Libya’s highest-ranking army officer, Mohamed Ali al-Haddad, and four other senior military officials were killed in a plane crash in Turkey on Tuesday night, the Libyan Prime Minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeiba, has confirmed.

“This followed a tragic and painful incident while they were returning from an official trip from the Turkish city of Ankara. This grave loss is a great loss for the nation, for the military institution, and for all the people,” Mr Dbeibah said in a statement reported by Reuters.

Mr Al-Haddad, the chief of general staff of the Libyan military, had been in Turkey for meetings with his counterpart, the Turkish defence minister, and other officials, the Turkish military said. He later departed in a private jet to return to Libya.

Turkish authorities reported that the aircraft lost radio contact shortly after taking off from Ankara, the capital. The Falcon 50 jet carried three crew members in addition to the five passengers.

According to the New York Times, the wreckage was found in the Haymana district, about 40 miles southwest of central Ankara. Turkish television broadcast footage of search teams at the crash site, where debris was scattered over a wide area.

“Turkish government spokesman Burhanettin Duran said the jet had reported an electrical failure to air traffic control and requested an emergency landing roughly 15 minutes after takeoff. The plane was redirected back to Ankara’s airport, but disappeared from radar while descending, and contact could not be reestablished,” the Times reported.

Mr Al-Haddad held the highest position in Libya’s armed forces under the internationally recognised Government of National Unity in Tripoli.

Appointed in 2020, he led efforts to organise and unify the Libyan Army under official state authority.

Libya remains divided, with rival factions controlling different regions since the death of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The eastern part of the country, based in Tobruk, has its own prime minister and is under the control of Khalifa Haftar.

Those who died alongside Mr Al-Haddad included: Al-Fitouri Ghribel, a major general and chief of staff of the land forces; Mahmoud Al-Qattouwi, a brigadier general and director of the Military Manufacturing Authority; Mohamed Al-Asawi Diab, adviser to the chief of the general staff, and Mohamed Mahjoub, photographer at the news media office of the chief of the general staff.

Turkish prosecutors have launched an investigation into the crash, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc confirmed on social media.

Mohamed Menfi, chairman of the Libyan Presidential Council, described the deaths as a “significant loss” for both the military and the nation. He said the officials had dedicated their lives to Libya’s stability and national interests.

READ ALSO: EXCLUSIVE: Documents identify N212.8bn properties traced to ex-AGF Malami amid EFCC probe (PHOTOS)

The Government of National Unity has announced three days of official mourning. Flags will be flown at half-staff at state institutions, and official ceremonies will be suspended.

Libya’s state news agency reported that the prime minister’s office had directed the defence ministry to send a delegation to Ankara to coordinate with Turkish authorities and investigate the crash.

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December 24, 2025December 24, 2025

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By Daniel Tyokua

The Federal Ministry of Works has commenced digital work processes, signaling its transition from analogue operations.

Federal government had through the office of the Head of the Civil Service of the federation, recently launched a digital platform to transition the Civil Service to a paperless operation.

In a statement issued by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, on Wednesday, said the Ministry has joined MDAs on the 1-GOV Enterprise Content Management (ECM) platform, to ensure a secure, efficient, and fully digital work flows.

During the launch, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, represented by the Minister of State, Bello Goronyo, commended the Head of the Civil service for her dedication to institutional reforms and digital transformation.

He described the Ministry’s transition as a thing of joy and pride, pledging the leadership’s full support for the initiative and its successful implementation.

The statement explained that the Head of the Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, lauded the launch as a demonstration of the Ministry’s readiness to align service delivery with modern, secure, and efficient digital best practices.

She highlighted the Ministry’s critical role in national development, through the planning, construction, reconstruction, expansion, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the Federal road network that connects communities, enables commerce, and facilitates economic growth. “Strengthening its information management systems,” she noted, “is both timely and strategic.”

Walson-Jack commended the Ministry’s leadership for their foresight and shared commitment to a seamless transition. She also praised Directors and staff for their openness to change, saying that “in a sector where records, approvals, and institutional memory are fundamental, the deployment of the ECM solution reinforces professionalism, continuity, and accountability.”

She further emphasised that the migration extends beyond technology, representing a fundamental improvement in how work is organised, decisions are documented, and collaboration is enabled. Furthermore, with its integration into the 1-Gov. Cloud ecosystem, the Ministry is now better positioned to operate seamlessly and securely, in alignment with broader Public Service standards.

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• A video showing a former Senate president serving as an usher in Bishop Abioye’s church has surfaced online
• The clip sparked mixed reactions on social media, as many shared what they noticed about the church and the video
• Bishop Abioye moved on to establish his ministry following his retirement as vice president of the Winners Chapel

A video of the former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, serving as an usher at Bishop David Abioye’s church has surfaced online.

Bishop Abioye moved on to establish his ministry following his retirement as vice president of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel).

Video of Former Senate President Serving as Usher in Bishop Abioye’s Church Sparks Buzz, Many React
Source: TikTok

After his retirement in October 2024, Abioye founded the Living World Conquerors Global Assembly in May 2025.

Anyim Pius serves at Bishop Abioye’s church

In a recent video shared by @todaysermon on TikTok, Anyim Pius Anyim was seen serving as an usher at Bishop Abioye’s church.

Read also

Bishop Abioye’s ties with Pastor Christ Okafor subjected to scrutiny as old videos resurface

He was seen passing bowls for offering during the service, an act popularly associated with ushers at the church.

Anyim Pius Anyim served as the ninth president of the Nigerian Senate from 2000 to 2003. He was also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation during the Goodluck Jonathan presidency.

The video was captioned:

“Former Nigeria Senate president,SGF – Ayim Pius seen at Bishop Abioyes church serving as an Usher.”

Watch the TikTok video below:

Reactions trail video of Anyim at Abioye’s church

@Sol Cross said:

“Men dey this church o. the other day, it was the Minister of Defense. Na to port o.”

@Busayo_16 said:

“He has been a consistent servant during his days at LFC in Durumi,I still remember him holding communion train back then in Durumi whilst I was serving in Abuja.”

@Dele Samson said:

“He has always been an Elder in the commission, before now he always joined to clean Toilet at Goshen even when he was serving as the SGF.”

Read also

Man shares how Bishop Abioye’s absence was felt at Shiloh 2025, sparks reactions: “Hope all is well”

@Arimo said:

“A man with a golden heart. A lover of God and humanity. Through him many Got federal government jobs when he was a senate president and SGF. I am a beneficiary. may God bless him abundantly.”

@Onyema Timothy said:

“That’s the only way to JESUS CHRIST heart the owner of the Church I don’t play with service to JESUS CHRIST church.”

@Audrey Germany said:

“Pls allow the man celebrate his root . He has been a follower of Christ ,since only God knws when !! Even when he visited his home town in ishiagu , ebonyi , he is always serving in church and active in church.”Video of Former Senate President Serving as Usher in Bishop Abioye’s Church Sparks Buzz, Many React
Source: Facebook

In related stories, a lady shared how she took flight to Shiloh while another shared why she won’t attend again.

Oyedepo’s video at Shiloh 2025 sparks reactions

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a video showed Bishop David Oyedepo introducing his first son at Shiloh 2025, which took place at Canaanland, Ota.

Read also

Man Posts Clip Oyedepo’s First Son’s Sermon at Shiloh 2025, Shares Observation: “Heir Apparent”

As the clip trended, many shared what they observed about what the Nigerian preacher said while greeting his son.

Some netizens also raised questions about Bishop David Abioye, who retired as the church’s vice president in 2024.

Source: Legit.ng

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A lady was filmed breaking down in tears while getting her boyfriend’s name tattooed on her hand, sparking mixed reactions online.

Girlfriend tattoos boyfriend’s name

In the viral video, she is seen crying profusely while the boyfriend holds her other hand, offering comfort as the tattoo is inked.

The boyfriend, who posted the clip, wrote: “If I no later marry this my babe, wahala go sup o. Cos omo people plenty wey go mock me.”

The video quickly drew attention on social media, with users reacting to both the woman’s emotional display and the permanence of tattooing a partner’s name.

The incident has reignited discussions about love, commitment, and impulsive decisions in relationships, especially among young Nigerians who often share personal moments online.

Social media reactions

Users on X (formerly Twitter) shared their opinions, ranging from humour to caution, as they reacted to the woman’s emotional moment and the boyfriend’s bold display of affection.

@JustAmof commented: “Some girls self person wey go later break her heart.”

@D_acenamie commented: “Omo see hand…. Ream don finish for market.”

@LightWeightKev commented: “See the useless name sef.”

While many reacted with humour and warnings, some users expressed empathy, noting the emotional vulnerability displayed in the video and the risks of making permanent decisions based on young love.

Watch the video below…

Girlfriend breaks down in tears while tattooing her boyfriend’s name on her hand. pic.twitter.com/FkHveVdaz5

— Oba 👑 Wacko (@Obawacko) December 23, 2025

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…Party accuses commission of bias

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has declined to recognise the new national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Tanimu Kabiru Turaki (chairman) which was elected at the party’s National Convention held last month.

INEC, in an official letter dated 22 December 2025 and signed by the secretary to the Commission, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, cited subsisting court judgments and ongoing legal processes as reasons for its action.

But the Turaki-led committee has said there is no faction in the party just as it accused the electoral commission of bias in its handling of the party’s affairs.

The national publicity secretary of the party, Comrade Ini Ememobong,  this while reacting to INEC letter explaining its inability to recognise and upload the data of the party’s elected leadership at the convention in Ibadan due to judgements of the Federal High Court.

Recall that INEC recently met with the Turaki-led PDP and the camp led by Mohammed Abdurahman, to find a solution to their internal rift.

The warring camps are in court on a number of issues including the recent conduct of the party’s national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State where Turaki’s committee was elected and the camp led by Nyesom Wike was expelled.

However, the letter, confirmed by a senior INEC official, who does not want to be mentioned, was sequel to the repeated demands by lawyers representing the PDP, asking the commission to update its website with the list of the national officers said to have emerged from the convention.

INEC said the requests were carefully reviewed based on relevant facts, applicable electoral laws and binding judicial pronouncements directly connected to the disputed convention.

The umpire drew attention to two final judgments of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, which it said remain valid and enforceable.

The first is Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, Austine Nwachukwu & 2 Ors. v. INEC & 8 Ors., delivered on  October 31, 2025 while the second is Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025; Sule Lamido v. PDP & 4 Ors., delivered on November 14, 2025.

INEC stated that both judgments expressly restrained it from supervising, monitoring, recognising, or accepting the outcome of the PDP national convention between on 15 and 16 November 2025, or on any other date, pending strict compliance with the orders of the court.

It acknowledged that Notices of Appeal had been filed against the judgments, emphasising that the mere filing of an appeal does not amount to a stay of execution.

INEC stressed that until the judgments are set aside or formally stayed by a competent court, it is constitutionally obligated to comply with them.

Citing Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), INEC stated that all authorities and persons, including the Commission, are bound to enforce and give effect to the decisions of courts of competent jurisdiction.

INEC also addressed references made by the PDP to interim orders issued by the High Court of Oyo State in Suit No. I/1336/2025 – Folahan Malomo Adelabi v. PDP & Ors.

The commission explained that it had already been struck out of the suit on grounds of lack of jurisdiction. It further noted that, in any case, interim orders cannot override or nullify subsisting final judgments of courts of coordinate or superior jurisdiction.

INEC also said there is yet another pending suit instituted by the PDP itself at the Federal High Court, Ibadan Division, Suit No. FHC/IB/CS/121/2025 – PDP v. INEC.

In that suit, the party is seeking an order compelling INEC to recognise the National Working Committee and members of the National Executive Committee allegedly elected at the Ibadan convention for all party and electoral purposes.

INEC maintained that granting the PDP’s request for recognition at this stage would be prejudicial, legally improper, and contrary to the rule of law, considering the multiplicity of pending suits and unresolved appeals.

The commission therefore, reaffirmed that it is unable to recognise or upload the list of National Officers said to have emerged from the PDP national convention of 15–16 November, 2025 until all pending appeals are determined and full compliance with court orders is achieved.

INEC further said, these positions were clearly communicated to the PDP leadership during a meeting held at the commission’s headquarters on Friday, 19 December 2025.

Reacting, the PDP spokesman said the judgements have been appealed and an application for the stay of execution filed against the judgements, and very soon the Court of Appeal will hear and give judgement in the matters.

Ememobong said while they await the appeal court judgment, he recalled that INEC monitored and participated in the National Executive Committee meetings where the convention date and venue were unanimously agreed and was also in receipt of the notice of the convention- a fact the Commission has unconscionably suppressed in court in several cases.

“Furthermore, the primaries in Ekiti and Osun were duly monitored by INEC, with communication emanating from the Turaki-led NWC.

“While we appreciate the monumental pressure that INEC has come under (after all he who pays the piper dictates the tune), we remind them that their constitutional responsibility is primarily to Nigerians and in the defence and protection of democracy.

“While INEC claims to be neutral and is awaiting the Judgement of the court on the matter, we hope that they are minded by the judgements of the Supreme Court, especially in the SDP case, being the latest delivered last week, barring INEC from interfering in the internal leadership affairs of political parties.

“The truth remains that there is no faction in the PDP as all the legitimate organs and the administrative structure of the Party are under the control of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki SAN.

“In the past one month the Board of Trustees, Governors Forum, State Chairmen, Senate and House of Representatives Caucuses, former Governors and Ministers and many other notable stakeholder groups have all met with and acknowledged the leadership of the current National Working Committee, led by Turaki SAN.

The party spokesman added that INEC must remember that democracy is hinged on majority rule, adding that the committee of friends of Wike and Anyanwu cannot be validly referred to as a faction of the PDP.

“Finally, having held a meeting with the Commission last week, and our correspondence, thereafter, further explaining relevant issues relating to the current situation, we should ordinarily not respond to this letter, except to point out the hypocrisy and consistent bias that has completely coloured the action of the electoral umpire.

“INEC has continuously shown bias in this matter, even in the court, where they failed or refused to file documents that were in their possession and within their knowledge, obviously to aid those who are bent on killing the PDP and truncating democracy.

“If INEC under the leadership of Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN knew the matter was in court, what was the rationale for the contrived meeting of Friday last week? Except to paint a false perception of faction to justify their actions and inactions,” he said.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the appointment of Senator Danladi Sankara as Political Adviser to the National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, a move that underscores the party’s commitment to strengthening its leadership with experienced voices. 

Senator Sankara, a two-time Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is expected to provide strategic guidance on political affairs, grassroots mobilization, and national orientation.  

During his tenure in the Ninth Assembly, Senator Sankara served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation. In that role, he provided oversight on policies relating to national communication, public enlightenment, and orientation programs.

His leadership was marked by efforts to improve transparency, strengthen national values, and ensure that government communication remained credible and accessible to citizens. These experiences have equipped him with a deep understanding of governance and the importance of aligning political strategies with national priorities.  

Senator Sankara is also recognized as a grassroots mobilizer and strategist. His ability to connect with ordinary citizens and rally support has made him a respected figure within the APC. 

He chaired the committee that delivered the party’s victory in the Babura/Garki Federal Constituency by-election, a success that demonstrated his organizational strength and tactical foresight. His track record shows a consistent ability to translate political vision into electoral success, reinforcing his reputation as a strategist who combines policy knowledge with practical action.  

Analysts believe his appointment will help the APC refine its internal strategies and strengthen its engagement with the electorate. At a time when political parties face increasing demands for accountability and responsiveness, Sankara’s advisory role is expected to ensure that the Chairman’s office remains attuned to both national policy issues and grassroots realities. 

His blend of legislative experience, grassroots connection, and organizational skill positions him to play a pivotal role in consolidating the APC’s leadership.  

For the APC, this appointment is not only a recognition of Senator Sankara’s past contributions but also a forward-looking investment in the party’s future. 

His presence in the Chairman’s office is expected to influence how the party approaches governance, communication, and mobilization, ensuring that its strategies remain both effective and people-centered.

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The Federal Government has raised serious concerns over new methods being adopted by terrorists to collect ransom payments in Nigeria.

Authorities say criminal groups now rely on Point of Sale (PoS) operators to receive and move ransom funds, making tracking and interception more difficult for security agencies.

The warning was issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director-General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Major General Adamu Laka.

He spoke during the Centre’s 2025 end-of-year press briefing, where he outlined emerging threats linked to terrorism financing across the country.

According to Laka, ransom payments remain a major source of funding for terrorist groups. He explained that kidnappers now provide victims’ families with PoS account details. Once money is transferred, the operators release cash to the criminals, allowing them to avoid direct banking channels.

“You see a transfer made by terrorists, and when you investigate the account, it belongs to a PoS operator. The kidnappers give out the PoS operator’s number, the money is transferred, and they go to collect it,” he said.

He noted that this practice has complicated investigations, as funds are quickly withdrawn before authorities can trace their final destination.

Despite this challenge, Laka said security agencies have strengthened efforts to monitor suspicious transactions and identify individuals involved in ransom processing.

The NCTC boss revealed that several arrests have been made in connection with terrorism financing and ransom payments. He added that prosecutions are ongoing, although specific operational details were withheld for security reasons.

Laka also disclosed that Nigeria is working to meet international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations. He said asset seizures and financial recoveries linked to terror networks are part of these efforts.

Beyond financial channels, the Federal Government also expressed concern over the use of social media by terrorists.

Laka listed platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and X as tools used to promote attacks, display looted items and communicate with supporters.

He explained that Nigerian security agencies are engaging directly with social media companies to identify and remove accounts linked to terrorism.

According to him, while these platforms focus on business growth, authorities continue to stress the national security risks posed by certain content.

“These platforms are businesses and are interested in growing their user base, but we engage them and explain the implications of certain posts on national security, and we take them down,” Laka said.

He added that terrorist groups constantly change tactics, including the use of aliases and unverified accounts, forcing security agencies to adapt their strategies regularly.

The NCTC operates under the Office of the National Security Adviser and coordinates national efforts against terrorism.

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The United States is overhauling its H-1B visa system, ending the traditional random lottery and introducing a weighted selection process that favors higher-paid, highly skilled foreign workers.

Starting February 2026, applicants with specialized roles and competitive salaries will have a better chance of securing a visa, signaling a shift toward rewarding expertise and protecting opportunities for U.S. workers.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the overhaul as part of a broader effort to ensure that the H1B program aligns more closely with its original intent: attracting highly skilled workers who complement the American workforce.

Under the new system, applications tied to positions requiring advanced expertise and offering competitive wages will carry greater weight in the selection process. Positions with lower wages are still eligible, but their chances of selection are expected to decrease significantly.

Some context on the annual lottery 

For decades, the annual lottery has frustrated applicants and employers alike. Critics have argued that the system was vulnerable to exploitation, with some companies flooding the lottery with applications for lower-wage positions simply to increase their odds of approval.

“The random lottery had been exploited by companies looking to import lower-paid workers,” said Matthew Tragesser, a spokesperson for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The new weighted approach, he said, nudges the program back toward fairness while incentivizing employers to focus on genuine talent needs.

The overall cap on H1B visas remains unchanged: 65,000 visas under the regular quota, with an additional 20,000 for applicants holding advanced degrees from U.S. institutions. The key change lies in how visas are allocated. By weighting selections toward higher-paid, specialized roles, DHS aims to prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring that the program continues to meet U.S. labor market demands without displacing domestic workers.

When will the new policy take effect?  

The regulation is scheduled to take effect on February 27, 2026, ahead of the fiscal year 2027 registration season, which typically opens in March for jobs starting October 1.

• The update is part of a broader policy shift, including recent measures requiring employers to pay an additional $100,000 per visa to qualify, signaling the administration’s expectation that H1B workers be highly valued and not used to depress wages.

For employers, the changes will likely mean more rigorous documentation, higher salaries, and clear demonstrations of specialized skill requirements.

For applicants, those in higher-wage, highly technical roles may see their chances improve. As the H1B system evolves, the U.S. government is signaling that it will continue to refine the program to balance foreign talent acquisition with protections for American workers, marking a significant departure from decades of lottery-driven selection.

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Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, brought festive relief to her constituents this Christmas by distributing more than 2,000 bags of rice and assorted relief items across the five local government areas in the district.

Spreading joy across the district

The distribution, carried out simultaneously in Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okene, Okehi, and Ogori-Magongo, aimed to ease the burden of rising food prices and ensure families could celebrate the season with dignity.

According to her media aide, Mike Idoko, the initiative targeted women’s associations, youth organisations, religious bodies, the elderly, and other vulnerable residents.

A leadership rooted in compassion

Speaking during the outreach, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasised that leadership must translate into tangible improvements for citizens.

“Christmas is a season of love, sacrifice, and shared joy. This rice distribution is to ensure families across Kogi Central can celebrate without hardship,” she said.

Community leaders supervising the exercise hailed it as one of the largest Christmas palliatives ever seen in the area.

Building a record of service

This festive initiative is part of a series of constituency projects by the senator, including healthcare improvements, solar-powered infrastructure, water projects, and empowerment programmes for women and youth.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, describing the gesture as timely and reflective of a people-centred leadership approach.

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Yusuf Ebiti

Geofluids Plc is set for high growth prospects as it successfully implements a wholistic growth strategy that will redefine its business operation aimed at driving up value for its current and prospective investors. The plan has three lane paths of a strengthened board, business line expansion, and rejigging of its operational structure, all aimed achieving a better value for investors and all stakeholders.

Besides, company looks forward to  the listing of its  shares on multiple exchanges both local and offshore, the current move by the company to reenvision and redefine its goals with needle-point implementation of its growth strategies is most timely.

According to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Geofluids Plc, Jacob Esan,  this bold and ambitious turnaround strategy  will improve value and place the company at the top of its industry of operation.

Esan, a corporate finance expert, who initiated the strategic plans and has been overseeing its successful implementation to date, stated that the decision of the company to expand its business lines by entering into bitumen and hydrocarbon exploration and extraction is aimed at positioning it  for greater value delivery.

He said: “Geofluids holds significant interest in Bitumen blocs, each capable of producing a significant commercial quantity of tar sand (bitumen) and other hydrocarbons. These blocs are located in Ondo State, and has the capacity to trigger strong corporate revival for the company’s fortunes.” 

He added that the process which started in 2012 has reached a stage where the company has now been completely stabilised with new focus and new energy for growth and value creation for its shareholders and all other stakeholders.

He noted that the shares of the company are currently listed and actively traded on NASD board, explaining that the plan is to list the company on the NGX and on other offshore international stock exchanges.

According to a report of a market analyst, the stock which trades around N5.50 on the OTC market has the potential for upside in hidden-market value opportunities if Geofluids succeeds in its new business direction and chooses to become a fully listed company on an alternative non-OTC market. The report further noted that even if the company chooses to remain on an OTC trading platform, there possible huge opportunities for investors to benefit from additional market value.

A review of the stock’s price performance in the course of the year shows that on the overall, excluding the outlier, Geo-Fluids’ price ranged from N1.62 to N5.00, characterised by high volatility, episodic liquidity, and event-driven swings typical of Nigerian small-cap energy stocks.

Geofluids is one of the players in the oil and gas sector. It was originally set up to supply drilling mud, barite, bentonite, and calcium carbonate. It also handled jobs on engineering, marketing, and project management services in the oil and gas industry, where it quickly built a strong reputation, attracting elite clients.

It will be recalled that Geofluids had a downturn in its operations leading to an erosion of value. The company found itself trapped in a commercial logjam. The shareholders abandoned a potential corporate revival and agreed to transfer the company to Esan on mutually agreed terms. And over the past several years, the business underwent several iterations until it emerged from its dire situation stable but with thin operating cash flow.

According to Esan, it took this long to fully reestablish Geofluids for very many good reasons.

“First, there were a lot of issues we needed to resolve, and that was successfully. Secondly, we had to clearly redefine the strategic focus of the company; that was necessary to give us a direction. Thirdly, we needed to review operational systems and put it in place such structure that will complement the new driving force to achieve the overall goal that has been established. And finally, we needed to put in place a financing structure that will give the company the necessary live blood that will keep it engines running,” he said.

The Chairman/CEO  noted, “it was a tough and rigorous process, but we are happy we took those right steps and have successfully gone through all that to lay a new foundation for the company, and we now have a very stable company that is ready to advance its fortunes for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

He further explained that Geofluids is now run by a new agile and versatile board with deep and broad experience in various sectors. “Our board shows regional spread, diverse expertise, and relevant experience.  The new board brings needed experience across energy, finance, law, governance, and strategic investments. It includes the following members:

It is expected that this new board will provide Geofluids with the socio-political and economic network, expertise, and governance support needed to drive the company’s subsequent evolution into one of Nigeria’s principal hydrocarbon businesses”.

It is of interest to note that these efforts have had very positive impact on the financials of the company, though marginally, but a clear indicator that the firm is on the path of recovery and growth.

The financials of Geofluids over the past 13 years shows a shift to a stable cashflow profile from a prior stream of operating losses. The positive change is underlined by some investment and financing activities that had significant impact on liquidity. Operating cash flows were volatile but gradually improved, moving from negative figures in the early years to steady positive inflows from 2018 onwards, and peaking at N35.51 million in 2022 and remaining robust at N34.34 million in 2024. This indicates better earnings quality and improved working capital management, as accounted for by the new operational structure of the organisation.

Though there have been spot cash inflows of N3.81 billion inflow in 2013 and N1.13 billion in 2024, the end of period cash levels remained modest, fluctuating between N1.34 million and N7.96 million, ending FY 2024 at N7.27 million. This underscores tight liquidity and a tendency to reinvest rather than hoard cash.

In all Geofluids’ cash flow pattern indicates a modest but emerging business, reliant on strategic financing cycles and asset monetisation to support growth, now entering a phase of stronger operational cash generation, consistent with its strategic repositioning. 

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The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, has assured Nigerians of the prompt restoration of electricity supply after a recent decline caused by a temporary shortfall in power generation.

 Mr Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister of Power made this known in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday night.

Tunji said that the minister gave the assurance during a meeting held with key power sector stakeholders, including Nigeria Independent System Operator (NISO).

Others in the meeting included Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Ministry of Power, Power Generation Companies (GenCos), and Power Distribution Companies (DisCos).

According to him, the situation is expected to be resolved within the next 24 to 48 hours.

”The drop in power supply followed an explosion on the Escravos–Lagos Gas Pipeline (ELP), compounded by acts of vandalism on critical gas infrastructure, which disrupted gas supply to several thermal power plants across the country”he said.

At the meeting, stakeholders confirmed that repairs to the vandalised pipelines would be completed within 24 to 48 hours, enabling the resumption of gas supply.

The minister subsequently directed all relevant agencies to intensify their efforts to ensure the timeline was adhered to.

The minister’s  assurance also came in response to a statement   by the NISO  informing the public and power sector stakeholders that it was closely monitoring ongoing repair works being carried out by the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company (NGPTC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

NISO also confirmed that the pipeline explosion resulted in a significant reduction in electricity generation nationwide.

According to NISO, several gas-fired power stations recorded reduced output following the incident, leading to a drop in available generation capacity on the national grid and a consequent shortfall in electricity supply to consumers.

The system operator, however, noted that it had received assurances from NGPTC that restoration works on the vandalised pipeline were nearing completion and that full operations were expected to resume within 24 to 48 hours.

Adelabu acknowledged the inconveniences currently being experienced by households and businesses.

He emphasised that the disruption was temporary and directly linked to acute gas supply constraints affecting several thermal power generation stations.

Given the increased electricity demand during the Yuletide season, he stressed  the urgency of restoring gas supply and ramping up energy generation.

 Adelabu said that preliminary investigation  had established that the gas supply shortage was caused by the ELP explosion and acts of vandalism on gas pipelines in the Niger Delta region.

”These incidents significantly reduced the volume of gas required to power key electricity plants, resulting in a sharp decline in overall generation on the national grid,”he said.

Adelabu,  while acknowledging the impact of the power disruption on businesses and households,  assured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving the issue swiftly.

“We understand the frustration this has caused Nigerians.

“However, we wish to assure the public that the federal government, through the Ministry of Power, is working round the clock to address the situation with utmost urgency,” he said.

He also expressed confidence that a marked improvement in gas supply and power generation would be achieved within the next 24 to 48 hours, with a gradual return to normal generation levels thereafter.

The minister further stated that the federal government was treating the incident with utmost seriousness.

He  noted that beyond immediate restoration efforts, long-term measures were being accelerated to diversify the nation’s energy mix, strengthen grid resilience, and deploy advanced surveillance technologies to safeguard critical infrastructure.

Adelabu appealed to the public for patience and understanding during the temporary disruption.

He also  urged communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around power and gas facilities to security agencies, stressing that the protection of national infrastructure was a shared responsibility.

Adelabu, however, reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu-led administration to delivering stable, reliable, and sustainable electricity to power homes, industries, and the broader economy.(NAN)

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By Dickson Omobola

Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, has concluded plans to transition all regional operations from night-time services to daytime flights from February 2, 2026.

The airline’s management said the shift was designed to improve passenger convenience, operational reliability and regional connectivity, while offering more competitive schedules that align seamlessly with onward domestic, regional and long-haul departures.

Spokesperson for Air Peace, Efe Osifo-Whiskey, in a statement, said: “The airline will operate a new regional daytime schedule with flights on the Lagos–Abidjan–Dakar–Banjul–Dakar–Abidjan–Lagos route every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, departing Lagos at 7:00 am and returning at 9:40 pm, while services on the Lagos–Accra–Roberts International Airport (Monrovia)–Freetown–Roberts International–Accra–Lagos route will run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, leaving Lagos at 8:00 am and arriving back at 7:25 pm; in addition, daily Lagos–Accra–Lagos flights will operate with morning departures at 7:00 a.m., alongside additional evening frequencies on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The frequency of the new regional

“The transition to daytime regional operations will enhance passenger comfort and travel experience, improve schedule reliability and on-time performance, provide stronger connectivity to night-time long-haul departures, support business, government, and leisure travel across West and Central Africa

“This optimized schedule gives Air Peace a strong competitive advantage over both regional and international carriers operating from Lagos, reinforcing its role as a key enabler of intra-African trade, tourism, and mobility.”

The post Air Peace scraps night regional flights appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The United States (US) has reportedly been conducting intelligence-gathering flights over large parts of Nigeria since late November this year.

According to flight-tracking data, current and former US officials, as reported by Reuters, the development signalled increased security cooperation between the two countries.

However, the report could not determine the specific information the flights were gathering.

The surveillance missions in West Africa follow threats made in November by President Donald Trump to militarily intervene in Nigeria over what he described as the government’s failure to stop violence targeting Christian communities.

The flights are also taking place just months after a US pilot working for a missionary agency was kidnapped in neighbouring Niger Republic.

According to the Reuters’ report, the US contractor-operated aircraft used for the surveillance missions typically take off from Ghana, fly over Nigeria and then return to Accra, the Ghanaian capital, as shown by flight-tracking data for December.

The data indicate that the operator is Mississippi-based Tenax Aerospace, a company that provides special-mission aircraft and works closely with the US military, according to its website. Tenax Aerospace did not respond to requests for comment.

Liam Karr, Africa team lead for the Critical Threats Project at the American Enterprise Institute, analysed the flight data and said the operation appeared to be departing from an airport in Accra, a known hub for the US military’s logistics network in Africa.

Karr said the operation was an early sign the US was rebuilding its intelligence and surveillance capacity in the region after Niger ordered US troops to leave a sprawling, newly built air base in the desert last year and instead turned to Russia for security assistance.

“In recent weeks, we have seen a resumption of intelligence and surveillance flights in Nigeria,” Karr said in an interview.

A former US official said the aircraft was among several assets the Trump administration moved to Ghana in November.

While it remains unclear how many aircraft are still based there, the former official said the missions include efforts to track the kidnapped US pilot and gather intelligence on militant groups operating in Nigeria.

Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province, are among the militant organisations active in the country.

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• As 56 vehicles impounded at Lagos Airport Road

The Lagos State Mobile Courts, on Tuesday, ordered the remand of six suspected notorious miscreants apprehended for a violent assault on personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other sister agencies.
This is as the agency has impounded 56 vehicles for various traffic and environmental infractions at the Lagos Airport Road.

A statement on Wednesday by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, said that the attack took place during a coordinated midnight enforcement operation along Airport Road, Lagos.

The statement hinted that seven miscreants had carried out the attack, but one of the suspects entered a plea of not guilty and was consequently admitted to bail, while the six others were remanded in custody.

According to Taofiq, the seven suspects were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate of the Lagos State Mobile Court on four-count charges.
The case was, however, adjourned to February 19, 2026, for further hearing.

The enforcement exercise, Taofiq said, was led by the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, and in strategic collaboration with other government agencies, including security operatives, the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Corps, the Lagos State Task Force, and LASTMA field officers.

He emphasised that the operation was conducted after a formal complaint submitted by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which lamented the persistent and unlawful encroachment on its facilities by criminal syndicates and recalcitrant commercial bus operators operating in flagrant defiance of extant regulations.

Taofiq expressed that during the execution of the enforcement operation, five officers of the joint task force were viciously attacked with dangerous weapons, while one of the authority’s tow trucks was deliberately set ablaze by the rampaging miscreants in a desperate attempt to sabotage the exercise and challenge the authority of the state.

No fewer than 56 vehicles were impounded for various traffic and environmental infractions, comprising 44 commercial buses, five private vehicles, and seven trucks.

Bakare-Oki reiterated the resolve of the State Government to safeguard critical public infrastructure, guarantee the safety of all road users, and uphold law and order across the metropolis.

He warned that the government would neither capitulate to intimidation nor tolerate violence from criminal elements.
He vowed that every act of lawlessness would be met decisively with the full weight of the law.

The statement added: “LASTMA boss further assures members of the public that enforcement operations along critical and strategic corridors of Lagos will remain continuous, intensified, and firmly anchored within the confines of the law, in close collaboration with sister agencies, to eradicate criminality, restore public order, and safeguard lives and property.”

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…15 passengers rescued, 6 adults, four minors missing

Barely a few hours to the Christmas celebration, troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl-Stroke, said their men have foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Otukpo–Enugu expressway in Benue State, rescuing several passengers and forcing the assailants to flee.

The incident occurred at about 10:00 pm on Monday, following a distress call that prompted troops on routine patrol to mobilise swiftly to the Amoda axis in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

OPWS spokesman, Lieutenant Zubairu Ahmad Zubairu, said in a statement that the armed criminals had emerged from the bush and briefly occupied an existing checkpoint.

Zubairu said, “The assailants subsequently stopped two 18-seater commercial buses travelling from Jos, Plateau State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, and attempted to abduct all passengers.

“However, the timely intervention of troops of Operation Whirl-Stroke led to a firefight that compelled the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee into the bush.

“In the initial encounter, 15 passengers were rescued and handed over to the Nigerian Police Division, Otukpo, while six adults and four minors were declared missing, however, subsequent operations led to the rescue of an additional five adults and all four minors now in custody of the Police Area Command, Otukpo, with search efforts ongoing to locate the remaining missing passengers.

The Force Commander of the Operation, Major General Moses Gara, in a reaction, commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism.

Major General Gara reaffirmed the OPWS’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property within its Area of Responsibility, stressing that sustained offensive operations, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated engagements with sister security agencies would continue to deny criminal elements freedom of action.

He sent Christmas and Yuletide greetings to all Christian faithful within the Joint Operations Area, covering Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States, and prayed that the season brings God’s abundant mercy, peace, and enduring joy to families and communities.

The Force Commander OPWS urged all believers to remain united, to shun all forms of violence and to live by the noble virtues exemplified by the Lord Jesus Christ of love, humility, tolerance, and compassion as a prerequisite for shared prosperity throughout the festive period and beyond.

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