NIGERIA NEWS
“Nice girl, but…” – Ex-schoolmate breaks silence on Sandra Areh’s character
A Nigerian man who claims to be a former schoolmate of Sandra Areh, the lady recently linked to popular preacher Apostle Joshua Selman, has shared his personal experience with her.
Sandra’s name has been trending following her public appearances connected to the clergyman, sparking mixed reactions across social media.
Sandra Areh Trends Over Joshua Selman Connection
Over the past few days, Nigerians on X (formerly Twitter) have shared different opinions about Sandra Areh’s association with Apostle Selman.
While some expressed curiosity, others openly judged the situation, with a few hoping the pair would eventually get married.
Former Schoolmate Shares His Experience
Joining the online discussion, a man identified as @penforme on X revealed that he knew Sandra personally during their secondary school days.
According to him, they attended the same school, though Sandra was his junior.
Talks About Her Family Background
The man further explained that he is familiar with Sandra’s family, stating that her brother, Collins, has been his close friend for many years.
This, he said, gave him enough reason to speak confidently about her past character.
Describes Sandra’s Character in School
Reflecting on her behaviour back then, he described Sandra as a well-behaved and offering person who related freely with others.
He noted that his memories of her from school were largely positive.
Despite speaking well of her character, the former schoolmate mentioned that one aspect of her recent public appearance did not sit right with him, particularly her choice of outfit.
In his words: “Sandra Areh. She was my junior in secondary school. Her brother Collins was and still is my good friend. Nice girl. But, that dress. Not so good.”
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Zedcrest Wealth has maintained its BUY rating on Seplat Energy Plc, setting a target price of N8,049.46.
The firm says this valuation is supported by a mix of macroeconomic factors and the company’s improving financial position.
At Seplat’s current market price of N5,809.00, the target implies an upside of about 38.6%, based on a blend of Net Asset Value (NAV) and Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) valuation models.
Similarly, Zedcrest maintained a BUY recommendation on Aradel Holdings, projecting a 17% upside to a target price of N798.35 per share.
Both calls were part of its 2026 financial year outlook titled “Weak Global Pressures Meet Domestic Realities.”
The analysts highlighted positive factors, such as a 16-year low in crude oil theft due to improved security, Nigeria’s crude output recovery toward the 2.5 million barrels per day target, and strong midstream sentiment around the Assa North–Ohaji South (ANOH) gas processing plant.
Improved macroeconomic factors
According to Zedcrest, the first gas from the Assa North–Ohaji South (ANOH) project is expected by Q4 2025, with full ramp-up planned for Q1 2026.
- Phase 1 will deliver 300 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd), expanding to 600 mmscfd in subsequent phases.
The project, jointly developed by the Nigerian government (57.5%), has Seplat as the second-largest stakeholder (20%) and is expected to shift domestic energy consumption from traditional fuels to compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) for transport, power generation, and industrial use.
On the upstream front, Nigeria’s crude production is projected to rebound to 2.5 million barrels per day by the end of 2026, a level last seen in 2005.
With a stable financial position, Seplat is well-positioned to benefit from these developments, reinforcing hope for its performance in 2026.
Latest performance
Seplat Energy Plc delivered one of its strongest performances to date, with revenue soaring 213% year-on-year to N3.3 trillion in the first nine months of 2025, surpassing the company’s total revenue from 2020 to 2024 combined.
Operating profit also rose sharply, settling at N1.09 trillion, up from N411.3 billion after accounting for expenses.
- Despite higher finance costs, the company recorded a pretax profit of N878.9 billion, more than double the N366.7 billion achieved in the prior year.
On the balance sheet, retained earnings stood at N314 billion, while shareholders’ equity was N2.6 trillion, down 4.6%. Total assets reached N9 trillion, slightly lower than N9.8 trillion reported in the previous year.
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Bishop David Oyedepo, founder and presiding bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (LFC), has ruled out joining partisan politics, insisting that no amount of money can change his decision.
The cleric made the statement while speaking at the ongoing Shiloh 2025 annual convention of the church, held at Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State.
“It’s Off My Course,” Oyedepo Declares
Addressing worshippers during the impartation service, Oyedepo stated plainly that politics is not part of his divine assignment.
He said: “Partisan politics is off my calling. If you give me $1 billion to join politics, I won’t, because it’s off my course.”
He urged members of the church to remain focused on their God-given purpose, stressing that authority comes from operating within one’s calling.
Cleric Warns Against Leaving One’s Calling
The bishop reminded the congregation that believers are meant to function where they are most effective, describing the church as God’s end-time army.
He said the church must stay committed to its mission rather than chasing power or influence outside its spiritual mandate.
“The World Is Groaning in Darkness”
Speaking on the state of the nation and the world, Oyedepo noted that society is facing deep challenges that require divine solutions.
He said “the world is groaning in darkness”, referencing Romans 8:19, which speaks about creation waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Oyedepo Predicts Rise of God’s Army
The bishop also spoke prophetically about a new move of God, comparing what is coming to biblical figures like Joseph and Daniel.
“The army of God is about to emerge to proffer solutions to national crises in the order of Joseph and Daniel. It is the day of what eyes have not seen or ears heard,” he added.
Governor Oborevwori Trends at Shiloh 2025
Beyond Oyedepo’s message, Shiloh 2025 also stirred reactions online after Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was spotted doing ushering duties at the event.
Photos and videos of the governor assisting worshippers circulated widely, sparking mixed reactions across social media.
The moment attracted even more attention due to Oborevwori’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
Shiloh 2025 Comes to an End
Shiloh 2025, themed “Breaking New Grounds,” began on Tuesday, December 9, and ended on Friday, December 12.
Prominent ministers such as Pastor Paul Enenche and Pastor David Ibiyeomie attended the event.
Oyedepo’s sons, David Oyedepo Jr. and Isaac Oyedepo, were also present with their families.
The annual convention drew members from across the world for days of prayer, worship, and spiritual teaching at the Faith Tabernacle auditorium.
Cole Palmer returned with a much-needed goal as Chelsea beat Everton 2-0 in the Premier League on Saturday to end a run of four games without a win in all competitions.
Victory at Stamford Bridge lifted Chelsea back into the top four.
Injury-plagued attacking midfielder Cole missed Chelsea’s loss away to Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday as part of his recovery from a two-month spell on the sidelines.
Palmer was initially troubled by a groin problem and then fractured his toe after stubbing it on a door at home.
The 23-year-old made his first start for the Blues since September in last weekend’s goalless draw at Bournemouth.
The England international broke the deadlock against Everton in the 21st minute at Stamford Bridge.
Malo Gusto played in Palmer with a fine pass and he beat fellow England international Jordan Pickford at the goalkeeper’s near post.
Everton dominated possession, with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez saving well from Jack Grealish.
All of Everton’s pressure failed to yield an equaliser and Chelsea, against the run of play, doubled their lead in first half stoppage-time when a counter-attack ended with Gusto turning in a cut-back from Pedro Neto.
Everton had a chance to make it 2-1 when Carlos Alcaraz curled in a cross to the back post only for the unmarked Grealish to divert the ball well wide.
Chelsea almost added a third when Reece James’s quick free-kick was only just tipped over the bar by Pickford.
Everton nearly gave themselves a lifeline when Iliman Ndiaye burst into the box only for his shot to bounce off the inside of the post.
The post Palmer strikes as Chelsea return to winning ways against Everton appeared first on Vanguard News.
Operation HADIN KAI troops have repelled ISWAP terrorists’ coordinated attack on Forward Operating Base Mairari in Borno, delivering a decisive blow to the group’s operational capability in the area.
This is contained in a statement by the Media Information Officer, OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, on Saturday.
Uba said the assault, which began late Friday and continued into the early hours of Friday, was thwarted through coordinated ground and air operations.
He said the terrorists attempted to breach the base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs).
According to him, both devices were promptly detected and neutralised by the troops, preventing any penetration of the base.
“CCTV footage and field observations confirmed that several terrorists were killed, while others sustained serious injuries as surviving elements evacuated their dead and wounded.
“Following the failed assault, OPHK troops of Sector 3, supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, Nigeria Police Crack Team, and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), conducted a thorough exploitation of the area.
“The operation led to the discovery of multiple terrorist casualties and the seizure of weapons, ammunition, and logistics abandoned during their retreat.
“Recovered items included AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunition, PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication devices, combat gear, medical supplies, and other materials indicative of sustained terrorist operations,” he said.
Uba said the successful recovery of the terrorists’ equipment and logistics had further degraded their operational capacity and deny them freedom of action in the area.
He said the two neutralised VBIEDs were destroyed by OPHK defensive fire, causing damage to two points along the road.
According to him, there was no breach of the FOB, highlighting the preparedness, vigilance, and resilience of the troops.
Uba said the troops were currently conducting aggressive patrols in the area to prevent further terrorist activity and reassure local communities of the continued security presence.
“Troops remain resolute in their commitment to decisively defeat all terrorist elements and restore lasting peace and stability across the North East.
“The failed attack at Mairari underscores the operational readiness and professionalism of our men and women in uniform.
“Troops of OPHK have continued to prioritise the protection of civilians, the disruption of terrorist networks, and the restoration of peace across the region.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described former Rivers State governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as one of the shining stars of his cabinet.
Tinubu, in a congratulatory message to Honourable Wike on the occasion of the latter’s birthday described the FCT Minister “as an audacious top performer who defies obstacles and delivers results.”
In the statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy, Tinubu specifically acknowledged the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory through infrastructure expansion, highlighting the Minister’s recent intervention that broke the 14-year logjam in the construction of the Apo-Karshi road.
Tinubu maintained that Wike’s performance in the FCT has proved beyond doubts that his “moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers.”
The statement read, “President Bola Tinubu congratulates Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on his birthday, December 13.
“President Tinubu celebrates with the Minister and former governor of Rivers State, giving thanks to God Almighty for enriching him with a life defined by purpose, service, and courage.
“The President describes Chief Wike as an audacious top performer who defies obstacles and delivers results.
“President Tinubu acknowledges the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory through infrastructure expansion, highlighting the Minister’s recent intervention that broke the 14-year logjam in the construction of the Apo-Karshi road.
“The President commends Chief Wike for his resilience, can-do attitude, and commitment to excellence in all assignments.
“President Tinubu thanks the Minister for his consistent efforts in delivering results and wishes him a happy birthday and strength to further his good work in the FCT.
“Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet, an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the Federal capital as never seen before and proving that his moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers.
“I commend him for being one of the champions of our Renewed Hope Agenda, even though he belongs to another party and wish him well as he marks another year in his life journey.”
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…Vows Zero-Tolerance For Corruption
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, pledging that the 2025 Licensing Round would be conducted with the same transparency and integrity that defined the landmark 2024 exercise.
The Commission Chief Executive, Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, made this commitment during an event commemorating the International Anti-Corruption Day, organised by the Commission’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).
Addressing stakeholders, Komolafe warned that corruption poses a direct threat to Nigeria’s economic growth and prosperity, particularly in the oil and gas sector, where financial stakes are high, and the consequences of misconduct could be severe.
He stressed that the strategic role of the NUPRC in national development makes transparency and accountability non-negotiable, noting that the Commission has deliberately reduced human interference through the deployment of technology.
A statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja by the Head, Media and Strategic Communication at the NUPRC, Eniola Akinkuotu, quoted the CCE as stating that the 2024 Licensing Round marked a turning point in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.
He said, “The most compelling illustration of this reality was the Nigeria 2024 Licensing Round. For the first time in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector, bid submissions were conducted fully online; commercial bidding was digital and real-time.
“Evaluation processes were automated, measurable, and auditable; human interference was deliberately minimised to near-zero levels. The outcome was a bidding exercise governed by competence instead of connection, process instead of persuasion, and merit instead of influence.
“This achievement did not go unnoticed. The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) formally commended the process, verifying that the Nigeria 2024 Licensing Round was conducted free of corruption and procedural compromise.”
Speaking on the theme, ‘Uniting with the Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,’ Komolafe said the transparent licensing process offers renewed hope to young Nigerians who have grown sceptical of public institutions.
He noted that preparations for the 2025 Licensing Round are firmly anchored on the same digital architecture that delivered credibility in 2024.
“That is why preparations for the Nigeria 2025 Licensing Round continue under the same digital framework, unchanged and uncompromised: This continuity answers a fundamental question asked by young Nigerians, which is: Is good governance temporary or permanent? Our response is clear. Integrity at the Commission is not episodic but institutional.”
Delivering a lecture at the event, retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Oludotun Adebola Adefope-Okojie (JCA), underscored the central role of the NUPRC in Nigeria’s economic destiny as regulator of the upstream petroleum sector.
She said, “The NUPRC regulates the wealth of Nigeria because oil accounts for over 80% of Nigeria’s FX and 70% of government revenue. It is a gatekeeper of Nigeria’s wealth. The Commission doesn’t just process documents but destiny. With this great duty comes great responsibility.”
While commending the Commission for the transparency of the 2024 Licensing Round, Justice Adefope-Okojie urged the NUPRC to deliberately expand youth participation in the 2025 round.
“With the recent announcement of the 2025 licensing round, there is an opportunity for fresh players to step forward and demonstrate their capability. The time for the youth is now.
“Building on the success of the 2024 licensing round, I believe it will be transparent, where the younger generation, who are frustrated, will be given more opportunities to participate in the award of licenses and leases.
“I believe it should be a deliberate policy; we need to give youths a chance to participate. They have done this in the tech space. They have produced the top unicorns in Africa. They can bring in the right partners to help Nigeria’s goal of increasing oil production.”
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…As Zulum assures Borno is for Tinubu come 2027
The Borno State Independent Electoral Commission on Saturday held a rancour-free Chairmanship and Councilorship across the 27 Local Government Areas of the state.
Saturday Telegraph correspondents, who monitored the election, observed that there was a massive turnout in some polling units, while other polling units witnessed poor turnout.
Speaking shortly after casting his vote at Ajiyari 2 unit 006, Mafa Central, Governor Babagana Zulum said, “This is a Local Government election, and I am in my town to vote.
It is expected that this local government election will end well. It is a litmus test for the forthcoming 2027 election. By the grace of God, APC will win from the president down to the bottom in all the states.”
“You have seen the turnout, you know this is my hometown. So, my general assessment of the process is good. It is expected that the 2027 election will also be well.
“This is a litmus test, and Insha Allah, in 2027, APC will win from the President down to each member of the state assembly. Borno is the home of APC, more so, I am a son of this town,” Zulum stated.
The election was contested by six political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Labour Party (LP), and the People’s Redemption Party (PRP)..
The Governor was accompanied by the member of Borno State House of Assembly representing Mafa, Hon. Baba Ali Modu; the acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe; the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mustapha Ali Busuguma; and other senior government officials and party supporters.
Also, the Deputy National Chairman (DNC) North of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, has expressed satisfaction with the impressive voter turnout witnessed during the Borno State local government elections on Saturday, December 13, 2025, describing it as a clear sign of public trust in the democratic process, rule of law and grassroots inclusivity.
Hon Dalori while commending the orderly conduct of voters across the state and peaceful participation, said although his office in Abuja is preoccupied with a lot of schedule duties, but as a grassroot politician, he had to move to the state, exercise his franchise at his polling unit in electing credible leaders who would continue complement efforts of Governor Babagana Zulum in providing dividends of democracy to the local communities.
Speaking shortly in an interview with Journalists after casting his vote at the Dalori/Wanori Primary School, Kajeri polling unit in Konduga local government area of the state, Zulum said, “Let me use this medium to express satisfaction with the impressive voter turnout witnessed during the Borno State local government elections. It is a clear sign of public trust in the democratic process, rule of law and grassroots inclusivity.”.
“In my polling unit, the massive participation reflects citizens’ growing confidence in democratic governance. I wished all contestants success.
“I commend Members of the State Electoral Body, security agencies and other stakeholders for their unwavering commitment, which led to the orderly conduct of voters across the state, he added.
He further said, ” As you are aware, my office in Abuja is preoccupied with a lot of scheduled duties, but as a grassroot politician, I had to move to the state, exercise my franchise in electing credible leaders who would continueto complement the efforts of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Zulum in providing dividends of democracy to the local communities”.
He, however, expressed optimism that his party, the APC, will come out victorious in all elective positions such as the Chairmanship and Councillorship across the 27 local government areas, considering the numerous people-oriented projects executed by the present administration.
Those who accompanied the DNC include the Borno State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Hauwa Abubakar, Executive Secretary of Borno State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (BICTDA), Engr Kabir Wanori, the APC Chairmanship Candidate for Konduga, Hon Abba Saje and other prominent APC stakeholders.
Recalled that the main opposition party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), pulled out from the exercise, six other opposition parties, includingthe Labour Party (LP), participated in the exercise.
Also speaking in an interview shortly after casting his vote at Alhaji Sadiq 002, the Senator representing Borno Central senatorial district, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawal, described as fully credible the Borno State local council election conducted across the state, Saturday, December 13.
The House of Representatives member representing Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Abdulkadir Rahis, echoed Senator Lawal SAN’s remarks, describing the election as transparently clean and rancour-free.
“I must commend the State Independent Electoral Commission for conducting a well-organised election, and the security agencies for ensuring security, peace and order at all the polling units and across my senatorial district,” Senator Lawal told journalists
He said, ” I am also impressed with the voter turnout, in spite of the hard times, which shows that the electorate is committed to genuine democratic governance in Borno State and Nigeria. For me, the election is credible”.
While Hon Buldukadir Rahis, who voted at his Wakil Hassan polling unit, Gwange 1, Maiduguri metropolis, told newsmen, “after from its credibility, what impressed me most about the election is its rancour-freeness and the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere which prevailed across my constituency.”
Both NASS members expressed confidence that the 2027 general elections would also be credible and rancour-free.
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Three persons, Moses Uker (35), Monday Gambo (32) and Daniel Zakariya (23) have been arraigned at the Chief Magistrate court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, by the State Police Command, for alleged felony to wit stealing.
The prosecutor, Inspector Akinwale Oriyomi told the court that on November 19, at Ado-Ekiti the defendants did allegedly steal 500 chickens valued N9,000,000:00, property of Falade Solomon.
Inspector Oriyomi said the offence committed is punishable under Section 421, 302(1)(a) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State 2021.
Counsel to the defendant, Barrister Adunni Olanipekun, urged the court to admit his clients to bail, that they will not jump bail.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Abayomi Adeosun, granted bail of N100,000 with two sureties each in like sum. One of the surety must be the chairman of their community association.
The case was adjourned until January 30, 2026 for hearing.
- Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, founder of Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church, faces new allegations involving a 19-year-old girl.
- A woman contacted commentator Solomon Buchi to share claims about the pastor’s alleged misconduct with her daughter.
- The allegations suggest that Pastor Adegboyega collaborates with a church member named Mariam, who reportedly helps recruit young girls to the church.
The founder of Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church, Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, has come under fresh scrutiny following allegations involving a 19-year-old girl living abroad.
An upset woman reportedly reached out to writer and commentator Solomon Buchi to recount claims about the cleric’s alleged involvement with her daughter. According to her account, Pastor Adegboyega is said to work through another church member identified as Mariam, who allegedly helps attract young girls into the church.
The woman claimed that the pastor instructed members not to follow or listen to other spiritual leaders. She further alleged that Mariam engages in harmful spiritual practices and that individuals she brings into the church often suffer negative consequences.
She also accused Pastor Adegboyega of encouraging young members to cut off contact with their families after joining the church. In an audio recording shared with Solomon Buchi, the woman requested anonymity, saying she feared her daughter could be further isolated from her family, as had allegedly happened in the past.
According to her, the family owns a house in London, but her daughter was allegedly influenced to leave the family home and move into what she described as a “trap house” linked to the church. She further claimed that her 19-year-old daughter was persuaded to take on a debt of £350,000.
The woman went on to allege that reports and rumours surrounding Pastor Adegboyega are accurate, urging the public to research him independently. She also claimed that the cleric allegedly pays individuals to connect him with celebrities.
Pastor Adegboyega has faced several controversies in the past. In 2023, a footballer accused him of playing a role in the breakdown of his marriage. Separately, while reacting to a DNA-related controversy in which he was mentioned, the pastor reportedly made light of the situation, joking that his children should return home.
See the video here:
Read some comments below:
@softigbogurl:”Tobi is not a pastor cause as una dey call am pastor body dey pepper me. How will you hold someone’s child? God abeg.”
@bewa____ji:”Ah who don’t know Mariam, lol mariam na tobi right hand , the lady that initiate young naive girls into tobi cult.”
@izreea:”This guy has a lot of these complaints from several people and nothing is done, and a lot of so called celebrities are still hobnobbing with him.”
@iamkaybless:”Too bad.”
The management of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU, Bauchi, has distanced itself from a group of ex-students of the university who disrupted a senate public hearing on a bill seeking to amend the law establishing the institution.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Shehu Buba, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, seeks to amend the law establishing ATBU by changing its status from a university of science and technology to a conventional university.
Reacting to the disruption, the university’s management, in a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Zailani Bappa, described the group as impostors and not genuine graduates of the institution.
“The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, wishes to distance itself from the actions of these impostors, who are not graduates of the university.
“The ATBU prides itself on producing disciplined students who have remained good ambassadors of the university across the globe for more than four decades.
“Hence, the university is confident that its genuine graduates would never engage in any action capable of showing disrespect to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement read.
Bappa expressed dismay that the actions of the alleged impostors led to the adjournment of the public hearing.
He also urged stakeholders to be cautious and verify the identity of any individuals claiming to represent or speak on behalf of the university in future engagements.
It will be recalled that the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund commenced public hearings on the amendment bill last Thursday, but the proceedings were disrupted by the group, forcing an indefinite adjournment.