Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Mr Bala Ngilari, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for approving N17 for the flood-ravaged states.
Ngilari told newsmen in Yola on Thursday that the fund would go a long way in assisting the affected states to address some of the challenges facing the internally-displaced persons .
Ngilari who is also the Chairman, Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), said:”We are happy with the inclusion of Adamawa in category “A” states which are to receive N500 million each.”
While also commending the president for embarking on visits to the affected states, Ngilari said:” This step taken by the president is a pointer to his show of concern and appreciation of the magnitude of the problem.”
Benue
President Goodluck Jonathan last week in Makurdi said the Federal Government would distribute a variety of improved seedlings to farmers displaced by flood in Benue State.
The President stated that in Makurdi during an assessment tour of the flooded areas in Benue.
Saying funds for the purchase of the seedlings would be released to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture by the coming week to enable the displaced farmers get back to their farms as quickly as possible.
The president regretted that some of the seedlings that were distributed to farmers failed to produce the desired yields because they were incompatible with the soil texture
FCT
The Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, says only peaceful co-existence, selflessness and obedience to Allah and the laws will take Nigeria to the promised land.
This is contained in a message signed by his Special Adviser (Media), Uche Anichukwu, to the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid-El-Kabir.
Ekweremadu noted that “the essence of life is obedience to Allah as well as service and love to both Allah and humanity’’.
He observed that corruption, greed, and willful disobedience to Allah and the teachings of the prophets were largely responsible for the many challenges facing the nation.
Kano
Fagge Local Government in Kano State has emerged the best council out of the 44 councils in the just concluded 5th Round of Polio Immunisation in the state.
In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Communication to the Governor, Malam Halilu Dantiye, and made available to newsmen in Kano, Kura Local Government came second.
The third position went to Dawakin Kudu Local Government while Doguwa Local Government took the fourth position.
Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, who presented trophies to the councils, said that the measure was aimed at encouraging the local governments to give special attention to polio eradication.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has earmarked N85 million for the construction of additional nomadic primary schools to encourage education among the children of the nomads.
Alhaji Nasiru Masama, the Senior Special Assistant on Fulani Matters to Governor Saidu Dakingari, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that the schools would be strategically located.
He said that additional primary schools would be established this year in collaboration with the State Universal Education Board (SUBEB), adding that qualified teachers would also be recruited for the new schools for early commencement of learning as well as supply learning materials in consonance with current school curriculum.
Kaduna
Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State has advised the beneficiaries of the Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWin) on judicious utilisation of their funds.
Yakowa gave this advise through his deputy, Alhaji Mukhtar Yero, when the beneficiaries of the programme, paid him a courtesy visit in Kaduna.
He commended them for emerging as winners in the first batch of the programme among the 24,000 applicants nationwide.
The governor cautioned them on proper investment of their funds for improvement in economic status of the nation, as well as creating job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths and women.
Katsina
Prices of rams went down in Katsina State, two days to Ed-el-Kabir celebrations.
This is the outcome of market survey conducted in Kaita, Katsina, Dankama, Mai’adua, Jibia, Charanchi, Mashi and Kafur markets, in the state last Wednesday.
The survey revealed that this year, prices of the animals ranged from N19, 000 to N50, 000 as against N25, 000 to N60, 000 last year.
Many of the ram sellers, who spoke, on the issue attributed the development to the general cash crunch in the country.
Lagos
Against the background of the recent devastating flood in parts of the country, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised states to develop their respective flood preventive, mitigation and response strategies.
Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, the South-west Zonal Information Officer of NEMA, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Lagos.
Farinloye observed that the South-west Zone of the country was partially flood-free this year due to the positive response of the respective state governments to early warning issued by the agency.
Niger
The Chairman, ‘Miyetti Allah’ in Niger State has appealed to Governor Babangida Aliyu of the state to provide cattle rearers in the state with properly gazetted lands.
Alhaji Ismaila Ahmed, the Chairman of the association, said that if grazing lands were provided for their cattle, clashes between nomads and farmers would be prevented.
Ahmed who made the call during the launch of the livestock and pets vaccination campaign in Minna noted that farmers had taken over the land promised Fulani cattle rearers for pasture.
“Providing us with a permanent and properly gazetted pastoral land for rearing and grazing our herds will forestall future dispute between Fulanis and farmers in the state“.
Ogun
Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state has compensated the families of the five slain policemen in the October 22 robbery attacks in Abeokuta and Ibafo with N2.5 million.
Represented by Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, the Secretary to the State Government, Amosun disbursed N500, 000 cash to each of the widows.
According to him, the money is to take care of the burial expenses, and pledged additional N1 million to each of the widows after the burial.
“We commend and salute the bravery of these gallant officers. Even in death, we remain grateful and indebted to them and to the Ogun State Police Command.
“At this point in time, our thoughts and prayers are with the widows, the children and immediate families of these fallen heroes.
Osun
The Osun State Police Command has assured Osun residents adequate security, during and after the Ed-el-Kabir celebrations.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Mrs Folasade Odoro, on Thursday in Osogbo.
The statement said that the public had nothing to fear because men of the command were up to the task of protecting lives and property.
The statement also appealed to residents to always give prompt information that could aid the police in tracking down suspected criminals.
Plateau
Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau on Wednesday advised the military to concentrate on its duties and “stay totally away from politics’’.
Jang gave the advice when he received members of the national good governance tour team, led by the Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, in Jos.
He said he had experienced leadership under civilian and military regimes and had found civilian leadership as ideal for the country.
“Nigerians will benefit more from a democratic dispensation and that is why I have always advised my younger colleagues in the army that governance is not for the military,’’ he said.
Zamfara
Floods destroyed food and cash crops estimated at more than N1billion in seven local government areas of Zamfara State, Alhaji Bello Na-Allah, Director of Information of Zamfara Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA), has said.
Na-Allah told newsmen in Gusau on Thursday that the destruction occurred between August and October in Gummi, Shinkafi, Maradun, Gusau, Maru, Kauran Namoda and Anka local government areas.
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
2027: APC Chieftain Predicts Tinubu’s Victory …Says Bayelsa Stakeholders Supporting President en masse … IPAC Knitted Together, Working In Synergy With His Office
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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