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THE STATES

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Adamawa

The National Population Commission (NPC) in
collaboration with UNICEF and the European Union (EU), have begun the training of birth registrars in Adamawa State on the use of automatic device.
The Director Vital Registration Department of the commission, Dr Babagana Wakili, said in Yola that the training was to  boost birth registration  exercise in Adamawa and Kebbi selected for the pilot project.
Wakili said Adamawa and Kebbi were selected for the pilot project in view of the states’ poor record in birth registration, being the least in the north.
He said that the success of the pilot project in Adamawa and Kebbi would facilitate the expansion of the programme to other states.

Borno

The World Health Organization (WHO) says it has
provided emergency health support to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in liberated communities of Mafa and Dikwa in Borno State.
WHOs spokesperson, Ms Kulchumi Hammanyero, who disclosed this in a statement issued in Maiduguri, said the gesture was in response to the critical needs of the IDPs.
Hammanyero said that the WHO Acting Country Representative, Dr Rex Mpazanje, presented the materials at a ceremony in Maiduguri.
She also said that the gesture was aimed at intervening in the critical health sector of the area.

Jigawa

The Jigawa State Commissioner for Water Resources,
Alhaji Ibrahim Garba, has urged the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) to ensure sustainable collation of  data on Hadejia, Jama’are, Komadugu, and Yobe River Basin.
Garba made the remark at the sensitisation workshop on 2016 Flood Prediction, Prevention and Mitigation in Hydrological Areas in Dutse.
The commissioner said that 15 million people are getting livelihood directly or indirectly on the river basin.
He urge NIHSA to increase the level of cooperation and synergy to Jigawa government, in ensuring sustainable data collection, collation and dissemination between all stakeholders on this basin and the country.

Kaduna

The Chief Magistrate Court, sitting at Kings Road,
Sabogari, Zaria has adjourned a case of N26 million registration fees scandal in Federal College of Education (FCE), Zaria to October 25 for definite hearing.
The case is between the Commissioner of Police and six others comprising Emanuel Toyin, Mu’azu Rufa’i, Bello Hassan, Bashir Lawal, Ahmed Yusuf and Shittu Toyin.
The case involved N26 million registration fees paid by 1,128 students into the Federal College of Education account but is yet to be credited into the college TSA account.
The prosecutor, Nasiru Suleiman had earlier told the court that it was a case of criminal conspiracy.

Kano

The Kano State Police command has warned the people
of the state, especially those who organised and conducted religious processions, to desist from the act or face the wrath of the law.
This is contained in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Magaji Majiya, and made available to newsmen in Kano.
“The Kano State Police command under the leadership of CP Rabiu Yusuf is sounding a warning, especially to people who organise and conduct processions in the name of religious rite.
“The commissioner of police boldly warned that the command would not relent in ensuring law and order prevail on any religious group or sect that is trying to become a threat to public peace and order,” Majiya said.

Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has banned all forms
of processions, rallies and unlawful assemblies by ‘religious groups or any group of people’ in the state.
This is contained in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Salisu Agaisa, and made available to newsmen in Katsina.
Agaisa said that “any person(s) caught violating this order will be arrested and prosecuted”.
“The command wishes to inform the general public that it has banned all forms of processions, rallies, gatherings and unlawful assemblies under any guise throughout the state,” he said.
Kebbi

The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency says it has
successfully completed the 2016 hajj operation with the return home of 4,105 pilgrims that performed the Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Alh Bala Sakaba, the Executive Chairman of the agency, told newsmen that the last batch of 296 pilgrims arrived the state through the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi.
According to him, the pilgrims arrived on Monday with their luggage “in high spirit and good health.”
The chairman lauded the conduct of the state pilgrims while in the Holy Land. “Our pilgrims proved gentle and they complied with the rules and regulations of the Saudi-Arabian authorities.

Kwara

The Kwara State Government says it is making plans to
establish a pilot model school for both the physically challenged and able bodied people in the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Alhaji Mahmud Ajeigbe, disclosed this
in Ilorin when he received the leadership of the Kwara State chapter of the Association of Persons with Joint Disability.
The commissioner said that the ministry would liaise with the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development to make good the plan.
According to him, the school is being conceived to accord persons with disability a sense of belonging and to address issues of discrimination against them.
He added that the idea was to make access to education in the state all-inclusive, irrespective of status.

Lagos

A Lagos court has slammed a N300, 000 bail on an
unemployed man, 32-year-old Debo Adisa, for allegedly stabbing a man with a broken bottle at a hotel for refusing to buy him a beer.
Adisa was released on bail on Tuesday by an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court after he pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. The Magistrate, Mr A.A. Adesanya, who gave the ruling, said the accused should produce two sureties as part of the bail condition.
Adisa, whose address is unknown, is being tried for breach of the peace and assault.
According to the prosecutor, Insp. George Nwosu, the accused committed the offences on October 3 at Donmorgan Hotel, Dopemu, Lagos.
The case has been adjourned to November 28 for mention.

Nasarawa

The  Emir of Keffi in Nasarawa State, Dr Shehu Chindo-
Yamusa, says only farming can take Nigeria out of the current economic recession  if properly harnessed.
Chindo-Yamusa made the assertion when some farmers in his emirate conducted communal labour on his farm located at Saura Area, Keffi .
According to him, God has blessed the nation with fertile land that if properly harnessed, can provide  abundant food for the country.
He said Nigerians should collectively go back to the farm and engage in both rain-fed and dry season farming to boost food production.
Ogun

A 23-year-old man, Ukanwa Justice, who allegedly stole a
laptop valued N82,000, was on Tuesday charged before an Ota Magistrates ‘Court in Ogun.
Justice, whose address is unknown, pleaded not guilty to the charge of stealing.
The Prosecutor, Cpl. Abdulkareem Mustapha, told the court that the accused committed the offence on September 23 at 12.00 p.m. at Living Faith Church, Canaan Land, Ota.
He said that the accused stole a laptop valued N82,000 belonging to one Oluyori Dele.
Mustapha said that the offence contravened Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Vol.11, Laws of Ogun, 2006.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.I. Adelaja, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Osun

A 26 year-old man, Raman Lasisi, has appeared before an
Osogbo Magistrates’ Court over alleged breach of public peace.
Lasisi is facing a charge bordering on breach of peace.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Sunday Ajayi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on October 7, at about 12:00p.m., at Pavilion night club, Technical College area, Osogbo.
He said that the accused conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of public peace within the premises of the club.
He said that the owners of the club drew the attention of the Police to the unruly behaviour of the accused which led to his arrest.

Oyo

A member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mrs
Olawunmi Oladeji, says girl-child education is crucial to the economic development of the country.
Oladeji, the Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Community Development, said this while speaking with newsmen against the backdrop of the International Day of the Girl-Child.
The International Day of the Girl-Child is marked every October 11.
This year’s edition has as theme: “ Girls’ Progress = Goals’ Progress: What Counts for Girls.’’
The theme was informed by the need to ensure programmes, policies and services effectively respond to the specific needs of the girls.

Plateau

Students of University of Jos whose unmarked examination
scripts were burnt on Saturday are to rewrite the affected papers.
The Registrar of the institution, Mr Monday Danjem, announced this in a statement issued in Jos on Tuesday.
The fire, which lasted for six hours, gutted the university’s library complex which equally housed the faculties of social science and management studies.
Danjem said the examinations had been rescheduled to a date to be communicated to the students by their respective heads of departments.
The registrar said the remaining examinations would resume on Tuesday while all examinations scheduled to take place on Monday, October 10, have been rescheduled.

Sokoto
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, has called on the Federal Government to rehabilitate the Zari’a-Funtua-Gusau-Sokoto highway.
The governor made the call in Sokoto when he received Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing who paid him a courtesy visit.
He said that the call became necessary in view of the importance of the highway which links almost all the states in the North-west geopolitical zone.
He thanked the Federal Government for the on-going rehabilitation of Sokoto-Jega-Kontagora road.
Tambuwal appealed to the federal government to reimburse the money the state government expended on the rehabilitation of federal roads.
He pledged that his administration would complement Federal Government’s effort to improve power supply in the country.

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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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