Ijaw Heritage Television International

24/07/2025

Ahhh Izon!

BEHOLD THE FIRST CHURCH IN OPOBO TOWN

St. Paul's Anglican Church, Opobo Town, Rivers State, is the first church in Opobo with a renowned landmark and historical significance. This iconic church holds a special place in the hearts of the local community and beyond.

Established in 1904, it stands as a symbol of faith, resilience, and cultural heritage. With its magnificent architecture and rich heritage, this Anglican Church continues to be a spiritual and cultural hub, attracting visitors and worshippers alike. Its legacy as a significant religious institution in Opobo Town is deeply cherished and celebrated.

You might find it interesting to know that in 1904, Chief Oko Epelle, who introduced Christianity to Opobo in 1873, hired a Sierra Leonean named Mr. Bestman and two of his men named Daniel and James to help him conduct services in a chapel inside his compound that eventually became full-fledged church called St. Paul's Anglican Church, Opobo Town.

King Jaja sought an English missionary from his friend, Consul Hopkins, to support Chief Oko Epelle's efforts. Hopkins got in touch with Rev. John Milum, F.R.G.S., the director of the Wesleyan Methodist Mission in Lagos, who had visited Jaja in 1879 and was treated warmly. Additionally, he urged his chiefs to import bells and place them in each of their compounds. For instance, the bell that belonged to Chief Shoo Peterside is still in his gula today. In his gula, Chief Ogolo's bell is still in place.

In 1904, the same year that St. Paul's Church was dedicated, Chief Waribo Uranta erected his bell. Chief Cockeye and Chief Peter Cockeye installed their bells, which were alleged to have been stolen by a trader from Azuogu, Ndoki. Aside from emergencies, these bells were used to summon house members for morning and evening prayers.

n/b: The Photo is the new St. Paul’s church building.

23/07/2025

"We maintain that states should possess the authority and autonomy to create and manage the number of local government areas commensurate with their own resources. I don't believe that the federal government should sit in Abuja and create eight local government areas for Bayelsa State, and create forty or forty-four local government areas elsewhere. I believe the resources enabling each state should inform the number of local government areas that they can manage and fund. And the present creation is not acceptable to us and we will continue to fight against that,"

~ Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State

23/07/2025

Ijaw Youth Council Clan Chairmen Set for Strategic Unity Meeting in Yenagoa

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), through its Council of Clan Chairmen Forum, has extended an invitation to all Clan Chairmen across the Central, Eastern, and Western Zones of Ijaw Nation for a pivotal leadership meeting scheduled to hold in Yenagoa.

With the theme “United for Purpose: Strengthening Clan Leadership for a Stronger and Better Ijaw Nation,” the meeting aims to foster unity, deepen collaboration, and enhance grassroots leadership capacity across Ijaw land.

The gathering is set to take place as follows:
📅 Date: Thursday, 29th August, 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM Prompt
📍 Venue: Ijaw House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State (Central Zone)

According to the Forum, the meeting marks a critical step in strengthening internal cohesion among the various clans and repositioning the Ijaw Nation for strategic development and advocacy.

Clan Chairmen are strongly encouraged to attend and actively participate in discussions that will shape the future of Ijaw leadership and community development.

The invitation is jointly signed by the three zonal clan leaders:

Comr. Zidougha Prince Kerenimi – Chairman of All Clan Chairmen, IYC Central Zone (Leader)

Comr. Oyinkuro Wazo Zikurebai – Chairman of All Clan Chairmen, IYC Western Zone

Comr. Collins Albert Nnah – Chairman of All Clan Chairmen, IYC Eastern Zone

23/07/2025

One of the most noble traditional ruler in Ijaw history.

THE ADVENTURES of Cadbury George Omieh took him to Sierra Leone, India and Burma. Long before he bec

23/07/2025

23/07/2025

Guinness World Record for longest Painting Marathon about to be shattered by Holiveah Lawson

She’s already conquered the first 24 hours, creating stunning pieces that dive deep into the unique culture and traditions of the Ibani people.

1st Art: The famous "OTOBO Masquerade," a symbolic masquerade loved by many and usually ushers in His Majesty, the Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom on very special occasions.

2nd Art: The Ikuba Square Rostrum - A pavilion reserved for His Majesty and Chiefs during traditional occasions, especially one held in Ikuba Square.

3rd Art: St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Prototype): A glimpse of the ancient church as it looked in Ancient Grand Bonny Kingdom in the early days.

We’re blown away and totally inspired by taking on this massive challenge.

One day down... six more to go!

Let’s rally behind her! Show your support however you can – shares, cheers, positive vibes, and prayers are all welcome.

Keep tagging more news outlets and blogs to spotlight her.

Bonny Island Magazine

23/07/2025

Senate Pass Bill to Establish Federal Oil and Gas Hospital in
Benikrukru, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State

22/07/2025

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has mandated all the Chairmen of the eight Local Government Areas to initiate agricultural reforms within the next two years that will yield food for the state and beyond, on an industrial scale.

Governor Diri, while addressing the Chairmen at his office in Government House, Yenagoa, said the state has all it takes to become one of the nation’s major food hubs, considering its rich soil, noting that the proposed reforms are aimed at boosting the agricultural sector.

He urged each Local Government to focus on agricultural and aquacultural produce based on their comparative advantage but emphasized that fishing is mandatory for all LGAs.

22/07/2025

Comrade Collins Albert Nnah, Chairman, Ijaw Youth Council Ndoki Clan, earlier today led a delegation of IYC Ndoki to the maiden Abia State Youth Leaders Town Hall Meeting, organized by the Abia State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, in Umuahia.

Collins who attended the event on the invitation of
Comrade Onyebuchi Chukwu, SA to the Abia Governor on Youth Development, averred that meeting was productive, given that key issues affecting the youth in Abia State were considered.

22/07/2025

A total of 123 out-of-school children (00SC) have been successfully mopped up in Ogu community, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Though we don't have the data on the number of out-of-school children in Bayelsa State, the figures provided by The Women Organized for Mentorship and Advocacy Network (WOMAN), shines a troubling light on the growing number of out-of-school children, even in urban areas where school enrollment should be stronger.

Following this alarming revelation which demands an immediate and concerted action as it poses a threat to the regions future, what approach involving government and communities do you suggest should be applied to address the root causes and ensure every Ijaw child has access to quality education?

22/07/2025

Mention your Ijaw Community, Clan and State.
Let's show them our spread.

22/07/2025

It has been 55 years since the end of the Nigerian Civil War! Yes, solid fifty-five years after the war.

Dear Igbo people! Please, it is enough time to leave the ijaw people alone.