NIGERIA NEWS
Ex-Ondo Speaker Endorses Tinubu, Praises Aiyedatiwa’s Leadership Style
The Director-General of Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) and former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Victor Olabimtan, has urged Nigerians to rally support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, commending the President’s efforts to improve the welfare of citizens and lay a solid foundation for youth development.
Olabimtan also lauded Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his leadership style and for appointing him as the state coordinator of the RHA.
He revealed that the organization will soon be launched across local governments, with coordinators at the local, ward, and unit levels inaugurated in sequence to facilitate nationwide dissemination of information on the government’s policies.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA) is not a campaign; our duty is to disseminate truthful information and educate Nigerians on where we were, where we are, and where we are heading,” Olabimtan said. He explained that the RHA aims to enhance public awareness of the federal government’s reforms and opportunities under President Tinubu’s administration, ensuring citizens are well-informed about ongoing programs and initiatives.
According to Olabimtan, the RHA will conduct town-hall meetings, roadshows, market engagements, faith community visits, and neighborhood dialogues to translate government initiatives into practical information for citizens.
The project is designed to strengthen party outreach, foster civic participation, and create a functional interface between the government and communities.
Olabimtan highlighted the tangible successes of the Renewed Hope Agenda, including improvements in the economy, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and the government’s educational loan policy.
He noted ongoing projects such as over 400 road constructions nationwide, including the Lagos-Calabar superhighway passing through Ondo State, as well as increased investors’ confidence and the easing of travel and daily living challenges.
He emphasized that President Tinubu’s efforts at the federal level align with Governor Aiyedatiwa’s initiatives to industrialize Ondo State, improve infrastructure, and attract long-term projects such as a refinery and seaport.
Olabimtan stressed that Ondo State’s leadership is fully committed to spreading awareness of the Tinubu administration’s accomplishments to ensure citizens recognize the foundation being laid for a better future.
Olabimtan urged Ondo residents to support both Governor Aiyedatiwa and the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in promoting the administration’s achievements, reinforcing the commitment to sustained development, and consolidating support for President Tinubu across the state.
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NIGERIA NEWS
Was Bishop Abioye Banned From Winners? Man Analyses Retired Preacher’s Absence at Shiloh 2025
A Nigerian man came online to address rumours about Bishop Abioye being banned from attending church events at Winners chapel
His post got people talking as he spoke about Abioye’s new church and the reason behind Abioye’s absence at Shiloh 2025
The man’s post went viral as many noticed the absence of Bishop David Abioye, who retired as the church’s vice president in 2024
See his post below:
Source: Legit.ng
A Nigerian man has shared an update on Peller’s Mercedes‑Benz after a crash that occurred during a livestream.
It would be recalled that Peller was involved in a car crash on December 14, 2025, along the Lekki‑Eko Expressway.
However, bystanders rushed to the scene to take Peller to the hospital.
Man Shares Update On Peller’s Mercedes Benz
According to the man identified as @obattrekking on TikTok, Peller geniuely loves Jarvis.
In the viral video that has garned over 400,000 views, he shared that while passing the crash scene, he saw Peller’s Mercedes‑Benz being towed.
“I was passing lately today and saw peller’s car by the roadside, people are toeing the car. This boy need you now. Everybody tag Jarvis”, He stated.
Reacting to this, a TikTok user, @JP remarked ,PELLER needs EDUCATION to his fame and wealth.Some people no fit understand the kind personality WEY PELLER BE, a guy that cannot be controlled by his MANAGER’.
Another user, @Blesyn:Nah, “If you see a girl does not love you , is for him to leave the relationship. Make una no start to force any relationship”.
@𝓢𝓜 𝓕𝓐𝓜𝓘𝓛𝓨 𝟜𝓟𝓕 🇺🇸⚓:He’s right, but if you think he’s wrong, you’re right. In fact, all these comments are right; nobody is wrong. If you think I’m right or wrong, you’re right”.
While, @VeryWickedMan added, “Geh Geh don advice the werey tire 😂 me now ah dey wait for Geh Geh video patiently”.
Watch video below…..
@_obatrekking
Guys pls let us pray for peller 🤲📿
♬ original sound – @_obatrekking
An All Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Dr. Ladan Salihu has accused the Federal Government of using anti-graft agencies to harass and intimidate political opponents, citing what he described as selective justice.
Speaking on Daily Trust TV news, Dr. Ladan argued that former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, should be released, insisting that others facing similar allegations have been treated differently because of their political affiliations.
He referenced the case of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, noting that Bello “is free and walking on the streets today because he is still in the APC,” and recalled a remark credited to former APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, during the Buhari administration that membership of the ruling party often guaranteed protection.
According to Dr. Ladan, the current situation reflects what he called the “incubation period” of such political practices, alleging that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been turned into an instrument of coercion, harassment and intimidation against opposition figures.
“There is no literature anywhere that can change the reality on the ground,” he said, adding that his position would only change if a sitting minister or a high-profile APC official were subjected to the same treatment as Malami.
He maintained that the continued detention of opposition figures while prominent ruling party members remain untouched raises serious concerns about the credibility and independence of the anti-corruption fight.
Brigadier-General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), former Nigerian Army spokesperson, has commended President Bola Tinubu for shelving the proposed accelerated promotion of Colonel Nurudeen Yusuf, his Aide-De-Camp (ADC).
Usman expressed the view in a Facebook post on Tuesday, describing the reported decision as a demonstration of statesmanship, responsiveness and respect for military professionalism.
He said the president’s decision showed that leadership requires restraint and sound judgment rather than the mere exercise of power.
According to Usman, the proposed promotion had raised concerns within security and policy circles over fairness, due process and long-standing promotion procedures in the Nigerian army.
He said by allowing established systems to prevail, the president had reinforced confidence in merit, discipline and equity within the armed forces.
Usman added that the decision sent a reassuring message to officers and men that diligence, patience and adherence to defined career pathways remained the legitimate routes to advancement.
He also acknowledged Nigerians who publicly opposed the accelerated promotion, describing their actions as patriotic and motivated by a shared commitment to institutional integrity.
Usman commended Yusuf for maintaining calm and professionalism amid the public debate, saying such conduct reflected the discipline and honour expected of a senior officer.
He warned that presidential aides and advisers must offer counsel grounded in established rules and the national interest rather than political expediency.
“As Nigeria continues to confront complex security and governance challenges, it is imperative that presidential aides and advisers consistently offer counsel that is honest, dispassionate and firmly grounded in established rules, institutional order and the best interests of the nation.
“Advice driven by political expediency or narrow personal considerations does a grave disservice to both the President and the country.
“Finally, I would like to reiterate that I will not relent in speaking truth to power or in pointing out observed misnomers whenever they arise, always in the overall interest of the nation, the military and all those concerned.
“If this reported decision stands, it will remain a notable example of leadership that listens, reflects, and acts wisely, further reinforcing President Tinubu’s standing as a leader committed to fairness, professionalism, and the enduring strength of Nigeria’s national institutions. I salute him for that,” he stated.
Transcorp Hotels Plc (NGX: TRANSCOHOT), the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group), has announced the appointment of Dr. (Mrs.) Awele Vivien Elumelu, OFR, as Chair of its Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2026.
This is according to a statement filed on Tuesday, Dec 16, 2025, by the company on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and signed by Atinuke Kolade, Group Company Secretary, which indicated that Dr. Elumelu’s appointment is part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen board leadership and align governance with its long-term growth strategy in Nigeria’s hospitality sector.
Dr. Elumelu brings extensive leadership experience spanning healthcare, insurance, corporate governance, and philanthropy. She currently serves as Chair of Avon Healthcare Limited (Avon HMO), one of Nigeria’s leading health maintenance organisations, as well as Avon Medical Practice, a growing network of hospitals and clinics.
What the company said
The appointment follows the retirement of the current Chair, Mr. Emmanuel N. Nnorom, who will step down on the same date. Commenting on the appointment, Group Chair of Transcorp Group, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, said,
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Awele Elumelu as the Board Chair of Transcorp Hotels. Her distinguished track record perfectly aligns with our ambition to redefine hospitality through innovation, wellness integration, and responsible business practices. Her strategic insight will be invaluable, as we continue to elevate guest experiences and deliver sustainable value to all stakeholders.”
A trained medical doctor, Dr. Elumelu holds an MBBS degree from the University of Benin and has practiced clinically in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Her medical background is complemented by executive education from leading global institutions, including Harvard Business School, IMD Switzerland, and the London School of Economics, positioning her at the intersection of healthcare, business strategy, and corporate leadership.
What you should know
At the moment she chairs Heirs Insurance Brokers and is a founding Director of Heirs Holdings Limited, the investment company with interests across financial services, power, energy, and hospitality.
Beyond her corporate roles, Dr. Elumelu is widely recognised for her work in philanthropy and social impact. She is a Trustee and Co-Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), which focuses on empowering young African entrepreneurs.
Through the Foundation, more than 24,000 young men and women across the continent have received seed capital, business training, and mentorship, with a strong emphasis on gender inclusion and sustainable enterprise development.
Transcorp Hotels Plc is the hospitality arm of Transcorp Group, one of Africa’s leading listed conglomerates with strategic investments in power, hospitality, and energy. The company continues to position itself as a key player in Nigeria’s hospitality industry, focusing on premium offerings, large-scale event infrastructure, and service excellence.
Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted undeclared foreign currencies worth about N2.28 billion from an Austrian national at the Lagos airport.
The Customs Area Controller, MMIA Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, disclosed this on Tuesday in Lagos while briefing newsmen on the seizure.
Nwokorie said the suspect, identified as Mr Kavlak Onal, an Austrian citizen, was arrested by officers of the Anti-Money Laundering Unit on Saturday, Dec. 13, while attempting to board an Emirates Airlines flight to Dubai.
According to him, Customs officers asked the passenger if he had any currency to declare, but he answered in the negative.
A subsequent search of his luggage, however, revealed 651,505 euros and 800,575 dollars concealed in his travelling bag.
He said the seized amounts, when converted to Naira, were valued at N2.28 billion and exceeded the legally permitted declaration threshold of 10,000 dollars or its equivalent.
Nwokorie said the interception was in line with extant laws empowering the Customs Service to prevent illicit financial flows and enforce anti-money laundering regulations at the nation’s borders.
“These include Section 12 of the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995; Sections 3(3 to 5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022; and Section 55(1) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023,” he said.
The controller noted that officers of the command resisted attempts at compromise and successfully stopped the funds from being smuggled out of the country.
He warned that failure to declare foreign currency above the approved threshold attracts prosecution and forfeiture.
He clarified that carrying foreign currency above 10,000 dollars was not an offence, but failure to declare, false declaration or under-declaration constituted a violation of the law.
Nwokorie urged travellers engaged in legitimate business to make honest declarations at designated currency declaration desks in airport arrival and departure halls to avoid legal consequences.
He announced that the suspect, his international passport and the seized currencies had been formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.
Responding, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Mr Richard Adejumo, commended the Customs Service for the effective inter-agency collaboration.
He said the commission would continue investigations from where Customs stopped and ensure the matter was thoroughly handled.
“We will pick up the investigation from where the Nigeria Customs Service stopped. We will do justice to the case and ensure a thorough investigation.
“I appreciate the Customs Service for the synergy that led to the interception of this huge sum of undeclared foreign currencies at the airport,” Adejumo said.
Vanguard News
The post Customs intercept N2.28bn undeclared foreign currencies at Lagos airport appeared first on Vanguard News.
The Kano State Hisbah Board has intercepted a vehicle transporting assorted alcoholic beverages into the state from Lagos, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
The Deputy Commander-General of the Board, Mujahideen Aminuddeen, disclosed that the operation followed intelligence reports indicating that the consignment was en route from Lagos.
“Operatives of the Fagge patrol command acted swiftly on the information by successfully stopping the vehicle and seizing the alcoholic beverages,” he said.
Investigations revealed that the consignment was sent by a woman from Lagos, with approximately thirteen packs of alcoholic drinks recovered during the operation. The driver of the vehicle has been arrested to assist with ongoing investigations, while efforts are continuing to apprehend the sender.
Aminuddeen appealed to members of the public to report activities that violate accepted social norms or the provisions of Islamic law, stressing that cooperation remains vital for the effective operations of Hisbah personnel.
The seizure comes shortly after a similar operation on December 11, when the Kano State Road Traffic Agency intercepted and handed over three truckloads of beer worth millions of naira to the Hisbah Board. The agency also impounded the vehicles, which contained four hundred and ten cartons of alcoholic beverages.
“This demonstrates the continued commitment of both the Hisbah Board and related agencies to enforcing regulations and curbing the circulation of alcohol in the state,” Aminuddeen added.
Recall that days ago in neighbouring Katsina State, the Hisbah Board carried out the destruction of confiscated alcoholic beverages in Bakori town, located within the Funtua Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Board’s Information Officer, Abdul Baki Mustapha, the exercise was supervised by Deputy Commander Bashir Lawal Balarabe alongside other Hisbah commanders from the Funtua zone.
The Board said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb activities that contravene Islamic teachings and to safeguard societal moral values. “This measure is aimed at protecting the moral standards of our society and enforcing compliance with accepted religious principles,” the statement read.
The Katsina operation follows similar enforcement activities across northern Nigeria, where Hisbah boards have intercepted and destroyed alcoholic beverages in compliance with local regulations.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced it will investigate corruption claims against Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The commission confirmed that it received a formal petition from Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), in which he accused Ahmed of misconduct.
John Odey, the ICPC spokesman, said the commission would thoroughly examine the allegations.
Dangote, through his lawyer, had called for the arrest and prosecution of the NMDPRA chief.
Reacting via a statement, Odey said, “The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) writes to confirm that it received a formal petition today Tuesday 16th December, 2025 from Alhaji Aliko Dangote through his lawyer.
“The petition is against the CEO of the NMDPRA, Alhaji Farouk Ahmed. The ICPC wishes to state that the petition will be duly investigated.”
Dangote accused Ahmed of living beyond his means, claiming he spent $5 million on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland.
“I am not calling for his removal, but for a proper investigation,” Dangote said, adding, “He should be required to account for his actions and demonstrate that he has not compromised his position to the detriment of Nigerians.”
He urged the Code of Conduct Bureau and other relevant authorities to look into the matters, saying he was ready to present evidence if challenged.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Dangote criticised the NMDPRA for undermining local refining by continuing to issue import licences for petroleum products, despite the country’s growing refining capacity.
According to Dangote, these licences have kept Nigeria dependent on fuel imports and discouraged investment in local refining.
He claimed import licences covering roughly 7.5 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) had been issued for the first quarter of 2026, even as local refiners struggle to operate profitably.
Dangote warned that ongoing fuel importation was hurting domestic production and threatening modular refineries with collapse. He also criticised entrenched interests profiting from imports at the expense of national development.
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Former Deputy Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, has commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for what he described as a remarkable transformation of Aba and other major cities in the state through renewed infrastructure development and improved urban sanitation.
Senator Ibok Essien, who is also the Founder of Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, made the remark while traveling through Aba and Umuahia en route to Rivers State.
He expressed delight at the scale and pace of development carried out by the Otti administration in just over two years.
Highlighting the turnaround of Aba’s urban roads and drainage projects, he specifically praised the reconstruction of the once-dilapidated Port Harcourt Road, now expanded into a modern six-lane carriageway with streetlights, roundabouts, and proper drainage, describing it as the restoration of a major economic artery long neglected.
Drawing from personal experience, the elder statesman recalled that he was part of the team of engineers that supervised the original construction of Aba urban roads and drainage systems, including the Port Harcourt Road, between 1979 and 1983, when Abia was part of the old Imo State under the late Sam Mbakwe.
He observed that the prolonged neglect of roads and infrastructure over the decades makes the current expansion and upgrade a landmark intervention that has restored connectivity and eased movement across the commercial city.
The Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) also praised the remodelling and reconstruction of the Ariaria International Market, noting that the project has repositioned Aba as a modern commercial hub with facilities meeting international standards.
He further commended the construction of roads in Umuahia, the evacuation of long-standing refuse dumps, and the overall improvement in urban sanitation, stressing that these efforts have returned Abia’s cities to functional and livable conditions.
Senator Ibok Essien emphasized that the fact Aba is now passable after decades of poor roads reflects purposeful leadership.
He added that with the speed of development under Governor Otti, Abia is steadily reclaiming its position as a leading economic and industrial centre in the South-East.
The former National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) also called for sustained public support for Governor Otti, noting that development thrives best when leaders are encouraged by their citizens.
He commended the synergy between Governor Otti and his Akwa Ibom counterpart, Pastor Umo Eno, saying both leaders have demonstrated a shared commitment to urban renewal and people-centric governance, deserving collective support in their respective states.
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The Senate on Tuesday reduced the oil benchmark for the projected ₦54.46 trillion 2026 budget from $64.8 to $60 per barrel, citing the need for caution in Nigeria’s economic planning amid global uncertainties and fluctuating crude oil prices.
The apex legislative assembly, however, retained all other projections and parameters contained in the 2026–2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).
The decision followed the Senate’s approval of the 2026–2028 MTEF and FSP after considering the report of its Committee on Finance, presented by the committee’s chairman, Senator Sani Musa.
Presenting the report, Musa said the committee recommended key adjustments to the original 2026 budget proposals, explaining that the changes reflected a cautious and realistic approach to economic planning in view of volatility in the global oil market.
He disclosed that the committee recommended a revised crude oil benchmark of $60 per barrel for 2026, $65 for 2027 and $70 for 2028. The original estimates approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) were $64.85, $64.30 and $60.50 per barrel for 2026, 2027 and 2028 respectively.
According to Musa, the adjustments were necessitated by persistent global oil price volatility driven by geopolitical tensions and other external factors.
He added that the committee recommended retaining domestic crude oil production targets at 1.84 million barrels per day in 2026, with marginal increases to 1.88 million barrels per day in 2027 and 1.92 million barrels per day in 2028. He said the figures reflect a steady and realistic production outlook despite prevailing challenges.
Other macroeconomic projections retained include an exchange rate of ₦1,512 per dollar in 2026, ₦1,432.15 in 2027 and ₦1,383.18 in 2028, with inflation rates projected at 16.5 per cent, 13 per cent and nine per cent respectively over the three years. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is projected at 4.68 per cent in 2026, 5.96 per cent in 2027 and 7.9 per cent in 2028.
The committee also emphasised the need for the effective implementation of new tax policies, the national single window scanning policy and revenue assurance measures to boost revenue generation, transparency and economic growth.
Under the framework, total expenditure for 2026 is projected at ₦54.46 trillion, with a budget deficit of ₦20.12 trillion and planned new borrowings of ₦17.88 trillion. The committee expressed optimism that the projections would help address Nigeria’s fiscal challenges while supporting long-term economic stability.
Contributing to the debate, several senators expressed support for the revised projections, describing them as realistic and achievable.
Senator Mohammed Monguno said the adjusted parameters reflected current economic realities, particularly in crude oil production and exchange rate assumptions.
Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East, commended the government’s cautious approach to revenue projections, especially non-oil revenue, noting that oil revenue performance had consistently fallen below expectations. He described the decision to moderate projected revenue for 2026 to ₦34 trillion from ₦41 trillion in 2025 as prudent.
Senator Aminu Abbas also supported the revised exchange rate projections, noting that previous budgets often underestimated exchange rates, leading to frequent revisions.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole acknowledged the difficulty of accurately projecting oil output but said the revised production target of 1.84 million barrels per day was achievable, given Nigeria’s historical production capacity.
In his remarks, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, commended the committees and senators involved in reviewing the MTEF and FSP. While acknowledging that the projections may be reviewed in the future, he said the approved framework provides a solid foundation for Nigeria’s economic planning.
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