NIGERIA NEWS
BUA Group honours 510 employees with ₦30bn cash awards at its 2025 Night of Excellence
BUA Group has disbursed a total of ₦30 billion to 510 employees at its 2025 Night of Excellence and Long Service Awards, one of the most significant employee reward initiatives undertaken by a Nigerian private sector company.
The ceremony recognised long service, loyalty, and exceptional contribution by employees whose commitment spans from five years to over four decades. It reflected a belief that has guided the Group since inception: enduring businesses are built by people.
Speaking at the event, Founder and Executive Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu CFR CON, described the evening as a moment to acknowledge loyalty, resilience, and shared ownership of the BUA journey.
He recalled that from modest beginnings 36 years ago, BUA has grown into one of Nigeria’s most valuable listed enterprises, with a combined market capitalisation now in the trillions of naira. He noted, however, that the journey was never the achievement of one man, one board, or capital alone.
According to Rabiu, “every factory built, every system strengthened, every challenge overcome, and every milestone reached carries the imprint of employees who believed in the vision long before the results were visible.”
He reaffirmed that BUA has always regarded its workforce as partners in a shared legacy rather than merely staff, adding that loyalty and professionalism are values that must be recognised in tangible ways.
As part of the 2025 awards, ₦30 billion was disbursed to 510 recipients across multiple long service and excellence categories. Due to time considerations at the event, only 41 recipients received their awards physically from the Chairman during the ceremony. These represented the highest award categories, ranging from ₦100 million to ₦1 billion.
The on stage recipients comprised sixteen recipients of ₦100 million each, nine recipients of ₦200 million each, seven recipients of ₦250 million each, three recipients of ₦500 million each, five recipients of ₦1 billion each, and one special award recipient whose cash award was not announced at the event. The special award was presented to Kabiru Rabiu in recognition of his exceptional loyalty, leadership, and long standing contribution to the growth and stability of the BUA Group.
All other awardees had received their plaques and cheques ahead of the ceremony or will receive theirs at their respective plants and operational locations across the country.
Rabiu described the cash awards as a token of appreciation, noting that no amount of money can fully account for decades of dedication, personal sacrifice, and belief in the company’s mission.
Looking ahead, he said BUA would continue to expand capacity, invest in advanced technologies, and strengthen its footprint across cement, food, sugar, and infrastructure, adding that the people who built the Group would continue to grow with it.
The BUA Night of Excellence and Long Service Awards is part of BUA Group’s cultural backbone, reflecting an organisation built on shared prosperity, long term thinking, and respect for its people. In addition to staff, partners, and customers, the event had in attendance, distinguished. captains of industry including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, friends, well-wishers, as well as the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance (State), Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, and Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
The post BUA Group honours 510 employees with ₦30bn cash awards at its 2025 Night of Excellence appeared first on Vanguard News.
NIGERIA NEWS
Herdsmen kill four children in Plateau community in reprisal attack over alleged rustling of their cows
Four young children have been reportedly killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen in a reprisal attack over alleged rustling of their cows in Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security expert Zagazola Makama, who reported the news on his X handle on Saturday, said the herdsmen attacked and killed the children on Thursday following an attack on some herders by local militias who opened fire and stole 163 cows.
The four victims were identified as Precious Joshuah, 17; Isaac Joshuah, 9; Mary Joshuah, 7; and Eve Sambo, 3.
The security expert said information gathered revealed that the attack occurred less than 48 hours after coordinated assaults on pastoral communities in Barkin Ladi, Jos East, and Riyom LGAs, during which no fewer than 168 cattle were rustled and several others poisoned.
“On Wednesday evening, militia from Plateau rustled 137 cattle around Nding community, in Fan District of Barkin Ladi LGA, while another 34 cattle were driven away from Kukukah community in Jos East LGA, with only three later returning,” he wrote.
“Less than 24 hours later, nine cows reportedly died after grazing on poisoned substances around Kwi village in Riyom LGA, further heightening tension across the affected areas.
“A community leader in Foron District, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Dorong attack was carried out in the early hours of Thursday.
“The atmosphere has been tense since the cattle rustling incidents. People have been living in fear, warned that reprisals were imminent if nothing was done. Sadly, those fears have now materialised,” he said.
He added that troops and other security operatives had been deployed to the area to prevent further escalation and restore calm, while calling on the state government and security agencies to urgently intervene, arrest perpetrators on all sides, and address the underlying causes of the recurring violence.
“Without decisive actions, including accountability for cattle rustling, livestock poisoning and retaliatory attacks, Plateau State risks sinking deeper into another cycle of reprisals that continues to claim innocent lives, particularly women and children,” he noted.
The United States (US) Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter.
Naija News reports that CENTCOM in a post via 𝕏, disclosed that the two soldiers were killed in central Syria on Saturday after an alleged member of the Islamic State group opened fire on a joint US-Syrian patrol.
“An ambush by a lone ISIS gunman resulted in the three Americans’ deaths as well as injuries to three additional troops. The gunman was engaged and killed”, said CENTCOM, which oversees the US military in the Middle East.
The US Defense, Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that after Syria’s state media earlier reported an attack in the city of Palmyra had wounded American and Syrian troops.
He wrote on 𝕏, “The savage who perpetrated this attack was killed by partner forces.”
Similarly, the Pentagon spokesman, Sean Parnell, said the attack occurred as the soldiers “were conducting a key leader engagement in support of counter-terrorism operations, while US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack said the ambush targeted a joint US–Syrian government patrol.”
Parnell said the identities of the deceased troops would be withheld until after their families were notified.
The incident is the first of its kind reported since Islamist-led forces overthrew longtime Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, and rekindled the country’s ties with the United States.
A Syrian military official who requested anonymity said that the shots were fired “during a meeting between Syrian and American officers” at a Syrian base in Palmyra.
However, a Pentagon official speaking on the condition of anonymity told AFP that the attack “took place in an area where the Syrian President does not have control.”
In an interview on state television, Syrian Interior Ministry spokesman Anwar al-Baba said there had been “prior warnings from the internal security command to allied forces in the desert region” of a potential IS “infiltration.”
He said, “The international coalition forces did not take the Syrian warnings of a possible IS infiltration into consideration.”
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has joined other eminent Nigerians to celebrate his former principal and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on the occasion of his 58th Birthday.
In a congratulatory message he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Saturday, Governor Fubara described Wike as a leader whose commitment to public service continues to yield visible results.
Fubara emphasized that the celebration is especially significant given Wike’s leadership in the FCT, which has garnered national attention for its remarkable infrastructural impact.
He commended Wike for his “Sterling qualities” that have translated into “positive and unprecedented contributions” to the development of the FCT, particularly in expanding public infrastructure and improving service delivery.
“We are proud of you,” the Governor said, highlighting the former Rivers State Governor’s continued dedication to providing enduring infrastructural development in Abuja.
This, he noted, has further solidified Wike’s reputation as a public servant committed to results and the advancement of Nigeria’s capital city.
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The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has issued a stern warning to Local Government Council chairpersons across the country that the era of unchecked access to public funds is over.
The Chairman of the bureau, Abubakar Bello, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja.
The CCB boss said the bureau has placed local government chairpersons among its top high-risk targets in the fight against corruption, stressing that every kobo must be accounted for from the first day in office to the last.
He explained that the bureau identified local government chairpersons as high-risk individuals due to the increased resources now flowing directly to the councils under the autonomy framework.
He said Intelligence reports indicated that some officials were already diverting these funds for personal use.
“My message to local government chairmen and officials is simple.
“CCB is here, and we are watching. Once you assume office, you will declare your assets at the beginning of your tenure and at the end.
“You will also account for the difference. If you cannot explain it, we will take it,” he said.
Mr Bello added, “Unlike other law enforcement agencies that must prove beyond doubt that money was stolen, the CCB operates a simpler but potent system.
“Our own question is straightforward: can you explain the source of this money?”
“The onus is on you, not on us. If you declared ₦10 million at the beginning of your tenure and ₦100 million at the end, you must explain the ₦90 million difference.
“We know your salary and allowances. If you cannot explain it, we can forfeit the money. We don’t need to prove you stole it.”
Mr Bello noted that the bureau’s mandate is largely preventive rather than reactive.
He said by ensuring strict asset declaration and monitoring, the CCB aims to discourage public officials from stealing in the first place.
“What is the essence of stealing money when you know you will not enjoy it?
“If you know you will be tracked, you will think twice before taking public funds,” he added.
READ ALSO: Centre launches integrity index on local government accountability
The CCB chairman described the bureau as “one of the most potent tools in the fight against corruption.”
He warned that undeclared or unexplained assets would inevitably end up in government custody through the courts.
The CCB chairman appealed to the citizens for intelligence and information, noting that corruption often runs through networks that may include seemingly low-level officers.
“Support us, encourage us and share information with us; together, we can rid this country of corruption,” he said.
(NAN)
NIGERIA NEWS
Chaos erupts at Benin City mortuary as family alleges missing organs from deceased’s body
Tension reportedly broke out at a mortuary in Benin City, Edo State, after relatives of a deceased man raised alarm over the alleged discovery that some of his organs were missing, triggering outrage and a chaotic scene at the facility.
The video was spotted trending on the social-networking platform, X.
Chaos in Benin City.
Chaos in Benin City
It was reported that the family had come to pick up the deceased’s body only to find out that something was amiss.
The family found out that the deceased’s organs was were allegedly missing.
In the video, the lady who recorded the scene alleged that everything in his chest had been removed, and nylon were put inside his tummy.
Onlookers gather, chase bus
Apparently, the mortuary attendants were loaded in a minivan and driven out from the facility as onlookers booed them and gave the bus a chase, hurling stones at it.
The lady who recorded the video was heard saying …
“Dead body wey we come carry nothing dey inside o. Nothing dey inside him chest; dey carry nylon full inside him belle.”
Watch the video below …
Chaøs erupts at a Mørtuary in Benin City, Edo state after family of deceãsed reportedly discover that organs were missing from his body😳🤯 pic.twitter.com/uj6ZZBctu3
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) December 13, 2025
The All Progressives Congress, APC, National Vice Chairman, South-South, Victor Gaidom, has said the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, is doing something different in the capital city, stressing that even his enemies would agree with the developmental strides in the city.
Gaidom urged Wike to continue his good works and not be distracted, noting that Nigerians would continue to honour him.
He spoke while extolling Wike’s virtues during his 58th birthday celebration at his Abuja residence.
Noting that Wike may have attempted to discourage the gathering of his friends and associates to celebrate his birthday, Gaidom said the minister has been a “source of friendship to all of us. I’m sure there is common love for everybody here.”
He added that for those who love Wike, if allowed to visit the venue, it would have been like a carnival.
According to Gaidom: “I am very sure that you tried as much as possible to stop this gathering, but it was not possible. That’s why we’re here. We’re here to wish you a happy birthday.
“Thank you for the wonderful work you have been doing, especially the transformation you have brought to the Federal Capital Territory.
“Even the people around Abuja feel extremely proud of you.
“It’s not just because of Rivers State; this is the sentiment in Abuja. Even taxi drivers would attest to that.
“Everybody would agree, even your enemies, that you have done something different. So keep doing that. We will continue to honour you.
“Don’t forget to pray for your family. Don’t worry about the distractions you see every day. They will come; it’s inevitable. If you want to avoid distractions, it would mean you don’t have a closed door and sleep.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a substantial increase in the Code of Conduct Bureau’s (CCB) budget, raising it from about N3 billion to nearly N20 billion.
The announcement was made by the CCB Chairman, Dr Abubakar Bello, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
The budget increase is aimed at modernizing the country’s outdated asset declaration system, strengthening verification and enforcement, and funding technological upgrades to enhance the bureau’s effectiveness.
What he said
Bello explained that the budget increase is necessary to overhaul the nation’s outdated asset declaration system, strengthen verification and enforcement to make the bureau more virile.
He noted that previous processes relied on paper forms that were scarce, expensive to print and difficult to store, analyse and verify, creating a backlog for public servants across ministries and agencies.
The 2025 budget had allocated only about N70 million for printing forms, sufficient to produce just about 50,000 to 60,000 forms for over 4.5 million public servants nationwide. To temporarily solve the issue, the bureau allowed downloadable forms online, but Bello said this only addressed availability, not the deeper problem of a manual system.
Online asset declaration platform
Looking ahead, Bello revealed that a fully online asset declaration platform is being developed and is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026.
The system will allow public servants to declare assets from anywhere in the world and will link with key government databases, including the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Bank Verification Number (BVN) system, land registries, and other records for instant verification.
He added that artificial intelligence will be deployed to analyse declarations, compare net worth at the beginning and end of tenures, and flag unexplained wealth or potential breaches of the Code of Conduct for further review.
Bello also highlighted that verification exercises have begun for ministers, permanent secretaries, and other senior officials, stressing that verification is not an investigation.
He disclosed that some recovered funds have already been transferred to the Central Bank of Nigeria. Bello warned that failure to declare assets or refusing verification invitations could trigger investigations and possible prosecution before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, urging public servants to comply with the bureau’s guiding principle: “Declare or Forfeit.”
What you should know
The budget increase comes alongside broader efforts to improve compliance and transparency among public officers.
The Federal Government, in August, launched a virtual interactive platform to improve understanding and enforcement of the Code of Conduct for public officers across Nigeria. The platform provides accessible, cost-effective training to ensure public servants fully understand and apply the Code in their daily duties, while enabling tracking of compliance. It also explains key provisions such as avoiding conflicts of interest and the importance of asset declaration, promoting openness, integrity, and accountability.
NIGERIA NEWS
EU-IDEA Seeks Unified Framework to Reform Nigeria’s Juvenile Justice System – THISDAYLIVE
Justice sector leaders, legal scholars and development partners have called for a unified national framework to reform Nigeria’s juvenile justice system, warning that fragmented institutions and inconsistent practices are undermining children’s rights and long-term crime prevention.
The call was made at a Sub-National Dialogue on Juvenile Justice System Reform held in Abuja under the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC Phase II) Programme, implemented by International IDEA with funding from the European Union (EU).
RoLAC Programme Officer Joshua Gbenga Dada said programme research revealed severe gaps across the justice chain from arrest and detention to adjudication and rehabilitation.
He cited the scarcity of functional borstal homes, weak family court systems, and the lack of trained social workers as major obstacles.
“The juvenile justice system in Nigeria is not unified,” he said. “What we have are pockets of effort that do not speak to each other.”
Professor Cheluchi Onyemelukwe argued that the problem lies not in the absence of law, but in poor coordination and political will.
She called for upgrades to juvenile facilities, vocational training that reflects modern realities, and court environments that are child-friendly.
Officials from the Nigerian Correctional Service highlighted existing juvenile institutions but acknowledged capacity constraints.
Stakeholders urged greater budgetary commitment and inter-agency collaboration.
The RoLAC dialogue, organisers said, is part of a broader strategy to generate actionable recommendations that will inform policy reforms and strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with international child-rights standards.
Participants agreed that reforming the juvenile justice system is not only a legal obligation but a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future stability and development.
United States congressman Riley Moore said last night that his country and Nigeria were close to reaching a “strategic security agreement” on dealing with terrorism in Nigeria.
Moore , who was part of the US delegation that visited Nigeria recently for an on the spot assessment of the security challenge in the country, said there were signs of progress.
“We did have positive conversations with the Nigerian government, and I believe we are close to a strategic security framework to address both the ISIS and Boko Haram threat in the Northeast, as well as the genocide against Christians by the radical Fulani Muslims in the Middle Belt” he said on his verified X account @RepRileyMoore.
He said his report to President Donald Trump on the mission to Nigeria would outline “paths to work with the Nigerian government to end the slaughter of our brothers and sisters in Christ.”
He described what he witnessed during the visit as heartbreaking.
His words: “I met a woman who witnessed all five of her children murdered in front of her.
“Another woman lost her husband and two daughters and had her unborn child killed.”
Moore and four other US Congressmen met with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and other top government officials while in Nigeria.
They also visited internally displaced persons and survivors of terrorist attacks in Benue State.
Ribadu had earlier visited the US following allegations by Trump of a genocide against Christian in Nigeria.
He threatened to send bombs to attack the brains behind the ‘genocide’.
Coach Emerse Fae has defended several contentious squad decisions as Ivory Coast attempt to become the first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) holders to defend the title since Egypt did so 15 years ago.
Since Egypt defeated Ghana in the 2010 final, there have been eight AFCON tournaments that produced seven different winning nations.
The exception was Ivory Coast, who conquered Africa in 2015 after a penalty shootout with Ghana and triumphed again last year, coming from behind at home to edge Nigeria.
The Elephants, whose first of three AFCON titles came in 1992, begin their defence against Mozambique on December 24 in Group F, then face five-time champions Cameroon and Gabon.
All six mini-league winners and runners-up automatically advance to the round of 16 in Morocco. They will be joined by the best four third-placed teams.
It is difficult to imagine the Ivorians not progressing to the knockout stage, and Fae is upbeat while answering critics of several selections.
The exclusions of Villarreal forward Nicolas Pepe and Sunderland winger Simon Adingra were at the forefront of media criticism.
“If we were to consider only the sporting aspect, he (Pepe) would be with us,” said Fae, a 41-year-old former Ivory Coast midfielder.
“To make a list you have to take into account many factors, both on and off the field. All these factors have led to Nico not being on the list.”
Fae did not reveal what factors led to former Arsenal striker Pepe being omitted despite good form in La Liga, where he won a player of the month award this season.
Turning to Adingra, Fae said: “Simon is struggling to earn a starting spot at Sunderland. We had to do without his qualities when making our selection.”
Former Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has been recalled after a three-year absence having impressed for Major League Soccer outfit Charlotte.
– National hero –
“His ability to beat defenders and his current form worked in his favour,” said Fae of an attacker who has scored 10 goals this season and created six more.
“Ivory Coast can benefit from his experience and capability to create scoring opportunities for teammates.”
Fae became a national hero after Ivory Coast recovered from a woeful 2024 group campaign to beat Senegal, Mali, Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria to lift the most prized African trophy.
He began the tournament assisting Jean-Louis Gasset, then took charge when the French coach was fired after first round losses to Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.
They scraped into the knockout phase as the lowest of four third-placed teams and became the first nation to lose twice and still become AFCON champions.
Despite upheavals, Cameroon are likely to pose the greatest threat to Ivory Coast in Group F as Gabon have a suspect defence and Mozambique have never won an AFCON match in 15 attempts.
Recently re-elected Cameroon national football federation president and former star Samuel Eto’o fired Belgian coach Marc Brys after his team last month failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The pair had been at loggerheads since the government appointed Brys — a decision usually taken by football officials.
David Pagou, who has coached local clubs, took over, and his squad announcement contained several shocks with Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, who is currently on loan at Trabzonspor, and veteran forward Vincent Aboubakar axed.
“We wanted to do things differently. They are good players, but we set our sights on others to create a different mindset,” said Pagou.
Star Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang calls the section the “group of death. If you survive, it means you are capable of winning the AFCON.”
If 42-year-old Mozambique midfielder Elias ‘Domingues’ Pelembe plays, he will become the second oldest footballer to compete at an AFCON after Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary.
El Hadary was 44 when he played in the 2017 final won by Cameroon.
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