NIMASA HOST GLOBAL DEEP SEABED WORKSHOP

In an effort to harness the Blue Economy sector for sustainable growth and development in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is set to host a global workshop on Deep Seabed activities. This initiative is in collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). In a press release from the NIMASA's, Head, Public Relations, Osagie Edward, FNIPR, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, stated that Nigeria’s hosting of the international workshop will help build in-country expertise by equipping policy makers and industry professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage deep-sea resources sustainably. “This workshop will offer hands-on training for Nigerian researchers and stakeholders, allowing them to engage directly with international experts and advanced technologies. Nigeria has vast ocean resources that are still largely unexplored and we have taken into consideration the recent extension of Nigeria’s continental shelf. I hope this workshop will provide a platform to launch the machinery to tap into these resources sustainably, balancing economic growth with environmental protection," he said. The release went

further to highlight that the Minister added that the seminar would provide an opportunity for professionals and stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector to collaborate with the Federal Government in harnessing the resources of the seas and oceans, while also creating jobs and wealth for the country. The event is scheduled to take place in Abuja from September 17-18, 2024. It will feature several presentations, which will include “An Overview of the Deep Seabed: Prospects for the Blue Economy” by Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of NIMASA, and “An Overview of the Extended Nigerian Continental Shelf Claim” by Surveyor Adamu Adaji, Director General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), among other scholarly presentations. "The deep seabed lies beyond national jurisdiction, and the mineral resources located there are considered the common heritage of humanity. It covers more than 54 percent of the world’s oceans and presents a future source of mineral resources to support an increasing global population. Additionally, it addresses challenges related to accessing land-based deposits and provides the rare metals necessary to drive the future renewable economy. "Furthermore, the deep seabed plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change, which has a devastating impact on the sustainability of oceans and their resources. It is believed that the seabed contains a significant portion of the CO2 produced by human activities, thereby helping to absorb the excess heat generated by the greenhouse effect," the release concludes.

PROVING OUR GOD FOR OPEN DOORS

By Okey IROEGBU 

The Ikwuano Region Convention of St. Joseph's Chosen Church of God came to an end on Sunday September 8, 2024 at the regional headquarters at Ogbuebule Oboro, Ikwuano LGA of Abia State. The convention which started on Thursday, September 1, 2024 is better observed than told. It was the rekindling of the

promises God made to Ikechiuku the founder of the Church. These were manifested in the various revelations and visions which were all corelated. The Spiritual Leader Apostle Samson Neche Ogbu saw the convention as a home coming having participated as the first supervisory Apostle of the region when it was newly created. He is of the pasthaving worked closely with the founder. He is of the present with the serious innovations he is putting in the church. He also represent the future with his teachings and exaltations. The four day programme was very impactful as all the lectures and messages were well assimilated. In his welcome address, Apostle Livinus Iheanacho, the Ikwuano Regional Apostle expressed his joy that the convention which was first rescheduled owing to a national crisis finally came to pass. He praised God that despite the relatively short period the region came to existance, they have performed beautifully. "I wish

everyone of us here, peaceful stay in Jesus mighty name, Amen. It is worth to know that Ikwuano is a new REGION, as God will have it, we are still pulling weight to grow the region. I believe that this convention will bring a new turn around in this region," he said. On the concise address, the regional supervisor found the time to list some of their challenges and the efforts the Spiritual Leader made to come to their rescue. "We will not fail to thank our spiritual teader for your quick intervention of the roofing of Obiachara, though, the completion of the roofing was done through the effort of the minister who took loan to finish the roofing. "We also thank the spiritual leader for his intervention of Ariam roofing and recovering of Ekebedi Land matter, almost all the branches are working hard to complete their church building and pasonage, some branches have reached lintel level, praying for God's intervention for the roofing. "Not forgetting the education and research arm of our great

church, to use this conversation to bring to light, that our resources here in Ikwuano can be used to the growth and building of the church. While I call on the sons and daughters of Ikwuano Origin of our great church to rise up and come to the aid of Ikwuano Region, especially in their local branches, financially, economically, to empowering the growth of our region," he said. Pastor Maxwell Nwoke, the Convention organising chairman got the mind of the Spiritual Leader as he was able to hit the hammer directly on the head of the nails. His address which turned out to be a great sermon to the congregation seriously drew the attention of the Spiritual Leader. "Let us believe and give our total submission and dependency on the ability of God for open doors, as I assure all of us, if we put in all our best to the things of God, our God is able, abundantly able to change Ikwuano

Region to that glorious garden of blessings as he promised," he said. The convention theme was a combination of the Spiritual Leader's message for the year to the church generally, "Open doors" and the Regional Apostle vision of "Proving our God". These two visions were put togther arriving at the Convention's "PROVING OUR GOD FOR OPEN DOORS." In his response to the welcome address, the Spiritual Leader expressed his concern about the Spirited members who have contributed immensely to uplift the image of the church structurally as mentioned by the Supersing Apostle in his welcome address. He informed the congregation of the benefits associated with giving. In his address, he started beautifully with a quote from Jonathan Edwards that “as gold that is tried in the fire, is purged from its alloy, and all the remainders of dross, and comes forth more solid and beautiful; so true faith being tried as gold is tried

in the fire, becomes more precious, and thus also is found unto praise, and honor, and glory” He went ahead to express his joy that "it is indeed a new beginning for us in St. Joseph's Chosen Church of God; a season of Open Door for the Children of the Kingdom of God. I count it a privilege and honour for us to be part of this new move of God in this Church. Let me appreciate Apostle Livinus Iheanacho, the Supervisory Minister of this Region for raising high the flag of the Church in this part of Nigeria. "Moreso, my unreserved appreciation goes to all the Ministers, Officers and Members of the Church in Ikwuano, the birthplace of our Founder, for their immense contribution to the growth and development of the Church. May the Almighty God bless you. "Open Doors represent opportunities given by God; they are new beginnings, spiritually (salvation, new birth and divine encounter), socially,

financially, materially and so on. "It is the fulfillment of the promises of God. Chief among all, is the door of salvation, Matthew 6:33. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is the Door of God's salvation, John 10:7-9; 14:6; Matt. 11:28-30. This shouid be the focus of our messages. He did not hastate to also inform them the ministers that their priority should be to work very hard to not only for acquisition of materials and structural beautification but conversion of souls for Christ. He reiterated over a shocking revelation on the question the Lord asked him recently. He said the Lord called him and asked him a striking question at the beginning of this year, that “If I come today, how many of your people are ready for the Kingdom?” I could not give Him an answer. Are you ready for the coming of Christ? Are your souls prepared for the kingdom?” These physical structures will one day be burnt, but the souls of everyone here is more important to God." There were resource persons who delivered lectures and

messages among whom are Staff Pastor Elohor Eniwore, Apostle Jacob Joseph Amaefula, Deaconess Joy Iheanacho, Pastor Maxwell Nwoke and Health talk from Goodness Obidiya. The highlight of the convention was on Sunday, the final day of the convention when dignitaries and some members of the church were recognised with special awards for their contribution to the society and the church. The elated Spiritual Leader blessed the congregation and introduced the celebration of birthdays of members on a special sunday of every month. He thereafter extended his stay by a day for visitation of selected stations in the region.