Connect with us

Nation

THE STATES

Published

on

L-R: Rep. Uzor Azubuike, former Speaker, House of Representatives/ Chairman, Sub Committee on PDP Post Election Review, Rep. Emeka Ihedioha and Alhaji Adamu Waziri, during the PDP Post Election Review Committee and PDP stakeholders meeting for the South West in Ibadan, yesterday.         Photo: NAN

L-R: Rep. Uzor Azubuike, former Speaker, House of Representatives/ Chairman, Sub Committee on PDP Post Election Review, Rep. Emeka Ihedioha and Alhaji Adamu Waziri, during the PDP Post Election Review Committee and PDP stakeholders meeting for the South West in Ibadan, yesterday. Photo: NAN

Adamawa

The  Medical  Unit of the 28 Taskforce Brigade Com
mand of the Nigerian Army, Mubi, says that it has treated over 3,000 people of various ailments in Mubi area of Adamawa.
Brig Gen. Victor  Ezugwu ,Commander of the Task Force, told newsmen in Mubi.that the gesture was part of activities marking the 2015 Nigerian Army Day celebration,  slated for every July 6.
He said that the medical  reach-out covered communities where soldiers were deployed to carry out counter insurgency operations.
” Under  the programme we are targeting no less than 5000 people. “But so far , we have already attended to over 3,000 people, all in Mubi area.” Ezugwu said.
He listed pregnant women, elderly people and children of five years and below, as those that benefited from the gesture.
Bauchi

Bauchi State Police Command has advised people of the
state to be on the alert following Sunday’s twin blast in parts of neighbouring Jos metropolis in Plateau state.
The command gave the advice in a statement issued by DSP Haruna Mohammed, the command’s spokesperson, and made available to journalists.
“Against the backdrop of prevailing security challenges, the Bauchi State Police Command urges members of the general public to be security conscious of their physical and social environment .
“They should pay special attention to persons and objects, particularly at motor parks, shopping malls, markets, schools and places of worships etc.
“They should also report suspicious persons or objects within their neighborhood, especially on motorcycles and tricycles, to the nearest Police station, or through the emergency numbers 08151849417, for prompt response”, it advised.
Borno
The Nigerian Army has released 182 detainees recently
cleared of any association with the Boko Haram insurgents.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, presented the detainees to Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State at a ceremony in Maiduguri.
Minimah said the detainees were arrested few months back in Borno State and other parts of the country.
He said the military decided to release them after they had been cleared by an investigation panel.
Minimah said the detainees include 100 men, 24 women,18 teenagers and 40 children.
“We believe that the state government will work towards reintegrating them back to the society,” he said.

Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered that
one Kayode Oke, 32, be remanded in prison for allegedly attempting to kill his mother.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Bamikole Olasunkanmi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on June 29 in Igede-Ekiti.
Olasunkanmi told the court that the accused on the said date unlawfully attempted to commit murder by chasing his mother with a cutlass.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 320 of the Criminal Code, Cap C 16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
He also said that the case file had been sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecution for legal advice.

FCT
The Senegalese Head of State and current ECOWAS
Chairman, Macky Sall, has condemned the terrorist attacks in Nigeria in the last few days.
A statement issued by the Chairman and made available to the newsmen in Abuja said the attacks had left more than 150 dead and many others injured.
“In these painful circumstances, the Chairman presents his heartfelt condolences to the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, the Government and brotherly people of Nigeria,” it stated.
It also quoted the Chairman as appealing for greater international mobilisation to end terrorism and violent extremism.
The statement also appealed for expeditious holding of the Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).
It added that such summits were needed to map out a common strategy against the terrorist movements.

Gombe
The United Nations has commenced screening of 2,000
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) for the first phase of providing means of livelihood and early recovery support scheme to victims of Boko Haram insurgency.
The UN Resident Co-ordinator/UNDP on Resident Representative, Dr Daouda Toure, said in Gombe Monday while addressing the IDPs that the screening was to ascertain if they were actually victims of insurgency.
Toure said 500 beneficiaries would be selected from Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, and the UN was partnering with the three state governments to ensure the success of the exercise.
Toure, who was represented by Mr Matthew Alao, UNDP’s Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Analyst, said the beneficiaries would be placed on a six-month or one-year skills acquisition programme.
According to him, all the beneficiaries would be accommodated and also paid allowances for the entire period.

Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government has banned any form of
street begging and hawking in the state.
A statement signed by the media aide to the governor, Mr Samuel Aruwan in Kaduna, said the ban was with immediate effect.
The statement said that the order was to reinforce security in the state, following a suicide attack in Zaria, which claimed the lives of 25 people on Monday.
It emphasised that the ban on commercial motorcycle operation was still in force and government would deal decisively with offenders.
“All beggars and hawkers are to stay off the streets until further notice.
“Any beggar or hawker found on the streets will be arrested until these measures are relaxed,” it said.

Lagos

Some Nigerians in the Diaspora have urged the Federal
Government to be proactive in the global drug policy review and implementation.
The call by the group under the aegis of the United Nigerians in the Diaspora (UNID) is coming as the United Nations prepare for the periodic review of the global illicit drug policy in 2016.
UNID is a non-governmental organisation aimed at addressing youths’ challenges, providing succor to the downtrodden as well as collaborating with the governments in finding solutions to global and national social malaise.
UNID said in a statement by its President, Dr Paschal Okoli, that the unwholesome venture by Nigerians, especially youths in global drug trafficking had made it imperative for the Federal Government to maximise diplomatic overtures.
“The Federal Government must raise its voice in the global campaign against drug trafficking, production, use and against the killing of drug offenders, especially Nigerians in some Asian countries,” the statement said.
It said that the nonchalant attitude of government, especially Nigerian Embassies in the cases of alleged drug offenses, mostly in Asian countries had further embolden some countries to maltreat Nigerians.
Nasarawa

Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has dis
tributed relief materials to 20 communities affected by the recent political clash in the state.
Speaking while distributing the items, the governor said that his administration was deeply concerned about the plight of the affected communities.
The items distributed include rice, beans, cooking pots, agricultural inputs such as fertiliser, herbicides and knap-sack sprayers, clothing materials, mattresses, roofing sheets and blankets.
He said that he made the donation in cooperation with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and National Emergency Management Agency.

Osun

A Senior Pastor at the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-
Itura, Oshogbo, Osun State, Pastor Israel Adubi, has called for fervent prayer to end insurgency in the country.
Adubi made the call in Osogbo last Tuesday in an interview with newsmen on the renewed onslaught by the Boko Haram in the North.
He also called on Nigerians, irrespective of religious affiliations and political leanings, to come together and pray for divine intervention.
The cleric explained that the trend in insurgency in which young females were used as suicide bombers was dangerous and worrisome.
Sokoto
Sokoto State Government has dolled out foodstuff and clothing materials worth N9.7 million to indigent women ahead of the Sallah festival.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Alhaji Suleiman Sarkin-Fulani disclosed this to newsmen in Sokoto.
He said the ministry had set up committees to distribute the items which included rice, sugar, wrappers, cash, among others.
The permanent secretary said apart from the women, patients on admission in hospitals and physically challenged persons would also benefit.
“The gesture is aimed at assisting the women to observe the ongoing Ramadan fast with ease.
“The clothing materials will also enable them to dress perfectly during the forthcoming Sallah just like other advantaged women,” Sarkin-Fulani added.

Taraba

The management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC),
Jalingo, has appealed to the striking resident doctors to call off their strike in the interest of patients.
Dr Wiza Inusa, the Medical Director of the hospital, made the appeal at a news conference on Tuesday in Jalingo.
Inusa said that the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) had embarked on an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of skipping allowances for their members.
He, however, explained that skipping allowances was a nationwide matter and should not be localised by doctors in the hospital.
“The resident doctors are pressing for the implementation of skipping allowances by the Federal Government which is okay.
`

Continue Reading

Nation

Cleric Preaches Love As Deputy Governor, Chief Judge Grace Wedding In PH

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Nation

Firefighters battle New Year Day inferno in Abuja, several states

Published

on

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.
Continue Reading

Nation

Enugu North LG chairman presents ?10.8bn 2026 Budget, prioritises roads …Security, Healthcare, Human Capital Development

Published

on

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.
Continue Reading

Trending