2027 general elections are less than two years across Nigeria. But the fever of the election has started catching up with many in Kwara state.

In deed, the agitation for the governorship seat to shift to Kwara North senatorial district has become strident and momentous.

Youths from Kwara North have been at forefront of the clamour for power to change hand to the region.

Expectedly, some groups have opposed the zoning idea, arguing that the best candidate should be allowed to emerged seamlessly from any of the senatorial districts of the state.

Right from the onset, current Governor Abdulraman AbdulRazaq had promised to hand over reins of power to somebody from the north, but the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had ruled out fielding a candidate from the district.

PDP fielded Alhaji Abdullahi Yama, Kwara northerner as its governorship candidate in the 2023 election. His kinsmen did not support him. They claimed it was not yet their turn.

Predictably, the three notable politicians from Kwara North that have indicated interest in the governorship race are from APC.

They are Senator Umar Sodiq, Engr Yakubu Danladi Salihu and Alhaji Tajudeen Audu.

Sodiq is currently representing Kwara North in the Senate, Hon Salihu is the Speaker of the state House of Assembly and Audu is the Makama of Lafiagii.

Though, the governorship hopefuls had reached an agreement to support anyone that lands the APC ticket.

Curiously too, no politician from either Kwara Central or Kwara South has indicated interest in the race.

Leading the clamour for power to get to Kwara North in 2027 is a group known as Kwara North Youth Consultative Forum (KNYCF).

The forum had accordingly engaged its youths counterparts in the central and southerner districts for support and understanding in the interest of justice, fairness and equity.

KNYCF’s Chairman, Dr Abduldayan Haruna hinted that the Kwara North governorship aspiration is not a sectional cause but a collective quest for justice.

“Our demand is simple and sincere – Kwara North has stood with others over the years; now, it is our turn to be supported. This is about fairness, inclusion, and the unity of Kwara State,” he said.

Corroborating the chair, the forum’s Spokesperson Nura Muhammed restated the historical and political bonds between Kwara North and the Ibolo land, emphasizing the importance of equity in sustaining harmony in the state.

He observed that while Kwara central had occupied the governorship seat for over 20 years and Kwara South for eight years, Kwara North has yet to produce a governor in the state’s 26-year democratic history.”

Traditional rulers of Kwara North extraction have lent their royal voices to the clamour.

They therefore, urged all political parties in the state to zone their governorship seat to the senatorial district during the 2027 elections.

The insisted that it is the turn of the region to produce the next governor of the state.

The monarchs under the aegis of Kwara state Council of Chiefs and Obas, said this at a meeting to deliberate on the prevailing security situation in Kwara North region.

The meeting took place at the palace of Etsu Patigi, who is the Vice Chair of the council, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II.

The engagement, with the theme “Kwara North Unity, Security and Way Forward – Project 2027.”

In a communique at the end of the engagement signed by Etsu Bologi, Emir of Lafiagi, Muhammed Umar Kudu Kawu, Emir of Kaiama Alhaji Muazu Shehu Omar (Kiyaru iV), Etsu Tsaragi: HRH Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi  Kpotwa, Emir of Okuta Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu Serobeteye, Emir of Ilesha Baruba Alhaji (Prof) Halidu Abubakar and Oba of Jebba Oba Abdulkadir Adebara said “that in the spirit of fairness, equity, and justice, it is the rightful turn of Kwara North to produce the next governor of Kwara State in 2027.”

They identified unity as the strongest tool for achieving this aspiration, urging stakeholders to set aside past differences and work together in the collective interest of the region.

The communique also “resolved that alliances must be built with Kwara Central and Kwara South, and that advocacy be extended beyond the state—particularly to Abuja, national party leadership, and other critical political actors.

“The priority at this stage is ensuring that political parties zone their governorship ticket to Kwara North, and stakeholders committed to supporting the processes and ultimately the Kwara North candidate who emerges.”

The monarchs took their message of equity and fairness to their Kwara South counterparts through a town hall meeting.

Etsu Patigi Alhaji Umar Bologi ll said the engagement was aimed at strengthening unity and developing a coordinated security framework for communities across both senatorial districts.

The first class monarch eminded the gathering that since the return of democracy in 1999, Kwara South and Kwara Central have both produced governors while Kwara North has not.

He appealed for Kwara South’s support in ensuring equity and political inclusion in 2027.

Kwara South monarchs described the request as fair and deserving.

In his remarks, Chairman of Kwara South Traditional Rulers, Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu, said the meeting was “historic and a welcome development.”

On his part, Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Muhammed Gbadamosi said that Kwara North was not asking for too much by seeking their support.

The Alofa of Illofa, Oba Engr. Samuel Niyi Dada; the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti; and the Elese of Igbaja, Oba (Dr.) Ahmed Babalola Awuni, also praised the engagement, saying it was one of the most impactful in recent times.

Group known as Kwara Integrity Movement (KIM) countered and said the 2027 governorship election in Kwara state is open to any of the three senatorial districts.

KIM added that such agitation would amount to “reducing Kwara to zoning politics.”

KIM Chairman, Hon Oniwara Babatunde said that “Kwara requires the best minds, the boldest ideas and the strongest leadership not sectional leader.”

Hon Babatunde encouraged every qualified, credible and visionary Kwaran from any of the three senatorial districts to step forward and contest the 2027 governorship election.

Said he: “Our position is clear, we want a free, open and competitive 2027 governorship election.

“KIM believes elections must be open to all; merit must defeat mediocrity; leadership must be chosen by competence not geography and Kwara needs a governor for all.

“As a people, we must reject any arrangement that undermines democracy, reduces leadership to ethnicity or cages political opportunity within artificial boundaries.”

Continuing, KIM chair added that “the agitation for zoning raises fundamental questions that Kwarans must ask boldly: For whom is the zoning agitation being championed? Is it genuinely for the people of Kwara North or for personal ambition of a few? Does the agitation suggest that past and present governments have been unjust to Kwara North? Is this zoning being presented as a compensation or entitlement?

“At this point, it is important to raise a serious danger that is quietly creeping into our political culture– the coercion of our traditional rulers into partisan politics.

“Our highly revered obas and emirs travelling across the state for political lobby and advocacy should be totally avoided. Today, it is the traditional rulers, tomorrow the religious leaders and civil servants may follow suit. These are highly revered institutions that must be insulated from partisan politics.

Another group of APC Members in the state under the aegis of the Kwara Political Leaders of Thought (KPLOT) called on the national leadership of the APC not to impose governorship candidate on the state come 2027 general elections.

The group led by Mohammed Mariam Alhassan, also said that ideal leader for the in 2027 can come from any district of the state, adding that 2027 governorship should not be based on zoning.

The APC group advised the party’s national leadership and the presidency to be cautious on issue of who becomes Kwara state governorship candidate in the 2027 general elections.

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

“Kwara is confronted today with realities that leave us with no

room for emotional politics, convenient assumptions, or

premature conclusions.

“The present reality demands sobriety,

honesty, and courage. It requires that our political decisions be

driven by capacity, competence, and character -not by sentiment or turn-by-turn calculations

“From Edu to Patigi, Ifelodun to Isin, and from Ekiti to Kaiama, Kwara state has, regrettably, become an epicentre of banditry and terrorism, a situation unprecedented in the history of our state.

“In the face of this crisis, it is no longer åcceptable to approach

leadership selection the way we might have done in more stable

times. If Kwara once had the luxury of making sentimental

political choices, that luxury no longer exists.

“The leadership question before us is no longer about where a

candidate comes from, but who that candidate is. Who has the competence to confront insecurity? Who has the capacity to rebuild confidence in governance? Who has the courage, experience, and vision to naigate Kwara out of its present challenges and secure its future?

“These are the questions

occupying the minds of ordinary Kwarans across the state not the narrow, primordial sentiments being promoted by a section of the political class”, he said.

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

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

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

“Once a royal institution is dragged into partisan battles, it risks losing its unifying essence and the sacred distance that commands reverence. Monarchs must remember that their domains are

home to people of diverse and often conflicting political

interests; aligning with one tendency, no matter the temptation

or promised reward, inevitably alienates others and erodes the

sanctity of the stool”.

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Former governor of Zamfara state and senator representing Zamfara west, Abdul’aziz Yari, has declared that northerners will support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Yari, a former chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, made the comment on Sunday at his installation as Obaloyin of Yorubaland by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade.

Yari said the south-west had stood by the north politically and deserved reciprocal support.

“The message is very clear; the south-west has stood by the north despite all odds, and now it is time for us to pay back, and we will do so,” he said.

The former Zamfara governor said Tinubu played a decisive role in Muhammadu Buhari’s emergence as president in 2015.

“Some of us know that without President Tinubu’s plans, financial and other support, the north’s dream of ruling through Buhari might not have been realised. The dream of President Buhari to become president in 2015 was fully hatched, designed and financed by Tinubu.

“Therefore, we in northern Nigeria have no option but to follow and fully support him the first time and the second time, by God’s grace.

“We have started seeing what he is doing, and we pray for his success and a better Nigeria during his reign,” he said.

The former governor also pledged to promote unity between the north and the south-west.

“Let me use this opportunity to assure Yorubaland that this is your ambassador; I will personally ensure that the north-west, north-central, north-east and south-west unite and cement this relationship,” he said.

He added that traditional titles should strengthen cultural bonds and cooperation across regions.

“With this chieftaincy title, we are sons of this place, and we will do our best to promote the cultural values of this institution wherever we find ourselves,” Yari said.

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The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Niger State, on Monday confirmed the release of the second batch of abducted staff, pupils, and students from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri.

The announcement ends weeks of uncertainty following the mass abduction on November 21, 2025, when gunmen kidnapped more than 300 pupils and teachers from the boarding school.

Politics Nigeria reported on Sunday that all remaining children and staff held by the abductors had been freed, bringing relief to anxious families and the wider community.

The final group of abductees was released after sustained interventions by security agencies and government authorities.

In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Jatau Luka Joseph, the Church expressed gratitude for the support received during the ordeal, saying:

“We appreciate the prayers, solidarity, and understanding shown by parents, guardians, the Church, media organizations, and the general public throughout this difficult period. The cooperation and responsible reporting by the media are particularly acknowledged.

“We are profoundly grateful to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Niger State Government, the security agencies, and all other partners whose efforts and interventions contributed to the safe release of the victims.

“We also extend our sincere appreciation to the parents, guardians, clergy, religious communities, humanitarian organizations, and the wider public for their prayers, support, and solidarity throughout this challenging period.”

The Diocese assured the public that further updates would be communicated promptly through authorised channels to ensure accuracy and transparency.

Reaffirming its commitment to the safety and welfare of pupils and staff, the Church said, “The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora remains committed to the protection, welfare, and safety of all pupils, students, and staff, and will continue to collaborate with all relevant authorities to ensure a secure and conducive learning environment.

“May the Lord grant the swift release of those still in captivity and continue to protect His people from all dangers,” the statement concluded.

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Currency traders have complained of liquidity challenges in the forex market, causing the depreciation of the naira in recent times.

They attributed the liquidity problem to the activities of foreign investors, some of whom are exiting with their dividends and also cautious with their investment in the market.

The forex traders also said that the activities of speculators have been putting pressure on the naira, with some Nigerians still preferring to keep their money in foreign currency as a store of value.

Naira falls to 2-month low 

The naira closed the week on a weaker note, trading at N1,466.5/$1 on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the official foreign exchange market, as against the N1,454/$1 it traded on Monday, December 15, extending a steady depreciation recorded throughout the week.

This represents a level not seen since October 21, 2025, when the naira closed at N1,464.5/$1, highlighting the return of volatility after a period of relative stability.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) website shows that the naira weakened against the dollar and some other major currencies for five consecutive trading sessions in the week that just ended.

This reflects a return of volatility and renewed pressure in the FX market after a period of relative stability and good performance of the naira, with the naira trading at N1, 446.9/$1 at the end of November 2025.

This is amid a drop in external reserves as it decreased from $45.472 billion on Friday, December 12, to $45.209 billion as of the close of business on Friday, December 19, 2025.

Detty December inflow not coming in 

Speaking exclusively with Nairametrics, the President of the Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Aminu Gwadebe, admitted that there are some liquidity issues in the forex market, leading to the depreciation of the naira.

He said that the forex inflow from Nigerians from Diaspora coming in for Detty December is not coming as expected, with the little available being ambushed by unlicensed operators.

Gwadebe said, ‘’There was no liquidity. That’s the truth of the matter. You know the rate is even depreciating. The Naira is suffering a lot because the online transfer is even above N1,500. So, no liquidity. 

‘’You know these foreign investors, some of them are exiting with their dividends and what have you. So, it’s creating demand. And then also the “Detty December” money we normally see come in to ensure liquidity—that one is not coming. It is being ambushed by the ungoverned space.

‘’And then, as usual, you cannot remove the impact of arbitrage and speculation. People still prefer, honestly, to keep their money in foreign currency as a store of value despite the stability. There is no total confidence.’’ 

Increased dollar demand

Also, in a chat with Nairametrics, another BDC operator, Umar Badaru, said the current liquidity issues in the forex market are caused by a sharp rise in demand due to year end obligations, import payments, as well as speculations.

He pointed out that portfolio investors have been cautious, noting that the volume of inflow expected from Nigerians in Diaspora and foreign visitors coming for Detty December is not as strong as expected.

He said, ‘’The current liquidity challenge in the forex market is largely driven by a mismatch between demand and supply. Demand has risen sharply due to year-end obligations, import payments, and speculation, while inflows have been slower than expected. Portfolio investors are still cautious, and exporters’ proceeds are not entering the system fast enough. These factors have combined to put pressure on the naira, resulting in the recent volatility we have seen. 

‘’We are beginning to see inflows linked to ‘Detty December,’ especially from diaspora Nigerians and foreign visitors. However, the volumes are not yet as strong as many operators anticipated. Spending is happening, but much of the inflow is coming through informal channels and electronic transfers rather than physical cash, so its impact on street liquidity is more muted than in previous years.’’

CBN’s intervention 

Gwadebe noted that the CBN decided to intervene, strengthen the naira and stop the depreciation with the injection of $150 million into the forex market about 2 weeks ago.

He also noted that the licensing of 82 BDC operators a few weeks ago would help inject more liquidity in the market, especially at the retail sector.

He said, ‘’CBN injected $150 million into the forex market because of the liquidity problem and yet we have still been seeing depreciation for a few weeks. So, I think the CBN decided to tame it. 

“Now we thank God for the good news because before, the entire subsector was scared of going, I mean dead, despite paying money. So, with the release of these 82 names, at least there is hope, and it will give a directive or an indication for the retail sector. Before, the retail sector had been bereft of anything, no official or licensed operators in that sector. So, everybody was like, the market was dominated fully by the ungoverned space. 

‘’So now that the CBN has brought out this list, I think it will help inject liquidity and also allow the licensed ones to start activating the market so that there will be more liquidity.’’ 

What you should know 

The licensed currency traders have always advocated participating in the sharing of International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) proceeds received by the banks and Fintechs as it will help ensure the harnessing and coordination of forex supplies to the critical retail end of the market, as well as track speculation, currency substitution and hoarding activities.

In a related development, Nigeria’s foreign exchange (FX) reserves recorded the first decline in 25 weeks, falling by $263.151 million to $45.21 billion as of December 17, 2025, according to new data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The drop, which followed three consecutive days of outflows between December 15 and 17, marks a reversal of a long-running accumulation trend that pushed reserves to their highest level in six years.

The contraction ended a sustained build-up that had peaked at $45.472 billion on December 12.

Some of these could be attributed to slower inflows and high demand. FX inflows plunged by 67% month-on-month to $2.0 billion in November, the lowest since July 2024. Foreign portfolio inflows fell sharply to $593 million from $3.5 billion, while FDI collapsed to $10.4 million from $221 million, heightening pressure on the naira. Analysts blamed the reversals on the controversial Capital Gains Tax (CGT).

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Kayode Tokede 

The Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS) has announced the appointment of Mr. Shehu Shantali as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026, following the receipt of regulatory no-objection.

He succeeds Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri, who will be stepping down after a successful eight-year tenure marked by strong leadership, strategic growth and significant contributions to the development of Nigeria’s capital market infrastructure.

During his tenure, Jalo-Waziri provided visionary and results-driven leadership that delivered sustained growth and far-reaching transformation across the organization. 

He led the successful execution of critical strategic initiatives, strengthened governance and operational effectiveness, and modernized the company’s systems and processes, positioning the organization for long-term resilience and competitiveness.

His leadership significantly enhanced stakeholder confidence deepened the organization’s market relevance both domestically and internationally, and established a strong, future-ready foundation for continued success.

Commenting on the appointment, the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Temi Popoola, in  a statement said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our profound appreciation to Haruna Jalo-Waziri for his outstanding service to CSCS. Under his leadership, the company recorded notable milestones and built an impressive legacy of operational excellence, innovation and stakeholder confidence. 

“We thank him sincerely for his dedication and impact.We are equally delighted to welcome Shehu Shantali as the new Chief Executive Officer of CSCS. He brings a wealth of experience, deep industry knowledge, and a strong strategic vision. The Board is confident that he will build on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor and lead the company into its next phase of growth.”

Reflecting on his tenure, the outgoing CEO, CSCS, Jalo-Waziri, in a statement said: “It has been an honour to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of CSCS. I am proud of what we have achieved together as a team and grateful for the support of the board, management, regulators, and all our stakeholders. I am confident that CSCS is well positioned for the future, and I wish my successor every success as he takes the company forward.”

In his remarks, the incoming CEO, CSCS, Shantali, said:“I am deeply honoured by the confidence the board has placed in me with this appointment. CSCS plays a critical role in Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem, and I look forward to working with the board, management, staff, regulators and market participants to further strengthen the company’s leadership position, deliver value to stakeholders, and support the continued growth and stability of the capital market.”

Shantali holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and an Executive MBA from Kingster Business School. 

He has over two decades of experience in accounting, finance and financial services across Nigeria and the United Kingdom, with expertise spanning investment and asset management, financial advisory and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). 

His career cuts across capital markets, investment banking, real estate and financial services, and is underpinned by a decade at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, where he championed the migration of publicly listed and significant public interest entities from Nigerian GAAP to IFRS and led the commission’s transition to the contributory pension scheme in 2012.

Shantali has built deep experience in financial inclusion, digital financial infrastructure and the development of scalable, market-wide platforms that expand access to regulated financial services. 

As Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Apricot Investments Limited, he led the development of the MicroWorld platform, enabling the distribution of structured financial products including micro-health, micro-pension, micro-housing, micro-insurance, and micro-investment solutions.

Earlier in his career, his team developed Nigeria’s first contactless payment solution, and he played a pioneering role in POS-based agency banking and early mobile-money interoperability on the NIBSS NIP platform, supporting efficient payments, settlement, and system-wide connectivity.

CSCS remains committed to the highest standards of corporate governance, operational excellence, and stakeholder engagement as it continues to support the Nigerian capital market.

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In a parallel reality, Queen Elizabeth II gushes over cheese puffs, a gun-toting Saddam Hussein struts into a wrestling ring, and Pope John Paul II attempts skateboarding.

Hyper-realistic AI videos of dead celebrities — created with apps such as OpenAI’s easy-to-use Sora — have rapidly spread online, prompting debate over the control of deceased people’s likenesses.

OpenAI’s app, launched in September and widely dubbed as a deepfake machine, has unleashed a flood of videos of historical figures including Winston Churchill as well as celebrities such as Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley.

In one TikTok clip reviewed by AFP, Queen Elizabeth II, clad in pearls and a crown, arrives at a wrestling match on a scooter, climbs a fence, and leaps onto a male wrestler.

In a separate Facebook clip, the late queen is shown praising “delightfully orange” cheese puffs in a supermarket aisle, while another depicts her playing football.

But not all videos — powered by OpenAI’s Sora 2 model — have prompted laughs.

In October, OpenAI blocked users from creating videos of Martin Luther King Jr. after the estate of the civil rights icon complained about disrespectful depictions.

Some users created videos depicting King making monkey noises during his celebrated “I Have a Dream” speech, illustrating how users can portray public figures at will, making them say or do things they never did.

– ‘Maddening’ –

“We’re getting into the ‘uncanny valley,’” said Constance de Saint Laurent, a professor at Ireland’s Maynooth University, referring to the phenomenon in which interactions with artificial objects are so human-like it triggers unease.

“If suddenly you started receiving videos of a deceased family member, this is traumatizing,” she told AFP. “These (videos) have real consequences.”

In recent weeks, the children of late actor Robin Williams, comedian George Carlin, and activist Malcolm X have condemned the use of Sora to create synthetic videos of their fathers.

Zelda Williams, the daughter of Robin Williams, recently pleaded on Instagram to “stop sending me AI videos of dad,” calling the content “maddening.”

An OpenAI spokesman told AFP that while there were “strong free speech interests in depicting historical figures,” public figures and their families should have ultimate control over their likeness.

For “recently deceased” figures, he added, authorized representatives or estate owners can now request that their likeness not be used in Sora.

– ‘Control likeness’ –

“Despite what OpenAI says about wanting people to control their likeness, they have released a tool that decidedly does the opposite,” Hany Farid, co-founder of GetReal Security and a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, told AFP.

“While they (mostly) stopped the creation of MLK Jr. videos, they are not stopping users from co-opting the identity of many other celebrities.”

“Even with OpenAI putting some safeguards to protect MLK Jr. there will be another AI model that does not, and so this problem will surely only get worse,” said Farid.

That reality was underscored in the aftermath of Hollywood director Rob Reiner’s alleged murder this month, as AFP fact-checkers uncovered AI-generated clips using his likeness spreading online.

As advanced AI tools proliferate, the vulnerability is no longer confined to public figures: deceased non-celebrities may also have their names, likenesses, and words repurposed for synthetic manipulation.

Researchers warn that the unchecked spread of synthetic content — widely called AI slop — could ultimately drive users away from social media.

“The issue with misinformation in general is not so much that people believe it. A lot of people don’t,” said Saint Laurent.

“The issue is that they see real news and they don’t trust it anymore. And this (Sora) is going to massively increase that.”

The post AI resurrections of dead celebrities amuse and rankle appeared first on Vanguard News.

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American hip-hop star Nicki Minaj has offered further explanation on her recent comments concerning the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, saying her remarks were driven by personal connections to the country and concern over reports of attacks on worshippers.

The rapper spoke at the AmericaFest event in the United States on Sunday, where she addressed a question on why she chose to speak publicly about Nigeria during a session with Erika Kirk, widow of conservative commentator, Charlie Kirk.

According to Minaj, her interest in Nigeria is longstanding, noting that her pastor is Nigerian and that she has a large number of Nigerian followers across her platforms.

She said reports of kidnappings and killings linked to religious gatherings informed her decision to lend her voice to the issue.

ALSO READ: ‘Free Christians,’ Again, Nicki Minaj speaks on killings in Nigeria

“Nigeria is a place I’ve always loved. Someone very dear to me, my pastor, is Nigerian, and I have lots of Nigerian barbs..

“So hearing that people are being kidnapped while they’re in church, people are being killed, brutalised, all because of their religion—that should spark outrage,” Minaj stated.

The artiste emphasised that her comments were not intended to target any government but to draw attention to the broader issue of religious freedom, which she said is often taken for granted in many parts of the world.

Minaj noted that there are people who are forced to worship in fear or secrecy, stressing the need for global solidarity and prayers for those affected.

“We’re not backing down anymore. We are not going to be silenced by the bullies anymore. We will speak up for Christians wherever they are in this world.”

“We take for granted that there, right now in this world, are people who cannot worship God as they please, where they please.

“Every time we pray in fellowship, we have to remember the people that are right now in this world hiding to pray in fellowship, and we have to pray for them,” she said.

Her remarks follow an earlier social media post in which she reacted to a statement by former United States President, Donald Trump, who claimed that Christianity was under threat in Nigeria. Minaj had said the post made her reflect on the freedom to practise religion without fear.

She has also previously expressed similar concerns during a public engagement involving United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Nigeria has consistently rejected claims that Christians are being targeted in a coordinated manner, describing such allegations as misleading.

Authorities have maintained that the country’s security challenges are complex and affect citizens across religious and ethnic lines, adding that there is no state-sponsored persecution of any faith group.

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The Federal Government has announced plans to formalise Nigeria’s largely informal vehicle recycling market, projecting annual revenues of over N150bn from 2026 as part of efforts to modernise the automotive industry.

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) disclosed this on Sunday, with its Director-General, Joseph Osanipin, saying the move would be driven by an approved End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) programme.

Osanipin explained that the policy would regulate the recycling of vehicles that have reached the end of their useful lives, transforming an environmental and safety challenge into an economic opportunity. 

Under the programme, vehicle owners would pay a modest fee at registration to fund environmentally sound disposal and recycling.

He noted that more than 85 per cent of components from end-of-life vehicles are reusable or recyclable, building on Nigeria’s thriving informal second-hand auto parts market. According to him, a properly managed circular economy could generate billions of naira yearly and create thousands of jobs across dismantling, refurbishing, logistics and component resale.

The announcement comes amid a rebound in Nigeria’s vehicle import market. Data cited by The PUNCH showed that passenger vehicle imports rose to about N1.01tn in the first nine months of 2025, up from N894bn in the same period of 2024, reflecting improved foreign exchange stability and renewed importer confidence.

As part of the reforms, the NADDC will introduce mandatory pre-export certification for all used vehicles imported into Nigeria from 2026 to curb the dumping of unroadworthy and end-of-life vehicles. 

Osanipin said exporters, not Nigerian consumers, would bear the certification cost.

He added that the council plans to expand vehicle conversion to electric vehicles and compressed natural gas, supported by nationwide training programmes. Osanipin also revealed plans to present an Auto Industry Bill to the National Assembly, describing 2026 as a pivotal year for transforming Nigeria’s automotive industry.

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The government of Ghana has deported 42 Nigerians from the Ashanti Region of the country following a court ruling which convicted them of various criminal offences.

Naija News understands that the deported Nigerians were convicted of offences including prostitution and fraud.

Ghananian authorities also convicted and deported thirteen Cameroonians, three Ivorians, three Burkinabe nationals, and seven Benin nationals, bringing the total number of deportees to 68.

The development was made known in a Facebook post on Thursday, December 18, 2025, by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene.

Amoakohene wrote, “A total of 42 Nigerians, 13 Cameroonians, 3 Ivorians, 3 Burkinabe nationals, and 7 Benin nationals have been deported from the Ashanti Region to their respective countries following various court rulings involving Q-Net, prostitution, and other criminal activities.

“I commend the Ghana Immigration Service for its professionalism, diligence, and firm commitment to enforcing our immigration laws, while upholding due process and human dignity.

“Their collaboration with the courts and other security agencies continues to strengthen public safety, protect vulnerable persons, and preserve law and order in the region.”

In a related development, Ghana recently deported three Israeli nationals in what it described as a direct response to the “ill-treatment and unjustified deportation” of three Ghanaian travellers by Israeli authorities.

The decision was announced in an official statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and shared on 𝕏 by Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Sam Okudzeto.

According to the ministry, the three Israelis had arrived in Accra earlier in the day but were immediately expelled after officials concluded that Ghanaian travellers had been unfairly targeted and traumatised in Israel.

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• A wedding ceremony in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has ignited online controversy after church officials denied entry to two groomsmen and a female guest over their appearance, reportedly citing church rules on hair and dressing. A viral TikTok video showed one groomsman lamenting the decision despite spending N185,000 on his suit. The incident has divided social media users

A wedding ceremony in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has sparked a heated online debate after church officials denied entry to two groomsmen and a female guest.

The incident, which went viral via TikTok user @yankhoboy, highlights the ongoing tension between religious doctrines and modern fashion.

One of the frustrated groomsmen, dressed in a high-end suit, revealed the significant financial investment made for the occasion. ”Looking at us, you would know that we have spent so much. Owning this suit is N185k. After spending so much, we came to this church for our friend’s wedding, we are part of the groomsmen, they asked us to stay outside because of our hair,” he firmly stated.

The video also featured a female guest who was barred from the sanctuary alongside the men. The incident triggered a wave of conflicting opinions in the comment section:

Defending the Church: @Abby commented, “Oga respect the rules of the church that’s their pattern and believe you should have asked questions before going there don’t try to drag them for what they’ve been doing for so long.”

@Emmylee53 echoed this, saying, “please bro don’t take it personal. Every churches have their own rules and regulation or ways of dressing.”

Criticizing the Move: @Mama k argued, “that’s where we are missing it as a Christian. Christ preached Love. We are preaching doctrine. Why can’t they enter and allow Christ to do d rest.”

Another user, @tamiperri6, added, “They are visitors it’s not nice to keep them out.”

@yankohboy_

Let it be known that “Spoken Word Bride Assembly” have asked us to remain outside the church because of our hair and dressing, please what is wrong with this our look or dressing? 😡😡😡😡

♬ original sound – Yankohboy

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