The Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Kayode Oladele, has assured stakeholders from Ogun West Senatorial District that the zone will present a single consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election, stressing that unity within the district is non-negotiable.

Oladele, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, gave the assurance in Abuja last Wednesday during an interactive session with leaders of Yewa Defenders, a socio-political group from the district, who paid him a courtesy visit to express concerns over emerging political developments capable of dividing Ogun West ahead of the election.

While urging stakeholders not to be distracted by certain elements of dissent or defiance, Oladele described divergent opinions as a normal feature of democracy but insisted that the district would ultimately close ranks.

He said, “Don’t work yourselves up about a certain cluster of dissent or defiant voices you may be hearing. That’s the beauty of democracy, but I can assure you that when the chips are down, Ogun West will speak with one voice and unite behind one candidate.”

Speaking on the political trajectory of Ogun West and the leadership of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), Oladele noted that the district has benefitted significantly from the senator’s visibility, experience and extensive statewide networks. He described Senator Adeola as a unifying force whose political capital has strengthened the zoning argument in favour of Ogun West.

According to him, Senator Yayi’s performance in the National Assembly, his developmental interventions across Ogun State and his broad acceptability beyond Ogun West have repositioned the district as a serious contender in the 2027 race.

“Ogun West is no longer asking for inclusion from a position of weakness. With leaders like Senator Yayi, the district has demonstrated capacity, competence and readiness to lead,” Oladele stated.

He warned that internal divisions could undermine the district’s long-standing aspiration to produce the next governor of Ogun State.

“Fragmentation will only weaken our chances, and we are not ready to take any chances at all. We are going to have a zero-tolerance policy because Ogun West cannot afford to scuttle its best chance ever,” he added.

Oladele further noted that Ogun West possesses the political maturity, human capital and moral justification to seek the governorship, describing the moment as a historic opportunity that must be carefully managed.

He called on political leaders, traditional rulers, youth organisations and professionals across the district to subordinate personal ambitions to collective interest and commit to broad-based consultations aimed at producing a widely acceptable candidate.

According to him, beyond zoning considerations, the eventual flag bearer must demonstrate competence, capacity and a clear development vision capable of earning support across all three senatorial districts of Ogun State.

Responding on behalf of the group, the President of Yewa Defenders, Mr Temitope Amusan, said the assurances given by Oladele had strengthened the resolve of stakeholders to pursue unity and consensus.

“We are fully aligned with the position that Ogun West must not be divided at this critical moment. The message is clear: unity is non-negotiable. And just as you had stated before, Sen. Yayi remains the most formidable aspirant in Ogun West,” Amusan said.

He added that leaders across Yewa and the wider Ogun West were prepared to consult widely and support a credible candidate capable of winning statewide and delivering good governance.

Amusan also disclosed that Yewa Defenders would continue grassroots mobilisation to promote harmony, discourage divisive tendencies and support leaders, including Senator Yayi, who have demonstrated commitment to the progress of Ogun West.

He expressed confidence that sustained dialogue, discipline and collective sacrifice would enable Ogun West to present a formidable and united front as preparations for the 2027 governorship election gather momentum.

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The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the opening of its application portal for the 2026 National Medical Team (NMT), marking an early and strategic step in preparation for the next Hajj operation.

The commission said the move is aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery for Nigerian pilgrims through the early selection of qualified and competent medical personnel.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Fatima Usara, on behalf of the Chairperson/Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON.

According to the statement, the application process targets Nigerian healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and environmental health workers, who are currently in active service.

NAHCON explained that the online portal, hosted on its official website, would be open for a limited period, underscoring the need for interested applicants to act promptly and comply strictly with the stated requirements.

The commission noted that the selection process is designed to ensure professionalism, efficiency, and improved medical support for pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj exercise.

NAHCON further highlighted new eligibility conditions introduced for the 2026 exercise, particularly the exclusion of applicants who participated in the last three Hajj operations.

It urged prospective applicants to carefully study the guidelines, complete their applications accurately, and adhere to the stipulated timeline to avoid disqualification.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and continuous public engagement, assuring Nigerians that updates on the 2026 Hajj preparations would be communicated regularly.

Read statement

NAHCON Opens Application Portal for 2026 National Medical Team

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) wishes to inform the general public, particularly qualified Nigerian healthcare professionals, that the application portal for the 2026 National Medical Team (NMT) will officially be launched today on the NAHCON website.

READ ALSO: TAJBank, NAHCON sign MoU on Hajj savings scheme

Interested medical personnel specifically doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and environmental health workers are invited to submit their applications through the designated online portal which will open from 11:00pm 12th December 2025 to 11:59 pm of Monday 15th December 2025.

Please take note, applicants must be in active service at the time of application and must not have participated in the last three Hajj Operations (2023, 2024, and 2025). For further guidelines, applicants are advised to visit the NAHCON website at nahcon.gov.ng.

The Commission encourages eligible applicants to carefully review the requirements and fill the form accurately to avoid disqualification. Interested parties are advised to submit their applications within the stipulated timeframe.

NAHCON will continue updating the public on 2026 Hajj preparations.

Fatima Sanda Usara
Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations
For Chairman/CEO
NAHCON

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A trending post making the rounds on social media has captured a man’s response after his girlfriend told him that she was no longer interested in him.



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Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has openly confirmed that he once held peace talks with officials of the Zamfara State government during the administration of Bello Matawalle, now Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence.

The revelation has triggered fresh controversy around past negotiations with armed groups in the North-West.

Turji made the disclosure while reacting to claims that he was allegedly paid ₦30 million during the peace engagement.

He strongly denied the allegation and dismissed it as false and misleading.

According to him, no such money was ever paid to him at any point during the talks.

In an audio message currently circulating online, the bandit leader accused Musa Kamara, a former peace mediator appointed by the Zamfara State government, of spreading lies.

He described the claim of a ₦30 million payoff as “a lie” and insisted that he has never possessed such an amount in his lifetime.

“By Allah, since I was born, I have never possessed even five million naira,” Turji said. “What I am doing is not for personal gain. We were never given that ₦30 million you are talking about.”

Turji explained that the meeting with government officials was part of a peace initiative aimed at ending violence in Zamfara State.

The bandit leader maintained that the discussions were not designed for financial benefit and accused Kamara of betraying the trust that was built during the negotiations.

“We agreed on peace when the Zamfara State government appointed you,” Turji said. “But what you are saying now is full of lies. I did not even receive three million naira.”

Beyond denying the payment claim, Turji went further to accuse former political leaders in Zamfara and Sokoto states of being responsible for the prolonged insecurity in the region.

He alleged that some former governors armed groups and encouraged the creation of vigilantes who, according to him, targeted Fulani communities.

“We say openly that former governors of Zamfara and Sokoto, alongside Ahmed Sani Yerima, are responsible for the calamities that befell these states,” Turji claimed.
He called for their arrest and a full investigation into their alleged roles.

In the message, Turji attempted to distance himself from politics, insisting that he is not being sponsored or protected by any political figure. He said his actions were driven by what he described as injustice and insecurity faced by his people.

“We are not politicians, and we are not tools of politicians,” he said. “There is no human being backing us.”

Despite his claims, Turji did not address the numerous accusations linking him to mass killings, kidnappings, and the displacement of communities across Zamfara and neighbouring states.

Instead, he framed his comments as a personal defence, stating that he was speaking “before Allah alone.”

However, security agencies have long identified Bello Turji as one of the most dangerous armed group leaders operating in Nigeria’s North-West. The military had previously declared him wanted over terror-related activities, with ongoing operations targeting his network.

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First HoldCo Plc has announced the successful completion of its divestment from its merchant banking subsidiary, FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited, marking a major strategic shift aimed at strengthening the Group’s core operations.

In a statement issued by the company, First HoldCo said the divestment, which saw FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited transferred to the EverQuest Group, would enable the Group to optimise resource allocation and reinforce its focus on delivering comprehensive financial solutions across its businesses.

The proceeds from the transaction will be deployed to strengthen the capital base of First HoldCo’s flagship subsidiary, FirstBank, while the Group also intensifies investments in technology-driven innovations to enhance customer engagement, improve service delivery and redefine overall client experience.

According to the Board, the divestment is part of a broader strategy to improve capital efficiency and concentrate on key growth sectors. By reallocating resources towards commercial banking and deepening offerings across its subsidiaries, the Group aims to boost innovation, deliver greater value to customers and achieve sustainable returns for shareholders.

Following the divestment, First HoldCo Plc retains a robust portfolio of subsidiaries, including FirstBank, FirstCap, First Asset Management, First Trustees, First Securities Brokers and First Insurance Brokers.

Commenting on the development, Chairman of First HoldCo Plc, Mr Femi Otedola, CON, said the move aligns with the Group’s long-term strategy.

“This divestment is fully consistent with our long-term strategy to enhance the Group’s performance and create additional value for both shareholders and stakeholders. It represents a strategic action that positions us for improved returns and sustainable growth,” Otedola said.

Also speaking, the Group Managing Director of First HoldCo Plc, Mr Wale Oyedeji, noted that the decision would allow the Group to focus more effectively on its core strengths.

“By divesting from the merchant banking business, we are reallocating resources to strengthen our commercial banking operations and drive growth across the Group. This strategic decision enables us to concentrate on executing our objectives more effectively and reinforces our commitment towards market leadership,” he said.

First HoldCo Plc expressed optimism that the divestment would open up new opportunities for growth, noting that the enhancement of its commercial banking services underscores its commitment to evolving with clients and delivering customised financial solutions in an increasingly dynamic market environment.

The post First HoldCo completes divestment from FBNQuest Merchant Bank appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The National Association of Ogun State Students, NAOSS, has appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to fulfil his promise of N2.5 million to late Comrade Oriwayi Samuel, popularly known as Samoris, the best graduating student of the Civil Engineering Department for the 2022/2023 academic session at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta.

DAILY POST reports that Governor Abiodun had promised a cash prize of N2.5 million each to the best graduating students of MAPOLY from the 2015/2016 to the 2023/2024 academic sessions.

The governor made the announcement at the institution’s 15th Convocation Ceremony in June 2025, alongside the unveiling of a major N2 billion infrastructure plan for the institution.

However, Samoris, who emerged as the best student in the Civil Engineering Department for the 2022/2023 academic session, died on Sunday, December 7, 2025, before receiving the cash prize, and was laid to rest on Monday.

The student body made the appeal on Saturday during its 2025 convention and election held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.

The President-elect, Comrade Oluwafemi Ajayi, in his acceptance speech, said: “NAOSS commends His Excellency PRINCE Governor Dapo Abiodun, for his commitment towards the development of education in Ogun State. As the Southern Governors Forum chairman, he has distinguished himself in all ramifications especially in the aspect of students welfare.

“We are passionately appealing to our students-friendly father and governor to remember his promise to Late Comrade Oriwayi Samuel, aka Samoris.

“He was the best graduating student in 2022/2023, from the Civil Engineering Department. We beg the governor to remit the 2.5 million naira promised to his family.”

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New revelations from official documents seen by Naija News and issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have directly contradicted claims by former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), that his administrative bail was revoked due to his attendance at a political gathering in Kebbi State.

​The documents, detailing the terms of the provisional bail granted to Malami on November 28, 2025, show no restrictions whatsoever on his participation in political activities or engagement with the media.

​The official records underscore that Malami was detained because he failed to meet the verifiable conditions of his administrative bail, a position since confirmed by the EFCC.

​Malami was granted administrative bail following his interrogation related to an ongoing criminal investigation. The conditions, which he reportedly acknowledged and signed, were procedural and focused on ensuring his availability for the investigation.

​Key Bail Conditions Included:

• ​Provision of two reliable sureties who are serving federal civil servants in Abuja and who must submit detailed documentation, including letters of appointment and identity cards.
• ​Sureties must demonstrate ownership of property within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) supported by valid Certificates of Occupancy.
• ​Malami was required to deposit all international, official, and diplomatic passports with the Commission.
• ​He was required to report regularly on specified dates and times until the case was concluded.

​Sources reviewing the documents stressed that claims of revocation or restrictions on political participation are entirely unsupported by the official papers.

​The records further indicate a delay in Malami’s compliance:

• ​He was initially scheduled to return for further interrogation on December 1, 2025.
• ​He requested a deferment, citing ill-health in a letter dated December 4, 2025, a plea which was compassionately accommodated despite his bail conditions not yet being met.
• ​He was subsequently re-invited on December 8, 2025, and detained pending the fulfillment of the outstanding bail conditions.

​Legal analysts advise that Malami should prioritize fulfilling the requirements he acknowledged and cooperating with investigators, rather than circulating claims that misrepresent the terms of his release.

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

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President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Munirudeen Oyebamiji on his emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State following the party’s primary election on Saturday.

The congratulatory message was issued in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

In the statement titled “President Tinubu Congratulates Oyebamiji, Osun APC Governorship Candidate,” Tinubu commended the Osun State APC for what he described as “the unity and spirit of reconciliation that preceded and also permeated the primary election conducted through affirmation.”

He also praised other aspirants who withdrew from the race, noting that they “graciously stepped down in favour of Oyebamiji, demonstrating party loyalty and a collective commitment to the APC’s ideals.”

The President urged Oyebamiji to be magnanimous in victory, encouraging him to “embrace all party leaders and former aspirants, ensuring inclusivity and cohesion as the party moves forward in the political process.”

“The journey to reclaim Osun State for the progressive fold in the 2026 governorship election has begun. I urge all members and leaders of APC in the state to remain focused, united, and resolute. Victory is achievable, and together, we will succeed,” Tinubu added.

The primary election, held in Osogbo, the state capital, was chaired by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, during which party delegates “unanimously affirmed Oyebamiji’s candidature.”

Politics Nigeria reported that Oyebamiji’s emergence followed a motion moved by governorship aspirants Kunle Adegoke (SAN) and Senator Babajide Omoworare at the primary venue within Ebunoluwa Group of Schools, Osogbo.

The APC governorship primary committee chairman, Governor Okpebholo, then subjected the motion to a voice vote, receiving overwhelming support from delegates present.

He subsequently declared, “By the power conferred on me, I present to you Bola Oyebamiji as the governorship candidate of our party.”

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Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, a son of France football icon Zinedine Zidane, was named on Saturday in the Algeria squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off on December 21 in Morocco.

The 27-year-old plays for Spanish second-tier club Granada and represented France at youth level before switching his international allegiance to Algeria.

He debuted for Algeria in a World Cup qualifier against Uganda two months ago and is one of three goalkeepers chosen. The others are Oussama Benbot from USM Alger and Anthony Mandrea of Caen.

Speaking after his debut, Zidane said: “It is an honour for me, and I will give 100% to make the Algerian people proud.”

“I’m sure the players will arrive highly motivated and ready to play in this AFCON,” said Algeria coach and former Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic after announcing the squad.

“The main objective is to get past the first round… with the ambition to go as far as possible in the tournament.”

Algeria start their Group E campaign against Sudan on December 24, then face Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea.

Group winners and runners-up automatically qualify for the round of 16. The best four of the six third-placed nations also advance to the knockout stage.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw selected six Premier League players in his squad for the AFCON, where they face Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Benin in Group D.

They are defender El Hadji Diouf (West Ham), midfielders Idrissa Gueye (Everton), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham) and Habib Diarra (Sunderland) and forwards Iliman Ndiaye (Everton) and Ismaïla Sarr (Crystal Palace).

“We are among the favourites and we accept that. I want a dominant team,” said Thiaw, who was in the Senegal squad that reached the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals.

Squads

Algeria

Goalkeepers: Luca Zidane (Granada/ESP), Oussama Benbot (USM Alger), Anthony Mandrea (Caen/FRA)

Defenders: Rafik Belghali (Verona/ITA), Rayan Aït-Nouri (Manchester City/ENG), Youcef Atal (Al-Sadd/QAT), Mehdi Dorval (Bari/ITA), Jaouen Hadjam (Young Boys/SUI), Zinedine Belaid (JS Kabylie), Ramy Bensebaïni (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Samir Chergui (Paris FC/FRA), Aïssa Mandi (Lille/FRA), Mohamed Tougai (Esperance/TUN)

Midfielders: Ismael Bennacer (Dinamo Zagreb/CRO), Rami Zerrouki (Twente/NED), Adam Zorgan (Union Saint-Gilloise/BEL), Hicham Boudaoui (Nice/FRA), Houssem Aouar (Al-Ittihad/KSA), Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen/GER), Fares Chaibi (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER)

Forwards: Mohamed Amoura (Wolfsburg/GER), Ilan Kebbal (Paris FC/FRA), Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli/KSA), Anis Hadj Moussa (Feyenoord/NED), Adil Boulbina (Al-Duhail/QAT), Monsef Bakrar (Dinamo Zagreb/CRO), Baghdad Bounedjah (Al-Shamal/QAT), Redouane Barkane (Al-Wakrah/QAT)

Senegal

Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahly/KSA), Mory Diaw (Le Havre/FRA), Yehvann Diouf (Nice/FRA)

Defenders: Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal/KSA), Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa/ISR), Moussa Niakhate (Lyon/FRA), Ismail Jakobs (Galatasaray/TUR), Mamadou Sarr (Strasbourg/FRA), Antoine Mendy (Nice/FRA), Ilay Camara (Anderlecht/BEL), El Hadji Diouf (West Ham/ENG), Krepin Diatta (Monaco/FRA)

Midfielders: Idrissa Gueye (Everton/ENG), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham/ENG), Pathe Ciss (Rayo Vallecano/ESP), Pape Gueye (Villarreal/ESP), Lamine Camara (Monaco/FRA), Habib Diarra (Sunderland/ENG)

Forwards: Sadio Mane (Al Nassr/RSA), Boulaye Dia (Lazio/ITA), Nicolas Jackson (Bayern Munich/GER), Iliman Ndiaye (Everton/ENG), Ismaïla Sarr (Crystal Palace/ENG), Cherif Ndiaye (Samsunspor/TUR), Cheikh Sabaly (Metz/FRA), Ibrahim Mbaye (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Habib Diallo (Metz/FRA), Assane Diao (Como/ITA)

The post Algeria include son of Zinedine Zidane in AFCON squad appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of another Nigerian Army Depot in Abakaliki, in addition to the existing one in Osogbo.

He said this will come on stream in due course, thereby complementing the strategic plan to increase the number of well-trained troops available for deployment across all parts of the country.

General Shaibu said that, in view of the current threat landscape, the drive for increased recruitment has become significantly imperative.

He charged the 3,439 newly trained recruits of the Nigerian Army to uphold the highest standards of loyalty, discipline and professionalism as they formally join the service.

The recruits, who are members of the 89 Regular Intake of the Nigerian Army, successfully completed six months of intensive training at the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria, and were presented during a Passing Out Parade today, marking their official induction into the Army.

The parade, described by the COAS as a “testament to your dedication and perseverance,” showcased the skills, discipline, and esprit de corps instilled in the recruits over the course of their training.

Addressing the parade as the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer, Lieutenant General Shaibu said their successful training reflects hard work, dedication, and discipline.

Highlighting the Army’s role as a professional, combat-ready force, he stressed the significance of the additional manpower in strengthening national security.

He noted that the Nigerian Army continues to confront emerging domestic and transnational threats and that the new recruits are vital to sustaining operational readiness across the country.

“Your successful training reflects hard work, dedication, and discipline. You have been moulded to meet the highest standards of soldiering and are now entrusted with the sacred duty of safeguarding the territorial integrity of our nation.

I have no doubt that you will rise to the challenges ahead and serve with honour, courage, and professionalism.

“The Nigerian Army will continues to confront emerging domestic and transnational security threats.

“Your induction today is not only a boost to our manpower but a reinforcement of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of every Nigerian”.

You are now part of a professional, combat-ready force capable of decisively responding to any threat to our nation,” he said.

The COAS commended Depot Nigerian Army for its historic role in producing professional soldiers since its establishment in 1924, adding that the premier institution remains the backbone of the Nigerian Army’s training capabilities.

“I assure you that it will continue to receive unwavering support in terms of logistics, training infrastructure, and personnel welfare to maintain its high standards.”

Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the recruits to maintain discipline, integrity, and respect for human rights in all operations, stressing that these values are the cornerstone of professional soldiering.

He reminded them of the Oath of Allegiance they took, stating:”By that oath, you are now bound to uphold both civil and military laws.

Avoid any act that may tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army or the nation. Serve with honour, dignity, and unwavering loyalty to constituted authority.”

The COAS expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, and various security agencies for their continuous support to the Nigerian Army.

He also commended the Commandant, instructors, and staff of Depot Nigerian Army for their dedication in producing well-trained, professional soldiers.

“Congratulations to the passing-out recruits, your parents, and guardians for this remarkable achievement.

May your careers be distinguished, your service exemplary, and your deployment to various Army formations safe and fulfilling,” he concluded.

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