Category: News

By Muhammad Ibrahim,Sokoto

………donates 70 vehicles to Security Agencies

The Sokoto state Governor, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu remarked that today marked another milestones towards eradicating ill vices like banditry and kidnapping in the state commending men of the Opration Hadarin Daji and other sister agencies for the efforts.

He said just two weeks ago they had established a committee to screen youths who will work hand in hand with other security agencies in fighting criminality in the state

“The state government would not rest until Sokoto is free from all ill vices in the state and that the state government deemed it possibly to donate a bag of millet, rice and N100 to each banditry victims”.

Nevertheless, the victims were rescued from Goronyo and Isa local governments

He similarly said his government has purchased 70 vehicles

He then commended the Sokoto House of Assembly for all the support they had been rwndering to his administration

The 52 were in addition to the 14 rescued within Tangaza axis last week and had earlier been medically checked up ready to join their respective families.

Earlier,the Sokoto Garrison Commandant in his rescue speech said they had conducted OHD to sanitize the forests for indigenes to go about their normal activities thanking the state government for its support.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has paid glowing tributes to the immediate past Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo for his sterling character, statemanship, intellectual prowess as part of the reasons for the peace and stability witnessed in the immediate past administration.

Speaking at a thanksgiving service in honour of Ekpo.at Abak yesterday, Eno attributed Ekpo’s success in holding the office for eight unbroken years to his rare attribute of integrity, humane and calm disposition in all circumstances.

“Let me pay special respect to His Excellency, the immediate past deputy Governor, our own uncle Mo, our father who has given us so much inspiration. We thank God for a day like this. We thank God for who “Uncle Mo” was and who he still is.

“We thank God for everything that our boss, the immediate past Governor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel said concerning him. He is a man who is very calm, coordinated, and counts everything he says.

“One thing that I have personally observed about him is that he will pause for a long time and think of the right word to express himself perfectly and even if you supply him with the best words, he won’t take it. He will use his own words. I have learnt that long time ago and this shows the kind of person he is.

“So, sir, we are here to thank God for you. Usually, as a Pastor, we would have been in Church today, but since I am now the Pastor of Akwa Ibom, this is where church holds today, and we thank God for you.” The Governor said.

He congratulated the former Deputy Governor on his recent 82nd birthday celebration, adding that his rare virtues made the task of governance smooth for the then Governor thereby guaranteeing focused leadership and development in the State.

On his part, the immediate past governor, Emmanuel, described Moses Ekpo as a worthy deputy whose exemplary character and wisdom gave strong support to the successes recorded during their tenure in office.

In his his speech, the celebrator, Ekpo expressed gratitude to God for the grace to serve the State for eight years in good health and for his 82-year sojourn on earth. He noted that God has been good to him and has been with him through various stages of his life.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has conveyed Christmas greetings to Nigerians, urging them to embrace love, peace, humility, and sacrifice during the festive season.

In his 2023 Christmas message shared on his social media account on Monday, the former President highlighted the importance of the season in fostering unity and contributing to the nation’s rebuilding.

Jonathan encouraged citizens to uphold moral principles, demonstrate faith, and actively contribute to the progress of the country through acts of love and kindness.

He expressed, “Compliments of the season, fellow Nigerians and friends around the world.

“On behalf of my family, I bring you greetings as we celebrate this year’s Christmas.

“The Christmas story is an inspiring one, full of messages of peace, hope, and joy to the whole world. It is rooted in God’s love for humanity and His infinite mercy manifested through the birth of Jesus Christ.

“The birth of Jesus Christ marks a new beginning and a new destiny for all believers. It is the fulfillment of many prophecies about the coming of the Saviour who will save us from sin and other difficulties.

“This celebration invites us to be true witnesses to our faith as followers of Christ and to manifest the virtues of peace, love, humility, and sacrifice.

“To all citizens, this period should serve as a moment to reawaken our faith in God and our country and live with the assurance that despite our challenges, we can surmount them through our shared acts of love and faith.

“Let us make the most of this season to rebuild our country by showing love to our neighbors and upholding moral principles that will deepen the thread that binds us together as a people.

“Let us utilize this opportunity to provide hope to those in need and take steps that will contribute to advancing our nation’s progress.

“Let us observe this season in the spirit of love, peace, and unity.

“Merry Christmas to Nigerians and the rest of humanity. -GEJ”

Ukandi Odey, Jos

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has extended greetings to citizens and residents of the state and Nigerians on the occasion of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Governor Mutfwang in a statement encouraged all citizens, in Plateau and across Nigeria, to embrace the true spirit of Christmas by sharing love and exchange gifts, especially with the less privileged.

The statement says, “on behalf of your Government, I extend heartfelt wishes as we collectively commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Let us recall that God’s love for mankind led to the redemption through His son. This Christmas, let’s rekindle our love for humanity by dedicating our time and energy to enriching the lives of others. May we embody values of love, charity, and selflessness, contributing to a more united, peaceful, and prosperous Plateau.”

Acknowledging the challenges faced by the state, including security issues, economic hardship, and political concerns, Governor Mutfwang reassured the people that his administration is committed to alleviating these difficulties. He emphasized faith in divine intervention and called for hope and prayer for a positive turnaround.

According to Mutfwang, “as we celebrate, let’s hold onto hope, knowing that God, in His grace, will guide us through. I urge all citizens to conduct themselves peacefully, contributing to the creation of a harmonious environment for lawful activities.”

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has delivered a Christmas message urging Christians in the state and nationwide to embrace joy and maintain hope during the festive season.

In a statement released by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the governor encouraged people to share the Christmas joy throughout the state, ensuring that everyone feels included in the celebration.

The statement conveyed, “As the joyous bells of Christmas chime and the star of Bethlehem shines once again, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, felicitates Ndi Anambra with a heart overflowing with gratitude, festive cheer and immense hope for the future of our great state.

“Christmas, a season of love, light, and goodwill, finds us at a pivotal moment in the journey of our dear State. We stand on the threshold of a brighter tomorrow, having weathered storms and challenges together, emerging stronger and more united in our resolve to build a better, safer, prosperous, homeland.

“This year as we gather in churches, families and communities, let us celebrate the birth of Christ with grateful hearts. Let us count our blessings and remember the resolute faith that carried us through the year, as the abiding love for our homeland continues to be our guiding compass.

“Let the warmth of this season reignite the spark of hope within each of us. Let us extend a hand of kindness to our neighbours, for in unity and compassion lies our strength.

“Let us open our hearts to the less fortunate, the lonely, and the vulnerable. Let us remember the true spirit of Christmas – the spirit of giving, forgiveness, and selfless service.

“Let us spread the joy of Christmas to every corner of our state, ensuring that no one feels alone or left out of celebration.”

Governor Soludo expressed his commitment to tirelessly work towards building a prosperous and secure Anambra, ensuring that every citizen thrives and opportunities shine brightly for all.

“On this blessed Christmas season, I pray for peace, joy, and abundance for every one of you.

“May the spirit of Christmas fill your homes with warmth, your hearts with love, and your lives with blessings beyond measure. Merry Christmas, Ndi Anambra!” he added.

In Lagos State, some residents voiced their dissatisfaction with what they described as “economic hardship,” expressing its negative impact on this year’s Christmas celebration.

During interviews with reporters, residents highlighted challenges such as increased prices of groceries and transportation, as well as the prevailing cash scarcity in the state. Traders also bemoaned “poor sales,” attributing the downturn to the perceived economic challenges.

Widow Mrs. R. Sulaiman lamented the high cost of foodstuff, stating that economic hardships in Nigeria have made it challenging for her to adequately provide for her children during the Christmas season.

Clement Osakwe, another resident, shared his disappointment in being unable to afford transportation costs to his Enugu hometown for the festive season, despite the 50 percent rebate on transportation costs offered by the administration led by President Bola Tinubu.

Expressing frustration, Ademola from the Ketu area criticized banks for contributing to the festive season’s challenges by limiting access to cash. He questioned the reasons behind the apparent scarcity of cash and appealed to the government to address the issue promptly, attributing it to what he called an “artificial scarcity caused by enemies of the nation.”

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, wife of billionaire Ned Nwoko, delighted her followers by sharing adorable moments with her children and stepchildren on social media. She posted beautiful photos capturing heartwarming scenes with her two sons, Munir and Khalifa, and other children from her husband, enjoying time by the poolside.

Expressing her joy, Regina Daniels mentioned that one of her all-time favorite things is being a mother. She finds it amusing and adorable when the children playfully fight for her attention and love.

Earlier, Regina Daniels organized a family celebration for her billionaire husband, Ned Nwoko’s birthday. The actress, along with her rival Laila and their children, celebrated with a birthday song and cake cutting. Regina shared a video of the small dinner celebration, expressing her wishes for God’s strength, good health, wisdom, and protection for her husband.

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, extended warm wishes to Nigerians, especially the Christian community, on the occasion of Christmas. In a statement released by his Media Office in Abuja on Sunday, Atiku encouraged Nigerians to prioritize peace, unity, and love for national progress.

The statement emphasized the significance of Christmas as a time for love, joy, generosity, and forgiveness. Atiku urged all Nigerians to embody the spirit of the season and come together for the greater good of the country. He called for unity, emphasizing the importance of injecting the “healing and unifying serum of love for our neighbors into the nation’s consciousness” during the festive season.

Atiku encouraged Nigerians to rededicate themselves to values such as faith in God and love for one another. He urged citizens to make these virtues evident and practical in their daily lives. Additionally, the former Vice President called for continuous prayers for peace, development, and progress in the nation.

He concluded by emphasizing the need to extend love and fellowship to neighbors, fostering a sense of unity among Nigerians regardless of social, political, or religious differences. Atiku expressed hope for a better tomorrow and a more prosperous country.