Nation
Northern Youths Knock Customs Boss Over Job Creation
A group under the auspices of Kaduna Youths Forum has chastised the Controller-General of Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Retd), for failing to employ youths as measures to tackle the problem of unemployment and insecurity challenge in the North.
According to the group, there were high expectations from Ali who should have used his highly exalted position to create job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths.
In a press statement signed by its Coordinator, Ismail Mustapha Soba, the group singled out Ali who they alleged had done nothing tangible to create job opportunities for them after working and supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) to win the 2015 elections.
The group in the statement said: “We recalled how were massively mobilised to join the nationwide 2012 fuel subsidy protest in Kaduna that later led to the downfall of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s government.
“When we were invited for the protest alongside late former governor of defunct Kaduna, Alhaji Balarabe Musa; former lawmaker, Senator Shehu and Col. Hameed Ali himself with several prominent Nigerians and we did so with hope that our unemployment problem and the disturbing security challenges facing the North would be history”.
The group alleged that since Ali was appointed the Comptroller General of Customs by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, he had not employed any known Kaduna youth.
“We challenge him to make public the state-by-state employment records to prove us wrong .We stand to be corrected; from our records and information gathered, he has never employed any serious person in Kaduna into customs, he just turned to Bauchi State.
“He should know that part of the reasons Buhari appointed him as the Comptroller-General was to tackle chronic problems in service, including personnel shortage”, it added
While stressing that personnel shortage would be solved with the recruitment of thousands of personnel for active duty, the group noted: “It was expected that he visits Kaduna regularly to feel the pulse of the ordinary citizens, as we speak, he has not found time to meet the youths that labour for Buhari’s election victory.
“Even when a list of youths was compiled to assist them into Customs, he didn’t even see the person who went to submit it talkless of taking action.
“If nothing is done to make amends, we would be left with no option to mobilise for his sack”.
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.
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