Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Pro-motion (NOTAP) is to promote the teaching of science and technology in primary and secondary schools.
NOTAP Director General, Umar Bindir, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Yola, Adamawa State.
Umar said NOTAP would ensure this through the introduction of story boards that would show pupils and students how some products were made.
“For instance Maggi cube is made from soya beans. So we asked Nestle to give us a story board that shows the stages in picture of how soya beans was transformed to Maggi cube,’’ Umar said.
He explained that such practical approach and change in teaching methodology would help in reforming the education sector for positive results.
Bauchi
Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has dismissed a media report that his government had set aside N3 billion for the creation of new chiefdoms.
Fielding questions with newsmen in Damaturu, Yuguda said the report was baseless and described it as a deliberate negative report to ridicule his administration.
Yuguda was in Damaturu to pay a condolence visit to Gov Ibrahim Geidam, who lost his wife last week.
He said that the reason for the creation of the chiefdoms was to accord special rights and privileges to people who demanded for them, to ensure peaceful co-existence among the diverse cultural and religious groups in the state.
Yuguda noted that the state had experienced political and religious crises within the last two years, making it imperative to find ways to ensure lasting peace and harmony.
Borno
Alhaji Baba Garbai, the Borno Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, says the state government is to establish a skills acquisition centre for farmers in Damboa.
Garbai, who announced this on Sunday while inspecting projects in Damboa Local Government Area, stated that farmers would be trained in modern farming technology at the centre.
He said that the state government was determined to give agriculture top priority so as to boost food security.
The commissioner advised parents and guardians to enroll their wards in schools in order to enable them contribute to national development.
He also urged the caretaker chairman of the local government, Alhaji Abu Hong, to embark on the provision of social amenities and execution of developmental projects.
FCT
Defence Minister, BelloMohammed in Abuja has restated Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces were properly settled after years of meritorious service to the nation.
Mohammed stated this at the end of an entrepreneurship training organised for senior military officers by the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) in collaboration with EMPRETEC Nigeria Foundation.
Represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin, the minister said the current agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan had placed emphasis on transformation.
Mohammed said the training was meant to assist the officers to attain self development when they disengage from service.
Kaduna
The 1986 Old Students Association of Alhudahuda College, Zaria, has donated books worth more than N250,000 to the institution.
Alhaji Shehu Yunusa, the Secretary-General of the association, told newsmen at its silver jubilee meeting in Zaria that the gesture was to encourage students of the institution to embrace the reading culture and maintain the good reputation of the college.
He said that in addition to the donation, the association also planned to renovate the college Mosque to make it an ideal place of worship.
“We are here to show appreciation to the college that brought us to limelight, because whatever we become in life, the institution is central to it.
Katsina
The Police Command in Katsina State says it has arrested eight alleged car snatchers in Katsina metropolis in its renewed effort to fight crime in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Katsina.
Mohammed said that the suspects were nabbed at different times in the metropolis and gave their names as Bello Abdulkadir, Salisu Sirajo, Santanu Abubakar, Bashir Kabir alias Sanfolo, Ismaila Usman, Tasi’u Abdullahi and Musa Bala.
The commissioner said that the suspects had confessed to stealing cars in Katsina and its environs for sometime, adding that the command had been on their trail.
He said that the suspects also claimed to have taken some stolen cars to Kano for sale, adding that they were helping the police to track the receivers of the stolen cars.
Kwara
The Kwara government says it will continue to partner with the Kwara Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA) in a bid to boost the economy of the state.
The State Commissioner for Commerce and Cooperatives, Alhaji Saka Onimago, disclosed this in Ilorin on Saturday while launching the prospectus for the fifth Kwara Trade Fair.
Onimago reiterated the state government’s commitment to take the state to the next level of development, saying that government has concluded arrangement to employ another set of 2,000 youths.
He said the development could only be achieved through the co-operation of the private sector of the economy.
Onimago thanked the KWACCIMA for acting as a catalyst in driving the economic development of the state through the organisation of annual trade fairs.
Lagos
Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, former Head of the Civil Service, has charged Nigerians to encourage creative work by Nigerians such as Prof Cyril Onwumechili to enhance national development.
Afolabi made the call in Lagos during the presentation of Onwumechili’s autobiography entitled, “Coming a Long Way”, which he reviewed.
He noted that Onwumechili, who became a professor at the age of 30 after studying to the doctorate level through
scholarships from his early days at Kings College, Lagos, was propelled by hard work and support from his uncle.
Afolabi observed that the professor became a vice chancellor of the University of Ife (now OAU) in 1978, the only known non-Yoruba VC of the institution.
Dr Alex Ekwueme, a former Vice-President, who was chairman of the occasion, said the work of the erudite professor was worth reading.
He described Onwumechili as a bright and productive scholar who had impacted on lives and the scientific landscape of Nigeria.
Ondo
The Ondo State Government says it spent about N3 billion on community development projects within the last 30 months.
Mr Clement Faboyede, the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperative Services, said this in an interview with newsmen in Akure.
Faboyede said the initiatives were primarily to take development to the grassroots, adding that more than 200 “quick-win” projects had been completed in the 18 local government areas of the state.
He also said the state government recently approved N400 million for more projects to be executed in some communities
The commissioner said no fewer than 30 projects had been earmarked in some local government areas, including Akure and Ose areas.
Sokoto
Illela Local Government Council of Sokoto State plans to spend not less than N100 million on various developmental projects, its Chairman, Alhaji Garba Sabon-Gari, has disclosed.
Sabon-Gari told newsmen in Illela on Saturday that the projects would cover rural roads and water supply, health, education, power supply and economic empowerment.
“The estimates have been forwarded to the Ministry of Local Government for its final approval and nothing less than N100 million will be approved finally by the ministry.
“ These projects are aimed at further improving the living standard of the people and to fulfil our various campaign promises.’’
Taraba
Taraba is partnering with the North-East Zonal Office of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) to train fish farmers on the production of fingerlings.
Mr. Anthony Jellason, the state Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Jalingo on Sunday.
Jellason said that the state government had provided the agency with access road to its new office along Kona Road, to enable it to effectively discharge its duties.
He noted that the state was blessed with abundant of fish resources through its rivers and natural ponds scattered across the 16 local governments.
“When given the training, it would not only equip the farmers with the technical knowhow- in fish production, but also improve their occupation, boost their economy and provide direct and indirect employment opportunities to young school leavers.”
Zamfara
A female Zamfara pilgrim to this year’s hajj in Saudi Arabia (names withheld) has died, according to an official of the state’s 2011 Hajj Committee, Alhaji Jabiru Riko.
Riko disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Gusau recently.
He said that the middle-aged woman died in the holy land after a brief illness, adding that she had been buried in Saudi Arabia, according to Islamic rites.
The committee member said the transportation of the state’s pilgrims had been completed on Thursday, adding that all 5,500 pilgrims were transported in 11 flights from the Sokoto International airport.
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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