By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: A fire outbreak on Saturday afternoon razed four of five blocks of three-bedroom flats in the highbrow Asokoro district of Abuja, destroying valuables worth millions of naira.

The affected property is reportedly owned by a former governor of Zamfara State, Senator Ahmed Yerima.

The fire was first noticed on solar panels mounted on the roof of the building located at No. 13 Nelson Mandela Street, before it quickly spread and engulfed most of the structure.

According to a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD, Nkechi Isa, the incident was reported to authorities at about 1pm, prompting an immediate emergency response.

Providing further details, the Head of FEMD’s Search and Rescue Team, Monday Addie, said the four affected flats were completely burnt, with furniture, clothing, food items and other personal effects destroyed, while the swift intervention of emergency personnel prevented casualties and further spread of the fire.

Emergency responders drawn from FEMD, the Federal Fire Service, the FCT Fire Service, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the FCT Police Command were deployed to the scene to contain the inferno and secure the area.

The post Millions lost as fire razes ex-governor’s Abuja building appeared first on Vanguard News.

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About 500 residents of the Lugbe area in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) smiled home Saturday as The Everlasting Light Zone (TELP) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG),  gave out foodstuff, clothes and gifts during its annual Tabitha event.

The event is designed to share various items, including rice, yams, beans, spaghetti, clothes, shoes, kitchen utensils, and other donations from church members.

Besides, there was a robust medical outreach at the event where participants were able to check their blood pressure and get tested for various ailments. Medication was also provided to those in need.

Coordinator of the Welfare Department in the church, Mrs Nkiru Omelu, stated that the annual Tabitha event aims to positively impact the lives of residents in Abuja and convey the message that Jesus Christ loves them.

Mrs Omelu referred to the story of Tabitha (or Dorcas) in Acts 9:36-43, where she is raised from the dead by Peter. This story, according to her, explains how faith in Christ leads to good works, such as charitable giving and making clothes for the less fortunate, thereby demonstrating God’s power through believers.

RCCG Tabitha event

“Christmas is a season of giving, and in the Everlasting Light Zone, our annual Tabitha program is our way of thanking God and giving back to society as part of our social responsibility, which the national leadership of RCCG encourages.” Addressing the large crowd, Dr. Mrs. Justina Okoror, the wife of the Zonal Pastor, spoke on the essence of the program.

She referred to Acts 10:38, which states, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.”

Dr. Okoror urged participants to put their trust in God, emphasising that the RCCG is committed to sharing God’s love with all, both physically and spiritually.

She also encouraged the crowd to emulate Christ in their daily lives. Despite the challenging economic situation many face, she reassured them that there is a God who is abundantly capable of providing for those who place their trust in Him.

While inviting them to give their lives to Jesus, Pastor Okoror urged the attendees to love their neighbours and promote peace wherever they go. The event celebrated 34 new converts who publicly declared their faith in Jesus, included a special prayer for the new converts, and featured praises, worship, and a health talk

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that national development is impossible without skilled citizens and leaders of integrity, noting that this is why the government is deliberately investing in education, digital skills, research capacity, and institutional autonomy.

The President said the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration places education at the heart of economic and social renewal, linking learning to job creation, poverty reduction, democratic stability, and national security.

Speaking at the 34th graduation ceremony of the University of Jos, President Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice-Chancellor of Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Professor Ibrahim Garba Hassan, highlighted that the administration is proactively addressing challenges facing the education sector through digital transformation, curriculum reforms, research development, skills-based learning, and improved funding mechanisms.

According to him, the government has prioritised improving the quality of education across all levels through school renovations, teacher training and retraining, and the provision of modern teaching and learning facilities. He added that significant investments have also been made in Technical and Vocational Education and Training centres to equip youths with employable and entrepreneurial skills.

“With specific reference to the University of Jos, the Federal Government has provided resources through interventions, special grants, and other support mechanisms to improve teaching and learning conditions.

“Notably, UNIJOS was selected as one of ten universities to host a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Digital Forensics, and Cybersecurity, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. This centre will strengthen research, innovation, and skills development in response to emerging digital challenges.”

He commended the University for successfully hosting the 27th edition of the Nigerian University Games Association competition, which involved about 100 universities nationwide, stressing that Federal Government agencies, including TETFund, played a key role in supporting the success.

In her address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of Council, University of Jos, Senator Grace Folashade Bent, disclosed that in 2025, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings listed UNIJOS among the top ten universities in Nigeria, adding that the achievement reflects the University’s sustained commitment to quality education, expanding research impact, growing global visibility, and the steadfast leadership of management and staff.

The Pro-Chancellor charged the graduands to go into the world with pride as ambassadors of the University of Jos—an institution that has stood for fifty years as a beacon of knowledge, peace, strength, and hope.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Tanko Ishaya, said that over the past five decades, the University of Jos has evolved from a modest campus into a globally recognised centre of learning, research, and innovation.

He pointed out that its achievements include world-class research in medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, arts and humanities, law, natural sciences, engineering, security studies, artificial intelligence, and ICT. He added that alumni of the University serve with distinction as governors, judges, diplomats, ministers, legislators, captains of industry, academics, and innovators across the world.

According to him, the University has also provided national leadership in peacebuilding, electoral reforms, community engagement, and inter-ethnic harmony. He noted that growth in infrastructure includes the new Sports Complex, Faculties of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Computing, the Central Research Laboratory, ICT Centre, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and modernised student hostels.

“This year alone, we introduced eighteen new undergraduate programmes, including Data Science, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Forensic Science, Radiography, Physiotherapy, Pharmacology, Entrepreneurship, and Social Work. Our Golden Jubilee is therefore not merely a celebration of time, but of impact, ideas, people, and national relevance.”

On the graduation statistics, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that a total of 60,000 graduands were produced, comprising 9,236 diploma recipients, 37,741 first degree holders, and 13,023 postgraduate graduates.

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The University of Southern Atlantic is set to honour the Senator representing Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu by naming its Administrative block with his name.

The University made this known in a letter addressed to the former governor of Abia State signed by its Founder/Chancellor, Pastor Bassey James and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ephraim Edem.

The letter titled: “Naming of Southern Atlantic University Administrative Building as Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu Administrative Building,” was made avaialbel to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja.

The letter reads, “We are happy to inform His Excellency that the board of trustees and the Governing Council of our University has approved the naming of the administrative building as Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu Administrative building

“The building-comprises of the office of the Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Bursar, etc.

“This is as a result of your support and encouragement to the founder and Chancellor of the University, Pastor Bassey James since 1989.

“We hope that you will visit the university at your convenience for the official commissioning of the building. We want to assure you that the university will continue to honor your Excellency even more in future.”

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Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, has approved the immediate employment of Miss Abigail Okon Edet, a young woman once abandoned at birth and raised in a government-owned children’s home, in a moving moment at the ongoing Christmas Unplugged 2025.

The Governor made the announcement during the formal opening and inspection of the Akwa Ibom State Government Pavilion, drawing loud applause from the audience.

Exercising his prerogative powers, Governor Eno waived all conditions and approved Abigail’s instant employment into the State Civil Service, with deployment to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service to ensure proper mentorship. He also directed the Head of the Civil Service and the Civil Service Commission to ensure immediate compliance.

Making the announcement, the Governor said:
“I approve the immediate employment of this young girl into the State Civil Service and direct the Head of the Civil Service and the Civil Service Commission to implement this decision without and deploy her to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service for mentorship . I am proud of her for rising above difficult circumstances, with government support, to become a graduate. No one should allow the circumstances of birth or life’s challenges to limit their success. Everyone is born with a purpose.”

Governor Eno urged young people not to be defined or limited by their background, place of origin, or life challenges, encouraging them never to give up on life.

Miss Abigail, while sharing her emotional life story, recounted surviving abandonment, rejection, and multiple attempts on her life before being rescued in 2010 by the Akwa Ibom State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare and admitted into the Special Children’s Home, Uyo.

She went on to study Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Uyo, graduated in 2023, and completed her NYSC on 7th August 2025.

Reacting emotionally, Abigail said:
“I would have been long gone and forgotten. My grave would have been filled with grass by now if not for the intervention of the Government of Akwa Ibom State through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.”

She added:

“God bless Governor Umo Eno and the Government of Akwa Ibom State. God bless the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare. God bless my fellow siblings in the five government homes. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to child protection and inclusive governance, describing Abigail’s journey as a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of compassionate leadership.

The gesture stood out as one of the most defining moments of Christmas Unplugged 2025, reinforcing the message that in Akwa Ibom State, leadership is measured not only by projects delivered, but by lives restored and hope rekindled.

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There was pandemonium in Mnashisha community in the Tongov area of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State following renewed attacks by suspected armed bandits allegedly led by a notorious gang leader known as Jugu.

Local residents said the armed gang stormed the area earlier in the week, abducting several people from their homes, before returning on Friday evening to carry out another raid that left more residents kidnapped and others injured.

Speaking to newsmen on condition of anonymity, a community source said the heavily armed attackers arrived at about 4 pm on Friday from the Kam axis.

“The gang led by a notorious leader known as Jugu came with his boys around 4 pm on Friday. This time, among those they took away was a young man, Ayange Ikpa,” he said.

According to the source, the abductors were yet to make any ransom demand, heightening anxiety among affected families.

“So far, they have not requested any ransom, but family members are making frantic efforts to secure the release of those taken away,” he explained.

The repeated attacks have reportedly thrown the community into fear, with residents now afraid to sleep in their homes at night.

Community members have issued an urgent appeal to security agencies to intervene and restore peace to the area.

Locals also expressed concern that the kidnappings could be part of a broader plan to ignite fresh violence between rival criminal gangs operating in the area.

“We suspect these attacks are meant to trigger another round of crisis between rival gangs fighting for dominance. Kidnapping innocent people may lead to reprisals. We hope it does not escalate because we do not understand what they aim to achieve,” he said.

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Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni has described as false the government’s report on the release of Nigerian Air Force, NAF, personnel detained in Burkina Faso.

In a post on his verified X handle on Saturday, Rufai said the NAF personnel remain in detention in the West African country.

“I’m reaching out on the situation involving the 7 officers and 4 airmen of the Nigerian Air Force who have been detained alongside their Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft since Monday in Burkina Faso

“As you may know, the aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal when it developed a technical issue shortly after takeoff from Lagos, prompting a precautionary landing in Burkina Faso

“Contrary to reports from the government claiming that the crew had been released on Tuesday to continue their journey, the team is still being held by Burkina Faso authorities. This is largely because the federal government has not yet reached out officially to clarify their mission.

“The officers and airmen detained have not contact with their families or any updates from the NAF and the Federal Government.

“All that is required at this point is for the Federal Government to formally communicate with the Burkinabe authorities to confirm that the crew was on an authorized mission to Portugal and had no involvement whatsoever in the Benin air operations.

“We are seeking support to raise awareness and hold the government accountable so that prompt action is taken,” he said.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied playing politics with the revocation of the administrative bail granted to a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

The EFCC, in a statement on Saturday, explained that the agency is apolitical in its operations.

The explanation follows the allegation that the anti-graft agency revoked the initial bail granted to Malami due to his involvement with opposition parties in the country, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

However, while denying such claims, the EFCC, in a statement made available to Naija News, said Malami was offered provisional bail after his brief interrogation on November 28, 2025, but did not meet any of the requirements nor show readiness to keep faith with them.

The EFCC added that Malami was invited on several other occasions to appear before investigators of the commission, but didn’t turn up, claiming ill health.

The EFCC also denied barring Malami from granting interviews and urged the former Minister to focus his energy on meeting his bail conditions rather than engage in false media wars.

The full statement reads: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, though not disposed to joining issues with respect to its operations in the media, is compelled to respond to the patently false claims of a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN about a purported revocation of “his bail over attendance at a political gathering in Kebbi.”

“Administrative bail is a discretionary temporary reprieve that allows a suspect to be released on stated conditions pending conclusion of investigation and arraignment in court. To this effect, after his brief interrogation on November 28, 2025, Malami was offered provisional bail hinged on five requirements. He has neither met any of the requirements nor shown readiness to keep faith with them.

“He was due back for further interrogation on December 1, 2025 , but in a curious twist, the former Minister pleaded with his investigators through a letter written to the Commission on December 4, 2025, to allow him to attend to his “ill-health”. The Commission compassionately granted his plea even while his bail conditions had not been met.

“He was initially required to commence reporting for further investigations on December 1, 2025 but this had to be deferred to December 4, 2025 largely owing to his “ Request for an Adjournment on Grounds of Ill- Health.” He neither provided a medical report nor credible proof of ill-health to the Commission

“The EFCC cannot allow the latitude granted the former Minister on his health stand in the way of investigations. On this score, he was invited again on December 8, 2025, for further interrogation and detained until the pending bail conditions are met.

“Evidently, the former minister’s claims of revocation of bail by the EFCC are untenable. It is equally ridiculous to insinuate that the Commission barred him “ from granting media interviews and from participating in political activities in Kebbi State”. Such bogus claims from a former chief law officer of the nation are strange, as the EFCC has no interest in the political affiliation of its suspects. It bears reiterating that the Commission is apolitical. A former governor and ranking member of the ruling party was recently arraigned for alleged contract fraud.

“The Commission wishes to advise Malami to expend his energy on meeting the five bail conditions he acknowledged and signed on November 28, 2025.

“It would also serve his interest to cooperate with his team of interrogators rather than dissipate energy in whipping up sentiments through false claims in the media.”

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

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The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed what it described as a misleading and politically motivated attack by the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the Radisson Hotel project, accusing the current administration of running a smear campaign against former governor Godwin Obaseki.

In a press statement issued by Dan Osa-Ogbegie, Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Edo State Chapter, on Saturday, the party said it would ordinarily have ignored comments attributed to Kassim Afegbua, Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, particularly as the matter is already before the courts.

“The party, however, said it was compelled to respond to prevent what it called the spread of falsehoods and disinformation to the public.

The PDP accused Afegbua of acting on the instructions of APC leaders to deliberately misrepresent Obaseki’s record in office, describing the effort as a vendetta rather than governance. According to the party, the fixation of the Okpebholo administration on Obaseki has become excessive, noting that since assuming office, the government has focused on attacking and dismantling projects initiated by the previous administration.

The statement listed several projects it said have come under assault, including the Museum of West African Art, the 95MW Ossiomo Power Project, investments involving Saro Farms and the ethanol project in Ikpoba Okha, the Edo Printing Press at the Nigerian Observer premises, and Presco Plc. It said the Radisson Hotel project had now become the latest target of what it described as a “politics of destruction.”

According to the PDP, the pattern reflects a lack of ideas and vision, arguing that the current administration has chosen to tear down projects it neither initiated nor understands, rather than conceive and execute new ones.

The party said Afegbua’s comments on the Radisson Hotel revealed a poor grasp of finance and development economics, stressing that instruments such as Public-Private Partnerships, Special Purpose Vehicles, equity contributions and project-finance loans are standard tools in modern infrastructure development.

The party explained that the Radisson Hotel was structured as a Public-Private Partnership, with Edo State contributing ₦2 billion as seed equity to de-risk the project and attract private investors. It added that the principal private investor also brought substantial equity, while other funds, including portions of bond proceeds, were provided to the project’s Special Purpose Vehicle as loans, with defined repayment terms tied to the hotel’s operations.

Describing suggestions that the project was “sold for peanuts” as false and defamatory, the PDP maintained that Edo State retained equity in the hotel and that Obaseki had no direct or indirect ownership interest in the project. It also rejected claims of “voodoo financing,” insisting that the financing structure followed globally accepted development finance practices.

The PDP further stated that the state’s investment in the Radisson project had already appreciated significantly, placing its conservative valuation at over ₦65 billion even before the commencement of operations, with prospects for further growth once the hotel becomes fully operational.

Questioning the approach of the current administration, the party asked how driving away investors, dragging projects before anti-graft agencies and courts, and relying on propaganda could translate into jobs and economic opportunities for Edo youths.

The statement said the PDP would not allow what it called attempts to erode investor confidence and rewrite history through misinformation. It maintained that Obaseki’s legacy remains evident in rebuilt institutions, delivered infrastructure, restored fiscal discipline and improved national and international credibility for Edo State.

The party urged residents of the state to reject what it described as the politics of destruction and to demand accountability, results and leadership from the Okpebholo administration.

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• A female lecturer, who is a project supervisor, shared a post on TikTok disclosing how she marks her students’ work
• In her now-viral post, she criticised the idea of students using Chat GPT to help with projects and copying everything verbatim
• Social media users who came across her post on the platform had varying reactions to her stance about the use of AI

A university lecturer who supervised student projects has shared her pattern of grading academic work.

The ‘Gen Z lecturer’ uploaded a video showing how she assessed project submissions and addressed the growing reliance on artificial intelligence tools among students.

Lecturer’s remark on a student’s project gets attention on TikTok.
Photo credit: @Lisa Okoye/TikTok.
Source: TikTok

Female lecturer kicks against copying from Chat GPT

In the video, the lecturer known on TikTok as @Lisa Okoye, noted that she belonged to the younger generation of academics (Gen Z).

She presented herself as someone who understood modern digital tools and the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) but still valued originality.

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In the clip, she captured how she reviewed project books, using a red pen to strike through sections she believed relied too heavily on AI-generated material rather than the student’s own thinking.

The lecturer did not completely dismiss the use of artificial intelligence. Instead, her marking style promoted a belief that such tools could serve as a guide rather than a substitute for personal effort.

She left written feedback on the projects to encourage students to rethink how they incorporated AI assistance, stressing that their work needed to retain their individual voice and ideas.

“You are on the right track. Just try to use the Ai in a way that supports your idea so the final work still sounds like you,” one of her remarks read.

While sharing the video online, the lecturer noted that she’s not against AI usage but can’t accept it word for word.

Lecturer kicks against heavy usage of AI as she supervises projects.
Photo credit: @Lisa Okoye/TikTok.
Source: TikTok

In her words:

“As a Gen Z lecturer supervising projects. Chat GPT can help but I won’t accept it word for word. I’m not against the student using em dashes, but in this project it was clear they didn’t understand how or where to use them properly, so I had to remove some to make the work coherent. I understand some people use that style, but for this student project I’m supervising, everything came straight from ChatGPT, he didn’t even bother to rewrite anything.”

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Reactions as Gen Z lecturer criticises heavy AI usage

TikTok users had different things to say in the comments section.

@Omodele Idris said:

“I use dash in my note writing as a student, we all just need to improve our punctuation usage.”

@wetuobi said:

“Why did she cancel the reference.”

@Mrgram said:

“I understand but that’s APA style nau. I don’t get why you cancel the whole thing, even though references should be on is own page.”

@SI-JAY ROMA said:

“The problem with most students, they do not read, no further research. So they just copy and paste.Using these AI’s there are techniques involved, without your lectures knowing you use them to do your work.”

@Emperor AB said:

“But does it mean information from chatgpt is wrong? I mean one can literally get information from/via literature review based on previous work.”

@Chidera Achinike said:

“Hi teacher. I used ’em dashes’ before ChatGPT came out. I also still use Oxford Comma. But I limit the usage now in order not to be perceived as AI.”

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Nigerian lecturer penalises student heavily for using AI to write project, video goes viral

@Leonard reacted:

“Humanize. And learn how to remove bulletins and even the referencing In medical school here we use Harvard. What style do you guys use?”

@Barbiedollife(RRE) said:

“I do laugh when my student copy word to word from CHatGPT and later add,it’s my problem at the end forex assignments can be funny when CHatGPT answered it for you cos the figures will shock you but I dey tell them say Dem correct sha time shall tell they won’t look at it again.”

@Jimmy Aiden added:

“It’s a very big assumption that using a ( – ) means someone used an AI tool. I use a dash a lot in my daily writing to buttress a point.”

See the post below:

Gen Z lecturer begins PhD journey

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a young Nigerian lady in her 20s earned the accolades of netizens after disclosing her latest academic feat.

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In a video, the Gen Z lecturer showed off herself in class, and disclosed that she had just begun the journey to obtaining a doctorate degree.

Source: Legit.ng

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