The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday arraigned the commandant of private paramilitary-styled Peace Corps of Nigeria, Dickson Akon, and the organisation’s finance director, Omolola Ahmed, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, over alleged criminal misappropriation of N60 million.

They were arraigned before trial judge Husseini Baba-Yusuf on two counts of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of public funds.

The charges accused them of conspiring in 2024 to dishonestly convert N46 million out of the N60 million meant for the execution of a contract for the supply of badges.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.

Following their plea, prosecution counsel Khalid Sanusi requested a date for the commencement of trial.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter to February 25, 2026.

But before adjourning the matter, he granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N5 million each, with one surety apiece in like sum. The sureties, the court ruled, must be of reputable character and resident within Abuja.

About Peace Corps of Nigeria

The Peace Corps of Nigeria, founded by Mr Akoh in 1998, rose to national prominence during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

It was founded as a national youth organisation with focus on youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and national development through volunteerism and paramilitary-style training.

READ ALSO: Ex-Anambra governor for arraignment today as EFCC files eight charges

The organisation, which aimed to combat youth unemployment and insecurity, has struggled in recent years to transit into a fully government owned and funded body, an effort that once received bicameral support of the National Assembly, which ended up passing a bill for its establishment.

But the proposed law failed to see the light of the day because then-President Buhari withheld assent to it.

Its fast-rising recognition at the time evoked rivalry from the Nigerian police, which blocked access to the organisation’s office for months in Abuja, obtained court order to seize its assets and block more than a score of its bank accounts.

The police, which later obtained the support of the Attorney-General of the Federation’s office ended up charging Mr Akoh with money laundering, fraud involving funds allegedly received from enrollees and illegal running of a quasi-military body. But the case later fizzled out without resolution.

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…says repeated probes send the wrong signal to global financiers

…urges lawmakers to adopt structured, not disruptive oversight

The Forum for Energy Accountability, a citizens’ advocacy group, has criticised what it described as the “incessant and overlapping” investigations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited by the House of Representatives, warning that the trend risks unsettling investor confidence in Africa’s largest oil and gas market.

In a statement issued on Friday, the group’s president, Comrade Ebikeme Jonathan-Ogula, said the barrage of probes launched by various House committees in recent months has created an “atmosphere of regulatory siege” around the national oil company.

According to him, while legislative oversight is a constitutional responsibility, the scale and frequency of the inquiries now appear “counterproductive and disruptive to ongoing sector reforms”.

“NNPCL, like any public-interest commercial entity, must be accountable. But accountability loses meaning when it becomes indistinguishable from harassment. What we have witnessed in the last few weeks is a wave of overlapping summons that does not serve transparency, does not aid reform, and certainly does not inspire investor confidence at a very delicate moment for Nigeria’s hydrocarbons sector,” Jonathan-Ogula said.

The group noted that the petroleum industry is still navigating the transition triggered by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), global energy shifts, and the country’s broader economic reforms aimed at stabilising foreign exchange and boosting inflows.

In this context, the group argued, uncertainty surrounding the regulatory environment “sends the wrong signal” to international partners considering long-term commitments in upstream, midstream, and gas development.

Jonathan-Ogula said foreign investors already face significant risks ranging from security concerns in producing areas to fiscal volatility and infrastructure gaps.

“Introducing legislative unpredictability, where NNPCL executives are repeatedly summoned for hearings that yield no new findings, only deepens the perception of instability,” he added.

He cited recent reports of multiple committees launching parallel investigations into the company’s crude sales, joint venture operations, frontier activities, external financing, and internal governance processes.

The group argued that such overlap creates unnecessary duplication and fuels public speculation, even when many of the issues relate to ongoing audits or statutory disclosures that follow established procedures.

“This scattershot approach to oversight does not strengthen institutions. It weakens them. It also distracts NNPCL from its core mandate of delivering value to the federation, stabilising supply chains, and fostering investment in gas expansion, domestic refining, and critical midstream infrastructure,” the statement added.

Jonathan-Ogula acknowledged the right of the legislature to examine public entities but urged the House leadership to streamline its processes by consolidating related inquiries under single committees and adhering to clear procedural timelines. This, he said, would preserve both transparency and operational efficiency.

He also called for greater collaboration between the National Assembly and relevant regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to ensure that oversight does not conflict with ongoing regulatory reviews or approved work programmes.

“The objective should be to strengthen confidence, not undermine it. Nigeria cannot afford investor hesitation at a time when capital is fleeing to jurisdictions with stability, legal clarity, and predictable oversight,” the group added.

Jonathan-Ogula urged the House of Representatives to adopt a more “strategic, coordinated, and evidence-based” oversight model, stressing that the credibility of Nigeria’s economic reforms depends on how institutions balance scrutiny with stability.

“We call on the leadership of the House of Representatives to intervene so that legitimate oversight does not mutate into a deterrent to investment,” he advised.

“Nigeria needs consistent signals, not contradictory ones, if the sector is to attract the scale of capital required for energy transition, gas development, and national revenue growth.”

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• A lady displayed her chat with a man who told her two unusual things he didn’t like about girls he wanted to date
• What he said about her mother sparked reactions from netizens who came across her viral post on social media
• The lady further shared how she met the man, revealing that she blocked him because of what he said he didn’t like

A Nigerian lady slammed a man who told her two things he didn’t like while they were chatting on WhatsApp.

She posted a screenshot of the chats, where the man gave her two rules for a relationship.

Lady Slams Man Who Told Her 2 Unusual Things He Didn’t Like, Posts Chat Online: “The Audacity”
Source: TikTok

Lady posts screenshots of chat with man

In a post by @@pinkiechristy2, the lady revealed that she blocked him because of what he said about her mother.

According to the screenshots, the man had asked her not to keep male friends. He also stated that he didn’t like girls who love their mums too much.

Read also

Lady who blasted man for collecting number without paying for her food speaks, defends statement

The man’s chat read:

“I don’t like girls that keep male friends. I don’t like girls that love their mum so much.”

When she asked him why, he responded:

“I’m not saying you should not like your mum but not too much.”

See the chat below:

Lady Slams Man Who Told Her 2 Unusual Things He Didn’t Like, Posts Chat Online: “The Audacity”
Source: TikTok

The lady captioned the post:

“Man of the year. Many are mad but few are roaming around. I should not love my mum much, e be like na goat born am oo.”

Sharing how she knew him, the lady added:

“This one collect my number from en friend. I coursed and blocked him.”

See their chat below:

Reactions trail man’s message to lady

siri said:

Omg I had someone like this he said my relationship with my mom is “toxic” cus she calls me everyday to check on me. like,all these men aren’t loved at home so they won’t understand lmao.”

Funmi said:

I first shout ahh

Read also

Woman drives 3 hours to find person who dropped bad comment on her post, confronts him in video

Testimony said:

na so one werey tell me say make I tell my mum to excuse us make we talk inside.I curse the guy oo say assuming we marry he fit talk say he no wan see my mum. and the funniest part be say na snap we met each other

It’s Cely Era said:

If I don’t love my mom you expect me to love you wey I just met. Make sure to block that thing in human form

@Lady____shatu said:

You even get time they reply why, person way you suppose tear white profile.

@adelsthread said:

The audacity, my mum is my life ooo

@Jennyblinks said:

I never see this kind thing before for my life

Lady shares message from okada man

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reporetd that a young lady shared the WhatsApp conversation between her and the okada man she gave her number to.

The messages revealed that the man wanted to woo her, as he expressed her love to her via chat.

Read also

Lady shares how father refused to give her N5,000 but donated N110k to church, video trends

Many reacted after seeing her responses to the man’s chat, sparking mixed reactions on social media.

Source: Legit.ng

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The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ini Ememobong, says there is no faction in the party.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, monitored by DAILY POST, Ememobong said what is happening involves just a few individuals who are unhappy with the general flow of affairs.

“It starts from bottom up, and the legitimacy flows therefrom. So when you ask yourself, which is why it’s not solid to say that there’s a faction.

“It’s just a few persons who who are not happy with the general flow of things. And that’s what democracy is, the majority will have their way while the minority will have their say.

“When you look at even this gentleman called Samuel Anyanwu and ask him, on what authority could he have convened a meeting that would have sacked Damagun, you see that he falls flat in the face.

“And so when you look at the fact that the staff of the party, you look at the fact that the ex official, who were elected long before are under the control of the state chairman of the party,” he said.

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Governor ChukwumaSoludo of Anambra State and ex-governor of the State, Mr Peter Obi, are pitched politically against each other again. David-Chyddy reports that both men who are not strangers to each other will not stop fighting for supremacy.

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party during the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi and Governor of Anambra State, Prof. ChukwumaSoludo are two Anambra men who have a long history in many spheres of life.

Be it in leadership positions, in their educational endeavors, relationship and family ties. But at each turn, the duo of Peter Obi and  ChukwumaSoludo never fail to engage each other. Many usually see Soludo as the aggressor, but Obi, a man of calm mien and smooth talks is not also a coward. Many who know him insist he engages less verbally but  does more in areas that are not visible to all.

Recently, Obi ignited what has turned out the fire that commenced a fresh round of tussle when during the 2025 Anambra Governorship election, he harmlessly told journalists in an interview immediately after voting at his Amatutu village polling unit, that he was not on the ballot, but only came to exercise his franchise as a good citizen, noting that he has long passed the stage of running for governor as he dropped the toga 13 years ago. He likened politics to football, saying he plays in the Champions League, while those in the governorship contest on that day were merely in division one.

Obi told journalists: “I’m not on the ballot. I only came to cast my vote. I served as governor 13 years ago and have since moved on to a higher level in national politics. In football terms, if gubernatorial candidates are in the First Division, I am in the Champions League. I ran for vice president in 2019 and for president in 2023, winning 11 states and Abuja. I play well at that level, and my record speaks for itself. In both the old and new Anambra, only Jim Nwobodo and I became governors in our forties. I was the first to serve a second tenure.”

These may have provoked thoughts in Soludo, who didn’t  spare any time in replying. Being a man not to shy away from expressing his opinion, the governor on an auspicious day; the very day he picked up his certificate of return, after winning the governorship election. He went straight for Obi’s jugulars, describing him as a “frustrated politician without a club”.

Responding, even without  mentioning Obi, he said: “Nobody likes to lose and it is painful. They put in everything they had to unsitSoludo. They had his picture on their posters, had him raise their hands at rallies as endorsement, criss crossed the state, marched through streets, went to communities tours. I even saw the video where he was pleading with his community not to let him down, but the election came and it is a shock to them and they couldn’t stand it. We even left his polling unit out of pity, but APC went and won that one, he couldn’t win it. I can understand why if you are a serial loser and you see someone ascending, you get bitter.”

Soludo went further to compare his tenure with Obi’s. He said: “What we have spent in four years is less than what he spent in one year in dollar terms, yet you can see what we have achieved. Our people have spoken (re-election) and it is loud, so I can understand why he feels that frustrated. It may be going into his head, and you now see him talking anyhow. I told someone that I think something is happening to him. I’m going to call a meeting of committee of friends so that we can advise him. We can even take him to the (Solution) Funcity so that he can cool off.”

Speaking of Obi’s reference to playing in Champions League while Soludo is in Division One, the governor insisted that even the places where Obi played, he (Soludo) served as his coach, and he did so after he had finished playing world cup (CBN Governorship). He said: “We tried to coach him in league one, after I had finished playing the world cup. We coached him to play in league one but he just left league one as an injured player, stranded and confused with no club (political party) and just moving about.”

For what was assumed to be mere banters, Soludo rounded off with what many had described as a serious threat, and a hidden agenda to focus on pulling Obi’s political career down in his second term. He said: “In the fullness of time, we will get the record of how someone deliberately destroyed the educational system in Anambra. We will get it out. If you are feeling frustrated that someone is doing what you couldn’t do in Anambra, don’t get frustrated, just go home, get a life, because idleness and serial loses can get into someone’s head.”

Encouraged by the above words, the battle line seems to have been drawn, as both men may be getting ready to enter into full scale war. Already, social media posts and press releases by the governor’s media handlers have suggested that they will leave nothing to chance in fighting Obi.

MaziEjimoforOpara, a media aide of the governor in a post on social media wondered why each Anambra governor finishes their tenure and quietly leaves, but in the case of Obi, he remains behind, and has never been in good terms with any former governor of the state, but seems to stay around and throw jabs at his successors. He reminded how Obi continued to attack his immediate successor, Chief Willie Obiano for eight years, saying that such would not be tolerated by Soludo, and that he (Soludo) would match Obi step for step and word for word.

Meanwhile, Obi, a man known for his composure, calculated and measured answers to such turbulence has replied Soludo, but in his natural way, with what many see as a friendly smile.

Speaking at the recent conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Abuja, Obi said: “I have no personal issue with Governor Soludo. I pray that God grants him even greater heights, if that will inspire him to show humility, compassion, and a genuine concern for the people. We must recognise the mercies God grants us.

“Leadership is not about resentment or bitterness. It is about service, gratitude, and love for our people. I’m compelled to respond because if I do not, I will be accused of dodging the question. On an occasion meant to celebrate his Certificate of Return, instead of thanking Almighty God for granting him a second tenure, a moment to demonstrate love and magnanimity, he chose to show bitterness and resentment. It was deeply unfortunate.”

On his involvement in the election, Obi said: “I only attended three public events with the Labour Party candidate, strictly where I was invited. At none of these events did I mention anyone by name or meet with traditional rulers, market leaders, or any other group to discuss candidates. There was nothing I said to warrant controversy or speculation.”

Obi insisted that the election that was adjudged flawless witnessed irregularities. He said: “I witnessed irregularities and disruptions that could have easily escalated into chaos. When outsiders attempted to cast votes in our community, I stepped in and urged my people to remain calm and allow them to act peacefully. At that moment, I was reminded that integrity must always take precedence over politics. True leadership is measured not by the contest for power, but by the courage to uphold fairness, restraint, and the dignity of our people, even in the most trying circumstances.”

Now, when Soludo said he would call their mutual friends to sit and speak with Obi, he wasn’t just making jest. Both men have a common history. Besides both being Anambrans, they schooled at University of Nigeria, Nsukka, even though in different departments. A source said that one of both men is a godfather to the other’s son, during baptism, and have maintained close family ties. Also, the late Prof Dora Akunyili, the erstwhile strong lady of NAFDAC, who was the biological elder sister of Prof Soludo’s mother-in-law, the late Mrs. Gloria Ezenwanne, is also married to Obi’s kinsman in Agulu, Anaocha LGA.

Despite these interwoven relationships, both men have in the past been involved in bitter rivalry. First was in 2010, when immediately after his tenure as Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Soludo headed home to Anambra and sought to unsit Obi, who was then seeking re-election as governor. While Soludo stood on one side with the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obi flew the ticket of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), an election that was deemed to be the most fiercely contested in the history of the state, with Dr Chris Ngige as an addition with the ACN ticket, as all three men ran neck to neck in the race, while Obi later carried the day.

In November 2022, while Soludo had already gained power as governor, and Obi was contesting for the position of president, it was not a surprise that Soludo attacked Obi with a piece, describing his contest as effort in futility. In the piece titled: History Beckons and I will not be Silent (Part 1), Soludo in his analysis dismissed Obi’s contest, insisting it will divide the southern votes. The piece generated a lot of analysis, with many standing by Soludo’s analysis of the election, while a greater number stood with Obi, while seeing the piece as mere attempt by Soludo to demarket Obi.

There is no known reason for the constant brickbats between both men, but sources have attributed it to mere politics, while others predict a desire by Soludo to contest for president one day. MrJideoforAnayochukwu, an Anambra resident and lawyer told THISDAY: “From what I have heard, Soludo plans to contest for the presidency of this country someday, so these constant attacks at Obi looks to him like taking the shine off him. He thinks Obi as an Igbo man will dim his own chance if he first ascends the position before him.”

As for the fresh tussle, Obi seems to have dismissed it, but some onlookers do not think Soludo sees it that way, especially with the threat. Political analyst and social critic, MrEmekaEgoigwe who wrote on social media said: “Just because Obi told them that he is now playing champions league while Soludo and co are still playing division 1, all hell has let loose. All Soludo’s data boys and data men are all over the internet. Why not leave Obi alone and face your mates. Obi is a national asset, and Soludo is a local asset. Don’t get me wrong, we value you two at the levels you operate. That’s why this time, we allowed you have the victory, but come 2027, we will show you why what happened in 2023 happened despite you being the governor in charge in Anambra state then.”

Whereas, there doesn’t seem to be any end in sight already as aides of the governor are not relenting in their attacks against Obi. SSA on media, MrOpara in a piece insisted that: “Peter Obi’s political legacy is not one of vision or transformation, but of mediocrity exaggerated by propaganda and lies. His candle only flickers because every other bulb around him has been deliberately extinguished. To sustain his myth, he ensures that no other light is allowed to shine.

“For eight years, he dedicated himself to running down Ngige’s feats, comparing and demeaning them at every turn. Obiano’s tenure suffered the same fate. His team cultivated a toxic mindset: every administration must be measured against Obi, every achievement reduced to “Obi started it.” Obi’s era was not one of vision, but of micro thinking, outsourcing, and propaganda. His legacy is a skyscraper built not on achievements, but on lies repeated until they sound like truth. To sustain a lie, one must lie more—and Obi’s political career is proof of that.”

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The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has taken aim at the Nigerian political elite, accusing them of deliberately obstructing the country’s progress for their own benefit.

He issued the strong warning while speaking at the 15th anniversary event of Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria in Lagos, where he described the current political culture as one that prioritises personal gain over genuine national advancement.

Sanusi said many office holders now treat public positions as private property, insisting that this attitude has remained one of the biggest obstacles to Nigeria’s development.

According to him, leaders routinely walk away from meaningful reforms because their focus is fixed on protecting narrow interests rather than improving the lives of citizens.

“We have done enough damage, and maybe we need to stop,” he said, adding that some of the opportunities wasted by the country are not accidental.

“These are not just missed opportunities, sometimes they are deliberately missed opportunities.”

The Emir explained that Nigeria’s ruling class often thinks first about themselves, their families, and their political circles, leaving governance — which should be about service — far behind.

He emphasised that public office is meant for the people, not a tool for enriching a few individuals or maintaining political networks.

He challenged young Nigerians to refuse the flawed system they met on ground and instead push for a country that reflects their aspirations.

Sanusi noted that the present order is shaped by years of ethnic politics, religious manipulation, and the pursuit of privilege by a select class.

“The nation belongs to us. It does not belong to the government or politicians,” he said. “Wherever we find ourselves, we are holding one small part of Nigeria, and we have a duty to contribute our quota.”

He urged youths across regions and backgrounds to unite and define the kind of nation they want to inherit.

According to him, Nigeria’s next phase must be one that breaks away from ethnic hostilities, religious divisions, rent-seeking, and the culture of mediocrity.

“It has to be a Nigeria that rises above ethnic rivalries, religious conflicts, and rent-seeking,” he said. “It has to be a country that finally realises its potential in the committee of nations.”

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• IPOB lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor has condemned South-East Senators for their alleged silence during the ambassadorial screening of Reno Omokri, a strong supporter of President Bola Tinubu.
• In a post on X, Ejiofor warned that the lawmakers risk losing their seats in 2027 if they do not oppose Omokri’s confirmation.
• He vowed to mobilize voters in the region and said the next election would serve as a political reckoning for any Senator who fails to act, stressing that “there is a threshold to cowardice.”

Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the lawyer for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has strongly criticized Senators from the South-East for their perceived silence during the ambassadorial screening of President Bola Tinubu’s vocal supporter, Reno Omokri.

Ejiofor issued a strong warning in a post shared on X on Friday, stating that the Senators risk losing their seats in the 2027 general elections if they fail to oppose Omokri’s confirmation.

The lawyer views the screening outcome as a crucial test of political courage for the region’s representatives.

Ejiofor’s Strong Warning
He stated that the political future of the lawmakers would be decided at the polls should they allow the former presidential aide to scale through the process.

“If Reno Omokri @renoomokri passes this screening, 2027 will be a political judgment day for all Igbo Senators; they must be retired home.”

Ejiofor added that he would mobilize people in the region to prepare their voter cards, insisting that the 2027 elections would determine whether the Senators deserve another term. He concluded with a sharp critique:

“There is, after all, a threshold to cowardice. Enough, quite frankly, should be enough.”

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A bizarre video circulating online has left viewers both shocked and amused after showing a man’s pictures rolled and trapped inside two bottles with red clothings.

“Going diabolical just to get a man’s attention”

The man lamented that many girls nowadays go any mile even diabolical just to get a man’s attention

“Just imagine. Just imagine! There’s no limit to what this girls can do just to get a man’s attention. Going diabolical just to get a man’s attention. Is it the right way to go?”

Social media reactions

Social media users reacted with a mix of humour and concern.

Many joked about the extreme and creative lengths some people go to capture a man’s attention, while others warned that attempting such stunts could be dangerous and are not worth the risk.

@ViktorEdeh: “And the bottle is still intact and unbroken?”

@UnstoppablePsalm: “Wait oooo so true true them de tie man inside bottle? I been think say na only for film e de happen o”

@RasUgoChukwu: “As the apple bottom jeans no work …”

@LamYoungwiz: “Na movie”

@Baddy_xl: “Na even two. If one no pick one go work”

The viral post has reignited debates on social media culture, attention-seeking behaviour, and safety.

While many found the video entertaining, others emphasised caution, highlighting the risks of going diabolical for attention sake.

Watch the video below…

Man in sh0ck as he saw hims£lf inside bottle 😂 pic.twitter.com/E3Beu9bkij

— ChukwuNonso✍️ (@Mazi_Chinonso1) December 11, 2025

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The Nigerian naira demonstrated some stability in relation to the British pound, trading at N1,950//£ at the official market. This represents a minor depreciation of the naira thus far this year due to stabilizing Nigerian reforms and economic challenges in the United Kingdom.

Divergent economic recoveries between the two economies and policy responses have caused this rate to fluctuate between a 52-week high of roughly N2,231/£ and a low of N1,846/£.

Fiscal reforms in Nigeria (New tax administration) bolstered the naira’s positive outlook, while £26 billion in UK budget tax increases increase fiscal space but put a burden on British households.

Foreign exchange inflows from Nigerians in diaspora ($20 billion+ a year to Nigeria, up 10% YoY) bolster the naira’s long-term horizon, while the British pound sterling is constrained by UK consumer spending (1% growth).

Africa’s most populous economy’s exposure is reduced due to diversification (services/agriculture at 60 per cent GDP); The United Kingdom’s exports are severely impacted by US tariffs and the eurozone slowdown (0.9 per cent growth).

If Nigerian crude oil falls below $60 per barrel, the local currency could test the N2,000/£ band

width.   However, Dangote refinery ramp-up may limit the downside of the naira’s depreciation. The naira’s strength is favored by Nigeria’s 4.2 per cent growth and declining inflation (forecast: N1,850//£–N1,900//£ by end-2026). The British pound’s upside is limited by the UK’s 1.3–1.4 per cent growth and fiscal consolidation, though productivity recovery could stabilize it.

The UK’s economic situation, the Bank of England’s (BoE) monetary policy, geopolitical issues, and global risk perception have a significant impact on the British pound’s value as a critical international currency.

Though Nigeria’s insecurity disruptions on agriculture could undo the naira’s bullish outlook

The United Kingdom’s economic fundamental weighs on the British Pound  

The British pound sterling/dollar pair is currently $1.34-mark, broader strength over the previous month (2 per cent surge) and year (5.73 per cent).  This performance has been bolstered by a declining US dollar amid Federal Reserve rate cuts, although sticky UK inflation and fiscal tightening present challenges.

The British economic growth is slowing due to high inflation and rising unemployment, but currency traders bet on the anticipated gradual BoE easing (possibly to 3.75 per cent by year’s end) and a better-than-expected Autumn Budget. Forecasts indicate that the GBP will appreciate moderately in 2025, likely settling at $1.35–$1.41 by year’s end.

However, gains may be limited due to risks from disruptions in global trade and changes in US policy.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of England has successfully negotiated a “narrow path” between reducing inflation and promoting growth by progressively lowering rates from 5.25 per cent in the middle of 2024.

Concern over ongoing wage growth and service inflation was reflected in the 5-4 vote to hold at 4 per cent in November, but new data probabilities have increased due to easing core CPI.

According to KPMG, rates will drop to 3.75 per cent in December and stabilize at 3.25 per cent in 2026 as inflation declines. The GBP has been strengthened, despite divergence, by this slower rate of easing in comparison to the Fed, which cut to 3.50–3.75 per cent in December.

U.S dollar index turns slightly red  

The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the US dollar’s strength against six major currencies, appears vulnerable near its new seven-week low of 98.1.

The US dollar (USD) has been under intense pressure as traders anticipate that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will lower interest rates than what officials collectively predicted at Wednesday’s policy meeting. There is a 58% chance that the Fed will lower borrowing rates at least twice through October 2026, according to the CME FedWatch tool.

Conversely, the Fed’s dot plot revealed that officials believe the Federal Fund Rate will drop to 3.4 per cent by the end of 2026, indicating that there will be one interest rate reduction the following year. Following Wednesday’s 25 basis point (bps) cut, US President Donald Trump has called for additional interest rate reductions.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday, “I know there was a quarter-point reduction this past week, and the President was pleased to see that, but he thinks more should be done.”

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Eight University of Jos students have lost their lives in a fatal accident that occurred opposite Unity Bank along Zaria Road in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

The crash happened in the early hours of Thursday and involved a trailer and a bus transporting students of the University of Jos.

Unijos students

According to eyewitnesses, the bus had eleven occupants. Seven victims died on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries at the hospital, raising the death toll to eight.

They reported that the bus was speeding and attempted an improper overtaking, causing the driver to lose control and crash.

Three other passengers are currently receiving treatment in the hospital, and all individuals involved were male.

The Federal Road Safety Corps Public Education Officer, Peter Longsan, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday.

Longsan said, “Today, 11th December 2025, FRSC Plateau State Sector Command received a distress call at about 0230 hours, reporting a road traffic crash opposite Unity Bank on Zaria Road, Jos.

“The crash involved two vehicles, a trailer and a bus. Eleven people were on board the bus and were said to be students of the University of Jos. On arrival, seven people were suspected to be dead on the spot, and they were eventually certified dead by a doctor.

“Another victim later died in the hospital, bringing the total number of deceased to eight. Three others are currently receiving treatment at the hospital. All victims were males.”

Check out posts below …

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