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THE STATES

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Adamawa

Governor  Murtala  Nyako of Adamawa  State  has ap
proved the extension of the appointment of Justice Nathan Musa as the acting Chief Judge of the state.
Nyako also approved  the appointment of Alhaji Muhammed Alkali as the acting Grand Khadi of the state Sharia Court of Appeal.
The approvals were contained in a statement signed by the Adamawa Judiciary Head of Information, Mr Ishaya Lidawus, last Tuesday in Yola.
The statement said the extensions were in line with the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
“Both appointments were in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended,” the statement said.
Ekiti

A Muslim cleric, Alhaji Musbaudeen Yisah,  last Tuesday
urged Muslim faithful to be moderate in their celebration of the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir festival.
According to him, Muslims should use the period to serve Allah wholeheartedly and worship the creator in accordance with His command.
“It is against Islamic injunction to take loan or spend above  your limited resources for the celebration. Allah does not have interest in how much you expend  in buying rams but your commitment and sincerity of purpose,” Yisah said.
He noted that some people lay more emphasis on the celebration than the worship of Allah and doing His will and  appealed to Muslims to monitor the movement of their children and wards during  the  celebration to avoid unpleasant occurrences.

FCT

Justice Abubakar Umar of an FCT High Court last Tues
day ordered a Polish woman, Dora Gilmaska, standing trial over a N9 million scam, to appear unfailingly on November 14.
The judge gave the order after  the Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Samuel Ugwegbulam, said that the woman had for the second time, failed to appear in court.
The EFCC is prosecuting Gilmaska, the Executive Officer of Icon Media and Marketing Agency Limited, for allegedly forging and issuing a dud cheque of N9 million to one Tayo Olugbemi in 2012.
Her counsel, Mr Selekowei Larry (SAN), prayed the court for an adjournment to enable him trace her, electing that his client had not communicated to him, her reason for not being in court.
The judge, then adjourned the matter to November 14 for adoption of the final written addresses.

Gombe

Traditional rulers in Gombe State  last Tuesday promised
to reinforce their campaign against rape in the state to save the girl-child from being ruined.
They made the promise when members of the Child Protection Network (CPN), an NGO, and officials of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) paid advocacy visit to the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar, in Gombe.
The District Head of Bolari, in Gombe metropolis, Alhaji Garba Abubakar, descried the increasing cases of rope in the state.
Earlier, the Coordinator, CPN Kano, Alhaji Mohammed Ali-Mashi, urged the traditional rulers to take the campaign to their subjects and enjoined the traditional rulers to impress on clerics to preach against the menace in mosques, churches, naming ceremonies and other social gatherings.

Jigawa

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
in Jigawa State has said that it arrested a 45- year-old man for alleged fraud.
The State Commandant, Mr Muhammad Gidado, said that “the suspect had been duping people in Dutse and its environs”.
He alleged that the suspect paraded himself as a close associate of Jigawa and Kebbi States governors adding that the suspect promised to secure his victims contracts to supply 500 cars each to the Kebbi and Jigawa governments.
Gidado said the suspect told his victims that the money would be used to pay for his hotel and feeding allowances throughout his stay in the states to facilitate the contracts.
Kaduna

The Kaduna State House of Assembly has expressed
dissatisfaction with the level of sanitation in the state, saying the government must justify the N90 million it spends monthly on refuse disposal.
The House took the stand last Tuesday after reviewing the report of its committees on Environment, Natural Resource, Solid Minerals, Works and Transport as well as Land, Survey and Country Planing.
The Assembly had on September 25 mandated the committees to jointly evaluate the sanitation situation in the state following complaints from the public.
It said the state was too dirty and that the government needed to take action to justify the huge monthly expenditure on refuse evacuation and disposal.

Kogi

Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) last Tues
day said it had rehabilitated 300 km  out of 1, 630 km federal roads in Kogi.
The Director of FERMA in the state, Mr Kayode Emmanuel, said  in Lokoja that 225 km of the roads were awarded to contractors for rehabilitation.
According to him, the remaining 75 km were executed through direct labour by the agency and listed the roads rehabilitated to include: Itakpe-Ogaminana-Kabba road, Ajaokuta-Anyigba road, Anyigba-Otukpa road and Kabba-Okorogbede road.
The director said that all the Federal Government roads in the state were in good condition except Okene-Ajaokuta road, Kabba-Omuo-Ekiti road and Egbe-Kwara State boundary road which were in terrible shape.

Kwara

A bill seeking an amendment to the Area Court Law of
Kwara, 2006,  last Tuesday  passed  second reading in the state House of Assembly.
The bill was sent to the House in September by Governor  AbdulFatah Ahmed.
The motion for the second reading of the bill was moved by the Majority Leader of the House, Alhaji AbdulGaniyu AbdulKareem,  and seconded by Mrs Ebun Owolabi representing Ekiti Constituency.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Prof. Gana Yissa, who presided over  plenary, referred the bill to the House Committee on Judiciary, Ethics and Privileges for more inputs. He directed the House Committee on Business and Rules to monitor the progress on the bill.

Nasarawa

The National Association for the Blind, Lafia chapter in
Nasarawa State, has urged the state government to institute a scholarship scheme for its members.
The Chairman of the union, Malam Hassan Adogo,who  made the appeal in a statement last Tuesday in Lafia Adogo said members of the union needed scholarships to enable them to pursue studies that would make them become self-reliant later in life.
He said the blind had always participated in elections but never received any dividends of democracy when elected governments were inaugurated.
The scholarship, he added, would go a long way in helping many of its members to complete and even further their education.
Ogun

The Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST), Ogun territory, last
Tuesday said it had received 362,593 letters and parcels within eight months.
The Area Postal Manager, Mr Afolabi Mathias, said  in Abeokuta that emphasis was shifted from individual mailers to bulk mailers between January and August.
The manager said that the use of ICT had enhanced the services of NIPOST, adding that the Internet was, however, limited in the number of facilities provided.
According to him, the baggage on ground can not be sent by Internet and maintained that the post would continue to be relevant because people would continue to receive and send messages, especially hard copies.
He advised students to embrace the habit of writing letters to improve their writing skills, saying that the use of postal service would boost their writing skills.

Ondo

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation,
Chief Olu Falae, last Tuesday, urged members of the cc State House of Assembly to render selfless service to the people.
Falae made the remark in his Oba-ile residence in the state when the lawmakers paid him a condolence visit over the death of his son, Deji in the plane crash in Lagos last Thursday.
The Afenifere Chieftain appreciated the lawmakers over the Assembly’s nomination of his deceased son as a two-time commissioner under Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s administration.
In a remark, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Mr Dare Emiola, who led other lawmakers to Falae’s house, described Deji’s death as “rude shock and as a great loss to the people of the state.“
Sokoto

Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has directed
the Ministry of Finance to begin the payment of October salaries to the state civil servants.
A statement Tuesday  in Sokoto by the Senior Special Assistant to Wamakko on Media, Malam Sani Umar, said the directive was to enable the Muslims to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir slated for October 15, next tuesday.
It stated that the payment of the salaries should start  today.
‘’The governor has therefore, directed the state Ministry of Finance to ensure that the salaries are paid latest by Friday. ‘’The measure is meant to assist the civil servants to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir comfortably with their families,’’ the statement added.

Yobe

Yobe State Livestock Pilot Development Programme, Dr
Mustapha Gaidam, said 5.2 million livestock had been vaccinated against various diseases since 2009 in the State.
Mustapha said  in Damaturu on Saturday that the state was now targeting 1.7 million cattle, sheep, goats and dogs in the 2013 mass vaccination.
He explained that 800,000 herds of cattle were to be vaccinated against Contagious Bovine Pleuro Pneumonia (CBPP) and Black Quarter (BQ).
“Also, 900,000 sheep and goats will be vaccinated against pest de petit ruminantes and 2,500 dogs will be vaccinated against rabies”, he said.

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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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