NIGERIA NEWS
“No space, my husband can’t have female bestie” – Veekee James
Popular fashion designer Veekee James has made a bold statement about boundaries in her marriage, declaring that her husband, Femi Atere, can never have a female best friend.
She shared this view during a recent appearance on the Off the Top podcast with VJ Adams.
Veekee James was asked if she believed a man could maintain a female best friend who is not his wife.
She responded that while it may be possible for some men, such a situation would never be allowed in her own marriage.
She explained that certain men, including the interviewer and her own brother, could have close female friends if their partners were comfortable with it.
However, she stressed that her relationship with her husband operates differently.
No Space for a Female Best Friend
The designer stated firmly that “Femi Atere can never have a female best friend,” adding that there is “no space” for such arrangements in her home.
According to her, even if such space existed, she would “occupy it with all of herself and her body alone.”
Veekee James noted that every marriage has its unique boundaries, and couples must decide what works best for them.
Her comments have sparked mixed reactions online, with many discussing loyalty, personal limits, and modern relationship dynamics.
Geregu Power Plc is projecting a pre-tax profit of N17.06 billion for the first quarter of 2026, according to its earnings forecast filed with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on Thursday.
The outlook, jointly signed by the company’s chief executive and chief financial officer, marks the company’s first official guidance for the new financial year 2026 and suggests a modest target when compared with the N13 billion pre-tax profit reported in similar period of 2025.
If realised, the projection will place Geregu on track for an improved year-on-year earnings performance.
Geregu’s Q1 2026 forecast shows the company expects:
- Profit before tax of N17.06 billion, supported by continued strong revenue performance and tight cost control. The company projects:
- Revenue figure of N57.12 billion, significantly higher than the levels seen in the early quarters of 2025, suggesting confidence in energy demand growth and improved plant availability going into 2026.
Geregu Power’s forecast for Q1 2026 at a glance:
- Revenue: N57.117 billion
- Gross Profit: N22.878 billion
- Cost of Sales: N34.239 billion
- Profit Before Income Tax: N17.055 billion
- Income Tax Expense: N5.029 billion
- Profit for the Period: N12.026 billion
- Impairment Loss on Financial Assets: N2.250 billion
- Administrative Expenses: N2.509 billion
- Operating Profit: N18.118 billion
Strong top-line performance
The company’s top-line expectations reflect solid operating activity. Geregu Power forecasts N57.12 billion in revenue for the first three months of 2026, matching the sharp rebound in sales recorded in the second quarter of 2025 when revenue jumped to N55.8 billion from N30.2 billion in the same period of the previous year.
The Q1 2026 projection includes a gross profit of N22.88 billion, after accounting for a cost of sales of N34.24 billion. This margin aligns with the company’s improving operating efficiency seen in 2025, particularly during Q2 when a stronger capacity-charge performance and steady energy sales helped lift gross profit to N23.75 billion.
Despite an expected N2.25 billion impairment loss on financial assets, the company projects its operating profit to reach N18.12 billion, demonstrating resilience in its core business.
Operational health and cost discipline
Operational sustainability remains one of Geregu’s strongest anchors. The forecast shows administrative expenses at N2.51 billion, consistent with past quarters and indicative of disciplined overhead management. Finance income of N1.14 billion and finance costs of N2.20 billion leave a net finance cost of N1.06 billion, a manageable burden considering the company’s expected operating profit strength.
On the cash-flow front, Geregu anticipates N21.66 billion in net cash generated from operating activities, supported by strong receipts from energy and capacity charges totalling N57.78 billion.
After taxes and supplier payments, the company expects to close the quarter with N46.68 billion in cash, up from N32.8 billion at the start of the year.
Although the company plans bond repayments totalling N6.35 billion and interest payments of N1.95 billion, cash flows remain positive due to healthy operating inflows and moderate capital expenditure.
Outlook
With a Q1 2026 pre-tax profit projection of N17.06 billion, Geregu Power is positioning for another year of robust profitability.
Continued revenue growth, strong operating performance, and disciplined cost management will be central to meeting or surpassing its targets. Investors will be watching how these factors evolve as the company enters the new financial year.
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Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has congratulated Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma on his 67th birthday.
Kalu, in a congratulatory message by his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, hailed the remarkable strides made by the governor, noting that under his leadership, Imo state has witnessed renewed progress across key sectors, from infrastructure to education to security, healthcare, and economic development.
According to him, Uzodinma’s unwavering commitment to good governance, transparency, and the well-being of the people remains evident in the projects being commissioned, reforms being implemented, and the policies designed to uplift communities across the state.
The Deputy Speaker added that his dedication to building a more prosperous, secure, and inclusive state is truly commendable, and his efforts continue to resonate positively with Ndi Imo at home and in the diaspora.
Kalu said, “On behalf of my family and the good people of Bende Federal Constituency, I join millions of well-wishers across Nigeria and beyond in celebrating His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, Executive Governor of Imo State, on the joyous occasion of his birthday. Governor Uzodimma’s unwavering dedication to good governance, infrastructural renewal, security, and economic stability has remained a source of hope and reassurance to the people. Under his stewardship, Imo State has witnessed transformative reforms, renewed confidence in government institutions, and a steady drive towards sustainable development.
“As he marks this new chapter of life, we commend his steadfast leadership, his passion for people-centred policies, and his relentless pursuit of peace and progress. We pray that God grants His Excellency good health, wisdom, and greater grace to continue steering Imo State toward a future defined by growth, harmony, and shared opportunity.”
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has approved the appointment of Dr Emmanuel Meribole, as Acting Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
This is contained in a statement issued and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Njoku Njoku, and made available to newsmen on Friday in Umuahia.
He said that the appointment followed the approval granted to the substantive SSG, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, to proceed on a leave of absence.
The statement disclosed that Meribole, who currently serves as Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects, will assume duty on Jan. 1, 2026.
The statement added that the handover process will begin on Monday, to ensure seamless continuity of the government’s business.
“The transition period will allow Prof. Kenneth Kalu to work closely with Dr Meribole to maintain stability and ensure the smooth execution of the administration’s programmes,” he said.
He described Meribole as a seasoned professional and former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who played a key role in advancing developmental projects in the state.
“Emmanuel Meribole, a medical doctor, is a seasoned multi-talented professional who retired as the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
“His contributions as Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects have helped in driving key developmental initiatives across the State,” he said
He said that his new role as acting SSG is a testament to his proven competence, dedication, and commitment to advancing the vision of the administration.
In late November, Otti said that his administration will begin the gradual payment of verified gratuity and pension arrears owed since 2001.
Otti disclosed this during his monthly media chat with newsmen at the Government House.
He said that the State Government had carefully reviewed all pending pension claims and worked closely with the pension union to verify outstanding gratuities before taking any payment decisions.
He said: “The committee that we set up between the national body of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners and members of my administration has just handed in the report.
“If you recall, after appeals had been made, we decided to look at it again, and we have done that.
“It is disheartening that pensions have remained outstanding since 2001, and the total verified outstanding pensions is in excess of N60 billion.”
Otti described the arrears as “a very large number, dating back over 20 years,” adding that the Abia Government must confront inherited liabilities.
“Government is continuous, and whatever you are handed over, you deal with it. If it is assets, if it is liabilities, you pick all of them. We are unafraid to work out a solution,” he said.
Otti assured pensioners in the state that his administration would not abandon them.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced another reduction in its petrol gantry price, lowering the ex-depot rate from N828 to N699 per litre.
Market figures released on Friday by Petroleumprice.ng showed that the refinery carried out a fresh downward adjustment, cutting the Premium Motor Spirit benchmark by N129 per litre — a 15.58 per cent drop.
The revised price took effect on December 11, 2025, representing the 20th adjustment made by the refinery this year.
A reliable source, who confirmed the development to Tribune Online, stated that the reduction is a way of showing that the company prioritises Nigerians’ welfare and an appreciation for their support, especially during the festive season.
UPDATED: Bayelsa deputy gov, Ewhrudjakpo dies after collapsing in office – Tribune Online
Meanwhile, the latest cut comes less than a week after the refinery’s Chairman, Aliko Dangote, reaffirmed his pledge to keep domestic fuel prices “reasonable and competitive” despite global uncertainties and ongoing smuggling across Nigeria’s borders.
After a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu on December 6, Dangote noted that prices would continue to decline as the refinery boosts production and competes with imports.
Dangote said, “Prices are going down. The reason why prices have to go down is that we have to also compete with imports.
“But luckily for us now, the smuggling has reduced, not totally.
“There is still quite a lot of smuggling because the price we have in Nigeria is about 55 per cent lower than the price of our neighbouring countries.”
He added that petroleum products (diesel and petrol) “will continue to be sold in the market at a very reasonable price”.
“We are not here to make our $20 billion back quickly; it’s a long-term investment,” Dangote said.
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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans for a nationwide protest on December 17, citing the worsening security situation across the country.
In a notice circulated to all state councils on December 10, following its National Executive Committee (NEC) in-session meeting on December 4, the labour union condemned the persistent threats posed by bandits and kidnappers.
The NLC specifically referenced the November 17 abduction of female students from a boarding school in Kebbi State, expressing outrage over the withdrawal of security personnel from the school shortly before the attack.
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The Nigeria Police Force has denied reports of unknown gunmen attack in Lagos State.
DAILY POST reports that the viral news claimed that gunmen invaded and sacked residents of the Ajebo Community, near Agbowa in the Ikosi-Ejirin LCDA on Tuesday.
The alleged attack was said to have started on Monday, December 8 2025, and continued until the intervention of the police on Tuesday afternoon.
However, reacting to the news, the Lagos Police command on Friday, tagged it “mischievous, untrue, and misleading report”.
The police in a series of posts on X, revealed that the “incidents are a land dispute between two contending families, and not an attack by gunmen. Upon receiving the report, the Police joint intervention teams comprising the Tactical Squads, the PMF Anti-Riots Police personnel, conventional police personnel from Agbowa Division, Area N Command, and other special Police units from Lagos Police command immediately deployed to the location and Normalcy was promptly restored, as the people of the Community continued to go about their normal business and other activities of livelihood.
“No life was lost and no injuries were inflicted on anyone or the people of the village before and during the clashes. The Command further wishes to reaffirm that there was no firing of any firearm or guns during the incident, contrary to the claims circulated in the report. No death or injury was also recorded, and there was no invasion of the community by any armed group from anywhere”.
- Nollywood star Omoni Oboli responded to a Twitter user’s challenge regarding filmmaking.
- The user, Ivankov Baboshkin, claimed he could create a more engaging film than Omoni Oboli, Funke Akindele, and Kunle Afolayan combined.
- The exchange highlights the competitive nature of the film industry and the confidence some individuals have in their creative abilities.
Nollywood star and filmmaker Omoni Oboli recently replied to a Twitter user who claimed he could outdo her in filmmaking.
The user, Ivankov Baboshkin, expressed confidence that he could produce a more engaging Hollywood-quality film than Omoni Oboli, Funke Akindele, and Kunle Afolayan combined.
“I’m certain I can deliver a better and more captivating Hollywood-standard movie than @omonioboli, @funkeakindele, and @kunleafolayan put together,” he tweeted.
Omoni Oboli responded positively, showing support for his ambition. “I believe you! Go do it! Rooting for you,” she replied.
See their conversation below:
Read some comments below:
@otakuaydah:”Classy response 👏do your own let us hear word abeg.”
@beautybylalisha_:”This one just finished listening to one motivational speaker 😂😂.”
@chinwe.faith:”Love in every word 1 is currently at 30million views on YouTube, if e easy run am 😂.”
@whytesnowy:”Envy eats the soul from within. You are already close to being a Witch.”
@plussize_by_mys”What are you now waiting for ehn baby.”
@tundealabi20:”Great ambition! But why did (s)he have to tag them? Some social media users are ill-mannered.”
@uchechi_ogudu:”Toh…Life no hard👏go do am if e easy 🙌.”
@glitz_farms:”Everything Dey always be competition for some of una eye 🙄🙄 go for it oga…”
A public affairs analyst, Matthias Tsado, has said it was embarrassing to learn of President Bola Tinubu’s shock over the backlog of projects ought to have been funded by his government.
Tsado expressed his concerns in a statement on Friday, when he appeared as a guest in an interview on ‘Sunrise Daily’, a programme on Channels Television monitored by DAILY POST.
The analyst stressed that the expression of shock by the president over his own responsibility is a failure of leadership.
“It’s an embarrassment for us to discuss this issue, if at all. It was just two days ago that the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria realized that backlogs of projects that are supposed to have been funded by his government, that it has not been done.
“It’s just like they always say, the president expresses shock that such kinds of things are happening in his government. It’s a failure of leadership in the simplest term that I can put it.
“This means that you, as the man at the helm of affairs, you are not aware of what is happening within your environment, and that tells you why we are having so many of these kinds of problems.
“I am rather embarrassed on behalf of the President. It’s not something that you come on air to let the whole world know that you as a president of the country do not know what you are doing, because that is what it means,” he said.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has backed the candidacy of President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana for the Chairmanship of the African Union in 2027.
Naija News understands that ECOWAS arrived at the decision during the 95th ordinary session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers held in Abuja.
In a statement on Thursday, ECOWAS said the recommendation reflects its commitment to work in a concerted manner to support the candidacies of ECOWAS Member States or their nationals in international organisations, including the African Union, in order to ensure that the interests of ECOWAS continue to be promoted and protected.
Speaking on the endorsement, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, Foreign Minister of Ghana, said, “ECOWAS Council of Ministers meeting in Abuja, Nigeria has unanimously endorsed President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana as the sole candidate from ECOWAS for Chairperson of the African Union when the rotating chairmanship gets to West Africa’s turn in 2027.”
“The Authority of Heads of State and Government is expected to adopt this declaration on Sunday,” Ablakwa said.
Acknowledging the support from ECOWAS ministers, Ablakwa said, “I thank colleague Ministers greatly. Ghana is exceedingly grateful to ECOWAS for the confidence and support for our beloved visionary and Pan-African President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama. Ghana shall keep making Africa proud.”
The Council recommended that the Authority of Heads of State and Government adopt a declaration of support for Ghana’s candidacy.
ECOWAS emphasised that Ghana is an important Member State whose leadership would contribute to the bloc’s international representation.
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The former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, has been remanded in Kuje prison, pending the determination of his bail application.
A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court gave the order on Friday, December 12, following his arraignment by the men of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
New Telegraph had earlier reported that Ngige was arraigned on Friday before Maryam Hassan, presiding judge, on an eight-count charge bordering on misuse of office, contract fraud and receiving gratification.
In the charge dated October 31, the commission alleged that the former minister used his position to confer undue advantage by awarding multiple contracts to associates and companies linked to him.
The EFCC alleged that between September 2015 and May 2023, Ngige, while serving as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), approved seven contracts for consultancy, training and supply to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, valued at N366,470,920.68.
The company’s managing director, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, is described as an associate of the former minister.
The offence, according to the anti-graft agency, violates section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The charge sheet also lists other companies that allegedly benefited from contracts approved under Ngige.
Zitacom Nigeria Limited, whose managing director (MD)/chief executive officer (CEO) is Ezebinwa, was said to have received eight contracts for supply, training and consultancy worth N583,682,686.
Jeff & Xris Limited, owned by Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, allegedly secured eight contracts valued at N362,043,163.16.
Olde English Consolidated Limited, led by Uzoma Igbonwa, was listed as receiving four contracts for consultancy, training and construction totalling N668,138,141.
Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, also linked to Igbonwa, allegedly received another four contracts worth N161,604,625.
The former Anambra governor was also alleged to have corruptly accepted a N38,650,000 gift through the
Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organisation from Cezimo Nigeria Limited (Zenith Bank Account Number 1011901119), a contractor with the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
He was also said to have received another N55,003,000 gift through his organisation called Senator (r) Chris Ngige Scholarship Scheme from Zitacom Nigeria Limited (Zenith Bank Account Number 1017263219), a contractor with the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
Upon arraignment, Ngige pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
Sylvanus Tahir, prosecution counsel, asked the court to remand the defendant in prison custody and fix a date for trial to commence.
However, Patrick Ikwueto, Ngige’s counsel, told the court that he had filed a bail application for his client. Although he acknowledged that the application was premature, he prayed the court to allow him to move an oral bail application for his client.
Ikwueto said the defendant was granted administrative bail by the EFCC and has abided by the bail conditions. He also said his client has been in custody of the EFCC for three days and is unwell.
He prayed the court to grant his client bail in the interim to allow him access to medical attention.
Opposing the bail condition, Tahir said Ngige is a flight risk. He said the defendant was granted administrative bail in October and allowed to go for medical treatment abroad on the condition that he must return his international passport upon arrival.
The prosecution lawyer said Nigige has failed to submit the passport since his return to Nigeria on November 19.
Responding, Ikwueto said his client had written to the commission upon his return informing them that he was robbed in London and important items, including documents, his international passport and cash, were stolen from him.
He said he was able to return using a travel certificate. But Tahir said he was unaware of such a letter.
In her ruling, Hassan ordered the defendant to be remanded in Kuje correctional facility and adjourned the case to Monday, November 15, to hear the bail application.
She also ordered that the defendant be allowed access to medical practitioners while in custody.
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