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Enact laws on marriage list, dowry reduction, a Nigerian Pastor, Apostle John Okoriko urges State Govt

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*We are working on recommendation – A’Ibom Council of Chiefs

The reasons and causes of delayed marriages in Akwa Ibom State and other states in the NIGERIA were identified on Sunday by the founder and president of Solid Rock Kingdom Church, Apostle John Okoriko.

Apostle John Okoriko, was one of the guest contributors in a panel discussion with the topic ” The negative impacts of exorbitant marriage list on Akwa Ibom State”, organized by the marriage committee of the Solid Rock Kingdom Church Headquarters, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

Apostle Okoriko in his contribution, said, tradition and culture hindered young ladies and men from getting married, noting that the exorbitant and high price of items required by some families in their marriage lists as tradition and culture, not only caused delay in marriages but health issues like depression, high blood pressure, mental stress and corruption.

The clergy advised that tradition and culture that promote exorbitant marriage list need to be discarded, saying because Akwa Ibom girls are not sale.

He recalled that, because of tradition, poor families years ago, instead of using money to train their wards in schools, instead were using resources gotten from borrowing, upright sale of lands and properties in building tombstones because of tradition and culture.

Apostle Okoriko called on christian families in the state to ensure that items in marriage list in the state are reduced to encourage marriages among young ladies and men in the state.

He called on Akwa Ibom State Government, to send executive bill to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for uniformity in marriage list, minimal required items and reduction in dowries. This, according to him, would reduce prostitution rate, looting of public funds to satisfy would-be father-in-laws and other crimes in the state.

The paramount ruler of Eastern Obolo, HRM Edidem, John Harry Etotor said greed and covetousness among parents caused delay in their children marriages.

The monarch recalled that in ancient days, men married their wives as a result of closeness to the father-in-laws, being hardworking and honest, noting that civilization, quest for wealth acquisition brought high cost in marriage and exorbitant marriage list.

He said, as a member of Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs and vice chairman of roles and ethics committee, that the council is concern about the high cost of marriage in the state, and that the committee is working on a recommendation to the Akwa Ibom State Government on marriage list issues.

HRM Edidem John Etotor, however, noted that ladies should not look for a man with wealth, cars and other earthly things before getting married. Urging men not to wait until they acquired all the wealth before getting married, seeing these as reasons for delayed marriages in the state.

Other panelists were Elder David Maurice Mkpokporo, Mary Richard Nnaewi, Elder Juana, Uduak Ukoh, Emmanuel Ukoh and anchored by Nkereuwem Ntuk, further identified poor economic situation in the country, unemployment, idol worshipping like “awa adia” and slaughtering of sheep, goat etc, for first daughters by some families, peer group influence, search for ready-made men and ladies, father-in-laws quest for prosperity and unnecessary tradition as some reasons for marriage delay in the state.

They harped on the Biblical standard, practice and teaching as the solution to the exorbitant marriage list in the state.

The Resident Pastor of Solid Rock Kingdom Church Headquarters, Uyo, Pastor Etop Nathaniel Okoko in his contribution, encouraged ladies to always intervene and talk to their parents to reduce the high dowries in the state.

He called on government, community leaders, family and village heads, churches to play their roles in marriage stability in the state.

In his homily, Pastor Etop Nathaniel spoke on the topic: “Follow a warrior” and took his text from Matt. 15:14.

He admonished christians to always follow a warrior, describing a warrior as someone who has found a path, an achiever, good leader, God-fearing individual, saying people we follow can influence our lives positively or negatively.

The cleric, said, sometime in Israel, they lack warriors until God caused a warrior to emerged among them, that some people because of ignorant and fear, failed to act as warriors.

He assured christian that God knows what they are passing through and would send them warriors.

According to Ikpaisong Reporters, the service featured song renditions, prayers, testimonies, ministration and distribution of free Bible translated in Ibibio language.

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Singer TIME Drags Georgina Onuoha Over Comment on Davido’s Father’s Reaction to Paternity Saga

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Nigerian singer, TIME has publicly called out Nollywood actress Georgina Onuoha following her criticism of Davido’s father, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, over his reaction to the ongoing paternity controversy involving the Afrobeats superstar.
The drama began after Georgina Onuoha questioned why Davido’s father appeared to defend his son amid allegations that he welcomed a child with a woman identified as Anu Adeleye. In a post shared online, the actress described Davido as “irresponsible,” sparking mixed reactions across social media.
Reacting to her comment, TIME took to X (formerly Twitter) to drag the actress, accusing her of ignoring key details surrounding the case. He referenced statements made by Davido, noting that he had never met the said lady before the first DNA test, and questioned why people were not discussing other individuals mentioned in the saga.
“Madam Georgina, did you hear the part Davina said she’d never met her prior to the first DNA test? Why are y’all not talking about the bank official the girl mentioned to Dr. Sikiru Adeleke?” TIME wrote.
According to reports, Aanu’s mother has been identified as Grace Ayotomide Labinjoh, who has consistently maintained that Davido is her daughter’s biological father despite the singer and his family denying the claim.
TIME’s remarks triggered a fresh wave of debate online, with some social media users backing him for defending Davido’s family, while others accused him of unnecessarily attacking Georgina Onuoha.
As the paternity saga continues to trend, the clash between TIME and Georgina Onuoha has added another layer of controversy, keeping Davido and his family at the center of public discourse.

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Nasarawa ADC Suspends State Chairman Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities, Sets Up Disciplinary Committee

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Nasarawa State has suspended its State Chairman, Godwin Alaku Williams, over alleged involvement in anti-party activities.
The suspension was approved by the party’s Transitional Leadership Team (TLT) following a petition accusing Williams of actions deemed harmful to the unity and progress of the party in the state.
The decision was taken at a TLT meeting held on Wednesday at Otunsha Hotel, Keffi, and presided over by the party leader, Chief John Michael Abdul.
In a statement issued by the party’s spokesperson, Comrade Idris Ojoko, the suspension will last for 14 days, pending investigation and the outcome of proceedings by a disciplinary committee constituted by the TLT.
Ojoko also announced the appointment of Barrister Paul Magaji Ajeh, formerly the State Secretary, as Acting State Chairman, while Umar A. Babayaro has been named Acting Secretary.
According to the statement, the allegations against Williams include his alleged refusal to recognise the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) led by Senator David Mark, and his failure to integrate coalition members into the ADC party structure in Nasarawa State.
Other accusations include allegedly reporting some party leaders to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police, describing them as impostors.
Williams is also accused of constituting parallel party organs at various levels within the state, interfering with the establishment of party offices at the state, local government, and ward levels contrary to NWC directives, and disrupting the ongoing membership registration and revalidation exercise.
Meanwhile, Ojoko announced the formation of a disciplinary committee chaired by Barrister Hassan Yakubu. Other members include Amina Zanwa, Mamman Sunday, and Yunus Abdullahi Sidi, with Gaza Mark Auta serving as Secretary.

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Tears as Chief Imam of Ilorin Laid to Rest, Fidau Scheduled for Sunday

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Tears flowed freely on Tuesday as thousands of Muslim faithful gathered at the Emir of Ilorin’s palace for the final burial of the Chief Imam of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Ulama, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Soliu.
The solemn funeral prayer (Janazah) began at 10:00 a.m., led by the Imam Imale of Ilorin, Sheikh Abdullahi Abdulhameed. The palace forecourt was filled to capacity, with security personnel managing the massive crowd that had come to pay their last respects to the revered Islamic scholar.
The event drew prominent figures from political, religious, and social spheres, including former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, former PDP National Secretary Alhaji Kawu Baraje, former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly Professor Ali Ahmad, former Director of Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency Engineer Bolakale Kawu, and the Kwara State Governor’s representative, Saadu Salaudeen.
Notable Islamic scholars and traditional rulers also attended, including Balogun Alanamu, Dr. Usman Abubakar Jos, Chief Imam of Offa Sheikh Muhyidin Salman Hussein Al-Imam, Ajanasi Agba of Ilorin Sheikh Mujtabah Yusuf Bature, Chief of Ogbomoso Alhaji Dr. Imam Yunus Teliat Olushina Ayilara II, and Grand Mufti of Ilorin Sheikh Faruq Onikijipa, among others.
Sheikh Soliu passed away on Monday at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy of Islamic scholarship, leadership, and service to the Ilorin Emirate and the broader Muslim community.
Following the Janazah, his body was conveyed to his residence in Egbejila, which also houses his Arabic school, where thousands gathered for the final rites and prayers. At the graveside, clerics offered heartfelt supplications for the forgiveness of his soul and entry into Al-Jannah Firdaus, as mourners wept openly, remembering him as a spiritual father, teacher, and moral compass.
Sheikh Soliu is remembered for his humility, deep knowledge of Islam, and unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and religious guidance in Kwara State and beyond.
As part of post-burial rites, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, announced that the Fidau prayer for the late Chief Imam will hold on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Ilorin Central Mosque. The prayer will be led by Imam Imale Sheikh Abdullahi Abdulhamid, alongside other clerics from within and outside the Emirate.
In a statement, the Emir urged Muslims across the region to intensify prayers for the departed Imam Agba of Ilorin, asking Allah to grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.

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