Delta State Sports Commission Announces Key Appointments for Warri Wolves and Delta Queens

The Delta State Sports Commission has made significant changes to the leadership of Warri Wolves FC and Delta Queens, appointing new personnel to key positions.

In an official statement signed by the Secretary of the Commission, Mrs. Franka Okonma, it was confirmed that Nevel Abkadremiro has been reappointed as the Chairman of Warri Wolves FC. The club’s Secretary, Chukwuma Ukah, will continue in his role. Former Enyimba of Aba assistant coach, Napoleon Aluma, has been named the new head coach of the “Seasiders,” tasked with leading the team in their upcoming campaigns.

For Delta Queens, Mercy Awhana has been appointed General Manager of the female State team, while Joy Oyibo will serve as Secretary. Peter Dedevbo, a seasoned coach, has been announced as the new head coach of Delta Queens.

The appointments are to take effect immediately, with all appointees expected to assume their respective duties without delay. The changes are part of the Commission’s efforts to strengthen the management and performance of its football teams ahead of the new season.

Media Capacity Development In Nigeria: Media Career Development Network Honors LightRay Media with Prestigious Award

Lagos, Nigeria – The Media Career Development Network has honored the Executive Director of LightRay Media, Lady Ejiro Umukoro, and LightRay! Media with a prestigious award in recognition of their invaluable contributions to media capacity development in Nigeria.

This award follows the Media Career Development Network’s successful conference in Lagos, which brought together media professionals, experts, and stakeholders to discuss the future of media in Nigeria.

According to Lekan Otufodunrin, Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, “This award recognizes LightRay! Media’s commitment to promoting excellence in journalism and media practice in Nigeria through its various training programs, workshops, and initiatives.”

Under Lady Ejiro Umukoro’s leadership, LightRay! Media has established itself as a leading organization in investigative journalism, publishing, and media capacity development, with a focus on promoting ethical and responsible journalism practices.

“We are thrilled to receive this award, which is a testament to our dedication to promoting excellence in journalism and media practice in Nigeria,” said Lady Ejiro Umukoro. “We are committed to continuing our work in promoting media capacity development, supporting the growth of a vibrant and responsible media industry in Nigeria, and empowering women in media through our African and Global Women in Media Leadership Initiative.”

This award is the latest recognition of LightRay! Media’s contributions to the development of the media industry in Nigeria. Recently, Lady Ejiro Umukoro was named one of the most influential women in Nigeria and the Nigerian media landscape by the Girls Gate Initiative.

Lady Ejiro Umukoro is also the author of the bestselling investigative journalism literature “DISTORTION,” which has been endorsed by the Delta State Government Ministry of Education as a literature study for students in schools. The significance and impact of “DISTORTION” were highlighted globally when the United States Agency for Global Media dedicated it on World Press Freedom Day as the book of focus and discussion for media and communications practitioners across continents.

Government Ekpemupolo deserves national honour for his contributions to oil production, Delta King tells Tinubu

The Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, His Majesty, King Monday Arthur Whiskey, Udurhie I, has called on President Bola Tinubu to confer a National Honour on High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a Tompolo, Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited.

The monarch made the call, on Sunday, while addressing newsmen at his palace in Idjerhe, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to the monarch, Tompolo’s efforts have been instrumental in the attainment of 1.8 million barrel per day recently declared by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

“Tompolo needs commendation. In fact, he needs a National award,” the monarch stated. “Nothing stops the President from inviting him to Abuja and conferring on him a National award, because he has done what Napoleon could not do.”

“First and foremost, let me especially congratulate the staffs and management of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited led by his leader, High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo for the battle against oil theft.

“From every available facts now, it is now very clear that only the section being handled by Tompolo and his Tantita group that are performing exceedingly well. So we can to say that Tompolo is not only protecting national installation, but that Tompolo has gone extra mile to take the highest risk that any Nigerian man will take.

“The situation today is that Tompolo is singlehandedly fighting the oil cabals, the oil cabal that were siphoning the country oil. And if we look at it very critically, there are three major things that Tompolo’s Tantita is achieving today.

“One, the firm is working very hard to increase oil and gas production output to the Nigerian government. Before this job was given to Tantita, Nigerian production was less than 1m barrel per day, and to bring on board extra 800,000 barrels on board, and still working hard to get it to 2 million barrel per day.

“There are serious agencies saddled with the responsibility of protecting this installations. What did they do? They rather conspired with the oil thieves, and they started doing it as business.

“Secondly, Tompolo is helping to restore our environment that has been criminally degraded from its natural state that today is supporting aquatic life and the growth of this environment, especially cleaner water.

“If you are used to this area before Tantita was given this job, you barely can see the water content, because everything is covered in black oil.

“But today, that the aquatic lives are returning to their natural habitat is as a result of the hard work of an individual. An individual took it upon himself. Other people were given the same job. What have they done?

“Thirdly, this Tantita Security Project is creating very serious employment opportunity to youths in the entire Niger Delta area and is exposing our youth to the deployment of high tech facilities, because they are not using manual technology.

“I want to seriously appeal to the federal government to increase and expand this project. Because if you look critically, it is only the areas where Tantita is working that you have this very noble achievement.

“So there is no reason why I should not advocate for the expansion of the project so that we can get more able bodied youth from the streets, they need to work. The federal government should, as a matter of urgency, begin to fund Tantita very regularly, because, you know, an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.

“Now that Tompolo has used his native sagacity to bring together most dreaded youths in the region to be part of this program, there is no reason why salaries should not be regular.

“Increase the workforce, regularize the workers’ salaries, the security contract has enhanced oil production and sustained environmental protection of the Niger Delta people, Tompolo deserve a national award for the feat he has achieved so far.

As Okpebholo’s successor race hots up: Esan Group cautions Okpebholo to distance himself from Okojie

**Says Okojie Not Suitable To Represent Them

*** Ugochinyere Leads Pro-Dangote Reps, Root For Okojie As Edo Senator

Barely two months after the gubernatorial election in Edo State, fresh tension has engulfed the state over the anticipated senatorial election in Edo Central Senatorial District to pick the successor to the state’s Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in the Senate.

Already, there is an interplay of political intrigues as a group of federal lawmakers led by the member representing Ideato Federal Constituency, Imo State, Ikenna Ugochinyere are rooting for one of their own, Odianosen Henry Okojie.

Okojie, who was co-chairman of the dissolved House adhoc committee to probe the petroleum industry as well as the face off between Nigerian billionaire, Aliko Dangote and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited(NNPCL).

Okojie as chairman of the Petroleum Resources(Midstream) committee of the House, was mandated by the House to, alongside Ugochinyere, probe the factors that led to the faceoff between Dangote and NNPCL.

But along the line, the joint committee became a major source of concern as allegations of bribery and favoritism trailed it even as both Okojie and Ugochinyere allegedly collected millions of dollars from Dangote to give the NNPCL a public and media image.

Worried by this scandal, the House dissolved the joint committee and handed over the responsibility to a Joint National Assembly Committee comprising both the senate and the House.

It was gathered that members of the dissolved House committee came together immediately after the swearing of Okpebholo and vowed to mobilize funds for one of them(Okojie) to clinch the APC ticket once INEC sets the ball rolling.

One of the members of the now dissolved committee told our correspondent that Okojie’s ambition to replace Okpebholo is beyond partisan politics.

“We are young and most of us are first timers but when we assumed office, some of us gained prominence through these committees and when the speaker set up the joint committee, some elders were not happy. They blackmailed us and the committee was dissolved.

“But because Henry is of the APC, even though he was not happy, he could not say much in the open. But you can now see how God works; there is a space for us to push one of us to the senate to continue our struggle there. This has nothing to do with politics. We are solidly behind Hon Okojie and we will mobilize funds to ensure he gets to the senate.

Okpebholo represented Edo Central Senatorial District on the banner of the governing party, All Progressives Congress (APC) before his election as governor.

In the governing party, no fewer than 12 aspirants are jostling for consideration for the ticket of APC.

Okojie who currently represents Esan North East and Esan South East Constituency in the House of Representatives is reported to be mobilising his contacts in Abuja, particularly in the Presidency, to circumvent the processes by imposing him as the candidate of the party.

Okojie was also reported to be boastful of his contacts in Abuja to fetch him the ticket, by sidetracking intra-party election which is expected to throw up a popular and credible candidate to fly the banner of the party.

But also worried by the tension being generated by the plot to impose Okojie on members of APC in Edo Central, a pressure group, Esan Renaissance Movement (ERM), has petitioned Ganduje and Okpebholo, on the festering issue.

The group in the state ment signed by its President, Agbonkhese Osezua and Secretary, Napoleon Ironosen, said they have profiled all APC members jostling to replace the governor in the Senate, adding that Okojie was the least qualified among them.

The petitioners said he was unfit and unsuitable to pick a seat in the Senate on behalf of Edo senatorial district, insisting that he has failed to justify the mandate given to him to represent Esan North East and Esan South East in the House of Representatives.

According to the group, Okojie was docile and timid in the House, with no record of an impact ful representation of his constituents in the 10th Assembly.

The group pointedly accused Okojie of deploying weapons of blackmail and intimidation in pursuit of personal and selfish agenda for financial gains in his 18 months sojourn in the lower chamber of the National Assembly.

Consequently, the group urged the national leadership of the ruling party to be wary of given tacit support to Okojie, adding that he was not viable candidate to win a senatorial contest.

It also warned Governor Okpebholo to distance himself from Okojie in order to sustain his credibility and warm himself into the psyche of the people of Esanland.

The group said further in the statement, “Odianosen Henry Okojie lacks the credibility to fly the ticket of APC for a senatorial election. What has he achieved with the current made given to him to represent Esan North East and Esan South East Constituency in the House of Representatives? Absolutely nothing.”

“How many bills has he sponsored and how many motions has he moved in the past 18 months? Odianosen Henry Okojie is a sleeping representative of Esan North East and Esan South East Constituency of Edo State in the House of Representatives. He should not be given a free ticket to take a seat in the Senate to sleep and whenever he is awake, he would be busy pursuing a selfish agenda to enrich himself.”

“The roles played by Odianosen Henry Okojie and his co-traveller, Ikenga Ugochinyere in the Aliko Dangote/NNPCL debacle is still very fresh in our memories. In tandem with their antics of blackmail and intimidation, they took money to take side with Dangote in the Ad-hoc Committee assignment, a sad development which led to the dissolution of the Ad-hoc committee headed by Ugochinyere, with Henry Okojie, as a member.”

“That is the job Odianosen Henry Okojie is doing in Abuja, he is not representing Esan North East and Esan South East Constituency but representing only himself. He is not a fit, competent and suitable person to represent us in the Senate. We have a pool of qualified and credible individuals, who can take our seat in the Senate. Odianosen Henry Okojie should stay in the House and complete his present assignment of using the instrumentality of his chairmanship of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream) to continue to blackmail the management of NNPCL for illicit wealth.”

“We seize this medium to plead with the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila and Minister of Interior, Mr. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, to allow the members of APC in Edo Central to freely elect their candidate for the upcoming senatorial election. It’s not right for forces outside Edo State to always fix and give directions to our political journeys. They should please allow us to fix this. We can produce a credible candidate in a primary election. The candidature of Odianosen Henry Okojie cannot deliver Edo Central Senatorial District to the APC.”

In conclusion, we also urge the indefatigable National Chairman of APC not to succumb to pressures by Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila and Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to impose Odianosen Henry Okojie on members of APC in Edo Central Senatorial District. And the people’s Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, whose take off has received widespread accolades should sustain his legitimacy and tempo of his acceptability by our people by distancing himself from Odianosen Henry Okojie,” the statement added.

Edo: Governor Okpebholo Restores Oba Of Benin’s Full Powers, abolishes new traditional Council created by Obaseki

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has abolished the new traditional councils created by his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, in Edo South senatorial district.

The governor also restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and ordered that the status quo before the creation of the now abolished councils be maintained.

This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in Benin City.

“This administration also hereby abolishes the new traditional councils in Edo South, created by the last administration,” the statement read.

“Governor Okpebholo has restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and has ordered that the status quo before the creation of the now abolished councils be maintained.”

He stated that Okpebholo also complied with the Federal Government’s directive by restoring the full statutory rights of the Oba of Benin on the ownership of ancient artefacts looted by the British colonial forces during the 1897 Benin massacre.

According to Itua, the decisions were in line with the governor’s move to further right the wrongs of the immediate-past administration and foster cordial relations between the government and the people.

The state government also withdrew the letter revoking the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre issued by the last administration.

The statement noted that the Okpebholo administration is restoring the centre to a suitable condition for its original purpose.

“The Okpebholo administration is backing the initial plan of the State Government to build the Benin Royal Museum that will house the returned artefacts and is distancing itself from the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWA) which the previous administration fronted.

“The Federal Government had issued a Gazette for the recognition of ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artefacts to Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. This was done through a Government Notice No.25 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No.57, Volume 110.

“Governor Okpebholo respects the rights and privileges of the traditional ruler of Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare ll and pledges the support of his administration to ensure the Monarch plays his role as the custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people.

“It is in recognition of this that the administration of Governor Okpebholo shall support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned Benin artifacts that were looted by the British Colonial forces during the Benin masaca of 1897.

“The Oba of Benin, as the father of all Benin people, is the sole custodian of the customs and traditions of the Benin people and my administration respects customs and traditions in the land and hereby restores the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin as the true custodian of the returned Benin artefacts

“Governor Okpebholo said his administration is committed and will refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council

“The Governor is using his constitutional powers and the respect for traditional institutions and the revered Oba of Benin to restore all other Statutory Rights of the Monarch not mentioned hereof,” it added.

Devil isn’t a Master, Devil is a monster says, Dr. Bright

By: Celestine Ukah 

The minister in charge of Shalom Baptist Church and a renowned gospel preacher, Dr. Opate Bright says Devil is not a master but rather a monster to those that allow it.

Dr. Bright stated this recently in a Message series titled ‘The Reward of Absolute Service’ taken from Matthew 6:24.

The Man of God notes that there are two masters which is God ultimate and mammon, explaining that mammon is the inordinate desire for wealth quoting 1Timothy 6, according to Dr. Opate Bright Absolute Service means service that’s unconditional, service that is free from adulteration.

Dr. Bright in his sermon listed true test of absolute service to be Love and Devotion, according to him our love and devotion to God will empower you to be a god over mammon and that our love to mammon will make us slave to sin and evil.

He added that Jesus was example of love and absolute service service to God, while judas was example of devotion to mammon.

Dr. Bright enjoined Christians to practice absolute service to God because absolute service is inseparable.

Yoruba Group supports Ekpemupolo On Navy Complicity In Crude Oil Theft

**Asks Tinubu To Sack Chief Of Naval Staff, Ogalla

The last about alleged involvement of the Nigerian Navy in the stealing of the nation’s oil and several calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fire the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, may not have been heard as the O’odua Stakeholders Council (OSC), weekend wrote an open letter to the President, imploring him to address the Nigerian Navy’s alleged connection in crude oil theft and do the needful immediately in the interest of the nation and the people.

The OSC claimed that under Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla’s leadership, the Navy has failed to protect the nation’s maritime environment and instead succeeded in engaging in illegal activities.

The group therefore supported Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), who has publicly accused the Navy of complicity in oil theft.

The OSC in the open letter to the President and signed by Alhaji Basiru Olaosebikan (President) and Kikelomo Ijaodola (Director of Administrator) requested the President to remove Admiral Ogalla, investigate the allegations, and take decisive action to curb oil theft in the oil rich Niger Delta Region.

While describing the Nigerian Navy as nation’s economic albatross in the war against crude oil theft, they emphasized the need for accountability and reforms within the Navy to restore its integrity.

The Group said that the Nigerian Navy’s involvement in crude oil theft and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta region has reached a climax and now of alarming proportions and urged the President to intervene immediately in the criminal act.

They pointed out that the Nigerian Navy’s constitutional responsibility is to protect the nation’s maritime environment, but lamented that under the leadership of Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Navy has not manned up to deliver on the said mandate.

They alleged that instead, the Nigerian Navy has become the enfant terrible to national interest, as the service is neck-deep in illegal siphoning of crude for export, and consistently frustrating the war against oil theft, adding that; “The implications of the Navy’s involvement in illegal bunkering have far-reaching consequences for the economic and political survival of the nation”.

According to the group, crude oil export accounts for more than 95 percent of the foreign earnings of the country and said that
any agency of the Federal Government that trifles with the nation’s economic base must be under the supervision of traitors and saboteurs, declaring that such an agency deserved nothing less than a strong reprimand and the wielding of the big stick of the President.

They said that the President must not tolerate the current shenanigans of the Navy, adding that the activities of the service stand opposed to realizing the targeted optimal production of over 2.0 million barrels per day and that a quick surgical procedure must be done to remove the malignancy, saying that;”In this vein, we urge you to take immediate action to address the anomaly”.

They held out that nothing, but the removal of Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, as Chief of Naval Staff, was the ultimate solution, noting that he is just not up to it, that his leadership outrightly failed to inspire confidence.

The group made it clear that his removal has therefore become necessary, saying that no oracle is needed to determine whether he is still suitable for the top job.

The departure of Admiral Ogalla, they said would open a path for a disciplined and patriotic officer to take over, saying that he cannot say he is unaware of the activities of his officers and men on duty in the nation’s territorial waters and; “Hence, we are sure he is compromised and deeply involved in the clandestine bunkering”.

They requested the President to set-up a high powered investigative panel to X-ray and determine the accusations being levelled against the Navy and the position of Admiral Ogalla in all of it.

They described the alleged Navy’s involvement in oil theft as a slap to the face of Nigeria and the President, who trusts Admiral Ogalla and that the rot in the Navy must not be allowed to subsist, saying; “The nation cannot afford to wait any longer. We push that you prioritize immediate reforms to enhance accountability, be not perturbed by sentiments that may lead to harbouring criminals whose missions are at variance with the national interest”.

Here Is The Full Open Letter By O’odua Stakeholders Council (OSC) To President Tinubu:

*CRUDE OIL THEFT: THE NIGERIAN NAVY AS NATION’S ECONOMIC ALBATROSS*

We, the O’Odua Stakeholders Council, South-West Nigeria, are writing to bring to your attention a pressing national issue of extreme concern that requires your immediate intervention. It is the Nigerian Navy’s involvement in crude oil theft and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta region.

The criminal act has reached a climax, and now of alarming proportions.

You know quite well that the Nigerian Navy’s constitutional responsibility is to protect the nation’s maritime environment.

However, it is unfortunate that under the leadership of Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Navy has not manned up to deliver on the said mandate.

Instead, it has become the enfant terrible to our national interest, as the service is neck-deep in illegal siphoning of crude for export, and consistently frustrates the war against oil theft.

The implications of the Navy’s involvement in illegal bunkering have far-reaching consequences for the economic and political survival of the nation.

Crude oil export accounts for more than 95 percent of the foreign earnings of this country.

Therefore, any agency of the Federal Government that trifles with the nation’s economic base must be under the supervision of traitors and saboteurs.

Such an agency deserves nothing less than a strong reprimand and the wielding of the big stick of Mr. President.

The President must not tolerate the current shenanigans of the Navy. The activities of the service stand opposed to realizing the targeted optimal production of over 2.0 million barrels per day.

Therefore, a quick surgical procedure must be done to remove the malignancy.

In this vein, we urge you to take immediate action to address the anomaly.

Nothing, but the removal of Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, as Chief of Naval Staff, is the ultimate solution. He is just not up to it. His leadership outrightly failed to inspire confidence.

His removal has therefore become necessary, no oracle is needed to determine whether he is still suitable for the top job.

Admiral Ogalla’s departure would open a path for a disciplined and patriotic officer to take over. He cannot say he is unaware of the activities of his officers and men on duty in the nation’s territorial waters. Hence, we are sure he is compromised and deeply involved in the clandestine bunkering.

Consequences on the foregoing, we request that Mr. President set-up a high powered investigative panel to X-ray and determine the accusations being levelled against the Navy and the position of Admiral Ogalla in all of it.

There is no smoke without fire – all that is required to ascertain whether there is one, is a brisk walk up to the source, and look around for who caused it. If Ogalla and his men are found culpable – then they must bear the full weight of the law.

Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, the chief executive of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has been bellowing at the top of his voice on the Nigerian Navy’s involvement in crude oil theft. He made bold to unveil the unpatriotic activities of the Navy recently while receiving the national leadership of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) at his Oporoza, Delta State, country-home.

We in this Yoruba group believed him and we are giving him our backing in the crusade to get the Navy accountable.

That the Navy uses unregistered foreign vessels in the operations, which the service personnel escort under armed guard out into the deep sea for shipping abroad is a notorious fact. This is against the national interest – clear a case of economic sabotage.

The accusations are too weighty to be swept under the carpet.

Tompolo has not held back, he openly gave instances where Naval personnel on duty in the high seas had intervened to stop the arrest of oil thieves, and provided protection for oil thieves in the Niger Delta. It is a clear betrayal of the trust vested on the Nigerian Navy.

We believe that Tompolo’s allegations are credible, given his experience and expertise in the field of oil pipelines surveillance and protection in the region.

Aside patriotism, Tompolo has no benefit calling out the navy. We see his actions as those of a true patriot, a man with the nation’s interest at heart.

The Navy’s involvement in oil theft is a slap to the face of Nigeria and Mr. President, who trusts Admiral Ogalla.

The illegal activities of his seafarers are clear signals that some individuals in position of authority and responsibility are more interested in lining their pockets with treasures left in their care, than serve the nation with dedication.

We are further inclined to believe Tompolo through his comments, which were openly made.

Indeed, through Chief Ekpemupolo, we follow up on the nefarious activities of the Nigerian Navy.

The private security firm operated by him, has made available a well dispersed, capable workforce of knowledgeable and skilled operatives, who deploy digital technologies to provide information.

Through the foregoing, it has become quite easy to access and evaluate the accusations of sabotage being levelled against the Navy.

Consequently, we request that Mr. President takes the following actions:

(1) Prompt removal of Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, as Chief of Naval Staff.

(2) Investigate all allegations of oil theft and economic sabotage made against the Navy.

(3) Lastly, take quick decisive actions to curb the menace of oil theft in the Niger Delta.

Mr. President sir, the time to act is now.

The nation cannot afford to wait any longer. We push that you prioritize immediate reforms to enhance accountability, be not perturbed by sentiments that may lead to harbouring criminals whose missions are at variance with the national interest.

In addition, we suggest that you do a complete overhaul of the Navy’s architecture to ensure it returns to its professionalism. The rot in the Navy must not be allowed to subsist.

Mr. President, your prompt attention to this matter will restore the integrity of the Nigerian Navy and ensure that the country’s economic interests are protected.

We await your prompt actions on this matter. And as we navigate these challenging times, it is urged that you take our petition seriously and remedy the issues raised.

Yours sincerely,

ALHAJI BASIRU OLAOSEBIKAN – PRESIDENT

KIKELOMO IJAODOLA – DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATOR

Oritsejafor Dedicates Grace Spring Assembly Ultra-modern Auditorium

By Odeya Ogbetuo

Former President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Founder and General Overseer of Word of Life Bible Church, Warri, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor has formally consecrated and dedicated the ultra-modern worship auditorium of Grace Spring Assembly International at the church headquarters, Warri, Delta State.

Pastor Oritsejafor who was the chief guest speaker at the occasion said that it is interesting that God who called you into His Vineyard will also empower you to do His work, adding that the word of God can change you to know Him and to worship Him.

Pastor Oritsejafor in his sermon titled: ‘God Can Do Everything Beyond Your Expectation’ said that God will answer every prayer in this worship auditorium. He said that King Solomon during the dedication of the Temple at Jerusalem said that the House of God which his father David wanted to build has been built by him and noted that the temple will not contain God because He is mighty and heaven is His throne.

According to him, ‘This worship centre will continue to be a foundation for good things and winning of souls for Christ. The word of God is so powerful that it can change a criminal to a good person and transform lives. The church must stand and begin to increase in number, strength and might from generation to generations. Only the rod of Aaron that was budded which shows that he was the chosen one among others. May God provide the needs of this church in all ramifications, while the presence and spirit of God continue to dwell in this house.

Papa Oritsejafor who quoted several bible passages to support his sermon admonished people particularly the clergy not to exercise the power God did not give to them, stressing that he has benefited from preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

He disclosed that he has been preaching the word of God for the past 52 years and will continue to remain in the Lord’s vineyard and urged Christians to exercise their authority through the word of God to be able to withstand every evil authority that may confront them and noted that almost everything you do are inherited which form our character.

“The word of God is powerful and the only thing that can break all barriers. It is the word of God that changes man for good and transforms lives.”

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Founder and General Overseer of Grace Spring Assembly, Rev. Dr. Emiko Fregene expressed joy that the worship auditorium was dedicated to the glory of God which he noted marks a significant milestone in his journey of faith in God.

He stated that this momentous occasion will forever remain in his memory and commended Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri for their physical presence and everybody that contributed to the success of the occasion.

“As we dedicate this building, we should remember that it is not just a physical structure, but a sacred place where we gather to worship God, to learn, to grow and to serve God. May it be a beacon of hope and love in our community, a place where all people can find refuge and peace.”

In his goodwill message, HRM Ogiame, Atuwatse III commended Papa Ayo Oritsejafor for his 52 years in the Lord’s vineyard, adding that he remain a man with the fire of God which endowed him to preach the gospel and win souls for Christ.

He assured that the blessings of God will overwhelm this church and spill over to the immediate environment, “there are a lot of churches in Nigeria and people will continue to build as God directs.”