NIGERIA NEWS
U.S-based philanthropist feeds 700 families in Kwara
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.
President Bola Tinubu on Saturday arrived Bauchi to condole government and family members of the renowned Islamic scholar, late Dahiru Usman-Bauchi.
Dahiru, the leader of Tijjaniyya Brotherhood in Nigeria, died on Nov. 27.
Tinubu landed at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport at about 4:10 PM, and greeted with Guard of Honour salute by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
He was accompanied by Gov. Mai Mala-Buni of Yobe, Speaker House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, his son Seyi Tinubu, among others.
Tinubu was received by Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health, Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Sen. Shehu Buba (APC – Bauchi South).
The President is expected to fly to Lagos after the condolence visit to spend the upcoming end-of-year holidays.
Dahiru Bauchi, 98, died on Nov. 27 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBU – TH), Bauchi, and buried on Friday, Nov. 28 in accordance with Islamic rites.
The revered scholar, also a recipient of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), was regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential Islamic scholars and celebrated for his vast knowledge, spiritual guidance and lifelong commitment to Islamic propagation.
Born in 1927 in Gombe, Dahiru Bauchi devoted his life to advancing Islamic education, promoting peaceful coexistence and fostering unity in the country.
His teachings focussing on moral discipline, tolerance and adherence to Islamic principles, earned him mass followership and deep respect within and beyond Nigeria.
He played a significant role in community development, mentorship of young scholars and strengthening of religious understanding. (NAN)
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has graduated 1,296 recruits at the Passing Out Parade of Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 45/2025, marking their formal transition into trained airmen and airwomen.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Kaduna on Saturday, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, who was the reviewing officer, described the ceremony as “a defining milestone for both the graduates and the Service.”
The CAS said the graduation reflects the NAF’s deliberate and pragmatic efforts to build capable manpower in fulfilment of its constitutional mandate, particularly in support of ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations nationwide.
Air Marshal Aneke underscored the strategic importance of the Military Training Centre, describing it as the cradle of military excellence in the Nigerian Air Force, in shaping disciplined, professional, and mission-ready personnel.
He noted that the operational effectiveness of the NAF is fundamentally anchored on the quality, discipline, and professionalism of its personnel.
According to him, the discipline enforced during training directly translates into professionalism and operational effectiveness in the field.
The CAS told the recruits that the demanding nature of the training—physically, mentally and collectively—was intentional and necessary to prepare them for the realities of military service, noting that their transformation from civilians into members of the Armed Forces was achieved through a structured and rigorous programme.
The Air Chief charged the new airmen and airwomen to consistently uphold discipline, teamwork, and duty throughout their careers.
The CAS also commended the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Shinkafi, for his oversight of the institution.
He also expressed appreciation to families and loved ones of the new recruits for the support that contributed to their success.
By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate suspension of Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws, alleging that key provisions were altered after the bills were passed by the National Assembly and signed by President Bola Tinubu, raising what the party describes as a serious constitutional crisis.
The opposition party stated that the alleged alterations amount to an executive takeover of the legislative process. It warned that allowing such actions to stand would undermine the principle of separation of powers. The tax laws are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
The call was contained in a statement by the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who accused certain elements in power of inserting provisions that were never approved by lawmakers and of stripping out safeguards meant to protect citizens.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reviewed several reports confirming longstanding concerns that the various tax laws passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu contain substantial forgeries; key provisions that were not part of the original bills approved by the legislature,” Abdullahi said.
According to the party, a forensic comparison of the bills passed by the National Assembly and the versions later gazetted revealed significant discrepancies, including the removal of accountability measures and the insertion of enforcement powers that bypass the courts.
“ADC’s forensic review of the original laws and the gazetted versions has established beyond all doubts that key accountability provisions had been deleted and new provisions inserted which granted coercive powers to the Executive in the enforcement of the tax laws without recourse to the court,” Abdullahi stated.
The ADC described as particularly troubling an alleged clause empowering the federal government to arrest individuals and take over property for non-compliance with the tax laws, insisting that such powers were never contemplated or approved by the legislature.
“For example, one of the criminal insertions into the laws grants the government of Bola Tinubu the express power to arrest and take over the property of anyone who does not comply with the tax laws,” the party noted.
While restating its opposition to taxes it believes would worsen the economic hardship facing Nigerians and businesses, the party said the controversy goes far beyond fiscal policy and speaks to the character and intent of the administration.
“But this issue goes beyond taxation. It speaks to the criminal mindset of a government that has no ethical boundaries, has no regard for democratic institutions and will do anything to pursue its narrow selfish agenda,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC argued that altering a law after its passage by elected representatives amounts to an assault on constitutional governance and reflects what it described as authoritarian tendencies within the executive.
“Altering legislations and gazetting same after they have been passed by 469 elected representatives of the Nigerian people is indeed a direct assault on constitutional governance,” Abdullahi insisted.
Citing the Constitution, the party stressed that only the legislature has the authority to make laws and warned that tolerating post-passage alterations would set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
“To accept that the executive could whimsically insert or remove even a punctuation mark from a piece of legislation after it has been passed by the legislature is to arrogate lawmaking powers on the executive arm of government,” Abdullahi argued.
The ADC therefore demanded the immediate suspension of all the 2025 tax laws signed by President Tinubu to allow the National Assembly carry out a full review. It also called for a public investigation into the alleged alterations and the prosecution of any government official found culpable, describing the matter as one that strikes ‘at the very heart of our democracy.’
The post Who rewrote Nigeria’s tax law? – ADC alleges post-passage changes appeared first on Vanguard News.
Human Rights Activist, Femi Falana, and the family of Nigeria’s number one labour leader, Dr Michael Imoudu, have rejected the offer of N23 million in compensation for the land allegedly taken over by the Lagos State government, which is estimated to be valued at not less than N250 million for a plot.
Falana, in conjunction with another Labour and Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Aborisade, and the Imoudu family, raised their voices at the 20th Posthumous Anniversary of Dr Michael Imoudu on Saturday in Lagos, where the Federal Government, top labour functionaries, veterans, and labour activists were in attendance.
Located around Ojuelegba in the heart of Surulere, they alleged that the state government acquired the land in the public interest to build a bus terminal.
Falana said they rejected the offer “because it is not in line with Section 44 sub-section 1 of the Constitution, which provides that when a compassionate acquisition of anybody’s property, you must pay just and fair compensation. On that basis, we have gone to court.”
He urged the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, to intervene in the matter.
According to him, the government and the family should use the land to build an emolument, such as a labour museum, and name it after the late Pa Imoudu, as he is fondly called.
“We have taken this occasion for the Lagos state government, since they are represented in this hall, to intervene in this matter. For the government, together with the family, to put up a befitting structure in the name of Michael Imoudu to turn it into a labour museum. It is the greatest gift we can offer after him,” he said.
Similarly, speaking on ’20 Years after Pa Michael Imoudu – Personal Reflection: Dr Veronica Omosun-Imoudu, also renewed the appeal of the Imoudu family to Governor Sanwo-Olu to allocate an alternative land for their father’s land in Ojuelegba, stating that they intended to use the land to build a labour museum for Pa Imoudu, “but the state government is offering us a N23 million compensation for a land valued at almost N300 million.
“We had written an appeal to Governor Sanwo-Olu, which was received and stamped in his office on Nov 15, 2024. In it, the Imoudu family had appealed to him for the allocation of an alternative land where we can build the Michael Imoudu Labour Museum,” she said.
Indomie Nigeria has officially clarified the news reports linking its brand, Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour, to a safety alert by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), assuring Nigerians that the affected product is not manufactured, imported, distributed, or sold in the country.
In a statement released on Saturday, Indomie Nigeria explained that the product referenced in the NAFDAC public alert originated from France and was recalled in August 2025 due to the presence of undeclared allergens.
The company stressed that the alert issued by NAFDAC was purely a precautionary measure aimed at safeguarding public health in Nigeria.
According to the company, Indomie Nigeria does not produce or market any noodle variant known as “Vegetable Flavour,” adding that no such product exists within its Nigerian portfolio.
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It further reassured consumers that all Indomie noodles produced locally by Dufil Prima Foods are safe for consumption and manufactured under strict quality control processes in full compliance with NAFDAC regulations.
The company also noted that images and packaging of the product circulating online are inconsistent with Indomie Nigeria’s approved packaging, branding, and labelling standards, warning consumers to treat such products with caution.
Indomie Nigeria emphasized that the importation of noodles into Nigeria is prohibited under Nigerian law, and any noodle product with packaging that differs from approved Indomie Nigeria branding should raise suspicion.
The company urged consumers and media platforms to rely on verified information from official sources and to clearly distinguish between noodles manufactured in Nigeria and those imported from abroad.
Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has called on the US government to reconsider its designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
The former Sokoto Governor made this appeal while responding to questions from journalists in Sokoto.
According to him, the security challenges in Nigeria are not related to any particular religion but are acts of criminality.
“The marauders are not representing any religion; they are common criminals after every single soul that comes across them,” he said.
Tambuwal urged the US government to partner with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the security challenges facing the country.
He emphasized that the issue of insecurity is not about any individual or political party but about Nigeria as a nation.
The senator recounted how governors and stakeholders under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari came together to approve funds for the purchase of Tucano aircraft from the US government.
However, he lamented that the US government did not provide the full components of the Tucano.
Tambuwal appealed to President Donald Trump to look beyond any issues he may have with President Tinubu and consider Nigeria’s plea for help in overcoming security challenges.
“Nigeria and Nigerians are seeking help from our friends across the globe,” he said.
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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has seized 1,396.5kg of narcotics and arrested 150 suspects in Adamawa in December.
Mr Aliyu Abubakar, the Commander of the Agency in Adamawa, disclosed this at a news conference with the theme: “Expose a Drug Dealer Today: Save the Future of Adamawa Youth” on Saturday in Yola.
“In the series of coordinated intelligence driven operations across the state including the Airport, we have recorded landmark success, dismantling drug joints and intercepting deadly consignments, he said.
“We seized 353kg of cannabis sativa, 983 kg of Tramadol and 60.500 kg of other opioids,” he said.
The commander, who gave an account of his stewardship, also said that operatives of the command seized two vehicles linked to alleged drug offences.
Abubakar said that the command recorded six convictions and has 53 pending cases in court; while it counseled and rehabilitated 39 persons arrested for drug abuse.
“Others activities were six War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitisation programmes, secured the forfeiture of valuables worth N163,170 to the Federal Government and the clearing of one hectare of cannabis farmland across some villages in Lamurde, Toungo and Mubi-North LGAs.
“The month of December 2025 has been one of the most intensive and productive operational periods in the recent history of this command.
“We have struck at the very heart of the trade in our state with unprecedented force and precision”, he said.
Abubakar further said that the fight against drug abuse is a collective one and emphasising the need for traditional and religious leaders to complement the efforts of the agency by sensitising their people.
According to him, the successes achieved are direct reflections of the inspirational leadership and vision of retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Marwa, Chairman/Chief Executive of the agency.
“His dynamic, result oriented and no-nonsense leadership philosophy has re-energised the Agency.
“His clear vision of proactive intelligence has provided the template for our operations”, he said.
The commander also appreciated Gov Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa for the donation of two brand-new operational vehicles to the command.
Canadian rapper Drake has reportedly lost ₦296 million after betting on Jake Paul to defeat former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in their much-talked-about boxing fight in Miami.
Naija News reports that the fight took place in the early hours of Saturday, December 21, in the United States, where Anthony Joshua showed clear control from start to finish.
The experienced boxer overpowered Jake Paul and ended the fight with a knockout in the sixth round.
Joshua’s skill and ring awareness made the difference as he sent Paul to the canvas twice in the fifth round.
He followed up with heavy punches in the next round, forcing the referee to stop the contest after Paul failed to recover.
Before the fight, Drake had publicly revealed that he placed a $200,000 bet on Jake Paul through his Instagram page, showing confidence in the YouTuber-turned-boxer ahead of the clash.
He wrote: “Jakeyyyyy boy, lock tf in”
If Paul had won the fight, the rapper was expected to walk away with over $1.6 million, which is more than ₦2 billion.
With Joshua’s victory, Drake’s wager ended in another loss, adding to his long list of unsuccessful sports bets.
Earlier this year, the rapper also reportedly lost ₦451 million after staking money on Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner at the US Open.
- A TikToker has gone viral after showcasing a Mercedes car-shaped house in Delta State.
- The unique building, often featured in Nollywood films, has become a local attraction, drawing admiration and curiosity from Nigerians online.
A Nigerian lady has stirred reactions online after sharing a video of a massive house in Delta State designed to look exactly like a Mercedes-Benz car. The structure, which resembles a giant luxury vehicle from the outside, was shared on TikTok by @preshgallery and quickly caught attention for its unique design.
She revealed that the building is well known among locals and has appeared in several Nollywood movies, making it a popular tourist attraction. Although she was allowed to enter the house, she said she only peeped inside and left due to time constraints and fear of some “ancient pictures” she saw.
The video sparked excitement online, with many Nigerians expressing amazement and curiosity about the famous Mercedes-shaped house.
In other news…..The infamous “Drake Curse” has claimed another victim, as Canadian superstar Drake reportedly lost $200,000 (approximately ₦296 million) betting on Jake Paul to defeat Anthony Joshua.
In the early hours of Saturday, December 20, 2025, Anthony Joshua reasserted his dominance in the heavyweight division, delivering a brutal sixth-round knockout to the YouTuber-turned-boxer at the Kaseya Center in Miami. Joshua’s experience was the clear difference, as he dismantled Paul’s defense and ended the fight with a devastating right hand.
The Losing Wager
Prior to the bout, Drake took to his Instagram story to flaunt his high-stakes bet via the crypto-betting platform Stake. Sharing a screenshot of the wager, he captioned it: “Jakeyyyyy boy, lock tf in.” Had the massive upset occurred, Drake stood to win a staggering $1.64 million (over ₦2.4 billion). Instead, the loss adds to a mounting list of failed sports bets for the rapper.
History of the “Drake Curse”
The loss to Joshua marks another chapter in what fans call the “Drake Curse”—a superstition that any athlete or team the rapper supports is destined to lose. This year alone, Drake has faced significant financial hits:
US Open 2025: Lost $300,000 (₦451 million) after backing Jannik Sinner, who was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
NFL Season: Lost $250,000 backing the Baltimore Ravens against the Buffalo Bills.
Tyson vs. Paul (2024): Lost $355,000 after betting on Mike Tyson to beat Jake Paul.
The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has graduated 1,296 recruits at the Passing Out Parade of Basic Military Training Course, BMTC, 45/2025, held on 20 December 2025, marking their formal transition from civilian life into trained airmen and airwomen of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Reviewing the parade, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the ceremony as “a defining milestone for both the graduates and the Service,” noting that the operational effectiveness of the NAF is fundamentally anchored on the quality, discipline, and professionalism of its personnel.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force in a statement said the CAS noted that the successful completion of the six-month training programme aligns squarely with his Command Philosophy of enhancing and sustaining a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air-power in synergy with surface forces for the realisation of national security objectives.
He emphasised that the graduation reflects the NAF’s deliberate and pragmatic efforts to build capable manpower in fulfilment of its constitutional mandate, particularly in support of ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations nationwide.
Air Marshal Aneke underscored the strategic importance of the Military Training Centre, describing it as the cradle of military excellence in the Nigerian Air Force, in shaping disciplined, professional, and mission-ready personnel.
He noted that the institution remains a critical driver of the Command Philosophy enabler of standardised training and mission-focused capability development, commending the Commandant, instructors, and staff for maintaining high standards throughout the course.
According to him, the discipline enforced during training directly translates into professionalism and operational effectiveness in the field.
He also commended the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Shinkafi, for his oversight of the institution.
Addressing the graduating recruits, the CAS noted that the demanding nature of the training, physically, mentally, and collectively, was intentional and necessary to prepare them for the realities of military service.
He reminded them that their transformation from civilians into members of the Armed Forces was achieved through a structured and rigorous programme and expressed appreciation to their families and loved ones for the support that contributed to their success.
He charged the new airmen and airwomen to consistently uphold discipline, teamwork, and duty throughout their careers.
The CAS further reminded the graduates that they are joining the Service at a time of complex security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and other asymmetric threats.