Nation
THE STATES
FCT
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) will to
day hold its 2016 Second Anniversary Annual Lecture at Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
The Director-General of the commission, Malam Is’haq Modibbo Kawu, made this known to newsmen in a statement in Abuja.
According to Kawu, the theme for this year’s edition of the lecture series is; “ Broadcasting, Democracy and the Challenge of the New Nigeria’’.
He said that the lecture would be delivered by immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof.Attahiru Jega .
Gombe
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, has
urged herdsmen in the country to enrol their children in school, especially the girl-child, to acquire necessary knowledge and skills that would guide their lives.
Assistant National Secretary of the association Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi, made the call in an interview with newsnen in Gombe.
According to him, it is very important for the herdsmen to key into various government policies, including the nomadic education programme, which offers them unfettered access to education.
He expressed dismay at the response of the Fulanis to western education, saying that it was important to key in so as to tap its full potentials.
Jigawa
Parents have been advised to monitor the movement of
their children especially during holidays.
The head of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in Jigawa, Alhaji Abdu Abdul, gave the advice during interview with newsmen in Dutse.
Abdul said the montoring would enable parents to know the kind of company kept by their children to prevent the children from being involved in drug- related crimes.
He identified the absence of counseling or limited guidance from parents as one of the major causes of drug misuse among youths.
“There is the need for parents to be more concerned with the affairs of their children and help them make good friends in school and at home.
Kaduna
Governor Nasir El-Rufa‘i of Kaduna State has inaugu
rated a library and research centre of the state’s Ministry of Budget and Planning named after Abidu Yazid.
El-Rufai explained at the inauguration in Kaduna that Yazid was honoured for his sacrifices and contributions to the development of the state throughout his public service.
He disclosed that Yazid., a development economist, was responsible for drawing up the first development plan of the then North Central State in 1970.
He added that Yazid was also part of the special Federal Government‘s Planning Team that produced the Reconstruction Development Plan for the liberated defunct East Central State, immediately after the cessation of the Nigerian civil war.
Katsina
Former Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema
and his counsel, have shunned the sitting of the State Commission of Inquiry set up to investigate missing funds during his administration.
Our correspondent reports that counsel to other top government officials during Shema’s administration were also absent at the sitting.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the commission, Justice Surajo Muhammed, assured that the commission would be free and fair in the discharge of its duties.
“This commission will discharge its duties without fear or favour; we shall provide a level- playing ground for all as this is not a criminal court but a commission of Inquiry.” he said.
Kogi
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has urged con
tractors handling the River Port project in Lokoja to ensure its completion by December.
The governor gave the charge while inspecting ongoing works on the port.
He said that it’s quick completion would aid socio-economic development of the state.
Bello, who was conducted round the project site by the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Boss Mustapha, said that he was eagerly awaiting the completion of the project.
He said that the port would open the economy of the North to foreign investors.
Kwara
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria has com
mended the management of the University of Ilorin for providing the skills acquisition laboratory in its Department of Nursing.
Leader, Council’s Accreditation Team to the University of Ilorin’s Department of Nursing, Prof. Ijeoma Ehiemere, gave the commendation after an assessment tour of facilities in the department.
She noted that the university had put in place a robust staff development programme for the training of potential nurses.
Ehiemere said what the team saw at the College of Health Sciences of the university were commendable.
She described the skills acquisition/simulation centre and a robust staff development programme as exceptional.
The leader pointed out that some of the staff had been sent on study leave with pay, nationally and internationally.
Niger
Governor Sani Bello of Niger State has called on Nige
rians to eschew religious and ethnic sentiments in their dealings to ensure peace and national development.
He made the call when he received Dr Mathias Echioda, the new Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger chapter in Minna recently.
“One of the things that has divided us as a nation is religious sentiment. It was never like this in the past and I don’t know why it is like this now.
“We had a better life and better understanding which brought more progress to the country.
“It is time for us to move away from all forms of sentiments. It is not healthy and it is anti- progress for the development of the country”, he said.
He added that there was no justification for Christian Religious Studies not be taught in unity schools if the Islamic Religion Studies was being taught.
“If IRS is being taught in schools, what now happens to the Christians students, it means they are being forced to go out and play. That is against our moral value”.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Government has released over N60
million for the payment of backlog of pensions and gratuities to pensioners in the state.
the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Budget and Planning, Mr Muazu Adamu-Gosho,disclosed this to newsmen in Lafia.
He said that the money was for payment to retired workers in the state and local governments.
Adamu-Gosho said that data to ascertain the accurate number of pensioners in the state had been taken to facilitate monthly payment of pensions, while gratuities would be paid in arrears in view of paucity of funds.
Osun
Thirty-two-year-old Tijani Kamorudeen, who allegedly
broke into a house and stole a laptop and other valuables valued at N161, 000, has been arraigned in Osogbo.
The accused, who pleaded not guilty, is facing a two-count charge of burglary and theft at an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecutor Fagboyinbo Abiodun told the court that the accused committed the offences on June 18 at about 2.00 a.m. at Jemoja compound in Ido-Osun.
Abiodun, an inspector, alleged that the accused broke into the house of the complainant, Akinfenwa Reuben, and carted away some valuables including a laptop, phones, three ear pieces and a pair of shoes, all valued at N161, 400.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State-owned Independent Power Project
(IPP) will inject 38 megawatts of electricity into the national grid when energised.
The Managing Director of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEADCO), Mr Garba Haruna,disclosed this to newsmen in Sokoto.
Haruna was speaking shortly after inspecting the project with the Chairman, Board of Trustees of KAEDCO, Mr Yusuf Hamisu. ‘’The lPP project is certainly a reality as it has reached over 90 per cent completion stage.
“The line had since been run into the transmission where the power will be up taken into the national grid.
Zamfara
Dealers of sachet water in Gusau have complained of
low patronage, caused by the current rainy season, our correspondent reports.
A cross section of the dealers expressed the concern in a market survey conducted by our correspondent in Gusau.
Dealer of Rahama sachet water, Alhaji Aminu Bello,said that there was low patronage during rainy season, compared to dry season when the business was flourishing.
Bello said that during dry season, he supplied between 4,000 and 3,700 bags of water daily while he hardly sold up to 1,000 bags during the rainy season.
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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