• A young Nigerian lady is getting attention on social media after traveling to Kaduna for Christmas
• She shared online that her mother’s friend gave her a small gift for Christmas because of her visit
• The lady said she felt unhappy about the gift because she is grown up and owns an expensive phone

A young lady vented her frustration online after her mum’s friend gave her what she described as a small amount of money as a Christmas gift after she travelled to Kaduna for the holidays.

The lady expressed her displeasure online as she mentioned that she is a big girl while reacting to the amount she was offered by her mum’s friend.

Lady upset after mum’s friend gives small Christmas gift. Middle photo for illustration purpose only. Photo Credit: Getty Images/strike0, Twitter/Koniodan
Source: Twitter

Lady complains about Christmas gift

Her statement, especially how she referred to herself as a big girl, caught the attention of many social media users.

The lady, @Koniodan, got many people talking with her story as she revealed that she was given just ₦3,000 by her mum’s old friend, despite being a big girl who uses a big phone, an iPhone 16.

Read also

Nigerian lady shows message she received from friend who’s tired of relationship, sparks reactions

Speaking about what happened in Kaduna during the Christmas visit, she said:

“I travelled home for Christmas (Kaduna). One of my mum’s old friends who has known me since primary school visited and gave me ₦3k.”Young lady vents after receiving N3k from mum’s friend. Photo source: Twitter/Koniodan
Source: Twitter

She also mentioned what her mum’s friend said while giving her the money, adding:

“She said, ‘Merry Christmas.’ At my big age. Me wey dey use iPhone 16. Big girl like me.”

Reactions as lady complains online

@peterEmman54595 noted:

“Abi you no dey chop for Lagos wey you dey ? May be she see suffer for your body that’s why she give you the money. All thanks to big mommy sha.”

@Olah19619561 added:

“People who display ingratitude as a joke should not be amused when they’re later called ingrates in real life. People who only show gratitude towards grand gestures & belittle thoughtful gifts don’t deserve the good things in life.”

@MrGhata stressed:

“She just reminded you that no matter how big you can be, she will still give you happy Christmas like she use to when you are a kid. Just say thank you or send it to me if it’s too small for you..”

Read also

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

@nne2love shared:

“That’s so thoughtful of your mum’s friend it is the thought that counts.”

@adogogee wrote:

“Na from a place of love. No look the money look the love and effort. My uncle came to my house gave me five naira bundle. I was so happy because i know him. Man was so happy how excited I was. I loved that he was happy.”

@OmeizaU noted:

“When I went home last year, an old neighbor gave me 2k. In fact I was the one that asked her for it. I collected it and ran off like a kid. She was very happy and it made my old dad laugh hard. I will still collect if I go this year by God’s grace”

@kokomababe said:

“Wait o I thought you were grateful for it o and I was defending you on Instagram because I thought they didn’t comprehend your tweet.”

Read the post below:

Read also

“Finally mine”: Nigerian lady rejoices as man who broke up with her returns and proposes marriage

In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian employee went viral after happily showing off the Christmas gifts he received from his company.

Nigerian man shares food with community

Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that a Nigerian man earned praise online after sharing food items with his community during the Christmas season.

A video showed him giving out cows and bags of rice so that less privileged people could celebrate the festive period. Community members gathered at the town hall to receive the items.

Source: Legit.ng

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Jamaican dancehall star Shenseea has stirred reactions online after announcing plans to visit Lagos for Detty December, jokingly asking Nigerians to welcome her with gifts, including a wealthy partner.

Shenseea announces trip to Lagos

In a playful message shared online, the singer told her Nigerian fans she was heading to Lagos for the festive season,

“My Naija people I dey come to Lagos for Detty December. Bring me gold. Bring me frankincense. Bring me a man. A rich man”

The comment quickly gained traction on social media, with many Nigerians reacting humorously, while others raised concerns about safety and intentions.

Social media reactions

@amgbabie commented: “The trip sounds high-profile and strategic, blending personal ambition with professional positioning.”

@Pr_Yaqub commented: “Omo ole.”

@jeidieoe25765 commented: “What exactly did she think Nigeria was?”

@Her_exc3LL commented: “I can introduce you to my uncle — he has a tipper and two pickups. He’s rich in his own way, but can you cook?”

@el_kut commented: “This sounds like an announcement for kidnappers.”

Shenseea’s Detty December announcement adds to the growing list of international celebrities turning Lagos into a hotspot during the festive season, a period known for concerts, nightlife, and celebrity sightings.

Check the video below…

Shenseea said she’s coming to Lagos for Detty December and she needs a rich man 😂❤️ pic.twitter.com/DHpJ99UmGl

— OLAMIDE 🌸💖 (@Olamide0fficial) December 23, 2025

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Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Nyesom Wike has revealed why the Oyo State Governor fell out with President Bola Tinubu.

DAILY POST reports that Makinde, at a media chat with selected journalists in Ibadan on Tuesday said he would not be supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Makinde, who accused Wike of plotting to destabilize the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for Tinubu’s re-election, said he may also be on the ballot against the president.

Reacting, Lere in a Facebook post, alleged that the governor fell out with the president because his ministerial nominee was not accepted by Tinubu.

Lere claimed that Makinde would still be clapping for the president if his nominee was accepted and formed Tinubu’s cabinet.

“If Governor Seyi Makinde’s nominee for Oyo State ministerial position was accepted by President Tinubu, he will still be clapping for the President now”, Lere wrote.

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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has stated that he is qualified to run for Nigeria’s office of the president, while expressing regret for supporting President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections, noting the challenges facing the country’s democracy.

Makinde made the declaration on Tuesday at the Government House in Ibadan during a media chat, where he spoke about his past support for President Tinubu, his professional and political experience, and his thoughts on the nation’s future ahead of the 2027 elections.

Addressing speculations about his next political move, Makinde emphasised his qualifications to serve at the highest level.

“I have heard people saying, ‘Is Seyi trying to position himself for president’, to serve this country at the highest level. I am qualified,” he declared.

“I made a mistake, I supported the current president even in another party at that time because I thought he would do what is right for the country and bring people who can help the country, and I regret that action,” Makinde said.

Acknowledging his own fallibility, he stressed, “I am not above mistake.”

He noted that some advisors have counselled him to wait until after his tenure as governor before considering a presidential run.

“People tell me to just stay low and wait till after my tenure as president, and even after 8 years, I will be 67. I can contest, but I say to them, ‘What are we afraid of? Death?’ Even if you’re afraid of death, you will still die,” he said.
The governor emphasised the importance of combining professional and political experience in preparing for national leadership.

“Even the present president, what brought him to the presidency is that he was a governor of Lagos State. By May 2027, I would have been a two-term governor of Oyo State. Professionally, I ran a company at the young age of 29,” he said, citing his early success in business as part of his leadership credentials.

Makinde clarified, however, that he is not currently fixated on whether he will run, emphasising the need to evaluate the political environment and the broader survival of democracy.

“Right now, I am not fixated on running or not running. If I correctly recalibrate the environment, then we need to go beyond PDP and talk about the survival of democracy,” he said.

He concluded with a reflection on the unpredictability of Nigeria’s political landscape in 2027.

“What Nigerians will show elites and political figures in 2027, we cannot imagine it right now,” Makinde said.

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Six members of the Rivers State House of Representatives, reportedly loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers made the announcement during plenary on Tuesday.

Those who crossed over to the APC include Hon. Solomon Bob, Hon. Victor Obuzor, Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, Hon. Cyril Hart, Hon. Blessing Amadi, and Hon. Felix Nwaeke.

Their defection represents the latest political shift amid ongoing power struggles within the Rivers State PDP, as Wike’s allies increasingly align with the ruling party at the federal level.

The move is expected to further erode the PDP’s influence in Rivers State and intensify internal party tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on Nigerians to stop holding state governors solely responsible for the country’s worsening economic hardship.

He noted that the Federal Government controls more than half of the nation’s monthly federation revenue.

Governor Radda made the comments in an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI) Hausa.

He explained that while public frustration over rising living costs is often directed at governors and local government chairmen, the Federal Government receives the largest share of funds from the Federation Account.

“Whenever there is hardship, people blame governors and local governments,” Radda said.

“But when revenue is shared, 52 per cent goes to the Federal Government. It is the remaining 48 per cent that is shared among the 36 states and 774 local governments.”

He added that this revenue-sharing formula leaves subnational governments struggling to meet growing demands, despite widespread assumptions that governors control the bulk of national resources.

Questioning the long-term impact of federal control over national revenue, the Katsina governor urged Nigerians to examine how funds retained at the centre have been utilised over the years.

“For decades, the Federal Government has been receiving the larger share of federation revenue.”

“So the question Nigerians should be asking is: where has the bulk of that money gone?” he said.

His remarks come amid increasing pressure on state governments to account for higher allocations following the removal of the fuel subsidy.

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Nigeria is in advanced discussions with Alphabet Inc.’s Google over the deployment of a new undersea cable aimed at strengthening the country’s digital resilience.

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, disclosed this in an interview with Bloomberg.

Google had earlier announced plans to roll out four new infrastructure hubs in Africa to support its latest undersea fibre optic cable systems on the continent.

What the NITDA DG is saying 

Inuwa described Nigeria’s heavy reliance on undersea cables that follow similar routes as a “single point of failure,” explaining that disruptions along these paths could severely affect internet access and digital services.

• He said the government is seeking to augment existing subsea links that connect Nigeria to Europe by adding new capacity and alternative routes to improve resilience.
• According to Bloomberg, a Google spokesperson confirmed that talks with Nigeria are at an advanced stage but declined to provide further details.

Broader push to strengthen digital infrastructure 

Inuwa said Nigeria is also engaging other global technology companies as part of a wider strategy to expand its digital infrastructure.

Beyond improved connectivity, the country is seeking increased investment in cloud computing and high-performance computing capacity to support the adoption of advanced digital tools.

He added that such investments could help position Nigeria as a regional digital hub, improve internet access nationwide, and drive economic activity in Africa’s most populous country.

What you should know 

Nigeria has experienced several internet outages linked to damage to subsea cables in recent years.

In March last year, several businesses were paralysed for days due to an internet outage caused by damage to international undersea cables supplying the country with connectivity.

• The damage that occurred near Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire affected major undersea cables connecting Nigeria, including the West Africa Cable System (WACS), the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE), MainOne, and SAT3.
• To avoid a repeat of that scenario, Nigeria had called for a coordinated and multilateral approach by the West African region to protect shared telecommunications infrastructure and diversify connectivity to ensure uninterrupted connections.
• Nigeria is a major hub for undersea cables, hosting at least eight major systems: MainOne, SAT-3/WASC, Glo-2, ACE, WACS, Equiano, 2Africa, and NCSCS, landing in areas like Lagos and Akwa Ibom.
• These cables, including Google’s Equiano and Meta’s 2Africa, bring massive data capacity, foster 4G/5G growth, and support new data centres, transforming Nigeria’s digital landscape.

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Nigerians, including entertainers, content creators and business owners, will no longer need a separate Tax Identification Number (TIN) from 2026, following a new clarification by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

The tax authority announced that the National Identification Number (NIN) will automatically serve as the Tax ID for individuals, while registered businesses will use their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number under Nigeria’s new tax system.

The clarification was shared via a public awareness campaign on X on Monday, amid growing conversations online about how the new tax laws could affect bank accounts and financial transactions.

What the new tax rule means

According to the FIRS, the policy is backed by the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), which takes effect in January 2026.

The law requires a Tax ID for certain transactions, but the Service stressed that Nigerians are not being asked to obtain any new documents.

“For individuals, your NIN automatically becomes your Tax ID, while companies will use their CAC RC numbers,” the agency said, adding that no physical card or additional registration is required.

Online reactions and clarifications

The announcement sparked conversations across social media, with some Nigerians expressing concern that accounts could be frozen under the new tax framework.

Addressing the speculation, the FIRS urged the public to ignore misinformation, noting that the Tax ID requirement has existed since 2019 and is only being strengthened, not newly introduced.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, had disclosed that banks would begin requesting tax identification details from taxable Nigerians as part of the updated framework starting in 2026.

Watch the video below…

ABOUT YOUR TAX ID: The Tax ID unifies all things previously issued by FIRS and state IRS into a single identifier. For individuals, your NIN automatically serves as your Tax ID; for registered companies, your CAC RC number is used. You don’t need a physical card. The Tax ID is a… pic.twitter.com/4Hp3LJth7x

— TheCable (@thecableng) December 22, 2025

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Six members of the House of Representatives have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The members are Hon Dum Dekor, Hon Solomon Bob,

The post JUST IN: Six Rivers PDP Reps defect to APC appeared first on The Nation Newspaper.

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By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

The China Mining Federation of Nigeria has dismissed reports alleging that Chinese mining companies are infiltrating Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and engaging in illegal activities, describing the claims as false and misleading, restating its commitment to Lawful Mining in Nigeria.

In a statement sent by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria on Tuesday, the federation said it had observed the recirculation of media reports accusing some Chinese nationals of illegal mining, seizure of critical mineral resources, environmental damage and even fueling terrorist activities in the country.

Addressing claims that Chinese companies are supporting terrorism, the federation said such allegations were completely unfounded, stressing that Chinese mining firms have themselves been victims of terrorist attacks in Nigeria.

It added that Chinese companies operating in the country have consistently supported the Nigerian government’s efforts to safeguard national security and remain willing to cooperate fully to ensure a safe and stable operating environment.

The Federation stated: “Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have always strictly complied with Nigeria’s laws and regulations, in accordance with the guidance of the Chinese government. While conducting business in compliance with the law, these companies actively cooperate with Nigerian government departments to strengthen mining governance.

“They have also responded proactively to Nigeria’s need for industrial transformation and upgrading in the mining sector by making investments, building local factories and hiring Nigerian workers, measures that have not only boosted local employment but also enabled Nigeria to retain greater added value, turning resource endowments into tangible development dividends.

“By giving back to local communities, fulfilling social responsibilities, and protecting the natural environment, these companies have made positive contributions to deepening China-Nigeria mining cooperation.”

The federation urged Nigerian media organisations and the public to report on the activities of Chinese mining companies fairly and objectively, warning against the spread of misinformation that could undermine bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.

It reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to deepen cooperation in the mining sector, support Nigeria’s economic and social development and ensure that the partnership delivers tangible benefits to both countries.

The post China not behind illegal mining in Nigeria, says Embassy appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has stated that his administration prefers creating a conducive environment that empowers citizens to lift themselves out of poverty, rather than distributing handouts to them.

Makinde made the remarks during a media chat with journalists at the Government House in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, where he explained the philosophy behind his administration’s social and economic interventions.

“So for us in Oyo State, we believe that we’re not going to give people handouts. We will create, and we’ve been creating, that conducive environment for people to come in, have opportunities, and then they’ll take themselves out of poverty,” the governor said.

Drawing on past experiences, Makinde argued that handouts and cash transfers often fail to have a lasting impact.

“I was walking inside a Shell Bonny Terminal when they were sand-filling the entire cinema for a Nigerian LNG project. Then all the fishermen and those people, they built decent houses for them. It didn’t take five years before the whole place was turned into a shanty town,” he recalled.

According to him, this reality shaped his disagreement with some development partners on poverty alleviation strategies.

“So the approach, and again I argue this with the World Bank, their preference is, ‘Look, have conditional cash transfers, give people money.’ And I said, No,” Makinde stated.

He said Oyo State adopted a different model by supporting citizens’ productive capacity rather than offering direct cash.

“In Oyo State, what we did was rather subsidise the productive efforts of people,” he explained.

Makinde noted that when the country faced economic headwinds, many state governments focused mainly on distributing palliatives.

“When we hit this economic headwind, a lot of state governments were bringing in palliatives. Okay, yeah, we’ll have palliatives, give food to people,” he said.

However, he said his administration went further by launching a structured intervention known as the SEFA programme.

“What we did here was we created what we call the SEFA programme — Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery,” the governor said.

He explained that a key component of SEFA targets the transportation sector, with deliberate subsidies aimed at supporting productivity.

“We looked at our Pacesetter Transport Service, which moves close to 20,000 people every day. And we said, okay, for those 20,000 people, the vulnerable ones among them, students, the elderly, the physically challenged, they pay a discounted price, half the price,” Makinde said.

According to the governor, the state spends about ₦100 million monthly on the initiative, describing it as an investment rather than a giveaway.

“So we subsidise them with ₦100 million every month. But that ₦100 million is subsidising productivity,” he said.

He emphasised that the reduced transport fares are not intended to encourage unnecessary travel, but to enable people to engage in meaningful economic activities.

“You’re not going to just get on the bus for a ride because it’s half price. You get on the bus because you’re going somewhere that is important to you, that is likely going to yield something productive,” Makinde added.

The governor maintained that the strategy reflects his administration’s broader commitment to sustainable development and long-term economic resilience in the state of Oyo.

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Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas

The Nigerian Navy has rescued 20 crew members from a vessel that caught fire along the Calabar stretch of the Oron–Calabar waterways in Cross River State.

The incident occurred on December 22, 2025, when the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) OSE, while on routine patrol, responded to a distress call from Motor Vessel (MV) Chimba Express. The vessel was en route from Gabon to Calabar, conveying scrap materials and other logistics.

In a statement issued by the Base Operations Officer of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY, Lieutenant Commander Kelechi Ahunanya, NNS OSE received the distress signal at about 1:00 pm and immediately proceeded to the scene.

Upon arrival, naval personnel observed thick smoke billowing from the vessel and swiftly commenced rescue and firefighting operations.

Crew members who had abandoned the vessel, as well as those stranded on deck, were rescued with the aid of life buoys and other emergency equipment.

According to the statement, 20 crew members were successfully rescued and administered first aid. The vessel had a total crew of 21, comprising 14 Nigerians and seven Cameronians.

Ahunanya disclosed that the vessel’s Chief Engineer, who reportedly jumped into the water for fear of an imminent explosion, remains missing, adding that search and rescue operations are ongoing.

He noted that personnel from the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, Naval Security Station 030 Houseboat, and local fishermen supported the rescue efforts.

NNS OSE also deployed portable pumps to contain the fire, which affected the midship and aft sections of the vessel.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of seafarers and the protection of maritime assets within Nigeria’s territorial waters, in line with the operational mandate of the Chief of the Naval Staff.

In November, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny rescued 11 passengers from a sinking outboard engine-powered speedboat along the Bonny River.

The operation was conducted by armed personnel of FOB Bonny on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at about 1:00 p.m., near the Federal Ocean Terminal in Onne, Rivers State.

According to Lieutenant Commander Sirajo Almustapha, Base Operations Officer, the passenger boat developed an engine malfunction, which caused water to enter the vessel and was worsened by the large number of passengers on board.

Almustapha said that while conducting routine escort duties around the Onne general area, FOB Bonny personnel observed a distressed passenger boat sinking in the water.

He explained that the rescued passengers were debriefed at FOB Bonny before being handed over to a representative of the Marine Police, Assistant Superintendent of Police Friday Nyeche, at about 4:40 p.m., to be reunited with their families.

He added that the boat’s engine was repaired at about 3:58 pm, after which the driver and the remaining 10 passengers proceeded to Coal Beach Jetty in Bonny Island.

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In the spirit of the Christmas season and in furtherance of its commitment to community service and care for the elderly, a non-governmental organisation, Women in Out of Home Advertising Business (WOHAN), has visited the Old People’s Home in Yaba, Lagos, where it donated various food items and essential materials to the facility.

The WOHAN delegation was received by a caregiver at the home, who took members on a guided tour and provided insights into the daily routines, welfare needs, and general living conditions of the elderly residents.

The visit afforded members of the organisation the opportunity to interact closely with the residents, while also observing firsthand the dedication and compassion of the caregivers, which WOHAN commended.

The engagement created moments of joy and bonding, as members of the organisation joined the elderly in singing songs, praising God, and sharing words of encouragement, love, and moral support. The interaction fostered a lively and emotionally uplifting atmosphere for both the residents and the visiting team.

As part of the outreach, WOHAN donated fruits, foodstuffs, a 250-litre deep freezer, Wi-Fi support, adult diapers, toiletries, a filled 25kg gas cylinder, and other essential household items to enhance the comfort and well-being of the residents. The items were formally received by the management of the home.

Speaking on the visit, the Coordinator of WOHAN, Mrs. Adeola Odesanya, described the outreach as impactful and fulfilling, noting that it reinforced the organisation’s mission of compassion, service, and social responsibility.

“The smiles, prayers, and appreciation from the elderly residents served as a strong reminder of the importance of caring for and honouring senior citizens in our society,” she said.

Odesanya reiterated that WOHAN remains committed to supporting vulnerable groups and will continue to explore opportunities to make meaningful contributions to community development.

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Stakeholders and thought leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were on Monday evening presented with detailed data, figures and video evidence of the performance of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration across Kwara State, as members of the State Executive Council took turns to outline achievements recorded in the last six years.

Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawy Olododo, said official records show that the AbdulRazaq administration has delivered more completed, ongoing and facilitated (tax credit) road projects than the combined records of the three administrations that governed the state between 1999 and 2019.

According to him, the administration has completed 302.4 kilometres of roads since 2019, has 275.25km currently ongoing, including 209.7km under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) as well as 294km of roads executed through tax credit arrangements, bringing the total to 871.65km.

“Between 1999 and 2019, available records show that a total of 651.2km of roads were constructed by the administrations of Mohammed Lawal, Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Abdulfatah Ahmed, including the 120km FG-funded Chickanda Road under Senator Saraki. When you juxtapose these records, it is clear that His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has surpassed that record,” Olododo said, backing his presentation with video footage.

Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuhu, said the government has implemented two minimum wage reviews and paid more counterpart funds than any previous administration, reaffirming the Governor’s commitment to the welfare of Kwarans, especially civil servants.

She disclosed that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) grew from ₦30.6 billion in 2019 to ₦87.1 billion as of December 19, 2025, representing over 100 per cent growth in six years.

Dr. Nuhu added that the administration has cleared all inherited salary and pension arrears, paid 100 per cent CONMESS and CONHESS entitlements, and approved a new 27.5 per cent Teachers’ Specific Allowance (TSA).

Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, said the administration has recruited more than 8,000 teachers, constructed over 2,000 classrooms, and addressed long-standing staff welfare issues, including clearing promotion arrears dating back to 2016.

A presentation on urban renewal and the Kwara Smart City project further highlighted the administration’s vision, as Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Segun Ogunsola, explained the progress made so far, including construction work on the Kwara State University of Education.

Dignitaries at the event described the Governor’s achievements as unprecedented, visible and laudable within the context of Kwara’s socio-political history.

Senator Salihu Mustapha (Kwara Central) said the scale of achievements was remarkable.
“With what we have seen here today, it is a thing of joy that in our lifetime we have a Governor who has quietly achieved this much. If anyone told us that the state had progressed to this level, we might not have believed it—but we have seen it firsthand,” he said.

He urged Kwarans to celebrate the progress recorded, adding that infrastructural development under the present administration surpasses what was achieved in the 16 years preceding it.

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi, commended the Governor’s performance and urged critics to be fair in pointing out areas for improvement.

“This meeting is not just about eating; we have been treated to the achievements of the Governor. If you bring a blind man to Kwara State, he will appreciate that development is taking place,” he said, calling for unity and constructive engagement.

Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Engr. Salihu Yakubu-Danladi, said lawmakers had consistently observed the Governor’s achievements across all constituencies and wards of the state, noting that beyond physical infrastructure, the administration has also delivered through social investment programmes.

Director-General of the Nigeria Orientation Agency (NOA), Alhaji Issa Lanre Onilu, said Governor AbdulRazaq’s performance had exceeded expectations and advised the government to focus on sustaining legacy projects such as the Garment Factory, Innovation Hub and Kwara Smart City.

Similarly, Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr. Abdullateef Shittu, described AbdulRazaq as a calm but firm leader who is consultative yet decisive, adding that his leadership style has strengthened dialogue and collective responsibility in the state.

Chairman of ALGON in Kwara State, Hon. Abdullahi Abubakar Danladi, said every political ward in the state has benefitted from one form of capital project or another, with impacts already evident.

Amb. Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, Dr. Amina Ahmed and Engr. Nurudeen Adeyemi, speaking for the three Senatorial Districts, praised the Governor’s political tolerance and commitment to rewriting Kwara’s development narrative.

In his address, Governor AbdulRazaq said he was focused on leaving behind a strong and viable state.
“I am interested in building a legacy of leaving this state far better than I met it. I am not interested in building a dynasty. I urge us all to work together for a greater Kwara,” he said.

The Governor also spoke on security, outlining successes and challenges while reassuring residents of the government’s resolve to rid the state of kidnappers and criminal elements.

He thanked party leaders and stakeholders for attending the meeting, describing it as a continuation of an earlier parley held in Abuja, and acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu, whose economic policies, he said, have freed up resources for expanded infrastructure development.

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The Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Engr. Beloved-Dan Anike, has flagged off the distribution of 10,000 bags of rice to 10,000 households across the council area as part of his administration’s Christmas welfare package and poverty reduction drive.

This was as the chairman said the council had completed over 10km of asphalted roads, awarded scholarships to over ten thousand beneficiaries, and trained youths in different digital skills, while praising the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his administration’s non-interference with local government funds, which made the execution of the projects possible.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony yesterday, Anike said the initiative was inspired by the leadership philosophy of the governor, whom he described as intentional and people-oriented in governance, with a strong focus on reducing poverty in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to him, the local government’s welfare interventions were designed to complement the state government’s efforts at improving the living standards of the people at the grassroots.

“Our motivation is drawn from the leadership style of His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, who has consistently placed the welfare of the common people first. He is deliberately reducing poverty in Enugu State, and we at the local level are following the same principle,” the chairman said.

He recalled some of the social intervention programmes already implemented by his administration, noting that the rice distribution was a continuation of deliberate pro-poor policies.

“You are aware of our 5,000 universal health coverage scheme. You are also aware of our distribution of 10,000 wrappers to 10,000 women. Today, we are flagging off the distribution of 10,000 bags of rice to 10,000 households across Enugu East Local Government Area,” he stated.

Anike explained that the beneficiaries were identified through women’s cooperative societies within the council, adding that over 400 cooperative groups are currently undergoing various capacity-building and empowerment trainings facilitated by the local government.

“This programme was made easy by our structured engagement with women cooperatives across the council. These groups, numbering about 400, are undergoing training programmes, and through them we were able to identify households that are already benefiting from our poverty reduction initiatives,” he said.

The council chairman also commended Governor Mbah for strengthening local government administration through deliberate policies and infrastructural investments at the grassroots.

“Governor Peter Mbah has been intentional about empowering local governments. He allows 100 per cent of our statutory allocations to reach us, and this has enabled councils to execute meaningful projects. Projects such as Smart Green Schools, Type-2 Primary Health Centres, and rural road construction are visible testimonies. We are simply following in his footsteps in delivering good governance to our people.”

Also speaking at the event, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye, described the development strides in the state as consistent with the party’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said prioritises aggressive grassroots development and poverty reduction.

“What we are seeing here aligns with the APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is focused on taking development to the grassroots and lifting people out of poverty. I urge the people to continue to support the APC and work towards the return of the party to government at all levels in the forthcoming elections.”

He further charged residents to ensure that their voter cards are intact and to actively participate in the electoral process.
In separate reactions, beneficiaries of the rice distribution expressed joy and appreciation, describing the intervention as timely and impactful, especially amid prevailing economic challenges.

One of the beneficiaries, a widow, Mrs. Grace Ogbu, said the gesture would go a long way in easing the burden on households during the festive season. “This support means a lot to us. It shows that the local government truly cares about the people,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Ngozi Eze, pledged continued support for the council administration and the APC. “With what we are seeing, we are ready to give more support to this government so that these programmes can continue,” she said.

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