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Bauchi

Bauchi State Government  has said it spent N9.73
billion in seven years on various projects under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the state.
The State Focal Person, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim, made this known in an interview with newsmen  in Bauchi recently.
Ibrahim said the amount was spent on the construction of 60 Primary Health Care Centres, 24 Clinics, 27 blocks of classrooms and 627 VIP latrines.
Others were purchase of 60 ambulances, drilling of 427 boreholes, construction of 40 dispensaries, four units of health centres, equipping of health centres and supply of drugs.
He said that renovation of health centres, classrooms, installation of Solar Inverters, supply of drugs, medical equipment, school furniture under 2012 Conditional Grant Scheme gulped one billion naira.

FCT

The presidential candidate of the Alliance for Democ
racy, Dr Rafiu Salau, on Saturday pledged to create two million jobs if elected into office in next month’s election.
Salau made the pledge while unfolding his manifesto in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
To attain such a feat, Salau said his administration would ensure more local content involvement in the exploration and sale of crude oil as well as shipment by local maritime companies.
He said: “First, a minimum of 70 per cent of the exploration of the crude oil in the nation must be done by local companies.
“Whatever the profit made by local companies will be invested in the economy of the nation. This will go a long way in increasing the revenue that will be generated in the industry.

Kano

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Kano
State chapter, on Friday directed all its members in the state to go on an indefinite strike.
Mr Suleman Aliyu, the secretary of the union in the state, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Kano.
He said the action was part of decisions taken by judiciary workers to persuade the Federal Government to grant autonomy to judicial arm of government.
“The union has ordered all it members to start an indefinite strike action from Friday, meaning that all courts in the state will remain closed indefinitely,” he said.
According to him, the action is necessary following the alleged failure of the Federal Government to implement a verdict of a Federal High court of the January 13, 2014.
“We have passed the directives to all our members in Kano and they have complied because we went round and we are satisfied with the level of compliance”, he said.

Kwara

One person died while several others sustained inju
ries in a lone accident that occurred last Saturday at Eleyin Village on the Ilorin-Omu-Aran Highway in Kwara State.
The accident involved a truck with registration number Lagos KRD 457 XJ which was loaded with food and household items.
The vehicle, our correspondent  learnt , was said to be heading to Ilorin from Kabba in Kogi when the incident happened.
An eyewitness said that the driver of the truck suddenly lost control and rammed into a PHCN pole before spilling its content in the bush.

Lagos

Some members of the Lagos State House of Assembly
have urged INEC to embark on sensitisation campaigns on procedures for collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and the voting process.
The lawmakers told newsmen  on Saturday in Lagos that the campaign was necessary specifically because of the newly introduced PVCs.
Mr Abiodun Tobun (APC-Epe I) urged the electoral body to take proactive measures in sensitising the electorate on collection of PVCs.
“I think INEC should prepare more for the elections in term of public sensitisation on PVCs collection and the voting process.

Nasarawa

The All Progressives Grand Allaince (APGA) last Sat
urday presented the immediate past Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, as its governorship candidate in Nasarawa State.
The party also presented Mr Ibrahim Abu as Maku’s running mate in February’s governorship election.
The Chairman of the party in the state, Chief John Amako, presented Maku and his running mate in Lafia to the party’s officials and supporters from the 13 local government areas of the state.
“By this pronouncement, all rumours making the rounds that Maku is not the governorship candidate of APGA in the state should be disregarded,” Amako said.

Niger

The General Manager, Niger State Emergency Manage
ment Agency (NSEMA), Alhaji Mohammed Shaba has said that no fewer than 395 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are residing in the state.
He told newmen in an interview on Sunday in Minna that most of the IDPs were from the north-eastern zone of the country.
“We have 107 IDPs from Kalaah Hong Madagli in Adamawa that are living in Gurara Local Government and 288 IDPs from Gwoza in Borno residing in Shiroro Local Government.
“Those living in Gurara claimed that they followed their relatives and they are camping in Dikko Central Primary School, Gurara.
“Some of those residing in Shiroro also claimed that they are fishermen with women and children from Doron Baga in Borno, a riverine area.

Osun

The Deputy Chief Imam of Ife Central Mosque, Alhaji
AbdulHammed AbdulSemiu, has called for unity and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.
AbdulSemiu made the call during Friday prayers that marked the birth of Mohammed at Ife Central Mosque, Enuwa, Ile-Ife.
He said that it was remarkable that last week Thursday, Christians celebrated the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ and Muslims were now celebrating the month of birth of Prophet Mohammed.
He said that meant that there should not be any disagreement between the two religions but cordial relationship.

Plateau

The Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area in Pla
teau State, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, on Saturday confirmed  that seven persons were  killed in recent attacks on some parts of the area.
Mutfwang told a news conference in Jos that the area witnessed some security challenges in which lives were lost.
He said the attacks occurred in Maitumbi, Jwak-Maitumbi, Kyampus, Mai-Rana, Sarbot and Kantoma villages and their immediate environs.
According to him, the enemies struck in the night of Dec. 26 and shot one Mr Yoila Micah dead in his residence in Jwak-Maitumbi.
He said that while the community was recovering from the attack, the gunmen struck again on Tuesday and shot two men riding on a motor-cycle, killing and beheading one Longji Mikyes while another unnamed person escaped with gunshot wounds.

Sokoto

Senate President David Mark last Saturday called on the
people of Sokoto North Senatorial District to return Sen. Ahmed Maccido to the Senate in 2015.
Maccido (PDP-Sokoto), is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation.
Mark made the call during the distribution of motorcycles, water pumping, sewing and grinding machines purchased by Maccido to the constituents in Sokoto on Saturday.
Mark was represented by former Senate Leader and PDP gubernatorial candidate for the 2015 general elections in Sokoto State, Amb. Abdallah Wali.
Mark explained that Maccido’s re-election would enable him to continue with the good work he had been doing in line with the manifesto of the PDP.

From left: Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ademorin Kuye, Governor Babatunde Fashola and Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, at a meeting of traditional rulers with Governor Fashola in Lagos last Tuesday

From left: Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ademorin Kuye, Governor Babatunde Fashola and Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, at a meeting of traditional rulers with Governor Fashola in Lagos last Tuesday

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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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