December 22, 2025December 22, 2025

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By Stellamaries Amuwa, Abuja

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has unsealed the headquarters of Ikeja Electric Plc after the company committed to a binding undertaking to comply with the remedial process following consumer rights violations.

The headquarters was earlier sealed on December 11, 2025, because Ikeja Electric failed to comply with a NERC directive to unbundle a Maximum Demand account into 20 individual accounts for a customer who had been without power for over two and half years.

According to a press release by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, Ikeja Electric undertook to resolve all consumer complaints referred to it by the FCCPC within agreed timelines. Any breach of the undertaking would expose it to renewed and escalated enforcement action under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act.

Reacting, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, said the Commission’s intervention was necessary to enforce the provisions of the FCCPA (2018).

“Our responsibility is to ensure that consumers are treated fairly and that service providers comply with lawful decisions and directives. Enforcement is not an end in itself. Where compliance is achieved and credible commitments are made, the Commission will respond appropriately,” he said.

Clarifying further, Mr Bello said the outcome reflects the Commission’s balanced approach to regulation.

“We intervene decisively where consumer harm persists, and we de-escalate where enforceable compliance is secured. What remains constant is our duty to protect consumers and uphold regulatory accountability,” he said.

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• A Nigerian lady posted the unexpected message she got from her boyfriend of three years after he ended the relationship
• He texted her the reason why he ended the relationship, and she posted the screenshots online, sparking reactions
• Many who came across the man’s WhatsApp messages were taken aback by what he said, while some supported him

A Nigerian lady posted the unexpected message she received from her man after their relationship crashed.

The man shared why he broke up with her in the screenshots of his chats, which she posted.

Lady Posts Unexpected Message She Received From Man Who Broke Up With Her After 3 Years of Dating
Source: TikTok

In a TikTok post by @annysscents on TikTok, the lady posted the chats where the man told her that he couldn’t be with one lady.

He said in the chats:

“I can’t be with only you. I have never been with one girl all my life. Even when I get married I will still have a side chick. And that’s not what you want. Only a girl that’s ready to take me for who I am is who I will be with now going forward.

Read also

Woman searches for husband who blocked and left her after “little misunderstanding”, seeks divorce

“So let’s just end this and forget about it. I hope this gives you closure. Move on.”

See the chats below:

Lady Posts Unexpected Message She Received From Man Who Broke Up With Her After 3 Years of Dating
Source: TikTok

She captioned the post:

“Man of the year indeed.”

The lady added in the comments:

“I feel like tagging the girls we shared it with for 3 years.”

See the TikTok post below:

Reactions trail message lady received from ex-lover

favour

I get this man Omo nah me go happy pass because I would accept him just the way he is but Omo him self has to accept me the way I am ohhh I no fit shout we both go just the accept each other the way we are. make him no reach now him go begin the call me wicked and heartless person ohhh

Osteen

Truth be told. We owe no girl loyalty! A society that says a broke man doesn’t deserve love has no right to tell a rich man to stay loyal to one woman ! If money determines love, loyalty should be optional to a rich a man ….. peace

Read also

Lady shares hilarious encounter with fake prophet, story goes viral: “I allowed him to say everything”

Akp PEterz

He’s the best man out there for you , if he gives you peace take care of you , no abuses or domestic violence Omo be with him , what guarantee do you have that the next one won’t have multiple women as well lol , this is a very difficult pill to swallow but it’s a man’s world

Ella._louis

This is not honesty, this is a man that’s tired. Some people don’t break up straight up they come up with impossible things like this so you will be the one to give up.

adaigboglobal

Men and women are naturally polygamous. I don’t advise sticking to just one partner–it goes both ways. I don’t understand why humans want to personalise or own another human being. That’s selfish. Nature didn’t make us that way. Let everyone do what makes them happy, abeg. I’m not a supporter of one-partner relationships, biko.

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.

Read also

Heartbroken lady narrates how boyfriend she sponsored abroad dumped her for neighbour, video trends

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 the lady.

Source: Legit.ng

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Nigerian musician and social media personality Speed Darlington has sparked online debate after revealing details about his love life and polygamous beliefs.

At 41, the entertainer disclosed that he has never truly fallen in love, despite being involved with multiple women, and admitted that past experiences have shaped his approach to relationships.

Candid confession about love life

Speaking candidly, Darlington said, “I’m 41 years now, I’ve never fallen in love, I’m talking to 6 different girls now, you can’t be the only one. I almost got married to one but she left me because I told her I’m polygamous in nature.”

He added that his brother told him not to tell his partner anymore. “He said I should just bring them in, get them pregnant and then I can tell them afterwards.”

Past heartbreak shapes present mindset

The musician explained that a previous heartbreak may have influenced his outlook.

He also discussed the practicalities of managing multiple relationships while maintaining his personal and professional life.

Darlington’s revelations have triggered a wave of social media reactions, with users expressing a mix of criticism, concern, and curiosity about his approach to love and honesty.

Some highlighted potential consequences, while others debated the ethics of polygamy and the importance of transparency in relationships.

Social media reactions:

@William19Prisca: “Go back to his roots. There’ll be one girl he really loved in his teenage years or early twenties that he couldn’t get and it really broke him, that’s why he prolly turned into a misOgYni$t…”

@Palermo_seun: “41 years and not matured enough to love? I’m not inspired.”

@Omo_Efe: “You’ll suffer when you grow old. Get prepared.”

@It_Chioma: “He should keep searching, he will definitely find one that will agree but not telling her you’re polygamous and getting them pregnant just to keep them is wrong.”

@doyleparton: “So many yeyebrities on the internet.”

Watch the video below…

“My childhood was awesome…”

– Speed Darlington pic.twitter.com/3jooBYzV17

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) December 22, 2025

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President Bola Tinubu’s 2026 federal budget proposal’s presentation last Friday signals a decisive political moment, blending hard security choices, economic reforms and legislative partnership in Nigeria’s search for stability, writes Sunday Aborisade.

When President Bola Tinubu walked into the chamber of the National Assembly on Friday to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill, the ritual was familiar. Yet the message was unmistakably political. Beyond figures and fiscal projections, the N58.18 trillion proposal represented a defining statement about power, priorities and the direction of governance midway into his administration.

Tagged the “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” the estimates place defence and security at the centre of national planning, allocating N5.41 trillion, which is the largest single sectoral vote.

In a polity still grappling with insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and violent criminal networks, the choice was deliberate and symbolic: security, Tinubu argued, is the foundation upon which all other ambitions rest.

Budgets, as lawmakers often remind Nigerians, are more than economic tools; they are political documents that reveal the soul of a government.

Tinubu acknowledged this directly, telling the joint session that the numbers before them were “not mere accounting lines but a clear statement of national priorities.”

The figures underscore that intent. Total projected revenue for 2026 stands at N34.33 trillion against expenditure of N58.18 trillion, with N15.52 trillion set aside for debt servicing.

Capital expenditure of N26.08 trillion outweighs recurrent (non-debt) spending of N15.25 trillion, a ratio the president framed as evidence of a development-driven agenda.

The fiscal deficit of N23.85 trillion, equivalent to 4.28 per cent of GDP, sits just within legislated limits, signalling a careful balance between expansion and restraint.

Underlying the proposal are conservative assumptions: oil benchmarked at $64.85 per barrel, production at 1.84 million barrels per day, and an exchange rate of N1,400 to the dollar.

In political terms, this caution is designed to avoid the credibility gaps that plagued earlier budgets built on overly optimistic forecasts.

The political centrepiece of Tinubu’s speech was security, not only in funding, but in doctrine. His declaration that all armed groups and gun-wielding non-state actors operating outside state authority would henceforth be treated as terrorists marked a significant rhetorical and policy escalation.

Bandits, militias, violent cult groups, forest-based armed collectives and even foreign-linked mercenaries were explicitly named. More strikingly, the president extended culpability to financiers, arms suppliers, informants, ransom negotiators and political protectors, warning that no shield, political, traditional or religious, would be tolerated.

In a country where security crises have often been complicated by local politics and elite complicity, the statement carried heavy political implications. It was an attempt to redraw the moral and legal boundaries of violence, collapsing grey areas into a clear binary: loyalty to the state or enmity against it.

The N5.41 trillion earmarked for defence and security is intended to back that posture with resources, modernising the armed forces, strengthening intelligence-led policing, improving border security and deploying technology-enabled surveillance.

Tinubu promised that spending would now be tied to “clear accountability and measurable outcomes,” a pledge aimed at addressing long-standing public scepticism about security votes.

Beyond security, the budget allocates N3.56 trillion to infrastructure, N3.52 trillion to education and N2.48 trillion to health. Tinubu framed these sectors as mutually reinforcing pillars of national renewal.

“Without security, investment will not thrive. Without educated and healthy citizens, productivity will not rise. Without infrastructure, jobs and enterprise will not scale,” he told the lawmakers.

Politically, this framing seeks to counter criticism that the administration’s early focus on macroeconomic reforms, fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification and tax changes, came at the expense of social welfare.

By foregrounding education and health alongside roads, power and rail, the president attempted to re-anchor his reform agenda in everyday human outcomes.

Still, some legislators hinted that allocations to education and health might be revisited during parliamentary scrutiny, reflecting the enduring tension between fiscal realism and social demand.

Perhaps the most politically sensitive moment of the address came when Tinubu openly acknowledged the hardship Nigerians have endured.

“Families and businesses have faced pressure; established systems have been disrupted; and budget execution has been tested,” he said, conceding what many citizens have felt acutely since 2023.

This admission was not merely rhetorical empathy. It was a calculated political move to own the costs of reform while asking for patience.

Tinubu insisted that the sacrifices were yielding results and that the 2026 budget was designed to consolidate gains and translate recovery into improved living standards.

To support this claim, he cited macroeconomic indicators: GDP growth of 3.98 per cent in the third quarter of 2025; inflation moderating for eight consecutive months to 14.45 per cent by November; improved oil production; expanded non-oil revenues through tax administration; and external reserves rising to about $47 billion a seven-year high.

In Nigeria’s contested political space, such statistics are not neutral facts but instruments of persuasion, deployed to sustain legitimacy amid lingering discontent.

Another politically significant aspect of the 2026 proposal is Tinubu’s determination to enforce fiscal discipline and end the culture of perpetual roll-over budgets.

He directed the Ministers of Finance and Budget, alongside the Accountant-General and the Budget Office, to conclude outstanding components of the 2024 and 2025 budgets by March 2026.

The implication is clear: 2026 should stand alone, implemented fully within its fiscal year. Government-owned enterprises were also warned to meet revenue targets, as the administration moves toward end-to-end digitisation of revenue collection, real-time dashboards and interoperable payment platforms to block leakages.

For lawmakers and policy analysts, this represents a structural shift. A ranking senator described the approach as a “bold departure” from past practices that blurred accountability and weakened implementation.

The political tone of the event was notably cooperative. Senate President, GodswillAkpabio described the presentation as a “defining national conversation,” emphasizing that progress is fastest when the executive and legislature work in partnership.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, echoed this sentiment, calling the moment “democracy at its strongest” and framing the budget as evidence of Nigeria’s transition from fiscal turbulence to stability and reform-driven growth.

Both leaders pledged rigorous but timely scrutiny, with lawmakers even suggesting they would forgo holidays to ensure speedy passage.

This harmony contrasts sharply with past budget cycles marked by confrontation and delay, and it strengthens Tinubu’s political hand as he seeks swift legislative backing.

On his part, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reinforced the political messaging. He described the 2026 estimates as a move “beyond promises to practical implementation,” stressing the administration’s “no mercy” stance against terrorism and violent crime.

Lawmakers who spoke to THISDAY highlighted the coherence of the strategy, particularly the link between security, infrastructure and human capital.

Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Ashiru, called the engagement with the president reassuring, pointing to the scale of the security vote and the broader macroeconomic improvements.

Yet there were also notes of caution. Some legislators argued that education and health deserved even greater emphasis, signalling that the politics of appropriation, bargaining, adjustment and oversight, is only beginning.

Ultimately, the 2026 budget estimate’s presentation was about consolidation, power, policy and narrative. For Tinubu, it was an opportunity to assert control over the reform story, to reframe hardship as transition, and to project firmness on security at a time of persistent threats.

It was also a test of trust: trust that the promised discipline will materialise, that security spending will deliver tangible safety, and that economic recovery will reach households, not just balance sheets.

As the budget proposal moves into legislative scrutiny, its fate will reveal much about Nigeria’s evolving political economy. For now, Tinubu has set the tone: a government betting that security, discipline and shared sacrifice can anchor renewed confidence, and that the politics of consolidation can hold.

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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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