Nation
Unemployment: Minister Tasks Youths To Be Serious
The Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Ms Josephine Tapgun, on Friday, advised the youth to go to school in spite of the “alarming rate of unemployment in the country”.
Tapgun spoke in Shendam, Plateau, at the palace of The Long Goemai, Hubert Sheldas, a first class traditional ruler.
Tapgun , a native of the area, who was on a thank you tour, decried the rising unemployment rate, but said that should not deter the youth from gaining education.
She said that the country, states and local governments could not develop without education for the youth as they were leaders of tomorrow.
“I was saddened when I came here and saw our girls roasting chicken on the streets while the young men roam around in search of nothing”.
“ I am here speaking to you in my capacity as a minister, because I have the basic knowledge of education which has propelled me to this status,’’ she added.
According to her, she will use her position to attract development to the area, while requesting for support from the people.
In an address, the Sheldas thanked the minister for the visit and said the entire Goemai nation of Shendam was solidly behind her.
He said the unemployment rate in the country was a serious issue , while steps would be taken to sensitise the youth on the positive points in acquiring education.
According to him, the problems encountered in the state is temporary, as it will be surmounted.
The Tide source reports that Tapgun later paid a private visit to the Catholic Bishop of Shendam Diocese, Most Rev. James Daman.
Nation
Cleric Preaches Love As Deputy Governor, Chief Judge Grace Wedding In PH
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
Firefighters battle New Year Day inferno in Abuja, several states
Nation
Enugu North LG chairman presents ?10.8bn 2026 Budget, prioritises roads …Security, Healthcare, Human Capital Development
-
Rivers17 hours ago
Rivers Police Commissioner Condemns Vigilante Group Over Aluu Attack
-
Business17 hours ago
Industrialism, Agriculture To End Food Imports, ex-AfDB Adviser Tells FG
-
Rivers17 hours ago
KALCCIMA Inaugurates New Executive Council … Pledges Renewed Drive For Kalabari Economic Growth
-
Business17 hours ago
Cashew Industry Can Generate $10bn Annually- Association
-
Politics18 hours ago
Bayelsa APC Endorses Tinubu For Second Term
-
Politics17 hours agoEFCC Alleges Blackmail Plot By Opposition Politicians
-
Politics18 hours ago
Datti Baba-Ahmed Reaffirms Loyalty To LP, Forecloses Joining ADC
-
Business16 hours ago
AFAN Unveils Plans To Boost Food Production In 2026
