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Adamawa

The Chairman, Adamawa State House of Assembly
Committee on Public Accounts, Mr Wafarninyi Theman, said yesterday that the House was poised to check leakages in the state’s revenue generation capacity.
Theman told newsmen  in Yola that a recent probe of the activities of the state revenue generating ministries and parastatals by his committee was in line with the house’s commitment to that effect.
He said the committee had made startling discoveries such as non remittance of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) deductions amounting to over a billion Naira by local government councils in the state.
“We are now on the councils’ necks and about seven local government councils out of 21 have so far complied in remitting their PAYE, though seven out of 21 is not fair enough,” he said.
Theman said the committee would work closely with the Office of the state Accountant-General, to ensure discipline in government’s financial operations.

Borno

The Dangote Foundation has flagged off an
empowerment scheme for the poor in Maiduguri, aimed at distributing N10,000 cash each to about 54,000 indigent persons in Borno.
The Managing Director of the foundation, who performed the ceremony, Dr Adhiambo Odaga, said that it was part of their poverty alleviation programme.
Odaga said that the foundation was collaborating with a non-governmental organisation, Support for Widows, Orphans and Tsangaya children (SWOT).
SWOT is the pet project of Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, the wife of the Borno governor.

FCT

The Senate President, David Mark, has pleaded with the
striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to return to work.
Mark made the plea while commissioning a lecture theatre donated to the School of Management Sciences at the Kano State Polytechnic by Sen. Kabiru Gaya.
This is disclosed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Paul Mumeh, in Abuja.
Mark said calling off the strike would salvage the already battered education sector from further deterioration.

Gombe

The Catholic Bishop of  Bauchi Diocese, Most Rev.
Malachy John-Goltok, has urged Christians to use the Christmas season to reconcile with one another.
John-Goltok made the call in his sermon during the dedication of the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Tumfure, Gombe.
The cleric said that the Christmas season, which reflected the coming of Jesus Christ into the world, should not be for merry-making alone but also a period for reconciliation with one another and God.
“As we enter the advent, Christmas is a time of preparation; spiritual preparations; not just bothering with what we will eat or the cars we will drive.

Kwara

Oba Raphael Sunday, the Asolo of Isolo-Opin in Ekiti
Local Government Area of Kwara State, has called for the presence of state and federal projects in his domain.
Sunday said that this would accelerate socio-economic development in the area.
He made the call during his official coronation at Isolo-Opin last Sunday.
He said that projects, especially those in the education sector would assist the community to achieve its development objectives.

Lagos

A cleric, Pastor Faith Amaraegbu, has urged Nigerian
women to make necessary sacrifices to build their homes well in the interest of the society.
Amaraegbu, who is in charge of the Charismatic Renewal Ministries, Winners’ Assembly, Okota, Lagos, made the appeal during a public presentation of a book that focused on home- building.
The book launched in Lagos, was written by an Assistant Director (Marketing) in the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mrs Margret Iroha.
It is entitled: ’’ Celina, A woman of Royal Destiny’’.

Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Agricultural Development
Programme (NADP) has urged agricultural extension officers to initiate strategies that would address the challenges of animal production in the country.
The Programme Manager, Mr. Naphtali Dachor, made the call at the Technology Review Meeting of the programme in Gadabuke, Toto local government area of the state.
Dachor said that the call had become necessary considering the importance of animal production to the socio-economic development of the country.
He said: “The importance of animal production cannot be over-emphasised to the development of the state and the country at large.

Niger

The Niger State Government is to spend N96 million to
buy 28 flying boats for the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for water transportation.
The Special Adviser to Governor Babangida Aliyu, Alhaji Mohammed Shaba, made this known to newsmen yesterday in Minna.
Shaba said that the agency would collaborate with the state Ministry of Transportation and the Boat Divers Association on the modalities for the boat operations.
“The transportation ministry will handle the modalities of the boats operation and the necessary measures to ensure its success.
“Each of the flying boats will be equipped with life jackets for passengers, including first aid kit for their safety.’’
He said the agency would domesticate the Federal Government’s laws on inland water management, in a bid to check the activities of unscrupulous individuals, who engaged in sharp practices to the detriment of their passengers.

Oyo

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has
commiserated with the people of Akure and the Ondo State Government over the death of the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, Afunbiowo II.
A statement by the Oyo State Government, in Ibadan, described the late monarch as a good person that would be missed by the people, including Ajimobi.
The statement, which was signed by Dr Festus Adedayo, the Special Adviser to the governor on Media Matters, expressed shock at the passing on of the respected monarch,
“The people of Oyo State and its state capital, Ibadan, will miss the revered monarch, who lived in Ibadan for decades before he was crowned the Deji,’’ it said.

Sokoto

Senator Ibrahim Gobir (PDP- Sokoto), says the
National Assembly members will partner with other key stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria remains a united and indivisible entity.
According to Gobir, Nigeria will not break up in 2015, as being predicted by some people.
Gobir, who represents Sokoto East Senatorial District, told newsmen in Sokoto that such a prediction would not come to fruition and such cynics would be disappointed.
“Nigeria will rather come out stronger and more united in 2015 and beyond. Our diverse religious, ethnic and cultural differences should therefore be the basis of our unity.

Zamfara

The Zamfara State Police Command, yesterday
said it had shot dead 13 suspected armed bandits in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Lawal Abdullahi told newsmen in Gusau that one policeman also died during the shoot-out, while another sustained injuries.
Abdullahi explained that the incident took place in Jangebe village where the hoodlums were operating.
He said the police stormed the area after a tip off.
“On getting there, the robbers, numbering more than 70 men, engaged the police in a gun battle during which 13 of them were killed,’’ he said, adding that their corpses had been deposited at the Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau.

President Goodluck Jonathan (right), being received by Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State on his arrival for the 2nd North-East Economic Summit in Gombe,  yesterday .

President Goodluck Jonathan (right), being received by Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State on his arrival for the 2nd North-East Economic Summit in Gombe, yesterday .

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

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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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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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