Nation
THE STATES
A Yola High Court presided over by Justice Ambrose
Mammadi, has fixed February 18, 2016 for ruling in a suit challenging the suspension of Alhaji Abdulrahman Abubakar as member of Adamawa State House of Assembly.
Mammadi will rule on the plenary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit, as well as pass judgement on the suit already argued before him by the parties involved.
Abubakar, who represents Mubi South constituency, had in 2015 dragged the Speaker, Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa and the Assembly to court over his suspension for three months and dissolution of the House Committee on Finance, which he chaired.
The state Attorney General was later joined in the suit as 3rd respondent.
In his argument before the court, counsel to Abubakar, Mr Ever Odo, argued that both the speaker and the assembly erred in law, as they have no powers to suspend his client for 30 days.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board
(SUBEB) says it has concluded arrangements to rehabilitate 10 schools in Malammadori Local Government Area of the state.
Malam Mukhtar Mukaddari, the Education Secretary in the area, told newsmen in Malammadori that the board would renovate and construct additional classroom blocks in the selected schools.
Mukaddari said the project would be executed in both primary and post-basic schools under the 2014/2015 SUBEB project.
He listed the benefitting schools to include Chac-Chanda, Baguwa, Shayya, Dakindo and Kampala.
Kano
Former Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority
(NPA), Alhaji Aminu Dabo has advised Nigerian youths to avoid acts capable of destroying their future.
He made the call when the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) presented him with an award in Kano recently.
He said the advice was necessary in view of the fact that they were the future leaders of the country.
He advised that “as future leaders of Nigeria, youths are supposed to exhibit good conduct and avoid anything that will destroy their future.
He commended the Association for finding him worthy of the award and urged members to face their studies with the seriousness it deserved to enable them to contribute their quota toward the development of the country.
Kebbi
The Emir of Zuru in Kebbi State, Alhaji Sani Sami has
urged Gov. Atiku Bagudu to intensify efforts at improving the education sector in the state.
The emir gave the advice while receiving members of the Old Boys Association of Government Secondary School, Zuru, who paid him a courtesy call in his palace.
He said that the education sector in the state had remained backward for too long.
Sami said that the education sector had suffered considerable neglect over the years.
“Structures are decaying, science laboratories are lacking and students receive lessons sitting on the bare floor, hence affecting students’ performance in external examinations,’ he said.
The emir, however, commended the association for organising an annual general meeting, charging members to task themselves for the overall development of the college.
Kogi
Seven registered voters in Kogi State have sued the Federal
Government in the Community Court of Justice of ECOWAS, alleging inconsistency in the election of Yahaya Bello as the state governor-elect.
The suit with registration number ECW/CCJ/APP/02/16 filed at the ECOWAS Court headquarter, Abuja was made available to newsmen.
The plaintiffs named as “citizens of Nigeria and registered voters in Kogi State’’ include; Sule Audu, Ikeleji Agada and Labaran Dadio.
Others are Isaka Isa, Abdul Audu, Ademu Abdullahi and Sulaiman Abdul.
The suit filed by the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Festus Ogwuche named FG as the sole defendant.
Lagos
An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court has granted bail in the
sum of N250,000 to a driver, Shakiru Akinsola, for allegedly causing the death of a pedestrian.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Tajudeen Elias, also ordered the accused to produce two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case till January 25, for mention.
Akinsola, 25, who lives at No 2, Shola Olamide Close, Runsewe Estate, Ahmadiyya Ijaiye, a suburb of Lagos, was arraigned for reckless driving.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Benedict Eigbokhon, told the court that the offence was committed on December 27, at Capitol Junction on Old Agege, Area of Lagos.
Eigbokhon said the accused drove in a reckless way and caused the death of one Nwafio John, a 52-year-old man.
“After the accused knocked down the man, he wanted to run away, but was caught by the people at the scene,’’ he said.
Nasarawa
A 37-year-old businessman, Nasiru Alidu, charged with
forgery has been remanded in prison by a Mararaba Grade 1 Area Court in Nasarawa state.
The order to remand the accused in prison given by the judge, Mr Albert Maga, was sequel to the prosecution’s objection to his bail application.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Friday Adaji, had told the court that investigation on the case was ongoing and that letting the accused to go on bail may impede the process.
“It will take time to investigate this matter and letting the accused go on bail may impede the investigation,” Adaji said.
Alidu, who resides at Kudnawi Area of Mararaba is facing a three-count charge of criminal breach of trust, forgery and cheating.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The judge upheld the prosecution’s objection and ordered that Alidu be remanded in prison.
Niger
As part of effort to boost rice production in Niger State,
the Agricultural Graduates Association of Nigeria (AGAN) said it had started collecting names of its members interested in collecting bank loans for rice production.
“We have started collecting list of members who have access to at least one hectare of land,’’ Alhaji Hussaini Iliyasu, the Chairman of the association in the state, disclosed this to newsmen in Bida.
Iliyasu said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had agreed to guarantee a N1.8 billion loan from commercial banks for the farmers under the Federal Government Rice Support Programme.
“We are currently working with some commercial banks towards accessing the loan for our activities. We have reached 80 per cent success with the banks.
Ogun
The Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of
Ogun State, Mr Kayode Ojumo, has advised residents to desist from dumping refuse indiscriminately in order to maintain a clean environment.
Ojumo, who gave the advice during a tour of the area, noted that indiscriminate dumping of refuse had prompted Gov. Ibikunle Amosun to close down some shops and markets in the area early this year.
According to him, this measure is part of efforts to avoid the outbreak of diseases and ensure a healthy environment that will attract investors to the area.
Ojumo said the Deputy Governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, had also visited the local government earlier to sensitise them on the importance of a clean environment.
Ondo
Oba Adegoke Adewusi, Olufon of Ifon has lauded the
mega primary school initiative by Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State.
Adewusi gave the commendation while receiving the management of Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area recently.
According to him, the concept has enhanced education in the state.
The monarch thanked Mimiko for citing one mega primary school in the community, adding that the school was not only for academic activities, but also served as a tourist attraction in the town.
“Whenever the school is posted on social media, it always generates positive comments from sons and daughters of the community within and outside the country’’, he said.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Government said that it would adopt
the Treasury Single Account (TSA) as part of its efforts to eradicate corruption in the state.
The state Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Umar Bukkuyum, made the disclosure at a news conference in Gusau.
Bukkuyum said the state government had set-up a seven-man committee toward achieving the objective.
He said the committee to be headed by the government would also have the commissioners for Finance, Commerce and Industry as well as Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as members.
Others are commissioners for Works and Transport and Science and Technology while the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Abdullahi Shinkafi, would serve as secretary.

Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria, Dr Villari Alexandruk (left), in a handshake with Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State, after the envoy presented his country’s symbol of power to the Governor in Katsina on Thursday
Nation
Cleric Preaches Love As Deputy Governor, Chief Judge Grace Wedding In PH
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
Nation
Firefighters battle New Year Day inferno in Abuja, several states
-
Politics4 days agoEFCC Alleges Blackmail Plot By Opposition Politicians
-
Business4 days ago
AFAN Unveils Plans To Boost Food Production In 2026
-
Sports4 days agoJ And T Dynasty Set To Move Players To Europe
-
Business4 days ago
Industrialism, Agriculture To End Food Imports, ex-AfDB Adviser Tells FG
-
Politics4 days ago
Datti Baba-Ahmed Reaffirms Loyalty To LP, Forecloses Joining ADC
-
Politics4 days ago
Bayelsa APC Endorses Tinubu For Second Term
-
Business4 days ago
Cashew Industry Can Generate $10bn Annually- Association
-
Entertainment4 days agoAdekunle Gold, Simi Welcome Twin Babies
