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THE STATES
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos (left), condoling the widow of Dr Tunji Braithwaite, Mrs Grace Braithwaite, during a condolence visit to Braithwaite’s family in Lagos, recently. With them is Dara Rhodes.
Bauchi
Bauchi State Police Command has arrested three women
suspected to be “specialists” in child trafficking.
Public Relation Officer (PPRO) of the command, DSP Haruna Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Bauchi.
He said the suspects were arrested by detectives of the command on March 25.
Mohammed one of the suspects from Plateau, was arrested for selling a 17-month-old baby to a woman from Imo State at the cost of N200,000.
He also said the woman also sold a 14-month-old-baby to another woman, who hailed from Benue, at the cost of N80,000.
He said that the two babies had been recovered.
Borno
The Borno Government has appealed to the Comman
dant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Mr Abdullahi Gana, to employ more youths from the state.
The call is contained in a statement issued by Malam Isa Gusau, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Kashim Shettima in Maiduguri.
The statement noted that Governor Shettima made the appeal when he visited Gana in Abuja and appealed that the gesture would help to fill the vacuum left by indigenes of the state who died while serving the organisation.
“Shettima submitted a comprehensive data of about 90 Borno youths who died either through natural causes or got killed in the course of serving the NSCDC to Gana,” Gusau stated.
Ekiti
The National Coordinator, Wireless Application Ser
vice Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) Mr Chijioke Ezeh, has called for favourable revenue share for Value Added Service (VAS) providers in the country.
In an interview with our correspondent on Monday, in Lagos, Ezeh said that the current revenue sharing formula was not favourable to VAS providers.
Our correspondent reports that there is currently a revenue share of 60 by 40 per cent, between the telecommunications network providers and the VAS providers.
He said that such revenue share might run down the businesses of VAS companies, which in turn would affect job creation.
Ezeh called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to look into the area of revenue-sharing among mobile operators and VAS providers in its proposed regulations to guide the sector.
FCT
The Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT),
has called on Muslim parents and guardians to inculcate good moral values into their children at infancy.
The Chief Missioner of NASFAT, Sheik Abdullahi Akinbode made the call in Abuja at the public presentation of a book titled; “Read Arabic with Ease,’’ Book 1 and 2 ‘ written by Hajiya Amina Abdulganiyu.
He said that it was imperative for parents to expose their children to good virtues at the early stage of their lives to ensure decency in the society.
He said that the failure of some parents to train their children well often produced bad people who became problem to the society.
Gombe
The Gombe State Ministry of Women Affairs and So
cial Welfare says it has handled 66 cases of child abuse in the past eight months.
Director of Child Development in the ministry, Mr Jenis Maiyamba, disclosed this in Jos at the sidelines of a Child Protection System Strengthening Meeting organised by UNICEF.
He told newsmen that the cases involved rape, drug, abandonment and forced marriages, among others.
According to him, 20 of the cases bordered on sexual abuse and rape, five cases each of drug and physical abuse, four cases each of forced marriage and abandonment and one case of human trafficking.
Jigawa
Buji local government area of Jigawa said it had
screened 27 prospective pilgrims for the 2017 Hajj.
The Information Officer of the council, Alhaji Ali Safiyanu, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Dutse.
Safiyanu said that the council was allotted 27 Hajj seats by the state’s Pilgrim Welfare Board.
He explained that the committee had taken adequate measures to ensure that only indigenes of the council participated in the screening.
The spokesperson pointed out that the gesture was to ensure that only the indigenes were given the seats.
Kano
The Legal Aid Council in Kano said it received no
fewer than 64 cases from aggrieved individuals in February.
The Coordinator of the council in the state, Alhaji Abubakar Umar, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
Umar said 42 of the cases were criminal, while the remaining 22 were civil cases.
He said the council had disposed eight of the criminal cases and nine civil cases, while the remaining were pending in various courts.
“Some of the complainants prefer to solve their cases at our office. Complainants are always encouraged to resolve their cases out of court to ensure amicable solution.”
Kaduna
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), in partner
ship with a U.S based firm, JAF Technology Solutions, is to train corps members in Kaduna State on use of technology to develop businesses..
The NYSC State Coordinator, Mohammed Momoh disclosed this while briefing newsmen recently.
Momoh said the NYSC , as the largest body of youth motivators in the country, would train corps members to make them job creators instead of job seekers.
He said that the scheme would partner with genuine individuals and organizations to add value to all corps members.
“The scheme would compliment efforts of the Federal Government to provide employment opportunities for young Nigerian graduates through Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneur Development (SAED) programme.
Lagos
The Lagos Police Command has commended residents
of the state for their collaboration in fighting crimes, particularly during the Easter celebrations.
A statement by the spokesperson of the command, SP Dolapo Badmos, stated that the celebration was observed without any major crime owing to the efforts of the residents.
“The Easter celebration period was peaceful and crime free.
“This wouldn’t have been achievable, but for the active partnership between the Lagos state police command and members of the public.
Ogun
A 32-year-old man, Bashiru Azeez, has been docked at
an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun for allegedly collecting N49,500 under pretence from one Bosede Adebisi.
The accused, who lives at No. 12, Ilo-Awera St., Ota, is standing trial on a one -count charge of collecting money under pretence.
The Prosecutor, Sgt Chudu Gbesi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on February 9 at about 4:00 p.m. at Atan Garage, in Ota.
He said that the accused collected N49,500 from one Bosede Adebisi under the pretext to supply seven bags of rice, an agreement he did not fulfil.
Gbesi said that the offence contravened Sections 390 and 419 of the Criminal Code Vol.11, Laws of Ogun, 2006.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Senior Magistrate, Mr S.O. Banwo, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N100, 000 with one surety in like sum.
Oyo
Sen. Rilwan Akanbi (APC-Oyo South), has said that
the 2016 national budget passed by the Senate would ensure rapid economic growth.
Akanbi gave the assurance during a town hall meeting he held with Owala, Temidire, Isokan, Akataapa and Ekerin communities at Owala playing ground, Ologuneru in Ibadan.
He urged the people to be patient with and support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying the nation’s dwindling economy would soon be revived.
“The last administration mismanaged so much of our resources not minding the future of the country.
“The president had since the inception of his administration been confronted with transforming the economy.
“He has shown more commitment to rejuvenating the economy and Nigerians would soon smile. I implore you all to give him maximum support in achieving this,” he said.
Plateau
The Special Task Force (STF) in charge of security in Plateau has advised citizens to remain vigilant after the Easter celebration which was generally peaceful.
Capt. Ikedechi Iweha, STF Spokesperson, in an interview with newsmen in Jos also advised the people not to let down their guard.
Iweha said that Easter celebration had come and gone but there was still need for the people to be security conscious.
“The people must be vigilant and report any suspicious persons, movement or objects to security agencies for prompt action.
“The STF, on its part, will sustain its efforts toward ensuring that all Plateau citizens stay peacefully with one another,’’ he stated.
Meanwhile, the Plateau Police Command has urged citizens to continue to cooporate with security agencies even after the festive period to sustain the existing peace in the state.
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
