NIGERIA NEWS
Two Kano lawmakers die within one hour
The Kano State House of Assembly was plunged into mourning on Wednesday following the sudden death of two of its members within an hour.
The Assembly’s spokesperson, Kamaludden Shawai, confirmed the tragic sequence of events to PREMIUM TIMES.
The Assembly first announced the passing of Aminu Sa’adu, the member representing Ungoggo Local Government Area.
Mr Sa’adu reportedly died on Wednesday morning following a brief illness. Shortly after, the Assembly confirmed the death of Sarki Aliyu, the lawmaker representing Kano Municipal LGA.
According to Mr Shawai, Mr Aliyu collapsed after receiving the news of Mr Sa’adu’s passing shortly after arriving at the Assembly complex.
READ ALSO: APC compensates ex-council chair allegedly excluded from Kano govt’s severance benefits
He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed him dead.
The deceased lawmakers were close friends until their deaths.
Mr Shawai said the double loss has left the legislative house and the constituents of Ungogo and Kano Municipal in a state of shock.
He said lawmakers have described the event as an unprecedented tragedy for the state’s political leadership.
By Stellamaries Amuwa, Abuja
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has expressed sadness over the loss of its 7th Director-General (DG), Brigadier General Soyemi Ayodele Sofoluwe (Rtd.), who passed on recently.
During a condolence visit to the deceased’s family in Lagos, the incumbent DG, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, paid tribute to him for his remarkable contributions to the growth of the NYSC during his tenure as Chief Executive.
The DG described his death as a great loss, not only to the family, but also the NYSC and the entire nation.
He prayed God to grant the late General eternal rest, and comfort his family.
Nafiu also assured the widow and matriarch of the Sofoluwe family, Colonel Kehinde Sofoluwe (Rtd.) of NYSC’s support during the funeral rites.
Sofoluwe, fondly called ‘Oga Show’ by Corps Members and NYSC staff, was known and loved for his amiable, compassionate, and witty personality.
He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
- A young woman got many people talking online after she shared a WhatsApp chat with her boyfriend
- The chat included a screenshot showing the money he sent her and a voice note he recorded about it
- She rejected the conditions he attached to the money after hearing the unexpected things he asked her to do
A Nigerian lady shared the strict instructions her boyfriend gave her after sending her ₦35,000 for Christmas, as revealed in a video that has gone viral.
The lady appeared in the video and attached a caption to the post.
Lady refuses boyfriend’s rules for her. Photo Source: Tiktok/bluzie05
Source: TikTok
Lady angry at boyfriend over Christmas money
Seconds into the TikTok video, a WhatsApp chat was displayed, showing the conversation between the lady and her boyfriend.
According to her, @bluzie05, her boyfriend sent her the money to plait her hair and instructed that she should not remove the hairstyle until a specific date, which she mentioned.
Read also
Nigerian mum of 4 based in Canada gets over N1m after her marriage crashed as Nigerians support her
After sending the money, the boyfriend told her:
“Money wey I send give you so, na March you for lose the hair o, make them tight am well oo.”
In response, the lady fired back and described his statement as rubbish talk.
She said:
“I no really understand, which kind rubbish talk be all these ones. You send me 35,000 make I take do hair and I go use am till March. No be your mate dey send their babe 200k, 500k no dey give me condition o.”
She explained that she only wanted to keep the hairstyle for December and asked her boyfriend to send his account number so she could refund the money if he didn’t agree.
Lady angry at boyfriend over Christmas money. Photo Source: Tiktok/bluzie05
Source: TikTok
She continued:
“Na only December I wan carry this hair. If you know say you no go gree, send your account number make I send your money back. Which kind rubbish talk be this, I no dey like am.”
Read also
Lady marries man despite discovering he slept with her bestie, dumps him after 2 months: “I won”
Her statement got him furious, as he responded angrily to her words:
“All these your pickup line, you go cut am off o. I send you 35k make you take plait hair, the only thing wey I talk be say no lose am till March. Simple as that, I no talk another thing. You come dey complain say babe wey dey give their babe 200k, 500k. If e easy, go find the boy wey dey give 200k and 500k. Which kind mumu talk be that one.”When me and you meet, you plait hair? No be all back you carry for head? I wan give you 35k, you dey compare me. Which kind dirty talk be that one. Last warning.”
Reactions as lady argues with boyfriend
Daddy K said:
“Why march? No no stop it.. Watin do July or August?”
Moh’s wrote:
“Guy dey try to avoid February 14.”
Moh’s shared:
“Guy dey try to avoid February 14.”
Princy_fundz noted:
Read also
“I still stayed with him”: Nigerian lady makes a list of things her ex did to her
“Bro collect am bk play that 5 odds ooo e go enter.”
Wilfred C Wilfred stated:
“Na that comparism spoil everything.”
XO wrote:
“Na that one no get wetin he won use money do.”
SJ Gold woli-koshofe said:
“No hold am tight make them collect am from your hand nah so you go no all this guy way Dey hi you no really send you.”
user4715825922879 added:
“My baby never ask of anything ooo please guys what does that mean.”
Sunnex shared:
“Some guy no get joy ooo……I wish I can be like this your boyfriend.”
riseupran stressed:
“He dn talk him own, if you like nr stay guided.”
H-TO noted:
“The guy after sending the money be like.”
DUBBZY GARMENT said:
“Transfer the money nah, make him use am okay 5odd abeg.”
Watch the video below:
In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian woman said her husband raised chickens to sell, but people did not buy them even during Christmas.
Read also
Lady cries out after getting trapped in client’s elevator, video trends: “I am scared, my legs are hurting”
Man walks after taxi charges ₦30k
Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that a Nigerian man shared his experience after arriving at the Asaba Airport in Delta State for the Christmas holidays, where a taxi driver allegedly charged him ₦30,000 for a short ride to his hotel.
The man refused to pay the amount, insisting the distance did not justify the fare, and chose to walk instead, sparking reactions online.
Source: Legit.ng
A Nigerian lady has stirred conversations online after opening up about a missed romantic opportunity that ended almost as quickly as it began.
In a viral video shared by Teniola on X, she explained that the man in question was tall, attractive, and appeared genuinely serious about pursuing a romantic relationship with her.
Wanting to avoid seeming too eager, she decided to play it cool with a bit of small shakara.
She explained that she did not want to accept his advances immediately because she felt everything needed time to process.
However, before she could circle back and soften her stance, the man had already disappeared completely.
In her words, she said:
“I give in easily before. So this time, I tried to act hard to get. Before I turned back, he was nowhere to be found. Men, if you’re asking a woman out, always be patient. And the guy is tall and fine. I’m so pained.”
Now she is left with regret, along with a hard lesson learned.
Her story quickly attracted mixed reactions online. One commenter noted that some men no longer have the patience for shakara, while another warned that a closed mouth and slow response can make someone miss destiny.
In today’s fast paced dating culture, timing and communication matter more than ever. While some still believe in playing hard to get, others argue that clarity helps prevent unnecessary heartbreak.
One thing seems certain, a little shakara can sometimes cost a lot more than expected.
Watch video below…
You’re toasting me and I just say I should do small shakara, before I look back you already left, and the guy is tall and fine, I’m pa!ned” — Lady pic.twitter.com/wQkaw0X3ff
— TENIOLA (@Teeniiola) December 24, 2025
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Working Committee, NWC, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has approved the appointment of a Caretaker Committee in Oyo State.
A statement by Umar Bature, the National Organising Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, named Prof Abdulrahman Akinoso as Chairman and Biola Olanipekun as Secretary.
The statement titled: “Appointment of Oyo State Caretaker Committee,” said: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has approved the appointment of the following as OYO STate Caretaker Committee.
“Accordingly, the assignment takes effect from December 24th 2025 and the Committee is charged with the responsibility of running the affairs of the Party in Oyo State as stipulated in Section 21(2) (a-b) of our Party Constitution for a period not exceeding 30 days.”
Those appointed include, Prof Abdulrahman Akinoso – Chairman, Mr Adio daudaTolani – member, Hon Ali Hammed Okesola – Member, Prince Adewale Lukuman Adewale – Member, Mr Tunde Sikiru Adeniran – Member, Alhaja Risikat Kola Popoola – Member, and Hon Kabiru Adesokan- Member.
Others include, Hon Yekini Adebisi Toyosi – Member, Hon Rotimi Adewuyi – Member, Hon Musbau Olayowola – Member, Hon Oyewole Olaosebikan – Member, Hon Abideen Olarewaju – Member, Comrade Akinloye Oyeniyi- Member, Chief Bili Muraina – Member, Hon Dauda Ramon Bamibeke-Member, Barr Babatunde Akinola -Member, and Dr Biola Olanipekun- Secretary.
A former Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Adigun-Hammed, has predicted a landslide victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Oyo State in the 2027 elections.
Adigun-Hammed described as “unthinkable” the idea that President Tinubu would entrust the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to Governor Seyi Makinde.
His comments came in reaction to statements attributed to Makinde during a media chat on Tuesday, in which the governor allegedly claimed that former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike offered to deliver Oyo State to Tinubu—a proposal Makinde purportedly declined.
In a statement, Adigun-Hammed dismissed Makinde’s claim as false, asserting that the governor could not be trusted with any political arrangement. He cited Makinde’s alleged betrayals of former governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, Senator Sarafadeen Alli, and other political stakeholders who supported him in 2019, warning that such behavior could extend to anyone.
The former lawmaker also raised questions about a contract Makinde said he was awarded in 1997, reportedly valued at $1 million, urging Nigerians to seek clarity on its execution.
Adigun-Hammed further claimed that the APC was gaining momentum in Oyo State, arguing that residents were beginning to see through what he called Makinde’s “pretence and political games.”
“Makinde has proved to be a serial liar and pretender. How can his ally ask President Tinubu to give Oyo State to ‘arrange’ for us, when we have three senators, nine House of Representatives members, three former deputy governors, ex-ministers, and experienced politicians? Such a claim is a lie from the pit of hell,” he said.
He also accused Makinde of failing to acknowledge the support he received from the President and other stakeholders during his re-election bid in 2023, instead repaying them with falsehoods.
Looking ahead to 2027, Adigun-Hammed expressed full confidence that President Tinubu would defeat Governor Makinde—and any candidate Makinde supports—predicting a decisive victory for the APC in Oyo State.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated a committee on strategy, conflict resolution and mobilisation to address internal disputes in the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general election.
The inauguration took place on Wednesday in Lagos.
The committee comprises governors, members of the Federal Executive Council and other party stakeholders.
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe state, was named chairman of the committee, while aMuiz Banire, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former APC legal adviser, will serve as member and secretary of the committee.
Other members include Senator Adamu Aliero representing Kebbi central, Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara state and Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state.
The list also includes Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi state, are also members.
Speaking at the inauguration, Buni thanked the president and the party for the confidence reposed in the committee.
He said the committee would approach the assignment with “utmost responsibility and dedication”.
“The committee will engage in strategic engagements and consultations to develop an all-encompassing, productive and result-oriented strategy that will stand the test of time.
“We shall implement a system that gives everyone, especially aggrieved parties, a sense of belonging and inclusion, with a renewed hope.
“Similarly, the committee will consider proactive measures, solutions, and the potential threats in our conflict resolution approach,” he said.
Governor Buni urged members not to allow personal interests and sentiments to override the general interest of the party.
President Tinubu had earlier emphasised the need for cohesion within the APC at the party’s 15th national executive committee meeting held on December 19 in Abuja.
He said the APC was founded on progressive ideals, broad-based participation and respect for diversity of opinion.
“We must continue to be resolute that this democracy that we take in our hands must not fail. We say we are bigger. We are larger and taller.
“But it should now be in our hearts to be accommodating. That’s the only way we can be resilient, we must be tolerant,” the president said.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has demanded ₦25 billion in damages from the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, over alleged defamation of character and libel.
According to reports, the governor also demanded a public apology from the PDP state chairman, to be published in three national daily newspapers.
The demands were contained in a letter dated 22 December 2025, addressed to Aziegbemi and signed by the governor’s lawyer, R.I.D. Okezie, Esq.
The letter, titled “Demand for damages and apologies for defamation of the character of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo,” accused Aziegbemi of making defamatory statements against the governor.
Governor Okpebholo reportedly gave the PDP chairman a seven-day ultimatum to pay the ₦25 billion damages and publish a retraction in three national dailies.
Parts of the letter stated that the governor’s attention was drawn to a press release allegedly issued by Aziegbemi, described as the factional chairman of the Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee, on 7 January 2025.
The release was said to have been widely circulated by newspapers and online media platforms, allegedly containing statements that disparaged the governor’s reputation and the office he occupies.
The letter further claimed that the publication ridiculed the governor’s image, which it said he had built over the years as a responsible politician, dating back to his time as a senator in the National Assembly.
Gold climbed above $4,500 an ounce for the first time in history on Wednesday, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in Venezuela and expectations of further U.S. interest rate cuts.
Silver and platinum also advanced to record levels, reflecting a broad rally across precious metals.
Spot gold rose nearly 1% in early trading, extending a three-day winning streak, before easing to trade little changed.
The surge reflects investors’ flight to safe-haven assets amid U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan oil tankers and growing bets that the Federal Reserve will lower borrowing costs in 2026.
Best annual performance since 1979
Gold has gained nearly 70% this year, while silver has soared almost 150%, both on track for their strongest annual performance since 1979.
The rally has been supported by elevated central-bank purchases and steady inflows into exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
According to the World Gold Council, holdings in gold-backed ETFs have increased every month this year except May. State Street Corp.’s SPDR Gold Trust, the largest precious-metals ETF, has expanded by more than a fifth in 2025.
Gold rebounded quickly after retreating from its October peak of $4,381 an ounce, signaling resilience in investor appetite. Goldman Sachs projects prices could reach $4,900 an ounce in 2026, with risks skewed to the upside.
Silver’s spectacular rally
Silver broke through $70 an ounce for the first time on Tuesday, climbing as much as 1.8% to a record $72.70.
The metal’s rally has outpaced gold, fueled by speculative inflows and lingering supply disruptions following a historic short squeeze in October.
Despite significant inflows into London vaults, much of the world’s silver remains concentrated in New York as traders await the outcome of a U.S. Commerce Department probe into critical minerals imports. The investigation could lead to tariffs or restrictions.
Platinum extends winning streak
Platinum also surged, jumping 4% to surpass $2,300 an ounce for the first time since Bloomberg began tracking data in 1987.
The metal, widely used in automotive and jewelry industries, has risen for 10 consecutive sessions, its longest winning streak since 2017.
Platinum has gained about 150% this year, the largest annual increase on record, amid tight supplies and disruptions in South Africa, a major producer. Analysts warn the market is heading for a third consecutive annual deficit.
More insight
Gold’s 14-day relative strength index (RSI) climbed to 81, while silver’s RSI hovered near 82 — both well above the threshold of 70 that typically signals overbought conditions.
At 12:11 p.m. in London, spot gold edged up 0.2% to $4,494.75 an ounce, after hitting a record $4,525.77 earlier. Silver traded at $72.33, while platinum rose 1.2%. Palladium, however, gave up earlier gains.
What you should know
Earlier in December, a new outlook released by the World Gold Council projected gold to maintain its upward trajectory, surging by 15-30% in 2026.
The precious metal delivered a standout performance in 2025, recording more than 50 all-time highs and generating returns of over 60%.
This surge was driven by heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty, a weakening US dollar, and strong positive price momentum.
The report noted that both institutional and retail investors, alongside central banks, boosted their exposure to gold as they sought diversification and stability.
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Indian authorities have arrested a 29-year-old Nigerian lady, identified as Olajide Esther Iyanuoluwa, for allegedly trafficking cocaine concealed inside loaves of bread in a bid to beat security checks.
Cocaine Worth Over ₹1.2 Crore Seized
According to The Times of India, officials of the Central Crime Branch recovered 121 grams of cocaine, estimated at ₹1.2 crore, from the suspect.
Investigators said the case reflects a worrying trend where smugglers increasingly use everyday food items to move narcotics undetected.
Fake Student Status Exposed
Police findings revealed that Olajide entered India last year on a student visa, claiming to be studying in the country.
However, investigations confirmed she never registered with any school.
Instead, she repeatedly moved between different locations in Mumbai, including Ghatkopar, Ambawadi, Gala Nagar, and Nallasopara, allegedly engaging in drug trafficking activities.
Linked to Drug Network Across Indian Cities
Authorities said Olajide sourced the cocaine from a male associate in Mumbai and was instructed to personally deliver it to another Nigerian buyer in Bengaluru.
Investigators explained that the decision to transport the drugs by hand was to avoid courier tracking and reduce suspicion.
“She was directed to carry the drug herself and hand it over to another Nigerian national residing in Bengaluru. This was done to minimise suspicion and avoid courier-based interception,” an investigating officer revealed.
Arrest Followed Intelligence Tip-Off
The CCB launched a discreet operation after receiving intel that the suspect was travelling by private bus from Mumbai to Bengaluru.
She was intercepted shortly after she arrived in the city.
A search of her backpack revealed loaves of bread with holes drilled inside, where the cocaine was carefully hidden among other food items.
Intended Recipient Also Arrested
Following her confession, police carried out a follow-up operation near Varthur where they apprehended the intended recipient of the drugs.
Authorities confirmed that the Nigerian buyer was deported soon after his arrest.
NIGERIA NEWS
Ahead of 2027 Polls, Tinubu Inaugurates Gov Mai Buni-led 15-man APC Committee On Strategy, Conflict Resolution And Mobilisation – THISDAYLIVE
.Members include Uzodimma, Abdulrahman, Oyebanji, Fubara, Banire, Bello, Oyetola
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated a Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation to resolve conflicts within the All Progressives Congress as it approaches the 2027 general elections.
The committee, which comprises Governors of the party, members of the Federal Executive Council, and other notable stakeholders, has the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Bala Buni, as Chairman, and Muiz Banire, former Legal Adviser of the APC, as Member/Secretary.
Other members include Senator Adamu Aliero, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta).
Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, are also members.
Speaking at the inauguration of the committee in Lagos on Wednesday, Governor Mai Buni, according to a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga,
expressed gratitude for being chosen as the chairman and for the party’s confidence in the members.
He said the committee would execute the assignment with utmost responsibility and dedication.
According to him: “The committee will engage in strategic engagements and consultations to develop an all-encompassing, productive and result-oriented strategy that will stand the test of time. We shall implement a system that gives everyone, especially aggrieved parties, a sense of belonging and inclusion, with a renewed hope.
“Similarly, the committee will consider proactive measures, solutions, and the potential threats in our conflict resolution approach”.
He urged members “not to allow personal interest and sentiments to override the general interest and purpose for which this committee is constituted.”
President Tinubu had on Friday, December 19, at the 15th National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress, held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, harped on the need for cohesion within the ruling party.
He reminded party leaders that the APC was built on the ideals of progressive politics, broad-based participation, and respect for diversity of opinion.
The President had said at the meeting: “We must continue to be resolute that this democracy that we take in our hands must not fail. We say we are bigger. We are larger and taller. But it should now be in our hearts to be accommodating. That’s the only way we can be resilient, we must be tolerant.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated a high-powered Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation for the All Progressives Congress (APC), tasking it with resolving internal disputes and strengthening party cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The committee was inaugurated on Wednesday in Lagos as part of moves by the party leadership to consolidate unity and avert internal crises that could undermine its electoral fortunes.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the committee draws its membership from APC governors, members of the Federal Executive Council and other key stakeholders across the party.
Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, was named chairman of the committee, while former APC National Legal Adviser, Muiz Banire, will serve as member and secretary.
Other members include Senator Adamu Aliero; Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; as well as Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta).
Also on the committee are Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna) and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers); Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
Speaking at the inauguration, Buni thanked President Tinubu and the party leadership for the confidence reposed in him and other members, pledging that the committee would discharge its mandate with diligence and a strong sense of responsibility.
He said the panel would embark on wide consultations to design a durable strategy for managing internal disagreements.
“The committee will engage in strategic engagements and consultations to develop an all-encompassing, productive and result-oriented strategy that will stand the test of time,” Buni said.
According to him, special attention would be paid to inclusiveness and reconciliation within the party.
“We shall implement a system that gives everyone, especially aggrieved parties, a sense of belonging and inclusion, with a renewed hope,” he added.
Buni also noted that the committee would adopt a proactive approach in identifying potential flashpoints.
“Similarly, the committee will consider proactive measures, solutions, and the potential threats in our conflict resolution approach,” he said, urging members not to allow “personal interest and sentiments to override the general interest and purpose for which this committee is constituted.”
The inauguration followed President Tinubu’s earlier call for unity at the APC’s 15th National Executive Committee meeting held on December 19 at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, where he underscored the need for cohesion within the ruling party.
At that meeting, the President reminded party leaders that the APC was founded on progressive ideals, broad-based participation and respect for diversity of opinion, warning that internal intolerance could weaken the party’s democratic credentials.
“We must continue to be resolute that this democracy that we take in our hands must not fail. We say we are bigger. We are larger and taller. But it should now be in our hearts to be accommodating. That’s the only way we can be resilient; we must be tolerant”, Tinubu said.
By Adesina Wahab
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government on Wednesday finalised discussions on the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, with the understanding that the new deal will become effective next January.
The agreement is centred on the welfare of the university lecturers and the funding of public universities.
When contacted, the Chairman of the University of Lagos, UNILAG Branch of ASUU, Prof. Idou Keinde, confirmed the development in a telephone chat, but said he was yet to get the details.
“Yes, I can say that an agreement has been reached but I don’t have the details yet,” he said.
However, a statement shared by ASUU on its official Facebook page revealed that the agreement is scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026, and will be reviewed every three years.
ASUU announced that the new agreement was reached on December 23, 2025, following extensive negotiations between both parties.
“After years of delays, negotiations, and struggles, ASUU has officially reached a new agreement with the Federal Government on December 23, 2025, concluding the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement,” ASUU said.
Under the agreement, academic staff in Nigerian public universities will receive a 40 per cent salary increase, while pension benefits have been significantly improved.
Professors are to earn pension equivalent to their annual salary upon retirement at the age of 70.
The agreement also introduces a new university funding model with dedicated allocations for research, libraries, laboratories, equipment and staff development.
In addition, a National Research Council is proposed to fund research activities with at least one per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
Other provisions include stronger university autonomy and academic freedom, the election of academic leaders such as Deans and Provosts, with eligibility restricted to professors, and a commitment that no individual will be victimised for participating in past industrial actions.
The post ASUU, FG agree on 2009 renegotiated agreement appeared first on Vanguard News.
In a major pan-African broadcasting initiative, StarTimes will premiere a special ‘New Year Animation Theatre’ featuring Beijing-themed content for children and families across the continent.
The event, titled “Beijing Animations Celebrate the New Year with You”, is scheduled to run daily from December 25, 2025, to April 2026 on the StarTimes Kids (ST Kids) and ST Kids Plus channels.
A statement issued by Clare Wang, African Language Channel director, described the festival as a cultural bridge, showcasing China’s capital city through animation.
“Through the universal language of animation, we hope African audiences can feel the cultural pulse of Beijing, a city where ancient heritage blends with modernity,” Wang stated.
The programming lineup includes 10 animated series, selected to reflect Chinese landscapes and culture. Titles range from Jing Ju Cat, which incorporates Peking Opera, to new adaptations of classic tales like The Legend of Nezha and My Little Monkey King. The series Big Head Son and Small Head Father offers family comedy, while Juvenile Astronaut focuses on space exploration.
To ensure wide accessibility, all content will be dubbed into four major languages: English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili.
The initiative represents a significant collaboration with local African broadcasters. In Kenya, partners include KTN, Kass TV, and KBC. In Uganda, broadcasts will air on UBC and NTV, while it was broadcast on mainstream media in Nigeria.Tanzanian viewers can watch on Channel 10 Plus.
The event will also be streamed live on the StarTimes ON mobile app, which has over 45 million users.
StarTimes has strategically timed the broadcast period to span the Christmas, New Year, and Lunar New Year holidays, aiming to create a continuous “Animated Holiday Season.”
“We believe these works can become a bridge connecting the hearts of Chinese and African children,we hope the younger generation in Africa can gain an understanding of a China that blends tradition with modernity through these stories,” Wang added.
Families across Africa are invited to tune in to the StarTimes Kids channels for what the broadcaster promises will be a “heartwarming audio-visual journey” to welcome the New Year.
A Russian-backed court in occupied Ukraine on Wednesday sentenced a Colombian man to 19 years in prison for fighting for Kyiv’s army.
Moscow has jailed several foreign fighters that its troops have captured in eastern Ukraine, prosecuting them as mercenaries, not as prisoners of war protected under the Geneva Convention.
In a statement, Russia’s Prosecutor General said the Supreme Court in the Russian-controlled Donetsk region had sentenced a man it named as Oscar Mauricio Blanco Lopez to 19 years in jail.
It said the man, whose age it gave as 42, had arrived in Ukraine in May 2024 to sign-up to the Ukrainian army and had been “taken prisoner by Russian servicemen” in December 2025.
The court published a video showing him standing behind metal bars, expressionless, as the verdict was read out.
Last week, the same court sentenced a British man to 13 years in prison, also for fighting for Ukraine.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has assured that it would re-double efforts in ensuring that 2026 is better for every stakeholder in the maritime industry.
The Director General of the agency, Dr Dayo Mobereola, disclosed this while felicitating with stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime industry during the yuletide.
The agency’s Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations, Osagie Edward, explained in a statement on Wednesday that the director general also added that the year 2025 was a good one for the industry, acknowledging the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, industry stakeholders, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, management and staff of NIMASA as well as all Nigerians.
Enumerating some of the achievements of 2025, Mobereola highlighted the sustained zero tolerance for piracy in Nigerian waters, the deposition of three Instruments of Accession to IMO Conventions that were signed by President Bola Tinubu, the industrial harmony in the sector and the nation’s election into the category C Council of the IMO, amongst others.
He noted: “The year 2025 has been a good one for our industry as once again, we have not recorded a single piracy attack in our waters in a whole calendar year, Nigeria was also able to deposit three Instruments of Accession to IMO Conventions that were signed by President Bola Tinubu GCFR, we have been able to maintain industrial harmony in the sector all of which culminated to Nigeria’s election into the category C Council of the International Maritime Organization.
“We couldn’t have done this without our stakeholders, who have contributed in various ways in the course of their operations during the year. We see you, we thank you, and we felicitate with you during this yuletide season.”
While calling on industry operators to brace up for the New Year with hope of better times, Dr Mobereola noted that “at NIMASA, we appreciate the weight of our renewed responsibility by virtue of Nigeria’s membership of the IMO Council because to whom much is given, much is definitely expected.
“You can therefore be sure of an increased momentum in our resolve to sustain maritime safety, security, environmental protection and adherence to relevant conventions and protocols with renewed vigour.”
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