Nation
THE STATES
Gov. Abiola Ajimobi (left) of Oyo State Congratulating Acting Chief Judge of Oyo State, Mr Mukhtair Abimbola, during his swearing-in in Ibadan recently. Photo: NAN
Bauchi
The Bauchi State chapter of the Buhari Cam
paign Organisation has pledged to buy nomination form for Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to contest the 2015 presidential election on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Coordinator of the Nigerian Solution Network Group, Dr Danjuma Dabo, made the disclosure in Bauchi during a solidarity rally in support of Buhari.
Dabo said whether Buhari was willing to contest in the 2015 polls or not, the organisation would source for fund to foot both the campaign bills and purchase the nomination form for him.
The coordinator of the group, who said that the N27 million fee for the purchase of nomination form was too high, added that it was above Buhari’s financial capability.
Borno
The Borno State Government has appealed to
West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) to release the results of its candidates who sat for the 2014 examinations.
The Permanent Secretary, state Ministry of Education, Alhaji Mohammed Kauji, made the appeal in Maiduguri while briefing newsmen recently.
Kauji said that the state had cleared all the outstanding registration fees for the candidates who sat for the examinations in the state.
He expressed dismay over the inability of the candidates to access their results since it was released.
“I want to plead with both WAEC and NECO to release the result of Borno candidates who sat for the 2014 examinations.
FCT
The wife of the Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican
Communion), Mrs Nkasiobi Okoh, has said that women of the church will participate fully in the 2015 general elections.
Okoh, who is also the President of the Mothers’ Union/Women’s Guild, the women’s organisations of the church said this in Abuja in an interview at the end of a two-day conference of the Abuja Diocese during which the maiden edition of the women’s magazine was launched.
She said that the women had been duly sensitised on the importance of participating in the elections and that they were poised to take active part in the exercise.
She said that the women had also been admonished to also ensure that all members of their families who were of age, exercised their franchise.
Gombe
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State
has expressed satisfaction with his performance in the last three and a half years of administering the state.
Dankwambo stated this in an interview with newsmen shortly after his return from Hajj.
He said that his administration had delivered a lot of democracy dividends in the state as it was testified by people in the state.
According to him, at the time of his electioneering campaign in 2011, he did not promise anything to the people of the state.
He said, however, having reviewed his performances so far; he was satisfied with his achievements.
Kabbi
The Kebbi State Government has approved the
release of N144 million for the revival of the state-owned Neem Tree processing and transformer manufacturing companies. Governor Saidu Dakingari stated this when he received a delegation of the state’s elders’ consultative forum, led by Justice Usman Mohammed, in Birnin Kebbi State. Earlier, Mohammed said the body called for the revival of the ailing industries to provide employment, attract investors, generate revenue, and promote industrial development of the state.
He said findings by the forum showed that N90 million was required to revive the transformer manufacturing company while Neem Tree processing industry needed N54 million.
Kwara
An economist, Mr Adekunle Oyinloye, has urged gov
ernment to give more attention to the welfare of teachers to improve learning. Oyinloye told newsmen in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, that adequate incentives would spur the teachers to give their best to improve students’ performance. Oyinloye, also the Managing Director, The Infrastructure Bank, Abuja, said such incentive became necessary so as to give the teachers a sense of belonging to do more. The banker described the teaching profession in the yesteryears as one of the respected within the public service, especially at the grassroots, saying that the contrary was the case nowadays. The issue of improving the capacity of Nigerian teachers to me has become a kind of misnomer priority to both the government and communities.
Niger
Senator Zainab Kure (PDP-Niger South) and other as
pirants have picked expression of forms to contest various positions in the 2015 general election.
Mr Tanko Beji, the state PDP Deputy Chairman, disclosed this yesterday in an interview with newsmen in Minna.
Beji said that those interested to run for the polls under the party have purchased their forms, adding “many aspirants are still coming forward.”
“It is a general law that those aspiring for a position either at federal or state level must purchase a form and must meet the requirement for such position ahead the slated date for the election.
“Let this also be a notice to those with ambition to run for any seat either at federal or state level to come and purchase their forms because time is not on their side.
“As you can see, quite a number of people are here to collect their forms, and more are still coming,” he said.
Ogun
The Ogun State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board has
commenced screening of candidates for the 2014 Holy Pilgrimage to Israel, Greece and Rome.
The screening took place at the board’s secretariat in Oke-Mosan in Abeokuta.
The Chairman of the board, Bishop Julius Ogunseye, said at the venue of the screeming that the exercise was to ensure a hitch- free pilgrimage.
He explained that the board needed to ascertain the health status of the intending pilgrims so as to prevent any medical challenge.
Sokoto
GovernorAliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State, has said
that more than 1,500 students were sponsored by his administration to undergo various training in universities abroad.
Wamakko made the disclosure in Sokoto at the end of the annual national leadership training course of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN).
He said his administration had trained more than 20,000 unemployed youths in various vocational skills between 2007 and 2014.
The governor, who was represented by Alhaji Harande Mahe, the Special Adviser to Wamakko on Security Matters, said the students would be part of the human capital for repositioning of the state.
He added that “the more than 20,000 youths were trained in various forms of vocational skills to make them productive to themselves and to the society.
Taraba
Taraba State Acting Governor Garba Umar said that
he never declared ailing Governor Danbaba Suntai missing.
Umar offered the clarification in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kefas Sule, and issued to newsmen in Jalingo.
The statement explained that Umar simply told journalists that he was yet to set his eyes on Suntai since he returned from the medical trip abroad.
“The attention of the acting governor has been drawn to the screaming news headlines purporting that he has declared Suntai missing.
“Umar hereby places on record that at no time did he declare his boss missing, he simply said he was yet to see him since he returned from medical trip to London,” the statement read in part.
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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