The federal government on Monday declared 25 and 26 December and 1 January 2026 as public holidays to mark the Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year celebrations.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the announcement in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, in Abuja.

Mr Tunji-Ojo extended warm greetings to Christians in Nigeria and around the world, as well as to Nigerians in general.

He urged Christians to reflect on the virtues of love, peace, humility, and sacrifice exemplified by the birth of Jesus Christ, describing these values as essential for national unity, tolerance, and harmony.

The minister also urged all Nigerians to use the festive season to pray for the country’s peace, security, and continued progress, while supporting government efforts at national development and cohesion.

READ ALSO: Christmas: DHQ tightens security across Nigeria, deploys troops, air assets – Official

“The Christmas season and the New Year present an opportunity for Nigerians to strengthen the bonds of unity, show compassion to one another, and renew our collective commitment to nation-building,” he said.

Mr Tunji-Ojo also enjoined citizens to remain law-abiding, security-conscious and moderate in their celebrations, while cooperating with security agencies to ensure a peaceful festive period.

He wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

(NAN)

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December 22, 2025December 22, 2025

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From Maurice Okafor, Enugu

Anglican Bishops, Priests, the Congregation and Personalities who attended the burial service in honour of late Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe, held at Cathedral Church of St.Mark Isu-Awaa,Awgu local government area,Enugu state,on Friday, December 19th, were thrilled when Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, announced that on behalf of the Ibe Family, they will build build a Cathedral guest hall for the Church, as a way of sustaining the legacy of their late mother,Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe.

Late lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe was married to late Chief Sir Benson Maduabuchukwu Ibe, from Umunevo n’Umuevea of Enugu Isu-Awaa. She died at the ripe age of 90 years. Until her death, She was an ardent member who contributed in the spread of the gospel and growth of the church in Isu-Awaa.

Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe made the promise on behalf of the family,while giving vote of thanks for the special service in honour of their late mother,held on Friday, December 19th at the Church.

Emperor Baywood Ibe appraised the blessings of God upon the entire Ibe farmily, bestowed through their late mother who had ardent and undiluted faith in God.

According to Emperor Baywood, It is God’s blessing that eight of them born by Late Ezinne Eunice Ibe are all alive, amidst the fact that they travel by air, sea and on the land. By God’s grace, her lineage has been endowed with 32 grand Children and Nine grand Children,all of whom are living.

He assured that they will tow the legacies of late Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe of working in God’s vineyard.

He asked for a vital project the leadership of St Marks Cathedral wish to embark on.

He was told that the Cathedral is lacking a guest hall. Emperor Baywood Ibe responded instantly that they should consider it done, promising to lay the Foundation stone of the guest hall very soon.

His words, “I thank you all especially the priests for waiting patiently for us. We were actually hours late but you waited for us.

“We took good care of our father and mother till death. You should join us in thanking God to have given us such wonderful and caring parents.

“We were born eight, four males and four females We have 32 grand Children and Nine great grand children. We are all alive. We travel by air, the sea and on the land. Nothing has happened to any of us. So join us in thanking God.Almighty.

“We shall do everything possibld to continue with our late mother’s legacy of serving God and helping people. It might interest you to know, we commenced her funeral ceremonies with an empowerment programme, as a way of demonstrating her legacy of giving to the poor. Just yesterday (Thursday, December 18th)), the family shared out a total of 1,050 bags of rice, vegetable oil and packets of Maggi, to 50 poor familes,selected from each of the 21 Communities that makes up Awgu local government area.

” Further to that, the Family wish to know what more can be done in the Cathedral.We want to sustain her legacy to the church too,” Emperor Baywood stated.

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• Daniel Uma Ukpai has publicly addressed an alleged funeral announcement of his late father, Rev. Dr Uma Ukpai
• The alleged burial arrangements that surfaced on social media include services across Akwa Ibom and Abia States
• Reactions to Daniel’s post highlight public concern over respect for the family’s privacy, as he shared why the public must await the family’s statement

The son of the late preacher, Rev Uma Ukpai, has reacted to the alleged burial arrangements of his father that surfaced online.

Daniel Uma Ukpai took to his Facebook page to address the alleged funeral announcement of his father, who passed at 80.

Rev Uma Ukpai’s son reacts to father’s alleged burial announcement. Photo: Daniel Uma Ukpai
Source: Facebook

Dr Ukpai, known for his widespread crusades and peculiar way of preaching, was highly loved by his followers.

Though he was confirmed to have died on October 6, his death was only made public on October 13, 2025.

Alleged burial arrangements for Uma Ukpai released

Read also

Primate Ayodele releases 2026 prophecies on Tinubu, Atiku, northern Nigeria, others

In the early hours of December 22, 2025, an alleged funeral announcement was shared by Shekinah Glory TV on Facebook.

The announcement was shared in a Facebook post:

“NOTIFICATION OF THE GLORIOUS TRANSITION OF REV. DR. UMA UKPAI”The family wishes to inform you of the following burial arrangements:“Akwa Ibom State”Sunday, 15th March 2026 (12pm): Medical/Welfare Outreach @ Nkek, Ukanafun LGA, Akwa Ibom State (the first venue where Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai hosted a crusade)”Wednesday, 18th March 2026-(4pm): Celebration Service @ UUEA Fellowship, 4 Lanes, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State”Friday, 20th March 2026-(4pm): Night of Tributes hosted by the Akwa Ibom State Government @ Uyo, Akwa Ibom State”Abia State”Wednesday, 25th March 2026 (10am): Medical/Welfare Outreach @ Asaga, Ohafia LGA, Abia State”Thursday, 26th March 2026 (3pm): Service of Songs @ Ohafia LGA Secretariat, Ohafia, Abia State”Friday, 27th March 2026 (10am): Burial Service and Interment @ Ohafia LGA Secretariat, Ohafia, Abia State”We humbly request that all tributes be sent to the official email address by 31st December 2025: tributes@drumaukpai.org

Read also

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“For further details, please contact the Planning Secretariat:”Mrs. Gaile Uka+234 803 233 3562″Pastor Emeka Daniel Uma Ukpai – +234 908 100 0059″We covet your prayers and presence as my family and I join the body of Christ in celebrating a General of Faith who has finished his course and entered eternal rest in the Lord.”With honour and blessings,”Rev. Dr. (Mrs.) Philomena O. Uma”For the Family and the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association Inc.

Uma Ukpai’s son reacts to alleged burial announcement

Reacting to the burial announcements, Daniel Uma Ukpai wrote in a Facebook post:

“It is alarming to see people sharing private details solely for publicity. Why disclose family matters to the public, right? It is advisable to wait for the family to release an official statement before sharing, to prevent misinformation. “We are still coordinating with stakeholders to finalize the event… which is likely why some of you were not notified about the death earlier – some people are not capable of handling sensitive information.”

Read also

Olu of Warri inspects newly constructed road on scooter, Gilmore, others react: “New age king”

Burial: Reactions trail Uma Ukpai’s son’s statement

Franklin Chuks said:

“They want to feel important… great Umah family members. To the glory of who? Bad character.”

Andrew Kalu said:

“Propriety demands that people should allow the immediate family to take the lead.”

Kingsly Emeka said:

“Too bad. We will overcome them.”

Emeka Ukpai said:

“Very sad of them!”

Tochukwu Samuel said:

“Very unfortunate.”

Evang Sunday Okafor said:

“Too sad.”Rev Uma Ukpai’s son addressed the leaked burial arrangement of father. Photo: Daniel Uma Ukpai
Source: Twitter

In a related story, Legit.ng compiled a list of prominent preachers who died in 2025, including Uma Ukpai.

Nigerians share encounter with Uma Ukpai

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that many Nigerians took to social media to mourn the death of Rev. Uma Ukpai, who died at 80 on October 6.

The deep encounters of four Nigerians who had met the late preacher caught people’s attention online. Legit.ng compiled their experiences, as they shared how he affected their lives during his lifetime.

Source: Legit.ng

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‎A Nigerian mother of four based in Canada has taken to social media, sharing details of her failed marriage.

‎The woman, identified with the Facebook handle Ada Igbo, announced that January 4, 2026, would mark a year since she parted ways with her husband.

‎Details Of The Post

‎According to Ada Igbo, after parting ways with her husband, she reached out demanding financial assistance, but he ignored her, along with his family.

‎Addressing comments about her leaving the marriage, she wondered what she should do while emphasizing that her husband has been a ‘deadbeat’ regarding their children’s affairs.

‎Her lengthy Facebook post reads below..

‎January 4th makes it one full year since I left my marriage with my children.And ever since, people keep saying,

‎“You shouldn’t be taking care of those kids alone.”“Their father should be providing..“Why didn’t you leave them with him?”“Why don’t you send them back to Nigeria?.

‎Let’s remove one thing immediately: leaving my children with their father is not an option. So let’s scrap that.

‎Yes, their father should be providing. I agree.That’s why I wrote him a letter asking for financial support. He read it.He ignored it.

‎He said nothing. His family said nothing.Till today, silence. So now I want to genuinely ask those who keep talking:

‎Since I “shouldn’t carry the burden alone,” what exactly should I do?.Drop my children on the main road and go and live my life?

‎Hand them over to someone who has chosen to be absent?. Return them to a situation I left to protect them?.People talk like single parenting is a choice I woke up and made for fun.

‎As if I didn’t first try communication.As if responsibility can be forced on a man who has decided to be mute.

‎This is a sincere question. How do you make a man who has chosen to be a deadbeat suddenly become involved in his children’s lives?

‎Because from where I’m standing, I didn’t choose to do this alone.‎I was left with no other safe option.

‎And until someone gives me a realistic answer, I will continue choosing my children over people’s opinions. It’s 4days to Christmas and I decided to scream out hopefully I get help.

See below…..

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Former presidential aspirant of the Accord Party, Prof Christopher Imumolen, says the party has been having internal crisis before Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State defected to it.

Prof Imumolen made this disclosure on Monday when he appeared as a guest in an interview on ‘The Morning Brief’, a programme on Channels Television monitored by DAILY POST.

He was reacting to the internal political wranglings confronting the party.

“I have been fighting this battle before now. I went to court, that’s a sign of fight. We have had issues in the party Secretariat where we went there and we fought our issues.

“What I’m saying is that we just kept quiet because in the party, sometimes, we don’t want members of the public to know about our internal issues.

“We have been having these fights. If you check many publications, I have attended a lot of interviews to talk about this.

“So, whether Adeleke came or not, we are in charge of the party and we are doing what we are doing today to save the face of the party. And to make sure that whatever happens, the party remains intact,” he said.

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The Federal Government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day.

Additionally, Thursday, January 1, 2026, has been declared a public holiday for the New Year celebration.

The announcement was made in a statement on Monday by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

In the statement, the minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility, and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.

He also called on citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security, and national progress.

Tunji-Ojo further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

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Nigeria’s exports to the United States declined sharply by N940.98 billion in the first nine months of 2025, highlighting the growing strain on bilateral trade as US tariffs and tougher market conditions weighed on Nigerian shipments, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

An analysis of the NBS foreign trade statistics showed that Nigeria exported goods worth N3.65 trillion to the US between January and September 2025, down from N4.59 trillion in the corresponding period of 2024.

The 20.5% drop in export value reflects weakening demand for Nigerian goods in the US market amid tariff-related headwinds.

The export contraction occurred alongside Washington’s implementation of a so-called “reciprocal” tariff regime. Under the policy, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order raising Nigeria’s tariff rate from 14% to 15%, with the measure taking effect on August 7, 2025.

While crude oil exports have largely been exempted, the higher duty applies to a broad range of non-oil Nigerian exports, increasing costs for US importers and dampening demand.

With crude oil shipments relatively insulated, non-oil exports appear to have borne the brunt of the tariff impact, contributing significantly to the decline in Nigeria’s overall export earnings from the US market.

What is the data saying 

The nine-month trade figures underline the extent of the reversal in Nigeria–US trade relations.

In the first nine months of 2024, Nigeria exported N4.59 trillion worth of goods to the US and imported N3.01 trillion, resulting in a trade surplus of N1.57 trillion.

By the same period in 2025, exports had fallen to N3.65 trillion, while imports surged to N6.80 trillion, pushing the trade balance into a deficit of about N3.15 trillion.

Quarterly data show that exports opened 2025 on a relatively strong note but weakened rapidly as the year progressed. Exports stood at N1.54 trillion in the first quarter of 2025 before declining to N1.36 trillion in the second quarter and plunging to N743.63 billion in the third quarter.

The 45.3% quarter-on-quarter collapse in the third quarter marked the steepest contraction in shipments to the US during the period under review.

Imports moved in the opposite direction, rising from N1.42 trillion in the first quarter to N2.16 trillion in the second quarter, before surging further to N3.22 trillion in the third quarter, intensifying pressure on Nigeria’s trade position.

On a year-on-year basis, exports to the US grew by 17.7% in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the same period of 2024, but the trend reversed sharply thereafter. Exports declined by 14.3% in the second quarter and plunged by 56.0% in the third quarter, reflecting weaker demand and more challenging trade conditions.

The sharp contraction in export earnings explains why the United States dropped out of Nigeria’s top five export destinations by the second and third quarters of 2025, despite remaining one of Nigeria’s largest sources of imports.

Crude dominates exports to America 

Product-level data from the NBS further highlight the imbalance. In the first quarter of 2025, Nigeria’s exports to the US were dominated by crude petroleum oils valued at N779.38 billion, followed by urea at N240.17 billion and kerosene-type jet fuel at N214.30 billion.

Other export items included petroleum gases in gaseous state valued at N95.97 billion and standard quality cocoa beans at N58.84 billion.

By the third quarter of 2025, Nigeria’s export basket to the US had narrowed significantly, consisting mainly of smaller-value items such as flours and meals of soya beans valued at N23.60 billion, cocoa powder preparations worth N36.83 million, and technically specified natural rubber valued at N5.03 billion.

What you should know  

The shift in America’s trade balance with Nigeria comes against the backdrop of new U.S. tariff measures on African partners. Beginning August 7, 2025, Washington implemented “reciprocal tariffs” under a revised schedule that set Nigeria’s country rate at 15%.

• While Nigeria previously faced a 14% tariff under the April “Liberation Day” order, the revised rate formalised the adjustment.
• South Africa and Algeria were each assigned 30%, while Egypt remained at the 10% baseline, with its Qualifying Industrial Zone (QIZ) exports still enjoying duty-free access.
• These tariffs add to existing most-favoured-nation duties and are designed to mirror restrictions faced by U.S. goods in the affected markets.

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A coalition of Northern youth groups has accused the federal government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of what it described as selective justice and politically motivated persecution of Northern opposition figures, particularly former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

Rising from a press conference held at Arewa House, Kaduna, the Coalition of Northern Youth Groups said recent actions by the anti-graft agency against Malami and other opposition leaders were not driven by a genuine fight against corruption but by an alleged attempt to silence dissent and weaken emerging opposition forces ahead of future political contests.

Comrade Ibrahim Mohamed, who is the leader of the coalition, said the North is witnessing “a disturbing pattern of intimidation and harassment” targeted at individuals perceived to be opposed to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“What is unfolding before the eyes of Nigerians is not a fight against corruption. 

It is targeted persecution, deliberate witch-hunting, and a calculated attempt to destroy the reputation and political relevance of respected Northern opposition figures,” he said.

The coalition expressed particular concern over what it described as the harassment of Malami’s family members, which it said went beyond acceptable legal boundaries.

According to the group, the alleged pressure on family members was unprecedented and inconsistent with democratic norms.

“Even the families of individuals once accused of plotting coups were not treated with this level of hostility. This is unacceptable in any democratic society,” Mohammed said. 

The youths warned that continued intimidation of opposition figures could undermine national cohesion and erode public confidence in state institutions.

Central to the coalition’s grievance is what it described as double standards in the handling of corruption allegations across regions and political affiliations.

The group questioned why some high-profile political figures from the southern part of the country, who have at various times been linked to corruption allegations, were not subjected to similar treatment.

Citing names such as Betta Edu, Nyesom Wike, Ifeanyi Okowa and Godswill Akpabio, the coalition argued that the EFCC’s actions gave the impression of selective enforcement.

“If the anti-corruption war is truly sincere, it must be even-handed,” the group said, insisting that no individual should be shielded on the basis of political loyalty or regional origin.

The coalition also referenced past public statements by the current National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, as further grounds for its call for consistency and transparency in the anti-graft campaign.

Beyond Malami, the youth groups said they were aware of alleged plans to arrest or investigate other prominent Northern political figures, including former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and former Adamawa State governor Jibrilla Bindow.

They claimed such moves were part of a broader strategy to weaken opposition coalitions, particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The coalition contrasted this with what it described as the continued freedom of some politically connected individuals within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a situation it said fuels suspicion of a push toward a one-party state.

The youths also linked their political concerns to broader economic grievances, especially in agriculture.

They accused the federal government of policies that they said were hurting Northern farmers, including the approval of food imports for crops largely produced in the region.

According to them, such decisions have worsened poverty and undercut local agricultural production in Northern communities.

The coalition, has therefore, called for  the immediate release of Abubakar Malami, an end to what it described as harassment of his family, and the release of other opposition figures allegedly detained by the EFCC.

It also called for a halt to selective justice and urged the anti-graft agency to conduct investigations “fairly and without political bias.”

“We will not be intimidated. We will not be silenced,” the chairman declared. “We call on Northerners to rise in unity to defend our leaders, our dignity and our collective interests.”

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Actor IK Ogbonna has expressed strong support for his colleague Ini Edo, who is facing backlash from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over the title of her new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas.

In a statement on Instagram, Ogbonna said he is deeply disappointed with CAN, saying they had seen the promotions for the movie title for months and chose to remain silent.

He questioned the timing of CAN’s reaction, pointing out that the movie title had been officially approved by the Censors Board and the film was now showing nationwide and doing well.

Ogbonna emphasised that the issue was not about conflict, but about fairness, consistency, and integrity.

He asked how Christian it is to stay silent all along, then speak only when progress has been made, adding that this isn’t about conflict, it’s about fairness, consistency, and integrity.

“TBH! I am deeply disappointed with CAN. You saw the promotions for this title for months and said nothing. The movie title was officially approved by the Censors Board, and we moved forward in good faith.

“Now that the film is out, showing nationwide and doing well, suddenly there’s an issue with the title. How Christian is it to stay silent all along, then speak only when progress has been made? This isn’t about conflict – it’s about fairness, consistency, and integrity”, he wrote.

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Liverpool are awaiting scan results they fear will confirm record signing Alexander Isak has suffered a broken leg after he was injured in their win against Tottenham, reports said Monday.

The Sweden forward was hurt in the act of scoring the opening goal in Saturday’s 2-1 victory in London after a sliding challenge from Spurs defender Micky van der Ven.

Isak, 26, who had come on as a second-half substitute, was unable to celebrate with his teammates and left the pitch in considerable distress.

Immediately after the game Liverpool boss Arne Slot admitted the injury was “not a good thing”.

“If a player doesn’t even try to come back, that is usually not a good thing but I cannot say anything more than that,” he said.

“That is just gut feeling and nothing medical… let’s not be too negative yet. We don’t know yet. Let’s hope he is back with us soon.”

The Athletic and Sky Sports reported Monday that Liverpool fear Isak has broken his leg, which would mean a lengthy period on the sidelines.

Isak has had a disrupted start to his life at Anfield, making just 16 appearances and scoring three goals since his £125 million ($168 million) British record move from Newcastle on transfer deadline day.

A dispute with Newcastle meant he did not have a proper pre-season programme and arrived at Anfield well behind his team-mates in terms of fitness. His season was then interrupted by a groin injury.

Any absence would be a major blow for Slot, with Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations and Cody Gakpo not ready to return from a muscle injury until early in the yew year.

It leaves the Liverpool manager with Hugo Ekitike, who has five goals in his past four games, and the little-used Federico Chiesa as his only senior forwards.

Liverpool, whose Premier League title defence collapsed after a shocking run of results, have climbed to fifth in the table after extending their unbeaten league run to five games.

AFP

The post Liverpool fear Isak has broken leg – Reports appeared first on Vanguard News.

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