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THE STATES

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Adamawa

 

The Adamawa Government plans to freight agricultural produce from Yola International Airport to other parts of the world, Gov. Murtala Nyako said on Wednesday.

Nyako disclosed this in Yola while declaring open a one week Agricultural Show tagged “Coping with Challenges in Agriculture to Ensure Food Security in Adamawa State”.

He said the plan, if well implemented, would enable the state to harness its agricultural potential and promote export to Europe and America.

Nyako also disclosed the government’s plans to construct warehouses at strategic locations in the state for the storage and marketing of farm produce.

 

Benue

 

The Benue Government said it awarded a contract of N4. 98 billion for the construction of the Greater Makurdi Water Works within the last three years,

 The Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, Mr John Ngbede, made this known in Makurdi on Wednesday,during a ministerial briefing to mark three years of Gov. Gabriel Suswam’s administration. 

He said out of the amount, N3.99 billion had been paid to Gilmor Engineering (Nig.) Ltd., the construction firm handling the project.

 

 

FCT

 

Special prayers were offered on Friday at the Abuja National Mosque for the repose of the soul of the late President, Umaru Yar’Adua as well as for peace and stability of the country.

Our correspondent  reports that thousands of Muslim faithful thronged the mosque to offer prayers for the late President.

Ustaz Musa Muhamad in his sermon, stressed the need to obey Allah’s command and be of good behaviour.

He reminded the congregation that “everybody is going to give account on his or her  deeds on the day of Judgment, no matter how highly placed.

 

Kaduna

 

The Kaduna State Directorate of Vehicles Inspection (VIO), has impounded 1,122 vehicles for various traffic offences in the last four months.    Mr Nehemiah Abet, the state’s VIO Director, told newsmen on Friday in Kaduna that the offences included over loading, use of extra lights and over speeding.    Abet disclosed that vehicles that were not roadworthy and motorists who drove vehicles dangerously were also arrested, with some facing prosecution.    He said the vehicles included articulated or heavy duty trucks, commercial cars and buses as well as private luxury vehicles.   

 

Kano

 

Kano State Government spent more  than N20 billion on agricultural development between 2003 and 2009, Alhaji Musa Shanono,  the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, said on Wednesday.

Shanono disclosed in Kano while declaring open the 4th bi-monthly meeting on the Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP).

He said  the investment was  demonstration of the government’s commitment to the improvement of food security, poverty reduction and farmers’ livelihoods.

 

 

Katsina

 

A former military governor of Kaduna State, retired AVM Muktar Mohammed, has advised President Goodluck Jonathan to give priority to security during his tenure.

He gave the advice on Friday in Katsina in an interview with newsmen shortly after condoling with the family of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Mohammed said the advice became necessary in view of the current security situation in the country.

He urged the president to put the issue of security as number one item on his agenda in order to save the country from unforseen circumstances.

Mohammed stressed that the issue of security was crucial to the socio-economic and political development of any country.

 

 

Kogi

 

The Ohiopisa Eiyire of Obehira Community in Kogi, Alhaji Idrisu Okeji, has appealed to his subjects not to revenge the recent attack on the community by Okengwe and Idoma communities.

Seven youhs of Obehira Community lost their lives in the attack in which more than 200 houses were burnt.

Okeji, who made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Ageva, near Okene on Wednesday, noted that there was need for peace to prevail among the neighbouring communities.

He said that although the invasion inflicted “great and incalculable damage to life and property,’’ he had commenced meeting with various interest groups on the need to leave vengeance to God.

The traditional ruler commended the police for establishing its presence in Ageva, stressing that the action would go a long way in curtailing crisis.

 

Kwara

 

The Kwara Government has approved the selection of a businessman, Alhaji Muftau Gbadamosi, as the new Olofa of Offa in Offa Local Government Area of the state. 

Alhaji Ahmed Makama, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, made the announcement in a statement on Friday in Ilorin.

The statement said the approval, which takes effect from May 6, followed the demise of the former occupant of the stool, Oba Olawore Olanipekun on February  11. 

 

Lagos

 

 Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has declared Force Majeure on Bonny Light lifting for May and June with effect from May 7.

A statement issued by the company’s spokesman, Mr Precious Okolobo in Lagos on Saturday, said that the declaration was as a result of production deferment from the leaks and fire incidents which occurred on the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) on May 5.

The statement said that several incidents were detected on the sections of the pipeline at Bodo West and Bera Gokana Local Government Area of  Rivers.

It added that preliminary investigations indicated that they were caused by crude theft activities, which made the company to shut down on May 5 to enable it carryout repair works.

 

Niger

 

Dr Isa Vatsa, Niger Commissioner for Water Resources, says the government has spent N284 million on water pumps to ease the water shortage in Minna and its environs.

Vatsa said this in Minna on Friday while speaking to newsmen.

‘’About N284 million was spent by the state government to buy 16 low lift water pumps for Chanchaga water works to ease the problem of water shortage in Minna and its environs,’’ he said.

He said that the pumps would be manufactured accordingto the specification of the state government.

The commissioner said that the pumps would supplement the four water pumps bought by the government earlier in 2010.

Vatsa said that more than N190 million would be spent in desilting Chanchaga dam reservoir in order to increase the volume of water supply to the public.

 

Osun

 

Osun lawmakers on Friday condoled with members of the family of the late president Umaru Yar’Adua and the Nigerian people over his death.

A cross section of the lawmakers, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Osogbo, said that it was unfortunate that death did not allow Yar’Adua to fulfill his desires for the country.

The speaker, Mr Adejare Bello, said “ judging by the late president’s humility, honesty, transparency and contentment, Nigeria has indeed lost a dedicated leader.“

 

Oyo

 

 With her motherly advice, the President of an Ibadan Grade C Customary Court, Mrs Ibijoke Adeleke-Gomes,  on Friday saved a 23-year-old marriage from crumbling.

Ramoni Bamidele, a pensioner, who filed for the divorce, had told the court that his wife, Funke, a trader, was very stubborn and that her attitude had changed negatively in the past two years.

 

Sokoto

 

 The Shagari Local  Government Council in Sokoto State has spent over

N72.4 million on the construction of 10 houses for traditional rulers in the area.

The Chairman of the council,  Alhaji Abdullahi Danjeka, disclosed this on Friday in Shagari, near Sokoto, when he received a team of journalists on a monitoring  visit of projects in the area.

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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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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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Enugu North LG chairman presents ?10.8bn 2026 Budget, prioritises roads …Security, Healthcare, Human Capital Development

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Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area in Enugu State, Dr. Ibenaku Harford Onoh, has presented a Ten Billion Eight Hundred Million Naira (?10.8bn) 2026 budget to the legislative council of the local government.
The budget, tagged “Budget of Continued Growth and Consolidation,” was presented on Wednesday during a plenary session attended by councillors, department heads, and other stakeholders.
Dr. Onoh explained that the 2026 budget is designed to consolidate achievements recorded in 2025 while scaling up development across the council’s 13 wards. Priority areas include road infrastructure, grassroots security, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, and digital governance.
He also reviewed the 2025 budget performance, highlighting significant revenue growth and successful completion of key projects. Notably, the council’s internally generated revenue more than doubled, attributed to the introduction of digital revenue collection platforms and other innovative measures.
Among the 2025 achievements, Dr. Onoh mentioned the reconstruction of major roads at European Quarters, Hilltop, Coal Camp, and Ukwa Street, Ihewuishi, as well as the upgrade of the local security architecture through the reorganisation of the neighbourhood watch into “The City Watch.”
On the 2026 budget, the chairman stated that projected revenue would come from statutory allocations, VAT, internally generated revenue, and counterpart funding through public-private partnerships.
He noted that capital expenditure would take the larger share of the budget, with over half allocated to the economic sector. Planned projects include:
Completion of transport terminals at Aria Market
Construction and reconstruction of urban roads
Establishment of two sports centres
Healthcare interventions
Youth skills development programmes.
Dr. Onoh emphasised that the projects, policies, and programmes outlined in the budget are aimed at complementing the initiatives of Governor Peter Ndubisi Mbah, who is setting standards for local government councils to follow.
Responding, the Leader of the Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Chizoba Nnamani, said the budget would be carefully scrutinised in the interest of residents before its passage.
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