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THE STATES

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Benue
Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has warned
people against playing  politics with  the lingering crisis between farmers and herdsmen in parts of the state.
Suswam said this at Ayilamo, Logo Local Government area, while addressing displaced people in the area.
“Stop making politics on the ongoing attacks and killings of innocent people in the state.
“We are a peace-loving people historically and we will always ensure that peace and unity prevail and our brothers living among us,” he said.

FCT

Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission
(NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie,  has said the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN) would facilitate sharing of research findings amongst universities.
Okojie, who said this at an inaugural meeting of NgREN Board, added that the project was significant to the Nigerian University System (NUS).
He noted that NgREN was conceived after many initiatives to address connectivity needs of the NUS, yielded little or no result.
“There is a need to address the dearth of basic net-working infrastructure, especially broadband connectivity which is hindering the deployment of ICT solutions in the universities, ‘’ he said.

Jigawa

The Federal University in Dutse is considering the pos
sibility of introducing Mass Communication Study due to high demand for the course in Jigawa State.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Jibrila Amin, stated this while addressing newsmen to mark its third Founders Day in Dutse.
“We have started reaching out to some professors of mass communication in other universities to come and assess the facilities and what it takes’’, he said.
He said that the institution would also commence post-graduate courses in economics, English and communication studies.

Kaduna
Residents of Kaduna metropolis have lamented the in
adequate provision of refuse clearance and evacuation equipment by the state government.
Speaking with newsmen in Kaduna, the residents said the indiscriminate dumping of refuse within the metropolis was gradually turning into an eyesore.
Abdulkareem Hassan, who lives in Tudun Wada area of the state said, “I pay local refuse collectors to clear my dustbins whenever it is due for collection.

Kwara
An Ilorin Area Court has dissolved the three -year -old
marriage between Munirat Ahmed and Dauda Ahmed on ground of “lousiness”.
Munirat, who resides at Edun area, Ilorin told the court that her husband was lousy and could not keep secrets.
She prayed the court to dissolve her marriage to Dauda, adding that, she cannot continue with a man that will reveal all their marital plans to outsiders.
The petitioner told the court that her husband sought advice from friends to run his family affairs.
“My husband does not care who his   enemy is, he will continue to explain his family problems in the public,” she said.

Kebbi
The Emir of Gwandu in Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammad
Bashar, has advised youths to shun tribal and religious bigotry in order to promote peaceful coexistence in the country.
He made the call in Birnin Kebbi, when he received members of the Kebbi State Youth Alliance, who paid him a visit. He also urged the youths to promote their heritage and cultural values, and respect their leaders and elders.
Bashar said “God in his infinite mercy brought us to live together and we need to be kind to one another”.

Lagos

A 38-year-old driver, Stephen Igwe, was has been
charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing his employer’s N4.5million jeep.
Igwe, who resides at No. 40, Olushi St., Lagos Island, was charged with stealing.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Prosecutor, Cpl. Ejima Oteke, told the court that the accused committed the offence at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 14, at Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Oteke said the accused, who was sent on an errand, absconded with a black Nissan Murano jeep with registration number JC667-SMK belonging to his employer, Rear-Adm. Joseph Oladeinde.

Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission
(NASIEC), has reassured the electorate in the state of its determination to conduct free, fair and credible local government election slated for March 22.
The NASIEC Chairman in the state, Dr Abdullahi Modibbo, gave the assurance in Lafia at a meeting with heads of security agencies in the state.
“The commission is determined to conduct credible local government election that will be emulated by other states in the country.
“Elections in Nigeria had been characterised by all kinds of sentiments thereby leading to the breakdown of law and order,” he said.

Osun

A 29-year-old man, Micheal Kolade, was last Thursday
brought before an Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged fraud and theft of N1.3million.
The prosecutor, Insp. Wilson Mereti, told the court that the accused, his accomplices, Gbolagale Adebiyi and one Daniel, now at large, committed the offence between February 11 and February 20 at Ibromu Quarters in Ile-Ife.
Mereti said the accused and his accomplices conspired and committed felony and theft when they fraudulently obtained a bus from one Ogunlowo Olatunde under the pretext of buying it.
He said the accused and his accomplices deceived their victim with a false bank deposit alert, reflecting that they had paid N1.37million into his bank account for the bus.
He said the appearance of the fake alert on Olatunde’s phone deceived him into giving the bus and its documents to the accused thinking they had struck a genuine deal.

Ondo

Ondo State Government has promised to give special
package and welfare to teachers posted to difficult and remote areas.
The Commissioner for Education, Mr Jide Adejuyigbe, stated this recently in Akure at a stakeholders’ meeting on monitoring and supervision of public secondary schools.
The meeting was organised by state Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).
“We are looking at a special package for teachers posted to remote areas; we are also considering some incentives to ensure their staying there,’’ the commissioner said.
Adejuyigbe rejected the notion that there was an acute shortage of teachers in the state public schools.

Ogun

The  member representing Imeko Afon Constituency
in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr Salmon Adeleke,  has commended the  state government for  beefing up security in the state.
Adeleke gave the commendation in Abeokuta in an interview with newsmen.
He  said  the donation of a patrol van to the police in Imeko Afon was an indication  of Gov.  Ibikunle Amosun’s commitment to safety of lives and properties.
The lawmaker, however, appealed to the  Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Ikemefuna Okoye, to intensify  patrol of  the area.

Yobe

The, Yobe State Government has said that the closure of
Federal Government Colleges in the three north-eastern states would help the students and their parents overcome fear arising from armed attacks.
Our correspondent reports that the Federal Government ordered the closure of unity colleges in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states in February following attacks on the colleges by gunmen.
Commissioner for Justice, Alhaji Ahmed Goniri, stated the government’s position in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu.
Goniri, who is also chairman, Federal Government College (FGC), Buni-Yadi Relief Committee, said: “Parents and students are still in a state of phobia and fear; the temporary closure will give them the opportunity to overcome fear.”

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of  Edo State, Chairman, Nigerian Governors’  Forum,  Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti  State at a retreat of Nigerian Governors’ Forum in Lagos, last Friday

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State at a retreat of Nigerian Governors’ Forum in Lagos, last Friday

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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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