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Adamawa

Adamawa State government completed 46 road projects
within one year in office, the state Governor Jibrilla Bindow, has said.
Bindow made the disclosure in Government House, Yola recently.
“The state government will embark on massive road construction projects outside the state capital while the Kiri-Shelleng road construction will be flagged off after the Sallah celebration.
“Adamawa people should support the government with prayers and words of encouragement to enable this administration achieve its mandate.
“Within one year in office, we have been able to complete 46 road projects”, he said
Bauchi

Mr Iliyasu Zwal, Senior Special Assistant on State Leg
islative Affairs to the Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has appealed to Niger Delta militants to consider the effects of their activities on their own environment.
Making the call in Bauchi during an interview with newsmen, Zwal reminded the militants that each time they destroyed oil facilities, their environment was the first victim.
“Whenever there is destruction of oil facilities, the problem of pollution in their environment is worsened as the air, water and soil are affected.
“The situation is even capable of triggering outbreak of diseases, just as farming and fishing activities are adversely affected,” he noted.

Borno

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai,
has, inaugurated a 50,000 litre capacity solar borehole provided by the Nigerian Army in Dikwa, Borno State, as part of the 2016 Army Day Celebrations.
Buratai, accompanied by Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno and top brass of the Nigerian Army, performed the ceremony in Dikwa, headquarters of Dikwa Local Government Area (LGA).
He explained that the Nigerian Army provided the borehole as part of its Civil-Military Relations Program.
Buratai said that the aim was to assist in the provision of water to the numerous Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the town. “The Nigerian Army decided to provide the 50,000 litre capacity borehole as part of its policy of enhancing the civil-military relations in the society”, he said.

Gombe

Some mothers in Gombe State have lauded the activities
of malnutrition centres established in three local government areas of the state for saving the lives of their malnourished children.
Our correspondent reports that the Community Management for Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) centres, were established seven years ago in Gombe,Dukku and Nafada Local Government Areas of the state by UNICEF, in collaboration with the state government.
Aishatu Umar, a mother to nine months old Muhammad Umar, said they started visiting the Gombe centre six weeks ago. She said before they commenced the treatment, the baby could not sit, talk less of crawling and walking.

Jigawa

The Emir of Hadejia in Jigawa State, Alhaji Adamu
Adubakar, has called on the state government to assist families whose houses and farmlands were recently destroyed by flood in the state.
The monarch made the call in Hadejia in his Sallah message to the people of his domain.
Abubakar, who sympathised with the victims, said that the assistance was imperative to mitigate their sufferings.
He commended the government for its empowerment programme for the youths and women and for executing viable projects that would enhance the development of the state

Kaduna

A lecturer with the College of Business and Manage
ment Studies, Kaduna Polytechnic, Mr Oteri Michael, has advised states to think like businessmen and develop capacities to create sources of revenue.
Michael told newsmen in Kaduna that the states would attain economic viability if they were creative and operate like private entities.
He pointed out that over-dependence on federal allocation had made states to be complacent in terms of investment and diversification.
He said that such approach had put pressure on the Federal Government.
“The Federal Government is already burdened with so many issues to tackle such as security, infrastructure and the economy in general.

Nasarawa
The Emir of Keffi in Nasarawa State, Dr Shehu Chindo-
Yamusa, has urged Nigerians to embrace farming so as to boost the nation’s economy and reduce dependence on oil revenue.
Chindo-Yamusa, in an Eid-el Fitr message to his subjects in Keffi, said that returning to the farm was crucial to end the age-old over dependence on the oil sector.
“We must all go back to the farm to boost food sufficiency, end the over- dependence on oil and shore up the prospects of becoming a prospective nation,” he said.
He said that it was not only wrong, but very dangerous for Nigeria to hold on to a monolithic source of income, “especially in view of current realities.
Ogun

Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr Suraj
Adekunbi, has urged Nigerians to continue to support all the Federal Government’s programmes and policies.
Adekunbi made this call while speaking with newsmen recently.
He said that Nigerians should give support to the Federal Government because because the government meant well for them.
The speaker said that the citizens’ understanding and participation in governance remained a credible force in the development of any nation.

Oyo
Governor  Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has requested
for a letter of apology from schools whose pupils took part in a protest against government’s proposed education initiative.
The Chairman, National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Abiodun Jimoh, said this in Ibadan after a meeting with the governor.
Our correspondent reports that pupils in the state on June 6 went on rampage in protest against the state government’s proposed public/private participatory management of schools.
Plateau

The Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church (LFC)
worldwide, Dr. David Oyedepo, has described Nigeria as a country that is moving forward, in spite of its present economic challenges.
In a telecast via satellite monitored in Jos, Plateau, Oyedepo said this when he addressed both local and international assembly of the church workers in a broadcast recently.
He told the workers that both the nation and the church were in a period of revival and that sacrifices would have to be made.
The bishop said that the era of private universities championed by the church came to set standards and right moral codes in our educational system to make it thrive better, devoid of cultism and activism.
“Nigeria’s healing is taking place now, and the health of the nation is being restored now.
“We are pushing darkness back,” he said.

Sokoto

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has de
scribed the late Marafan Sokoto, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, as “a true statesman.’’
This is contained in a condolence message issued by his spokesman, Imam Imam and issued to newsmen in Sokoto recently.
It said: ‘’The late Marafan, who died Wednesday afternoon at a London hospital, was a true statesman. Shinkafi was born 13 January, 1937.
“His selfless and meritorious service to God, country and humanity, was felt by all.
“The late Shinkafi was a distinguished legal luminary, security expert, politician with conscience and great community leader and mobiliser.
“Marafan’s death has closed a chapter in the life of one of Nigeria’s most valuable public officers who made his mark in both public and private sectors.”
Yobe

Senator Alkali Jajere has added his voice to the call on
the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) to embrace peace and support Federal Government’s efforts at revamping Nigeria’s ailing economy.
Jajere, who represented Yobe South Senatorial District from 2011 to 2015, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu
He cautioned that the attack on pipeline installations was not only harming the economy, but also compounding environmental problems in the Niger Delta.
He called on leaders and elders of the region to engage the youth in discussions on the negative consequences of the actions of the militants on their environment.
“They should be made to understand the attacks are doing more damage and compounding the environmental challenges in the Niger Delta.”

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

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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.
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