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President Muhammadu  Buhari (left), receiving letter of credence from the Ambassador designate of Poland to Nigeria, Mr Andrzej Dycha, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday .

President Muhammadu Buhari (left), receiving letter of credence from the Ambassador designate of Poland to Nigeria, Mr Andrzej Dycha, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday .

Adamawa
Members of Adamawa State  House of Assembly have
in Yola passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the House led the Speaker, Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa.
The confidence vote was passed as the legislators resumed from five weeks recess in the wake of speculations of possible change in the leadership of the house.
A letter endorsing the speaker, signed by 23 out of the 25 legislators, was read by Mijinyawa, who later called them one by one to confirm their signatures.
In their respective submissions at plenary, the legislators lauded the leadership of the house for its commitment to transparency.
In his submission, Abubakar Abdulrahman (APC-Mubi South) who chairs the House Integrity Forum, described the speaker as ‘a team player who carries everyone along.’

Bauchi
An Islamic Scholar in Bauchi, Sheikh Abdullahi
Abubakar, has advised the Federal Government to entrust the management of Tsangaya schools in the country, to a  Board of Trustees of the schools, for effective performance.
Abubakar told newsmen on Saturday in Bauchi, that poor management of such schools, was making it difficult to achieve the purpose for which they were established.
According to him, the Board should be given powers to handle matters of employment, promotion and discipline of teachers, to enhance efficiency of the students.
He said that it was the dream of the initiators of the schools, to see that the institutions prospered to churn out products that would be helpful to the society.
He expressed optimism that the schools, if managed by the trustees, would open up new window for unlimited progress in Quranic education.

Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court has remanded
10 accused persons arraigned before it in prison custody for kidnapping and armed robbery in Ekiti.
They are Solomon Obamuyegun, Oladapo Rachael, Sina Omidirin, Babatunde Balogun, Tope Gabriel, Bose Sade-Ajayi, Felix Omiawe, Damiloa Obamuagun, Shina Omidiran and Owolabi Olanrewanju.
Prosecutor Olasunkanmi Bankole told the court that the accused persons were arraigned on a two-count charge of kidnapping and robbery.
Bankole said that the offence was committed between April and July at Ilogbo-Ekiti, in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of the state.

FCT
The Executive Secretary, National Universities Com
mission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, says,  the standard of Nigerian universities was high in spite of their low global ranking.
Okojie, who said this at the opening of a two-day workshop on African Centres of Excellence (ACE) Project Post-Effectiveness in Abuja, said that the problem with Nigerian universities was low Internet presence.
Nigeria has 10 out of 19 African Centres of Excellence.
According to Okojie, the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN) is solving the problem of Internet connectivity in Nigerian universities, saying it will improve global presence of Nigerian universities.

Jigawa
The State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB)
in Jigawa  State says it has strengthened the capacity of no fewer than 53 schools’ quality assurance officers in the state.
The SUBEB Deputy Director, Teacher Training, Alhaji Sani Shehu, made the disclosure to newsmen in Dutse.
Shehu said the training, organised, financed and facilitated by the SUBEB, started on July 27 and ended July 31.
The deputy director added that the beneficiaries included directors and their deputies from the quality assurance, social mobilisation offices and other officers that participated in quality assurance inspection in the state.
The SUBEB Zonal Director, Northwest, Mr Mansur Idris, told newsmen that the gesture was for the beneficiaries to acquire skills which would enable them conduct effective quality assurance in schools.
Kano
The wife of Kano State Governor,  Dr Hafsat Ganduje
, has called on parents in the state to enrol their female children in school to ensure a bright future for them.
Ganduje made the call on Monday during a reception organised in honour of APC women leaders at the Government House in Kano.
She noted that there was a low enrolment of girls in schools, especially in the rural areas.
Ganduje said that it was regrettable that in spite of the efforts of the state government toward promoting female education, many parents were still reluctant to send their wards to school.
She said that the governor was aware of the effective role played by women in his victory and would not disappoint them.
Kwara
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has con
fiscated pirated works valued at over N4 million during a raid on outlet stores selling videos and musical works in Ilorin.
The Head, Ilorin Liaison Office of the commission, Mrs Justina Akinwumi made this known on Tuesday while briefing newsmen on the activities of the commission in the state.
Akinwumi said that the commission arrested five persons involved in the piracy activities during the raid.
“Nigerian Copyright Commission has zero tolerance for piracy and all the perpetrators of the heinous act will be brought to book,” she added.

Lagos
An Ijaw leader, Mr Regent Youmor, has said the ap
pointment of retired Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh would facilitate the payment of fees of ex-militants schooling abroad.
Youmor, the adviser of the Ijaw National Congress, Lagos chapter, said this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
President Muhammadu Buhari, on July 28, appointed Boroh as the coordinator of the amnesty programme to replace Mr Kingsley Kuku, the former Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Youmor said that over 3,000 beneficiaries of the programme had been ejected from their various institutions abroad due to non-payment of the fees.

Osun
The Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Osun State
chapter, says it has started the distribution of chemicals to cocoa farmers in the state in its drive to boost cocoa production.
The association, in a statement issued by its Deputy Chairman Board of Trustees and Zonal  Secretary Oyo/Osun zones, Dr Bola Otunla and Mr John Alalade, said that the chemical distribution was to ensure that the state caught up with other cocoa growing states in the country.
“The state chapter of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria started the distribution of fungicide and insecticide to cocoa farmers in Osun.

Plateau
The Police at Jibilik check point in Pankshin Local
Government Area of Plateau has caught a couple with 81 live ammunition.
DSP Emmanuel Abu, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, confirmed the incident to newsmen . Abu, however, said the Divisional Police Officer in the area was yet to give details on the recovery.
The couple, Mr and Mrs Dahiru Haruna, were on their way to Bauchi in an unregistered motorcycle when they were intercepted by the policemen.
A policeman (names withheld) also confirmed the incident to the Chairman of Pankshin Local Government Council, Mr Steve Jings, who was on his way on a condolence visit to Chip District.
The policeman said that the couple never wanted to stop for a search.

Sokoto
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has
pledged that his administration will provide critical infrastructure for the Nigerian Army and assist its officers to enable them carry out their mandate.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Senior Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Imam Imam, in Sokoto on Sunday.
The statement stated that Tambuwal made the promise on Saturday in Sokoto when he visited the Command Headquarters of 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Sokoto.
It stated that the governor said the state government would continue to accord the welfare and wellbeing of men and officers of all security agencies in the state top priority.
“Tambuwal said that Sokoto State had benefited immensely from the activities of the Brigade Command in various ways.
Yobe
Property, farmlands and livestock in seven villages
have been destroyed by flood in Yobe following heavy downpour on Monday night.
Malam Hussaini Ali, one of the victims told newsmen that about 60 per cent of structures in Ngelzarma were swept away by the flood.
“I have lost everything I owned to the flood including my house, livestock and other items,” he said, adding that hundreds of other families have been rendered homeless.
In Gununu and Jajere, our courrespondent learnt that the heavy night rain destroyed homes, submerged farms and swept away livestock.
Alhaji Digima Gana, Chairman Fune Local Government said that the council had set up a committee to provide immediate relief to the victims.
Similarly, Nangere and Budua villages in Nangere Local Government area and Murza and Dachia villages in Jakusko Local Council Area were also affected.

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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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