Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa State Government has set up a committee to reintegrate Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) returning to various communities in the state.
Deputy Director, Ministry of Women Affairs, Adamawa State Mrs Regina Vincent, told newsmen in an interview last Tuesday in Abuja.
Vincent, said that the committee would ensure that the returnees were properly treated to enable them cope with the challenges of life in the larger society.
She said that government was conscious of its responsibility to protect the rights and dignity of IDPs as they move back to larger society.
“Those that intend to leave the camp and settle with host communities remain our priority, because they have nothing and nowhere to go; there is a plan to shift them to other camps and settle them there.
Bauchi
The Nigerian Army, last Tuesday said it had cleared kidnappers’ camps in Toro and Ningi Local Government Areas of Bauchi State.
It disclosed this in a statement signed by Maj. Joseph Afolasade, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 33 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, Bauchi State, and made available to newsmen.
Afolasade said, a detachment of soldiers from the 135 Battalion of the Brigade in Bauchi flushed out the kidnappers from their hideouts on May 14.
He said, the troops were deployed under an operation code-named ‘Operation Harbin Kunama II’ to clear the notorious camps in Lame, Burra, Dangarfa and Dangardo forests in the state.
The spokesman said that the soldiers had earlier averted an attempt by the suspected kidnappers to escape, adding that, one Ado Ahmed, 20, was arrested.
Benue
The Benue State Police Command, recently arraigned one Benedict Kum, 31, before a Makurdi Magistrate’s Court over alleged criminal conspiracy, armed robber and rape.
The Police prosecutor, Veronica Shaagee, told the court that one Helen Iorbee, who resides behind Oxnet Water, Akpehe, Logo II, Makurdi reported the case at ‘E’ Division Police Station, Makurdi, on May 10.
Shaagee alleged that Kum, also of the same address, conspired with one other person, now at large, to rob and rape the complainant.
“They broke into my house, robbed me, took my Itel phone valued at N24,000 and N17,000 cash, before one of them raped me,’’ Iorbee was quoted as telling the police.
The prosecutor further said that the accused, who was arrested during police investigation, voluntarily confessed to the crime.
Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti Customary Court last Tuesday dissolved the 10-year-old marriage between Mr Ilori Ayotunde and his wife, Yetunde.
Ilori sought dissolution of the marriage on grounds of adultery, “no rest of mind and lack of care for him.’’
The 35-year-old furniture maker told the court on oath that the respondent was fond of having secret affairs with different men while she was living in his house.
The father of two children told the court that the behaviour of the respondent did not give him peace of mind, whenever he thought of her actions.
FCT
Director of Stroke Action Group, Dr Biodun Ogungbo, last Tuesday advised Nigerians on regular check-up of their blood pressure to avoid silent death.
Ogungbo, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, ahead of the World Hypertension Day scheduled for May 17, with the theme “Know your Number”.
“Sadly, many are not aware about this silent killer in our midst. Those who are also often do not take it seriously.
“This is why millions of people are literally walking time bombs because of their high blood pressure.
“If it remains untreated, this can cause a heart attack, stroke or kidney disease,” he said.
Ogungbo, said hypertension had ranked first and described as the medical illness most frequently diagnosed in elderly person.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Emergency Nutrition Action Plan (KADENAP), has commenced train-the-trainer programme to eradicate malnutrition in the state, an official has said.
Hajiya Ummi El-Rufa’i, wife to Governor Nasiru El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State, disclosed this at the flag-off of the training programme for some selected health personnel in Zaria.
Report that the training is entitled: “Training on Community Management of Acute Malnutrition: Training of Trainers (TOT)”.
The governor’s wife, who was represented by Alhaji Shehu Usman-Muhammad, a member of KADENAP, said the workshop was aimed at improving the quality of health workers’ service in the management of malnutrition.
“It is specifically organised to train-the-trainers for them to train others in their various local governments and zones.
“It provides an opportunity to bring participants together from all over the state and best 20 will be selected to become trainers in the management of malnutrition in primary and secondary facilities,” she said.
Katsina
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Farouk Umar Farouk, has commended the Federal Government for sustaining provision of relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Farouk made the commendation in Daura last Tuesday when he received the National Commissioner of refugee commission, Hajiya Sadiya Farouk in his palace.
He said the present administration deserved commendation because of its commitments and determination to alleviate the hardships of IDPs.
He also lauded the efforts of Katsina State Government in supporting and implementing Federal Government programmes, stressing that Governor Bello Masari
was committed to replicating the ideas and philosophy of President Muhammadu Buhari in the state.
The emir added that he would go round to interact with IDPs in his domain with a view to giving them a sense of belonging.
Kogi
Two policemen were killed by gunmen last Tuesday morning on Magongo-Okene road in Kogi State.
The gunmen also made away with the AK47 rifles of the policemen who were on duty during the attack.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Wilson Inalegwu, confirmed the killing.
Inalegwu, who described the killing as sad, said the fleeing gunmen would be tracked down and prosecuted.
The Administrator of Ogori-Mangogo Local Government Council in whose domain the incident took place, Mr Moses Akande, condemned the killing and described it as unfortunate .
He hoped that the police would arrest the killers and bring them to justice.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has opened the bid for the award of N8.6 billion contracts for construction of new school buildings.
Speaking during the opening of the bid on Tuesday in Lafia, Nasarawa SUBEB Chairman, Mohammed Dan-Azumi, said the process was in line with the law to ensure due process in the award of contracts.
Dan-Azumi, who was represented by Mr Freeman Kasa, a member of the board, promised to provide a level playing field for all the bidders to participate and ensure that due process was strictly adhered to.
“Even though this is my first interface with all the contractors since I assume office, I will ensure that due process is strictly adhered to and make sure there is no favouritism,” the chairman said.
Ondo
Two women, Basirat Abdullahi, 30, and Yemi Ebisola, 25, were last Tuesday arraigned in an Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court, Ondo State, for alleged beating a couple because of N10,000 foodstuffs debt.
The prosecutor, Insp. Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the defendants on April 25, around 6:00 p.m. at No. 4, Bamidele St., Igbodigo, Okitipupa, unlawfully assaulted their debtors by beating them mercilessly.
Orogbemi said that the suspects, who came to collect the debt owed by the couple, Samuel Fafeyiwa and Bola Fafeyiwa, pushed Bola down from a staircase and she sustained various degrees of injuries.
Oyo
Some members of the Olubadan-in-Council have dissociated themselves from the decision of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji , to appoint Alhaja Iswat Ameringun as the new Iyaloja of Ibadan.
Report that, Chief Labake Lawal was removed as the Iyaloja and replaced by Ameringun.
Also reports that, Lawal had dragged the Olubadan and the council to court to seek nullification of her replacement.
But a statement issued on Monday and signed by two high chiefs, Lekan Balogun and Owolabi Olakulehin, dissociated themselves from the appointment of a new Iyaloja.
Zamfara
The Federal University, Gusau in Zamfara State, has rusticated 15 students and expelled two others over examination misconduct, The Tide sources reports.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Magaji Garbage, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen while inspecting ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination [UTME] in Gusau, lastTuesday.
He said that University Governing Board took the measure to serve as deterrent to other students who might indulge in examination malpractice.
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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