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Ekiti

Sunday Sulaiman, 38, said to offer spiritual protection
to armed robbers, has been arrested by the police in Ekiti State.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Mr Victor Babayemi, told newsmen that Sulaiman was picked up for organising prayer sessions for robbers tormenting residents of Ado-Ekiti.
He accused the suspect of offering spiritual backing to the robbers, who in turn gave him certain percentage of loot they got from each operation.
Sulaiman, a native of Saare in Kwara, was said to arrange “prayer warriors at the Way of Salvation Church Ministry’’ for the suspected robbers.’’

Gombe

The North East governments said they were
committed to the implementation of recommendations of their economic summits held in Bauchi in 2012 and recently in Gombe State.
The governors expressed the commitment when receiving the recommendations of the summits.
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, who spoke on behalf of the governors of the six states, said all of them had agreed to implement the recommendations of the summits.
The states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Taraba, Yobe and Gombe.
“We the governors of the North East sub-region hereby accept all the recommendations of the North East economic summit held in Yankari in 2012 and that of the second summit in Gombe in 2013.

Kaduna

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has called on
the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to ratify its agreement with the Federal Government so as to resume work immediately.
The National Publicity Secretary of the forum, Mr Anthony Sani, made the call in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna .
The ACF said calling off the five-month-old strike would be in the best interest of students, parents and the educational system.
“We wish to call on ASUU to please hasten the completion of the said paper work with a view to calling off the strike forthwith,” it said.

Kebbi

As part of efforts to enhance fish production and
reduce unemployment, the Kebbi  State Government says it will construct five pilot fish ponds to train job seekers in small and medium-scale fish farming.
The state Director of Fisheries,Alhaji Mustapha Dole, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, recently.
Dole said the ponds would be located in Argungu, Birnin Kebbi, Zuru, Bagudo and Yauri zonal offices.
He said the identified job seekers in the areas would be trained on techniques of producing fish feeds locally.

Lagos

President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria
(CBCN) Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has called on Nigerians, irrespective of their religious beliefs, to embrace peace.
Kaigama said in an interview with newsmen that peace could only be achieved through personal orientation and cultivation.
The cleric, who commended the Federal Government on the measures it had taken in curtailing the security challenges in the country, urged Nigerians to always be at peace with themselves and their neighbours.
“Multiplying security agents on the streets can only bring about artificial peace. Even if we supply five soldiers to every family in Nigeria, peace cannot be achieved in total.
Nassarawa

Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State says his
administration would implement the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Alakyo killings.
He gave the assurance when he visited the palace of the traditional ruler of Obi, Alhaji Umaru Ogiri, in Obi Local government area of the state.
Al-Makura said that any person found involved in the killings would not be spared.
“I want to appeal to the people of Obi not take judgement into their own hands.
“The judicial commission of inquiry has now completed its proceedings, we are waiting for the outcome of the inquiry and I can assure you that we will implement it,” he said.

Niger

The Niger State government says it has begun the
evacuation of mentally-ill from the streets, to mark the International Day for People with Disability.
The Commissioner for Gender Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hasana Adamu, said at a media briefing in Minna that 15 of such people had been removed for rehabilitation so far.
She also said that the evacuation of such mentally-challenged persons from the streets would enhance clean environment.
“Last week, we were able to pick 15 mentally-challenged persons from the streets of Minna to our psychiatric home in Bida’’, she said.

Ogun

The General Manager, Ogun State Water Corporation,
Mrs Monsurat Agboola, says the corporation has introduced the use of water meters in the state.
Agboola made this known in Abeokuta while defending the corporation’s 2014 budget in the House of Assembly.
She said the corporation had started trial installation of meters to determine the water consumption of some select table and sachet water producers.
She added that the corporation would thereafter move on to installation of prepaid meters designed specifically for the water industry to determine the tariff applicable to them.

Osun

The Chairman, Osun State Technical Committee on
Federal Road Safety Commission, Prof. Joseph Fawole,has advised motorists to cultivate the habit of complying with traffic rules.
Fawole gave the advice in Osogbo during a road show conducted by the committee as part of its awareness campaign to warn motorists against road accidents this festive season.
The committee chairman said motorists should on their own be able to obey the traffic rules and regulations without having to be apprehended by law-enforcement agents.
Plateau

The Plateau State Government has been called upon
to checkmate middlemen who buy rice at very cheap rates and resell to consumers at exorbitant prices during food shortage.
The chairman, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RiFAN) in Plateau State, Mr Joshua Bitrus, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Jos recently.
“The middlemen often extort farmers by buying at very cheap rates and reselling to consumers at exorbitant prices during food shortages.
“It would be proper to include rice in the state government’s initiative in order to encourage farmers to continue to produce the commodity in large quantity and because of several advantages inherent in it,” he said.
Sokoto

The Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives
Committee on Water Resources, Mr Lasun Yusuf, said last Thursday that the Federal Government had spent more than N60 billion on water-related projects across the country this year.
Yusuf said this in an interview with newsmen in Sokoto on the sideline of the committee’s oversight visit in the state.
He said about N100 billion was earmarked for constituency projects in 2013, adding that the projects were located in the 360 federal constituencies nationwide.
“These projects include the provisions of motorized boreholes and their accessories, open-dug wells and tube wells, among others.

Zamfara

The Zamfara State Widows Association, says it
would take a legal action against the Hisbah Commission over an alleged meddlesomeness.
The Chairperson of the association, Hajiya Ladidi Lawali, issued the threat when she led members on protest against the commission over its pronouncement at the Emir’s palace in Gusau.
The commission had announced the removal of the founder of the association, Alhaji Sa’idu Koshe, as its leader.
Ladidi alleged that the commission had hijacked the affairs of the association from its founder which she described as injustice.

Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, placing the 2014 Budget proposal before the State House of Assembly in Yola, last Friday.

Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, placing the 2014 Budget proposal before the State House of Assembly in Yola, last Friday.

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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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