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FCT
The U.S. Government has been urged to urgently supply
arms to the Nigerian military to effectively fight Boko Haram terrorists.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Civil Society and Donor Agencies, Prof Ini Udoka, made the appeal in Abuja on Monday.
He spoke during the signing of 9.2 million dollars grant to 15 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria by the U.S. Government.
His remarks came against the backdrop of Monday’s attack on a school in Potiskum, Yobe by the Boko Haram sect, in which several students were killed.

Kaduna

President Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday, advised
Nigerians to emulate the legacies of the Premier of Northern Region, late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto.
Jonathan made the call during the inauguration of the new secretariat of Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna.
He said the late premier lived a life of sacrifice and dedicated his life to the development of the region and the country.
Represented by the Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Kabiru Turaki, Jonathan said that the Sardauna was a visionary leader who helped to industralise the region during his tenure as premier.
Katsina

Senator Ibrahim Ida, a Katsina State PDP governorship
aspirant, said on Monday in Abuja that the party would lose the state in 2015 if an unpopular candidate was imposed on the people.
He stated this on Monday in Abuja when he led a group of five PDP gubernatorial aspirants from the state on a protest to the party‘s National Working Committee (NWC).
Ida was a former Deputy Governor of Katsina State.
The other aspirants include Alhaji Tukur Jikamshi, Alhaji Gide Yar’Adua, Alhaji Ahmed Yar’Adua, Alhaji Kabiru Barkiye and Alhaji Mohammed Khalil.
He added that though Katsina was a stronghold of the PDP in the North West zone, it was also the home state of leading members of the opposition.
“Therefore, for the party to succeed in the 2015 general elections, it must field a popular and acceptable candidate,’’ he said.

Kwara

Alhaji Hakeem Lawal, son of former Kwara State Governor,
late Admiral Mohammed Lawal, has promised to make life more abundant for the people of the state if elected as governor in 2015.
Lawal, who is contesting the governorship ticket under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the promise on Monday during an interview with newsmen in Ilorin.
He said though he was from a well grounded political family, the need to have things done differently for the progress and rapid development of Kwara informed his bid to contest for the governorship ticket.
“I am in politics to contribute my quota to the development of Kwara and make things done differently,” Hakeem said.

Lagos

An Ikeja High Court on Tuesday remanded a Togolese,
Benjamin Sunday, in prison for allegedly stabbing one Gbenga Adigun to death with a broken bottle.
Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye remanded the 18-year-old accused at the Kirikiri Medium Prisons, Apapa, after his arraignment by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Our correspondent reports that Sunday, who lives at No. 4, Haruna St., Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos, is facing a one-count charge of murder.
The state prosecutor, Mr Akin George, said Sunday committed the offence on June 2, 2013 at Harmony Estate, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos.
George said that a dispute between the accused and Adigun degenerated into a fight and the former thereafter stabbed his opponent with a broken bottle, which led to his death.

Niger

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger said that 15
female aspirants shown interest to contest for various political offices in 2015 in the state.
Alhaji Hassan Shaba, Publicity Secretary of the chapter, announced this on Monday in an interview with newsmen in Minna.
He said that the aspirants would be given equal opportunity like their male counterparts, adding that the party was ready to support and guide them.
‘’As part of the party’s philosophy, female aspirants will be supported to contest with their male counterparts. We will not allow anything to hinder their vision of positive contribution.

Ondo
The Fourth Alteration to the 1999 Constitution has
gone through the second reading at the Ondo State House of Assembly.
The house, which was presided over by the Speaker, Jumoke Akindele, said a letter was sent to the house by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa, to the state parliament to deliberate.
The two arms of National Assembly, comprising the Senate and House of Representatives, had earlier discussed critical areas of the constitution and made some amendments.
They include autonomy for local governments, separation of office of minister of justice and attorney general of the federation, establishment of House of Assembly Service Commission and independent candidacy.
Plateau

Sen Gyang Pwajok last Monday expressed “deep
disappointment’’ over the  disappearance of voters’ records in 161 polling units in Jos North Local Government Area and advised INEC to revert to manual registration.
Our correspondent reports that voters, who went to the affected polling units to collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs), returned home disappointed as there were no INEC officials at the units.
The commission’s officials later explained that the records had been completely wiped out.
“It is inconceivable that such an important data can be completely wiped out without appropriate back-up after it had been relied upon for several elections,’’ Pwajok said
He made the statement when he visited the INEC office of the local government area to lodge his constituents’ complaints.
He suggested that the manual register be kept as a handy back-up so as not to disenfranchise the “more than 110,000 voters’’ whose records had been wiped out.

Taraba
Alhaji Babaji Buba, the Chairman, Local Miners Association, Nguroge, Taraba State, last Tuesday appealed to the state government to provide amenities in the mining village in the area.
Buba told newsmen at Sardauna, that the miners were in dire need of a health centre, potable water and telecommunications network.
He said that the provision of these amenities in the “Blue Village” would boost the morale of the miners to be more productive.
The chairman noted that the discovery of the mine in December 2013 had provided a source of employment to the teeming youths, thereby increasing their income and reducing crime rate in the area.

Yobe
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has expressed
outrage over the bombing of the Government Technical Science College, Potiskum, Yobe, by a suicide bomber dressed as a student of the school.
Atiku, in a statement by his Media Officer, Malam Garba Shehu, on Monday, said that the latest bombing was needless.
According to the statement, the deaths of young and promising Nigerian school children underscored the need for the government at all levels, elders and opinion leaders to find a permanent solution to the problem of insurgency.
It noted that the tragic incident was not the first time that innocent young people were subjected to violence and untimely death in their quest to get an education.

Governor  Sule Lamido of Jigawa State (right), receiving the chairman, Governing Council of  Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Alhaji Mustapha Jumare in Dutse, recently.

Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State (right), receiving the chairman, Governing Council of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Alhaji Mustapha Jumare in Dutse, recently.

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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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