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FCT
The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM)
has  promised to invest more funds in other projects to be embarked upon by the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in 2015.
The Chairman, Finance and Appropriation of the commission,  Mr Bashir Birni-Gwari, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
Our correspondent reports that NAICOM funded ABU’s N93 billion Digital Centre Project which took about six months to complete.
Birni-Gwari said the commission also had ongoing projects in about 11 other universities.
He commended the efforts of the ABU management in the effective execution of the digital centre project.
“Money has been appropriated in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NAICOM and ABU.

Katsina
The Katsina State Immigration Command says it
has arrested 10 suspected victims of human trafficking and the trafficker at the Kongolam border in the state.
The Comptroller of Immigration in the state, Mr Emmanuel Ogbumuo, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Katsina while briefing newsmen.
Ogbumuo said that the victims were arrested in a bus with Registration No. XC 997 APP.
“Our eagle-eyed patrol officers arrested them at about 5 a.m. at the Kongolam border in Katsina State.”
He said all the suspected victims and the trafficker were found lying or sitting on the floor of the vehicle as it had no seat.
He gave the name of the trafficker as Mohammed Usman, who was arrested while conveying his victims to Niger Republic.

Lagos
The National Emergency Agency (NEMA) has con
firmed five persons dead in an accident involving four vehicles at Igando area of Lagos State in the early hours of Tuesday.
Our correspondent reports that the accident involved three trucks loaded with alcoholic drinks and a Honda salon car.
The accident occurred near the Igando General Hospital in Alimosho local government area of the state.
The Spokesman of NEMA, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye,  who confirmed the accident, told newsmen that the corpses have been deposited at the morgue of the hospital.
He said that the victims, who were all male, were burnt beyond recognition.

Nasarrawa
A former Attorney-General and Commissioner for
Justice in Nasarawa, Mr Innocent Lagi, has declared his intention to contest for the state’s governorship seat in 2015.
Lagi, who made the declaration in Wamba Local Government area of the state, said that he was contesting on the platform of the Labour Party.
He told journalists that he had informed the national headquarters of the party of his intention.
The former attorney-general said that his aspiration was borne out of the desire to facilitate the development of the state.
He dispelled insinuations that he was being used as a mole by other aspirants for the governorship seat.
Ogun
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged Ni
gerian youths to be God-fearing and to develop good characters and values to enable them succeed as future leaders.
Obasanjo made the appeal at the First Green Legacy Moments With Chief Olusegun Obasanjo On Leadership and Human Security In Africa.
The programme was organised by the Centre For Human Security (CHS), an arm of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), in collaboration with the University of Ibadan and the Green Legacy Resort.
The former president said the fear of God, good character, values and the ability to impact on lives and the society were marks of successful life.
According to him, the totality of a man’s character determines who he or she is and also influences his or her reputation.
“Character influences your reputation and your reputation determines your altitude,” he added.

Osun
A senior lecturer at the Department of  African
Languages, Obafemi Awolowo  University, Ile-Ife, Osun, Dr Biodun Ogunwale has described youths as indispensable change agents.
Ogunwale said this in an interview with newsmen at Ede, Osun State.
He said the only way a nation could grow without hindrance was to breed and have productive youths.
“The youth, who is vibrant, is always in a better position to make a change. That is where the question of culture and values come to play.
“There is no way the young minds will be productive without instilling a clear-cut culture and values that will guide them.
“A good value system in a cultured environment brings about reliable, productive and patriotic youths who are completely equipped to change their nation for the better.
Oyo
The immediate past Chairman, Nigeria Union of
Journalists (NUJ), Tribune Chapel, Mr Tunde Ogunesan, has joined the house of assembly race in Oyo State.
Ogunesan picked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nomination form to contest for the Saki East House of Assembly seat in 2015.
He told newsmen in Ibadan that his entrance into politics was a call to serve his people.
Ogunesan, who hails from Sepeteri in Saki-East council area, was a Senior Reporter with African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc publishers of the Nigerian Tribune newspaper.
Plateau
The former Plateau House of Assembly Speaker,
has picked the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination form for 2015 governorship poll.
Lalong, who paid N5.5 million for the nomination and express of interest forms at the party’s headquarters in Jos, said there was need for “urgent change’’ in the Plateau.
“Plateau must change its political leaders if we must move forward,’’ Lalong, a former member of the PDP, told newsmen shortly after he picked the form.
He said he had prayed and fasted before making up his mind to contest, and declared that he was in the best position to bring “sanity’’ to the state because of his experience.
The ex-speaker, however, expressed the optimism that he would clinch the APC ticket.

Sokoto
The  Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association in
Sokoto State, Mr Steven Nwoke, says it is morally wrong for the police to withdraw security personel attached to Speaker Aminu Tambuwal.
Nwoke told newsmen in Sokoto that the Speaker’s defection to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC)  did not warrant such an action by the  police.
He said that the police should have waited  for the members of the House of Representatives to impeach the speaker before the withdrawal of his security details.
He advised  the police to, as matter of urgency, restore the speaker’s security details for peace and political stability in the country.
Zamfara
The Zamfara chapter of the All Progressives Con
gress (APC) says it will not conduct primary elections, following a consensus among the aspirants for various positions of the party.
The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Sani Gwamna, announced this to newsmen in Gusau.
Gwamna said the party’s Reconciliation Committee in the state, headed by Governor Abdul’aziz Yari, had succeeded in reconciling the aspirants vying for all the positions, from governorship to the state House of Assembly.
He said that the success was due to the cooperation and maturity shown by the aspirants.
He said it was “an indication of success of the party towards 2015 general elections”.
“Even before setting up the reconciliation committee, our members were united and always worked together; we therefore expect such cooperation and understanding from them in all elections.”

 A Youth Leader, Mosunmola Umoru (left), presenting an award to Vice President Namadi Sambo, at the 2014 International Youth Day Celebration in Abuja, recently.

A Youth Leader, Mosunmola Umoru (left), presenting an award to Vice President Namadi Sambo, at the 2014 International Youth Day Celebration in Abuja, recently.

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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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