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RIRS Celebrates Customer Service Week, Reaffirms Commitment to Taxpayer Satisfaction RIRS Workers Celebrate 2026 Custome...
10/10/2026

RIRS Celebrates Customer Service Week, Reaffirms Commitment to Taxpayer Satisfaction

RIRS Workers Celebrate 2026 Customer Service Week in Grand Style

— Staff Embrace Cultural Day, Old School Day and Other Activities Under ‘Extra Mile’ Theme

Dez Mayorz Report

Staff and workers of the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS) have celebrated the 2026 Customer Service Week in grand style, with activities marked by joy, unity, love and enthusiasm.

The week-long celebration, which ran from October 5 to 9, 2026, was held under the global theme, ‘Extra Mile,’ highlighting the importance of going beyond routine responsibilities to deliver exceptional customer service and improve customer satisfaction.

At RIRS, the celebration featured exciting activities, including Cultural Day, Old School Day and other engaging programmes that brought staff together to promote teamwork, strengthen workplace relationships and celebrate their shared commitment to service delivery.

The activities provided an opportunity for employees to interact beyond their official duties, showcase cultural diversity and reflect on the importance of professionalism, dedication and positive customer relations in revenue administration.

According to RIRS staff, Customer Service Week is an annual celebration established in 1984 to recognise frontline teams and other professionals who support customers, enhance service experiences and build lasting customer loyalty.

They noted that the 2026 theme, ‘Extra Mile,’ emphasised the impact of consistent, everyday efforts to exceed customer expectations, stressing that excellent service is often demonstrated through small but meaningful actions.

Across Nigeria and other parts of the world, organisations marked the week with special events, customer engagement campaigns, staff appreciation activities and community outreach initiatives aimed at strengthening relationships with their customers.

For the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service, the celebration served as a reminder of the importance of putting taxpayers and other stakeholders at the centre of service delivery while promoting a culture of courtesy, responsiveness, accountability and continuous improvement.

The 2026 Customer Service Week celebration further highlighted the role of staff motivation, collaboration and a positive workplace culture in supporting effective public service delivery and building stronger relationships between revenue authorities and taxpayers.

Sir Israel Egbunefu Receives Award for Championing Boy-Child Development, Supporting Vulnerable FamiliesSIR ISRAEL O. EG...
15/09/2026

Sir Israel Egbunefu Receives Award for Championing Boy-Child Development, Supporting Vulnerable Families

SIR ISRAEL O. EGBUNEFU RECEIVES AWARD FOR SUPPORT TO BOY CHILD, VULNERABLE FAMILIES

The Executive Chairman of the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS), *Sir Israel O. Egbunefu, FCTI*, has received an award of recognition from the *Mother of Good Counsel Initiative (MOGCI), the Governing Body of Mater Dei Girls Centre*, in appreciation of his outstanding support for the organisation’s impactful programmes and his contributions to improving the lives of vulnerable members of society.

The award was presented to Sir Israel O. Egbunefu in his office on Thursday, 10th September 2026, by *Lady Doris Nneoma Onyene, Ph.D., Executive Director/Founder of MOGCI.* The recognition was particularly in appreciation of the Chairman’s immense support for the organisation’s *International Day of the Boy Child Programme*, as well as his exemplary character, commitment to humanity and role-model status for the younger generation.

Speaking on the significance of the recognition, the organisation acknowledged Sir Israel’s contribution to programmes designed to empower the boy child and support vulnerable families. The gesture further underscores the Chairman’s commitment to extending the values of compassion, responsibility and service beyond his official duties as the head of the State’s revenue administration, touching the lives of ordinary citizens and supporting initiatives that contribute positively to society.

The award is regarded as one of the many gestures of appreciation and recognition that have continued to come to Sir Israel O. Egbunefu as a result of his impact on lives and his support for meaningful causes. His interventions in community and social initiatives demonstrate his belief that leadership is not merely about occupying an office, but also about using one's position, resources and influence to make a difference in the lives of people, particularly the vulnerable and underserved.

The Executive Chairman while accepting the award, dedicated it to God and humanity. As a Patron of the Boys Brigade, a Rotarian and a Knight of St. Christopher, he said he will be spurred to do more by the award presentation.

The organization also used the opportunity to highlight MOGCI’s forthcoming 15th Anniversary Celebration scheduled for 10th October 2026, during which the organisation plans to continue its empowerment programme for 150 vulnerable families. Interestingly, *Dr. Mrs. Ene Egbunefu*, wife of the RIRS Executive Chairman, has been appointed *Mother of the Day* for the anniversary celebration. The recognition of Sir Israel therefore represents more than an award—it is a public acknowledgement of a *man of integrity, compassion and many positive impacts on humanity*, whose commitment to service continues to resonate across the larger society.

Signed:

Bonye Longjohn
Head, Exchange of Information and Corporate Communications

Trademark Dispute Deepens as Ken-Eva Consult Urges NDCCITMA to Suspend Niger Delta Economic SummitThe legal dispute over...
14/09/2026

Trademark Dispute Deepens as Ken-Eva Consult Urges NDCCITMA to Suspend Niger Delta Economic Summit

The legal dispute over ownership and use of the “Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit” brand has intensified, with Kenule Nwiya Jnr and Ken-Eva Consult Ltd calling on the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) to suspend the planned summit pending a determination by the courts.

In a press rejoinder signed by Odiedim Amachree, Esq., of Lord Amachree & Associates, counsel to Nwiya and Ken-Eva Consult, the parties accused NDCCITMA of disregarding a Federal High Court directive to maintain the status quo in the ongoing trademark dispute.

The rejoinder, dated August 13, 2026, was issued in response to a statement purportedly released by NDCCITMA on September 12, 2026, regarding the legal status of the summit and the competing intellectual property claims.

‘All parties were ordered to maintain status quo’:
At the centre of the dispute is an order which, according to NDCCITMA’s own statement, was granted by the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt Judicial Division, on May 29, 2026.

NDCCITMA reportedly acknowledged that the court directed “all parties to maintain status quo” pending the hearing of a Motion on Notice.

Counsel to Nwiya argued that the directive prevents either side from taking unilateral steps capable of altering the subject matter of the litigation.

The rejoinder therefore contends that proceeding with the summit scheduled for September 15–17, 2026, while the dispute remains before the courts, amounts to a breach of the status quo.

Dispute over injunction:
The legal team also challenged what it described as NDCCITMA’s portrayal of a procedural order as an injunction against Nwiya.

According to the statement, during proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja, NDCCITMA’s counsel produced an enrolled order permitting substituted service on Nwiya through email and WhatsApp.

The rejoinder maintains that no substantive order restraining Nwiya from asserting his alleged intellectual property rights or interfering with the hosting of the disputed summit was produced.

Counsel consequently described any suggestion that the substituted-service order constituted an injunction against their client as misleading.

‘Trademark dispute goes to the heart of the summit’:
The dispute also centres on NDCCITMA’s reported position that the trademark disagreement does not affect the legitimacy of the summit.

Nwiya and Ken-Eva Consult strongly rejected that argument, maintaining that the trademark, brand identity and proprietary elements associated with the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit are fundamental to the event itself.

They warned that proceeding with an event under a disputed brand could expose participants, sponsors and partners to potential intellectual property and passing-off claims.

The legal team argued that an organisation acting responsibly should suspend activities once notified of a substantive trademark dispute that is actively before the courts, particularly where an order to maintain the status quo has been issued.

Call for immediate suspension:
The statement accused NDCCITMA of showing disregard for due process by insisting on proceeding with the summit despite the ongoing litigation.

It further rejected any suggestion that there was an urgency or public emergency requiring the event to go ahead before the courts determine the competing claims.

“Access to the common wealth and influence of the Niger Delta region must not be used to override justice, intimidate stakeholders, or bypass the rule of law,” the statement said.

Nwiya and Ken-Eva Consult are therefore calling on NDCCITMA to respect the directives of both the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt Judicial Division, and the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, and immediately suspend the September 15–17 summit until the competing ownership claims are judicially determined.

The latest development adds another layer to an increasingly contentious legal battle over the ownership and use of the summit’s name and intellectual property, with the courts now expected to provide clarity on the competing claims.

September 14, 2026.

Hon. Lasbry Amadi Charged Rivers Lawmakers: Act Now on PHED Blackouts and Service FailuresFormer Lawmaker Says Port Harc...
12/09/2026

Hon. Lasbry Amadi Charged Rivers Lawmakers: Act Now on PHED Blackouts and Service Failures

Former Lawmaker Says Port Harcourt Residents Have Suffered Long Enough, Calls for Legislative Action to Compel PHED to Deliver.

Dez Mayorz Report

Former federal lawmaker, Hon. Lasbry Amadi, has challenged lawmakers representing Port Harcourt at both the National Assembly and the Rivers State House of Assembly to urgently intervene in what he described as the prolonged failure, negligence and excesses of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED).

Amadi made the call while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the one-year-in-office celebration of the Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Sir (Hon.) Allwell Ihunda, DSSRS, JP, where the Mayor distributed six electrical transformers to communities and wards across Port Harcourt and presented educational grants worth over ₦100 million to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The former lawmaker commended Mayor Ihunda for stepping into an area he said should ordinarily be adequately handled by the electricity distribution company, describing the Mayor’s intervention as another demonstration of government delivering the dividends of democracy directly to the people.

“Port Harcourt People Have Suffered in the Hands of PHED”
Amadi expressed particular concern over the persistent electricity crisis in Port Harcourt, arguing that communities have waited for far too long for transformers and reliable electricity supply.

“Again, the Mayor intervenes with transformers for communities as PHED continues to fail totally in their responsibilities.”

He lamented that PHED had, for a long period, failed to provide transformers needed by communities, available ones are obsolete, adding that residents continue to experience darkness even in areas where transformers are available.

“Port Harcourt people have suffered in the hands of PHED. PHED has stopped giving us transformers for a very long time. No light, even with transformers.”

Amadi’s call comes amid growing complaints from electricity consumers across parts of Port Harcourt over prolonged blackouts, inadequate infrastructure, poor fault response and what residents describe as an increasingly frustrating relationship with the distribution company.

The former federal lawmaker did not limit his appeal to verbal condemnation. He specifically charged Port Harcourt’s federal and state lawmakers to take the PHED issue to the floor of the National Assembly and Rivers State House of Assembly.

He called for proactive legislative intervention capable of compelling the electricity distribution company to fulfil its obligations to consumers.

The call raises a broader question of accountability: if communities are paying for electricity services, who should be held responsible when supply remains inadequate, infrastructure fails and consumers are left without power for extended periods?

Amadi’s position is that lawmakers should move from expressions of concern to concrete legislative and regulatory action, examining PHED’s obligations, consumer-protection responsibilities and service standards, and pushing for enforceable measures where the company fails to meet them.

Residents Allege Extortion, Meter Failures and Arbitrary Charges:
Beyond the transformer shortage, residents have raised a range of complaints concerning electricity supply and PHED’s operations.

Some consumers allege that prepaid meters frequently fail, with thunderstorms and power surges reportedly damaging meters and other electrical equipment.
Residents describe some of the affected metering equipment as substandard and say failures often leave households and businesses without electricity for prolonged periods while they await repairs or replacements.

Consumers have also complained about estimated billing, delayed meter installation and replacement, frequent outages, slow response to faults, poor customer service and opaque disconnection procedures.

Particular frustration has been directed at the Band A tariff system, with some consumers questioning why they should pay premium tariffs when the quality and consistency of supply allegedly fall below their expectations.

Some residents have further alleged that electricity charges or tariff-related readings have been altered without adequate explanation to customers, describing such practices, if established, as extortionate and unacceptable.

Residents in parts of Port Harcourt, including Eagle Island, have also raised allegations concerning the handling of customer cables during enforcement, maintenance or other field operations.

Some consumers claim that cables connected to properties have allegedly been removed or diverted by field personnel, prompting demands for a transparent investigation into what happens to customer-owned electrical infrastructure during PHED operations.

Residents have also raised allegations of unofficial charges by some field personnel, while others complain about poor communication and difficulties obtaining timely resolution when faults occur.

One set of allegations circulating among residents concerns a team reportedly associated with an engineer identified as Engr. Tega, with claims that the team has adopted an excessively assertive approach in its operations.

The Cost of Darkness:
For businesses, the consequences of unreliable electricity extend beyond inconvenience.

Business owners say prolonged blackouts force them to rely on alternative sources of power, increasing operating expenses at a time when households and businesses are already facing significant economic pressure.

Small businesses that depend on refrigeration, machinery, computers, lighting and other electricity-dependent equipment are particularly vulnerable to repeated outages and voltage fluctuations.

Residents also complain about the damage that power surges can allegedly cause to household appliances and electrical equipment.

The result, according to affected consumers, is a cycle in which customers pay electricity-related charges while simultaneously spending additional money to provide their own alternative power and replace damaged equipment.

Mayor Ihunda’s Transformer Intervention:
Against this backdrop, Mayor Allwell Ihunda’s distribution of six 500kv transformers has been welcomed by beneficiary communities as a practical intervention in the electricity challenge.

The transformer distribution formed part of a broader first-year scorecard presented by the Mayor, which included interventions in healthcare, education, roads, flood control, environmental sanitation, empowerment and community development.

Lasbry Amadi said the Mayor’s projects have had a direct impact on residents, noting that improved electricity supply could also stimulate economic activity within the beneficiary communities.

He further commended the Mayor for his flood-control interventions, particularly along the Elekahia–Rumuakalogbor link road, Amadi-Ama and the Sangana Street axis in Diobu.

The growing complaints have renewed calls for lawmakers and regulators to move decisively.

Rather than allowing electricity complaints to remain a recurring political talking point, residents want the relevant authorities to establish clear obligations for distribution companies, enforce existing service standards and ensure that consumers receive value for the tariffs they are required to pay.

They are also calling for greater transparency in metering, billing, disconnections and field operations, as well as proper investigation of allegations involving cable removal, unofficial charges, meter failures and other consumer complaints.

For Amadi, the intervention by Mayor Ihunda should serve as a wake-up call to lawmakers.

The argument is straightforward: when a local government chairman is compelled to provide transformers to communities because residents are struggling with electricity supply, lawmakers should be asking why the distribution company responsible for the network has not adequately addressed the problem and what legal or regulatory mechanisms are available to compel it to do so.

“Indeed, the Mayor Has Delivered the Dividends of Democracy”
While criticising the electricity situation, Amadi praised Mayor Ihunda’s first-year performance, declaring:
“Indeed, the Mayor has delivered dividends of democracy to the people.”

He described Ihunda as “the political chief of old blocks”, stressing that the Mayor’s projects have had direct effects on the people.

The former lawmaker said the transformer intervention could help improve economic activity, while also commending the administration’s interventions across Port Harcourt.

As the complaints over PHED’s electricity services continue to mount, the demand from residents and stakeholders is increasingly shifting from promises to accountability, enforceable standards and action.

The message to lawmakers is clear: raise the PHED question, investigate the allegations, strengthen oversight and, where necessary, enact or support measures that will compel the company to do the needful.

Dez Mayorz Report
September 12, 2026

RIRS CHAIRMAN TASKS DIGITAL CONTENT CREATORS ON TAX EDUCATION, VOLUNTARY COMPLIANCEThe Executive Chairman of the Rivers ...
09/09/2026

RIRS CHAIRMAN TASKS DIGITAL CONTENT CREATORS ON TAX EDUCATION, VOLUNTARY COMPLIANCE

The Executive Chairman of the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS), *Sir Israel O. Egbunefu, FCTI*, has called on digital content creators and other media practitioners in Rivers State to take an active role in promoting tax literacy, voluntary compliance and responsible citizenship.

Sir Israel Egbunefu who was represented by the Director of Information Technology, Dr. Fyneface Tamuno-Opubo made the call while addressing participants at a *tax literacy and digital content creation workshop. The workshop focused on *“Leveraging Digital Content Creation for Tax Literacy in Rivers State”* and emphasised the importance of using digital platforms to bridge the information gap between the tax authority and taxpayers.

In his keynote address, the Chairman drew the attention of participants to the need for every taxpayer to *register with the RIRS, obtain a Rivers State Tax Identification Number (RIVTIN)* and embrace voluntary tax compliance. He stressed that effective tax administration goes beyond revenue collection, noting that taxpayers must understand *what tax they are required to pay, why they are required to pay it and how much they are expected to pay.

The presentation further highlighted the ongoing digital transformation of tax administration in Rivers State through *RIVTAMIS*, which provides taxpayers with digital access to services including registration, tax payments, tax clearance requests, e-filing and tax-related information. Participants were encouraged to use their platforms to simplify these processes for the public through videos, infographics, webinars, social media content and other accessible digital formats.

The engagement also drew attention to the broader stakeholder efforts of the *Rivers State Tax Justice and Governance Platform*, which has worked with civil society and development partners to promote tax education, fair and progressive taxation, transparency and accountability. Among the initiatives highlighted was the introduction of the digitalization of the IPSAS chart of accounts for both economic and administrative codes to identify every single tax paid through the e tax system deployed to enable tax payment from your comfort zone as part of efforts to make tax payment more accessible and support the digitization of tax administration.

The workshop further underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement in addressing concerns around *illegal and multiple taxation*, improving taxpayer confidence and promoting a more inclusive tax system. Previous engagements documented by the platform included tax education activities, a tax roadshow/walkathon, radio advocacy through the *Tax Watch* programme, and the development of Students Tax Clubs in tertiary institutions across Rivers State.

Speaking on the importance of the workshop, *Amaechi, President of the organising NGO*, charged participants to become responsible ambassadors of tax literacy by taking the knowledge acquired beyond the workshop and sharing the messages with their *colleagues, families and wider communities*. He emphasised that informed citizens are better positioned to understand their civic responsibilities and engage constructively with government.

The workshop therefore reinforced the shared responsibility of government, civil society, media professionals and citizens in building a tax system founded on education, trust, transparency, digital accessibility and voluntary compliance.

For RIRS, the message remains clear: *tax education is the foundation of voluntary compliance, while digital technology provides a powerful avenue for reaching more taxpayers with accurate and timely information.

Signed:
Bonye Longjohn
Head, Exchange of Information/Corporate Communications Unit

One Year in Office: Dr. Ezebunwo Nyeche Commends Allwell Ihunda’s Performance in Port Harcourt City20 Listed projects: D...
03/09/2026

One Year in Office: Dr. Ezebunwo Nyeche Commends Allwell Ihunda’s Performance in Port Harcourt City

20 Listed projects: Dr. Ezebunwo Nyeche has commended the Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Sir (Hon.) Allwell Ihunda, DSSRS, JP, for what he described as a “remarkable first year” in office during his second tenure.

Nyeche said the array of projects, interventions and empowerment programmes undertaken by the administration within its first year demonstrated that Ihunda genuinely “loves his people” and is committed to improving the lives of residents across the 20 wards of Port Harcourt City.

Ihunda was sworn in for his second tenure on September 1, 2025, following his victory in the August 30, 2025 Rivers State local government elections.

According to Nyeche, the administration’s first year has been characterised by infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, economic empowerment, education, environmental sanitation, flood control , and social interventions.

Among the major projects and interventions highlighted are:

Free Healthcare for Thousands of Residents:
The council organised a four-day free medical outreach between April 21 and 24, 2026, during which 4,955 residents received medical attention. The programme provided general medical services, dental care, surgeries, laboratory services, drugs, rehabilitation and eye care. A total of 128 eye surgeries were successfully performed, while more than 850 pairs of eyeglasses were distributed free of charge. Another 68 patients also underwent operations for various medical conditions.

₦50 Million Women Empowerment Programme:
Five hundred women entrepreneurs across the 20 wards received ₦100,000 each, amounting to a total intervention of ₦50 million, to support their businesses and improve household economic stability.

Road Rehabilitation:
The administration embarked on rehabilitation and maintenance of Okija Street in Diobu and roads around Eagle Island, with the aim of improving transportation, pedestrian movement and economic activities.

Renovation of Public Schools:
Dilapidated public primary schools, including Township Model Primary School, Moscow Road, and Iche Akarolo State School in Elekahia, have been earmarked for renovation to provide safer and more conducive learning environments.

Flood Control and Drainage:
Flood mitigation works were undertaken along the Elekahia–Rumukalagbor Link Road and adjoining streets, as well as in Amadi-Ama, Sangana Street and other flood-prone communities.

Operation Keep Port Harcourt Clean, Green and Beautiful:
The administration also intensified environmental sanitation through its citywide campaign, involving the cleaning of flyovers and under-flyovers, removal of refuse and illegal dumpsites, and other urban-cleaning activities.

Official Vehicles for Council Officials:
Twenty-five official vehicles were presented to key council officials, including the Deputy Mayor, Leader of the Legislative Assembly, 20 ward councillors, Council Secretary, Chief of Staff and Chief Security Officer, to improve mobility and facilitate effective service delivery across the wards.

Students’ Grant Scheme:
The council implemented a students’ grant programme aimed at assisting Port Harcourt students in tertiary institutions with educational and related financial burdens.

Support for Religious Communities:
The administration provided bags of rice, cows and financial assistance to Christian faithful during Christmas, while Muslim faithful also received food and financial support during Ramadan.

Solar Street Lighting and Transformers:
Solar street lights were installed in Ogbun-na-Abali Community, while electrical transformers were distributed to various wards and communities to help improve electricity supply.

Other interventions include the renovation and furnishing of the Mayor’s Lodge, regular maintenance and procurement for council offices and the council environment, capacity-building programmes for councillors and media practitioners, inclusive appointments, and attention to the welfare of local government workers.

Nyeche noted that the interventions showed that the administration was not focused solely on physical infrastructure but was also investing in people through healthcare, education, empowerment and social support.

He further praised Ihunda for maintaining political cohesion within Port Harcourt City, particularly in strengthening the political organisation of his party and supporting the unity of the Rainbow Coalition in the local government.

According to him, the combination of infrastructure, social intervention and political organisation provides an indication of an administration seeking to build its legacy around service delivery and inclusive governance.

“The fact that within one year, the Mayor can point to these 20 major projects and interventions across different sectors shows that he loves his people and is committed to their welfare,” Nyeche said.

He added that the programmes were particularly significant because they touched different aspects of residents’ lives from roads, drainage and electricity to healthcare, education, women’s empowerment and direct financial assistance.

As Ihunda marks one year into his second tenure, Nyeche expressed optimism that more projects and interventions would be unveiled in the months ahead, describing the first year as an indication of what could become a broader legacy of service, compassion, empowerment and urban renewal in Port Harcourt City.

More to come.

Chidiebele Okoye Stephens.
Dez Mayorz Report.
September 3, 2026.

Egbunefu Inducted as Boys’ Brigade Patron, Hailed for Integrity and LeadershipRIRS Executive Chairman receives honour as...
02/09/2026

Egbunefu Inducted as Boys’ Brigade Patron, Hailed for Integrity and Leadership

RIRS Executive Chairman receives honour as Brigade charges him to help shape the next generation

The Executive Chairman of the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service, Sir Israel O. Egbunefu, FCTI, has been inducted as a Patron of the Boys’ Brigade Nigeria, Rivers State Council, in recognition of his integrity, discipline, leadership and commitment to service.

The induction took place on Sunday, August 30, 2026, during the 2026 Enrollment Service of the Garrison Battalion, held at New Covenant Anglican Church, Oro-Abali Deanery, No. 5 Nzimiro Street, GRA, Port Harcourt.

The ceremony brought together Patrons, Officers, Boys, parents, church leaders and other stakeholders of the Boys’ Brigade for an event that combined Christian worship, youth development and the celebration of service.

Held under the theme, “Pressing Towards the Goal” — Philippians 3:14, the programme featured the induction of Patrons and Officers, enrollment of Boys and NCOs, dedication of musical instruments, thanksgiving and trophy presentations.

A Call Beyond Ceremony:
In their tributes, senior officials of the Boys’ Brigade described Egbunefu as a man whose record of service and personal character aligned with the values of the organisation.

Among those who spoke glowingly of the RIRS chairman were the National Patron, Golden Otonye Tamunosoye, Esq.; the State President, Dr. Chukwudi Ebimnamaonye; the State Secretary/Organizer, Sir Chukwuemeka Goodluck Ezeri ABH; and the Chairman of the Garrison Battalion Council.

They cited his integrity, discipline, proven character and exemplary leadership, describing him as a fitting addition to the Brigade’s circle of Patrons.

The speakers stressed that the position of Patron is not merely ceremonial. It carries the responsibility of providing mentorship, guidance and encouragement to young people as they grow into responsible adulthood.

They said the ultimate objective is to raise young men who will become responsible citizens and vessels of honour in the Church, their families and society, with the fear of God as the foundation of their character.

For Egbunefu, the induction therefore represents both an honour and a responsibility - an invitation to bring his experience, wisdom and influence to bear on the spiritual and character development of the younger generation.

‘Pressing Towards the Goal’: Delivering the sermon, Rev. Michael Wopara charged the newly inducted Patrons, Boys and other members of the Brigade to remain committed to Christian service.

He urged members of the Church who were yet to join a service department to become actively involved, stressing the importance of service and commitment to the vision of the Deanery.

The service also witnessed the dedication of a complete Brigade Band, featuring flutes, trumpets, side drums and other musical instruments. The Brigade flag was subsequently raised during the ceremonial proceedings.

Building Character Since 1883:
Founded by Sir William Alexander Smith in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1883, the Boys’ Brigade has developed into an international Christian youth movement built around faith, discipline, character formation, leadership and responsible citizenship.

Its philosophy centres on preparing young people for responsible adulthood by combining Christian teaching with discipline, physical development and service.

The Brigade tradition has also contributed to Christian youth development through the Girls’ Brigade, which similarly promotes faith, character, leadership, discipline and service.

A Reception for Excellence:
Following the church service, the Boys’ Brigade, alongside its Patrons and Officers, proceeded to Creek View Hotel, GRA, Port Harcourt, for a reception hosted by the Garrison Battalion Council.

The gathering provided an opportunity to celebrate the Brigade’s trophies, awards, prizes and other achievements, with visiting Councils, Patrons, Officers, parents and stakeholders in attendance.

The celebrations highlighted the organisation’s emphasis on discipline, excellence, dedication and achievement.

RIRS Congratulates Its Chairman:
The Rivers State Internal Revenue Service congratulated Sir Israel O. Egbunefu on his induction, describing the honour as a significant call to Christian mentorship, character development and service to humanity.

The Service said the responsibility was particularly important at a time when the proper upbringing and mentoring of young people remain critical to the future of society.

For Egbunefu, the new role adds another dimension to a public career defined by leadership and service.

From administering revenue to mentoring the next generation, the RIRS chairman has now accepted a different kind of responsibility; helping to build character, discipline and leadership among young people.

Dez Mayorz Report.

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