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Adamawa

The Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) has de
nied reports on alleged attempted jailbreak by some convicted soldiers in Yola Prison in Adamawa State.
The spokesperson of the NPS, Mr Ope Fatinukun made the denial in a statement issued to newsmen in Abuja last Saturday.
“There was no pandemonium, commotion nor gun shot fired into the air in Yola prison as reported.
“What really happened was argument among inmates around 7.30 pm after prayers last Thursday, Nov. 27.
“The argument was quickly brought under control,” he added.

Bauchi

Two Bauchi State House of Assembly aspir
ants, Alhaji Uba Boris and Malam Danladi Kawule from Bauchi Central and Zungur/Galambi/Miri Constituencies, last Saturday won the PDP primaries.
Our correspondent reports that the primaries, which were held late Saturday night, were delayed for several hours due to logistics problems.
Aspirants from Bauchi Central constituency included Alhaji Uba Boris, Ahmed Mohammed, Jamilu Barde, Bashir Baba, and Mustafa Kobi.
Other contestants from Zungur/Galambi/Miri constituency were Malam Danladi Kawule, Zanna Galambi, and Malan Abdurahman.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the PDP, state chapter, Malam Shehu Aliyu, told newsmen that the party was happy with the peaceful conduct of the event and the good manners displayed by the party faithful.

Ekiti

Farmers in Ekiti State have been urged to spend
the money realised from the sale of their farm produce wisely.
Mr Durojaye Omole, an agriculture extension officer, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Odo-Ayedun, in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti.
Omole noted that most farmers recorded bumper harvest which would lead to improvement in their living standards if the money realised from the sale of their produce was spent wisely.
He appealed to farmers not to follow the paths of some of them who marry more wives whenever they had bumper harvest.
“They should use the money on valuable projects and the education of their children.’’
He also called on farmers to plan for the next farming season by securing seeds and other planting items ahead of the season.
The agriculturist cautioned them against falling victim to fraudsters who might want to dupe them of their money on the pretence of assisting them.

Gombe

Former Vice President and APC presidential
aspirant, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has solicited the support of party delegates for his ambition to become Nigeria’s president in 2015.
Abubakar called for the support while addressing the delegates of Gombe and Yobe States in Gombe yesterday.
He expressed the desire for their votes during the party’s primaries, to enable him to succeed during the exercise.
According to him, he has spent over 30 years in politics and he deserves to be the president of Nigeria, “being the person who knows Nigeria’s problems”.

Kano

The Kano State Government has commended the Na
tional Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for its prompt response and support to the victims of last Friday’s bomb blast in a mosque.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran, gave the commendation in Kano when NEMA’s Director-General, Alhaji Mohammed Sidi, visited victims of the blast at the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, Kano.
“I thank you for the support we have received from you so far.
“We still have many victims on admission in our hospitals, but essentially we need emergency drugs and other consumables, which have since been exhausted.
“We have 48 victims in this hospital. We have some at Nasarawa, Dala Orthopaedic and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospitals.

Katsina

Eleven PDP candidates contesting election into Katsina
State House of Assembly, were last Saturday returned unopposed in the primaries conducted in the 11 local government areas of Katsina South senatorial zone.
Our correspondent reports that the candidates got their endorsement through affirmation by delegates in the presence of INEC officials, security personnel and party representatives.
In the election conducted in Matazu LGA, Alhaji Yusuf Fele, former local government chairman on the platform of the PDP won through affirmation.
He defeated the incumbent, Alhaji Abdu Danshehu.
In Danja LGA, the former Caretaker Chairman of the council, Alhaji Tijjani Lawal, was elected as the party’s candidate in the state Assembly.

Kwara

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has
scaled the screening of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), with a promise to make life more meaningful  if re-elected.
Ahmed made the promise yesterday after he was screened by the Olagunsoye Oyinlola-led screening committee at the APC state secretariat in Ilorin.
The governor assured the people of the state that the tempo of governance would be enhanced if re- elected for a second term as the governor of the state.
Governor Ahmed later received his certificate of eligibility from the party’s North-Central Zone Screening Committee Chairman, Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
“We want to give assurance that we will be carrying out activities that will be premised on continuity of on-going projects , especially in infrastructure, “ he said.

Lagos

The Director, Nigerian Army Chaplain Services (Protes
tant), Col. (Rev.) Dawuk Danfulani, yesterday said that proper nurturing of the youths would build a greater Nigeria.
Danfulani spoke during a public presentation of a book entitled: “Youth Restiveness in Nigeria: A theological Reflection’’.
“The event held at the All Saints’ Cathedral, Abalti Barracks, Lagos State.
Our correspondent reports that Danfulani co-authored the book with Rev. (Dr) Ayo Atowoju.
Danfulani also used the occasion to thank God for healing him of injuries he sustained from a road accident.
“There is dire need for everyone to focus on the development of our youths because they determine the success or failure of any nation,” he said.

Plateau

The Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Mr Titus
Alams, and  Mr Daniel Dem, the Majority Leader, have won their PDP primaries to contest in next year’s general elections.
Declaring the results of Saturday’s primaries in Jos, Alhaji Danjuma Musa, the Chairman, PDP Primaries Committee in Plateau, said Alams defeated seven opponents to win in Bokkos constituency.
He said also that Dem, on his part, defeated one contestant in the Riyom constituency of the State House of Assembly for next year’s elections.
Other members of the current Assembly, who were returned by the party’s primaries include, Mr Diket Plang, representing Pankshin North, and Mr Yakubu Choji, representing Jos North West Constituency.
The Assembly’s former Speaker, Istifanus Mwansat, representing Pankshin South, also defeated other aspirants to emerge as the party’s flagbearer, while Zainab Dogo, member representing Quan’Pan South, also scaled through.

Jigawa

A former Special Assistant to Governor Sule Lamido of
Jigawa State, Malam Umar Danjani has emerged winner of the Hadejia constituency at the PDP primary election for the PDP state House of of Assembly.
Our correspondent reports that Danjani, who was the sole candidate in the election, scored 71 votes.
Alhaji Abdullahi Buama, the Chairman, Election Committee, who announced the result, said the delegates had unanimously voted for Danjani to represent the party in the 2015 election.
Alhaji Abubakar Danyaro, the Chairman of the PDP in Hadejia, called for unity among its members to ensure victory of the party in the 2015 general elections.
Danyaro also enjoined members of the party to support its leadership to move it forward.

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar 111 (left), with former Mininister of Education, Alhaji Yarima Abubakar, who paid him a visit in Sokoto recently.

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111 (left), with former Mininister of Education, Alhaji Yarima Abubakar, who paid him a visit in Sokoto 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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