Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has ordered the distribution of over 2,000 bags of 50 kg rice for this year’s festivity.

Basiru ordered the distribution in line with the celebration of this year’s festive season.

According to him, “In line with his customary manner, Senator Basiru has distributed over 2,000 bags of 50kg rice across the state to various party structures, including ward, LGA, state executive, market, and prominent interest groups throughout the state.”

The national secretary, however, commended the nature in which the recently conducted party primary was conducted, urging all party stakeholders to work vigorously for the 2026 victory at the polls.

He also called for unity of purpose among stakeholders as the party is fully ready to give the ruling party in the state the red card in 2026.

Basiru, who called for unity among party members, urged the people of the state to be united and always seek love for one another in an effort to build an egalitarian society.

He further emphasized the need for equality and equal treatment across gender, religion, economic status, and political beliefs.

In the spirit of unity and a prosperous society, Basiru urged the people of the state and Nigeria as a whole to embrace peace and cooperation in an effort to move the nation forward.

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• …10,000 Nigerian provided training programme

China-Nigeria trade volume has surpassed $22 billion, China Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai said on Thursday.

This is as Yu also disclosed that 10,000 Nigerians have benefited from turning opportunities provided by China. 

Yu, who spoke at the occasion of the 1st Annual China-Nigeria Government Exchange Program Alumni Reunion Gala, in Abuja, said 2025 trade volume has surpassed that of the previous year. 

Yu also said that China’s direct investment to Nigeria increased by 130%, while Nigeria’s export increased by over 200%.

He said, “I think this bilateral relations not only has a political meaning, but it’s actually more about people-to-people relations. And I’m very happy to let all of you know that our trade volumes, this year, already surpassed 22 billion U.S. dollars.

“That’s already surpassed the total amount of last year. And China’s direct investment to Nigeria increased by 130%. And another good news is Nigeria’s export increased by over 200%.”

The envoy also said his country is working closely with Nigeria authorities to implement the zero tariff policy announced in June 2025. 

This, Yu said, is meant to expand Nigeria’s export to China while also enhancing of Nigeria’s position on the international global trading system.

He said “We are working very closely with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to implement the zero tariff policy, which the Chinese government announced last June. That is, China is going to provide zero tariff for 100% of products from all 53 African countries, including Nigeria, to China. 

“And I believe that this is going to expand Nigeria’s export to China and contribute also to the enhancing of Nigeria’s position on the international global system, the trading system.”

He noted that China-Nigeria are working on other various projects which are aimed at providing mutual benefits.

He also explained why he believed that Nigeria and China are natural partners, saying both countries shared the same interest.

He therefore said both countries need to work together to enhance the current global governance, to address the active representation of African countries, and to better let our voices be heard globally.

While expressing his belief that China and Nigeria shared a lot of similarities, Yu equally said, “China’s today is Nigeria’s tomorrow.”

Speaking on the purpose of the gathering, Yu said, “is to provide a platform for our alumni who attended the Chinese Government Exchange Programme to stay connected, to exchange ideas, and thus to contribute to China-Nigeria relations. 

“Indeed, over the years, China has provided over 10,000 opportunities for the training programme for Nigerians.

He said the training opportunities aimed at building the capacities and sharing experience of governance, to poverty reduction, to manufacturing, agriculture, public health, trade, investment, science, technology, innovation, food economy, digital economy.

“And I believe that this not only helps to enhance the capabilities of the individuals, but also contributes to the economic and social development of Nigeria,” he added. 

He said alumni of the exchange programme spans across the country-Abuja, Lagos, Madaguri, Ibadan.

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Arne Slot said Liverpool have “moved on” from the furore caused by Mohamed Salah’s explosive outburst at being dropped and are showing signs of growing into the side he wants to see.

The Reds begin what could be up to a month without Salah, who is representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), away at Tottenham on Saturday.

After a run of nine defeats in 12 games, Slot has steadied the ship in a five-game unbeaten run, during which Salah did not start a single game.

“Actions speak louder than words. We moved on,” Slot told reporters on Friday, referring to his decision to bring Salah on as a substitute in last week’s 2-0 victory over Brighton.

“Now he’s at the AFCON playing big games for himself and the country. All the focus for him is over there and there should not be any distraction of me saying anything because we moved on after the Leeds interview and he played against Brighton.”

Despite a difficult second season for Slot in England, Liverpool sit seventh in the Premier League and would move into the top four with victory against struggling Spurs.

The English champions transformed their squad over the summer transfer window, spending nearly £450 million ($602 million) to bring in Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.

Apart from the impressive Ekitike, all the new signings have struggled and Slot conceded he had been overly optimistic over how long it would take for his new-look squad to perform consistently.

“I think we are getting closer and closer to the team I want us to be and that has gone with ups and downs,” said the Dutchman.

“But for me that makes complete sense because all the changes we’ve made during the summer and we made them on purpose because we thought we needed to.

“If I’m completely honest, maybe I didn’t expect it to take maybe as long as it did, but, looking back on it, reflecting on it now, I think I’ve been too positive because if you go with a new group where not all of them are completely ready to play every single game, 90 minutes in this intensity, you have to adapt.

“Sometimes he can play, then he cannot play. So it takes maybe a bit of time, and we’ve been very unlucky.”

Joe Gomez and Cody Gakpo will miss the trip to Tottenham due to injury, but Slot is hopeful that Dominik Szoboszlai will be fit to start. Frimpong returns after a two-month absence.

The post Liverpool have ‘moved on’ from Salah furore, says upbeat Slot appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara state, under the aegis of the Kwara Political Leaders of Thought (KPLOT), have said that the ideal governorship candidate for Kwara state in 2027 can come from any district of the state, stressing that the 2027 governorship race should not be based on zoning.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, the group led by Mohammed Mariam Alhassan also advised the party’s national leadership and the Presidency to be cautious on the issue of who becomes the Kwara state governorship candidate in the 2027 general elections, adding that the stakeholders should be guided.

Alhassan said that Kwara state is practically at war, especially due to insecurity challenges in some parts of the state, adding that, “wars are not won by convenience or sentiment, but by deliberate strategic and competent leadership.

“Kwara is confronted today with realities that leave us with no room for emotional politics, convenient assumptions, or premature conclusions. The present reality demands sobriety, honesty, and courage. It requires that our political decisions be driven by capacity, competence, and character -not by sentiment or turn-by-turn calculations.

Kwara Assembly suspends member for contempt, breach of privilege

“From Edu to Patigi, Ifelodun to Isin, and from Ekiti to Kaiama, Kwara state has, regrettably, become an epicentre of banditry and terrorism, a situation unprecedented in the history of our state. While we admit and commend both the Government of Kwara State, led by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their sustained efforts at stemming the tide, we hearken to say that communities are still under siege, livelihoods are still threatened, and the sense of safety that once defined Kwara has been gravely eroded.

“In the face of this crisis, it is no longer åcceptable to approach leadership selection the way we might have done in more stable times. If Kwara once had the luxury of making sentimental political choices, that luxury no longer exists.

“The leadership question before us is no longer about where a candidate comes from, but who that candidate is. Who has the competence to confront insecurity? Who has the capacity to rebuild confidence in governance? Who has the courage, experience, and vision to navigate Kwara out of its present challenges and secure its future? These are the questions occupying the minds of ordinary Kwarans across the state, not the narrow, primordial sentiments being promoted by a section of the political class,” he said.

The group also said that the ideal leader for Kwara in 2027 can come from anywhere; North, South, or Central, adding that, “If the best and most capable candidate emerges from the North, we must not hesitate to support such a person. If that candidate comes from the South, the same principle must apply. If competence and capacity reside in the Central, we must equally embrace it”.

“At this critical moment, limiting our choices based on zoning or primordial sentiment is dangerous, and the consequences will be borne by all Kwarans”, he said.

The people also called on traditional rulers in the state to steer clear of partisan politics and political agitations and permutations, saying that, “the throne derives its strength from neutrality, moral authority, and the trust of all subjects, irrespective of their political leanings.

“Once a royal institution is dragged into partisan battles, it risks losing its unifying essence and the sacred distance that commands reverence. Monarchs must remember that their domains are home to people of diverse and often conflicting political interests; aligning with one tendency, no matter the temptation
or promised reward, inevitably alienates others and erodes the sanctity of the stool”.

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The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has attributed its successful projection of a 14 per cent inflation rate by the end of the year to what it described as a painstaking and data-driven analysis of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Omoniyi Akinsiju, the think tank said its forecast was anchored on empirical models and evolving macroeconomic indicators, even as President Tinubu himself projected a 15 per cent inflation rate in his 2025 budget speech.

According to IMPI, its analysts were convinced as far back as September that inflation would outperform the government’s target, based on a Predictive Regression (PR) analysis that revealed stronger disinflationary signals across the economy.

IMPI said: “When in September we initially projected a drop in inflation by the end of 2025 to 17 percent it was based on a trend analysis of the Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) reports issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) since the beginning of the year in relation to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reports of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

“But we were forced to review our position downwards, barely a month later, in our policy statement 031 issued in October, when we established a stronger pattern of increased productivity and general price reduction with higher intensity beginning from August 2025.”

The group explained that access to a fresh set of data and the deployment of its PR model necessitated a further downward review of its projection.

“So with the benefit of a new set of data available to us via the Predictive Regression (PR) model of statistical analysis, we concluded that a 14 per cent inflation rate was a more realistic figure before the end of the year than the earlier projected 17 per cent.

“We were able to establish a consistent pattern of increased productivity and general price reduction with higher intensity beginning from August 2025.”

It further linked the disinflation trend to movements in the Purchasing Managers’ Index, noting a strong inverse relationship between rising productivity and falling prices.

“After establishing a link between an increasing Purchasing Manager’s Index with the disinflation trend in the country, our analysts at IMPI noted that ‘the trend in the relationship and movements between the PMI and inflation is further sustained by their respective October figures with the CBN Composite PMI recording 55.4 index points, a significant increase in the PMI recorded between April and September 2025.

“This larger margin of difference is also reflected in the country’s headline inflation rate, which declined at a much faster rate to 16.50 per cent in October 2025 from 18.02 per cent in September 2025, a decrease of 1.96 per cent.’”

IMPI explained that higher PMI readings typically signal declining inflationary pressures, as they point to stronger production and productivity across the economy.

“To put this in context, an increase in PMI reflects a decline in inflation because a PMI hike is suggestive of a higher growth momentum in production and productivity measured across 36 sectors of the economy.”

The think tank said it was therefore unsurprised by the continued easing of inflation in November.

“We were therefore not surprised that the headline inflation dropped for the eighth consecutive month in November to 14.45 per cent by nearly 200 basis points on the back of stable macroeconomics.”

Looking ahead, the organisation expressed optimism that the disinflationary trend would persist into 2026, provided the administration remains consistent with its policy direction.

“As many have posited, a combination of monetary, fiscal and structural policies is necessary to consolidate the gains of the trend with a view to ensuring that more Nigerians feel the effects of the ongoing Tinubu reforms.”

It also cited the federal government’s mechanisation plans as a key driver of future price stability in the agricultural sector.

“We are, however, optimistic that the disinflation trend will continue deep into 2026 now that the federal government has concluded plans to move the 2,000 tractors acquired from Belarus into farms across the country from January.

“It is gratifying that rather than distribute the tractors to individuals, they are to be allocated through a transformative mechanisation service-provider model designed to ensure that each tractor covers a minimum of 500 hectares of farmland, meaning that all tractors can cultivate a combined 100,000 hectares while serving millions of farmers.”

IMPI added that the economy had markedly improved compared to the inflationary pressures of the previous year.

“Indeed, things have changed from the high inflationary environment of 2024 as 2025 winds down. The economy has transmuted to a vastly improved one with more Nigerians more likely to be wheeled out of poverty as a result of the ongoing disinflation in the economic space.”

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The management of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) on Friday  said it has acquired a MAX 350 drone to put a stop to land grabbing and encroachment by disgruntled Nigerians on its Estates and land across the country

The Authority has also clarified the orchestrated allegations of a demolished property belonging to one Hajiya Sadiya at Gwarimpa, FCT, Abuja, stating that her position was a melodramatic narration.

In a press statement signed by the management of the Federal Housing Authority, FHA and released by the Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Chigelu declared Hajiya Sadiya as a land grabber, who illegally encroached on FHA property, along 5th Avenue, 52 Road, Gwarimpa, Abuja, to the tune of 6000 square meters.

The FHA management stated categorically that the land was allocated to Savannah Suites measuring 16, 000 square meters and was ceded by the owner to Tulwu Integrated Properties Limited, stating that Hajiya Sadiya, through her Tulwu Properties Limited, encroached by 6000 square meters, with a claim that the land was originally 22,000 square meters.

“The attention of management has been drawn to publications in the Leadership newspaper of Monday, 15th December, 2025, an online publication, Elanza News of the same day, and Daily Trust newspaper of Tuesday, 16th December, 2025, alleging that Federal Housing Authority wrongfully demolished an Abuja property and attacked the lady owner.”

“While the Authority does not want to join issues with Tulwu Integrated Properties Ltd and one Hajiya Sadiya, the said owner, since the matter is in court against the melodramatic narrative they decided to dish out to the public, it has become pertinent for us to set the records straight.”

“The true position is that one Hajiya Sadiya, through land grabbing, had illegally encroached on the property of the Federal Housing Authority, FHA situated along 5th Avenue, 52 road, Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja, to the tune of about 6000sq meters. ”

“Federal Housing Authority, FHA had initially allocated a parcel of land to one Savannah Suites Ltd, measuring about 16,000sq meters. ”

“Savannah Suites, in return, assigned the same property to Tulwu Integrated Properties Ltd.”

“However, Hajiya Sadiya, through her Tulwu Integrated Properties Ltd, encroached on an extra 6000 sq meters, thereby claiming the land to be 22,000sq meters.”

“Typical of land grabbers and their shenanigans, Hajiya Sadiya’s manipulation could not hold water because, through the empirical evidence of the Authority’s drone images, it has been ascertained that what she lays claim to was nonexistent.*

“Attempts to resolve this issue amicably with her could not work out, even when Savannah Suites, which assigned the property to her, clearly stated that what was transferred to her was 16,000, and not 22,000 sq meters. ”

“Rather, she resorted to threats, reeling out her legion of connections and contacts, and in one meeting vowed to bring down the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.”

“She quickly rushed to the High Court in Bwari, Abuja, where she obtained an Exparte order on 1st July, 2025, restraining the Authority’s access to the land.”

“On obtaining the orde,r she started illegal development on the land without approval from the Federal Housing Authority, FHA.”

*As a law-abiding agency, Federal Housing Authority, FHA, went back to challenge the order, which was vacated by the same High Court in Bwari on the 5th of November, 2025.”

“Attempts to persuade Hajiya Sadiya from further illegal development on the land met with stiff resistance.”

“On Friday, 12th December 2025, a team of the Authority’s Development Control officers visited the site to enforce compliance and were brutally attacked by Hajiya Sadiya and her husband, Danjuma Mahmoud. ”

“Armed with a sharp object, she attacked a lady officer, Mrs Fumni Aliu ,carrying out her lawful duties, and with the help of her husband, Danjuma Mahmou,d attempted to strangle her.”

“She also assaulted the police, slapping one of the police men on duty with an FHA and biting others. It took the intervention of the security men to rescue the helpless lady and stop her vicious attack.”

“At the Gwarinpa Police station where the Authority reported the incident, Hajiya Sadiya’s husband, Danjuma Mahmoud, told the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, that he was sorry for his actions.”

“Federal Housing Authority is through this medium informing the general public of the true position of the incident in Gwarinpa.”

“The Authority under the leadership of Hon Oyetunde Ojo has declared war on all forms of land grabbing and illegal annexation of FHA’s lands throughout the country.”

*While Hon Ojo remains focused on salvaging all the Authority’s stolen land, he cannot be cowed by the likes of Hajiya Sadiya, and such ambush tactics of trial by the media through spewing falsehood and cheap blackmail.”

*FHA has acquired a MAX 350 drone with which every square millimetre of her stolen land must be recovered. All land grabbers and the types of Hajiya Sadiya should take note.”

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The Nigerian Army said its troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have decisively thwarted an early-morning attempt by terrorists operating from the Mandara Mountains to infiltrate Bitta, neutralising several insurgents.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, in a statement said the incident occurred in the early hours of 18 December 2025, when troops, supported by advanced surveillance systems, detected the movement of terrorists advancing towards the area.

The statement added that troops further neutralized several insurgents, including a key terrorist commander and his cameraman. As the surviving terrorists attempted to withdraw, follow-on precision strikes were conducted by the Air Component of OPHK, further decimating the retreating elements and disrupting their escape routes.

Troops subsequently conducted a thorough exploitation of the area, leading to the recovery of significant terrorist weapons, equipment, and logistics. Items recovered included a camcorder, AK-47 rifles, bandoliers, handheld radios, 11 AK-47 magazines loaded with rounds, seven mobile phones, PKT machine guns, several belts of PKT and GPMG-linked ammunition, as well as motorcycles and bicycles.

Further exploitation revealed multiple blood trails and shallow graves, indicative of additional casualties sustained by the terrorists during the ground engagement and subsequent air strikes.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI remain resolute in their commitment to decisively defeat all terrorist elements and restore lasting peace and stability across the North-East region.

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The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of the suspected remains of a police inspector who went missing over six months ago during a security operation in Guma Local Government Area of the state.

The deceased officer, identified as Inspector Mohammed Yakubu, was attached to the 13 Police Mobile Force (PMF) under the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF). He reportedly went missing on June 13, 2025, during a mission at Tse Keleke, about 10 kilometres from Daudu.

Sources told security expert, Zagazolo Makama, that at about 9:30 am on December 18, intelligence indicated that a decomposed corpse—believed to be that of the missing officer, was discovered in the bush close to the area where he was last seen.

A joint recovery team, comprising the ACPOL Metro Makurdi, Divisional Police Officer Daudu, police medical team, State Intelligence Service operatives, 13 PMF officers, personnel of OPS Zenda JTF, Counter-Terrorism Unit, and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, was immediately mobilised to the scene.

The skeletonised remains were recovered and conveyed to the 13 PMF base for further procedures.

The command said consultations are ongoing with the inspector’s family to facilitate the release of the remains for a befitting burial.

The police described the discovery as a “closure” to the long-standing missing-in-action case.

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• Nigerian lady Helen Williams has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest wig ever made, measuring 15.37 metres (50.42 feet).
• While the feat has drawn congratulations and national pride, it has also sparked debate and humour online, with some questioning the practicality and value of such records as others applauded her achievement.

Nigerian lady Helen Williams has officially set a Guinness World Record for the longest wig ever made, measuring an incredible 15.37 metres (50.42 feet).

The achievement has placed Nigeria back in the global spotlight, sparking a mix of pride and debate online.

While many celebrated her dedication, the unusual nature of the record prompted humorous and critical reactions from netizens on social media.

Social Media Reactions:

@RedChilds: “If e sure for am, make she take 2 steps. If it can’t actually function as a wig, is it really one?”

@KingProdigy: “Does everything qualify for a Guinness World Record?”

@BeardedPriest: “Nigeria busy chasing things that don’t even add value.”

@DpEsho: “Someone has a record for the fastest time to chop up pineapples.”

@boxypiper: “About time I go through your website and pick a record for myself.”

@OLami_deeEbony: “At this point I think I’m going to find a record to break too.”

@Thrifted Cloth: “Nigerians won clear all the records. Congratulations my sister.”

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A civil society organisation, CSO, Centre for Leadership Legacy International, Centre LLI, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold the highest integrity in his government by ensuring that any act capable of bringing his government into disrepute is not entertained.

In a statement signed by the Spokesman of the Centre, Davies Isaiah Ijele, the group urged President Tinubu to look deeply into the serial allegations of certificate forgery against his Minister of Interior, Olubumi Tunji-Ojo.

According to the statement, these allegations have become too weighty to be ignored, saying that if not properly handled, they can constitute a burden to the integrity rating or credibility of the government.

Recall that there have been repeated calls on President Tinubu and the DSS by concerned Nigerians for an investigation into the Minister of Interior’s alleged certificate forgery scandal.

The group alleged that the minister’s declaration in his official profile presented before the National Assembly for his 2019 House of Representatives run (INEC/EC9) listed his education as including a first degree from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and postgraduate study at London Metropolitan University.

It claimed that the degree from OAU has no date or year of graduation, while the master’s degree from a London university has 2006 as the year of graduation.

Secondly, the group alleged that during his 2023 Senate screening for a ministerial appointment, Tunji-Ojo presented an NYSC discharge certificate as part of the vetting paperwork, dated 2023, with an explanation that he had been first mobilised in 2006 but absconded, and was then remobilised later, while the discharge certificate was printed/issued in February 2023. That NYSC clarification is widely reported in the press.

Citing alleged discrepancies in Tunji-Ojo’s certificate claims, which it said are already in the public domain, with many questions being asked, the group insisted that the claims do not add up and, rather than clarifying the controversy, further complicate it.

The group in the statement expressed worry, saying, ” An interior minister of Nigeria, handling the internal security for the country, has a degree certificate from Obafemi Awolowo University with no record of year of graduation, and has a master’s degree from London Metropolitan University in 2006 and was mobilised for NYSC service in Nigeria in 2006.

“His NYSC couldn’t be completed, so he had to be remobilised in 2019 while already elected as a House of Representatives member that same 2019, and his NYSC certificate couldn’t be printed in 2023 for presentation as his highest qualification for ministerial screening in 2023?

“Again, there is the legality of being a corps member while serving as a lawmaker. Does the law allow that? These claims do not tally at all and leave more questions than answers, the statement said.

The group therefore urged President Tinubu to listen to Nigerians and wade into the discrepancies in Tunji-Ojo’s educational certificate controversies in the interest of the integrity and accountability of his government.

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