Nation
THE STATES
Benue
A Makurdi Upper Area Court has sentenced a man, Salisu
Audu, 45, to three years imprisonment for house-breaking and stealing valuables.
In his judgment, the Magistrate, Ibrahim Mohammed, said that the convict failed to show any remorse to warrant the court being lenient.
“Having found you guilty of the charge of house breaking under Section 353 of the Penal Code, an offence which has no option of fine, you are hereby sentenced to 24 months imprisonment.
“For the offence of theft, you are to pay a fine of N5,000 or twelve months imprisonment in default.
“Both sentences shall run concurrently,” Mohammed said.
Borno
Senator Muhammad Ndume (PDP-Borno) last Tuesday
urged Nigerian political leaders to emulate late South African leader, Nelson Mandela, by playing positive roles in national development.
Ndume told newsmen in Maiduguri that Mandela was a hero, great man and a symbol of African pride.
“This is a man that showed commitment to the uplifting of human dignity with perseverance and integrity.
“People like Nelson Mandela should be in the first class seat if there is anything like that in heaven.
FCT
An Abuja-based lawyer, Mrs Maryam Uwais, has called
on Nigerians to adhere to the rule of law and protect the rights of citizens.
Uwais gave the advice in Abuja in an interview with newsmen on the sideline of an event to mark the International Human Rights Day.
According to her, adhering to the rule of law and protecting the fundamental rights of citizens is key to the growth of democratic governance.
“We must always respect the rights and dignity of other people, irrespective of their religion or ethnic background in the country.
Jigawa
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
in Jigawa State, said it rescued a newly-born baby girl abandoned on a roadside in Babura, near Dutse.
The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr Muhammad Gidado,told newsmen in Dutse that the abandoned baby was rescued in Babura local government area.
He said the baby was rescued on the outskirts of Babura town on Damu village road around 1.30 p.m.
The commandant said that the baby was in good health.
He said the baby had been handed over to the District Head of Babura for safe keeping while investigation continued.
Kaduna
Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says it collects
over N1billion monthly from the N700 million it used to collect from the sale of electricity to consumers within Kaduna and its environs.
General Manager in charge of the Kaduna State region of the company, Mr John Obaluju, made this known when the National Good Governance Tour team inspected ongoing work at the Mando
He said the improvement in revenue resulted from the investments by government in both generation and transmission facilities.
Obajulu said after the expansion of the sub-station, electricity consumers would enjoy improved power supply at a much cheaper rate.
Katsina
The Chairman of the Malumfashi Local Government Tran
sition Council in Katsina State, Alhaji Mansur Banki, has advised youths in the area to embrace irrigation farming.
He gave the advice in Malumfashi lastMonday during the disbursement of N2 million interest-free loans to 200 youths.
Banki, who cautioned the beneficiaries to shun violence, urged them to go to their respective family farms during rainy season and engage in farming.
He said that the involvement of youths in agriculture would not only boost food production, but also enhance the efforts of the government to achieve food security.
Kebbi
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development,
Hajiya Zainab Maina, has launched Widows Empowerment Scheme in Kebbi State.
The minister, who was in Birnin Kebbi for a two-day advocacy visit, distributed 1,000 refrigerators and 400 grinding machines to some widows.
During the distribution ceremony, she urged the beneficiaries to utilise the facilities to improve their economic status and support their children.
Maina commended the state government for appointing women in political offices and called for the implementation of the affirmative action by placing more women in government.
Kwara
The Chairman of Patigi Local Government in Kwara State,
Alhaji Uthman Mohammed-Ndako, has called for the inclusion of Nupe language in the Nigerian education curriculum.
Mohammed-Ndako made the call in Patigi at the launch of some textbooks written in Nupe by the Etsu of Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Chatta-Umar.
He said Nupe language, “as one of the paramount indigenous languages, would surely promote the cultural heritage of the people.’’
The chairman, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Shuaib Muazu, said the books would boost the basic techniques required in the writing and speaking of Nupe language.
Lagos
The Lagos State House of Assembly says it would ini
tiate a bill to provide legal framework to enhance the operations of vigilance groups in the state.
The Speaker of the House, Mr Adeyemi Ikuforuji, said this while receiving members of the Vigilance Group of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, who paid him a visit.
Ikuforuji said, “be rest-assured that the House will support you. Please continue to render your services without fear or favour. “We want to assure you that the house will support you which is a major reason for your visit.
Ogun
The Ogun State Government said it had earmarked N1.4
billion for payment of examination fees for students sitting for the West African School Certificate in 2014.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Segun Odubela, made the disclosure in Abeokuta while defending the 2014 budget proposal of the ministry at the House of Assembly.
Odubela said the money would take care of 54,944 final year senior secondary school students at the rate of N10,400 each.
“The money will also take care of the 70,000 final year Junior Secondary School students and the conduct of the Unified Examinations for secondary school students in the state.
Osun
An Ilesa Magistrate’s Court has remanded Abayomi
Ogundipe, 19, in prison custody for allegedly stabbing his friend, Itunu Folorunso, with a broken bottle.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Jimoh Mufutau, told the court that the accused committed the act on December 8, at 2.00 p.m. at Igbogi Street, Ilesa.
He said the accused was arraigned on a four-count charge of conspiracy to commit felony, breach of peace, unlawfully wounding Folounso and belonging to unlawful society.
Mufutau alleged that the accused conspired with others, now at large, to commit felony with the intention to cause the breach of peace.
Oyo
An Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan has sentenced two hospital clerks, Elizabeth Adesokan, 34, and Olufemi Idowu, 39, to four years in prison for stealing N6.9 million.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olusola Adetujoye, jailed Adesokan and Idowu after they were found guilty of conspiracy and stealing.
Adetujoye said the convicts were charged with conspiracy and theft of N6.9 million belonging to Ola Catholic Hospital, Oluyoro Oke-Ofa, Ibadan.
She said the prosecutor had proved his case beyond reasonable doubt, adding that the accused were guilty as charged.
Plateau
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Plateau State Command, said it had trained 320 officers in extensive weapons handling between January and November.
The Commandant, Mr Vincent Bature, told newsmen last in Jos Tuesday that the officers underwent extensive training in weapons handling, arms drills, combat craft, range classification and exercises. He said that out of the 320 officers, 20 were specially trained as Special Forces at the Nigeria Army Counter Terrorism Training School, Kachia in Kaduna State and the School of Armour, Kontagora in Niger State.
Nation
Cleric Preaches Love As Deputy Governor, Chief Judge Grace Wedding In PH
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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