Nation
THE STATES
FCT
Minister of Youth Development, Inuwa Abdul-Kadir has called for value orientation and reorientation for Nigerians.
Abdul-Kadir who made the call in Abuja said Nigerians below the age of 18 years should go for orientation, while those between the ages of 18 years and 35 years should go for reorientation as they fell within the definition of youth as stipulated in the National Youth Policy.
He said lack of orientation had made people not to obey laws because they did not value the laws.
Abdul-Kadir noted that the impunity with which Nigerians violated the law was not an exclusive preserve of public officials and that the trend had become a general societal problem that could only be addressed by looking inward and telling ourselves the truth.
Gombe
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Gombe State chapter, has condemned the killing of nine women on polio immunisation duty in Kano on Friday.
The Chairman of the association, Dr Jauro Degri, while briefing newsmen in Gombe, described the development as unfortunate considering the efforts made by various stakeholders in the country to eradicate the polio disease.
The chairman said that such attacks were capable of undermining the efforts by stakeholders toward the eradication of polio in the country.
Degri called for more measures aimed at protecting health workers and those involved in delivering healthcare services in the country.
He also urged Nigerians to support the National Health Bill, currently at the National Assembly saying, when passed it would go a long way in improving healthcare delivery to Nigerians.
Kaduna
Governor Muktar Yero of Kaduna State has said the government had provided N1 billion to empower youths under the Subsidy Re-investment Programme (SURE-P).
Speaking in Zaria at the inauguration of new executive members of National Youth Council of Nigeria, Zaria branch, Yero, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Yahaya Aminu, said the amount was meant to enable the youth in the state to get something doing.
The governor said the programme would train the youth on different trades, establish places of work and provide them with take-off grants, and urged youths to always promote peace in whatever they did to sustain the prevailing peace in the state.
Kano
Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso of Kano State has condemned the killing of nine polio workers in Kano.
Kwankwaso, who made the condemnation in a special broadcast, described the attack as shocking.
The governor condoled the state and the families of the victims and prayed for the souls of the deceased, assured the people that “government will not relent in its efforts to treat diseases such as HIV/AIDS, polio and malaria throughout the state’’.
He added that the administration would provide more educational and job opportunities to the teeming youths in the state.
Gunmen attacked some polio immunisation centres in Kano on Friday and in the process, killed nine female workers.
Kwara
The wife of Kwara governor, Mrs Omolewa Ahmed, has called on parents and guardians to give more attention to the education of their children and wards to secure their tomorrow.
Ahmed, who made the call in Ilorin in an interview, described education as a veritable tool for building a virile nation, advised parents to give their children home training.
She said that home training was the basic requirement needed “to turn around the future of the child and society for good.’’
“There is need for parents to redouble their efforts in giving quality education and home training to their wards in order to make them useful to themselves and the society at large. “The future of our children lies in how much love and concern we have for them and that behooves on us to discharge our responsibilities as expected,’’ she said.
Lagos
The Canadian International Trade Minister, Mr Edward Fast on Saturday called for the strengthening and growth of Canada-Nigeria relations in the area of education.
Fast who made the remark when he visited the International Learning Network (ILN) in Lekki, Lagos State, said that he would also hold discussions on other fundamental areas that would benefit both countries.
“I think most of you know that Canada has perhaps the highest quality and level of education in the world”. “I just want to say to all of you students and to your parents whoever you may be, you will feel at home in Canada and welcomed,” he added.
Ogun
The Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Bimbo Ashiru, says the current suspension on dredging activities in the state continues until operators comply with laid down regulations.
Ashiru stated this in Abeokuta at a meeting with members of the Sand Dredgers Association in the state.
The commissioner insisted that nobody could carry out dredging activities in the state until he had obtained necessary permit and approval from the state government.
Ashiru explained that anyone who intended to dredge in the state must seek and obtain an approval from his ministry.
Oyo
Former Minister of Sports, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, has told PDP members in Oyo State to be more committed to building the party.
Adedoja said in Ibadan that there was nothing more important than for members to do everything possible to make the party stronger.
He said the party had achieved remarkable progress in bringing everybody together in the state.
Speaking on speculations of his governorship aspiration, Adedoja said he was currently concerned with the welfare of members and less concerned about contesting an election.
Plateau
No fewer than 5,000 ghost workers are in Plateau civil service, Mr Yakubu Jang, the Special Adviser, Special Duties, to Plateau governor, has said.
Jang, who is chairman of the Biometric Data Capture Committee, authenticating the state’s 21,000 workers, made this known in an interview in Jos.
He said that 11,176 workers had so far been cleared and certified as authentic, adding that only those cleared would be paid the January salaries.
“We have set up an appeal panel to determine their cases. So at the end of the day, we may end up with about 16,000 workers. There is practically nothing about the other 5,000 “employees’’.
Sokoto
Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State, Alhaji Shua’bu Gambo, has called on officers and men of the command to be polite while dealing with members of the general public.
Gambo gave the advice in an interview in Sokoto .Gambo said that officers and men of the command had been taught, practically, on how to demonstrate courtesy while discharging their primary responsibility.
The police boss explained that, plain clothes security personnel had been deployed on foot patrols across the state to gather intelligence reports to boost the security situation in the state.
He also called on the people to avail police with useful information; about people of questionable movement to sustain the peaceful atmosphere the state was known.
Yobe
The police in Yobe confirmed the killing of three Korean health workers in Potiskum by unknown persons.
The Commissioner for Police in the state, Alhaji Sanusi Rufai, said in Damaturu that the health workers were killed in the early hours of Sunday.
Rufai said that the workers, three men and one woman were posted to the Potiskum General Hospital.
Sanusi explained that investigations had commenced to unveil those behind the murder of the expatriates.
In its reaction, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in the state condemned the killing of the Korean health workers.
Zamfara
A Magistrates’ Court in Gusau, Zamfara, has remanded two men in prison custody over alleged theft of 17 cows.
The accused, Muhammad Muhammad, 30, of Bakinwa village in Wanke near Gusau, and Umar Mareri, 30, of Mareri Area of Gusau, are facing a three-count charge of brigandage, conspiracy and theft.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Daniel Longwan, told the court that the three conspired on October 5, 2012, invaded and stole the herds of cattle belonging to one Yahya Mustapha of Kanwuri area of Gusau.
Longwan said that the accused persons stole the 17 cows, whose value was yet to be ascertained and disappeared, but were arrested by the police two days after the incident.
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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