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THE STATES

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Bauchi
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in
charge of Zone 12, Mr Mohammed Gana has urged politicians in Bauchi State to exhibit high sense of responsibility while playing politics.
Addressing representatives of political parties in Bauchi state as part of sensitisation efforts in preparatory to the 2015 general elections, the AIG said that they were expected to make positive contribution for the advancement of Nigeria’s democracy.
Gana, whose zone covers Borno, Bauchi and Yobe states, said a meeting of stakeholders was necessary to discuss ways of ensuring the success of the 2015 general elections.
In his remarks, Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Ladan, also advised the politicians to shun violence in the course of their campaigns.

Borno

The Borno State Commissioner for Animal Resources
and Fishery, Alhaji Umar Kyari, has charged the Leather and Allied Products Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (LAPAN), to work toward development of the state and the country at large.
The commissioner, who gave the charge when members of the association paid him a courtesy call in Maiduguri last Wednesday noted that the state was one of the leading producers of hides and skin and also had the highest record of export of the product in the country.
He expressed the willingness of the ministry to partner with the association and urged it to reciprocate the gesture for the development of the state.
Also speaking, Alhaji Modu Mustapha, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said efforts would be made to keep adequate record of products being exported, with a view to monitoring developments in the sector.

Jigawa

The Birniwa Local Government in Jigawa State has
embarked on the mobilisation of religious and traditional leaders as change agents towards the eradication of polio in the area.
The council chairman, Alhaji Ali Diginsa, announced this recently in Birniwa at a meeting with members of the council’s polio task force committee.
Represented by Alhaji Lawal Ibrahim, Director of Administration in the council, Diginsa said that the council would focus on border communities in the fight against the disease and urged parents to present their children during the exercise to eradicate the disease in the area.
Manager, National Programme on Immunisation (NPI) in charge of Birniwa, Mr Datti Arobade, said the meeting was aimed at addressing some of the problems recorded during previous exercises.

Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government says it has spent more
than N1.2 billion in 2013 on the drilling of 754 bore holes across the state.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr Ado Audu, said in an interview in Kaduna State that the project was part of intervention measures to address water scarcity in various communities.
He said 680 hand pumps were provided across the 34 local government areas of the state at the cost of more than N837.1 million under the government’s constituency projects intervention programme.
Audu said each of the local councils were provided with 20 bore holes, adding that the projects were 82.9 per cent complete.
Kebbi

The Fakai Local Government Council of Kebbi State says
it has constituted a committee to liaise with neighbouring states to the prevent the spread of diseases in the area.
The Chairman of the council, Alhaji Umaru Marafa, told newsmen in Mahuta last Thursday that the committee would collaborate with Niger and Sokoto states on disease control measures.
“The council had sustained joint regular meetings as well as assistance to border communities in the other states with drugs and personnel as part of efforts to prevent the spread of polio and other diseases in our area,” he said.
Marafa said the measures ensured zero record of polio in the area, adding that the provision of a new hospital in the area by the state government had reduced hardship faced by patients, thereby boosting health care delivery as the Primary Health Centres (PHC) and dispensaries were inadequate.
Kwara

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma
Mukthar, has said the late Justice Saidu Kawu had been immortalised through his contributions to the Nigeria law reform.
The CJN revealed this last Thursday, when she paid a condolence visit to the family of late jurist at his Ikokoro family Compound, off Niger Road in IIorin.
Mukthar said that the name of the late jurist would remain indelible in the minds of those in the judiciary described him as a complete gentleman.
The CJN, who described death as inevitable, advised Nigerians to further intensify on good deeds as a way of preparing for death.
The Acting Kwara Grand Khadi, Justice Olohuntoyin Mohammed, offered special prayer for the CJN and for the repose of the soul of the deceased.

Lagos

The Lagos State Chapter of the National Union of Road
Transport Workers (NURTW) has solicited the state government support to eliminate miscreants from the popular Oshodi Motor Park.
The Union Treasurer, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, who made the appeal in Lagos said that miscreants were threatening the peace of the community.
He  said,  “Some boys from nowhere nowadays use to attack and disturb our peace; we have tried to work with a taskforce to stop their nefarious activities.
“These boys are usually many and their menace has constantly resulted in snatching of people’s bags, stopping of vehicles at night and other nefarious activities.
“We want the government to help the union to dislodge these miscreants from this area and stop them from advancing in their operations,” he added.

Ondo

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone B, has
expressed concern over the spate of industrial actions in the country.
The Vice-president of the zone, Mr Dele Atunbi, in Akure in a statement observed that “the industrial actions are pointers to the fact that the industrial atmosphere is cloudy.
“The havoc that industrial action has wreaked on the county’s economy is enormous, particularly the six-month-old ASUU strike, ASUP strike and the just concluded health workers three-day warning strike. “It is, therefore, necessary for the employers and the employees to deliberately create a conducive atmosphere for industrial harmony to reign in the country through equity, justice and fair play,” it said.

Osun

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives
Alliance (APC) last Saturday in Osogbo pledged to shun thuggery and rigging in the forthcoming 2014 and 2015 elections in Osun.
While the gubernatorial election is scheduled to hold in Osun in 2014, the people of the state will join the rest of Nigerians for the Presidential and National Assembly election in 2015. The Osun gubernatorial election is slated to hold on August 9.
Mr Diran Odeyemi said that the PDP would play its part towards ensuring that the elections were peaceful and devoid of malpractice.
Also speaking, Oyatomi, who is the APC Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, said the party had zero tolerance for thuggery, stressing that Governor Rauf Aregbesola believed in the rule of law and attached premium to the conduct of peaceful and hitch-free elections.

Oyo

A Lecturer and Consultant Obstetrician and
Gynaecologist at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Dr Nike Bello, said breast cancer is the greatest women killer world-wide.
Bello says in an interview in Ibadan  that one out of eight women in Nigeria developed breast cancer monthly, described the disease as a silent killer which should be controlled.
The gynaecologist defined breast cancer as an uncontrolled growth of breast cells stated  that the cells occurred due to mutations or abnormal changes in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy.
According to her, breast cancer can be treated and managed successfully if detected early and advised women of reproductive age to always examine their breasts immediately after their menses.

Plateau

The Executive Director of Ittijihad Islamic Foundation in
Jos, Alhaji Yusuf Yahaya, has appealed to the Plateau Government to establish almajiri schools in the state.
Yahaya said in Jos last Thursday that establishment of the schools would go a long way in providing basic education to many children.
He said that the foundation decided to establish the schools so that they could contribute their quota in providing education to the children and make them responsible citizens.
Yahaya appealed to corporate organisations, non-governmental organisations and well- meaning Nigerians to support the foundation with learning and teaching equipment.

L-R: Governor  Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, Governor  Lamran Yero of Kaduna State, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and Governor  Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State after the turbaning of Katsina State Governor as Sarkin Fulani Katsina 1. by  the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Usman in Katsina last Saturday.

L-R: Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, Governor Lamran Yero of Kaduna State, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State after the turbaning of Katsina State Governor as Sarkin Fulani Katsina 1. by the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Usman in Katsina last Saturday.

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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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