Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Governor-elect of Adamawa State, Bindo Jibrilla,
has solicited the support of the people of the state to enable him fulfil the promises made during campaign.
Bindo made the call when he received members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and different ethnic groups who paid him a courtesy visit in Yola on Saturday.
According to the governor-elect, running of government is not an individual matter or a matter for a particular group.
“I was elected as a governor but running government affairs is a collective responsibility that needs your intellectual support to deliver.
“I am a governor, you are the governed, and I cannot make it without your collective support’’, Bindo said.
FCT
The Zaymar Education Centre (ZEC) has advised
Muslim women all over the world to emulate the virtues of Nana Fatima, the daughter of prophet Muhammad (SAW), as the world celebrates her.
The co-odinator of the centre, Hajia Shifa Garba, made the appeal in an address of welcome during the celebration of late Fatima in Abuja on Saturday.
The theme of the celebration for this year; “Mother, the Axis of Unity,’’ is to commemorate the roles played by Fatima in the development of Islam.
Garba said; “the best of women, especially the one we are celebrating today, lived their entire lives within the limit of Allah (SWT).
“ They have achieved greatness through actions which even the best of men could not have equaled.
“ They have gained love and respect not only for those who knew them, but also for those who came to hear about them long after their time,’’ she said.
Gombe
No fewer than 2,430 students matriculated at the
Federal College of Education (Technical) in Gombe, on Saturday for the 2014/2015 academic session.
The Provost of the college, Dr Abass Gimba, said the college had provided all the facilities needed for effective teaching and learning.
According to him, workshop, laboratories, virtual library, computer centre are made available for you.
Gimba urged them to take advantage of the facilities to develop themselves.
He further said the college administration abhors all forms of bad behaviours.
“I will like to say in strong terms that we will not condone any form of anti-social activities from students.
“We will use all the available means at our disposal to effectively control erring students in order to curtail such bad behaviours,” he said.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Governor-elect, Malam Nasiru el-
Rufai, has called on the residents of Kaduna to shun religious sentiments and leave in peace with one another.
In a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday his spokesman, Mr Samuel Aruwan, said that he was determined to work with all residents of the state to restore its past glory.
He said that what the state needed was good governance and genuine development, urging the people to focus on these values.
“Our good people of Kaduna State, we are again grateful for the mandate you gave us on April 11.
“I am begging you in the name of Almighty God to live in peace and work together for a new Kaduna State.
Kano
The Kano State Government says it has approved
over N242 million for the payment of intending pilgrims’ accommodation in Saudi Arabia for the 2015 Hajj.
The Commissioner for Information, Hajiya Ladidi Garko, disclosed this at a press conference on the outcome of the state executive council meeting in Kano on Sunday.
She said the council had also approved over N26 million for the re-imbursement of tuition and other associated fees for 27 state-sponsored students in China.
“The council also approved N191.8 million for the settlement of outstanding debt in favour of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
“The council has also approved N10.6 million for the production of one million seedlings for the year 2015.”
Garko said that N15 million was also approved for pipeline extension and reticulation from Kwankwaso market to Sabon Garin Kwankwaso.
Kwara
Islamic cleric Khadijat Abdulsalam, has said the re-elec
tion of Abdulfatah Ahmed as governor of Kwara was another opportunity for the people to enjoy genuine dividends of democracy.
Abdulsalam made the remark at a special thanksgiving prayer for the peaceful conduct of the just-concluded general elections in Nigeria.
Abdulsalam, therefore, told wealthy individuals to always remember their creator and imbibe the spirit of alms giving to the needy.
Omolewa, wife of Kwara governor, organiser of the special prayer, thanked God for the successful elections and for the re-election of her husband.
Nasarawa
The Police Command in Nasarawa State has con
firmed the arrest of five suspected hoodlums who allegedly disrupted the ongoing re-run elections in Lafia-Obi Federal Constituency with firearms.
The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Manche Christopher, said the suspects were arrested by security operatives in Angwan Mangu while threatening the electorate at the polling unit.
Manche explained that the suspects had been taken to the state criminal investigation department for further investigation.
He warned that the police would not take it lightly with anybody attempting to disrupt the existing peace in the state.
The police spokesman said that the security agencies would ensure the smooth conduct of the re-run election in the constituency.
Ondo
The Ondo State Government says a strange disease
that has killed some people since its outbreak on April 15 in Ode-Irele, Irele local government area of the state, is not contagious.
The Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, made this assurance on Sunday at a news conference in Akure.
He said findings from post-mortem carried out on the victims and other laboratory tests revealed that the disease was neither epidemic nor contagious.
According to the commissioner, preliminary report shows that ethanol poison is found in the systems of all the victims.
“Our investigations revealed that the victims, who are commercial motorcyclists, gathered at some local joints to take alcoholic substance mixed with roots and some other local herbs on the eve of the outbreak of the disease.
“I can assure you that the disease is in no way contagious. The fact that none of the caregivers has contracted the disease has greatly underscored this point.
Sokoto
The Chairman of Katsina State Indigenes Associa
tion, Sokoto State chapter, Alhaji Aliyu Daura, has pleaded with the president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari to re-introduce the War Against Indiscipline (WAI).
He made the plea in a congratulatory message to Buhari made available to newsmen in Sokoto on Sunday.
According to him, the re-introduction of WAI will check the menace of various forms of indiscipline across the country.
He appealed to Buhari to also strive to ensure total eradication of corruption from the country, describing it as the bane of Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Daura further called on the president-elect to focus on ensuring the security of lives and property, especially the ongoing war against insurgency and other forms of criminality across the nation.
Taraba
The Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) on Saturday presented certificates of return to the three senators and six House of Representatives members-elect in Taraba State.
The INEC National Commissioner, Alhaji Nuru Yakubu, presented the certificates to them in Jalingo.
Those issued the certificates were Taraba Acting Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Danladi, Taraba North; Mr Emmanuel Bwacha, Taraba South; and Alhaji Bashir Barafa, Taraba Central.
The others were six House of Representatives members-elect.
Yakubu advised them to fulfil their campaign promises in order to attract development to the state.
He urged the people to support the commission to peacefully conclude the scheduled governorship run off slated for April 25.
Adamawa State Governor-elect, Senator Bindow Jibrilla (left), being presented with Certificate of Return by the National Commissioner of INEC in charge of Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba States, Dr Nuru Yakubu, during the presentation ceremony in Yola last Saturday. Photo: NAN
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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