Connect with us

Nation

THE STATES

Published

on

Abuja

Alhaji Saad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto on Thursday in Abuja, urged Nigerians to stand against instability in the country.

Abubakar made the call in a seminar organised by Nigeria Women of Faith Network on “The Role of Women of Faith in Peace Building in our Community”.

Our correspondent reports that the seminar was organised by both Muslim and Christian women towards building peace and unity among members of the two religious bodies.

Represented by Alhaji Mohammed Liman, Magajin Garin Nupe, the Sultan said that the traditional institution in Nigeria was always in the fore front in any war against violence and social insecurity.

“We recognise that government cannot bring about any social or economic development in a situation of social instability; we must therefore, individually and collectively fight this menace.

“All hands must therefore be on deck, Federal Government, state governments, local governments, civil societies, and NGOs.

 

Abuja

The International Institute for Coordinated Research (IICR) says it is collaborating with the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) to introduce organically grown crops in the country.

Prof. Agnes Onyeagba, the Director of the Institute stated this on Thursday in Abuja.

She said the introduction of the organic crops became necessary as it was observed that many people in the country were not feeding properly.

The director identified sweet corn as one of the organically grown crops and said it was different from other species of corn.

“What we are collaborating with NABDA here is to produce those organic things like, right now on the farm, we have a small demonstration farm here, growing sweet corn off-season, using gravity BP irrigation to grow sweet corn.

“It’s the first organically grown sweet corn in this country and we intend to grow other things like wheat organically.”

 

Kaduna

Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State has charged this year’s Polo Organising Committee to preach peace and engage youths in sporting activities.

The governor made the call Thursday while receiving Alhaji Hassan Hadejia, the Life President of Kaduna Polo Club, who led the management committee of the club on a visit.

“You are all men of influence, clout in your various places of living and can play influential role in bringing peace and normalcy to Kaduna so that the state can grow.”

Yakowa said peace and security were needed for the fans to enjoy the tournament in the state.

He advised the club to engage the youths in polo competitions and other sporting activities to reduce youth restiveness.

 

Kwara

Worried by the intake of illicit drugs by youths in Kwara, the State Assembly has urged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and security operatives to clamp down on sellers and users.

The House in a resolution, which followed a motion sponsored by the Majority Leader, Abraham Asaolu, stated that the move was imperative in view of the health and social implications of consuming illicit drugs.

It frowned at the availability of illicit drugs such as marijuana, saying they were capable of threatening the security of the state.

According to the House, the consumption of illicit drugs has detrimental effect on the health and well being of users.

 

Lagos

The Minister of State for Health, Dr Muhammad Ali Pate, has said that effective family planning can reduce maternal and child mortality by as much as 30 per cent.

He spoke at the launch of an initiative on “Strengthening Private Sector Family Planning and Reproductive Health”, on Thursday in Lagos.

Pate, who said that the provision of family planning services was key to promoting maternal and child health, noted that over the years such services had received little attention because of competing priorities.

However, Pate said that the Federal Government’s 2010 – 2015 National Strategic Health Development Plan prioritised integrated health service delivery, included family planning.

He was represented by an aide, Dr Labaran Ibrahim.

The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Terence McCulley, said the low use of family planning methods needed the private sector’s involvement to complement the government’s efforts to provide quality family planning and reproductive health services.

 

Nasarawa

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of “A” Division at Mararaba in Nasarawa State, Mr Aliyu Haruna, has expressed his disappointment over “undue delays” in convening the division’s Police/Community Relations Committee (PCRC) meetings.

Haruna, who was speaking with newsmen recently on Thursday, described the situation as “unhealthy.”

“The community meeting was last held sometime in 2011 and since the beginning of this year, stakeholders have not made any appreciable move to convene the joint community meeting.

“There is need for regular meetings of the committee because without the interractions, how do we review the crime and security situations of the area and plan ahead?” the DPO asked.

 

Osun

The Osun Government on Thursday charged the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP) to intensify efforts in curbing human trafficking.

The State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Wefare, Mrs. Mofolake Adegboyega gave the charge in Osogbo while playing host to Mr Tunde Odetunde, Head, NAPTIP South West.

The commissioner expressed worry that cases of human trafficking as well as child abuse and labour had become rampant, especially in Ejigbo and Kajola Local Government Areas.

 

Oyo

The President, Jericho Business Club (JBC), Chief Tunde Aboderin, has called on NGOs and social clubs in the country to assist rural communities.

Aboderin said this on Thursday at Elekuro area of Ibadan while inaugurating borehole projects donated by JBC at Apabiekun and Sagbe communities.

He said the assistance should be through the provision of basic facilities that would improve the standard of living of the people.

Aboderin stated that the borehole initiative was aimed at providing comfort for rural communities and to complement government’s efforts.

According to him, the provision of social amenities in areas where there is absence of government presence is rewarding and necessary.

Our correspondent reports that the JBC, which was established 10 years ago, comprises 80 businessmen who are indigenes of Ibadan.

 

Sokoto

Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has re-appointed Alhaji Sahabi Gada as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The Tide source reports that Gada was the immediate past Secretary to the State Government.

Wamakko, who also swore in the new government scribe on Thursday, described Gada as “honest and hard working.”

“His office is very crucial to the daily operations of the state government and he has been discharging his duties diligently and honestly in the last five years.’’

Wamakko said that Gada was required by the new administration to further move the state forward.

The governor said that Gada’s re-appointment was in line with the provisions of the constitution of the nation, and promised that “other appointments will follow suit.’’

Meanwhile, Wamakko has promised that the three arms of the government in the state would continue to cooperate with each other with a view to moving the state forward.

He spoke on Thursday in Sokoto when he received the members of the State House of Assembly who paid him a congratulatory visit.

Wamakko said that the “rosy relationship” which he enjoys with the state lawmakers “is for the good of all the people of the state.’’

The Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Aliyu Tureta, who led the lawmakers on the visit, said he would sustain the existing cordial relationship between the executive and the legislative arms of the government.

Continue Reading

Nation

Cleric Preaches Love As Deputy Governor, Chief Judge Grace Wedding In PH

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Nation

2027: APC Chieftain Predicts Tinubu’s Victory  …Says Bayelsa Stakeholders Supporting President en masse  … IPAC Knitted Together, Working In Synergy With His Office

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Nation

Firefighters battle New Year Day inferno in Abuja, several states

Published

on

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.
Continue Reading

Trending