The United States has pledged $2 billion in grants to support Nigeria’s health sector over the five-year period from 2026 to 2030.

The development was conveyed in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation on Friday, December 19, 2025.

This commitment is part of a broader Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently signed between the Governments of Nigeria and the United States.

Nigeria has also committed to mobilising $3 billion in domestic funding for the health sector during the same period.

What the FG is saying 

According to the statement, the US grant and Nigeria’s domestic funding are aimed at improving access to quality primary healthcare nationwide. The funding will also strengthen the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats.

Over the five-year period from April 2026 to December 2030, the United States Government is expected to provide nearly $2 billion in grants to support Nigeria’s health priorities.

In parallel, Nigeria has committed to allocating at least 6% of executed annual federal and state budgets to health, a move projected to mobilise around $3 billion in domestic financing. This commitment has already been reflected in Nigeria’s proposed 2026 budget, the statement revealed.

“Over a five-year period from April 2026 to December 2030, the United States Government is expected to provide nearly US$2 billion in grant funding to support Nigeria’s health priorities.  

“In parallel, Nigeria has committed to allocating at least six percent of executed annual Federal and State budgets to health, a commitment projected to mobilise nearly US$3 billion in domestic health financing over the same period,” the statement read in part.  

The Federal Government emphasized that the partnership reflects Nigeria’s determination to build a resilient health system, reduce dependence on external aid over time, and ensure sustainable investment in healthcare.

Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, described the MoU as a major step toward safeguarding the health of Nigerians while reinforcing national resilience.

Further details on the MoU 

Beyond funding, the MoU outlines collaboration on the early detection, prevention, and control of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

It also includes measures to strengthen disease surveillance, outbreak response, laboratory systems, and biosafety procedures for pathogen sample collection, transport, testing, storage, and disposal.

Frontline healthcare workers are expected to receive additional support, while data systems and access to essential health commodities will be improved.

The statement noted that the MoU builds on Nigeria’s ongoing health sector reforms, including the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the Health Sector Renewal Compact signed in December 2023. These reforms, it noted, unify federal and state governments, development partners, and civil society in building a stronger, more resilient health system.

What you should know  

Nairametrics had earlier reported that Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate said Nigeria faces a major healthcare funding gap.

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Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The former Secretary to the Katsina State Government (SSG), Dr. Mustapha Mohammed Inuwa, has accused Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of withholding the state’s Local Governments funds despite the Supreme Court judgement.

Inuwa, while addressing some journalists Friday evening at his residence in Katsina, said Governor Radda continues to have control over the state’s 34 local government councils’ coffers in spite of the nation’s apex court ruling.

The Supreme Court judgement stopped state governments from collecting and withholding councils’ allocations from the federation account and ordered that the Accountant General of the Federation pay them directly.

But the longest-serving Katsina SSG described what he termed the continued withholding of the local governments’ funds by the state government as “unconstitutional, illegal and an impeachable offence.”

He said as the third tier of government, the local government is saddled with the responsibilities of ensuring the well-being of the people at the grassroots through the provision of basic social amenities, but the governor has usurped their functions.

The Katsina leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) further explained that it was illegitimate for the state government to determine projects to be executed in the 34 local government areas of the state.

He said: “There is no local governments financial autonomy in Katsina. The governor (Radda) has withheld the local government funds and he is releasing the money to them at will that is why they are doing common projects.

“What the governor is doing is unconstitutional, illegal and an impeachable offence. It is wrong for the state government to determine what projects are executed by local governments.”

However, when contacted, Governor Radda’s Director General on Media, Maiwada Danmallam, dismissed Inuwa’s claims that the state government was withholding local government councils’ funds.

He reiterated that the state and local governments have constitutional power “to plan and execute development projects jointly as enshrined under section 7 subsection 3 of the 1999 Constitution.”

“Accusing the state of doing so only highlights a sincere or deliberate ignorance of the constitutional provisions guiding this matter as captured in Section 7 Subsection 3 of the 1999 constitution.

“And certainly the legibility and eligibility of Section 7 Subsection 3 in the legal aspect of this conversation is probably the reason why nobody is in court to challenge the applicability of the provision”, he said.

He said the state government had established the State Joint Planning Board for State and Local Governments as provided by the 1999 Constitution and the board is operating within the constitutional provisions.

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By Steve Oko

Governor Alex Otti has restated his “long-standing position to retire from active politics” after his tenure as governor, insisting that he has no presidential, vice presidential or senatorial ambition after his governorship position.

Otti made the explanation while reacting to a viral video in which someone was berating him over his recent visit to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, alleging that he is nursing presidential or vice presidential ambition after the end of his tenure.

“Divergence of opinion is part of democracy,” he said. “Everyone is free to hold an opinion, but such an opinion may not be right.”

The Governor’s response was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma.

It read, “In the first place, that is the beauty of democracy. So people should hold their opinion, and we respect people’s opinion. And that you hold a different opinion doesn’t mean you are right.

“One of the things he talked about was my ambition after being governor. And I had said it before, and I want to say it again, that by the time I’m done with governorship, I will retire.

“So I don’t have presidential ambition, nor vice-presidential ambition. I also won’t have senatorial ambition when I finish with governorship.

“I came on a mission, and when I deliver that mission, I will give way for younger people.” So he was talking of Igbo presidency. I don’t even understand what that means.

“So I think if his thesis is based on that assumption, the assumption has collapsed, because he won’t see me on the ballot,” the governor stated.

According to Governor Otti, it is important for a political office holder to know when to quit, especially when he has done what he is asked to do.

“When you have done what you have been asked to do, you must take the exit door and give way for other people. We’ve seen people here, after being governor, who went back to become local government chairmen. That’s not what we are here for. We are not cut out for those kinds of things.”

The governor, who used the opportunity to explain his reasons for visiting Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Sokoto Correctional Center, said, “The second point is about Nnamdi Kanu. And I don’t want to put this matter in the public space so that it doesn’t derail the discussions that we are having.

“The truth about it is that exactly 24 months ago, I opened up discussions at the highest level on Nnamdi Kanu.

“And going to see him is the right thing to do, because he comes from my state. In fact, he comes from this local government (Umuahia North – the state capital).

“And there are always different ways to solve a problem. I don’t believe that the way to solve a problem is to ignore it. And I had written extensively, even about Nnamdi Kanu and Operation Python Dance, I think in 2017 or 2018. And I condemned it.

“And I still condemn it. I cannot vouch for some of the recordings that the gentleman put in his video, where he said Nnamdi Kanu called for mutiny. I don’t know about that!. “But then, I do know that two wrongs do not make a right,” the governor explained.

Governor Otti insisted that he knows that when an issue has been approached from the legal point of view, there is also another window, called “the administrative point of view”.

“I’m not a lawyer. And if the judiciary says the man has been sentenced to life imprisonment, that is certainly not the end. Because that’s the court of first instance, there’s still an opportunity to appeal, and then an opportunity to even go to the Supreme Court.

“But what we are trying to do is to intervene. I’m not a supporter of the disintegration of Nigeria.

“So my position is that it would be insensitive of me to sit here and say one of our own who has been convicted should die when we have an opportunity to discuss, negotiate, and sue for peace. Even people convicted to death can be pardoned. That’s what I’m working on. It has nothing to do with nonexistent presidential ambition. Everything is not politics,” Otti said.

The post I’ll retire from politics after my tenure as gov – Otti appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Ademola Stephen Gbenle, a Nigerian philanthropist based in the United States of America (USA), gave out food items to over 700 vulnerable families in Kwara State on Saturday.

The Chairman of Peter and Deborah Foundation distributed relief materials, including ₦10,000 in cash to each beneficiary, to cushion the effects of the prevailing economic hardship in the country.

According to his immediate family members, the intervention was part of the foundation’s annual humanitarian outreach to support indigent households during the yuletide.

Speaking at the event, Gbenle urged governments at all levels to collaborate with credible non-governmental organisations to better address and alleviate the needs of vulnerable citizens.

Represented by Prince Akin Arowolo, Gbenle, who lamented the increasing hardship faced by Nigerians, stressed that partnerships with grassroots organisations would always enable government interventions to reach the people effectively.
He said, “If governments collaborate with credible grassroots organisations like ours to ameliorate the suffering of the people, more will be done.”

He said that the outreach was meant to give back to society and allow vulnerable families to experience some relief during the festive period.

According to him, the annual food distribution programme, now in its 10th year, has continued to expand in scope, with 700 beneficiaries selected this year from different parts of the state.

“Out of the 700 beneficiaries, 250 were selected from my hometown, Ahun, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, while others were drawn from different backgrounds and communities, cutting across religious lines,” he added.
Gbenle noted that civil society organisations often have closer ties with communities and a better understanding of their needs, underscoring the importance of government-NGO collaboration in social intervention efforts.

Gbenle’s aunt, Mrs. Aishat Ibraheem, described the philanthropist as deeply committed to giving back to society, attributing his generosity to values instilled by his parents.

“He experienced hardship while growing up and understands the importance of supporting others. This gesture, which he has sustained for 10 years, is in memory of his parents and reflects the values they taught him,” she said.
Also speaking, a community leader in Ahun, Mr. James Olaniyu Dada, described the foundation as a major source of relief to residents, noting that the scale of the intervention deserved commendation.

“Imagine someone feeding 700 families and also giving them money at this time. Such a gesture should be encouraged,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Abdulsalam Taiwo Oladosu, praised the foundation and called on other affluent individuals to emulate the initiative.

“If more well-to-do individuals remember and support the less privileged, the suffering in the land will be greatly reduced,” he said.

Items distributed to beneficiaries included bags of rice, beans, semovita, groundnut oil, and a cash support of ₦10,000 each.

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A United Kingdom-based Educational Consultant, Benson Adeeso, has unveiled plans to triple the admission of Nigerians into foreign universities in 2026.

Adeeso, who spoke to journalists on Saturday in Lagos, said more than 80 students were recruited into Universities abroad via his company between January 2025 and December 2025.

The Consultant noted that they are Students of universities in the United Kingdom (UK), New Zealand, Ireland, America, Canada and Switzerland.

“The projection we have for 2026 is to recruit three times more than we did in 2025. We have been able to recruit about 80 students between January and now. We have two intakes in a year – May and September.

“We actually gave admissions to these students in different countries of the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Ireland, America, Canada and Switzerland”, he said.

While touching on the importance of schooling abroad, Adeeso said the educational system is uninterrupted and certificates issued internationally recognised.

He cited the instance of some universities in the United Kingdom not trusting certificates from Nigerian Universities.

The Expert, therefore, urged the Minister of Education to ensure that the educational system is uninterrupted by any strike action and ensure that a page is taken from the playbook of universities abroad for recognised certificates internationally.

He noted that the consequences of strike action are enormous for the students, ranging from lack of concentration to discouragement from going to the University.

“Having a sound education cannot but be overemphasised. You will be able to know your left from your right if you are educated. You will be able to defend yourself, bearing in mind the rules and regulations.

“Schooling abroad is good because you can actually finish within three years. And then, if you want to return home, you can start your life or you want to stay. What is important is that you have a degree that is internationally recognised.

“Some of the Universities that I have worked with in the UK do not have confidence in the certificates we bring from Nigeria. I dont know why, but it is not for me to answer.

“I would urge the Education Minister to adopt the good practice obtainable in the UK, for example. There should be nothing like the Strike Nora demonstration.

“The consequences of strike action are enormous for the students. The Students won’t be able to graduate when they are supposed to. There will be a lack of concentration. It discourages a lot of students from going to the University.” Adeeso stated.

On the importance of education, Benson said it is a basic necessity for every person, as it guides one’s directional path and equips one with defensive skills.

The Expert advised young adults not to be discouraged from educational pursuits, assuring them pay day in and day out.

“Education is a basic necessity for every person. You will be able to know your left from your right if you are educated. You will be able to defend yourself, bearing in mind the rules and regulations.

“I would encourage every young adult out there to strive on and follow up till the end.” The Expert stated.

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed the safe release of eleven personnel of the Nigerian Air Force who were temporarily detained in Burkina Faso following an emergency aircraft landing.

The confirmation was made in a press release issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who announced that the officers arrived safely in Accra, Ghana, on Friday, 19 December 2025, aboard a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft.

According to the Minister, the personnel had been held briefly after the aircraft made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso.

READ ALSO:

He explained that sustained diplomatic engagement and peaceful dialogue between the Nigerian government and the authorities in Burkina Faso led to an amicable resolution, resulting in the release of the officers and clearance of the aircraft for onward movement.

On arrival in Accra, the Nigerian Air Force personnel were received by Ghana’s Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States, Colonel Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, who represented the President of Ghana.

Officials of the Nigeria High Commission in Accra and senior officers of the Ghana Air Force were also present to welcome the officers, who were hosted by their Ghanaian counterparts.

Ambassador Tuggar disclosed that the personnel are scheduled to depart Accra for Portugal on Saturday, 20 December 2025.

The Minister expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the Governments of Burkina Faso and Ghana for their cooperation, noting that the outcome reflects the strength of diplomatic engagement and regional cooperation.

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A video showing members of the First Evangelical Church Winning All Church (ECWA) abducted by suspected bandits in Kogi State has surfaced online, heightening fears over the fate of the victims.

The 38-second footage, shared by an online platform, Egbe Mekun Parrot, showed several frail-looking elderly persons and young children standing in what appeared to be a forest, believed to be a bandits’ hideout.

Naija News recalls that the victims were abducted during a deadly attack on the Aiyetoro Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of the state on Sunday, December 14, 2025.

The assailants stormed the community during a peaceful Sunday worship service at the First ECWA Church and the Apostolic Church, killing a seminary graduate and abducting no fewer than 37 worshippers.

The deceased, identified as Student Pastor Jimoh Adeyemi, popularly known as J.J., was said to have recently returned to the community after completing his seminary training.

“The attackers surrounded the community and targeted worshippers at the churches, taking advantage of the peaceful gathering,” one of the sources who spoke with SaharaReporters disclosed.

According to eyewitness accounts, while some worshippers managed to hide inside the Apostolic Church, many others, particularly children and elderly members, were unable to escape.

“Children who couldn’t escape were abducted. Among the kidnapped victims were more than 10 elderly people who were over 70 years of age and over 12 children ranging from three to eight years old,” the source added.

Two other residents were reportedly injured during the raid.

Residents described the attack as brazen, saying the bandits operated freely in the community for several hours without resistance.

Eyewitnesses said some of the captives were even forced to return to their homes to collect ransom money before being taken away by the attackers. Community members lamented that the scale and coordination of the attack were unprecedented in the area.

Watch the video below.

Naija News reports that the latest incident is the third major bandit attack on Aiyetoro Kiri in 2025, residents said.

On March 27, five persons were abducted and held captive for over four months before regaining their freedom on July 12 after ransom was paid.

Another attack occurred on November 26, when one person was killed and petroleum products were seized as bandits passed through the village.

Residents believe the community has become vulnerable because it lies along what they described as a strategic route linking bandits’ hideouts.

List of Kidnapped Worshippers

Some of the abducted victims were identified as Elder Abraham Obagbemi, Elder Thomas Tolufashe, Elder David Omonaiye, Mr David Solomon, Mr Joseph Jeremiah, Mrs Alice Atteh, Mrs Esther Atteh, Mrs Mary Adebayo, Mrs Esther Braimoh and Rebecca Daniel.

Others include Mrs Funmilayo Peter, Mrs Rachael Oshe, Mrs Abigail Oshe, Tobi Owonibi, James Bello Adebayo, Bosede Samuel, Mrs Elesho, Pamilerin Atteh, Daniel Atteh, and several unnamed children belonging to Ojo Oloruntoba, Mrs Funmi, Mrs Tobi and Mr Tuesday Adebayo.

On December 15, sources said the bandits contacted the community, demanding government attention and insisting on negotiating directly with authorities rather than the victims’ families.

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• A TikTok creator, @Lolo247maxy, has gone viral after realizing her wig had mysteriously disappeared while trying to film a beauty video in a car.
• The unexpected moment, captured on camera alongside her sister’s shocked reaction, sparked laughter online, with mixed reactions ranging from amusement to accusations of clout-chasing.

A viral TikTok video shared by @Lolo247maxy has captured a hilarious and bewildering moment when her wig completely disappeared from her head without her realizing it.

The clip, which has already amassed over 700,000 views, shows the moment of realization while she was sitting in a vehicle with her sister.

The lady intended to record a beauty video but was met with the shock of seeing her own natural hair underneath. Her sister can be heard in the background reacting with equal parts shock and amusement. Reflecting on the mysterious disappearance, the creator captioned the video:

”Took my phone to make a beauty video and realized my wig was gone. My wig was gone. Don’t even know where and how. Maybe this is a sign.”

See some of tyhe recations below:

While some users accused the pair of faking the incident for clout, the creator defended the authenticity of the moment, stating, “You can imagine people saying I’m faking it. The other lady is my sister and the shock hits us.”

Followers flooded the comment section with humorous takes on the situation:

@Nompumelelo Makhanya: “Ewoooom… That needs to be sound please abeg.”

@__star: “The ewoo make me burst laugh eh! 😂😂”

@NRC_23: “The fastest reflex ever discovered by the world. 😌”

@khaidakidofficial: “HEY! MY HAIR! 😭😭😭😭 I’m sorry for how bad I cackled.”

In other news…. Nollywood actor and filmmaker Sammylee Nnamdi has officially taken a step into married life, earning a spot among celebrities who recently tied the knot.

The actor celebrated his traditional marriage in a vibrant and well-attended ceremony held on Monday, December 16, 2025, followed by a white wedding that formally sealed the union.

The joyous occasion turned into a mini Nollywood reunion, as several stars from the Nigerian film industry arrived in style to celebrate with the couple. Photos and videos from the event captured the lively atmosphere and strong show of support from colleagues.

Popular actresses Lizzy Gold, Mercy Johnson, Ekene Umenwa, and Destiny Etiko were among the notable faces present at the ceremony.

Following the wedding, one of the actresses shared a touching video highlighting a fun moment on the dance floor with Sammylee. The clip also showed her spraying the groom with bundles of cash, drawing a broad smile from his face as he enjoyed the celebration.

Captioning the video, Destiny Etiko wrote:

“Still celebrating my beloved brother and colleague @officialsammyleennamdi. We had so much fun. Your home is blessed, bro. Tell me why Ekene and Lizzy no gree me drink. Bikonu, they said my head no strong. Wetin be this?”

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A male student, Master Ikechukwu Ifechukwu has emerged winner of a Cooking Competition Anambra State.

The emergence of Ifechukwu, a student of St Charles College, Onitsha, who represented Onitsha zone, came as a shock to many who were at the grand finale of the event held in Awka.

The participants were assessed based on proper hygiene, food taste, dishing and service manner.

They were given the opportunity to choose their recipe and several delicacies, and prepare them from start to finish within a time-lag of one hour, twenty minutes.

Ifechukwu defeated female contestants from schools in Aguata and Nnewi zones, who emerged 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Speaking during the event, the Anambra First Lady, Dr Soludo explained that the competition came as a way to correct an observed anomaly where young people are unable to prepare healthy meals.

Expressing delight at the outcome of the competition, she stressed the need for parents not to seclude any home chore for a particular sex, urging them to provide their children the same training and opportunity to ensure that they develop at an equal pace.

This, she noted, will also help them live independent lives without total dependence on others.

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The Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army has issued a stern warning to terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, declaring that no part of its operational area will be allowed to serve as a safe haven in 2026.

The brigade said it would maintain a high level of operational readiness and deal decisively with any threats to security within the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.

The warning was issued on Saturday by the Commander, Guards Brigade, Brigadier-General Adebisi Onasanya, during the annual ascent of Aso Rock in Abuja, an exercise that marked the conclusion of the formation’s training activities for the year.

Onasanya described 2025 as a particularly demanding year for the brigade, noting that beyond its traditional responsibility of protecting the President, the formation recorded increased operational engagements across the FCT and neighbouring areas.

According to him, the brigade carried out several clearance operations in locations identified as crime-prone, leading to arrests, recovery of weapons and the neutralisation of bandits.

“At the beginning of the year, we had a lot of bandits lurking around. We carried out a series of clearance operations from Bwari to Abaji, Gwagwalada and parts of Niger State,” the commander said.

“We made a lot of arrests, recovered weapons and neutralised several bandits.”

The brigade commander said criminal elements who attempted to foment trouble within the FCT were apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the law.

He stressed that the formation remained resolute in preventing criminal activities from taking root within its area of responsibility.

Onasanya attributed the successes recorded during the year to sustained collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services, as well as support from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force.

He noted that inter-agency cooperation had continued to strengthen security operations within Abuja and its surrounding areas.

Commending officers and soldiers of the Guards Brigade, Onasanya said the formation recorded no issues relating to discipline or commitment among its personnel throughout the year.

He praised the troops for their dedication and professionalism, describing their performance as commendable.

The commander urged the troops not to relent, stressing that the coming year would require even greater commitment, especially in line with the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in the security sector.

“We have another year ahead of us. As we go into 2026, we must be even more committed,” he said.

“In line with the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in the security sector, we must ensure we give our full support. As Guards Brigade, we are always ready and loyal to commit ourselves to the best of our ability.”

Looking ahead, Onasanya assured residents of Abuja and its environs that the Guards Brigade would continue to maintain a high level of operational readiness.

“No stone will be left unturned. Any bandits or criminals who think they can use our area of responsibility as a safe haven will not find it easy,” he said.

The Guards Brigade is responsible for the protection of the President and critical national assets within the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas.

The latest warning underscores the brigade’s resolve to rid its area of responsibility of criminal activities and ensure a safer Abuja in 2026.

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