Gov Fubara, Rivers Leaders Attend Independence Anniversary Church Service

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday led top stakeholders and leaders of the state to a special church service in Port Harcourt to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

The service, held at the Cathedral of St. Paul, Diobu, had in attendance the governor’s wife, Lady Valerie Fubara; Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu; Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi; alongside other prominent leaders and stakeholders. Governor Fubara also read the only lesson of the service, taken from Isaiah 61:1–6.

Delivering a sermon themed “Good News for Nigeria,” the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Dr. Blessing C. Enyinda, acknowledged the nation’s survival and unity 65 years after independence but lamented that poor leadership and neo-colonial attitudes had hindered development despite abundant resources.

He reminded the congregation that Nigeria has enjoyed God’s grace, surviving a civil war and other divisive challenges, yet continues to struggle with internal failings. “Though we are free from colonial masters, are we free from ourselves? We have held ourselves captive, and must rescue ourselves from ourselves,” he said.

The cleric urged leaders and citizens alike to embrace repentance, maximize the nation’s God-given resources, and work sincerely for the common good. He also welcomed the governor, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly back from a period of rest, praying for enduring peace in Rivers State.