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Benue

The Benue State House of Assembly has directed former Chairman, Ukum Local Government Area, Mr David Sevav to refund N25 million, following an audit report which indicted some officials in local government councils in the state..

Sevav is to pay the money into the treasury of the council’s cooperative thrift within one month with evidence of payment to be submitted to the Committee on Public Accounts.

The House also directed the Sports Officer of Apa LGA, Mr Matthew Ofenkwu to refund N2 million to the coffers of the local government within one month.

The House gave the directive during a debate of the report of the Auditor-General on activities of Local Government Counclis from 2008 to 2010.

 

Borno

Borno State Police Command has denied media reports on alleged killing of a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Gwoza Local Government Area by suspected terrorists.

Some media organisations had reported that the DPO and his deputy were killed during an attack by suspected terrorists recently.

But Mr Dideon Jibrin, the spokesman of the command, said in a statement in Maiduguri that the story was untrue.

“I wish to state for the avoidance of doubt that at no time was the DPO or his deputy killed by suspected terrorists.

“The story is absolutely untrue,” Jibrin said.

 

FCT

An Abuja Grade 2 Area Court has sentenced a labourer, Abbah Lawal, to two months imprisonment for stealing a generator under the guise of assisting a trader to salvage his property from fire.

The trial judge, Ahmed Ado, sentenced Lawal, after he pleaded guilty to the one-count charge of theft.

Ado said the sentence would serve as a deterrent to others who might want to engage in such act.

He, however, gave the convict an option of N2000 fine.

 

Gombe

Gombe State Government has acquired and installed equipment worth N200 million for the full take-off of Gombe State University Medical College.

The Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. Isa Wade, made the information known in an interview with newsmen in Gombe.

“The equipment which we bought for N200 million have been delivered and some of them are being put into use for the training of students,” he said.

According to Wade, the governor has approved another N50 million for the purchase of furniture, laboratory equipment and other facilities for the college.

 

Kaduna

The Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, Kaduna State, has lauded the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for developing and reviewing its 87 curricular and 356 instructional materials in engineering, science, business and technology.

Alhaji Adamu Aliyu-Shika, the Institute’s Rector, said this at a one day training workshop on curriculum and instructional materials organised for technical and vocational education teachers by the institute.

He said that without the support of NBTE, being the supervisory body of polytechnics and other similar institutions, the success achieved would not have been possible.

Aliyu-Shika explained that the workshop was primarily designed to enhance the curricular of technical and vocational education teachers’ programmes.

 

Kebbi

The Fiscal Responsibility Commission says it has embarked on inspection of the ongoing Federal Government projects in the six geo-political zones.

It’s Commissioner, Alhaji Zakari Sada, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.

Sada said that the inspection was part of measures to ensure strict compliance to budget implementation.

He said the commission embarked on tour of Federal Government projects in the six geo-political zones “to obtain assess compliance to financial commitment of the government.

 

Kwara

The newly appointed Secretary, Board of Fountain University, Osogbo, Mr Yinka Yahaya has called for the establishment of more universities in Nigeria.

Yahaya made the call in Ilorin while speaking with journalists.

He said that the establishment of more universities would ease the difficulty Nigerian students faced in seeking admission for higher education.

According to him, more universities will enhance the development of human capital and accelerate national development and technological breakthroughs.

 

Lagos

The China Machinery Engineering Corporation, managers of Phase 2, Omotosho Power Plant, Ondo State, says it has completed the 500mw plant.

The Managing Director of the company, Mr Liu Zhao-Long, told newsmen in Lagos that all the four turbines were functioning.

“The project had been completed but the official commissioning will take place later this month. It will be commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan.

“We have finished work on Omotosho Phase 2. The four turbines are contributing 500 Mega Watts to the national grid.”

 

Nasarawa

The House Committee on Finance and Appropriation in Nasarawa State House of Assembly says it increased the 2013 budget of N107 billion by N3 billion.

The Chairman of the committee, Mr Philip Gyunka, made this known while presenting its report on 2013 budget in Lafia.

Gyunka said the addition would facilitate the conduct of local government election, provide infrastructure for rapid development and fertilisers to boost food production in the state.

“The committee has added N3 billion to the budget of N107 billion earlier presented by Gov. Tanko Al-Makura, to ensure adequate provision of infrastructural facilities across the state.

 

Niger

The Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Jibrin Ndajiwo, has said that inadequate funding of the judiciary by the federal and state governments was responsible for delays in justice delivery.

Ndajiwo made the statement in Minna at the opening of the 39th Joint Conference of Chief Judges, Grand Kadis and Presidents, Customary Courts of Appeal of the Northern States and FCT.

According to him, there is no compliance with Section 121(3) of the 1999 constitution.

The section states: “Any amount standing to the credit of the judiciary in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the state shall be paid directly to the heads of the courts concerned.’’

 

Ogun

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo last Wednesday urged Nigerians to take advantage of public institutions that were established for their benefits.

Obasanjo said this in Abeokuta while playing host to the Commissioner, Public Complaint, Commission in Ogun State, Mr Wale Banjo and his team.

He said that one of such institutions was the Public Complaints Commission established to intervene and investigate acts of injustice and victimisation of any citizen free of charge.

“Most citizens do not make use of this opportunity probably because they do not know enough about the commission,” he said.

 

Oyo

A 25-year-old, Tijani Bilia, was remanded in prison custody for stealing an iron rod valued at N150,000.

The defendant was arraigned on a one- count charge of stealing before a Senior Magistrates’ Court.

The prosecutor, Insp. Aliu Samad, told the court that the defendant stole the iron rod belonging to one Babatunde Oladele.

Samad said the incident occurred last Friday at 10:00am at Oluyole Estate in Ibadan, adding that the offence contravened section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Vol. II Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

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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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2027: APC Chieftain Predicts Tinubu’s Victory  …Says Bayelsa Stakeholders Supporting President en masse  … IPAC Knitted Together, Working In Synergy With His Office

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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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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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