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Borno
The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), said it has trained 24 health workers in Borno State, on measures to prevent malnutrition among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.
UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, Mr Walton Beckley, said this on Thursday at the closing of a workshop on malnutrition for health workers in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Maiduguri.
Beckley explained that the training was to teach mothers and caregivers ways to utilise their meagre resources to provide adequate nutrition for the children.
He said also that the objective was to sensitise health workers in IDPs camps so they in turn could use the information to educate mothers on how to prevent malnutrition in their children or wards.

Ekiti
The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) is collaborating with the six states in the South West to improve healthcare delivery in rural areas.
The partnership manifested at the commencement of a three-day workshop on Tuesday at Ilupeju Ekiti for healthcare workers from Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti and Edo states.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the Social Mobilisation Technical Committee for UNICEF Assisted Programmes in Ekiti State, Mr Sunday Aribatise, explained that the objective of the workshop was to develop Nutrition Briefs for Primary Healthcare workers.
According to him, the collaboration was also aimed at promoting exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding at all levels.

FCT
Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) arrested 33,327 persons and secured the conviction of 4,406 persons for violating environmental laws between 2012 and 2016.
Head of Information and Outreach Unit of AEPB  Mr Muktar Ibrahim, disclosed this to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.
The information officer, however, said that the exact figure of persons who were arrested in 2013 could not be made available because of some factors.
Ibrahim said that the board had been educating FCT residents on the dangers of street hawking as well as other environmental violations.
He said that the board had collaborated with the Social Development Secretariat (SDS) of FCT Administration (FCTA) to effect the arrests.

Jigawa
The Comptroller, Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), Jigawa State  Command, Alhaji Magaji Ahmad, has commended the state government for renovating a satellite prison in Babura Local Government Area of the state.
Ahmad made the commendation on Wednesday when he paid a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Adamu Abdulkadir.
A statement issued by Alhaji Isma’il Ibrahim, media aide to the SSG, quoted Ahmad as also lauding Gov. Muhammad Badaru for the construction of a juvenile centre for rehabilitation of minors involved in criminal offences.
The statement said the comptroller had during the visit also acknowledged the allocation of a piece of land for the relocation of Birnin Kudu Satellite Prison in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area of the state.

Kano
The Kano State government has strengthened surveillance after recording cases of cerebral spinal meningitis  (CSM) and Lassa fever in some local government areas (LGAs), an official said Thursday in Kano.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Kabiru Getso, told newsmen that this has also led to government taking urgent measures to ensure proper control.
He said 20 suspected cases of meningitis were reported in eight LGAs, with only four of the cases being confirmed.
The commissioner listed the LGAs as Dala, Tarauni, Municipal, Tudun Wada, Gwale, Bebeji, Ungogo and Kumbotso. Getso further revealed that the state has also recorded two confirmed cases of Lassa fever in Tudun Wada LGA.

Katsina
Katsina State Government says it will collaborate with NGOs and Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) to sensitise its people on the dangers associated with the disease.
The Governor, Alhaji Aminu Masari stated this on Monday during the anniversary and book launch by the state Chapter of the DAN in Katsina.
“Government will partner with the organisations to carry out aggressive enlightenment campaign on how to curb the spread of diabetes disease in the state.
“The state government is ready to lead the organisations to embark on education of the citizens to be conscious of this killer disease.

Kebbi
Governor  Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has called on the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the menace of Almajiri and the clashes between herdsmen and farmers.
The governor made the appeal when he received a delegation from the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons led by its        Federal Commissioner, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq in Birnin Kebbi.    He also called for a lasting solution to the Almajiri system of education and ways of living.
According to the governor, the almajiri problem is a systemic problem that needs continuous attention of the Federal Government.

Kogi
Sen. Ahmed Ogembe, representing Kogi State Central, on Thursday, said he had trained to empower no fewer than 200 women and youths from five local governments in the Central Senatorial District of the state.
Ogembe told newsmen in Okene that the training for empowerment was intended to reduce poverty among the people in his district.
“It is my utmost desire to see that my people are happy and comfortable, especially in this period that our country is facing economic challenges. “This empowerment training is meant to make you independent, be job providers, rather than job seekers.

Lagos
Eight women believed to be sex workers, who allegedly solicited sex at a public place, were on Thursday brought before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
They were, however, released on N400, 000 bail.
The eight women,Jessita Nelson, 25; Chinyere Elon, 25; Cynthia Nwoke, 38; Taiwo Ali, 45; Abigal Moses, 29; Ifeanyi Okoro, 30; Chiwendu Anah, 40; and  Ivie Osasa, 25 are facing a charge of soliciting for immoral purpose.
They all denied the charge.  The Prosecutor, Sgt. Christopher Okoliko told the court that Nelson and Elon committed the offence on March 27 at about 12.30 a.m. on Babs Animashaun Road, Surulere, while the six others committed the offence on March 27 at about 12.00 .a.m. along Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Surulere.

Niger
The Federal Government has been urged to build water treatment plants in perennial rivers in rural areas to avert water borne diseases.
Dr Samuel Ibrahim, a senior lecturer in Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, made the call on Thursday in Lapai in an interview with newsmen.
Ibrahim, an expert in domestic water resources, Department of Geography and Regional Planning said that such treatment plant would be able to solve water problem among the rural dwellers.
“Rural dwellers are more vulnerable to epidemics because of poor quality of water at their disposal, “he said.
He explained that the water treatment plant would be veritable if built close to perennial rivers as a preventive measure against water borne diseases.

Oyo
An  Oyo State Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Iyaganku, Ibadan,  has remanded two men, Uba Opara, 35;  and Tunde Adepoju, 27;  in prison for alleged armed robbery.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Kehinde Durosaro, Tijani,  said the accused should be remanded in Agodi Prisons and the case file  sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions  for legal advice.
Durosaro-Tijani adjourned the case till  May 22.
The accused, whose addresses were not given,  are facing a two -count charge of conspiracy and armed robbery.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp Adewale Amos, had  told the court that the accused committed the offences with  others still at large on January 14, at about 2 .p.m.  at Taye Soyege Street, New Bodija, Ibadan.

Plateau
The Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has inaugurated 285 newly constructed classes in primary and junior secondary schools, as part of efforts to improve the quality of education.
SUBEB Executive Chairman,  Prof. Mathew Sule, while inaugurating some of the classes in schools located in the Northern Senatorial Zone, on Thursday, said that government was out to “balance quality and quantity”.
“We want to improve access to education without compromising quality,” he said.
The chairman said that adequate facilities were being provided to schools to improve the learning environment, and admonished teachers to always put in their best.

Yobe
Suspected cases of Cebro Spinal Meningitis (CSM) have been reported in Fika and Nguru Local Government Areas of Yobe State.
Dr Bello Kawuwa, the state Commissioner for Health, confirmed this to the newsmen in Damaturu , saying that the cases are under investigation.
“We are still investigating the cases to determine whether they are CSM; the outcome of the investigation will provide us with the true position,” he said.

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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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