Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr.Ahmed Modibbo Mohammed has said that there had been an increase in enrolement of students into public schools, as a result of mass mobilisation, publicity and advocacy drives embarked upon by the commission.
Mohammed disclosed this at the ground breaking ceremony for Korea International Corporation Agency (KOICA)’s support, with the construction of elementary schools in Adamawa /Gombe State.
He said the collaboration with partners such as KOICA was one of the activities undertaken by the commission to develop child –friendly learning environment and create new value for Nigerian’s educational system.
Benue
Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam had said that the governor’s forum had no hand in the removal of the former National Chairman of the People Democratic Part ( PDP), Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo.
Suswan said contrary to insinuations, Nwodo was consumed by the crisis between him and his state governor, Sullivan Chime.
Though Suswan told reporters in Makurdi, Benue State, that governors played no role in the fall of Nwodo, he however, noted that many party men and women were not happy that Nwodo attempted to disobey the Enugu State court order.
Suswan said “ I don’t think there was any plot by governors against the former national chairman. He was involved in a crisis with his home governor and efforts were made to resolve it. Few of us intervened on different occasions and wanted to reconcile them but that was not to be and what happened happened”.
Borno
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Hafiz Ringim had described the Boko Haram crisis in Borno and Bauchi States as posing a serious challenge to the police and other security agencies.
Ringim, who stated this Wednesday while addressing senior police officers at a conference in Maiduguri pledged that the police would not leave any stone unturned in tackling the crisis and ensuring that it was ended.
While urging the police officers to stay away from the political/social crisis in the areas, he stressed the need for them to brace up and find solution to this and other crisis in the country.
Ringim assured that normalcy would soon return to the troubled states, revealing that the conference was called to brainstorm on the security situation affecting the states.
FCT
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration has appointed Frontier Tek Solutions to coordinate and automate the collection of revenue for some of its agencies.
The vice chairman of the firm, Babajide Oluwasanmi, said the ICT firm was developing Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment (EBPP) where both government agencies and banks will be integrated to provide real time information on accounts and balances.
Oluwasanmi said that two weeks from now, customers of AGIS, AEPB and other similar agencies in the FCT can walk into the hall of its banking partners such as First Bank, GT Bank and Unity Bank where such banks can pull the customer’s bill and process payment.
Niger
The Federal Government has concluded plans for extension of classes to hold in private and public schools to make up for the two week’s closure of schools for the on-going nationwide voter registration.
The Minister of State for Education, Mr Kenneth Gbagi announced this Tuesday in Minna shortly after his visit to the National Examinations Council (NECO) office.
Gbagi blamed the mass failure recorded in the past decade in the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) on the laxity of school teachers in discharging their primary responsibility of teaching and preparing students for examinations.
He stated that the criticisms against the government over the mass failure was a mistake maintaining that teachers were the main cause of the failure.
Kaduna
All is now set for the 32nd Kaduna International Trade Fair scheduled to hold between February 25 and March 6, as companies from eight countries across the world have indicated their interest to participate.
The companies are China, Egypt, Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, India and Niger.
The first Deputy President of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), Hon. Abdullahi Sani made the disclosure during an interactive session with journalists in Kaduna.
Sani, who doubles as the chairman of the main organising committee of the event said the theme of this year’s trade fair is ‘National Energy: Road Map for Nigeria’s Growth and Development’, adding that it was chosen because of the crucial nature of energy to the economy.
Kano
To assist the physically challenged, the United States Government through its agency for International Development (USAID), has rehabilitated and handed over seven buildings which cost over 100,000 US Dollar (N15 million) to the management of Tundun Maliki Special Education School in Kano.
The agency also donated N5,000 worth of books to its pupils.
Unveiling the facilities in Kano recently, the Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau said the donation were made following the special interest the state had on the school.
Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Musa Salihu, Shekarau commended the US government for the gesture and urged the students to make good use of the books in order to be better informed in their academic pursuits.
Lagos
The Lagos State House of Assembly has threatened to close down all the satellite campuses being run by state-owned tertiary institutions in the state if they fail to meet the required standard.
Deputy Speaker, Bola Badmus-Olujobi issued the threat yesterday when the seven man ad-hoc committee set up by the House to look into why some courses at the Lagos State University (LASU) and other institution were disaccreditated.
Ondo
Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko had warned Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA’s) in the State to desist from executing projects which have no direct impact on the masses.
Mimiko gave the warning Wednesday at the opening ceremony of a workshop on the 2011 budget implementation organised by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget for members of the state executive council and top MDA officials of the Nigeria Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) in Ondo.
Mimiko stressed the need for strict adherence and speedy implementation of capital projects in the state pointing out that, that would serve as an express means of gaining the people’s trust in governance.
He said “we cannot but maintain transparency in our dealings to ensure that programmes and projects for which money is appropriated and released are properly executed.
Osun
As part of its six-point agenda, the Osun State Government has began the process of recruiting 20,000 youths under the State Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES).
The training of trainers of the trainers expected to be engaged in the programme commenced yesterday with 31 lead trainers and 93 supporting officers.
No fewer than 170,000 unemployed youths have applied for the scheme.
The Assistant Director (Community), Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, said merit would be the criterion used to select those to be employed.
Flagging off the progrmame, Oyintiloye stated that state officials have been visiting farm settlements located in various locations within the state pointing out that the visitation would aid them get first hand information and collate other data to form imput into the job creation agricultural scheme.
Oyo
Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) Limited has donated a multi-million naira Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre to Government College, Ibadan (GCI)
The oil giant which is a concessionarie to the Nigerian (NNPC) on oil mining and oil prospecting licences, delivered the modern ICT centre to the principal, teachers and pupils of the famous school in Ibadan last Friday.
At the handover ceremony, the company’s Business Relations Manager, Mr Chidi Chukwueke, said the centre was an NNPC and SNEPCO’s support for initiatives to improve the education sector in Oyo State.
Plateau
The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) yesterday condemned calls for a state of emergency in Plateau State following the spate of violence.
CNPP warned against the use of any wrong approach in resolving the crisis.
The coalition maintained that calls for the resignation of Governor Jonah Jang were not the solution, adding that imposing a state of emergency would only compound the problem in the state capital.
The party’s Secretary-General, Chief Willy Ezugwu said new approaches to end the carnage in Jos should be explored such as probing the activities of security operative.
Zamfara
A Federal High Court Tuesday, in Gusau adjoined hearing of the All Nigeria s Peoples Party (ANPP) case against 22 members of Zamfara House of Assembly, who defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) till February 21.
The lawmakers, who were elected on the platform of the ANPP in July 2010, defected to PDP to support Governor Mahmud Shinkafi, who had earlier defected to the ruling party.
The ANPP was challenging their action in a suit requesting the court to declare the 22 seats vacant and order the INEC to conduct a fresh election.
Justice Zainab Abubakar had earlier fixed February 1 for ruling on the ANPP application but later adjourned the case to February 21, for the counsel to clarify some issues about the substantive suit.
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.
Nation
2027: APC Chieftain Predicts Tinubu’s Victory …Says Bayelsa Stakeholders Supporting President en masse … IPAC Knitted Together, Working In Synergy With His Office
Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC), in Bayelsa State and Special Adviser to the State Governor on Inter-Party Relations, Dr Jackson Ebi Suokiri has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would secure landslide win in the 2027 Presidential polls.
The Governor’s Aide stated this in Yenagoa, the state capital on Wednesday while fielding questions from newsmen against the backdrop of Tuesday’s pioneer Stakeholders meeting of the party convened by the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri as leader of the Party in the State upon his recent defection late last year.
He averred that Party stakeholders in the state were prepared to give the President the massive support needed to return elected, come 2027 following his sterling trajectory of performance and qualitative leadership prowess.
Dr Suokiri stressed that the reason for the governor’s swapping of party was in the best interest of the state, while also noting that the governor took the right decision as there was no need continuing with opposition politics even as the state has to align with the national government for rapid socioeconomic and political advantages for the state and its people.
“Governor Diri’s defection like you’ve personally heard him saying was for the best interest of our state, Bayelsa. When you’ve a President performing well at the national level and being very supportive to your state as a governor, I don’t think you’ve to be in an opposition party anymore, but rather align with the centre.
“Diri is a bridge builder. He is at peace with everybody and willing to work with all, irrespective of party affiliations or political differences for the interest of the state.
“As Stakeholders we’ve resolved to collectively work to return President Tinubu elected for second term in 2027. And you can see the Governor is not pressuring anybody or the structure of his former party, the PDP to defect like he has done.
“The PDP structure in the state is still intact, and for the APC, his new Party even as current leader in the State, he has been working with the structure and everybody he met on ground, hence you can see that the APC Caretaker Committee led by Dr. Dennis Otiotio has been maintained at the pioneer Stakeholders meeting convened by the Governor.
“But you must also know like you’ve seen and I’ve previously said that Governor Diri has outperformed expectations of Bayelsans in all sectors, be it economy, infrastructure, health, education, etc.”, he said.
Meanwhile, as against insinuations that some political parties were not working with the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Party Relations, the Governor’s Aide has revealed that as it were currently, all the 19 registered political parties with presence in the state are working in unity with his office as members of the Inter-party advisory council (IPAC).
“IPAC is working in unity with my office. Before the Governor’s defection the only party that wasn’t working with my office was the APC. But since after his formal defection, the APC and even those other parties that were either sympathetic to the APC, the governor’s new party or the PDP, his former Party are all now working together with my office as members of IPAC”, Suokiri added.
By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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