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Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State (left), welcoming the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai and National Ssecurity Adviser, Retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, during  their visit to Damaturu on Saturday.        Photo: NAN

Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State (left), welcoming the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai and National Ssecurity Adviser, Retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, during their visit to Damaturu on Saturday.
Photo: NAN

Adamawa

A Maiduguri-based businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji
Mohammed Indimi, has donated N100 million to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Adamawa.
Governor Bindow Jibrilla of Adamawa State, who disclosed this to newsmen in Yola, said he would set up a committee to ensure judicious disbursement of the donation to all affected IDPs.
He also spoke on the Federal Government’s bail out fund, saying that the state was yet to receive the money.
The governor said the administration would empower 9, 040 people from the 226 wards of the state under the first phase of its empowerment programme.

Benue

The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in
Makurdi fixed August 18 for former Senate President, David Mark to testify in person.
Mark was dragged to the tribunal by his only contender, Daniel Onjeh of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over his declaration by INEC as the winner of the Benue South Senatorial election.
Onjeh had argued that the elections were marred by electoral malpractices and substantial breaches of the Electoral Act 2011 as amended.
The petitioner, therefore, urged the court to nullify the election and order for fresh poll.

Borno

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
has distributed free delivery kits to 410 pregnant women in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Borno.
NEMA Director-General, Alhaji Sani Sidi, presented the items to the women at a ceremony in Maiduguri.
According to him, the kits are part of NEMA’s effort to prevent child mortality among displaced persons in the country.
Sidi said that the objective was to put the mind of the women at rest and reassure them of safe delivery.

Gombe

Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has said
that the government would sustain its welfare package for health workers for effective service delivery.
Dankwambo announced the measure while declaring open the 2015 annual general meeting of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Gombe.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Charles Iliya, urged the members of the association to be dedicated to their duties, adding that the government would continue to give them the required support for optimal performance.
He said that the government would expedite action to complete the College of Nursing, Dukku and Gombe State University Teaching Hospital to improve healthcare delivery in the state.

Kaduna

A Kaduna-based Non Governmental Organisation,
ALFACARE, said early signs of brewing dispute and its quick resolution through dialogue would enhance peaceful co-existence among communities in Kaduna State.
Its National Coordinator, Mr Hassan Alfa, gave the suggestion in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna.
He said that all mechanisms capable of sustaining peace in communities should be explored to guarantee sustainable peace and stability in the state.
Alfa said that building sustainable peace was a collective responsibility of government, institutions, families, individuals and other relevant stakeholders.

Kano

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) says it has
arrested eight persons for allegedly selling pirated materials in Kano.
The commission’s North West Zonal Manager, Alhaji Hassan Usman, told newsmen in Kano that pirated copies worth N6 million were siezed from the suspects.
He said that the suspects were arrested at different locations in Kano metropolis while selling pirated films, books and other materials in violation of the Copyright Act.
Usman urged the public to always purchase original copies from vendors in order to encourage local artists and send pirates out of business.
Kogi

A cleric, Pastor Chris Okafor, has urged President
Muhammadu Behari to carry on with the fight against corruption in the country, regardless of the status of the culprits.
Okafor, who spoke in Lokoja, said the coming of Buahri was divine , urging Nigerians to forget their differences, pray for the president, and join hands with him to correct the ills plaguing the country.
The cleric, who is the Senior Pastor in charge of the Lagos- Liberation City, advised Nigerians not lose hope or despair, saying that God would use Buhari to restore the lost glory of Nigeria.
He urged the president to remain focused and selfless in the fight against corruption, regardless of the status of the culprits.

Kwara

President Muhammadu Buhari has been told to be firm and
painstaking in the anti-corruption crusade.
Chairman Forum of Professionals in Kwara, Alhaji Ahmed Olayiwola, made the call when he spoke with newsmen in llorin.
He suggested that efforts should be made to fast track the judicial process to make the whole effort productive.
Olayiwola called for prudent management of resources to pave way for sustainable socio-economic stability of the country.

Lagos

The Head, Animal Production Department, Lagos State
Polytechnic, Dr. Adegbemi Onigemo, has urged the Federal Government to support livestock producers in the country by subsidising the cost of feeds.
Onigemo told newsmen in Lagos that the high cost of feeds remained a major challenge to poultry farmers.
According to him, the production of feeds which constitutes between 60 and 80 per cent of total production cost is further bedevilled by human’s competing demand for maize, a major component of animal feed.
“Most of the ingredients that are being used in the production of feeds are those in competition between the livestock and men.

Nasarawa

The management of Mararaba Medical Centre in Karu Local
Government Area of Nasarawa State, says 30 unidentified corpses are in its mortuary.
The Medical Director of the centre, Dr Ibrahim Adamu, made the fact known in an interview with newsmen in Mararaba.
Adamu said that the situation was unhealthy and worrisome to both the patients and members of staff of the centre.
“These corpses have been here since 2013 with no record of ownership.
“They were brought or dumped here by the police as most of them happen to be victims of accidents or armed robbery.
Ogun

The police in Sango-Ota, Ogun State has arraigned two
men, Gideon Idedia, 25, and Wednesday Idesia, 30, in an Ota Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing a Bajaj motorcycle, valued at N124,000.
The accused, of no fixed addresses, are being tried on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Rosemary Brown, told the court that the accused persons committed the offences on August 9 at about 1.30 p.m. at No. 14, Ahmed Akindele St., Oju-Ore, in Ota.
Brown said that the unregistered Bajaj motorcycle belong to one Joseph Eche.

Ondo

The Ondo State Government says it will soon inaugurate a
Well Being Clinic at the state Specialist Hospital, Akure, to enhance good living among the citizenry.
The state Commissioner for Heath, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, revealed this in Akure while briefing newsmen.
He explained that the clinic would ensure regular check up for the people to enhance healthy living and to prevent any future sickness.
He said one unit of the clinic would attend to youths where they could have proper access to information about the status of their health.

Oyo

The Police  Command in Oyo State has said it arrested a 42-
year-old ex-banker for impersonating an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).
The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Katsina, told newsmen in Ibadan that the impersonator, identified as Olayinka Olatunji, was arrested for impersonation
Katsina, who was represented by the Command’s Public Relations’ Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, said the suspect was arrested in his office at Iwo Road Shopping Complex where he was defrauding innocent people.
The suspect said he had been in the business since March this year and bought the police accessories from an undisclosed Police Training School.

Sokoto

Governor Aminu Tambawal of Sokoto State, has expressed
confidence that President Muhammadu Buhari would reposition the country’s armed forces for optimal performance.
The governor made the remark in Sokoto during the inauguration of the refurbished Army Officers Mess at 1st Brigade Command.
He also expressed confidence that with the state-of-the art equipment currently being provided for the armed forces, the security challenges, especially the North-East would soon be overcome.
Tambuwal commended the officers and men of the 1st brigade command for the contributions they had made in sustaining peace in the state.
Earlier, the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Oluwafumilayo Soleye, pledge to work to sustain the cordial relationship existing between the army and the people of the state.

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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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