Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, announced last Saturday that the Federal Government would construct a police transit camp worth N300 million in Bauchi South.
Dogara, who made the announcement in Dass, headquarters of Dass Local Government Area in Bauchi State, said the contract for the construction of 60kilometres road in the area would start soon.
The road is expected to traverse Tudun Wuis, Wandi, Baraza, Buru, Zundu-Lucshi, Baza and Dot.
He explained that the camp would be sited in Kutaru in Dass Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of the state.
FCT
A university teacher, Dr Mustapha Hussaini, has solicited for assistance from the international community to complement Federal Government’s efforts towards rehabilitating the released 82 abducted Chibok girls.
Hussaini, a Criminologist and Head of the Department of Sociology, Federal University, Dutse made the call in a telephone interview with newsmen last Sunday.
He said that more than three years in captivity have affected the abducted girls psychologically.
Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, disclosed in a statement last Saturday that the 82 abducted Chibok girls were released after negotiations and the release of some suspected Boko Haram members in government’s custody.
Kaduna
A teenager, Usman Gashash, has launched a campaign against all forms of child abuse through his guitar music in Kaduna State.
Gashash spoke with journalists shortly after his performance with little kids at his parent’s house last Sunday in Kaduna.
The 10-year old boy appealed to the African Union to end child exploitation, early child marriage, kid-soldier, the killing of albinos and violence against children accused of witchcraft in the continent.
Reports say that Gashash has held series of campaign in schools, homes and in his neighbourhood, against all forms of child abuse and tortures, through his musical group.
The creative and talented young music artiste appealed to the continental body to find means of ending terror activities, religious extremism and insecurity destabilising millions of children.
Kebbi
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, last Sunday called for legislative action that ensures constitutional role for traditional leaders in the country.
Dogara made the call during a courtesy visit to Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu, in Birnin Kebbi, on the sidelines of the turbanning ceremony of the Chief Whip of the House, Alhassan Adodoguwa, as the Dallatun Kangiwa in Arewa Local Government Area of the state.
The Speaker was, however, represented at the occasion by the Deputy Leader of the House, Umar Jibril, who also led other members to the state.
He said that it was time for Nigerians to give traditional rulers constitutional recognition because, in the past, people derived their power and authority from the traditional institution.
“It is high time we started going down the memory lane to actualise this dream. We pray that we shall achieve this and promote the traditional rulers to their actual position in the country”.
Kogi
Sole Administrator and Chief Executive, National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO, Mr Bernard Nnagha, Itakpe says the Federal Government spends three to four million naira monthly to maintain the company.
He stated this in an interview with newsmen last Friday in Lokoja.
The sole administrator also said the amount, representing overhead allocation, was spent to maintain the security of the one billion-dollar government investment company, among others, in spite its moribund condition.
Nnagha also said about 800 members of staff working in the company received their salaries through the Integrated Pay Role and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
Kwara
The Ilorin West Local Government Council of Kwara State says it will ensure the completion of the secretariat of the IGS/Asa Dam zone of the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Tailors.
The chairman, Transitional Implementation Committee (TIC) of the council, Malam Abdulhameed Ali, made the pledge last Sunday while performing the foundation laying ceremony of the secretariat project.
He said one of the cardinal policies of the council was to uplift artisans in the area to boost their earnings.
Ali, who was awarded the best TIC Chairman in the state by the union, promised to mobilise support for the actualisation of the project.
Earlier, the President of the union, Mr Isiaka Abdulazeez, said the chairman was given the award because of his efforts at making life better for people of the grassroots.
He appealed to the chairman to assist the union in building “the befitting secretariat complex”.
Lagos
Nigeria’s Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, last Saturday in Lagos, called for the prosecution of those he described as detractors in the fight against corruption in the country.
Prof. Soyinka made the call at the opening of his Vision of the Child Art Exhibition, 2017 edition, at Freedom Park, Lagos with the theme: Enhance the Heritage; Advance the Future, in celebrating Lagos at 50.
He said that most times, the anti-corruption agency was sent on the wrong track or wild goose chase, resulting in no prosecution.
“When we talk about corruption, is it not time we legislate against detractors, who deliberately create distraction. Say for instance, the money just found in Lagos.
‘‘One governor claimed that the money belongs to his state government, claiming a proceed from the sale of some turbines and so on.
Nasarawa
Unknown gunmen last Saturday night, abducted the mother and sister of Mr Kassim Mohammed-Kassim, member representing (APC) Akwanga South Constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly.
The Police spokesman in the state, DSP Kennedy Idirisu confirmed the abduction to newsmen last Sunday in Lafia.
According to Idirisu, the gunmen in their numbers, stormed the residence of the lawmaker at Moroa in Akwanga at about 8 pm and shot sporadically before whisking the two women away.
He said that the police were collaborating with the vigilante group in the area to locate the victims.
“As we speak, our men are already combing the areas in search of the victims and to apprehend the perpetrators,” Idirisu said.Sokoto
Sokoto
No fewer than 67 bandits have surrendered their arms in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, according to its Chairman, retired Col. Garba Moyi.
Moyi told newsmen in Sokoto last Sunday that the arms were surrendered under an Amnesty Programme of the state government, headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Bashir Garba. Isa Local Government is close to Niger Republic and had witnessed many acts of brigandage and cattle rustling.
Moyi said, “fifty five of them surrendered their arms on April 14,2017, and were rewarded with cash, land plots to build houses and farmlands, to the tune of N30.5million.
“ The remaining 12 surrendered their arms afterwards and we are expecting more of them to do so soon.
“Similar welfare packages are also being arranged for those who surrendered their arms subsequently.”
Moyi stated that the surrendered arms included AK 47, pistols and submachine guns, among others. He did not specify the number of guns recovered.
Taraba
A violent clash between farmers and cattle rearers in Ussa and Takum Council Areas of Taraba State has left at least 15 people dead while several others sustained various degrees of injuries.
The State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the state, Alhaji Sahabi Mahmoud, and the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state Police Command, Mr David Misal (ASP), have confirmed the incident.
Reports that while Sahabi said at least 15 of his members were killed and buried in Takum last Friday, Misal said that the police could only confirm five deaths as at the time of filing this report.
Sahabi, who spoke with newsmen in Jalingo last Saturday, also expressed fear that more corpses of his members might be in the bush as more than 150 of them were still missing.
He claimed that hundreds of livestock belonging to the herdsmen were wandering in the bush as their owners could not be traced.
He called on security agencies and the state government to come to the aid of hundreds of other cattle breeders, whom he said were trapped in the forests of Ussa and Takum to get out alive with their animals.
Meanwhile, the PPRO told newsmen in Jalingo last Saturday that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Yakubu Babas has relocated to Takum to ensure that the crisis was brought under control.
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
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