The Universal School of Aviation (USA) marked a significant milestone with its 14th Convocation Ceremony, held across two major Nigerian cities: Abuja on December 19 and Lagos on December 20, 2025.

The ceremonies brought together graduating students, faculty, industry stakeholders, and families to celebrate the achievements of the latest cohort of aviation professionals.

The events underscored the institution’s commitment to producing highly skilled personnel for both domestic and international aviation sectors.

Highlights of the Abuja Ceremony
– The Abuja event took place on December 19, 2025, with graduates from various programs, including travel and tourism, flight dispatch, cabin crew training, customer service, aviation management, etc

The Director of Studies and Chief Executive Officer of the institution, Onifade Eedris Adekunle, admonished graduating students to be ambassadors of the institution as they go into the labour market.

– Keynote speaker and Chairman of the occasion, Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, emphasised the importance of professionalism, safety, and innovation in the aviation industry.

– Graduates were urged to embrace continuous learning and uphold the values of the institution as they enter the workforce.

Lagos Ceremony.
– On December 20, 2025, the Lagos campus hosted its own convocation, drawing a large audience of industry leaders and alumni.
– The ceremony featured award presentations to outstanding students and recognition of faculty contributions.
– Alumni representatives encouraged graduates to join the growing USA Alumni Association, which serves as a network for career development and mentorship.

The Director of Studies and Chief Executive Officer, Onifade Eedris Adekunle, reaffirmed the Vision of Universal School of Aviation and reiterated its mission to bridge the gap between quality training and industry needs, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for careers in airlines, airports, and aviation-related organisations. The management highlighted ongoing collaborations with aviation authorities, domestic and international partners, to strengthen training standards.

Keynote speakers in the Lagos convocation included Mr John Omololu Olumuyiwa of TravelScope magazine, who was also the chairman of the occasion. Mrs Joy Ogbebor of Mamaj Aviation Consult, who was the chairperson. Mrs Onifade Ifeoluwa (Convenor, Aviator Scholars) and Mr Wale Odeyemi (Chairman, ITPN Lagos chapter) as special guests.

The management of the institution also used the event as an avenue to confer the Award of Excellence on the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government, Engineer Beloved-Dan Obi Anike, in recognition of his Exceptional Leadership and Trailblazing Human Capital Development for Sponsoring Enugu East Youths into Aviation Studies — A Landmark First in Local Government Administration Nationwide.

Several graduates expressed gratitude for the rigorous training and support they received. “This convocation is not just a celebration of our achievements, but a call to service in the aviation industry,” one graduate noted.

Looking Ahead

With the successful conclusion of the 14th Convocation, the Universal School of Aviation continues to expand its influence in Nigeria’s aviation sector. The institution reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing professionals who will contribute to the growth and safety of air travel across Africa and beyond.

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The Osun State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, formally passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill, which totals ₦723,454,988,670.00, following comprehensive deliberations and legislative scrutiny.

This marks a key milestone in the state’s fiscal planning for the coming year.

The budget, titled the “Budget of Economic Transformation,” was passed after detailed consideration by the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation. Contributions from relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) were also taken into account.

Lawmakers engaged in extensive debates to ensure that the proposals align with the developmental priorities and socio-economic needs of the people of Osun State.

The 2026 budget was presented to the House on November 12 by the Executive Governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke.

It is designed to promote sustainable development, enhance infrastructure, improve social services, and strengthen key sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and economic empowerment.

The budget also emphasised fiscal responsibility, transparency, and prudent management of public resources.

The revenue estimates for the 2026 budget include an opening balance of ₦16,192,300,490.00, recurrent revenue of ₦421,253,229,320.00, and capital receipts of ₦286,009,458,860.00. This brings the total inflow to ₦723,454,988,670.00.

On the expenditure side, the budget allocates ₦135,005,722,430.00 for personnel costs and ₦185,768,933,880.00 for other recurrent expenditures.

The subtotal for recurrent expenditure is therefore ₦320,774,356,310.00. Capital expenditure has been set at ₦402,680,332,360.00, bringing the total outflow to ₦723,454,988,670.00.

Following the passage of the budget, the Speaker of the House, Rt Honourable Wale Egbedun, commended members for their dedication and cooperation throughout the budget process.

He emphasised that the legislature remains committed to safeguarding the interests of the citizens and reaffirmed the Assembly’s resolve to continue exercising effective oversight to ensure proper implementation of the budget.

The House also urged the Executive to ensure the timely and efficient execution of the approved estimates in accordance with the law, for the overall growth and development of the state.

The 2026 Appropriation Bill, as passed, will now be transmitted to Governor Ademola Adeleke for assent.

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A fire broke out at the Terminus Market in Jos, Plateau State capital, on Tuesday night, destroying about 25 shops.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Terminus market secretary, Zakari Sale confirmed the incident, saying no lives were lost.

He further revealed that the fire started between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and firefighters from the Federal Fire Service and the Plateau State Fire Service arrived quickly and were able to stop it from spreading to other parts of the market.

Zakari Sale, said the damage was not as severe as what was recorded during previous fire outbreaks at the market. Although, he did not provide an estimated value of property loss.

He added that investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.

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The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has extended warm felicitations to Christians in the state and across the country as they celebrate Christmas and prepare to usher in the New Year.

The message was conveyed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohamed.

Naija News reports that Governor Radda urged Christians to use the Christmas season as a period of reflection on the teachings of Jesus Christ, especially the values of love, sacrifice, peace and compassion towards humanity.

According to the statement, the governor described Christmas as a significant moment for Christians to renew their commitment to values that foster peaceful coexistence and national unity.

“As we celebrate this joyous season, I call on all Christians to embrace the spirit of love and tolerance that Christ exemplified throughout his earthly ministry,” Radda said.

The governor stressed that unity among Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences, remains critical to building a safer and more prosperous Katsina State and Nigeria at large.

He called for sustained collaboration between Christians, Muslims and adherents of other faiths, noting that religious tolerance and mutual respect are essential ingredients for development and progress.

“When we stand together in unity, we become stronger and more capable of overcoming the challenges facing our state and nation,” he added.

Radda further urged Christians to use the Christmas season to pray for peace, security and prosperity in Katsina State and across Nigeria.

He emphasised that the country requires both divine intervention and human cooperation to achieve lasting progress and stability.

The governor reassured Christians in Katsina State of his administration’s commitment to protecting their rights, ensuring their safety and creating an enabling environment where all citizens can practise their faith without fear or hindrance.

He wished Christians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, filled with peace, joy and renewed hope.

Christmas is a Christian festival celebrated annually on December 25 to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. Over the years, it has also evolved into a secular family holiday observed by both Christians and non-Christians.

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Immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has refused to comply with a court order granting him bail.

The ex-AGF also accused the anti-graft agency of subjecting him to unlawful detention and media trial.

Malami made this allegation on Wednesday in a statement by his media aide, Mohammed Bello Doka.

He stated that the anti-graft agency ignored a valid order of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, admitting him to bail despite the fulfilment of all conditions.

DAILY POST recalls that the FCT High Court on December 23, 2025, granted him interim bail in a matter involving the EFCC after considering arguments from both parties.

The court reportedly ruled that the ex-AGF had met the bail conditions and ordered his release pending further proceedings, adjourning the case to a later date in January.

However, Malami’s office alleged that despite being formally served with the court order, EFCC officials refused to accept the bail documents and turned away the court bailiff, insisting on keeping him in custody.

The statement further noted that the former minister has now spent over 14 days in detention without being arraigned before any court of competent jurisdiction, a development his lawyers described as unconstitutional and oppressive.

The Kebbi-born politician also accused the EFCC of engaging in selective media briefings aimed at shaping public opinion against him, a move he described as a media trial after the failure to secure judicial backing.

“Court orders are not advisory. They are binding on all authorities,” the statement said.

At the time of filing this report, the EFCC had yet to respond to the allegations.

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The Edo State House of Assembly has confirmed Chris Ewere Okaeban as Commissioner to be appointed to the State Executive Council, nearly three months after his screening was rejected.

Naija News recalls that the House had, on September 30, 2025, refused to screen and confirm Okeban as commissioner to be appointed to the State Executive Council following an alleged petition to the Department of State Services (DSS).

During plenary, while confirming the six other nominees, the Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku, said that the screening committee’s report before him stated that Chris Okaeben, a former member of the House, was not cleared because he had outstanding issues with the DSS.

However, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the plenary sitting, the Governor sent a letter to the House requesting it to conclude Okaeban’s screening and confirmation.

The letter dated December 22, 2025 and titled “Request for the confirmation of Commissioner-designate” was signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, and addressed to the Speaker of the House.

According to the letter, Governor Monday Okpehbolo urged the lawmakers to conclude the screening process and affect Chris Okaeben’s confirmation.

Following the Governor’s request, the House, however, screened and confirmed him as the 27th commissioner in the state cabinet.

The letter read in part, “Sequel to the non-conclusion of the screening of Hon. Christopher Ewere Okaeben as Commissioner-designate for Edo State by the House of Assembly, I write to formally convey the request of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, that the Honourable House consider the nominee with a view to concluding the screening process and effecting his confirmation.”

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The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) condemns in the strongest terms the arrest and detention of Mrs Adenike Atanda and her nine-month-old baby by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.

Mrs Atanda was detained for several hours on Monday at Owutu Police Station, Ikorodu, Lagos, in place of her husband, Mr Sodeeq Atanda, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).

IPI Nigeria understands that police officers tracked Mrs Atanda and her infant to their neighbourhood and arrested them while Mr Atanda was not at home. Neither Mrs Atanda nor her nine-month-old child is a journalist, a suspect, or accused of any offence.

This arrest constitutes a clear and unlawful arrest by proxy, in violation of Section 7 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and Section 36 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, both of which unequivocally prohibit the arrest of any person in place of a suspect.

Beyond the illegal arrest, Mrs Atanda was subjected to harassment and psychological pressure.

Officers coerced her into falsely telling her husband that their infant was gravely ill in order to lure him out, effectively using a nursing mother and her baby as bait. The child was subjected to needless trauma and distress.

Their only “offence” was their relationship to a journalist.

That this egregious violation of the law was carried out by officers attached to the IGP Monitoring Unit is particularly disturbing, coming barely weeks after IPI Nigeria listed the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, in its Book of Infamy for violations of press freedom.

Following that listing, the Inspector-General initiated engagement with IPI Nigeria and expressed commitment to improving police–media relations. He further mandated the IGP Monitoring Unit to engage with IPI Nigeria to address the growing pattern of harassment of journalists nationwide.

Ironically, the very unit designated for that engagement has now executed one of the most brazen violations of journalists’ rights witnessed in recent times.

In protest against this gross abuse of power, IPI Nigeria has suspended all engagements with the Nigeria Police Force until there is clear evidence of accountability, respect for the rule of law, and an end to hostility towards journalists.

Mrs Atanda and her baby were released only after Mr Atanda presented himself to the police. He was subsequently arrested, handcuffed, and detained, and was released only after the intervention of IPI Nigeria.

IPI Nigeria therefore demands the following:

– A public apology by the Nigeria Police Force to Mrs Adenike Atanda and her nine-month-old baby;

– Adequate compensation for the unlawful arrest, detention, and trauma inflicted on them;

– The immediate arrest, investigation, and prosecution of all officers who instigated and carried out this illegal action;

– The dismissal from service of those officers, as a deterrent to future abuses.

IPI Nigeria further insists that Mr Sodeeq Atanda be allowed to carry out his legitimate journalistic duties without intimidation or harassment.

READ ALSO: Full detail: Why IPI Nigeria listed IGP Egbetokun, Govs Bago, Umo in Book of Infamy

The police must refrain from meddling in civil or commercial disputes properly within the jurisdiction of the courts and should advise complainants to seek redress through lawful judicial processes.

The persistent abuse of power by police officers thrives largely because acts of misconduct are rarely punished. Instead, officers who violate the law are often shielded and, in some cases, rewarded.

This culture of impunity incentivises further violations and continues to erode public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

IPI Nigeria observes with grave concern that indiscipline is too frequently tolerated in the Nigeria Police. Officers who have no business wearing the uniform continue to operate unchecked, worsening the already battered image of the police.

We therefore call on the Inspector-General of Police to act decisively by purging the Force of officers unfit to serve and by demonstrating, through concrete action, a genuine commitment to reform, accountability, and respect for press freedom.

Signed:

Musikilu Mojeed
President

Tobi Soniyi
Legal Adviser

23 December 2025

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• A young man got many people talking online after he bought petrol at a cheap price following Dangote’s announcement
• The young man mentioned the place where he bought the fuel, just like a few others who had also confirmed the same thing
• He told the African businessman to do one thing about the price, and he mentioned it in the post that has now gone vira

A young Nigerian celebrated online after buying fuel at a low price following the announcement made by the president of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, on the reduction in fuel price.

A few days ago, Dangote promised that there would be a reduction in the price of fuel, starting from a specific filling station across Lagos State.

Dangote reduces fuel price to ₦739 at MRS filling stations in Lagos. Photo Source: Facebook/Abubakar Widi-Jalo
Source: Facebook

Nigerian celebrates buying fuel at low price

He mentioned that the filling station, MRS, would sell fuel at ₦739 per litre and nothing above that.

Read also

“N739 per litre”: 3 Nigerians confirm filling stations selling fuel at Dangote’s new price

Days after the announcement, some Nigerians who visited different filling stations confirmed the price and shared evidence online.

In the middle of this, another individual also confirmed the price of the fuel and went further to give an instruction to Dangote.

The individual, @Abubakar Widi-Jalo, wrote on his Facebook page about the new price after buying fuel.

He said:

“Just bought Dangote fuel at ₦739 at MRS.”

He also gave advice to the African businessman on what he should do to ensure the price drops further.

Nigerian celebrates buying fuel at reduced price following Dangote’s announcement. Photo Source: Facebook/Abubakar Widi-Jalo
Source: Facebook

The young man’s statement suggests that he wants Dangote to continue to work on the price of fuel until it reaches 500.

His post attracted reactions from a few individuals, who shared their thoughts on the development.

Reactions as man sends message to Dangote

Mallam said:

“We want it 200 or less. How much was it sold during the Buhari era?”

Read also

Man displays old air ticket showing price of flight from London to Lagos, amount generates buzz

Garba added:

“Thank you Baba Aliko!! Our prayers are with you.”

Adam stated:

“No be press abegi brake.”

Fatima noted:

“Supported. Monopoly or not, so long as the people benefit from affordable prices that’s all. I hope the price of all the products in the oil value chain will continue to drop for the benefit of humanity.”

Sagiy stressed:

“He should bring it down.”

Sani shared:

“If govt removed it’s tax of ₦310 per litre it will be less than ₦500.”

Sambo noted:

“MRS is the only fueling station with queue. Allah ya biya Alhaji.”

Harrison said:

“Just dat MRS no dey everywhere.. If wishes were horses..?!”

Read the post below:

In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that several Nigerians reacted after Aliko Dangote announced a reduction in the price of fuel to N739 per litre, with many people visiting filling stations to confirm the new rate.

Read also

Dangote new fuel price: Nigerian man living in Ilorin mentions filling station with cheapest petrol

Nigerian man buys fuel at N739

Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that the president of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, announced a reduction in the price of petrol, fixing it at N739 per litre. He said the new price would start in Lagos from Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

After the announcement, a young Nigerian man shared his experience when he went to a filling station to buy fuel and confirm the new price.

Source: Legit.ng

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Rivers East Senator, Allwell Onyesoh, has vowed that he and some of his friends are determined to drag the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Onyesoh said the PDP has refused to acknowledge the work that Wike has done, hence the need to pull him into APC.

In a video on social media, the lawmaker who defected to the APC a few days ago, said they won’t allow the PDP to destroy Wike or frustrate his work.

According to Onyesoh: “Wike is our leader and we are going to pull him out of that party, he has done so much for that party and they are not even appreciative of him, we won’t let him to be there.

“We are going to drag him out, we will force and pull him out and one of these days, we are going to his house to pull him out of that party. They have used him enough,

“Yes he is my leader and he would continue to be my leader, but I only wanted to be a senator because of my dreams of what I wanted to do for my people and he was able to assist me to realize it.

“So I don’t want any group of charlatans to destroy the man or frustrate him or make him work more than he should work, he will pull him, he is our own.

“We will worry him until he leaves, he made us so he should come to where we are, God used him to bring us to where we are so let him leave their party and come to where we are. Let them take their party, it’s high time we stop behaving like there are no rules.”

The Rivers lawmaker also noted that the PDP is under ground and there is hardly anybody to rescue the party.

“For me, PDP is lying frustrated on the ground and I’m not seeing anything in the nearest future trying to resurrect it because they still continue, new warlocks are coming up where the other ones stopped,” he added.

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Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, who was granted bail by an Abuja High Court in an order dated December 23, 2025, remains in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), his aide has said.

Bello Doka, Malami’s media aide, described the continued detention as illegal in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Doka accused the commission of using the media to circulate what he termed inaccurate narratives about the former AGF, despite the fact that Malami voluntarily submitted himself for investigation and fulfilled the bail conditions set by the EFCC.

“His continued detention in an EFCC facility constitutes a breach of due process and a blatant abuse of office by a commission expected to respect and comply with court orders,” Doka said.

He added that the development portrays the EFCC as placing itself above the law, stressing that no Nigerian is above the law.

According to Doka, Malami’s media office considers his continued detention, despite being granted bail by a competent court, as a violation of the former AGF’s fundamental human rights.

He warned that the alleged disregard for a court order by a constitutionally established body such as the EFCC could undermine democracy and raise questions about the commission’s commitment to justice.

Doka further alleged that court bailiffs were turned away when they attempted to serve the court order on the commission, insisting that Malami is being held in clear disobedience of the court.

He challenged the EFCC to either arraign Malami before a court of competent jurisdiction or desist from what he described as a media trial and the spread of false narratives.

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Wale Igbintade

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a 16-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and an associate, Hajia Bashir Asabe, over alleged money laundering and unlawful acquisition of properties valued at over N8.7 billion.

In the charge sheet marked FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, the defendants were accused of conspiring to conceal, disguise, retain and indirectly acquire proceeds of unlawful activities through bank accounts, corporate fronts and real estate transactions spanning nearly a decade.

The alleged offences were said to have been committed between 2015 and 2025, largely in Abuja, while Malami was serving as the nation’s chief law officer.

According to the charge filed by the EFCC and signed by a prosecution team led by Chief J.S. Okutepa, SAN, Malami and his son allegedly used Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal the unlawful origin of N1.014 billion kept in a Sterling Bank account between July 2022 and June 2025.

The commission further alleged that another N600.01 million was concealed in the same account between September 2020 and February 2021.

The EFCC also accused the defendants of retaining N600 million as cash collateral for a N500 million loan granted by Sterling Bank Plc to Rayhaan Hotels Ltd, despite allegedly knowing that the funds represented proceeds of unlawful activity.

In another count, the anti-graft agency alleged that between November 2022 and October 2025, the defendants indirectly took control of N1.36 billion paid through the Union Bank account of Meethaq Hotels Ltd, which they allegedly knew to be illicit funds.

Several counts relate to high-value real estate acquisitions in Abuja and other parts of the country, which the EFCC said were carried out to disguise the true origin and ownership of the funds.

The prosecution alleged that N500 million was paid to Efab Properties Ltd for the purchase of a luxury duplex on Amazon Street, Maitama District, Abuja, purportedly for the benefit of Malami.

It was further alleged that N700 million was used to acquire a property at No. 3 Onitsha Crescent, Area 11, Garki, while N850 million was allegedly paid for a property at Plot 683, Jabi District.

The charge further alleged that N430 million was used to acquire a property at No. 3 Rhine Street, Maitama, while another N210 million was allegedly paid for a property located at Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, Abuja.

The EFCC also accused the defendants of concealing N325 million used to purchase a property on Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Asokoro, as well as N120 million allegedly spent on a property at Efab Estate, Gwarimpa.

In addition, the commission alleged that Malami used proceeds of unlawful activity amounting to N537 million and N415 million to acquire multiple properties in Abuja, Kano and Birnin Kebbi between 2018 and 2023. The EFCC maintained that the transactions were structured through proxies and corporate entities to obscure beneficial ownership.

Some of the counts accused the defendants of conspiracy to launder proceeds of unlawful activity, including agreements to disguise the source of funds used to acquire landed properties between 2016 and 2024.

Specifically, Hajia Bashir Asabe, described in the charge as an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd, was alleged to have played a central role in facilitating property purchases and disguising ownership on behalf of Malami.

The alleged offences were said to contravene various provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and are punishable under the relevant sections of the laws.

The EFCC listed investigators, bank officials, bureau de change operators and company representatives among its proposed witnesses.

As of the time of filing this report, the defendants have not been arraigned, and the case is awaiting a date for arraignment before a judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

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Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has revealed the secret to her enduring success in the entertainment industry.

In a recent social media post, Akindele emphasised that growth happens outside comfort zones, crediting hard work, consistency, and focus for her continuous growth.

“With each film project, I’m reminded that growth happens outside comfort zones. Hard work, consistency, and focus lead to continuous growth. Excited for what’s next!”, she said.

The Box Office Queen’s statement comes as she celebrated 27 years in the movie industry, attributing her success to God’s favor and dedication. 

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Troops of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have foiled a kidnap attempt along the Otukpo–Enugu Road in Benue and rescued 24 passengers.

Lt Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF OPWS, confirmed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday.

Zubairu said the incident, which occurred in Amoda in Ohimini Local Government Area on Monday night, forced the kidnappers to flee and abandon the passengers.

He said the troops who acted on a distress call swiftly mobilised to the scene.

“The armed criminals had emerged from the bush and briefly occupied an existing checkpoint.

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

“However, the timely intervention of troops of OPWS 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.

“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 passenger,” he said.

According to the statement, the Force Commander, OPWS, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, has commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism.

Gera reaffirmed the Task Force’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property within its area of responsibility.

He said they would sustain offensive operations, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated engagements with sister security agencies to deny criminal elements freedom of action.

The commander further assured the people of a hitch-free yuletide celebration in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States.

He prayed that the season brings God’s abundant mercy, peace, and enduring joy to families and communities.

He urged all believers to remain united, shun all forms of violence, and live by the noble virtues exemplified by the Lord Jesus Christ of love, humility, tolerance, and compassion. (NAN)

The post Yuletide: Troops foil kidnap attempt, rescue 24 passengers in Benue appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has approved over N500 million for the purchase and distribution of Christmas food items to Christian communities across the state.

Chairman of the Standing Committee on the Distribution of Christmas Gifts, Mr. Abdon Dalla-Gin, who disclosed this during a media briefing in Bauchi on Tuesday, described the gesture as a move aimed at ensuring a joyful festive season.

Dalla-Gin said the funds were used to procure 171 bulls, 222 rams, 3,462 bags of 50-kilogramme rice and 504 cartons of 25-litre groundnut oil for distribution to beneficiaries across the state.

According to him, the beneficiaries include the five blocs of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), senior Christian leaders, religious organisations and less-privileged groups in various communities.
He added that the distribution exercise reflects the governor’s commitment to inclusiveness and religious harmony, noting that the payment of December salaries to workers has already commenced alongside other forms of support to Christian communities.

Dalla-Gin commended Governor Mohammed for the gesture, describing it as a demonstration of responsive and inclusive governance.

He assured that Christian communities in the state would continue to support the administration, stressing that the intervention would go a long way in easing the economic burden on families during the Christmas celebration.

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First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu

No fewer than 250 elderly citizens in Ogun State have received a sum of N200,000 each from the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), to ensure the senior citizens celebrate Christmas and New Year in comfort.

The scheme, a social investment programme set up to enable the elderly to live in joy and enjoy their old age with dignity, is aimed at supporting vulnerable persons aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).

Speaking on the theme “Finding Joy in Old Age” at the event held on Monday at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, where the selected senior citizens received the N200,000 cash, Tinubu, who was represented by the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, said the gesture was to recognise their contributions to the development of the nation.

She explained that the RHI Governing Board had approved a sum of N1.9 billion, out of which N50 million had been disbursed to each state, including FCT and DEPOWA, for the selected 9,500 beneficiaries, stressing that the cash gift was a tradition aimed at putting smiles and laughter on the faces of the elderly during the yuletide celebrations.

Tinubu said: “I am delighted to join you today at the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) with the theme: ‘Finding Joy in Old Age.’

This social investment programme embodies our ongoing effort to ensure that our elderly citizens live with dignity and joy in a nation that genuinely cares for its own.

Since the inception of this administration in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has made it a tradition to celebrate our senior citizens every December, in recognition of their invaluable contributions to nation-building.

“Through this scheme, we have continued to express our gratitude and care for the men and women who have laboured to build the Nigeria we are all proud to be part of today.

This scheme is to support Two Hundred and Fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens, aged 65 and above, in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).”

These 9,500 selected beneficiaries will receive Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000) each. The total sum to be disbursed is One Billion Nine Hundred Million Naira (N1,900,000,000), as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

Each state of the federation will receive Fifty Million Naira (N50,000,000), including FCT and DEPOWA. As the festive season approaches, it is crucial to emphasise the importance of prioritising our elderly citizens in our initiatives.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, thanked Tinubu for supporting the elderly men and women in the state with cash gifts to celebrate Christmas and New Year, stressing that the scheme had become a tradition every December to bring joy to the elderly during the yuletide festival.

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