Nation
THE STATES
FCT
The Exam Ethics Marshals International (EEMI), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), said it would distribute 37,000 safe kits to schools across the country to promote security consciousness. Mr Ike Oneyechere, the chairman of the organisation, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. Oneyechere said the project would empower stakeholders to tackle insecurity in schools.
“Safe school is a project started in 2014 to address insecurity and safety challenges in schools. It is the only well researched, tested and acclaimed programme in Nigeria for building capacity of education stakeholders on safe school best practices.
“Our target is to distribute at least 37,000 kits to schools across the country; we plan to start in the first week of April.”
Gombe
The Gombe State Government has awarded contract for the construction of three cottage hospitals in Billiri, Shongom and Balanga local government areas at a combined cost of N600 million.
Dr Kennedy Ishaya, the state’s Commissioner for Health, told newsmen in Gombe on Thursday that the hospitals would be constructed in Dezari, Bore and Nyuwar villages, respectively.
He said the decision to construct the hospitals was informed by the immediate need of the community.
The commissioner said that each of the hospital would gulp N200 million and they would be completed within five months.
She said the hospitals would be fully equipped with modern facilities on completion.
Kennedy said that “there is enough manpower that will work in the hospitals.
“In the last three years, we were having problem of manpower; we had only 127 nurses and midwives, but now we have 500 of them,” he said.
Jigawa
Malam Abdullahi Muhammad, the World Health Organisation (WHO) representative in Malammadori, Jigawa, has called for greater involvement of livestock farmers in polio immunisation exercise.
Muhammad made the call at the polio task force committee meeting in Malammadori.
He also urged the local council to provide adequate logistics and allowances to immunisation personnel to facilitate smooth conduct of the exercise.
He said that the forum was created to mobilise herdsmen to present their children for immunisation against the disease.
“Miyetti-Allah Fulani organisation should engage its people in the communities to enhance participation in polio immunisation,” he said.
The WHO representative noted that effective participation by communities would ensure total eradication of the disease.
Kano
The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) on Thursday stated that it issued 12,242 forms to members of the public in Kano State in the past 12 months.
The state Director of the CCB, Malam Umar Saulawa, disclosed this when he spoke with newsmen in Kano.
He said that the primary aim of the bureau was to maintain public morality and accountability.
The Director reaffirmed that “it is mandatory to all public officers to fill the forms, in order to scrap fraud and corruption in the society.” Mati said that 90 per cent of the forms issued had been completed by public officers and returned to the bureau.
“We receive assets declaration, examine the assets declaration and ensure that they comply with the requirements.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it would raid all the black spots in the state before the February elections. The commandant of the agency, Mr Samuel Azige, said this in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna.
According to Azige, the aim of the exercise is to rid the state of political thugs who usually perpetrate unscrupulous acts after taking illicit drugs. He said the agency was disturbed by the negative attitude of youths at political rallies.
He called on parents and communities to support the agency in the efforts to deter the youths from indulging in drug abuse and trafficking.
“We want to ensure a peaceful election by raiding all black spots which the youths mostly use as avenues for hawking and using illicit drugs.
Kebbi
Maj.-Gen. Sarkin-Yaki Bello (rtd), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kebbi state, has pledged to transform the state, if voted into office.
Speaking at a rally in Zuru, headquarters of Zuru Local Government Area, Bello said that he would focus on economy, education, health, power, and agriculture sectors.
He appealed to the people to vote for him, promising to improve their social and economic lives.
The PDP candidate also said that he would provide equal opportunities to all communities, irrespective of tribal, religious and political affiliations.
He added that improvement in the economic status of households and provision of infrastructure would be enhanced under his administration.
He pledged to uphold equity in the provision of amenities, especially in the agriculture and education sectors.
Katsina
The Police in Katsina State have arrested 24 persons in connection with the attack on the convoy of PDP Presidential campaign in Katsina last Tuesday.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Bala Zamasenchi, told newsmen in Katsina that knives, daggers, and machetes were recovered from the suspects.
He said the suspects would be prosecuted after investigation, stressing that “anybody behind the act will face the wrath of the law.’’
Zamasenchi advised politicians to stop over- heating the polity and play politics in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Lagos
Some graduates of the National Open University (NOUN) on have appealed to the Federal Government to allow them to enroll in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Speaking with newsmen in Lagos, Mrs Chioma Emmanuel, a 29-year-old graduate of Mass Communication, said participating in the scheme would enable graduates to get jobs faster. “They told us that we are not going for the National Youth Service. I just want them to do something very fast, because I believe going for service is an opportunity for one to get a job fast.
“Also, it will give us an opportunity to go to the different fields or those places where we are supposed to work at least to get enlightened.“
Oyo
The Country Manager, HarvestPlus Nigeria, Dr Paul Ilona, says the organisation has trained 300 National Youth Corps (NYSC) members on the benefits of vitamin A cassava production. Ilona told newsmen in Ibadan that the corps members were serving in Akinyele Local Government Area of Ibadan. HarvestPlus is an international organisation that collaborates with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan.
The organisation is currently leading a global effort to breed and disseminate micronutrient rich staple food crops to reduce hunger in rural areas.
The country manager said the corps members were sensitised on the opportunities that could be derived in vitamin A cassava production, its value and marketing.
He said this would help to make them self-employed rather than waiting for white collar jobs.
Plateau
The Plateau office of the Public Complaints Commission has said that it resolved a total of 313 cases in 2014.
The Director of Investigation, Mr Marcellinus Suwa, told newsmen in Jos on Thursday that the cases were among the 638 complaints the commission investigated in the period under review, adding that 325 complaints were still under investigation. Suwa said that majority of the complaints arose from non-payment of pension and gratuity.
He urged concerned authorities to stop frustrating pensioners over their entitlements.
He also called for prompt response by public and private organisations in Plateau to the commission’s inquiries or be prepared to face the wrath of the law.
L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ademorin Kuye; Governor Babatunde Fashola and Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, at a meeting of traditional rulers with Governor Fashola in Lagos recently.
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.
Nation
2027: APC Chieftain Predicts Tinubu’s Victory …Says Bayelsa Stakeholders Supporting President en masse … IPAC Knitted Together, Working In Synergy With His Office
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
