Nation
THE STATES
Cross section of federal civil servants in Rivers State during an interactive session in Port Harcourt last.
Photo: NAN
Benue
A Makurdi High Court has sentenced Jacob Atongo,
a 100-level Sociology student of Benue State University, to death by hanging for armed robbery.
In his judgment, Justice Adam Onum, held that he was satisfied with the confession of the accused to the charges and therefore, found him guilty.
Onum sentenced the accused to death by hanging, insisting that the sentence prescribed under the law for the offence must be followed.
Atongo conspired with two others and robbed Stephen Akuma, and several others at gun point on June 26, 2012.
FCT
The Federal Government has been urged to set up
Inter-Ministerial ICT project clearance desk to address duplication of projects and programmes among Ministries, Department and Agencies in the country.
The President, Abuja Chapter, Information System Audit and Control Association (ISACA), Mr Ikani Yunusa, made the call at the 5th Annual International Conference in Abuja recently.
Yunusa said the desk was important to eliminate duplication of projects, waste of public funds and unnecessary financial burden on the tax payers.
“I was worried when I learnt of the Federal Road Safety Commission and the Nigeria Police Force competing for who should set up a central Database for Vehicle registration for the country. That shouldn’t be.
Kaduna
Kaduna State Government says it will train 7,600
youths and women in various skills under the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).
Governor Mukhtar Yero, who stated this at the beginning of the training in Kaduna, explained that the programme would improve the welfare of Nigerians via the provision of infrastructure, jobs and wealth creation.
“We have a total of 7,600 youths and women drawn from the 23 local government areas of the state. 1,500 will be trained under women empowerment, 2,300 under youth development and 2,300 under agriculture,’’ he said.
Yero said that the youth empowerment training would cost the government N42.9 million, while its women empowerment component would cost N39.9 million.
Kano
Kano State Commissioner for Special Duties Mr Idris
Dambazau, says government has completed the construction of 1,500 houses for flood victims in 2012.
Dambazau told newsmen in Kano that the figure was out of the 3,000 houses it was building for victims in three local government areas.
He said the houses were constructed at the cost of N2.4 billion in Warawa, Kunci and Makoda local government areas.
Dambazau said the state government found it necessary to construct the houses so as to relocate the victims from the river banks and other flood prone areas.
Katsina
Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State, has
approved the appointment of Alhaji Aminu Danbaba, as Executive Chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
This is contained in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Alhaji Rabi’u Rumah, in Katsina.
Until his appointment, Danbaba was the executive director of the state Pilgrims Welfare Board.
He replaces Dr Suleman Dikko, who was recently appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan as the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
Kwara
The Fadama III Project has empowered more than
50,000 farmers in Kwara State, the Project’s Coordinator in the state, Mr Yusuf Agbabiaka, said.
Agbabiaka told newsmen in Ilorin that about 1, 228 Fadama user groups had been registered under the project in the state.
He said the beneficiaries had benefited from various agricultural support facilities at subsidised rate, including assorted agricultural inputs.
“They (Fadama user groups) have benefited so much in terms of access to fertiliser, agro chemicals, improved seeds, agric equipment and implements, among others.
Lagos
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in
Lagos recently organised a retreat for its officers with the aim of reviewing road safety strategies for improved performance.
The commission organised the one-day retreat for its officers in Zone 2, comprising Lagos and Ogun.
The commission used the opportunity to review the zone’s performance in the third quarter of this year.
The Zonal Commander, Mr Ademola Lawal, charged the officers to be determined to drastically reduce road accidents at the end of the year.
Ondo
Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi, has
advised the youth, especially those who were unemployed, to embrace entrepreneurial skills that would make them to become self-reliant.
The governor gave the advice in Ise-Ekiti at the closing ceremony of the Batch “C’’ NYSC Orientation Programme in the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp.
Fayemi said that the youth, particularly corps members, should take advantage of available training and skills development programmes that would make them productive.
“I urge you to take advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme of the NYSC and prepare for your future.
Osun
The Osun State Government has approved N4.5
billion as car refurbishing loan for the 9,435 workers in the state civil service, the Commissioner for Finance, Dr Wale Bolorunduro, has said.
Bolorunduro, who made the disclosure in Osogbo at a press conference, said that officials of labour unions in the civil service would determine the number of workers that would benefit from the loan.
He said the officials would also manage the account where the loan is domiciled and its disbursement.
Bolorunduro said that N1.2 billion would be needed to pay the first batch of beneficiaries of the loan adding that N1.4 billion had been reserved for payment of the second batch of beneficiaries.
Oyo
The Court of Appeal in Ibadan has adjourned the
case between the Oyo Government and Alhaji Lateef Akinsola, the ex-chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), to January 15, 2014.
The government had filed an appeal against the judgment of a federal high court to reinstate Akinsola, also known as “Tokyo’’, as the union’s chairman.
Mr M.A. Ganiyu, counsel to the state government, told the court that he had filed and served an application, dated November 26, just before the court commenced sitting.
“The application, which was filed today, is for an extension of time to appeal,” he said.
However, Mr Abiodun Amole, counsel to Akinsola, did not raise any objection.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed
the stealing of 20 camels by suspected gunmen at Kawaye village of Anka local government area of the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Lawal Abdullahi, said this in Gusau while addressing newsmen in Gusau.
He said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the area had been instructed to arrest the suspects.
The police spokesman gave assurance that the police would continue to ensure the continuous protection of persons and their property.
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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