Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned what he described as the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, calling the situation unacceptable and demanding an immediate end to the violence.

In his Christmas message released on Wednesday, Netanyahu said attacks against Christians or adherents of any religion must not be tolerated.

He urged an end to alleged militant displacement and violence targeting Christian communities in Nigeria.

The Israeli leader used the occasion to highlight Israel’s treatment of Christians, describing it as the only country in the Middle East where Christians can freely practise their faith and celebrate religious traditions without fear.

Israel’s Position on Religious Freedom

Netanyahu contrasted Israel’s record with developments in parts of the Middle East, where he said Christian communities face intimidation and persecution.

According to him, Israel’s Christian population is growing, while Christian numbers in several neighbouring countries continue to decline.

He listed Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and areas under the Palestinian Authority as places where Christian populations have reduced due to what he described as systematic discrimination.

Bethlehem was cited as a key example. Netanyahu claimed the city’s Christian population fell sharply after it came under Palestinian Authority control.

Claims of Targeting Christian Symbols

The prime minister also drew attention to incidents involving Christian symbols. He said Jerusalem authorities officially distribute Christmas trees each year, a practice he noted has continued for decades.

In contrast, he referenced a recent incident in Jenin, where a Christmas tree at the Holy Redeemer Church was reportedly burnt.

Speaking in his message, Netanyahu said, “From Jerusalem, I send warm greetings to our Christian friends around the world. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. From here, the Holy Land, Israel, the only country in the Middle East where the Christian community is thriving.

“Israel is the only country in the Middle East where Christians can practise their faith with full rights and in total freedom, where Christian pilgrims are embraced with open arms and are so deeply appreciated, where Christians can celebrate proudly their traditions and openly do so without any fear.

“In Jerusalem, the city municipality every year officially distributes Christmas trees. It’s been doing so for two decades. By contrast, a few days ago, in the Palestinian town of Jenin, Palestinians burnt a Christmas tree in the Holy Redeemer Church.

“That’s the difference. Israel stands up for Christians across the region, wherever they face widespread intimidation and persecution.

“While Israel’s Christian population is growing, the Christian population in countless areas across the region has been dwindling due to systematic discrimination and oppression. This has happened in Iraq. It’s happened in Syria.

“It’s happened in Lebanon. It’s happened in Turkey. And it’s happening in the Palestinian Authority.

“The birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem, used to have 80% Christian population. That’s when we were there. When we left and gave it to the Palestinian Authority, it has since dwindled from 80% to 20%.

“The persecution of Christians or members of any religion cannot and must not be tolerated. And Muslim militant displacement and attacks against Christians in Nigeria, that too must end. And it must end now.

“I’m sending Israel’s Christmas blessings to our Christian friends around the world. And I ask you, know that Israel will always stand with you.”

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Prince Segun Adesegun, on his 70th birthday, praising his decades-long commitment to democratic ideals, progressive politics and public service.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, the President joined family, friends and political associates in celebrating Adesegun, describing him as a dependable party stalwart and patriot whose contributions to Ogun State and the nation span student activism, legislative service and executive responsibilities.

Tinubu noted that the celebrant, who is currently an ambassador-designate, previously served Ogun State twice as Commissioner for Works and Housing and also as a legislator, before rising to the position of Deputy Governor, where he played a key role in governance and infrastructure development.

The President recalled Adesegun’s early leadership roots as a student leader in the 1970s at Obafemi Awolowo University, then known as the University of Ife, and said he had remained consistent in his political convictions since emerging as a frontline political actor in the 1990s.

Tinubu particularly highlighted Adesegun’s role in the pro-democracy struggle following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late MKO Abiola, noting that the Ogun-born politician risked his life alongside other progressives to defend the sanctity of the mandate.

“Ambassador-designate Adesegun’s patriotism and commitment to democracy were clearly on display when he defied all odds, along with some of us, to fight for the sanctity of the June 12 mandate of the late MKO Abiola,” the President said, adding that the former deputy governor had since remained steadfast in his pursuit of progressive and accountable governance.

The President further acknowledged Adesegun’s role in strengthening the All Progressives Congress, saying he contributed significantly to the party’s electoral successes in Ogun State and beyond since 2015.

Tinubu prayed for continued good health and long life for the former deputy governor and his family, wishing him more years of meaningful service to the nation.

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Maxwell Okpara, counsel to Dr. Chris Okafor, Senior Pastor of Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministries (also known as Grace Nation Liberation City), has issued a warning to self-acclaimed activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, and a young woman who introduced herself as Miss Chi, claiming to be Okafor’s daughter.

Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Okpara demanded an immediate halt to the ongoing cyber attacks, bullying, harassment, stalking, and criminal defamation targeting his client.

Dr. Okpara called for immediate retraction of all false, malicious, and defamatory statements concerning Pastor Okafor, publication of an apology in two national newspapers, with copies sent to relevant authorities, cessation of all claims or implications of any familial relationship with Okafor, submission to a DNA test by the young woman and her sibling at a mutually agreed reputable facility, in the absence of a previously claimed DNA certificate, removal of all online content falsely associating Okafor with claims of paternity or abandonment.

Okpara warned that failure to comply would leave his client with no option but to pursue all available legal remedies to protect his reputation, integrity, and ministry.

Full Statement by Dr. Chris Okafor’s Counsel:

“Gentlemen of the Press,

We are counsel to Pastor Dr. Chris Okafor, hereinafter referred to as Our Client, on whose instructions and authority we issue this press briefing in conjunction with concerned members of civil society groups.

It has come to our notice, as well as to public attention, that acts of cyber incitement, cyber bullying, cyber harassment, cyber stalking, criminal defamation, and malicious impersonation have been perpetrated against our Client by Martins Vincent Otse (popularly known as VeryDarkMan) and a young lady who introduced herself as Miss Chi.

You may recall that earlier acts of cyber bullying, cyber stalking, and the publication of scandalous and libellous articles and comments against our Client were initiated by one Ms. Doris Ogala and her cohorts. However, our focus in this briefing is not on her laughable and gold-digging narrative, which was calculated to exploit our Client through cheap blackmail, especially in view of the ongoing investigations and interventions by various law enforcement agencies. We respectfully allow the wheels of justice to take their full course in that regard.

It is, however, worrisome that while the foregoing matters remain inconclusive and under investigation, a fresh wave of disturbing and disparaging stories emerged, once again setting the social media space agog and maliciously targeting the personality of our Client.

We have become aware that an individual who identifies herself as Ms. Chi Okafor has been presenting herself online as the biological daughter of our Client, Pastor Dr. Chris Okafor. She has been making false, misleading, and defamatory claims regarding his personal life and family relationships, including allegations of abandonment and neglect of paternal responsibilities.

Ordinarily, our Client would not have joined issues or responded to the antics of characterless, jobless agents of destruction. He is fully aware of the agenda of those sponsoring such individuals to pull down his ministry. However, he has decided to respond specifically to the false claim by the said Miss Chi that she is his biological daughter, in order to set the record straight.

We therefore state categorically, emphatically, and unequivocally that the claims made by the so-called Ms. Chi Okafor are entirely false, misleading, malicious, inciting, and gravely injurious to the personality and character of our Client.

Before narrating the true facts, it is important to inform you that our Client has formally written a warning letter to Martins Vincent Otse (VeryDarkMan), who has persistently used his social media platforms—Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, among others—to harass, defame, incite the public against our Client, and issue threats under the guise of activism, all in a bid to destroy him, his ministry, and satisfy his paymasters.

One is left to wonder how an individual who claims to be an activist could unlawfully publish an interview with a lady falsely claiming to be our Client’s biological daughter, thereby criminally defaming him across the internet, without having the decency to reach out to our Client for his side of the story. This was done purely for self-serving purposes, cheap content creation, and online popularity, based on the assumption that our Client, being a pastor, would not respond on social media.

For the record, we wish to set out the true facts which this impostor has deliberately concealed, twisted, and perverted in an attempt to destroy the goodwill our Client has built over the years in both life and ministry.

It is our Client’s instruction that several years ago, during the early stage of his pastoral journey, a woman approached him and alleged that she was pregnant for him. Being a responsible and respected young gospel preacher at the time, our Client accepted responsibility and decided to marry the woman. Shortly thereafter, the woman began to live a lifestyle unbecoming of a preacher’s wife and, unfortunately, became pregnant again. In the interest of peace and maintaining an intact home, our Client continued to shoulder responsibilities as a father.

In the course of events, our Client suffered a traumatic ordeal when he was kidnapped and held captive for approximately fifty (50) days. During this period, the kidnappers contacted the supposed wife to demand ransom, but she denied knowing our Client. At some point, members of our Client’s extended family intervened, raised money, and handed it over to the supposed wife to secure his release. Regrettably, she diverted the funds and deceived the kidnappers.

By divine intervention and mercy, our Client was eventually released without any assistance from the supposed wife, despite the intervention of his extended family.

Following his release, serious misunderstandings arose between our Client and the supposed wife due to her neglect and conduct during his abduction. In the heat of an argument, our Client questioned her sincerity and commitment. It was during this exchange that the woman made a startling statement, asking: “Do you even think the children of this marriage are yours?” Having made similar insinuations previously, our Client attached weight to the statement and demanded a DNA test.

Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, the DNA test results shockingly returned negative, confirming that neither the first nor the second child was biologically related to our Client. The DNA test certificate is in the possession of the impostor’s mother, and our Client hereby challenges her to produce the said certificate or test result to the public.

Consequently, following this revelation, our Client and the impostor’s mother dissolved the supposed marriage and severed all personal ties. The woman left with the children.

Despite these findings, and purely out of compassion and goodwill, our Client has continued to support the children’s education and general welfare, including assisting them through their academic and career pursuits in Canada and the United Kingdom respectively. This humanitarian gesture must not, however, be misconstrued or misrepresented as an acknowledgment of paternity.

Gentlemen of the Press, any assertion suggesting that our Client abandoned a spouse or children is therefore false, misleading, defamatory, and constitutes cyber bullying.

For the avoidance of doubt, we reiterate that the continued public portrayal of Ms. Lilian Okafor and her sibling as children of our Client, as well as the publication of statements alleging abandonment, amount to gross misrepresentation and libel. Such actions are damaging, misleading, and wholly unacceptable.

Accordingly, we formally demand as follows:

A. Immediate retraction of all false, defamatory, and misleading statements published online or elsewhere concerning our Client, accompanied by a written apology published in two (2) national newspapers, with copies forwarded to the appropriate authorities.

B. Immediate cessation and desistance from further presenting or implying any familial relationship with our Client.

C. A challenge to the impostor to submit herself and her sibling for a DNA test at a mutually agreed and reputable health facility, in the absence of the earlier DNA certificate allegedly in her possession.

D. Immediate removal of all content that falsely associates our Client with claims of paternity or abandonment.

TAKE NOTICE that failure to comply with these demands will leave our Client with no option but to pursue all available legal remedies to protect his reputation, integrity, and ministry.

This statement is issued to clarify the facts, prevent further dissemination of falsehoods, and reaffirm our Client’s unwavering commitment to truth, dignity, and fairness.

Vanguard News

The post Pastor Okafor warns VeryDarkMan to stop cyber attacks or risk legal action appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, has felicitated with Christians in the state and nationwide on the celebration of this year’s Christmas, urging them to continually live in love and harmony with one another and all their neighbours.
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‎The governor stated this in his Christmas message to the people of the state.
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‎Governor Makinde stressed that Christmas is a season of love, with Jesus Christ’s birth as the essence of the festival, thus tasking Christians to show love to others and live at peace in line with the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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‎The governor counselled residents of the state to pay close attention to their environment as they go about celebrating, noting that securing the state remains a responsibility for the government and the people.

‎He charged them to report suspicious movements to security agencies through the Citizen Emergency Number, 615, saying that the principle, “If you see something, say something” remains in force.

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Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has extended warm Christmas greetings to Nigerians, urging citizens to pray for peace, unity, and national cohesion.

Describing the yuletide season as a period of joy, reflection, and the sharing of love, Governor Idris emphasized that it provides an opportunity for Nigerians to seek divine intervention for Kebbi State and the country at large.

He highlighted Nigeria’s multi-religious and multi-ethnic composition as a divine design intended to strengthen unity and peaceful coexistence, urging citizens to promote tolerance and mutual understanding as pillars of sustainable development.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yahya Sarki, Governor Idris encouraged Nigerians to remain hopeful and confident that collective efforts from all tiers of government would improve economic and social conditions.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment, alongside that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to steering Kebbi State and Nigeria toward progress, citing achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and social empowerment over the past two years.

Governor Idris also appealed to wealthy citizens to assist the less privileged, noting that acts of compassion would promote peace, harmony, and collective progress.

He expressed gratitude to the people of Kebbi for their support and assured them of his administration’s dedication to their trust.

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The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the Federal College of Education, Yola, Adamawa State, to run degree programmes under the federal government’s dual mandate policy.

Naija News reports that FCE Yola was one of 15 federal colleges of education granted approval by the Federal Government to run full degree programmes independently, without affiliation to any university.

The Provost of the college, Mohammed Dagereji, disclosed this on Wednesday, December 24, while addressing journalists in Yola, describing the approval as a major milestone in the institution’s history.

Dagareji explained that the approval followed years of preparation and compliance with regulatory requirements set by the NUC.

According to the provost, although the NUC approved 38 degree programmes for the college, FCE Yola would begin with 14 courses in the first phase.

He said, “The college is set to run 14 degree programmes out of the 38 approved by the NUC, without affiliation to any university.”

Dagereji announced that the 2026/2027 academic session would mark the first time the college would admit degree students without affiliation to another university.

He recalled that the institution had been running degree programmes since 2014 in affiliation with the University of Maiduguri.

“This new arrangement means that FCE Yola will now award its own degrees under the dual mandate,” he added.

The provost also appealed to the Federal Government to harmonise the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree programmes, saying both could be structured as a single continuous programme to strengthen teacher education in the country.

Dagereji disclosed that the college is already listed on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board portal, urging prospective candidates to apply accordingly.

He advised candidates wishing to transfer to FCE Yola to visit the college’s portal at https://fceyoladegree.com.ng/portal/application
for proper guidance.

“Accordingly, candidates who wish to apply for FCE Yola degree programmes are advised to strictly choose from the 14 approved courses, and to change their course(s) at any JAMB-accredited centre,” he said.

He warned that, “Applications outside these listed programmes will not be considered at this stage.”

Dagereji expressed optimism that the approval would enhance access to quality teacher education and boost the academic standing of the college.

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The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has extended warm Christmas greetings to Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora, describing the nation as tested, pressured but unbroken as it reflects on the outgoing year.

The party said Christmas 2025 offers Nigerians an opportunity to pause, give thanks and reaffirm faith in the country’s collective destiny.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Lagos APC spokesperson, Mogaji (Hon.) Seye Oladejo.

According to the party, the outgoing year was marked by significant challenges, including difficult but necessary transitions that required sacrifice, resilience and patience from both citizens and leadership.

It noted that economic recalibration, security pressures, global headwinds and inherited structural distortions combined to test the nation’s resolve.

The Lagos APC stated that these challenges were neither denied nor avoided by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu but were confronted directly.

It said that despite widespread predictions of national collapse by opposition elements, none of the dire forecasts materialised.

The party accused opposition figures and their allies of predicting famine, anarchy, mass unrest and state collapse, all of which failed to occur. It added that when such predictions did not come to pass, critics resorted to what it described as deliberate demarketing of Nigeria through exaggerated narratives, distorted data and appeals to foreign audiences, actions it said undermined the country’s image and sovereignty.

Oladejo said Nigeria refused to break despite these pressures, noting that national institutions remained strong, democracy endured and the economy began to show early signs of stabilisation and recovery.

He added that security agencies recorded strategic gains despite challenges posed by sabotage and misinformation, while Nigerians continued to adapt and move forward with resilience.

The party described the Christmas season as not only a celebration of faith but also a celebration of national strength and endurance.

It said the season serves as proof that Nigeria is stronger than its detractors and more resilient than narratives of collapse promoted by pessimists.

According to the statement, President Tinubu’s administration remains focused on governance and long-term structural reforms, stressing that while such reforms are often painful, they are necessary for sustainable progress.

The Lagos APC urged Nigerians to use the Christmas season to reject cynicism, resist despair and recommit to nation-building, cautioning that politics should never override patriotism or degenerate into sabotage.

The party expressed hope that the season would renew collective confidence, strengthen national unity and reinforce the belief that no prophecy of doom would prevail against the country.

It concluded by wishing Nigerians a Merry Christmas and expressing optimism that a stronger and greater Nigeria lies ahead.

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Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has called on Nigerians to embrace national unity, compassion, and responsible leadership as Christians across the country celebrate the Christmas season.

In her Yuletide message, the Senator described Christmas as a sacred period that reinforces enduring values of love, sacrifice, humility, and hope. She urged Nigerians to remain resilient and united in the face of prevailing challenges, expressing optimism that collective commitment and shared purpose will foster lasting peace and national progress.

Senator Ekwunife also called on leaders at all levels of government to draw inspiration from the true essence of Christmas by placing the welfare of the people above personal or political interests. According to her, leadership is a sacred trust that must be exercised with integrity, accountability, empathy, and a genuine commitment to service.

The Senator commended Nigeria’s security agencies for their courage, sacrifices, and unwavering dedication to maintaining peace and stability across the nation. She offered prayers for their continued protection, strength, and success in the discharge of their duties.

She further felicitated Christians on the celebration of Christmas and acknowledged religious leaders across all faiths for their vital role in promoting peace, tolerance, and harmonious coexistence in the country.

Senator Ekwunife urged Nigerians to extend love and support to the less privileged during the festive season and beyond, stressing the need for collective action in building a just, peaceful, and prosperous nation. She expressed hope that the Christmas season will usher in renewed peace, unity, and abundant blessings for Nigeria.

Related

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• Hundreds of individuals have traveled from Benin Republic to Ghana.
• They are seeking a place on “Noah Ebo’s Ark,” inspired by a prophecy.
• The prophecy comes from Ghanaian Pastor Eboh Noah.

Hundreds of people are said to have journeyed from Benin Republic to Ghana in hopes of securing a spot on what is being called Noah Ebo’s Ark, following a prophecy from a Ghanaian pastor warning of an impending global flood.

The movement revolves around Prophet Eboh Noah, who claims that God revealed to him that the world will experience a catastrophic flood on December 25, 2025, echoing the biblical story of Noah.

The cleric says he has been commanded by God to build eight arks that will shelter chosen families, who are expected to help repopulate the earth after the disaster.

Eyewitnesses and social media footage show large crowds of followers arriving in Ghana, with some reportedly selling their belongings and giving the proceeds to the prophet in preparation for the predicted deluge, expected to occur within days.

See post below:

Read some comments below:

@Macqoy…“Eii! 😳 These people are coming all the way from Benin 🇧🇯 to Ghana tonight just to secure a spot in Ebo Noah’s Ark!”

@EIshmael_: “Africa needs help! This is so sad 😢 con artist are destorying the people”

@LilithBlack25; “Religious psychosis is a pandemic”

@CryptoBullRon: “We’re all gonna look pretty stupid when it starts raining”

SOURCE PAG

• A Nigerian lady came online to cry that she does not have money to travel home for the Christmas and New Year festivities
• According to her, she was surprised when a total stranger contacted her and sent her N2 million as Christmas gift
• In a video she posted on TikTok, she showed her followers the N2 million alert, noting that the money was sitting in her account

A Nigerian lady is trending on social media after saying she received a gift of N2 million from a total stranger.

According to the lady, she had complained that she does not have the money to travel for the Christmas and New Year Festivities.

Nigerian lady displays alert as she gets N2 million as Christmas gift. Photo credit: TikTok/@prisca_obi1 and Getty Images/JohnnyGreig.
Source: TikTok

After complaining of lack of money online, the lady known as Prisca Obi said someone contacted her to help her with money.

She was shocked when the person asked her how much would enough for the Christmas expenses.

Read also

Man who reared chicken for sell during Christmas cries out over lack of customers

Prisca said she mentioned N20,000 but to her shock, the stranger sent her N2 million.

In the video, she displayed the alert she got and said the money was sitting in her bank account.

Nigerian lady rejoices after getting N2 million gift from a stranger. Photo credit: TikTok/@prisca_obi1.
Source: TikTok

Watch the video below:

Reactions as Nigerian lady gets N2 million gift

@Blackychian said:

“I don’t understand, you Dey drive Benz but you don’t have 20k to go village ??? Does that even make sense?”

@CALLME_WEALTH said:

“Omg congratulations stranger Omo make I repost ur video I love good things.”

@Peace said:

“How far dash me 1.9m out of that money I don speak up now oo.”

@Shenino said:

“I don follow you, how e wan be, u receive freely give freely, make I drop aza?”

@Amzy said:

“Omo God bless the person I was actually planning to travel to imo and see my grandmother who is blind But after seeing the transport fare yesterday 14000 from awka to orlu My dad said he doesn’t have the money for now so I am just sitting at home in awka I thank God for you.”

Read also

Akara seller buys brand new motorcycle as she adds logistics to her line of business

@ONITSHA CLOTH /BAG/HEEL VENDOR said:

“Na destiny helper, use am start better business.”

@Officialtv43 said:

“Me wey be man…nogo ever fit get that help from my fellow man….wetin man do man???”

@Uju bekee said:

“That’s a sign to put urself out dere, some have money and don’t know what to do with them.”

@Deeraahh said:

“From next year …I don start content 🤣 small thing I don cry for the content…make nobody judge me.”

@Legit said:

“Na me send am abeg, I do mistake press many zero, abeg collect your 20k send the remaining back.”

@Anita onunji uche said:

“Wow congratulations dear,God of credit alert locate me o.”

Man who travelled for Christmas shares his experience

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian man said he travelled to Asaba, the capital of Delta state where he would spend the Christmas holiday.

However, when he landed at the Asaba Airport, he decided to take a taxi for a short ride to his hotel room close to the airport.

He was shocked when the taxi driver charged him N30,000, which he vehemently refused to pay, and instead chose to walk.

Source: Legit.ng

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A Nigerian lady has stirred controversy after she criticized the role of churches in the country, claiming that religious institutions only benefit pastors and their families.

In a viral video, the woman stated that despite years of attending church and contributing financially, she has seen no tangible benefit.

Lady.

According to her, only the pastors and their families benefits from churches.

She accused churches of hoarding wealth while many Nigerians struggle, alleging that religious institutions have become profit-driven rather than spiritual.

The woman further argued that religion, especially Christianity as practiced in Nigeria, was introduced by foreigners and has been commercialized over time.

She said …

“Church no benefit me anything. Nobody wey church benefit for this Nigeria. Make I tell you the only people wey church benefit for this Nigeria. You see pastors, their wives, their children, reverend fathers and their families, na them church dey benefit.

Church no benefit me anything. Somebody come my comment section dey say ‘if I like make I go church, if I like make I no go, na me lose’. Aunty wetin I lose? Abi na me dey go church go keep money, dey give money wey I suppose take buy children garri.

Ever since them born me na me dey carry money go dey give for church give money. As Nigeria dey so, na church keep am if not Africa.

Church no dey Nigeria. Na oyibo wey carry am come na dem carry am go back. Na tradition dey now. No be when person comes Church e go drop money, na so dem dey do am for traditional too.

Na church dey keep Nigeria hungry. If you think it’s a lie, go check all the church accounts see the money wey dey there. Na him make all the men in Nigeria dey do everything possible to open church.”

Watch video below …

“For Years, I Have Been Going To Church, But It Hasn’t Benefited Me In Any Way. It’s The Other Way Around. They Get My Money Through Donations, Tithes, And Offerings. In Nigeria, No One Benefits From Going To Church; The Only People Benefiting Are The Pastors, Reverend Fathers,… pic.twitter.com/OcYLyXSE1T

— Somto Okonkwo (@General_Somto) December 24, 2025

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David-ChyddyEleke reports that Presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Keves Global Leasing, Chief Ikenna Okafor, are two brothers from Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State that have embarked on a silent revolution in the educational sector.

Ex-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi and Chief Executive Officer of Keves Global Leasing, Chief Ikenna Okafor, have for sometime  embarked on philanthropic journey. What is heartwarming about it is how seriously they take this task, and how much they are achieving, even though silently, not minding that none of them is currently holding any political office, or running for one.

Early this year, there was a report that Mr Peter Obi had given out over N1.5billion in philanthropy in the previous year (2024). These funds were mostly donated to supporting health education. Mostly to Colleges of Nursing Sciences, Schools of Midwifery and University Teaching Hospitals.

Responding to a journalist’s question about his decision to commit over N1.5billion to humanitarian causes in 2024, during a visit to the Anglican Bishop of Nnewi, Rt. Rev. Ndubisi Obi, Obi stressed that his acts of giving are not about self-promotion but are driven by a genuine concern for humanity.

Obi explained that his philanthropy is motivated by the visible impact of such efforts and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to people’s lives.

He said: “Even before my public life, I have always derived satisfaction from contributing to worthy causes that uplift humanity. For instance, I was in Haiti after the earthquake, where I contributed to its rebuilding. Similarly, even before I became Governor, I had extended help to places in need according to my capacity. When you witness such dedication to humanity, it is impossible not to contribute – not for personal recognition, but for the sake of humanity,” Obi remarked.

When asked if his philanthropy was an attempt to bolster his public image, Obi dismissed the notion, stating that giving back to society is his way of fulfilling not only his moral and spiritual obligations but also his duty to the society that nurtured him. He affirmed his commitment to continuing these efforts as long as God grants him the resources to do so.

This year alone, Obi has criss crossed the length and breadth of Nigeria, visiting over 50 health colleges, donating his hard earned money for the upgrade of facilities in such places. For each of the institutions he visited, he gave between N10million and N20 million each. The interventions are usually either after the management of such colleges complained about funds for generating plants, upgrade of students hostels, accreditation of new courses and so on and so forth.

What is amazing is that he is doing this, not in anticipation of any favour. He openly told management and students of the colleges he visited that he is not seeking any favour from him. He insisted that he stopped his visit during the 2023 election, so that it won’t seem as if he was engaging in such philanthropy for votes to boost his 2023 presidential bid. He only commenced again in 2024 after the election, and what was intriguing was that for some colleges, he issued double cheques, insisting that the first was one he wrote a year ago for the college, but couldn’t make it because of the election the previous year.

Signs that Obi isn’t in the philanthropy for any gains came during a visit to Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ihiala, Anambra State in early November, when the management of the college, announced in excitement after receiving N15million cheque from Obi that it would name its new administrative building after him.

The Administrator of the College, Rev Fr ChidiebereUghaerumba said: “Considering your continued support to us, when the school’s administrative building (a five-floor edifice) is completed, we will name it after you. We thank you for always coming and always donating. You are always interested in helping to build humanity.”

When Obi protested the decision through a strong wave of both hands, Ughaerumba adjusted and went further: “Then we may have to consider naming it after your wife, but we need to appreciate what you have been doing here.”

This time, seeing that the management had made up its mind, Obi seized the microphone and protested the decision, saying it wasn’t right to name a building after him or his family, when he was only working to help humanity within his own conviction.

He said: “I’m against such plans. When I was governor, every community wanted to give me a chieftaincy title, but I rejected. Even the school where I passed through wanted to honour me with a honourary doctorate title. I was also given a national award and I said that would be after being governor. Even local government chairmen wanted to name a street against my name, but I said no. Any day I want to be addressed as doctor, I will go and read for a PhD. Whatever I need, God has always given me, so if there is anything one wants to give me as favour, I suggest you look for anyone who wants it and give it to them. This week alone I have been to five schools, and I have donated between N5million and N15million each. I can use the money I am giving to buy a new car for myself or throw a party, but I think it is better to use it to support you. It is an unpurposeful life for me if I use this money to throw a party, while a school in the somewhere needs just N10 million to buy a generating set.” that is vintage Obi for you.

If you think Obi is doing this because he has ambition to run for office in 2027, then you need to think of another silent revolutionary individual; Obi’s brother from same Anaocha in Anambra who has never held any political office and has no intention to hold one either. He is Chief Ikenna Okafor, a knight of the Catholic Church, a titled Chief from Akwaeze community, with the traditional title of Ide Akwaeze, who is the founder of Idi EzeaniNzekwuabuo Foundation.

Okafor is known for massive philanthropy and has the strong belief that every privileged person should help others to rise. Beyond his philanthropic gestures in other areas of life, his endeavours in helping educational institutions stand out. Like Obi, Okafor believes that education is the bedrock of success, and advocates strongly for good and sound educational sector in Nigeria.

From Port Harcourt in Rivers State where his companies are headquartered to Anambra where he hails, there are visible signatures of Okafor’s works in schools across.

For Chief Okafor, this is a man who is a strong lover of education and believes that his rise in life is as a result of the opportunity offered him because of the education he acquired through the sponsorship of his father. For that reason, Ide Akwaeze has an unspoken vow to not only develop schools in his community, but ensure that children in his community, Akwaeze and other neighbouring communities get the opportunity of not just going to school, but studying in comfortable environment. For this, he has several schools within his community and others which he has adopted, refurbished with state of the art facilities, and also taking up the scholarship of students in the schools.

A good example of this is his adoption of Community High School, Akwaeze. Last year December, Ide Akwaeze handed over a newly built administrative block, classroom blocks, refectory block and kitchen block to the school. As at the time, Idi EzeaniNzekwuabuo Foundation had over 60 students on its scholarship from the same school, just as it has 50 others in a primary school in the community, and 40 in various tertiary institutions across Nigeria, with several others giving testimonies of being graduates through the gesture of the foundation.

During the event: he said: “I’m intentional about what I want to do for this community, and we have started with education, health and agriculture. What my father gave me, which helped my foundation to this day was education. I want to do same for every child born in this community. We started by ensuring the community secondary school is up to date, so far, we spent N650million to donate three buildings and equipping them, and it’s is looking like a university today.

“We have also given scholarships to students of all cadre, and this year we added a medical mission. When we have education, good health and can meet our food needs, I wonder what else we should be asking for. We want to be the big shoulder that people in this community can lean on when they need succour.”

In the previous year, Ide Akwaeze had crossed over to Akpo community in Orumba South LGA, donating a multimillion-naira laboratory and ICT complex to St. Dominic Savio Seminary, Akpo, a faith-based institution. The complex was named Ide Akwaeze Laboratories and ICT Complex and handed over to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, His Eminence Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke.

His donations are not only to secondary schools, as he has been known to donate to tertiary institutions, countless times.

Ide Akwaeze in 2023 performed the foundation laying ceremony of the UNIZIK Business School (UBS) ultra-modern building providing N100million for the take-off of the building, which has already been completed. He is also a pillar of Peter University, Onne/Achina in Anambra State, which is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Awka.

Like Obi, Ide Akwaeze; a successful businessman, technocrat, and entrepreneur, Managing Director and CEO of Keves Global Leasing Limited, Keves Inn and Suites, and Arthur Services Limited, among others, education is the key to success.

And just as Bishop Jonas-Benson Okoye, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, said during Obi’s cheque donation to his school; Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala, what Obi is sowing today in healthcare education will be massive when it germinates in the future. So too did his counterpart, Bishop PaulinusEzeokafor of the Awka Catholic Diocese echo at Akwaeze while receiving four gigantic buildings from Idi EzeaniNzekwuabuo Foundation, saying that the result of Ide Akwaeze’s contributions to education in the community and everywhere else will be massive.

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No fewer than 45,000 eligible voters have been registered as new members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) across four local governments of Taraba State.

A member of the ADC Membership Mobilisation, Revalidation and Registration (MMRR) committee, Hon. Iliya Ezekiel, who disclosed this in a telephone interview in Jalingo, said the feat was a major boost for the party in the state.

He described the development as a reflection of growing public confidence in the party’s commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and grassroots development.

According to him, the new members were drawn from Donga, Takum and Ussa Local Government Areas, adding that a few days earlier, over 10,000 people had defected to the party in Gassol Local Government Area.

“Today, we received and registered additional members from Donga, Takum and Ussa LGAs who have chosen to join the African Democratic Congress movement,” Ezekiel said.

He noted that the ADC leadership in the state is united and non-biased, and stressed that the ongoing MMRR drive is aimed at attracting Nigerians who are dissatisfied with their current political platforms.

“As leaders of this great party, we are open to all. Anyone who wishes to join us is welcome. The ADC is ready to accommodate those committed to bringing positive change to Taraba State and Nigeria as a whole,” he added.

Ezekiel further stressed that the ADC in Taraba State is currently witnessing an unprecedented surge in membership and assured that the party would not relent in its ongoing registration and mobilisation efforts.

He attributed the growing acceptability of the party to effective grassroots engagement and inclusive leadership, and assured the newly registered members that the ADC would continue to uphold unity, fairness and internal democracy.

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Farouk Aliyu, has called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to urgently fix its internal problems or consider a merger with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the interest of Nigeria’s democracy.

Aliyu, a former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, made the call during an interview on national television.

He warned that a weak and divided opposition poses a danger to democratic growth and political balance in the country.

“I call on my brothers and sisters in the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress to put their acts together. In my opinion, the PDP should merge with the ADC,” he said.

He explained that the PDP is clearly struggling with leadership disputes and internal divisions. According to him, if the party continues on its current path, it risks losing relevance as a major opposition force.

Aliyu noted that strong opposition parties are critical to democracy. He said they help check the excesses of those in power and offer Nigerians alternative political choices.

He reminded Nigerians that the APC itself was born out of a merger. He listed parties such as the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) as groups that came together to form the ruling party.

According to him, mergers are not a sign of weakness but a strategic move to achieve a common political goal.

The APC chieftain also dismissed claims that the ruling party is working to weaken the opposition. He insisted that it is not the duty of the APC to unite rival parties.

He said respected leaders within the PDP and ADC must take responsibility and make sacrifices to reposition their parties.

Aliyu stressed that the APC is not afraid of competition. He added that Nigeria belongs to all citizens and not to any single party or political figure.

His comments come at a time when the PDP is battling prolonged leadership crises at both national and state levels.

The party has also suffered a wave of defections, with several governors, lawmakers, and key stakeholders recently crossing over to the APC.

These developments have raised concerns about the future of the PDP as Nigeria’s main opposition party.

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The Nigerian Army has confirmed that four persons were killed and 32 others injured in a bomb explosion at a mosque located within Gamboru Market in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The incident occurred on Tuesday evening during the Maghrib prayer.

The confirmation was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), through its Media Information Officer, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba.

According to Uba, the explosion happened at about 6:00 p.m. while worshippers were observing prayers at the mosque.

He said preliminary investigations indicated that the blast was caused by a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber who detonated an improvised explosive device (IED).

“Initial findings show that the explosion was caused by a suspected Boko Haram terrorist suicide bomber who detonated an IED, killing himself and two civilians at the scene,” Uba stated.

He added that troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, other security agencies, the Borno State Government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), responded promptly to the incident.

“The area was immediately secured and cordoned off to forestall further danger, while the injured were evacuated to the General Hospital and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for treatment,” he said.

Uba disclosed that although 32 civilians initially sustained injuries, two later died in hospital, bringing the total number of civilian deaths to four.

He noted that two of the injured victims remain in critical condition, while others are stable and responding to treatment.

Following the attack, Uba said security had been reinforced across Maiduguri and its environs to prevent further incidents, particularly during the festive period.

He urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, advising them to avoid crowded areas and promptly report any suspicious activities to security agencies.

The OPHK spokesman also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the North-East.

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