The Edo State Government has reiterated its commitment to the safety and welfare of residents following a petrol tanker fire incident in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state, which left several persons injured.

In a statement signed and issued on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Ebojele Akhere Patrick, the state government disclosed that a high-powered delegation had been dispatched to the affected community and hospitals where victims are receiving treatment.

The delegation, led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mallam Gani Audu, visited the scene of the inferno as well as Auchi General Hospital and Amazing Grace Hospital, where victims were admitted, on the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Audu said the governor mandated that the team immediately proceed to Auchi to sympathise with the community and conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the incident.

“We were given a clear mandate by the governor when we heard of this incident on the 17th of December that we should come to Auchi immediately to show solidarity and sympathise with the Auchi community and the victims,” he said.

“We are here on the directive of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to assess exactly what happened.”

The Chief of Staff explained that although the governor would have personally visited the area, he was unavoidably engaged in Abuja on state matters.

According to him, the constitution of a strong delegation underscores the responsiveness of the administration.

“When you have the Chief of Staff, the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, the Chief Whip of the Edo State House of Assembly, the Director-General of EdoSEMA and officials of NEMA, you can see that this is a responsible and responsive government that cares about the people,” Audu added.

He noted that the delegation had gathered first-hand information from the scene and the hospitals, assuring that a detailed report would be submitted to the governor to guide long-term preventive measures.

“We thank God that no life was lost. We now have first-hand information and will report back to the governor so that measures can be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future,” he said.

Naija News reports that the Director-General of the Edo State Fire Service revealed that Auchi currently has no functional fire station, a situation he said the government was already addressing.

“There is already an assurance from the governor that by January next year, Auchi will have a fire station with fire trucks. This is a highly populated business area and it deserves a fire station,” he stated.

The Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon. Festus Ebea, attributed the incident partly to the poor condition of the Auchi–Okene expressway linking Jattu Junction.

“The undulating nature of this road is dangerous. We need urgent remedial work to avert future occurrences. From past records, several trailers have missed their way here,” he said.

Ebea assured that the state government would take responsibility for victims still receiving treatment.

The commissioner also warned residents against scooping fuel from fallen tankers, describing the practice as extremely dangerous.

“PMS is highly flammable. Anywhere you see fuel flowing, run away fast. Even a minor static force can ignite fire. This is strong advice to everyone,” he cautioned.

The Head of the Edo State Emergency Management Agency, Jerry Idahosa, disclosed that 25 persons were affected by the incident.

He said 16 of the victims were still undergoing treatment at Auchi General Hospital and Amazing Grace Hospital.

“Some shops were destroyed, four trucks were affected, and a few motorbikes were also burnt,” Idahosa added.

The Chief Whip of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Hussein Mustafa Lecky, sympathised with the people of his constituency and appealed to both the state and Federal Government to urgently fix the Auchi–Okene road.

He described Jattu Junction as a critical entry point to many communities in Etsako.

Similarly, the Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Area thanked the governor for his swift intervention, recalling a similar past incident where victims were compensated.

“Since the day of this incident, the government has been here. I believe His Excellency will also take care of the affected persons this time,” he said.

Victims and eyewitnesses, who spoke from their hospital beds, narrated their experiences, while officials of the National Emergency Management Agency were also present during the assessment.

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• Nancy Isime marked her 34th birthday by co
• mmissioning a new playground for pupils of Methodist Primary School, Ikorodu. As part of the celebration, she hosted an end-of-year party for the students and staff, highlighting her passion for children’s development, outdoor play, and creativity.
• The actress described the gesture as deeply personal, noting that playgrounds and libraries shaped her own childhood.

Nollywood actress Nancy Isime has touched many hearts by commissioning a new playground for the pupils of Methodist Primary School, Ikorodu. The philanthropic gesture was part of her 34th birthday celebration, which she spent hosting an end-of-year party for the students and staff.

Reflecting on her tradition of celebrating with children, Isime explained that playgrounds and libraries hold a special place in her heart. “As a child, reading and playing were my absolute favourite things to do, and you’d definitely find me in the play area, swinging and sliding my young stress away,” she shared.

The actress emphasized the importance of physical activity for children, stating, “I truly believe that it’s essential for children to have less screen time and more time outside, playing and creating.” After officially opening the area “in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost,” the actress was even seen joining the children on the dance floor.

Isime, who recently bid farewell to what she described as a “transitional” 33rd year, expressed her joy in seeing the children’s excitement: “I just know they’re going to create the best memories there together.”

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The Jigawa State Police Command has launched a statewide Crime-Free Christmas Campaign to encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Shiisu Lawan Adam, and issued to newsmen.

According to the statement, “The Jigawa State Police Command has successfully conducted a one-day nationwide Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), tagged the Crime-Free Christmas Campaign/Sensitisation.”

He said the campaign is part of proactive measures to ensure peaceful, safe, and crime-free Christmas and New Year festivities across the state.

He explained that the campaign was carried out simultaneously across all Divisional Police Headquarters in the state, following a directive by the Commissioner of Police.

The Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Dahiru Muhammad, however, directed all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to mobilise critical stakeholders within their areas of responsibility and sensitise them on the dangers and consequences of social vices and criminal activities.

He said key areas of focus during the sensitisation included cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, vandalism, mob action, alleged witchcraft practices, footprint tracing, gender-based violence, and other related social vices capable of threatening public peace and security.

The Jigawa State Police Command reiterated its commitment to community-oriented policing and called on parents, guardians, religious leaders, traditional leaders, youths, civil society organisations, the media, and the general public to support the command in its ongoing efforts to fight criminality and promote peace, justice, and lawful conduct.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through established emergency communication channels.

The command assured the people of Jigawa State of adequate security deployment throughout the festive period and beyond.

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Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has accused the federal government of Nigeria of making decisions that leave a lot of questions unanswered.

According to Peter Obi, the government is fast losing the trust of the people.

He demanded more accountability, transparency and respect for the rule of law from the government.

The former Anambra State Governor, in a post on Saturday via his 𝕏 account, submitted that there are discrepancies between laws passed by the legislature and what was ultimately published as law by the executive.

He lamented that with the current developments, the government has moved beyond budget padding to forging laws.

Specifically, Obi mentioned that the executive is introducing new enforcement and coercive powers that the House of Representatives never approved.

Naija News understands Obi spoke against the backdrop of the allegations raised by House of Representatives member, Abdulsammad Dasuki, about discrepancies between tax reform laws passed by the National Assembly and the versions that were officially published by the executive arm.

The tax reform laws, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, are the National Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act and the Nigeria Tax Act.

The former presidential candidate, in his post on 𝕏, stressed that Nigerians need to understand what was signed, what was passed, and what was formally recorded, adding that the government cannot continue to ask citizens to pay more taxes while trust in governance collapses.

He wrote, “Our national shame continues to unfold, evident in the decisions made by our leaders, even at the highest levels of government. This shame is highlighted by a deeply troubling—and frankly unacceptable—issue: the documented discrepancies between what the legislature passed and what was ultimately published as law by the executive. This is not merely an administrative oversight; it is a serious matter that strikes at the core of constitutional governance and reveals the extent of our institutional decay.

“We have transitioned from a Nigeria where budgets are padded to one where laws are forged—changes that impact taxpayers’ rights and, most importantly, access to justice.

“Even more alarming is the introduction of new enforcement and coercive powers that the House of Representatives never approved. These include an outrageous requirement for a mandatory 20% deposit before appeals can be heard in court, asset sales without judicial oversight, and the granting of arrest powers to tax authorities.

“Perhaps most disturbing is the silence of the Presidency on a matter involving allegations of forgery, institutional sabotage, and abuse of process. Who made these alterations?

“All of this must be made public. Nigerians need to understand what was signed, what was passed, and what was formally recorded. We cannot continue to ask citizens to pay more taxes while trust in governance collapses.

“We need leadership that follows due process, embraces transparency and accountability, and respects the rule of law. No nation can thrive where laws are forged and silence replaces leadership.

“A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO”

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Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that the nation’s quest for the attainment of virile democracy will be a mirage unless the doctrine of fiscal federalism as entrenched in the constitution was adhered to.

Makinde made this assertion in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, during the launch of a Book titled “The Seyi Makinde Story, A testament to vision, courage and leadership” to mark his birthday, written by Chief Ali Obasi Odefa.

He reiterated that the nation must allow all voices to be heard, pointing out that one important issue the nation was currently facing was that of federation.

The erudite politician emphasised that the Igbos have a role to play in nurturing the nation on the part of true federalism.

Makinde recalled that Nigeria was negotiated as a federation, stating “how can we stay through to what was negotiated to us by practising federalism” he queried.

“Am calling on our brothers/sisters on this occasion of my 58th birthday, to play the same role and make the political environment competitive.

In a speech, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, represented by his deputy, Princess Patricia Obila, extolled the leadership qualities of Governor Makinde for institutionalising good governance in Oyo State.

“Today we are here to launch a Book on Makinde and to celebrate his birthday. The book itself is a compendium of wisdom and experience”

“We are proud of Makinde in terms of delivery of good governance/infrastructure, if we have 80 percent of Governors like Makinde, the country will fare better”

In a remark, the author of the Book, Chief Ali Odefa Obasi, described Governor Makinde as a highly detribalized Nigerian.

“We are honouring Makinde to show appreciation and thank him for what he has done for us ”

Earlier, while delivering a lecture titled “2025 Birthday lecture in honour of Governor Makinde, Igbo Culture of Nwanne Di Na Mba”, Senator Ben Obi urged the government to incorporate the concept in order to foster a sense of unity and close ties.

“Adoption of the culture of Nwanne Di Na Mba will wittle down hostility among various nationalities in the country”

Reviewing the book, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ikwo, Dr John Otu, reiterated that the Book portrayed Governor Makinde as a good man with a garment of love for education and an innovative security approach.

The event had in attendance the Chairman Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Adolphus Wagbara, the wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Olufunke Makinde, the deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai, a representative of Mr Peter Obi and members of the Ebonyi State Executive Counci.

Others include members of the National Executive Council of PDP, the wife of the former Governor of Ebonyi State, Mrs Eunice Ukamaka Egwu, members of the Yoruba community in Ebonyi State, leaders of Thought and stakeholders, among others.

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• Abia State Governor Alex Otti has ruled out any ambition for the presidency, vice presidency, or the Senate in 2027, stating that he will retire from active politics after completing his tenure as governor.
• Speaking in Umuahia, Otti dismissed claims that his recent visit to Nnamdi Kanu was politically motivated, stressing that his political involvement is mission-driven and not about lifelong office-holding.
• He emphasized his intention to step aside for younger leaders once his mandate is fulfilled.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced that he will retire from active politics once he completes his tenure. Speaking Friday at the Government House in Umuahia, Otti dismissed rumors that he is seeking higher office, including the presidency or a seat in the Senate.

The Governor’s statement was a response to a viral video criticizing his recent visit to Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre. The critic alleged that the visit was a strategic move to build political capital for a future presidential run.

Addressing the speculation, Otti defended the right to free speech while clarifying his stance:

“In the first place, that is the beauty of democracy. So people should hold their opinions, and we respect people’s opinions. And the fact that you hold a different opinion does not mean you are right.”

He was emphatic about his lack of interest in remaining in the political spotlight after his time as governor ends:

“By the time I am done with governorship, I will retire. So I do not have presidential ambition, nor vice-presidential ambition. I also do not have senatorial ambition when I finish with the governorship.”

Governor Otti explained that his entry into politics was mission-driven and that he intends to pave the way for a new generation once his work is complete:

“I came on a mission, and when I deliver that mission, I will give way for younger people. So he was talking of the Igbo presidency. I do not even understand what that means… the assumption has collapsed, because he will not see me on the ballot.”

Otti concluded by noting that he believes leaders should know when to take the “exit door” rather than jumping from one political office to another.

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The Ekiti State Government on Friday announced the dismissal of the surgeon, who led the surgical operation on a patient whose kidneys were removed, from the service of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) with immediate effect.

The government also suspended other members of the surgical team for one month, pending further administrative review.

This followed the submission of the reports of the seven-member panel to the state Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Oyebanji Filani.

The panel, chaired by Francis Faduyile, a professor, was constituted 11 days ago to investigate the claim made by a patient, Joshua Afolayan, regarding a surgical procedure he underwent at EKSUTH.

Mr Filani said in a statement that the government approved the recommendation of the panel to dismiss the surgeon, whose name he did not disclose.

He said, “Upon careful review of the report and its recommendations, the Ekiti State Government has approved the following actions:

“That the surgeon who had primary responsibility for the surgery is to be dismissed from the service of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) with immediate effect.

“All members of the surgical team present in the theatre on the day of the operation are to be suspended from duty for a period of one month, pending further administrative review.

“The Ekiti State Government will bear the full cost of a new kidney transplant for Mr. Joshua Afolayan and will also take responsibility for his post-transplant care and transplant-related medical maintenance for a period of two years.

“In line with the recommendations of the Panel, a comprehensive reorganisation of relevant departments within EKSUTH will be undertaken to strengthen clinical governance, accountability, and patient safety.”

READ ALSO: ‘How alleged negligence at EKSUTH contributed to Ekiti APC chairman’s death’

The commissioner said that while the government continues to stand firmly behind the many dedicated and hardworking health professionals at EKSUTH and acknowledges their sacrifices and commitment to service, it would not hesitate to take decisive action where professional standards are breached.

“The government remains resolute in its commitment to protecting patients, upholding ethical and professional standards in healthcare delivery, and restoring and sustaining public confidence in the Ekiti State health system.

“Necessary reforms will be pursued to ensure that incidents of this nature do not recur and that EKSUTH continues to serve as a centre of excellence in patient care.

“We thank the people of Ekiti State for their patience, and trust, and we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to continued improvement in quality health care, compassion, and responsible governance,” he said.

Organ harvesting is a growing menace in Nigeria and across the world. Perpetrators have been found to target the organs of the dead and the living, prompting many countries to strengthen their laws to address gaps in their legal framework.

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December 20, 2025December 20, 2025

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The Lagos Region of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has successfully commissioned a new 300MVA power transformer installed at its 330/132/33kV Lekki Transmission Substation, Lagos State on December 19, 2025.

This is contained in a statement signed by Ndidi Mbah, General Manager (GM), Public Affairs on Saturday.
The 300MVA power transformer increased the capacity of the substation from 300MVA to 600MVA at the 330kV side. This allows for more load on the 132kV side with redundancy and reliability during maintenance and planned outages.

This equally means more bulk power available for Eko Electricity Distribution Company to off-take to its customers in Lekki, Chevron Estate, Maroko, Agungi, and environs.

This project is part of the ongoing TCN-World Bank power projects aimed at enhancing power supply in Nigeria.

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• A Nigerian lady showed the message she received from her friend, who was complaining about being in a relationship
• She posted the screenshot of their chat, showing what her friend wished for, and it caught people’s attention online
• The screenshot went viral, and netizens shared their observations about what the lady’s friend said, sparking reactions

A Nigerian lady received an unexpected message from her friend, who was complaining about being in a relationship.

She and her friend were discussing relationships, and she decided to post their chat online.

A lady gets an unexpected message from her friend having relationship issues. Photo: @that_girlkarina
Source: TikTok

In a TikTok post by @that_girlkarina, the lady’s friend shared how marriage was deeper that what people taught.

She also shared what she would do, as she wished that the government would sign a new law regarding relationships.

See the chat below:

A lady shows chat from her friend who was tired of relationship. Photo: @that_girlkarina
Source: TikTok

She captioned the post:

“Sometimes you just gotta read your homegirl text and move on with your day. The last part.”

Read also

Nigerian lady tells mother she’s working out, posts her unexpected epic response: “Very hurtful”

See the TikTok post below:

Reactions trail lady’s friend’s message about relationship

@juan_ita said:

“I honestly don’t see anything wrong in marrying a friend tho. Not for sexual reasons but for lifetime companionship. Y’all still have your freedom to date whoever you want but we all know men will fail us one day but your home girl will be there for life. Just my opinion tho.”

@A! said:

“She’s too realll. I used to pray that I will marry once and marry right but now if it doesn’t work, i carry my bag and move.”

@Joie!! said:

“I don’t agree to this …… but it is my wish… everybody marry your home girls instead.”

@Betty butterrr said:

“And that’s on period abeg. Na my own hg go Dey cook for me, cuz I can’t think of cooking different things everyday abeg.”

@amara_devine said:

“Lol she’s so real. It’s not by “ours will be different “ you just never know, anything wey you see for your marriage take am.”

Read also

Abroad-based mum shares why she left her children in Nigeria and relocated to China, many react

@𝕺𝖑𝖆𝖒𝖎𝖕𝖔𝖘𝖎 said:

“Make government approve fast abeg this love of a thing don tire person jare na to marry my hg asap no time.”

@HADASSAH said:

“Omo this is deep ooo.”

@Bami said:

“I dey reason am some times if government say you can marry your fellows gender omo eh@Veemoney you for don born for me self these men eh.”

@BangOntrend With Kitan said:

“Na true she talk sha because relationship is becoming draining and something else.”

In related stories, a customer posted the message he got from his customer, while a businesswoman displayed the unexpected message she received from her client’s boyfriend.

US-based Lady posts message from Nigerian uncle

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a US-based lady asked her uncle to sponsor her trip to Nigeria after telling him that she had seen an affordable ticket.

She posted her uncle’s reaction on social media, as he gave her a response that she was not expecting while reminding her of the past.

The screenshot of the messages caught people’s attention as some agreed with the uncle while others sided with the lady.

Source: Legit.ng

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An awkward moment played out at the Presidential Villa on Thursday night after Nigeria’s old national anthem was mistakenly played during the All Progressives Congress (APC) national caucus meeting in Abuja.

The incident happened at the banquet hall of the State House, where top party leaders had gathered for the high-level meeting.

Confusion as Band Plays Old Anthem

As protocol demanded the rendition of the national anthem, the band unexpectedly began with “Arise, O Compatriots,” Nigeria’s former anthem.

President Bola AhmedTinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas were already seated when the music started.

They stood briefly, appearing confused as the wrong anthem echoed across the hall.

Quick Correction by the Band

Realising the mistake, the musicians quickly stopped midway and switched to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” the anthem recently reinstated by the Tinubu administration.

The brief mix-up was corrected within seconds, allowing the meeting to proceed without further disruption.

Why “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” Returned

On May 29, President Tinubu signed a bill restoring “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the country’s national anthem.

The anthem was originally used between 1960 and 1988 before it was replaced by “Arise, O Compatriots,” which remained in use from 1978 until early 2024.

First Caucus Meeting Under New APC Chairman

Thursday’s gathering was historic as it marked the first APC national caucus meeting chaired by the party’s new national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

Several governors who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC were also present at the meeting.

Defected Governors in Attendance

Governors who attended include Peter Mbah (Enugu), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and Douye Diri (Bayelsa).

The presence of the defectors highlighted the APC’s growing influence ahead of the 2027 general election.

Other Top Political Figures Present

Other dignitaries at the meeting included former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, members of the APC National Working Committee, APC governors, and principal officers of the National Assembly.

See below;

APC National CAUCUS MEETING….

You have to respond the leadership acumen of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR @officialABAT. pic.twitter.com/4NDoXLTLZZ

— Amb. Pst Okezie Atañi (@Onsogbu) December 19, 2025

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