By Our Correspondent

The National Assembly has allegedly received proposals for the creation of additional local government areas (LGAs) across Nigeria, with Lagos State seeking 37 new councils, while Akwa Ibom State is conspicuously missing from a published list of submissions.

The proposals, according to a report by The Insight Lens Project, cover various communities across the country’s six geopolitical zones and reflect demands for administrative restructuring, improved grassroots representation and better access to government services.

However, the complete list of submissions has not been independently verified, and the proposals do not constitute approval for the creation of new local government areas.

In the North-East, the reported requests include Bidoma and Michika South in Adamawa State, Boi-Tapshin in Bauchi, Banki in Borno, Cham in Gombe, Gudi in Yobe and Wukari in Taraba State.

In the North-West, the proposed areas reportedly include locations in Jigawa, Piriga in Kaduna, Dankama in Katsina, as well as Moriki and other communities in Zamfara State.

The North-Central zone also features in the reported submissions, with proposals covering Agasha and other communities in Benue State, alongside several areas in Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau states.

In the South-East, the list includes Abiriba in Abia State, proposed councils around Obosi in Anambra State, several communities in Ebonyi State and numerous proposed local government areas in Imo State.

The South-West proposals reportedly include Eso-Obe and Gbonyin in Ekiti State, Ogijo and other areas in Ogun State, as well as additional proposed councils in Osun and Oyo states.

Lagos State stands out with a reported request for 37 new local government areas, although the published report did not provide the names and proposed boundaries of all the councils.

In the South-South, the reported proposals include Akassa and other communities in Bayelsa State, Ughievwen in Delta State, several areas in Edo State, and Ataba, Evo and Alesa in Rivers State.

Cross River State is also listed, with proposed councils around Mbube and Calabar. Akwa Ibom State, however, has no clearly identified entry in the published list, raising questions about whether the state submitted proposals or was omitted from the report.

Constitutional Requirements

The creation of new local government areas is governed by Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which prescribes a series of procedures involving consultations, a referendum, legislative approval and the submission of relevant records to the National Assembly.

The constitutional process must be completed before newly created councils can be recognised and reflected in the relevant constitutional schedules.

Consequently, proposals submitted by states or communities do not automatically translate into legally recognised local government areas.

The reported development comes amid broader constitutional review efforts by the National Assembly. In October 2025, the legislature reported receiving 278 requests for additional local government areas and 55 proposals for the creation of new states.

Nevertheless, the specific state-by-state submissions contained in the latest published list, including Lagos State’s reported demand for 37 additional councils and the absence of Akwa Ibom, remain subject to confirmation through official National Assembly records.

The proposals, if confirmed, could reopen discussions on administrative boundaries, grassroots governance and the constitutional procedures required for the creation of additional local government areas in Nigeria.

By George Mgbeleke
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work at the Creek Road Market under construction in Port Harcourt, assuring that the project will be completed by January 2027.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to governor, Fubara, Onwuka Nzeshi ,the Governor stated this on Friday during an inspection visit to the market site, which he said was prompted by a meeting he had with SETRACO, the construction firm handling the resurfacing of roads in the old Port Harcourt Township.

According to Governor Fubara, SETRACO had, in the course of the meeting, identified the Creek Road axis as a major cause of delay in its road rehabilitation works, as street traders have virtually taken over the road, making it impossible for the contractor to work. He noted that relocating the traders to the new market remains the only solution to free the road for the resurfacing work to be done successfully.

Despite the challenges encountered since the commencement of the project, Governor Fubara said he was impressed with what he saw on site, commending the contractor for the quality of job done so far.

He disclosed that the first phase of the market comprises about 700 stalls and shops, covering both wet and dry sections, which he said is sufficient to accommodate most of the women trading along Creek Road and ultimately restore free flow of traffic along the route.

He assured the contractor handling the market project that the State Government will do its part to ensure the project continues as agreed, including addressing the issue of funding raised by the contractor, to guarantee timely delivery of the project.

Speaking on the benefits of the market, Governor Fubara said the project goes beyond providing trading spaces, as it is also aimed at restoring sanity, decency and a healthy environment in the Old Port Harcourt Township, which he described as home to many aged people and “aborigines” of the city. He lamented that the situation of the old market forced traders onto the streets, turning the Creek Road and adjoining streets into an open market. Governor Fubara observed that the current situation of trading along the streets could create serious environmental and health hazards, noting that many diseases are caused by overcrowding, dirt and uncleanliness.

The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Rivers people, stressing that he is happy not just as head of the current administration, but as a citizen of the State to see a project that will return the old Port Harcourt Township to its cherished status as a clean and orderly city.

By Our Correspondent

Hundreds of millions participate in the global healing crusade as Pastor Chris ministers to the sick in Healing Lines and prays for a worldwide audience; Day One features remarkable testimonies of healing, restoration and renewed hope.

Shouts of joy, thanksgiving and praise to God reverberated across nations on Friday, October 23, 2026, as the 18th edition of the Healing Streams Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris opened with remarkable accounts of healing, restoration and renewed hope.

The three-day global programme, the final edition of the year, brought together hundreds of millions of participants from practically all countries and communities under Heaven for a time of worship, the teaching of God’s Word, testimonies and healing ministrations led by the President of LoveWorld, Reverend Chris Oyakhilome, DSc, DSc, DD.

From those brought before Pastor Chris in the Healing Lines to participants connecting remotely from across the world, Day One was marked by celebrations from people who reported experiencing healing from various ailments. Many were seen rising from wheelchairs, abandoning crutches and other mobility aids, and rejoicing over what they described as remarkable changes in their physical conditions.

The service unfolded in an atmosphere of faith, expectation and thanksgiving, with the healing ministration extending beyond those physically present at the venue to participants whose images were projected on giant screens from different nations.

As the final Healing Streams edition of 2026 commenced, the day’s central message emerged clearly through the teaching, testimonies and ministrations: faith in God’s Word and the importance of believing and acting on it.

“HAVE FAITH, YOUR CHANGE HAS COME!”

Setting the tone for the opening day, Pastor Deola Phillips, Executive Minister of the Healing School and convener of the event, welcomed participants to the October edition with a stirring declaration: “Have Faith, Your Change Has Come!”

Addressing the global congregation, she emphasised the significance of the occasion and encouraged participants to approach the service with faith and expectation.

“This is your moment of change. Do you want to be well? God’s Word is a stream of grace, and streams of healing are coming to you through the songs, testimonies, and exhortations. Receive the Word in your spirit, refuse to be distracted, and believe that today is your day. You will rise. You will walk. You will live. And by the time we’re done, you’ll be singing your testimony of praise.”

Her charge established the atmosphere for the programme, encouraging participants to remain attentive to the Word and expectant of the changes they desired.

The Loveworld Singers subsequently led the congregation in an uplifting session of worship, after which senior ministers of the Healing School took turns leading prayers and sharing testimonies from previous editions.

Rev. Tom Amenkhienan urged participants to recognise the spiritual significance of the gathering and prepare themselves to receive.

“Heaven is focused on you. You are in the place where the healing power of God is flowing, and lives are being transformed. Get ready for an extraordinary time in the presence of the Lord.”

He also highlighted the special significance of the October edition, which coincides with the Month of Mercies, drawing attention to the abundance of God’s tender mercies throughout the three-day programme.

Similarly, Pastor John De Beer underscored the personal nature of the event, encouraging participants to approach the service with expectation.

“Everything that is being done in this program is centered around you. It has been made and specifically tailored for you. You must be expectant. Prepare your spirit to receive.”

Rev. Ray expressed appreciation to Pastor Chris for the global impact of the Healing Streams initiative, emphasising that distance was no barrier to participating in the service.

“This is Healing Streams with the Man of God, Pastor Chris, and you are right in the presence of a miracle. Wherever you are participating, the power of God is right where you are.”

Reflecting on testimonies from the July edition, he recalled the account of Joseph, a 10-year-old boy in Peru who reportedly received healing from an inability to speak, and Osan in Costa Rica, who reportedly regained his ability to walk after six months.

Drawing attention to the expectations surrounding the October gathering, he declared, “If it was great then, you can imagine what it will be now, because the glory of the latter house shall be greater.”

“YOU ARE RIGHT NOW IN THE PRESENCE OF DESTINY”

The atmosphere of expectation intensified as Pastor Chris took the stage to deliver a message centred on faith, the power of God’s Word and the importance of making a conscious decision to believe.

Welcoming participants to the service, he described the gathering as a divinely appointed moment in their lives.

“I want to welcome you specially to this very predestinated service. You are right now in the presence of destiny,” he declared.

“Before you were born God planned this very hour for you. It’s a special moment in your life. And you’re going to have to do what you choose with it. Make up your mind you’re going to do the right thing with it.”

The declaration established the foundation for his teaching, which focused on the capacity of human beings to believe and act on their convictions.

Explaining the uniqueness of this capacity, Pastor Chris said:

“There is something that God made possible for human beings. Animals don’t have it. Angels don’t have it. Of course Demons don’t have it. It was only given to human beings; and you have to do something with it.”

He further emphasised the importance of exercising faith, declaring:

“Your Faith in God is important. Only Humans are given the capacity to act on their faith, to believe and act accordingly.”

Addressing the belief that some people are incapable of exercising faith, he challenged participants to recognise that believing or refusing to believe is a personal choice.

“Some people say, ‘I can’t believe.’ But every human can. You choose to believe or not believe. It’s always a choice,” he declared.

Illustrating the simplicity of believing, he pointed to how children trust the words and promises of their parents and act accordingly.

“Believing is very simple. Even children learn to believe while they are very young. If Mummy or Daddy makes a promise to a child, they believe and act on the word that Mummy or Daddy spoke. They don’t need a seminar on believing,” he said.

He also explained that faith is already woven into everyday human experience, with people routinely trusting institutions, professionals and systems.

“You have faith in the school; that’s why you attended it. You have faith in your neighbour; that’s why you chose to live next to him,” he explained.

Challenging participants to apply the same principle to their relationship with God, he added:

“But when it comes to the things of God, you say, ‘I don’t know.’ Well, that was your choice.”

In a related emphasis, he reiterated:

“Only humans are given the capacity to act on their faith, to believe and act accordingly. That’s so important. You have the capacity to believe and act on it. It’s always a choice, to believe and not to believe. Believing is very simple; even children dare to believe.”

He further declared, “All the structures of human societies are built on faith. Your faith is working all the time.”

Through these illustrations, Pastor Chris encouraged participants to recognise faith as a practical principle and to approach God’s Word with confidence rather than uncertainty.

“THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST IS THE POWER OF GOD TO SAVE”

Drawing from Romans 1:16, Pastor Chris emphasised the importance of believing the Gospel as the basis for receiving the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

“The gospel of Christ is the power of God to save. If you don’t believe it, it cannot save you. You have to believe it to be saved,” he declared.

He explained that, according to the Christian faith, God had accomplished His work through Jesus Christ, while the individual’s responsibility was to believe and receive what Christ had done.

“God has already done His part in Jesus Christ. Your part is to believe in what He did,” he said.

The teaching formed an important part of the spiritual foundation of the service, with Pastor Chris encouraging participants to recognise the significance of faith in receiving God’s promises.

He also drew from Mark 9:22–23, highlighting the biblical declaration that all things are possible to the one who believes.

“FEAR NOT! BELIEVE ONLY AND SHE SHALL BE MADE WHOLE”

A major highlight of the message was Pastor Chris’s reference to the account of Jairus and his daughter in Luke 8:41–56.

Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, had approached Jesus for help because his daughter was dying. While Jesus was on His way to the man’s house, news arrived that the girl had died.

Pastor Chris drew attention to Jesus’ response to the devastating news, emphasising the instruction to reject fear and continue believing.

“Sometimes when you are believing God for something, the condition can get worse. But Jesus said, ‘FEAR NOT! BELIEVE ONLY AND SHE SHALL BE MADE WHOLE,’” he declared.

He explained that Jesus did not allow the report of the girl’s death to override His response to Jairus’ original request.

The account, he noted, illustrates the importance of maintaining faith even when circumstances appear to contradict what a person is trusting God to do.

“Don’t struggle. Only believe,” he urged.

He also referred to Mark 9, which recounts the healing of a boy tormented by a demon, drawing attention to the father’s appeal to Jesus for compassion.

Through these biblical accounts, Pastor Chris encouraged participants to remain steadfast in their faith, even when confronted with discouraging circumstances.

“BELIEVE THE WORD, NOT THE SYMPTOMS”

Expanding on the relationship between faith, God’s Word and healing, Pastor Chris drew from several passages of Scripture, including Proverbs 4:20–22, John 6:54–63, John 1:14 and Leviticus 17:11–14.

He explained that Jesus’ words concerning His flesh and blood should be understood in the context of the spiritual life communicated through God’s Word.

Referring to John 6:63, he highlighted Jesus’ declaration that it is the Spirit who gives life. He connected this to John 1:14, which declares that the Word became flesh and dwelt among humanity, explaining that Jesus was the Word of God manifested in human form.

“It was not about eating His body. It was about receiving His Word. If you received His Word, you received Him. You got everything,” he said.

He further explained that God’s Word communicates life to those who receive it, drawing attention to Proverbs 4:20–22, which describes God’s words as life to those who find them and health to their flesh.

“Through the Word of God, we can all receive the life that He gives. Wherever you are in the world, when you receive His Word, you receive His life,” he declared.

Reaffirming the authority of Scripture, he also referenced John 14:6, in which Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth and the life.”

He then emphasised the reliability of God’s Word, urging participants to give precedence to it over contrary physical symptoms and circumstances.

“The Word of God is truth. It is reality.

“It doesn’t matter what the symptoms are telling you. Believe the Word, not the symptoms.”

In the same vein, he referenced John 17:17, which declares, “Thy word is truth,” explaining that God’s Word is reality and that God is faithful to His promises.

His message was a call to participants to place their confidence in what Scripture declares rather than allowing adverse circumstances to determine their expectations.

“HE IS TRULY HERE”

Pastor Chris also reminded participants of Jesus’ promise concerning His presence among those gathered in His name, encouraging the global audience to recognise that physical distance does not limit their participation in the service.

“Jesus said when we are together in His name He is right there with us. Can you believe it? Only believe,” he said.

He urged participants to accept the words of Jesus as absolute truth, emphasising that His promises were entirely reliable.

“Believe that what He said is absolute truth. He never exaggerated. He never lied to anyone. Anything he ever said was absolute truth. So He is truly here,” he declared.

The message reinforced the atmosphere of faith and expectation as participants continued to connect to the service from different nations, joining in prayer and celebrating the experiences they attributed to God’s power.

During the teaching, Pastor Chris also referred to a testimony from a participant who said doctors had told him he would never walk again but who subsequently regained the ability to walk and run.

The account served as an illustration of the healing experiences being celebrated during the programme and reinforced the minister’s message about maintaining faith in the face of difficult circumstances.

SHOUTS OF JOY AS PASTOR CHRIS MINISTERS TO THE SICK

Following the teaching, the service moved into one of its most anticipated moments as Pastor Chris began ministering to individuals in the Healing Lines in the Name of Jesus Christ.

The scenes evoked the healing encounters recorded in the Gospels, as the minister prayed for those who had come seeking healing and restoration.

Participants subsequently reported remarkable changes in their physical conditions, with celebrations erupting as people rose from stretchers, abandoned wheelchairs and crutches, and expressed joy over their experiences.

The atmosphere was filled with thanksgiving and praise to God as testimonies of relief from pain, renewed strength and restored mobility emerged.

The Healing Lines formed a significant part of the opening day’s proceedings, bringing individuals seeking healing before Pastor Chris for prayer.

But the ministration did not end with those physically present before him.

FROM THE HEALING LINES TO THE NATIONS

In a remarkable extension of the healing ministration, Pastor Chris turned his attention to the worldwide audience, praying for participants connecting to the service from nations across the globe.

Images of participants joining remotely were projected on giant screens as the minister prayed, bringing the global congregation into focus during the service.

The audience included people participating from churches, healing centres and crusade grounds, as well as individuals following the broadcast from their homes and other locations.

As Pastor Chris ministered in prayer, celebrations reportedly erupted across participating locations, with people rejoicing over healings they attributed to the power of God.

From those brought before him in the Healing Lines to the worldwide audience projected on the giant screens, the ministration underscored the international reach of the Healing Streams Live Healing Services.

For those unable to attend physically, the live broadcast provided an opportunity to participate remotely in the prayer and healing service.

The global nature of the programme was evident throughout the proceedings, as people from different countries united in worship, prayer and thanksgiving.

TESTIMONIES THAT SPEAK: STORIES OF HEALING AND RESTORATION

The testimony segment, anchored by Evangelist Eddy Owase, renowned host of Real Miracles Today and Senior Minister of the Healing School, provided another major highlight of the service.

Participants from previous editions took the stage to recount experiences of healing and restoration, sharing accounts of recovery from debilitating conditions and describing changes that had affected their daily lives.

Their testimonies, accompanied by accounts of visible transformations, encouraged participants around the world and reinforced the atmosphere of faith and expectation as the October edition continued.

The opening day also featured a series of reported healing experiences from participants in different countries, illustrating the international reach of the service.

Senegal: Travail Reports Passing of Kidney Stones

In Senegal, Travail recounted a dramatic experience involving two kidney stones discovered the previous Thursday.

According to his testimony, doctors had recommended surgery because one stone, measuring almost 7mm, was considered too large to pass through the ureter. The second stone measured 5mm and remained in the kidney.

Travail said he had endured excruciating pain for nine days and had been taking medication daily. While watching the programme, he heard the testimony of a man who had reportedly been freed from kidney stones.

Minutes later, he felt the urge to urinate and subsequently reported that both stones had passed from his body.

Expressing his joy over the experience, he declared, “I’m free, Glory to God.”

Solomon Islands: Nine-Year-Old Patrick Finds Relief

In the Solomon Islands, nine-year-old Patrick, the son of a Healing Streams translator for the Temotu language in Temotu Province, had reportedly endured severe fever and distress for more than a month.

During the testimony segment of the programme, Patrick reportedly experienced relief and, for the first time in four weeks, was able to fall asleep and rest.

The experience brought encouragement to his family as they participated in the global service.

Kenya: Veronica Reports Restored Strength and Mobility

Veronica from Kenya testified to a dramatic turnaround after two years of severe leg weakness that had left her barely able to walk and eventually forced her to stop working.

The condition had also affected her back, causing her to walk in a bent position.

As Pastor Chris ministered on Day One, Veronica reported an immediate return of strength to her legs, prompting her to spring up from her seat.

She also testified that her back had been healed and that she could bend freely again.

Her account was among the reports of restored mobility that contributed to the atmosphere of celebration during the service.

India: Laveen Reports Relief from Bodily Heaviness and Pain

Watching from Bangalore, India, Laveen described experiencing bodily heaviness extending from the back of the head, alongside severe soreness throughout the body, before the programme.

While watching Healing Streams, Laveen reported experiencing peace and a sensation of healing extending from the top of the head to the soles of the feet.

The experience was shared as part of the testimonies emerging from participants connecting to the service remotely.

Kenya: Doreen Reports Improved Eyesight and Emotional Relief

Doreen, also from Kenya, shared a testimony of transformation after two years of eye problems and depression that had affected her performance at work and at home.

She disclosed that the condition had sometimes been accompanied by thoughts of ending her life.

During the programme, Doreen reported that Pastor Chris’s teaching gave her a more hopeful perspective on life. She said the feelings associated with her depression lifted, her body felt lighter and her heart was filled with joy.

She also testified that her eyesight had been restored.

Her account was among the day’s deeply personal testimonies, highlighting the emotional as well as physical challenges participants described facing before the service.

Together with the other reports, these experiences added to the stream of testimonies shared during the opening day, as participants continued to recount what they described as healing, renewed strength and restoration.

“EVERY CONDITION WILL BE REVERSED TO PERFECTION”

As the service progressed, Pastor Chris continued to encourage participants to receive God’s Word with faith and confidence, reinforcing the central message of the day.

Drawing from Scripture and the testimonies shared during the programme, he emphasised the importance of trusting God’s promises and recognising the significance of the opportunity to participate in the service.

Concluding his message, he declared:

“Every condition will be reversed to perfection. You will be made whole.”

The declaration captured the spirit of the opening day, as participants across the world joined in prayer, worship and thanksgiving, with reported healings prompting celebrations at participating locations.

The service also provided an opportunity for people to respond to the Gospel. Moved by the demonstration of God’s love as presented during the programme, many reportedly gave their hearts to Christ, while others reaffirmed their commitment to His Lordship over their lives.

As accounts of healing and restoration continued to emerge, the opening day ended with a renewed emphasis on faith, the life-giving power of God’s Word and the importance of believing and acting on it.

THE FINAL HEALING STREAMS EDITION OF 2026 CONTINUES

The opening day of the 18th edition of the Healing Streams Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris brought together worship, biblical teaching, testimonies and healing ministrations in a global gathering that connected participants across national boundaries.

As the final edition of the year, the October 23–25 programme carries special significance for the worldwide Healing Streams community, bringing the year’s series of services to a close with a message centred on faith, healing and the power of God’s Word.

Day One was defined by two major developments: Pastor Chris’s teaching on the necessity of believing God’s Word and his subsequent ministration to the sick, first in the Healing Lines and then to participants across the world.

From the reported restoration of mobility and relief from pain to testimonies of renewed hope and emotional wellbeing, participants shared accounts of experiences they attributed to the power of God.

As the three-day programme continues, the message of the opening day remains central: faith requires a decision to believe, and God’s Word must be received with confidence.

With two more days of the final 2026 edition ahead, participants are looking forward to further services, testimonies and opportunities to join the global gathering in prayer, worship and thanksgiving.

The defining declaration of Day One remains unmistakable: “ONLY BELIEVE.”

YOUR MOMENT FOR A MIRACLE IS NOW—DON’T MISS IT!

The Healing Streams Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris continues through October 25, 2026, with further opportunities for participants around the world to connect to the programme.

Participants can join the live broadcast through [Healing Streams TV](https://www.healingstreams.tv?utm_source=chatgpt.com) or watch on the Loveworld Network in their preferred language. The service is also available through participating local television and radio stations and at designated healing centres.

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR ASSISTANCE

For further information about participation, contact the Healing Streams team:

Email: info@healingstreams.tv

South Africa: +27799675852

Nigeria: +234(1)8885066

USA: +18327249390

Canada: +12896221634

United Kingdom: +44(0)3331880710

Asia: +919650096633

India: +917794993762

As the final Healing Streams edition of 2026 continues, participants across the nations are invited to remain connected to the programme and its message of faith, hope and the power of God’s Word.