NIGERIA NEWS
I’m not proud of my past – Pastor Adeboye
The General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has admitted he is not proud of his past.
The 83-year-old said his life proves that God can change anyone’s life.
Adeboye preaching on day five of the Holy Ghost Congress 2025 at the Redemption City along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, on Saturday.
According to him, many people would not have believed he could go on to become a pastor.
Adeboyesaid, “Do you think there is anybody in your family who is too far gone that God cannot save his soul? Do you think there is anybody that God cannot turn into a great vessel unto honour?
“I don’t have time to give you several examples, but the man talking to you right now, many people never thought I could be saved.
“Even if I was saved at all, they never thought I could be a pastor. You don’t know who is in front of you. I’m not proud of my past; if one can be bad, I was bad.”
The Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, has constructed ultra-modern lock-up shops in Ilawe-Ekiti, Ekiti South-West Local Government Area of Ekiti State, as part of efforts to accelerate economic growth and community development.
The lawmaker, who represents Ekiti South Senatorial District, said the initiative was driven by his commitment to sustainable development and economic empowerment at the grassroots.
He explained that the project, known as the Oba Afuntade Market, was conceived to boost local commerce and uplift the economy of Ilawe-Ekiti.
According to him, the ultra-modern lock-up shops and open stores were executed as a constituency intervention following consultations with the local government authorities.
Senator Adaramodu added that more development projects were underway, stressing his resolve to set a standard of service that future leaders could build upon.
Speaking at the inauguration of the market at the weekend, the senator said:
“I want to appreciate the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti. There was no mistake in the process that made you our traditional ruler. You have done well by promising your Creator that great things will happen during your reign.
“You have created progress for Ilawe-Ekiti, and we are all contributing our quota to the development of this town.
“We thank God for the completion of this project. Many great things are still underway. I must serve as an example for those coming behind me by setting standards that show Ilawe-Ekiti has promising sons and daughters.”
In his remarks, the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi, commended Senator Adaramodu for his laudable representation but cautioned against illegal activities within the market.
The monarch urged traders to use the facility strictly for legitimate economic purposes, stressing that the market is legally owned by the local government.
“I appreciate Senator Yemi Adaramodu as a good representative and thank him for all the good things he has been doing.
“I advise prospective traders to make judicious use of this facility. The local government is the legal owner, and interested persons must apply through the council.
“We do not want drug trading or any illegal activities in this market. There should be proper orientation so that no one contravenes the law,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Ekiti South-West Local Government, Hon. Richard Apolola, described the project as a landmark development that would stimulate commercial activities and improve livelihoods in Ilawe-Ekiti.
He praised Senator Adaramodu for his impactful interventions, noting that both the speed and quality of the project were unprecedented in the area.
Apolola urged beneficiaries to properly maintain the facility to ensure its long-term economic value to the community.
He also disclosed plans by the council to install solar-powered lighting and provide security at the market, measures expected to extend trading hours, improve safety, and boost revenue generation.
According to him, these additions would enable traders to operate conveniently while enhancing income for both traders and the local government.
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Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has nominated Jerry Jiminbee Ashwe as a member of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC).
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, Sir Tersoo Kula, mnipr.
Ashwe, who hails from Gwer-West Local Government Area of the state, was nominated to represent the Ichongo-Tiev constituency, comprising Lobi and Gwer, on the commission.
The nomination has been forwarded to the Benue State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.
The appointment is intended to fill the vacancy created by the death of the former representative of the area, Hon. Aikieghe Deva.
Ashwe holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. He currently serves as an Administration and Personnel Manager at the New Nigeria Timber Company (NNTC) and has also worked with the Benue State Teaching Service Board as a Personnel Assistant.
NIGERIA NEWS
‘Eliminate Insecurity’ – Peter Obi Tells Tinubu Govt As Bandit Fingers ‘Kwara Govt’ In Arms Supply
Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has reacted to a viral video of arrested bandit terrorists who were interrogated by troops of the Nigerian Army.
Naija News reports that the suspected bandits, arrested by troops in Kwara State, claimed during interrogation that their arms and vehicle were supplied to them by government officials.
Reacting in a statement on Sunday titled ‘Insecurity and the Crisis of Accountability in Nigeria’, Obi, who described the video as disturbing, demanded ‘an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation.’
According to the former Labour Party presidential candidate, insecurity has expanded across the country, and in an increasingly brazen manner.
He stated that a government that truly makes human life a priority does not pamper insecurity; it instead eliminates it.
His full statement read: “Yesterday, a disturbing video emerged from Kwara State in which suspected terrorists arrested by security forces claimed that ammunition and logistics were supplied to them by government officials. This allegation, now circulating widely, demands nothing less than an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation.
“Over the years, trillions of naira and billions of dollars have been continuously collected by the government in the name of security. Yet insecurity has only expanded across the country, and in an increasingly brazen manner.
“This type of news fallout goes to give credence to the much-referenced quotation of late military leader General Sani Abacha that “Any insurgency that lasts more than 24 hours, the government is involved.”
“Former President Olusegun Obasanjo reinforced this point even more directly when he said: “Before I left office, Nigeria could identify and locate anyone who committed any crime anywhere in the country. Today, with technology such as drones and improved tracking tools, we can easily locate and remove them. But we are not doing that. Why are we negotiating with terrorists?”
“The government controls telecommunications, intelligence systems, and even financial trails, yet kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism continue to thrive. This reality raises serious questions for those in power.
“Between 2010 and 2015, under President Jonathan, Nigeria built one of the most advanced police communication and tracking infrastructures in its history. These systems were specifically designed to track criminal movements, particularly those of terrorists, monitor communications, and facilitate rapid response.
“We must therefore begin to ask:
Where are these pieces of equipment, and why are they not being used? Why do terrorists’ confessions so often implicate government officials?
“In cases such as the St. Mary’s Catholic School attack, about 100 children were released just days ago, and government officials celebrated. Yet no terrorist was arrested, no punishment announced, and, to this day, no clear update has been given on the more than 200 children and teachers still in captivity.
“Why have we not deployed the equipment already at our disposal to trace these terrorists and rescue the remaining abducted schoolchildren?
“When insecurity persists on this scale, day after day, it points either to complicity or to a failure of leadership. No society should accept either.
“A government that truly makes human life a priority does not pamper insecurity; it eliminates it. The foremost responsibility of any government is the protection of life and property. Nigeria needs leaders of competence, transparency, and capacity – leaders who will end this insecurity once and for all.”
Barely 96 hours after the emergence of Governor Ademola Adeleke as the governorship flag-bearer of the Accord Party for the forthcoming Osun State election, a faction of the party has conducted a parallel primary and elected Clement Bamigbola as its candidate.
Governor Adeleke had on Wednesday emerged as the party’s candidate after being presented as the sole aspirant. However, a faction of the Accord Party rejected his emergence, insisting that Barrister Maxwell Ngbudem is not the legally recognised National Chairman of the party.
In a fresh twist on Sunday, about 300 delegates of the Accord Party across Osun State converged at Regina Suite, Osogbo, where they conducted a factional governorship primary.
At the end of the exercise, Bamigbola emerged through a voice vote, after which the Chairman of the Primary Election Committee, Hon. Olufemi Ogundare, pronounced him duly elected as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2026 Osun State election.
Ogundare, alongside other party leaders, subsequently presented the party flag to Bamigbola, officially affirming his candidature under the factional leadership.
Details later…
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NIGERIA NEWS
Experts discuss challenges, opportunities in small river hydropower development in Nigeria
Energy experts, policymakers, and private sector players met in Abuja on Thursday to examine the challenges impacting the development of small river hydropower projects in Nigeria, while also outlining the policy and financing reforms needed to unlock the sector’s vast potential.
The experts spoke during a panel discussion at the UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transition) stakeholder engagement workshop organised by AP3, an Africa-focused public-private partnership and infrastructure finance advisory firm.
The workshop, themed “Catalysing Run-of-River Small Hydropower (SHP) for Nigeria’s Decentralised Energy Transition,” was organised to align stakeholders on technical, policy, regulatory, and investment pathways that can accelerate SHP deployment nationwide.
According to the organisers, the event marked the official launch of the UK PACT-funded SHP Project Preparation Programme—a flagship initiative designed to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to clean, reliable and decentralised energy solutions. AP3 is implementing the programme across Kano, Plateau and Oyo states.
During the panel session themed “Scaling Small Hydro Power in Nigeria: Barriers, Enablers & Opportunities,” moderated by George Nwangwu, a professor and partner at AP3, panellists identified weak project preparation, regulatory uncertainty, prolonged approval timelines and political risks as key obstacles discouraging private investment in small hydropower projects.
Constraints
Speaking during the session, Sutura Bello, director of post-transaction management at the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), said one of the biggest constraints facing small hydropower project implementation in Nigeria is the absence of a clear and consistent pipeline of bankable projects at both federal and sub-national levels.
Sutura Bello, director of post-transaction management at the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).
“In the infrastructure space, one of the biggest elephants in the room is the lack of clear project pipelines. If the government wants private sector participation, the projects must be properly prepared. You cannot attract investors without doing the paperwork,” she said.
Mrs Bello added that Nigeria’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework remains unclear, noting that the country still lacks a dedicated PPP law and relies instead on regulations overseen by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
“If I am an investor coming into Nigeria, I would be confused about who exactly I am dealing with. The government must create the enabling environment for private capital to come in,” she said.
In his intervention, Mahmud Suleiman, executive director of Quaint Energy, said small hydropower projects often suffer prolonged delays due to bureaucratic bottlenecks and poor project preparation.
He cited a hydropower concession process that began in 2017 but has yet to be fully implemented, describing the timeline as discouraging for investors.
Experts discuss challenges, opportunities in small river hydropower development in Nigeria
“You cannot raise capital until all technical, financial and commercial feasibility studies are properly done. This is where many projects fail,” Mr Suleiman said, adding that recent improvements under the current administration have helped advance some stalled approvals.
He stressed the need for a streamlined PPP process and closer coordination between federal and state governments, particularly following the decentralisation of electricity regulation under the Electricity Act.
Political and policy risks
On his part, Gabriel Aduda, senior adviser at AP3 and former permanent secretary at the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, warned that political transitions and policy inconsistency pose serious risks to infrastructure development in Nigeria.
“Projects are often abandoned simply because a new official comes into office. Investors will not put their money where there is no clear policy direction or continuity,” Mr Aduda said.
He argued that Nigeria’s failure to sustain long-term development plans has undermined confidence in infrastructure projects, including renewable energy initiatives.
Gabriel Aduda, a senior adviser at AP3 and former permanent secretary at the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
“Without effective policies, you cannot have a clear agenda, and without an agenda, you cannot move forward,” he added.
Meanwhile, Oluwagbenga Ajiboye, executive director of the Transmission Service Provider (TSP), one of the two business units of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), said inadequate funding and high infrastructure costs limit the ability to evacuate power from remote small hydropower sites, particularly those far from existing substations.
Mr Ajiboye explained that transmission expansion is often constrained by funding shortfalls and regulatory boundaries, adding that collaboration with state governments is critical to improving grid integration for small hydropower projects.
Experts discuss challenges, opportunities in small river hydropower development in Nigeria
Way forward
Based on the issues raised, the experts recommended clustering small hydropower projects to improve economies of scale, reduce feasibility study costs and enhance bankability.
They also called for the early involvement of financiers in project design to align government expectations with lending requirements.
READ ALSO: Nigerian govt approves revitalisation of Ikere Gorge Hydropower plant
The panellists further emphasised the need for patient capital, policy consistency and sustained engagement with development finance institutions to support long-term investments in renewable energy.
They argued that with clearer policies, improved project preparation and coordinated action between federal and state governments, small river hydropower could play a significant role in Nigeria’s clean energy transition and efforts to expand electricity access.
Namibai’s Minister of urban and rural development Sankwasa Sankwasa has said his country was grappling with inherited housing challenges, particularly the prevalence of informal settlements.
Namibia’s Housing minister spoke at the weekend during the Africa housing awards and industry end-of-year dinner organised by the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS).
Sankwasa said about 88 percent of Namibia’s urban residents live in informal settlements, making it impossible for the government alone to address the housing shortage.
He said Namibia had embarked on aggressive upgrades to sanitation, water, and road infrastructure, while also introducing policies that allow civil servants to access their pension contributions to build homes.
In addressing Housing challenges James Sankwasa, who received Minister for Housing of the Year 2025 award said Africa has reached a point where it must recognise and celebrate its own development efforts.
“Africa’s problems should be solved with African solutions,” Sankwasa said.
Meanwhile Minister of Housing and Urban Development Arc Ahmed Dangiwa says the federal government is addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit through a structured urban renewal and slum-upgrade intervention.
The event was attended by government officials, developers, financiers, and industry stakeholders from across the continent, who reviewed progress and challenges in the sector.
The minister said housing could no longer be treated as a peripheral issue in Africa, noting that it sits at the intersection of economic growth, social stability, urban resilience and human dignity.
“Across Africa today, about 54 million people live in urban slums, and the continent faces a housing shortfall of at least 50 million units, with a financing gap estimated at over $1.4 trillion,” he said.
Dangiwa warned that Africa’s housing deficit could reach about 130 million units by 2030 if solutions are not accelerated, stressing that platforms such as the Africa International Housing Show are critical for advocacy, accountability, and sustained policy attention.
Commending the organisers, he said the awards and end-of-year dinner were not isolated ceremonies but the culmination of a year-long engagement designed to encourage excellence and challenge governments and industry players to deliver measurable outcomes.
Speaking on Nigeria’s efforts, Dangiwa said President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda had repositioned housing from isolated projects to a structured national programme focused on scale and systems.
“Nigeria’s housing deficit is conservatively estimated at over 17 million units, but we are responding with scale. In the last two years, we have commenced over 10,000 housing units across 14 states and the FCT. Through our urban renewal and slum upgrade efforts, we have already impacted more than 150 communities with critical infrastructure,” he said.
He added that no country could solve its housing challenges alone, calling for a continental approach anchored on land governance reform, bankable housing finance, strong local building materials value chains, climate-smart construction and disciplined urban planning.
“The African housing agenda must be treated as a continental productivity agenda,” the minister said, pledging Nigeria’s commitment to partnerships, reforms and cross-border cooperation.
Barr Festus Adebayo, Chief Executive Officer and Convener of AIHS, said the housing and construction sector remained a major driver of growth, job creation and national development across Africa and vowed zero tolerance for scammers in the industry
Adebayo said the awards were established to recognise innovation, leadership and integrity in the sector, while also promoting professionalism and a zero-tolerance approach to fraud and unethical practices.
“Our sector is involved in new technologies, safety regulations, global economic pressures, and environmental challenges. Continue to influence the way we work. It is important that we clearly recognise these changes, monitor industry trends, and position ourselves to respond swiftly and strategically,” he said.
He added added, “We would not hesitate to expose any fraudulent malpractices who have been given bad names to the sector even if you are our award recipient. We are collaborating with the National Assembly, Federal Caputal Territory, Federal Ministry of Housing, Lagos State government and other regulatory agencies to ensure appropriate regulations are put in place like what is obtainable in Dubai.”
Grace Ike, chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT chapter, also used the occasion to appeal to the federal government to fulfil its promise of a journalists’ village in Abuja, saying access to decent housing would strengthen ethical reporting and nation-building.
A lady has stirred debate online after openly sharing her thoughts on marriage and motherhood, arguing that men benefit more from the institution of marriage than women.
In a viral post, the woman reflected on her personal experience, saying it was only after getting married and having a child that she came to this realisation.
Lady
Lady on why marriage benefits men more
According to her, marriage places disproportionate expectations and burdens on women, ranging from domestic responsibilities to physical and emotional demands tied to childbirth.
She questioned societal narratives that describe children as blessings, wondering why something considered a blessing comes with significant pain, stress, and sacrifice, particularly for women.
Women as ‘tools’
The woman also raised concerns about bodily autonomy in marriage, suggesting that women often lose control over their own bodies once married.
Her comments further challenged traditional gender roles, as she asked what tangible benefits marriage offers women compared to men, and what responsibilities men truly shoulder within the union.
She said …
“It took me to get married and give birth to realize that men benefit more in marriage. You get married to a man and you become like a tool, they own your body. You cook and clean. They say children are blessings, something that is a blessing, should it stress you? Should it take you pains to bring the blessings into this life..whats the benefit of marriage to women? What does the man do?”
Watch video below …
“It took me to get married and give birth to realize that men benefit more in marriage. You get married to a man and you become like a tool, they own your body. You cook and clean. What does the man do?”
— Lady says. pic.twitter.com/IW969jfgD9
— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) December 14, 2025
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has declared a 90-day nationwide membership Mobilisation, Revalidation, and Registration.
This was contained in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi.
According to the statement, the party also announced provisional dates for its congresses and the election of delegates at the polling unit, ward, local government.
In a circular by the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, the congresses have been provisionally slated to hold between January 20-27, 2026 and will culminate in the Non-Elective National Convention in February 2026 in Abuja.
“These activities are announced in line with the conclusions of its National Working Committee, NWC, meeting held on 27th November, 2025, and in accordance with the relevant provisions of the party’s Constitution,” Abdullahi said in the statement.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has openly addressed growing speculations about her alleged plan to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
She firmly dismissed the claims and made it clear that she has no intention of joining the ruling party.
The Kogi Central lawmaker revealed that she has been under pressure from different quarters to defect, including individuals linked to the presidency.
She stated clearly, “I have been approached by people from the presidency to join the APC.”
Senator Natasha made these remarks during an on-air interview session on Mic on Podcast, titled “Chat with Natasha Akpoti.”
The interview focused on her political journey, party loyalty, and the challenges she has faced as a woman in Nigerian politics.
Speaking on personal and political pressure, the senator recounted how she was once advised to abandon her political base after getting married.
According to her, she was told to contest elections in Delta State instead of Kogi because her husband is from there. She explained that such challenges did not weaken her resolve.
She said she had prepared herself mentally for resistance and setbacks. She added that women aspiring to enter politics must understand that the road can be tough, but they already possess the strength needed to succeed.
Addressing questions about her political future, Senator Natasha was emphatic when asked whether the APC could be an option if things do not go well in the PDP. She responded firmly, “No. No?” When pressed further on whether she would ever return to the APC, she replied, “No, no, no, I wouldn’t.”
She clarified that she had a brief stint with the APC at the early stage of her political career but made it clear that she has no plans to return. According to her, the current wave of defections to the APC does not justify her own move.
She questioned the idea of joining a party simply because others are doing so. She stated that she does not believe in following political trends or bandwagons. She also emphasized that she would not yield to pressure, threats, or inducements to abandon her principles.
The senator admitted that attempts to lure her into the APC are ongoing. She said these approaches have come from colleagues and influential figures, including very recent ones.
She disclosed that even as recently as the previous day, a colleague jokingly mentioned that they were still expecting her to join the APC.
Despite these approaches, Senator Natasha maintained that she is content where she is. She said she values her peace and personal space and remains comfortable within her current party.
She concluded by stating that she sees no reason to leave the PDP at this time, insisting that her political decisions will not be dictated by pressure or political convenience.
Youths from Northern and Southern Nigeria have come together in a rare show of unity, signing a peace accord aimed at strengthening national cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The agreement, reached in Kaduna, signals a joint resolve by young Nigerians to reject ethnic and religious divisions and to play a more coordinated role in the country’s political and economic future.
The gathering, which brought youths from across the North, South-East, South-South and South-West under one roof, took place at the historic Arewa House in Kaduna.
It was organised by the National Youth Alliance (NYA) and ended with the signing of a peace pact titled “The Birthing of a New Nigeria.”
Participants committed themselves to peaceful engagement, unity of purpose and collective action as Nigeria moves closer to another election cycle.
The accord comes at a time when tensions often rise along regional and religious lines as elections approach.
Over the years, Nigerian youths have frequently been mobilised as foot soldiers in political battles, with long-standing grievances such as unemployment, insecurity and poverty making them vulnerable to manipulation.
Speaking at the event, Vice-Chairman of the NYA (North), Abubakar Mohammed-General, criticised what he described as decades of exploitation of young people by political elites.
He said youths had been deliberately divided through misinformation and false narratives, turning them against one another instead of allowing them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“For decades, politicians and elites have been using us to gain power and political relevance. They divided us along religious and ethnic lines. So much fake news and misinformation were dished out so that we would continue to see ourselves as sworn enemies,” General said.
On his part, Vice-Chairman of the NYA (South), Meshack Onyeche, stressed that the unity of Nigeria remains non-negotiable.
He said young people across the country had agreed to rise above divisive politics and reject attempts to pitch one region against another.
“Nigeria can never be divided. Nigeria is our country. Nobody can divide us,” Onyeche declared.
He added that youths have suffered the most from political instability and economic decline, noting that many have been used to serve narrow interests that do not improve their lives or communities.
Earlier, the Convener of the National Youth Alliance, Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas, reflected on the journey of the group. He explained that the alliance initially attempted to register as a political party but was turned down by the Independent National Electoral Commission at the time.
“Instead of being defeated, we continued our programmes and eventually metamorphosed into a movement,” Abbas said.
He accused political leaders of consistently misleading young Nigerians, arguing that many in positions of authority prioritise personal and family interests over the collective good of the country.
“The reality today is that our leaders have been misleading the youth for a very long time. They are only concerned about their families,” he said.
The Kaduna meeting highlighted growing efforts by youth groups to promote dialogue and national unity amid worsening insecurity, economic hardship and concerns about the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
Many youth leaders believe that building cross-regional cooperation is key to preventing violence and divisive rhetoric in the run-up to the 2027 polls.
Since its emergence as a movement, the National Youth Alliance has focused on advocacy, peacebuilding and political awareness, positioning itself as a bridge between young people in the North and South.
The peace accord signed in Kaduna reflects a broader determination among youths to speak with one voice and resist being used to fuel conflict during election periods.