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THE STATES

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Adamawa

The Rural Information and Communication Technology Centre (RITC) in Mubi, Adamawa, has trained 30 unemployed youths from Mubi North Local Government Area of the state.

The Manager of the centre, Malam Abdulkareem Abubakar, told newsmen in Mubi on Monday that the 30 were trained in Computer Appreciation and Software Application.

He said that the graduates were exposed to various aspects of IT during the three months training.

Established under the Federal Government’s Rural Information and Communication Technology (RICT) scheme, Abubakar said the centre was designed to provide training and enhance IT development at the grass-roots level.

 

Bauchi

No fewer than 100 suspected political thugs on Monday in Bauchi surrendered their weapons and promised to turn a new leaf.

The youths gathered at Mallam Goje Enclave in Bauchi Metropolis to surrender their weapons and promised to shun political violence.

The youths confessed to previous crimes, which they committed, at the forum organised by one Alhaji Uba Boris and attended by Hajiya Hawa Yuguda, Wife of the State Governor.

Boris said most of the youths indulged in political violence locally known as “sara suka” (a group that specialises in killing people along the north-eastern part of the country).

He attributed their renouncing of violence to efforts made by the government to empower youths.

 

Borno

The Borno State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday, called on the State Government to address the killing of innocent people in the state urgently.

The Chairman of the chapter, Rev. Yuguda Mdurvwa, made the call while addressing newsmen in Maiduguri.

Mdurvwa pointed out that the Christian community in the state had suffered great losses in recent times, following attacks by unidentified gunmen.

“A number of churches, clergy men and other Christians have been killed in recent times in cold blood in Maiduguri.

 

FCT

Mrs Fidelia Njeze, the Minister of Aviation, on Monday in Abuja gave a six-week ultimatum to the Committee on the Removal of Disabled Aircraft to submit its report.

Njeze gave the ultimatum during the inauguration of the 12-member committee, chaired by Capt. Mohammed Ruma, the Director, Safety and Technical Policy Department of the ministry.

“The purpose of this gathering is to formally bring together professionals and stakeholders to outline the responsibilities to manage the removal of disabled aircraft as it is consistent with safety and security of aircraft and airport operations.

 

Jigawa

Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa has commended the Nigerian military for its contributions to peacekeeping operations in the West African sub-region.

Receiving members of the Course 33 of Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, on Monday in Dutse, Lamido said the Nigerian military had played significant roles in ensuring peace among African countries.

He said the military also ensured that the country remained one, united and an indivisible entity.

“To be frank, the military has displayed uncommon brotherhood for its African brothers in ensuring that peace prevails on the continent each time they are deployed to any troubled state,” he said.

 

Kaduna

The Minister of Defence, Mr Adetokunbo Kayode, on Monday in Jaji, Kaduna State, called for adequate media coverage of Nigerian contingents on peace support operations.

The minister, who was represented by the Army Director of Information, Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, made the call at the opening ceremony of a capacity building workshop for defence correspondents in Jaji.

 Katsina

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of CPC in Katsina State, Alhaji Aliyu Gidado, has alleged the registration of ineligible and foreign persons in some parts of the state.

Gidado told newsmen after a closed-door meeting of the 34 local government chairmen of the party in Katsina on Monday that some Nigerians were registered in Mai’adua Local Government Area.

He also alleged that some politicians were selling voters cards and bribing INEC officials to facilitate the registration of ineligible persons.

Gidado complained of inadequate registration materials in many registration units and urged INEC to address the anomalies.

The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Abubakar Wara, however, dismissed the allegations.

He said additional DDC machines had been received and distributed to areas where they were lacking.

 

Kogi

Kogi chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) on Monday in Abuja staged a protest at the party’s National Secretariat, requesting for fresh primaries.

A governorship aspirant, Mr. George Olumoroti, told newsmen during the protest that its essence was to pressurise the party to conduct fresh primaries.

“The prospects of ACN in Kogi state now are very high and we cannot afford to go to the polls without somebody that is popularly elected,” he said.

Olumoroti said the primaries which held on January 12 were annulled due to some malpractice and rescheduled to January 23.

He said the exercise did not hold on the day while there was no explanation by the secretariat.

 

Lagos

Popular Juju musician, King Sunny Ade, recently gave his life to Jesus Christ at a church service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Yaba, Lagos.

Sunny Ade dedicated himself to Christ during an alter call by the RCCG’s General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.

The Juju music maestro was among 30 worshippers at the service that rushed to the altar to be prayed for by the General Overseer.

When Adeboye asked that the persons who answered the call were to confess their sins, Sunny Ade was the first to kneel down.

During the thanksgiving, Sunny Ade expressed gratitude to God for his mercies and for making him see the day.

In his characteristic style, Sunny Ade rendered a song in Yoruba with members of his band: “If not for God, I would have been gone and buried. I thank you God for my life”.

Earlier in his message, Adeboye had told the congregation that anyone who had not given his life to Christ should not rejoice and praise God because such a person was hell-bound.

Oyo

Voter registration is set to commence in 478 polling units in Oyo State as the state INEC on Sunday took delivery of 837 Direct Data Capturing (DDC) machines.

Alhaji Ayodele Afolami, the Public Affairs Officer of INEC in Oyo, told newsmen on phone that since the voter registration started the exercise had not taken place in 478 polling units out of the 4,783 in the state.

He said that the machines had been dispatched to all the outstanding 478 units.

“The machines have been configured and all that the registration officers need do is to charge the battery and commence registration,’’ he explained.

 

Plateau

Five persons were killed and three others injured in a midnight attack on Sunday by unknown gunmen on Dagiru, a village in Farin Lamba, Vom, Plateau State.

The development forced an emergency security council meeting presided over by Governor Jonah Jang, where urgent measures were taken to restore peace in the crises-ridden state.

Mr James Mannok, Director of Press Affairs, confirmed the meeting in an interview with correspondents.

Mr Moses Dalyop, Chairman, Jos South Local Government Area, told correspondent that the attackers came in two Hilux vehicles and were “dressed in black jackets as soldiers”.

 

Sokoto

Atiku Kafur, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 10, has stressed the need for officers and men under his command to abide strictly by the ethics of policing.

Addressing officers and men of the Sokoto State Police Command on Monday in Sokoto, Kafur said it was only through abiding by the ethics that the police would effectively provide adequate security in the country.

He said the police faced the major task of mapping out a formidable strategy that would enhance security in the country as “we are approaching the April general elections’’.

 

Yobe

Alhaji Abbagana Tata, PDP Chairman in Yobe State, has alleged that 50 people from a border village in Niger Republic were transported into the state to register as voters.

“Forty persons were brought in to register in Korsoli and 10 others in Karigide villages in Machina Local Government Area of the state,’’ he added.

Tata, who made the allegation in Damaturu on Tuesday, accused some public officers of hiring people from Niger Republic to register as voters in the state.

“We are aware of government officials smuggling youths from Niger Republic, Borno and Kano States to register in order to boost the voter register in their favour,” he added.

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Cleric Preaches Love As Deputy Governor, Chief Judge Grace Wedding In PH

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The Presiding Bishop of Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, Bishop Victor Uzosike, has described love as the bedrock of human existence, family stability and societal harmony, stressing that without love, nothing meaningful can thrive.

Bishop Uzosike made this assertion while speaking to journalists during the wedding ceremony of his daughter, Praise Uzosike, to Architect Chibuzor Akubueze on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The solemnisation was held at the Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, and was attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.

According to the cleric, love is not only the foundation of relationships but also a powerful force that determines the success of individuals, families and communities.

“If you do not love a place, that place will not bless you. If you do not love your children, they will not be useful to you. If you do not love your family, your family will become a strange island to you. What you do not love, you do not have. Love is the key,” he said.

Reflecting on his family’s journey, Bishop Uzosike said God’s love had sustained them through seasons of challenges and triumphs, noting that unity had remained their greatest strength.

“We have stayed together as one family. God has shown us love in miraculous and mysterious ways, especially during difficult times,” he stated.

Describing the wedding as an amazing and beautiful experience, the bishop expressed appreciation for the show of love from his daughter’s friends, many of whom travelled from the United Kingdom and Ghana to attend the ceremony. He revealed that some of them personally paid for their flights and accommodation, which he described as a rare display of genuine friendship.

He also disclosed that his first daughter, who lives in Manchester, United Kingdom, with her husband, could not attend the wedding due to tight schedules, but noted that she remains happily married and fulfilled.

While thanking guests for honouring his family with their presence, prayers and goodwill, Bishop Uzosike said he felt proud and grateful to God.

“One of the greatest gifts God can give to a man is children who are sound in all ramifications. My children can see, hear, speak and walk. That alone is enough reason to be grateful,” he said.

He praised the bride, describing Praise as an exceptional achiever who had distinguished herself academically. According to him, she completed secondary school at 15, graduated with First Class honours at 19, and earned distinctions in her MBA as well as her first and second master’s degrees.

“For a long time, people believed that highly educated women may not marry early or at all. Today, Praise has proved otherwise. She has made her mother and me very proud,” he said, describing her as a rare gem.

Bishop Uzosike also expressed joy over his son-in-law, whom he described as God-fearing, disciplined and professionally sound.

“He is well brought up, passionate about God and morally upright. His parents did a great job. My wife, Pastor Esther, also did an excellent job,” he added.

The wedding ceremony attracted prominent personalities, including the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Odu; the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Ayemeyie; and several senior clerics.

Bishop Fidelis Ugbong officiated the solemnisation, while Apostle Chika Onuzo delivered the sermon, identifying communication, sex and money as key factors that can strengthen or weaken marriages.

Prof. Ngozi Odu also prayed for the couple and paid glowing tributes, drawing admiration from attendees.

The reception, held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt, was equally colourful. Justice Matilda Ayemeyie proposed the toast, describing marriage as not always a bed of roses and emphasising patience, commitment and understanding.

The event was chaired by Chief Henry Nwabugo and attended by notable personalities, including retired Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili; Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey; Hon. Otunba Jumbo; Nze Best Anele; and Prof. Henry Ogiri, among others.

Guests were entertained with dance performances by the couple, while the parents’ outing added elegance to the celebration. The master of ceremonies, Ambassador Kingsley, kept the audience engaged with humour and interactive sessions.

Overall, the wedding was a remarkable blend of spirituality, culture and celebration, marked by love, joy and unforgettable moments.

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Firefighters battle New Year Day inferno in Abuja, several states

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Federal Fire Service FFS entered the New Year on full operational alert, tackling multiple fire outbreaks across the country from midnight into the early hours of January 1, 2026, in what officials described as one of the busiest festive-season deployments in recent years.
The intensified nationwide response followed a December 2025 directive issued by the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, who had ordered that no firefighter should proceed on leave throughout the holidays.
According to a statement by the National Public Relations Officer and Head of Corporate Services of the FFS, DCF Paul Abraham, the no-leave policy proved critical as the Service moved swiftly to contain fires in several states.
The Federal Capital Territory FCT recorded its first fire incident of the year barely twenty-three minutes after midnight when flames erupted at Cake Hot Restaurant located within River Plate Park, Wuse, Abuja.
Abraham said fire crews from the Federal Fire Service and the FCT Fire Service arrived promptly and were able to stop the blaze before it could spread through the popular recreational centre.
While a section of the garden area was destroyed, no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded.
Officials said property worth an estimated ?1.5 billion was saved, although losses were placed at about ?500 million.
“Preliminary findings suggested that the fire was triggered by objects thrown during New Year celebrations, reinforcing long-standing warnings over the dangers posed by fireworks during the harmattan season”, the Service said.
The Controller General had repeatedly urged Nigerians to avoid fireworks, candles and open flames indoors, warning that the dry winds characteristic of the season allow fires to spread rapidly.
He also warned the public about electrical faults and power surges and advised that electrical appliances be switched off and unplugged when not in use or when occupants leave their homes, stressing that overloading sockets and extension boxes remains a significant cause of domestic fires.
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Enugu North LG chairman presents ?10.8bn 2026 Budget, prioritises roads …Security, Healthcare, Human Capital Development

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Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area in Enugu State, Dr. Ibenaku Harford Onoh, has presented a Ten Billion Eight Hundred Million Naira (?10.8bn) 2026 budget to the legislative council of the local government.
The budget, tagged “Budget of Continued Growth and Consolidation,” was presented on Wednesday during a plenary session attended by councillors, department heads, and other stakeholders.
Dr. Onoh explained that the 2026 budget is designed to consolidate achievements recorded in 2025 while scaling up development across the council’s 13 wards. Priority areas include road infrastructure, grassroots security, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, and digital governance.
He also reviewed the 2025 budget performance, highlighting significant revenue growth and successful completion of key projects. Notably, the council’s internally generated revenue more than doubled, attributed to the introduction of digital revenue collection platforms and other innovative measures.
Among the 2025 achievements, Dr. Onoh mentioned the reconstruction of major roads at European Quarters, Hilltop, Coal Camp, and Ukwa Street, Ihewuishi, as well as the upgrade of the local security architecture through the reorganisation of the neighbourhood watch into “The City Watch.”
On the 2026 budget, the chairman stated that projected revenue would come from statutory allocations, VAT, internally generated revenue, and counterpart funding through public-private partnerships.
He noted that capital expenditure would take the larger share of the budget, with over half allocated to the economic sector. Planned projects include:
Completion of transport terminals at Aria Market
Construction and reconstruction of urban roads
Establishment of two sports centres
Healthcare interventions
Youth skills development programmes.
Dr. Onoh emphasised that the projects, policies, and programmes outlined in the budget are aimed at complementing the initiatives of Governor Peter Ndubisi Mbah, who is setting standards for local government councils to follow.
Responding, the Leader of the Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Chizoba Nnamani, said the budget would be carefully scrutinised in the interest of residents before its passage.
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