Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo says it is her sincere desire to see the Kalabari Kingdom as a 100% Christian Kingdom.
Dr Banigo stated this during the 5th Edition of the Kalabari National Day of Thanksgiving in Buguma, on Friday, 11th December, 2020.
According to the Deputy Governor, “there is no amount of thanksgiving that would be enough to thank the Almighty God for what He has done for us as a People and in our personal lives because, his thoughts for us is for our own good and to give us an expected end”.
Dr. Banigo said the Nyesom Ezenwo led Administration in the State, believes so much in the efficacy of prayers and the worship of the Triune God, which according to her informed the Governor’s decision to declare Rivers State a 100% Christian State without apologies.
The Deputy Governor who described the Kalabari People as a unique breed, who were the envy of other ethnic nationalities, however regretted that things took a turn for the worse when the people started following other gods.
“Our young people started getting involved in cultism, gangsterism, illegal oil bunkering and other social vices but to God be the Glory, that the Assembly of Kalabari Christians have thought it wise to engage in this spiritual warfare to liberate our people from the bondage of sin”. Dr. Banigo further stressed.
Dr. Banigo who said it is scriptural to pray and give thanks to God at all times, commend the Board of Trustees and the entire members of the Assembly of Kalabari Christians for initiating and instituting the annual Kalabari National Day of Thanksgiving.
In his remarks the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Emi Membere Otaji who said there are several reasons to thank the Almighty God with a joyful heart and an attitude of gratitude, for what He has done for the Kalabari People, noted that he was impressed to see the clergy, political, traditional and the entire Kalabari People joyfully praising the Almighty God.
In his welcome address the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Assembly of Kalabari Christians, Apostle Enemeniaa Sikibo Daerego said the Kalabari National Day of Thanksgiving which began in 2016 had metamorphosed into a major uniting force and rallying point for the Kalabari People, fostering love, peace and unity irrespective of class, creed or political leaning.
Rev. Minaibi Dagogo Jack, who was the Guest Preacher, delivered the sermon drawn, from Psalm 105:1 with the theme: O Give Thanks where he out lined the benefits of thanksgiving.
Dignities at the event includes the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, the Amayanabo of Abonnema, King Disreal Gbobo Bob-Manuel, the Amayanabo of Okpo, Dr. Diamond Tobin-West, Chairman of Asari Toru’ Local Government Area, Mrs. Alaso John Bull Obi, Chairman of Akuku Toru’ Local Government Area Hon. Rowland Sekibo as well as the Clergy, Chiefs, Elders, Youths and the good people of the Kalabari Ethnic Nationality.
Highlights of the occasion were the rededication of the Kalabari Kingdom by Bishop Dr. Emmanuel Bob-Manuel, performance by various choir and gospel musical groups as well as intercessory prayers for the Country, State and the Kalabari Kingdom.
