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President Muhammadu Buhari (left) in a handshake with  Archbishop Anthony Obinna of Owerri Catholic Diocese during a meeting of the President with the leadership of Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa Abuja last Monday

President Muhammadu Buhari (left) in a handshake with Archbishop Anthony Obinna of Owerri Catholic Diocese during a meeting of the President with the leadership of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa Abuja last Monday

Adamawa

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is to deploy
medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other medical professionals to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps nationwide.
The Director-General of NYSC, Brig-Gen. Sule Kazaure, made this known while flagging-off the NYSC intervention programme at Damare IDPs camp in Yola.
Kazaure said that the deployment of NYSC to the camps was part of the scheme’s contribution to government’s efforts in assisting the IDPs.
“This programme, which is designed to bring succour to the inmates in this centre, is also intended to compliment government’s efforts towards provision of the welfare needs of members of IDPs nationwide.

FCT

A Kado Grade 1 Area Court has sentenced a 36-year-old
driver, Surajo Zailani, to two months imprisonment for possession of fake currency.
Zailani, a resident of Mpape in the FCT, had pleaded guilty to a one-count charge.
The presiding officer, Malam Abubakar Sadiq, however, gave him an option to pay a fine of N10,000.
Prosecutor Salisu Khaleel had told the court that Sanusi Mohammed of Utako village reported the matter at Utako Police Station on April 14.

Jigawa

The Jigawa State  Government has constituted a task
force to monitor petroleum products allocated to the state to ensure that they were not diverted.
The state’s Commissioner for Information, Youth and Sports, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, told newsmen  that the committee was set up at the last State Executive Council meeting.
Ibrahim said members were drawn from security agencies, ministries of commerce, information and finance.
According to him, the task force is headed by the Special Adviser to the state Governor on Security, retired Col. Muhammed Hassan.

Kaduna

The Kaduna Judicial Commission of Inquiry recently con
cluded its Public Hearing into the December 12 Shiite/Army clash in Zaria.
The Chairman of the Commission, Justice Muhammed Lawal-Garba announced the end of the public hearing at the panel’s sitting.
The commission had before winding up, heard submissions of the Commandant, Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria, Brig.-Gen. Christopher Musa and three other Commanders on their role during the clash.
Our correspondent  reports that a total of 150 memoranda were submitted to the panel, with testimonies and recommendations from stakeholders..
The Chairman said that the panel may receive other submissions when the need arises.

Kebbi

The Kebbi State  Government has said that it would train
105 youths on technical skill acquisition to enable them start a business of their own.
The Deputy Governor, Alhaji Samaila Yombe, made this known when he visited the state works school in Birinin Kebbi.
The school principal, Garba Danfulani said the youths would be trained on carpentry, automobile mechanic, vulcanizing and computer programming.

Kwara

A Kaiama Area Court in Kwara has dissolved a 14 year-
old marriage between Aishat and Sule Salihu over alleged husband’s rudeness to his mother-in-law.
Aishat, the plaintiff had sought a relief for the dissolution of the marriage that was blessed with three children.
She told the court that she filed the divorce suit as a result of a misunderstanding between her mother and the husband.
The plaintiff said her husband failed to show up for a reconciliation relief granted him earlier by the court.

Lagos

Governor  Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has
named Dolphin Park after the late Dr Tunji Braithwaite, in recognition of his contributions to the political development of Nigeria.
Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, made this known at a special service of songs organised by the Braithwaite family in Lagos.
He said that Braithwaite’s struggle for the emancipation of Nigerians and his daily agitation for improved living condition for the masses was commendable.
“The late Dr Braithwaite gave all his life to the betterment of the lives of the masses; on several occasions he had stood for and defended the rights of the common man.
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Nasarawa

A Mararaba Upper Area Court in Nasarawa State has
remanded a 22-year-old security man, Ayuba Linus, in Keffi Prison for alleged negligent conduct.
Linus, a resident of Abacha Road, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, was dragged to court by Rachael Doda of the same address on a three-count charge of negligent conduct, housebreaking and theft.
The presiding officer, Vincent Gwehemba, ordered the remand of the accused and adjourned hearing in the case until May 5.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Sgt. Stephen Kwaza, told the court that on April 22, the defendant allowed unknown persons now at large to break into the complainant’s flat.
Kwaza said that the unknown persons made away with some electronic items.

Ondo

An Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State, has
granted a 25-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Bayo Ikudaisi, N50,000 bail for alleged dangerous riding.
The magistrate, Mr Banji Ayeomoni, also asked the accused to produce two sureties in like sums and evidence of two years’ tax clearance.
Ikudaisi, of no fixed address, had pleaded not guilty to a three- count charge of dangerous driving, driving without driver’s licence and driving unregistered motorcycle popularly called ‘Okada’ on a public highway levelled against him.
The prosecutor, Insp. Zedekiah Orogbemi, had told the court that the accused on March 23 at about 3:00 p.m., along Okitipupa-Igbokoda Road rode on an unregistered Qlink motorcycle in a dangerous manner.

Oyo

The Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has said
that 2,500 women will receive free screening for cancer, diabetes, blood pressure and malaria through her Pet Project, “Future Assumed’’, in Ibadan on Thursday.
Buhari made the disclosure in Ibadan, when she visited Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Salisu Adetunji, in his palace.
She said that the screening had become necessary as it would enable them to know their health status early and improve their health.
She said breast and cervical cancer, blood pressure, diabetes and malaria were major killer diseases across the globe and could be prevented or managed through regular check-ups.

Plateau

The Plateau House of Assembly has extended the tenure of
the Chairmen of Management Committees of the 17 local government areas of the state.
This followed a motion moved at plenary session by the Majority Leader of House and the member representing Shendam constituency, Mr Henry Yenkwap.
Our correspondent, reports that the management committee chairmen, who were appointed in July 2015, have spent over eight months in office.
Our correspondent  also reports that the incumbent chairmen were appointed after those elected during the former PDP-led administration were ousted by Governor Simon Lalong.
Contributing to the motion, the member representing Mikkang constituency, Mr Na’anlong Daniel, urged the House to ensure that the management committee chairmen were accountable.

Sokoto

The Sokoto State Government and UNICEF have signed a
N2.09 billion agreement on a Joint Annual Work Plan in six key areas in the health sector.
Details of the plan, to be executed in 2016, indicated that the agreement would cover health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation and hygiene.
The plan is also expected to accelerate the realization of women and children’s rights to survive, develop, and participate in all activities toward progress and prosperity
According to a statement signed by Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s spokesman, Imam Imam, the state government will contribute N1.083 billion, while UNICEF will provide N 1.006 billion.

Yobe

A Gusau Magistrates’ Court has ordered for the remand of
one Yusuf Rabiu of Nasarawa, Damba Area, Gusau, for allegedly raping a married woman, Hassana Ibrahim of the same address.
Though the accused pleaded not guilty, the Magistrate, Alhaji Umar Abdulnasir, ordered that he should be remanded in prison custody.
The case was adjourned till May 11, for further mention.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Lawal Isah, had told the court that on April 4, while the complainant’s husband, Ibrahim Isah was away, the accused, armed with knife, flashed torchlight on the complainant’s face.
Isah said that the accused attacked and raped the complainant and also stole her cell phone, valued at N5,000 and escaped.

Zamfara

The Zamfara State office of the National Drug Law and En
forcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 63 suspects and confiscated 130.2 kolgrammes (kgs) of various illicit drugs in the first quarter of 2016.
Its commander, Mr Thomas Ejim, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the arrests of some suspected drug traffickers in Gusau.
Ejim said that the drugs found on them included 24.15kgs of cannabis sativa and 106kgs of various types of psychotropic substances.
According to him, 47 out of the 63 suspects arrested are being counseled by the command while 14 suspects had been convicted.

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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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