The 17th edition of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, Lagos edition, dazzled at the National Theatre on Sunday evening, celebrating the industry’s finest and crowning the year’s top talents.

While the drama Farmers Bride claimed the night’s top honours, the movie Seven Doors emerged as the most prolific winner, sweeping four major technical categories.

The most prestigious movie awards of the night went to Farmers Bride in the Movie of the Year and Director of the Year categories.

Seven Doors, Femi Adebayo’s technical masterpiece proved to be the night’s biggest single film winner, taking home four highly coveted awards, including:
Best Production Design
Best Special Effect
Best Series
Best Cinematography

The film’s performance highlights the growing recognition of high-quality production and technical excellence in Nigerian cinema.

Beyond the top prizes, the awards celebrated diverse aspects of filmmaking.

The lead acting awards saw a clean sweep for the film Black Out, with Gideon Okeke and Padita Agu taking home the Best Actor and Best Actress statuettes, respectively.

In the supporting roles, veteran actress Mercy Aigbe was recognised for her role in My Mother Is a Witch, while Taye Ayimoro won for Son of the Soil.

The memorable screen chemistry between Tobi Bakre and Folu Storms in Red Cycle earned them the award for Best Kiss.

Abanisete secured the Best Indigenous award, underscoring the importance of cultural storytelling. The promising future of Nollywood was also highlighted with wins for Razaaq Adoti (Most Promising Actor for Son of the Soil) and Una Idoko (Most Promising Actress for I Am Anis).

The 17th BON Awards was a brilliant testament to Nollywood’s continued growth, celebrating both the established stars and the technical and creative professionals who are raising the bar for Nigerian storytelling globally.

Receiving special recognition awards for the year are the trio of Steve Ayorinde, Funke Akindele, and Dr Shaibu Husseini
Here’s the full list

BEST OF NOLLYWOOD AWARD 2025
WINNERS LIST

BEST ACTOR – GIDEON OKEEKE (BLACK OUT)

BEST ACTRESS – PADITA AGU (BLACK OUT)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR – TAYE AYIMORO ( SON OF THE SOIL)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS – MERCY AIGBE (MY MOTHER IS A WITCH)

BEST KISS – TOBI BAKRE & FOLU STORMS (RED CYCLE)

BEST SOCIAL MESSAGE – MAYOMI

BEST SHORT FILM – EGBEJI

BEST COSTUME – SEVEN DOORS

BEST SOUND – AGEMO

BEST SOUNDTRACK – IYALODE

BEST USE OF FOOD – OWAMBE THIEVES

BEST INDIGENOUS – ABANISETE

BEST CHILD ACTOR – AHMED ISA (FINDING NINA)

BEST CHILD ACTRESS – IJELU FOLAJIMI SHARON (SON OF THE SOIL)

MOST PROMISING ACTOR – RAZAQ ADOTI (SON OF THE SOIL)

MOST PROMISING ACTRESS – UNA IDOKO (I AM ANIS)

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN – SEVEN DOORS

BEST SCREENPLAY – MY MOTHER IS A WITCH

BEST USE OF MAKEUP – LABAKE OLODODO

BEST SPECIAL EFFECT – SEVEN DOORS

BEST EDITING – REEL LOVE

BEST DOCUMENTARY – BEYOND FOOTBALL

BEST SERIES – SEVEN DOORS

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY – SEVEN DOORS

MOVIE OF THE YEAR – FARMERS BRIDE

DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR – FARMERS BRIDE

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the nationwide display of the Preliminary Register of Voters at its Local Government Area (LGA) offices across the country.

The commission made the announcement in a statement on its X page on Monday.

INEC urged Nigerians who registered for the first time or updated their voter information during the last Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which ended on December 10, 2025, to visit the INEC LGA office where they registered to verify their details.

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According to the commission, the verification exercise is aimed at ensuring that all voter information has been accurately captured ahead of the production of the final register of voters.

Eligible voters are advised to check for errors such as: Incorrect names, Wrong dates of birth, Inaccurate photographs and Other personal data issues.

INEC noted that this verification window provides an opportunity for voters to identify and correct errors early, thereby preventing disenfranchisement during elections.

The commission also disclosed that the next phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) is scheduled to commence in January 2026.

INEC emphasized that citizens’ participation in the process is critical to strengthening electoral transparency, credibility, and democratic integrity.

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Troops of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, operating under the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have neutralised a suspected kidnapper, arrested three informants and recovered arms and ammunition during an operation in Plateau State.

The operation followed reports of simultaneous kidnapping incidents at Dong Community in Jos North Local Government Area in the early hours of Monday.

Sources told Akelicious that the troops responded swiftly to the distress calls and made contact with the kidnappers during the operation, leading to the neutralisation of one of the suspects.

Items recovered from the neutralised kidnapper include one AK-47 rifle, a magazine and four rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.

The suspect was later identified as a resident of the community, who was allegedly operating with the kidnapping syndicate from within the area.

The sources added that troops also arrested three persons suspected to be informants providing support and intelligence to the kidnappers.

The souces said the arrested suspects, along with the recovered arms and ammunition, are currently in custody, while troops have launched follow-up operations to track and arrest the fleeing members of the kidnapping gang.

The military reassured residents of Plateau State of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and urged members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing operations.

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Tragedy struck in Benue State following the sudden death of Isaac Aondofa Atim, who died barely three days before his scheduled traditional marriage.

Atim was to wed Mercy Mbawuesẹ on December 13, 2025, according to the wedding invitation card earlier circulated among friends and family.

The traditional marriage ceremony was scheduled to hold at Branch u Kuhar, Abia Mbagba, Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The sudden death of the groom has thrown friends, associates, and family members into deep mourning, especially as preparations for the wedding were already in top gear.

Reacting to the news, a close friend described the late Atim as more than a companion.

“The pain is still sinking in.
Isaac Aondofa Atim was more than a friend to me; he was a brother and a roommate.

“We shared laughter, tears, and dreams. His energy lit up every room, and his smile could brighten the darkest day. Losing him just days before his wedding is something I still cannot comprehend,” the friend said.

Another mourner lamented the painful timing of the tragedy, saying, “What was supposed to be their wedding day has now turned into deep mourning. The groom is no more, and the pain is unbearable. Rest in peace, Isaac Aondofa.”

A Facebook user said the loss was shocking, especially after recently seeing the wedding announcement online.

“I saw his wedding post and was genuinely happy for him. Then this news came. Why now? Was he sick? Just like that? God knows best. May his gentle soul rest in peace,” the mourner wrote.

Others said they were still struggling to process the loss.

“We are still living in shock over this sad news. It is hard to believe that someone we were preparing to celebrate is gone,” one associate said.

Another reaction read, “Oh my God, this is heartbreaking. This life is truly unpredictable. Please accept my condolences, and may God comfort his entire family during this painful time.”

A former course mate also questioned the sudden nature of the death.

“Jesus Christ. What really happened to my course mate and friend? This loss is too sudden. May his gentle soul rest with our Creator,” the mourner said.

While the circumstances surrounding Atim’s death remain unclear as of the time of filing this report, friends and loved ones continue to offer prayers and words of comfort, submitting to faith and calling for strength to bear the painful loss.

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Mr. Adeyeye Ajayi, a personal assistant to former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has dismissed rumours claiming that the elder statesman is dead.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Ajayi described the reports circulating on social media as false and misleading.

He urged members of the public to ignore the claims and rely on verified information.

According to him, General Gowon is alive, in good health, and remains active in public life. He said the former leader has continued to attend public events and contribute to national discussions as a respected voice for peace, unity, and Nigeria’s development.

Ajayi warned against the spread of unverified information, stressing that such rumours cause unnecessary panic and distress.

He appealed to Nigerians to always confirm news from credible sources before sharing it.

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Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State, Mutalubi Adebayo, SAN, has insisted that senators do not require police escorts, stressing that only judges should be exempted from President Bola Tinubu’s directive withdrawing police personnel from Very Important Persons.

Adebayo made this assertion while reacting to the President’s recent order directing the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to withdraw police officers attached to VIPs and redeploy them to areas where they are more needed, particularly in the fight against terrorism.

Speaking on Arise News, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) argued that senators who feel unsafe should seek protection from private security firms rather than rely on public police officers.

“Senators should apply for private guards if at all they feel they need security,” he said.

Adebayo maintained that the work of lawmakers cannot be equated with that of judges, insisting that judges occupy a unique position that makes police protection compulsory.

“Senators can’t compare their jobs with that of judges. Some civil servants need escorts, even ministers need,” he said.

“Judges are not VIPs. They are even a special class of people. They’re more than VIPs. They need police escort as a matter of duty. It is very compulsory for judges to get police escorts considering the kind of job they do. It won’t be good even for society.”

‘Senators Taking It Too Far’

The former Attorney General also criticised the reaction of some lawmakers to the policy, describing the opposition as excessive and unnecessary.

Referring specifically to Senator Abdul Ningi, Adebayo said, “To me, I’ll say that Senator Abdul Ningi is taking the matter too far. I’ll say he’s a clown. What are they doing in the Senate to need police escorts?”

“What are they doing there? Cracking jokes… making cheap money. They don’t need police escorts. But they can apply for private security guards from private companies. Do they want to compare their job with that of judges?” he queried.

Naija News reports that President Tinubu had earlier directed the Inspector-General of Police to withdraw police officers attached to VIPs across the country.

The President ordered that the affected personnel be redeployed to areas where they would be more useful, especially in strengthening internal security and combating terrorism.

However, following the directive, some senators have raised concerns, lamenting that the withdrawal of police escorts could expose them to security risks and endanger their lives.

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The Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, on Sunday assured Nigerians that the pump price of petrol would fall further, stating that petrol would sell at no more than N740 per litre from Tuesday.

Mr Dangote spoke at a press briefing at the refinery complex in Lagos on Sunday.

He explained that the reduction would be effected due to his refinery’s reduction of gantry price to N699 per litre, adding that MRS filling stations would be the first to reflect the new pricing.

From Tuesday, he said, all MRS filling stations would begin selling petrol at prices not exceeding N740 per litre, starting in Lagos.

He added that the refinery had reduced its minimum purchase requirement from two million litres to 500,000 litres to enable more marketers, including members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), to participate.

“So if you come to the refinery today, you will get PMS at N699 per litre,” he said.

Mr Dangote disclosed that despite frustration and sabotage, the refinery would deploy its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks in the coming days and was prepared to procure additional units beyond the initial 4,000 if required to sustain affordable pricing nationwide.

Responding to complaints from oil importers that the recent price reduction would result in losses, Mr Dangote said the refinery was established primarily for the benefit of Nigerians.

“Anyone who chooses to continue importing despite the availability of locally refined products should be prepared to face the consequences,” he said.

He also highlighted quality differences, noting that products supplied through MRS and other offtakers from the refinery were straight-run fuels, unlike blended products imported from overseas markets.

“Nigerians have a choice to buy better quality fuel at a more affordable price or to buy blended PMS at a higher rate. Importers can continue to lose, so long as Nigerians benefit,” he added.

Mr Dangote said the refinery was driven more by legacy than profit, noting that he could have invested the 20 billion dollars elsewhere if financial gain were his sole objective. He revealed plans to list the refinery on the Nigerian Exchange to allow Nigerians to own shares in the facility.

“We want every living Nigerian to have the opportunity to benefit, no matter how small their holding. If the market takes 55 per cent and I retain 45 per cent, I am satisfied,” he said.

He disclosed that discussions were ongoing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to enable Nigerians to purchase shares in naira while receiving dividends in dollars.

Mr Dangote also accused the NMDPRA of misrepresenting the refinery’s capacity by publishing offtake figures rather than actual production levels.

“We have the capacity to meet local demand, and we have sufficient refined products in stock. But to keep prices high, imports are deliberately encouraged,” he said, adding that attempts were being made to push the refinery into exporting products only for them to be re-imported into Nigeria at higher prices.

ALSO READ: Dangote Refinery speaks on adjustments in ex-depot price of petrol

“This refinery is for Nigerians first, and I am not giving up,” he said.

The billionaire businessman also disclosed that the refinery imports an average of 100 million barrels of crude oil annually from the United States, a figure expected to rise to 200 million barrels following expansion, due to insufficient domestic crude supply.

He added that the refinery also sources crude from Ghana and other countries, while exporting jet fuel and gasoline to the United States.

He called on the government to ensure crude oil taxes are assessed based on actual transaction values, warning that the current system allows under-declaration and revenue losses.

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By The Rt. Rev’d Ifeanyi Akunna, Anglican Bishop of Ogoja Diocese.
Bishop@ifeanyiakunna.com

Advent is one of the most profound and meaningful Seasons in the life of the Church. It marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year and spans four weeks, leading to Christmas. The word ‘Advent’ was derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” Advent calls the Church to reflect deeply on the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

At its heart, Advent is a season of expectation and hope. The Church looks back with gratitude to the first coming of Christ in humility as a child in Bethlehem (Luke 2:10–11), celebrates His coming daily into our lives through Word and Sacrament (Revelation 3:20), and looks forward in hope to His glorious second coming as King and Judge of all (Matthew 24:30–31).

Advent as a Season of Hope

The message of Advent is fundamentally a message of hope. The prophet Isaiah captured this hope when he declared: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined” (Isaiah 9:2). In a world broken by sin, fear, injustice, and despair, Advent reminds us that God has not abandoned humanity. He entered human history in the person of Jesus Christ to redeem and restore.

For Nigeria today, this message of hope is deeply relevant. Our nation grapples with insecurity, kidnapping, banditry, economic hardship, corruption, youth unemployment, ethnic tensions, and moral decline. Many citizens feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. Advent proclaims to us that darkness does not have the final word. Jesus Christ, the Light of the world (John 8:12), comes to dispel darkness and to bring healing, justice, and peace.

Advent as a Season of Preparation

Advent is also a call to preparation. John the Baptist’s voice rings clearly during this season: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight” (Matthew 3:3). Preparation in Advent is not merely about decorations, festivities, or material readiness for Christmas. It is primarily spiritual preparation—repentance, self-examination, prayer, and renewed obedience to God.

The Apostle Paul exhorts the Church: “Now it is high time to awake out of sleep… The night is far spent, the day is at hand” (Romans 13:11–12). Advent, therefore, challenges the Church and society to wake up from moral complacency and spiritual slumber.

In the Nigerian context, this call to preparation speaks to leaders and citizens alike. It calls our political leaders to prepare their hearts for governance marked by integrity, justice, and accountability. It challenges religious leaders to preach truth, holiness, and compassion rather than compromise. It urges families, youths, and communities to return to God, reject violence and corruption, and embrace righteousness.

Advent and the Incarnation: God With Us

One of the central truths celebrated in Advent is the Incarnation—God becoming man in Jesus Christ. The angel announced to Joseph: “They shall call His name Immanuel,” which means God with us (Matthew 1:23). This truth reassures us that God is not distant from human suffering. He entered into it.

For Nigerians who daily experience pain from poverty, displacement, insecurity, and loss, Advent assures us that God understands our struggles. Christ was born into a poor family in a troubled political environment under Roman oppression. He identifies with the suffering masses. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that we have a High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses.

Advent as a Call to Watchfulness and Responsibility

Advent also points us toward the future—the second coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus warned: “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42). This aspect of Advent calls the Church to live responsibly, faithfully, and expectantly.

For our nation, Nigeria, this watchfulness translates into active citizenship and moral responsibility. Christians are called not to withdraw from society but to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16). Advent challenges the Church in Nigeria to be a prophetic voice, speaking against injustice, standing with the oppressed, promoting peace, and offering practical compassion.

As Nigeria journeys through challenging times, Advent reminds us that God is still at work, history is under His control, and redemption is possible.

May this Advent Season awaken the Church and our nation, Nigeria to the coming of Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)—Who alone can heal our land and give us a future filled with hope.

“Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

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Peller attempted suicide on Sunday, sparking widespread concern after disturbing videos of the incident circulated widely on social media.

Peller attempted suicide following an emotional breakdown linked to an alleged argument with his girlfriend, Jarvis, according to online reports.

Distressing video surfaces

In the viral footage, Peller attempted suicide while crying and speaking in distress inside his newly acquired Mercedes-Benz.

The video shows Peller attempted suicide by steering the vehicle off the road into a ditch at a low speed.

Another clip captured bystanders rushing to assist moments after Peller attempted suicide, as the damaged car was surrounded by concerned onlookers.

His condition remains unclear, as no official medical statement has been released after Peller attempted suicide.

Conflicting reports

Unconfirmed reports on social media claim Peller attempted suicide and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

However, no authority has confirmed these claims as of the time of filing this report.

Watch the video here…

𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐏𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐫 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦, 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧

Popular TikTok content creator and livestreamer, Hamzat Habeeb, widely known as Peller, has sparked outrage and concern after crashing his car during a live… pic.twitter.com/ihAngDOdkl

— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) December 14, 2025

Olayinka’s reaction draws criticism

Reacting to the incident, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister, said attempted suicide is a criminal offence under Nigerian law.

Olayinka wrote: “If you try commit suicide and you no d!e real real, nah crime you don commit so and nah jail you dey go.

“So if you wan d!e on top say woman or man leave you, try and d!e completely to avoid going to jail. Ko ju bee lo.”

Public backlash

His comment has triggered backlash online, with many Nigerians calling for empathy and greater mental health awareness following the Peller attempted suicide incident.

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Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is expected to formally leave the party this week, following months of unresolved leadership crises and deep internal divisions.

Obi’s anticipated exit is linked to the prolonged instability within the Labour Party, which has continued to struggle with factional leadership, court cases and lack of internal cohesion since the 2023 elections.

The development has fueled intense speculation over his next political destination, although no final decision has been publicly confirmed.

Findings by POLITICS NIGERIA indicate that while several opposition parties have reached out to the former Anambra State governor, discussions are still ongoing.

His next platform remains uncertain, with consultations said to be fluid and far from concluded.

There have been strong talks linking Obi to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). However, indications suggest that the party may not be his immediate destination. Internal arrangements and unresolved structural matters are believed to be key sticking points in the ongoing conversations.

Sources familiar with the situation say Obi has raised concerns about internal processes, leadership structure and long-term direction within parties courting him. These concerns, it was learnt, have slowed down any final agreement.

There are also emerging political alignments within the ADC that may affect Obi’s calculations. Some developments suggest the party may be leaning towards a different presidential option ahead of 2027, a situation that could complicate Obi’s own political ambition.

Against this backdrop, Obi is said to be considering an entirely new political platform. The option of joining an existing party with entrenched interests and prior agreements is reportedly being weighed carefully, as he seeks political space to operate freely.

The crisis rocking the Labour Party is largely rooted in leadership disputes that intensified after the 2023 elections. Central to the conflict is the controversy surrounding the tenure of former National Chairman, Julius Abure.

Obi and several party stakeholders have maintained that a Supreme Court ruling effectively brought Abure’s leadership to an end. However, the continued recognition of his faction by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has prolonged the impasse.

As a result, the party has operated with parallel executives and rival factions, each claiming legitimacy. This division has weakened internal discipline, stalled decision-making and slowed efforts to reposition the party nationally.

Those close to Obi say he believes his continued stay in the party has worsened the situation. His political influence and popularity, they argue, have been used by rival camps to strengthen their claims.

According to insiders, Obi feels that stepping away may give the party breathing space to resolve its internal issues without his name being dragged into the struggle for control.

The Labour Party rose to national relevance during the 2023 presidential election largely due to Obi’s candidacy. His campaign energized young voters, urban professionals and first-time participants, transforming the party from a fringe platform into a major political force.

However, that momentum has since waned. Several elected officials have left the party, citing confusion, lack of direction and the unresolved leadership crisis.

Obi is said to be increasingly concerned that remaining in a party plagued by endless disputes could hurt his reformist image and weaken his support base ahead of future elections.

Although he has not officially announced his next move, indications suggest he is inclined towards a platform that promotes internal democracy, clarity of leadership and minimal legal distractions.

His departure is expected to trigger fresh political realignments across the opposition space. Parties are already positioning themselves to attract supporters of the popular “Obidient” movement, which remains a significant political force.

When contacted, the spokesman of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, said he could not confirm whether Obi was set to join the party. He noted that the ADC would be open to welcoming Obi should he decide to come on board.

Attempts to get official reactions from the Labour Party were unsuccessful, as calls to party officials were not returned as of the time of filing this report.

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