Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has deployed a new state Coordinator to its office in Bauchi State.
Alhaji Ali Lawan Yaya who was posted from the National Office of the Directorate assumed duty as the new state Coordinator.
He replaces Alhaji Abubakar Jamo, who was deployed to Jigawa State and has also assumed duty at his new station.
The new NDE state coordinator solicited the support and cooperation of management and the entire staff of the office towards achieving the desired goals.
He however warned against attitudes that are detrimental to the success of the directorate in the state, stressing that all hands must be on deck to overcome challenges.
The out-going coordinator, Alhaji Abubakar Jamo also urged the management and staff of the Bauchi directorate to give his successor all the support it deserves in the discharge of his duties.
Borno
The Borno Government says it plans to empower 150 women in Chibok Local Government Area with livelihood support as part of its post-insurgency Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement programme.
The State Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Prof. Babagana Umara, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri.
Umara said that the women would be trained in poultry and fish farming to enable them to acquire means of livelihood.
He said the beneficiaries would be supported with tools to set up their own businesses after the training.
FCT
The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Mr Musa Kimo has warned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) against its planned protest in Abuja.
Kimo gave the warning in a statement issued by the command’s Spokesman, ASP Usen Omorodion in Abuja last Sunday.
He said as a professional organisation, the command would not fold its arms and watch criminal elements hide under the guise of such protest to cause breakdown of law and order.
Kimo advised residents to go about their lawful duties without fear and molestation.
In a related development, the FCT spokesman the command arrested a member of an armed robbery syndicate at Robochi, Abuja on April 26.
Kaduna
The House of Representatives Sub-Committee on Nigeria Air Force Recruitment, last Monday cleared the organisation of allegations of sentiments in its recruitment.
The committee which was on oversight visit to the Nigeria Air Force [NAF] base in Kaduna, said its investigations revealed that the recruitment exercise followed strict procedures.
The chairman of the committee, Mr Golu Simon, said claims of sentiments in the recruitment exercise were misplaced.
“We are satisfied with what we have seen at the recruitment exercise, because we have seen the rigours the officers of the NAF go through to bring out the best brains that will serve the country.
“Sometimes when applicants are disqualified, they feel it is for one reason or the other, people begin to ascribe sentiments to it.”
Kano
The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested 139 beggars for allegedly violating the law banning street begging along major streets of the state capital, an official said yesterday.
Malam Musa Sangaya of the board’s Anti-begging Unit, told newsmen in Kano that 32 out of the 139 beggars were children, while 107 were adult.
“Our men arrested 139 street beggars around Bata, Bompai, Nasarawa hospital and Yankaba areas for violating the law banning street begging in Kano metropolis.
“Out of the 139 beggars, 107 were adult male and female, while 32 were children who engaged in begging,” Sangaya said.
He explained that 84 of those arrested hailed from Kano city, while 52 were from Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna and Gombe States, and three from Niger Republic.
Katsina
The Special Adviser to Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State on Banking and Finance, Alhaji Faruk Jobe, yesterday challenged politicians to set up viable empowerment schemes for the youths instead of luring them into crime.
Jobe, who threw the challenge while recieving some defectors to the All Progressives Congress [APC] in Kankara, said the youths must also shun politicians who lure them into violence.
He added that the youth must also take their destiny in their hands by identifying and focussing on their goals in life early enough, so as not to be exploited by desparate politicians.
The Special Adviser said only good and responsible politicians strive to bring development to the people.
Ondo
Nigerian soldiers in Ondo State have killed Ossy Ibori, a wanted leader of a militant group involved in kidnapping in Ikorodu and Epe areas of Lagos State.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, told newsmen last Monday in Lagos that the suspect was killed by soldiers at Ajakpa area of Ondo State.
Owoseni said that he was killed at about 3.00a.m.last Monday in the course of arresting all members of his gang and other criminals who had made life miserable for innocent citizens.
He said that the gang members retreated to their base in Ajakpa because they could no longer lay claim to the creeks in Isawo area of Ikorodu.
Osun
The Osun Police Command has said that a suspected explosive device in a car stereo, chopped-off four fingers of an Osogbo resident, who attempted to dismantle the stereo from a damaged car.
A statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs Folashade Odoro, said the incident happened last Sunday, at about 3.30 p.m, at Ajegunle Area in Osogbo.
The statement was made available to newsmen yesterday in Osogbo.
“Information was received at the Police division, Dugbe, Osogbo that one Nasiru Ibrahim got four fingers on his right arm chopped-off while dismantling a damaged car stereo in front of his house.
Taraba
The Proprietor of Winners Group of Schools in Taraba State, Mr Danlami Shamaki, yesterday, advised parents against registering their Senior Secondary School (SSS) 1 and 2 children in higher institutions.
Shamaki gave this advice in an interview with newsmen in Jalingo.
According to him, such students may not be mature enough to withstand the rigours of learning in higher institutions.
He noted that the trend could work against the interest of such students because they were expected to acquire certain knowledge and skills in every class of learning.
“Parents must understand that they are not helping their children by allowing them to enter the university from SS 1 and 2.
Yobe
Yobe State Chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council, Alhaji Umar Kukuri, yesterday said that the state government’s commitment to regular payment of salaries saved the state from worse economic situation.
Kukuri, who is also the state Chairman of the National Conscience Party, made the remarks in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu.
He said: “The protracted security challenge left the state with salary as the only vibrant source of income because farmers abandoned their farms for several years.
“Imagine a situation where government failed to pay salaries; it would have worsened the ailing economy and the condition of the people.
“Therefore, Yobe Government needs to be commended and encouraged to sustain the commitment to regular payment of salaries and retirement benefits.’’
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.
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