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State governors have urged Nigerians to continue to embrace unity in order to bring more development to the country in 2026 as Nigeria approaches the new year.

Additionally, the governors cited a number of accomplishments that they had made in various industries.

Read more about Tinubu’s pledge to promote inclusive growth and enhanced security in 2026.

Hope Uzodimma, the governor of Imo State, urged people to work with the state’s governor to keep the “peace” being maintained by remaining vigilant.

“Our foundations are a huge harvest for us in Imo, and 2026 is it.” However, we must work consciously to maintain it as we enjoy the tranquility that is now a part of our landscape.

We must remember that there are still people who are unhappy with our state’s progress, who are also unstoppable growth foes who may attempt to bring us back to darker times.

“We must maintain our watch.” The price of liberty is “eternal vigilance,” according to the proverb. In his New Year’s message, he said, “We must be observant and immediately report any suspicious activity to the security agencies.

The governor urged “those who wish to continue planting hatred and hostility for political gain” to turn a new leaf.

Avoid subverting the very system you rely on. Our agencies are also better than ever equipped to identify and stop those who are plotting evil or violence with our new AI-driven security technology.

The era of politically motivated insecurity is now over. Our collective resolve to reclaim our state is what gives rise to the peace we enjoy, he continued.

sustained patriotism

Usman Ododo, the governor of Kogi State, reiterated his government’s commitment to people-oriented governance in the same vein.

Ododo noted in his New Year’s message that the time questioned the people’s resilience and strengthened their collective resolve.

The governor attributed the state’s modest but significant gains to security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth and women’s empowerment, citing discipline, unity of purpose, and citizen collaboration, as well as modest but significant gains in key areas, including security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and unity of purpose.

According to him, his administration’s renewed optimism comes from the New Year, which in turn bolsters his administration’s resolve to take action to improve the quality of life for its citizens, increase opportunities for youth, empower women, and boost the state’s economy.

Governor Ododo reiterated that his administration’s security is still top of mind, urging residents to work more closely with security organizations and community stakeholders to maintain state peace. He also stressed that meaningful development cannot occur in a secure environment.

Ododo urged others to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” noting that the President’s reforms have boosted the economy and made more resources available for development for sub-national governments.

New Opportunities

Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfuang, described 2026 as a year of renewed hope, divine opportunities, and state-wide transformation.

He prayed for the injured and shared his grief with those who had lost loved ones.

As the state made more efforts to restore lasting peace to our communities, the governor claimed 2025 marked a significant turning point in our collective journey.

The year 2026 offers us new opportunities to consolidate our accomplishments and accelerate our development, dear people.

No government can exist without the people of the Lower Plateau’s cooperation, patience, and commitment, according to the residents.

I urge all residents to work together to create a peaceful, prosperous, and united Plateau State, adding that, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation,

Kaduna State governor Uba Sani promised residents that 2026 will bring about continued progress.

He praised his administration’s significant accomplishments in security, healthcare, economic inclusion, and social welfare, describing 2025 as a year of stability, stability, and steady progress.

Governor Sani added that partnerships with development organizations have resulted in free housing for bandit victims.

The governor made the announcement of Project 255, which guarantees $100 million in public investment for each of Kaduna State’s 255 wards, in 2026.

In his New Year’s Eve broadcast, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa reiterated his commitment to good governance, inclusive growth, infrastructure renewal, enhanced security, and people’s empowerment.

He also urged the Ondo people to keep working together toward a better future, place equalization, harmony, and progress, and overcome challenges in the new year.

Our administration will continue to be guided by the simple conviction that good governance must affect people’s lives, restore their dignity, and create more opportunities for all.

He was quoted as saying, “We shall birth a State that works for all as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State with faith in God and confidence in one another.”

Development of rural and agricultural areas

Umo Eno, his state counterpart in Akwa Ibom, promised to give the promotion of overall development a top priority in 2026.

In the coming year, he has also made a commitment to prioritize rural and agricultural development.

In his statewide New Year’s broadcast, the governor referred to peace as the driving force behind growth and why his administration’s development efforts have continued to be successful.

The governor urged all political figures to reject division and violence, and urged them to embrace ideas, tolerance, and the common good as the political season draws near.

In keeping with the New Year’s resolution, the Niger State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has also distributed relief items to patients in some of Minna’s hospitals as a show of love, care, and support.

The initiative was led by Hadiza Idris-Kuta, the commissioner for women’s affairs and social development, to help identify with vulnerable patients and newborn babies during the New Year’s Eve celebration.

The Commissioner visited various hospitals to distribute goods, show compassion to the families of the first born this year, and welcome the first babies informally as the “New Niger Lites.”

Idris-Kuta stated in a statement to journalists that the gesture was to reassure patients that the Niger State Government is committed to their welfare while they were visiting the hospital.

The Ministry is attempting to exhibit this as we enter the New Year with the spirit of giving and sharing.

This year, we have a lot of programs planned for women and children, starting with the vulnerable — women and children — to demonstrate that the government is always there for them.

A report that is currently being circulated on social media and the traditional media is being disowned by the National Judicial Council (NJC). It claims that 34 lawyers failed an integrity test and were consequently removed from consideration for appointments as judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

The Secretary of the NJC, Ahmed Gambo Saleh, stated in a press release that the report was erroneous and unreliable, and that it did not accurately reflect the circumstances as they occurred at the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) level.

For the avoidance of doubt, the National Judicial Council has yet to make a decision or take any action in relation to the candidates referred to in the report.

The Council added that while a few candidates were in fact removed from the FJSC process based on negative findings made by the Commission, many others did not advance because they failed to meet the required qualifying score to be admitted to the NJC interview stage.

The Council made a point of highlighting the fact that, in contrast to the media reports, there is no stand-alone or newly developed “integrity test” whose failure automatically automatically disqualifies candidates in large numbers.

NLC Demands “Urgent” Review Of Workers Wages In 2026. READ ALSO: Inflation, Hardship.

It states that interviews conducted in strict accordance with established guidelines are still conducted as part of the judicial appointment process, which is merit-driven, multi-layered, and includes written examinations, performance benchmarks, background checks, and other requirements.

The Council is concerned that inaccurate and speculative information may be made public and unfairly damage candidates’ reputations if they are chosen in good faith.

The NJC has begun internal investigations to find the source of the unauthorized press statement and will take appropriate steps to safeguard the integrity and credibility of its procedures in light of the above.

Following the passage of the State House of Assembly, Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri, signed the 583. 3 billion budget into law for the 2026 fiscal year.

Recurrent expenditure accounts for 35.94% of the total budget, and the budget for capital projects, which make up 377.69 billion, or 64.06 percent of total spending, is 209.64 billion.

The budget is based on strategic priorities, according to Governor Fintiri, that will boost infrastructure, expand healthcare, increase employment, and support citizens’ welfare.

He added that extensive consultations have been conducted to reflect the wants and needs of local governments across the state.

READ ALSO: The 2026 Fiscal Plan is approved by the Akwa Ibom Assembly

In terms of security, Governor Fintiri stated that the government would send some of the forest guards with training to Hong Local Government Area in 2026 to address, among other pressing issues, emerging security issues.

He added that the administration’s commitment to enhancing working relationships with the media and supporting the achievement of milestones in the 2026 budget’s proper implementation.

In a string of deadly attacks on communities in the Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, suspect bandits claimed seven lives, causing fear, displacement, and calls for more security presence.

The attackers reportedly stormed Tungan Giwa village on Wednesday night, killing two residents in the attack that prompted many locals to flee their homes.

The incident occurred just one day after other similar ones occurred on Tuesday in other local government areas.

According to community sources, five people were killed in Kaiwa village, where the village head’s house was also set on fire by the attackers.

One person was killed in a separate attack on Gurwo town earlier on Wednesday, which the bandits then launched in Gebbe town, where one resident was reportedly perished.

Read more about the seven people killed in the Plateau community gunfight.

Residents of nearby villages were forced to abandon their homes, farmland, livestock, and personal belongings as a result of the constant attacks, according to a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity.

“Shanga town has a large number of families who have fled for safety.” The source claimed that “people have lost everything, and the situation is getting worse day by day.”

Members of the affected communities have urged the government to immediately deploy more military and security personnel to protect innocent civilians and restore peace there.

The residents called for a stronger and more visible security presence to stop further property destruction and loss of lives while applauding the government’s efforts to combat insecurity.

The 2026 appropriation bill, which amounts to 1.39 trillion, was approved by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on Tuesday in contrast to the adjusted allocation of 1.65 trillion for 2025.

Following Dr. Itorobong Etim, the chair of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Dr. Itorobong Etim submitted the report, which included a total of 355 billion dollars for current expenditure and a total of 1.035 trillion for capital projects.

The Assembly’s deputy chief whip, Sampson Idiong (APC), and the representative for Oruk Anam State Constituency, made a motion to accept the report, which was supported by the House’s entire delegation.

Gov. ‘s “Population’s Budget of Expansion and Growth” The House of Assembly was given a total budgetary framework of $1. 39 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year on November 25, 2025, for evaluation by Omo Eno.

The House had previously established a Committee of Supply to review the 2026 appropriation, and the bill went through third reading before being approved.

According to Etim, she submitted to the House the 2019-2026 revenue and expenditure estimates for Akwa Ibom in accordance with Section 14 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the applicable provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2004 for consideration.

She noted that the committee held a public hearing on the budget and invited MDAs, non-governmental organizations, and other interested parties to participate in the committee’s legislative budgetary process.

READ MORE: Gunmen In Ondo Set Police Station On Fire

Members of the Committee of Supply voted unanimously to approve the report, which was followed by the ratification of the appropriation bill.

In his observations, House of Assembly speaker Udeme Otong praised lawmakers’ commitment and synergy, which helped to get the budget approved quickly.

Otong also thanked the Assembly’s administration and staff for their assistance and input, as well as other parties involved, for their assistance and input in making the legislative process successful.

He gave instructions to the governor to send the House’s resolution to the House Clerk, Nsikak-Abasi Orok. For ratification, use Omo Eno.

On Wednesday, a group of unidentified gunmen opened fire on the Divisional Police headquarters in the Owo Local Government area of Ondo state’s Ipele community.

Around 9:40 pm, according to eyewitness accounts, the assailants launched the attack, destroying a number of exhibits.

In a statement released on behalf of the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, confirmed the incident.

No church was attacked during the incident, according to him, adding that no life was lost in the incident.

At around 9:41 p.m., according to preliminary reports. m. , a group of armed men with a racial caliber between 20 and 30 invaded the police station, using dynamite and assault rifles. ”

The station was set on fire by the attackers, which caused the building’s destruction and the destruction of several exhibits. As of the time of this report, no life was lost in the attack, Jimoh said.

Before security personnel arrived at the scene, the assailants had fled, according to the police spokesperson.

A joint patrol made its way to the scene after receiving the report, which included members of the Police, Military, Civil Defense, and other non-state actors; the attackers had already carried out the act prior to their arrival, though.

Additionally, DHQ claims that U.S. damage has been assessed. S. Air strikes in Nigeria are still taking place

He noted that Adebowale Lawal, the state’s police commissioner, has deployed more special forces to the area to stop law and order from throttling and also to exterminate those responsible for the attack.