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Benue
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the assassination of  Principal Senior Special Assistant to Governor Samuel Ortom on Knowledge, Economy and Investment, Mr Tavershima Adyorough.
Adyorough was also a member of the Benue State Economic Team.
The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bashir Makama told newsmen last Sunday in Makurdi that Adyorough was assassinated in the early hours of Sunday.
“He was killed in his house by bandits, who also shot his wife. The woman is currently responding to treatment at a government hospital in Makurdi,” he said.
The commissioner said that the motive of the killing was yet to be established, but expressed optimism that the culprits would be apprehended and brought to book.

Borno
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has described President Muhammadu Buhari’s return to Nigeria, after a medical vacation in London, as a big boost toward ending the Boko Haram terrorism in the North- East.
Shettima stated this in a statement signed by his spokesman, Malam Isa Gusau, in Maidugur last Sunday.
He congratulated the entire people of the North-East on the return of the president.
“The people of the North-East should be congratulated as the major beneficiaries of Buhari’s return because of his open love, empathy and keen interest in addressing the security challenges in the sub-region,’’ Shettima said.
He said that aside from his zeal in fighting insecurity, the president had been magnanimous in appointing individuals from the sub-region into key Federal Government positions.

Ekiti
The Ekiti State House of Assembly last Sunday congratulated the state Deputy Governor, Dr Kolapo Olusola on his elevation to the rank of a Professor.
The deputy governor was last week appointed a Professor in Building Technology by the Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU), Ile-Ife.
The appointment was backdated to 2012.
He had being a lecturer for no less than 20 years before venturing into partisan politics and was, subsequently, made the deputy governor of Ekiti, his home state.
The speaker of the Assembly, Mr Kola Oluwawole Oluwawole, in a statement by his Special Assistant (Media), Stephen Gbadamosi, described the honour as well-deserved, thanking God for making the him reach the zenith of his academic career.

FCT
A member of the National Assembly, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari’s return from his medical vacation in London, saying it will end controversies surrounding his long absence.
Buhari left Nigeria on May 7 for medical attention in England and returned last Saturday after 104 days.
Although, he handed over power to the Vice President in compliance with the Constitution, his long absence elicited varied commentaries and protests, with some urging him to “resume or resign”.
Abaribe, who is Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, told newsmen  in Abuja that the president’s return was good news for Nigerians, and “will end the controversies that trailed his stay in London”.

Jigawa
The Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), says it has begun the biometric verification of its staff to uncover ghost workers.
The board’s spokesman, Mallam Wasilu Umar, made this disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Dutse.
Umar said the exercise would cover staff at the SUBEB headquarters in Dutse, as well as in the Local Government Education Authorities (LEAs) across the 27 Local Government Areas of the state.
He quoted the chairman of the verification committee, Alhaji Hamza Aliyu, as saying this while, addressing members of the committee at a meeting on the development.

Kano
Kano State Government and Dangote Group have donated N500 million each as assistance to victims of the fire outbreak that occurred early this year in five major markets in Kano.
The Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote announced the donation last Saturday in Kano.
Dangote, who headed the appeal fund committee for the victims, said the gesture was to ameliorate the suffering of those affected by the disaster.
“Times are hard and if not for the recession which we are also affected I would have donated more than this amount,” he said.
He called on other wealthy individuals and organizations to come to the aid of the traders.

Kwara
The Police in Kwara State last Thursday assured that adequate security would be provided during the councils elections in the state slated for November 4.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Alhaji Ado Lawan, gave the assurance while receiving members of Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC) led by the Chairman, Dr AbdulRahman Ajidagba who visited him.
The commission’s visit was in continuation of its sensitization calls to security agencies and other stakeholders toward achieving credible, fair and free election.
Lawan said that the command was working round-the-clock to ensure a trouble-free councils poll in every part of the state.

Lagos
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) last Sunday said the jubilation that followed the arrival of President Muhammadu Buhari was an indication that the country had no alternative to him now.
Alhaji Tokunbo Korodo, the Chairman, South-West Chapter of the union, told newsmen in Lagos that Nigerians were in happy mood with the arrival of their President.
“We believe in our president and I can tell you, categorically, that there is no alternative to Buhari in moving the country forward,” he said.
According to the Chairman, the people came out immensely to welcome him, because they believed in him to turn around the ailing economy.

Niger
The Niger State Government says it has spent N3 billion to rehabilitate nine secondary schools under the first phase of its Whole School Development Approach Programme.
Hajiya Fatima Madugu, Commissioner for Education, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen last Monday in Minna, said that three schools were selected from each of the three sentatorial districts.
She said that the second phase of the rehabilitation, which would focus on technical colleges and vocational training centres, would soon commence.
According to her, two technical colleges and two vocational schools will be rehabilitated from each senatorial zone.
Ogun

A former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili last Sunday said that the demands by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) were unrealistic in light of the current economic situation in Nigeria.
Ezekwesili said this while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan while reacting to the ongoing strike embarked upon by the union.
The former minster said that lasting solution to the crisis bedevilling the education sector could only be found from strong analysis of the issues raised by ASUU and evidenced based policies.
“Money is not limitless and yet everyone must acknowledge that investment in education is crucial and it is key.

Osun
The Osun State Police Command says it has arrested a 23-year-old suspected internet fraudster (name with/held) for allegedly duping an American of 80,000 dollars (N28.8 million).
Police Commissioner, Fimihan Adeoye, told newsmen in Osogbo that the suspect allegedly committed the crime by posing as a woman to the unsuspecting man on a dating site on the internet.
Adeoye said the victim, who was looking for a serious relationship with a woman, was however scammed by the suspect to the tune of 80,000 dollars.
He said the suspect was apprehended with the help and information the command received from an anonymous source.
“He presented himself as a woman on the internet and he succeeded in seeking the friendship of his victim who thereafter paid the money into his account.

Plateau
The Plateau State chapter of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), has pleaded with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to extend its support to private schools in rural communities.
Its  Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Uzoji, told newsmen last Sunday in Jos, that access to educational materials in rural communities was difficult, urging the board to intervene.
“Access to educational materials in rural communities is very minimal. SUBEB should intervene to augment what proprietors of the primary schools in hinterlands can afford,” he said.
Noting that 75 per cent of Nigerian children attend private primary schools, he said that government must show more interest in the quality of what the children were getting.

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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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