would cost between N65 billion and N95 billion, with full integration expected by the final phase.

The committee stressed the importance of safeguarding officers’ rights, noting that no personnel should be involuntarily dismissed and that pension and welfare entitlements must be protected.

It concluded that the 60-month transition period represents the minimum timeframe required to restructure the country’s policing architecture, citing the need to redeploy over 273,000 officers, establish 37 police services, enact legal frameworks, and build critical infrastructure without disrupting public security.

All arrangements have been concluded for the formal unveiling of the Albert Badey Centre for Development (ABCD), scheduled for Saturday, April 25, at the E.U.I. Event Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Dignitaries, associates and admirers of the late Ogoni leader have begun arriving in the city ahead of the ceremony, which will also feature a posthumous 90th birthday commemoration in his honour.

A statement issued by Blessing Wikina
Head, Media Sub-Committee for ABCD Unveiling stated that the centre, conceived as a legacy project, will house an Institute for Peace and Policy named after Sir Gabriel Toby, former Deputy Governor of Rivers State. Both men served the state in earlier years as Permanent Secretaries.

The statement also indicated that a former Commissioner in the old Rivers State, Dr Emmanuel Denenu, is billed to deliver the keynote address at the event.

The ABCD is established in recognition of Badey’s contributions to the development of Ogoniland, where he played a pivotal role in the creation of four local government areas from the former Ogoni Division. He is also credited with facilitating the siting of the state’s first polytechnic in the area.

The unveiling is expected to draw stakeholders from across Rivers State and beyond, in celebration of a life widely regarded as instrumental to the advancement of the Ogoni people.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has thrown his weight behind the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing the need for continuity to consolidate ongoing reforms and development strides.

Fubara made the declaration on Thursday in Port Harcourt while hosting members of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council, drawn from the 17 southern states, at a meeting focused on unity, security, and economic growth.

The governor acknowledged prevailing economic and social challenges but maintained that the current administration has made measurable progress in stabilising the economy and advancing infrastructure, pointing to flagship initiatives such as the coastal road project.

“It is not ideal to change the goalposts in the middle of the game,” Fubara said, stressing that policy consistency and leadership continuity are critical to sustaining reforms.

He called on stakeholders across the southern region to close ranks in pursuit of shared development objectives, emphasising that unity remains indispensable for long-term progress.

Fubara also highlighted the significance of the high-level gathering, noting that the presence of traditional rulers underscored the relative peace in Rivers State and its capacity to host national engagements.

Earlier, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who chairs the council, said the forum was convened to deepen unity and promote peaceful coexistence across the region. He described the council as a reflection of Nigeria’s rich diversity, with over 400 dialects spoken in the southern states.

According to Ogunwusi, the Port Harcourt meeting marks the fourth in the series, following previous sessions in Imo, Ogun, and Lagos states, and serves as a platform for traditional rulers to deliberate on shared values and collective interests.

He added that the council would explore avenues to support the federal government in tackling security and economic challenges, noting that participation, though voluntary, is vital for national development.

The meeting was attended by prominent monarchs from the South-South, South-East, and South-West, including co-chairman Cletus Illomuanya and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.