NIGERIA NEWS
Muslims Join Christian Faithful At Kaduna Christmas Service To Promote Peace, Unity
In a display of interfaith harmony, hundreds of Muslims from across Northern Nigeria joined Christians on Thursday for the annual Christmas service at the Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Kaduna.
The event, now in its 15th year, has become a symbol of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians in the region.
The General Overseer of the church, Pastor Yohanna Buru, said the growing participation of Muslims in the celebration reflected a shared commitment to peace and mutual respect.
“This is the 15th time Muslims and Christians are gathering for this historic annual event to strengthen our relationship and foster unity,” Buru said.
He explained that Muslims from various Islamic sects including Tijjaniyya, Shi’ite groups under the Islamic Movement, and Sunni Muslims joined the congregation to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
According to him, the celebration took place amid economic hardship, insecurity, and rising food prices, underscoring the need for interfaith cooperation and prayers for national stability.
“We are all children of Adam and Eve. We worship one God, have holy books, and believe in paradise and hell. These shared values should unite us,” he added.
Pastor Buru also noted that Muslim delegations presented gifts to the church as tokens of love and friendship, further strengthening the bond between the two faiths.
Speaking at the service, Islamic scholar Sheikh Salihu Mai-Barota said the Muslim participants attended to celebrate with Christians and promote peace.
“Our presence here is to encourage religious tolerance and unity. We must continue to pray for peace and urge our youths to avoid spreading fake news or engaging in religious violence,” he said.
Similarly, Imam Ibrahim Musa from Igabi Local Government Area congratulated Christians on the Christmas celebration and urged Nigerian youths to support government efforts toward peace and development.
“Muslims and Christians regularly visit one another during religious celebrations, including the birth of Prophet Muhammad. This strengthens our mutual respect and understanding,” Musa noted.
He described the Kaduna Christmas service as a “strong symbol of interfaith harmony” that should be emulated across the country.
Musa also highlighted that Pastor Buru was a recipient of the 2022 United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week Award, presented by King Abdullah II of Jordan, in recognition of his peacebuilding efforts.
Other speakers at the event, including Sheikh Ahmed Rufai and Mallam Lawal Maduru, called for continuous prayers for peace, responsible use of social media, and cautioned youths against drug abuse.
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, has urged Nigerians to rise above religious, ethnic and regional sentiments, warning that the country must choose to renovate and educate or face collective ruin.
Kukah said years of miseducation had turned innocent children into vessels of hatred, stressing that leaders must strengthen their resolve to ease the suffering threatening the nation’s faith, unity and survival.
He noted that northern Nigeria had become the epicentre of violence, describing the region as the theatre of death with the highest levels of poverty, illiteracy and disease.
“The message is simple: we must either renovate, educate or perish. We must choose the light of knowledge and abandon the darkness of ignorance. We must hold ourselves to higher moral codes,” the cleric said.
According to him, embracing these values is essential to defending Nigeria’s strength for peace and unity amid prolonged violence fueled by banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
“These negative trends against our survival are happening in the midst of the darkness of our circumstances. It is tempting to grow weary and despondent,” he added.
In his Christmas message titled “Joy and Hope in a Time of Tribulation,” delivered on Thursday in Sokoto, Kukah expressed concern that Nigeria was trapped in a valley of violence and sorrow, caged by pervasive insecurity.
“We may not have enough to feed the greed of our elite, but there is enough to feed our people,” he said.
He observed that Nigerians had for long watched helplessly as communities were torn apart by violence, with brief moments of reprieve often followed by renewed waves of killings and destruction.
Kukah recalled tragedies such as the abduction of the Chibok and Dapchi schoolgirls, lamenting that their plight had faded into distant echoes amid what he described as official negligence. He also referenced more recent incidents in places like Maga and Papiri.
“Today, about two thousand children have been subjected to this inhumanity in our country. Our children face the highest risks from early marriage, slavery, and physical, psychological and sexual abuse. These children are our future,” he said.
The bishop called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayer and hopeful that the country could overcome the evil confronting it, insisting that the task could not be outsourced.
“This is a battle for our soul as a people and as a nation,” he stated.
Kukah said Christmas was a time to reflect on the teachings of Christ, renew strength and resist despair, warning against resorting to violence in response to evil.
He argued that the rise in violence was rooted in toxic politics driven by selfishness and greed for power, noting that perpetrators often had sponsors within society.
“Whether we call them bandits, kidnappers, jihadists or herdsmen, these men and women of violence are our children. They have come from among us,” he said.
He prayed for those who lost their lives, urging Nigerians to commit to building a better future founded on peace and justice. Kukah also expressed relief that abducted schoolchildren had been reunited with their families, commending the federal government for its role while describing the ordeal as one too many.
“In spite of it all, let us not deny ourselves the opportunities for joy this season offers,” he said.
By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said Nigeria’s worsening hardship and insecurity stem from leadership failure rather than any lack of resilience among the people, urging Nigerians to hold on to hope and compassion despite the difficult circumstances surrounding this year’s Christmas celebrations.
In a Christmas message signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC acknowledged that millions of families are marking the season amid rising food costs, persistent insecurity and growing uncertainty about the nation’s future, but said the period still calls for reflection, unity and celebration.
The party stressed that Nigeria’s true strength lies in its people, describing citizens as resilient, compassionate and committed to one another across faiths and communities, even in the face of national challenges.
“As millions of Nigerian families gather to celebrate in this season, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) wishes us all a merry and blessed Christmas,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC said it was conscious of the harsh realities confronting Nigerians, but maintained that the spirit of the season demands hope rather than despair.
“While we are mindful that too many Nigerians are doing so under difficult circumstances, amidst rising food costs, persistent insecurity, and a deep and disturbing doubt about the future of our nation, we believe that, as we prepare to enter the new year, this season of love and compassion calls us to still celebrate,” Abdullahi stated.
The party urged Nigerians not to lose sight of their shared values, noting that unity remains vital at a time of widespread economic and security challenges.
“As we do so, let us bear in mind that Nigeria’s greatest strength lies in its people, in our collective resilience, our enduring compassion, and our consistent commitment to one another across faiths and communities,” the party spokesman urged.
On insecurity, the ADC called for prayers for victims of violence, particularly those affected by the Christmas Eve bombing at a mosque in Borno State, describing the incident as a reminder that insecurity threatens all Nigerians regardless of religion or ethnicity.
“Therefore, amongst others, let us spare a moment to pray for the victims, families, and communities affected by the Christmas Eve bombing at a mosque in Borno State. This tragedy is a poignant reminder that the situation in our country threatens us all, regardless of the language we speak or how we worship God,” Abdullahi said.
The party also asked Nigerians to remember and appreciate those who must remain on duty during the holidays, including security personnel, health workers and other essential service providers.
“We must pray for and appreciate the sacrifices of the men and women who continue to serve our nation, particularly our security personnel, health workers, and others who cannot spend Christmas with their families because they must remain on duty while the rest of us celebrate,” it urged.
In a pointed appeal, the ADC said Nigeria needs leadership guided by conscience and empathy, urging prayers for an end to suffering in the country.
“We must also pray for Nigeria. We must pray to God to end the suffering in our land and give our beloved country a leadership that is anchored in conscience, empathy and love of the people,” Abdullahi insisted.
The party extended goodwill to Nigerians as the year draws to a close.
The post Christmas: Nigeria’s problem is not the people, but leadership – ADC appeared first on Vanguard News.
The Abig Nwankwo Foundation has extended Christmas relief to widows, widowers, and indigent residents of Okija community, Anambra State.
The outreach, held on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, involved the distribution of bags of rice, cartons of noodles, tomatoes, gallons of groundnut oil, alongside cash support, aimed at cushioning the effects of the festive season on vulnerable households.
Speaking during the exercise, Ichie Abig Nwankwo (Owelle Okija) said the foundation remains committed to people-centred interventions that promote dignity, inclusion, and shared prosperity, especially at critical periods such as Christmas.
President General of Umuohi community, Sir Uche Nnubia, commended the initiative, describing Ichie Abig Nwankwo as a dependable philanthropist whose consistent gestures have continued to uplift the community.
Also reacting, Dr Frank Igbojindu (PhD), Group Managing Director of Akpoazaa Group and Founder of Akpoazaa Foundation, noted that the vision of the Abig Nwankwo Foundation aligns with credible, impact-driven philanthropy, adding that the foundation has remained consistent since inception.
Beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the foundation, offering prayers for its leadership and describing the support as timely and reassuring.
The Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo, has warned against growing cultural shame and identity avoidance among the Idoma people, calling for a deliberate revival of language, values and traditions to safeguard the heritage of the nation.
The royal father issued the warning while delivering an address at the Idoma Cultural Day celebration, held in collaboration with the Idoma International Carnival in Otukpo on Wednesday.
The monarch expressed concern that many young Idoma people are distancing themselves from their roots in pursuit of misplaced validation.
According to him, culture begins to die when a people become ashamed of their language, accent and traditional practices.
“Culture dies when its people apologise for it,” the Och’Idoma declared.
“We must never be ashamed of our culture or our accent. Our accent is our identity, and we should be able to speak our language and sing our songs anywhere we find ourselves.”
The monarch identified insecurity and displacement, language erosion in homes, cultural shame, leadership fragmentation, poor documentation of heritage and social media ridicule as major threats confronting Idoma cultural survival.
He noted that the ridicule of Idoma people, leaders and institutions in public spaces, particularly on social media, has contributed to declining respect for the culture, stressing that ignorance and lack of patriotism often fuel such attacks.
Calling on Idoma sons and daughters to become “gatekeepers” of their identity, the Och’Idoma urged responsible digital conduct, accurate storytelling and dignified engagement in defending the image of the Idoma nation.
“We must respond to falsehood with facts, dignity, and love. We shall not hand over our image to mockery,” he said.
The monarch also stressed the need for unity among Idoma cultural organisations, warning that fragmentation and rivalry weaken cultural direction and collective strength.
“Where leadership is fragmented, direction becomes confused. Culture cannot survive in the midst of ego-driven rivalry,” he added, urging alignment of structures, programmes and messaging to enable the Idoma people to speak with one clear voice.
As part of efforts to revive Idoma identity, the Och’Idoma announced the institutionalisation of Idoma Cultural Day, declaring December 23 of every year as an annual celebration dedicated to promoting Idoma heritage, language and values.
He further declared that the grand finale of the celebration would henceforth hold at the Och’Idoma Palace, with plans underway to upgrade and rebrand the Palace Square to international standards in order to boost cultural tourism.
The royal father called on Idoma youths, cultural groups, corporate bodies and friends of the Idoma nation to work together in unity, noting that cultural survival depends on cooperation rather than competition.
“We are many expressions, but one Idoma soul,” he said, urging renewed commitment to cultural pride, unity and collective destiny.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar III, has underscored the importance of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to the socio-economic and security development of the nation.
The Sultan spoke in his palace while receiving the new Area Controller of Customs in charge of Sokoto and Zamfara States on a courtesy visit to the Sultanate Council, Aliyu Isa Ndako
The revered traditional leader commended the Customs Service for its unwavering commitment to revenue generation, border security, and facilitation of legitimate trade, describing the institution as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic stability.
The monarch further praised the Customs Service for its impressive strides in boosting national revenue, a critical source of funding for public services and infrastructure, stressing that he was impressed by the recent publication of the Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Bahir Adewale Adeniyi, on revenue generated for the outgoing year.
According to him, the capacity of the Customs Service to generate consistent revenue has enabled the government to embark on crucial projects for the welfare of Nigerians.
His eminence also called on Nigerians to support the Customs Service by adhering to customs regulations and cooperating with officers at border posts, stressing the need for a collaborative effort between the government, security agencies, and citizens to combat smuggling, corruption, and other challenges facing the agency.
The Sultan added that the Sultanate Council is always ready to partner with any agency that has a direct bearing on the development of the country.
Earlier, the team leader of the visit and the Area Controller in charge of Sokoto and Zamfara states, Aliyu Isa Ndako, said the purpose of the visit was to seek blessing and support of the Sultan to enable him to discharge his duty effectively.
Aliyu Isa Ndako maintained that the Sultan’s commendations serve as a timely reminder of the indispensable role customs service holds in the nation’s ongoing quest for sustainable development.
He pledged to ensure the economic activities of the Area under his control are better.
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No fewer than 11 persons were reportedly killed, while 12 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a road traffic accident that occurred on Thursday along the Ringim–Sankara–Beguwa Road in Jigawa State.
The Ringim Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Ado Adamu, confirmed the incident in a statement issued to DAILY POST.
He said the accident occurred at about 4:45 pm and involved a red Volkswagen Golf with registration number ND 983 XA, which was conveying about 23 passengers.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the crash was caused by overloading and excessive speeding, which led to a tyre burst and loss of control.
“The accident resulted in the death of 11 persons, while 12 others sustained injuries,” Adamu said.
He added that the victims were rushed to Ringim General Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed 11 fatalities, while the injured are currently receiving treatment.
The Jigawa State FRSC Sector Commander, Umar Masa’udu Matazu, commiserated with the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls.
He urged motorists to obey traffic regulations to reduce road crashes, injuries and fatalities in the state.
Two people were killed early Thursday after a diesel-laden tanker exploded along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway, officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have said.
The explosion occurred at the Oto-Ijanikin axis, near the Lagos State University of Education, after the tanker reportedly lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle.
In a statement posted on its official X account, LASTMA stated that preliminary investigations indicated excessive speed was a contributing factor to the crash.
“The tanker driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle while attempting to overtake another road user,” the statement said.
“The vehicle subsequently crashed and erupted into a raging inferno, tragically trapping and claiming the lives of the driver and an adult female occupant.”
The incident adds to a series of tanker-related accidents in Lagos. In March, a petrol tanker exploded on Otedola Bridge, killing at least one person and injuring several others, according to state emergency officials.
LASTMA said its personnel, who were already monitoring traffic along the corridor, responded promptly to the incident and cordoned off the affected section of the road to prevent secondary accidents.
The agency said it also alerted other emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (Ojo Unit), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and officers of the Ijanikin Police Division, to assist with firefighting, rescue operations, and security.
According to LASTMA, its officers prevented some members of the public from scooping diesel from the scene, describing the act as dangerous and capable of triggering further explosions.
After the fire was brought under control, the burnt tanker was evacuated to ease traffic and eliminate additional hazards, while officials of the FRSC evacuated the remains of the deceased.
READ ALSO: How NSA’s office struggled under Buhari, enabling Kuje Prison, other terror attacks – Ex-NSA Monguno
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the families of the victims, describing the incident as “deeply painful and entirely avoidable.”
He urged tanker and articulated vehicle drivers to observe speed limits and comply strictly with traffic regulations, while also warning the public against attempting to collect spilt petroleum products from accident scenes.
“The authority remains committed to public safety and the protection of human life,” Mr Bakare-Oki said.
NIGERIA NEWS
Eyewitness Tells What Happened Before Goods Burnt at Balogun market: “The Fire Started Around 4”
- A young lady has shared everything she saw while she was at Balogun Market before the market went up in flames
- She mentioned the time the fire started and the things she saw the fire service personnel doing when the fire began
- The lady also mentioned something a friend told her when the fire had already started burning heavily and destroying goods
A trader who sells at Balogun Market in Lagos Island, Lagos State, has shared how the fire that raged through Balogun Market started.
She made the statement after surviving the incident and shared how she managed to protect herself and her goods from getting burnt.
Trader recounts events before Balogun Market went up in flames. Photo Source: Tiktok/_iyiolaa,/foyinog
Source: TikTok
Woman describes fire at Balogun Market
The lady explained that something worse could have happened to her and her goods had she not listened to and followed her mother.
Speaking in the video, @_iyiolaa shared that the incident didn’t appear serious at the beginning, as she noticed a little smoke around 4 pm in the afternoon.
Read also
Woman recalls her 2016 visit to Pastor Chris Okafor’s church, shares what she saw: “Na God save me”
While she and several others didn’t pay much attention to it, thinking it wasn’t serious, the incident eventually led to the loss of millions of naira worth of goods.
She shared:
“This is what happened, this is how the fire started. The fire started around 4 o’clock. I was still at my shop because it was nothing serious. It was just smoke; nobody knew it was really serious. Even people in that building didn’t move their goods because it didn’t seem serious, and all those fire-fighting devices were already around.”
In the TikTok clip, she added that before the fire escalated, fire service personnel were already present but didn’t appear to be doing anything, as there was no visible fire yet.
She spoke further:
“They were not even doing anything, they were just so relaxed. I left around 7 o’clock, got home around 8 to 9 o’clock, and I was already in my house when one of my friends from my shop started sending me videos showing the fire had become serious and that I should come quickly.”
Read also
Nigerian mum of 4 based in Canada gets over N1m after her marriage crashed as Nigerians support her
Young lady shares what she saw before Balogun fire. Photo Source: Tiktok/_iyiolaa,/foyinog
Source: TikTok
Speaking about how she was able to protect herself and her goods, she shared:
“My mum was even shouting, ‘Let’s go!’ Thank God I followed her, otherwise, what would we be saying now? What would I be saying now?””Everything got burnt; I can’t even post the videos on my TikTok right now.”
Reactions as lady speaks about market fire
ifeoma_200 noted:
“That place is cursed!!!!!”
NAOMI EMPIRE (SKINCARE & HAIR) said:
“Una see smoke una say it’s not that serious. Like seriously??”
JHAY.O CONFECTIONARIES said:
“Balogun market again??. has this now become a yearly ritual? chai.”
MamaD noted:
“I am suspecting something ooo, at every 3 to 6 months, fire happens in Balogun market…it is well ooo.”
ABIMBOLA stated:
“Why should you not take fire serious,madam stop saying that,no fire is small..”
IFEANYI added:
“That philmore lady i don buy something from her for my sister 😢😢 i hope she was able to recover somethings.”
Read also
Lady marries man despite discovering he slept with her bestie, dumps him after 2 months: “I won”
DOMINIC EMPIRE stressed:
“So as big as that plaza, each shops don’t have fire extinguishers 🧯 are you guys kidding me ? As it started 40 people use their stuff off am it won’t has escalate that way.”
nah lie madam wrote:
“I was there by 6=30 the fire was very very must I live there by 9pm when the fire get too must.”
Queen noted:
“You just said my mind o, something that was burning in the evening which was obviously not much how did it turn that much.”
Viclabtee textiles shared:
“That fire wasn’t serious at the beginning it’s because they didn’t do the right thing to quench it immediately it started.”
Just_ladeyy said:
“Smoke leads to fire. At the very least, they should have looked for the source of the smoke and put it out. Their nonchalant attitude caused most of the loss. So sad.”
watch the video below:
In a similar story, Legit.ng recently reported that a major fire broke out at the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island. The building, which serves as a warehouse for clothing materials and also has offices and shops.
Read also
“I still stayed with him”: Nigerian lady makes a list of things her ex did to her
Fire hits Lagos shop, lady speaks out
Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that a Nigerian lady told her customers something important after her shop was damaged in a fire at the Great Nigeria Tower in Lagos Island.
She shared a video of the fire, and many people reacted to what she said. The video and her message made people talk about how hard it is for shop owners when accidents like this happen.
Source: Legit.ng
NIGERIA NEWS
Billionaire businessman supports Mbaise community with tricycles, motorcycles, cash, and gifts for 2025 Christmas celebration
Billionaire businessman, the founder of Vintage Deluxe Interiors, has extended significant support to his community in Mbaise, Imo State, as part of the 2025 Christmas celebrations.
This was reported in viral video from the event which are currently making the rounds on social media.
Businessman.
The philanthropist distributed a wide range of empowerment items, including brand new tricycles (keke), motorcycles, electric sewing machines, grinding engines, and over 1,000 bags of rice.
Cash gifts and other essential items were also shared among beneficiaries.
The initiative was aimed at easing economic hardship and promoting self-reliance among residents, particularly youths, artisans, and small business owners.
The community members were seen all smiles as they received their gifts at the event.
Community members described the gesture as timely and impactful, praising the businessman for remembering his roots and giving back on a large scale.
The event attracted a large turnout of locals, who expressed gratitude and celebrated the generosity shown during the festive season.
Watch the video below …
Billionaire businessman, Vintage Deluxe Interiors, today supported his people in Mbaise, Imo State, as part of the 2025 Christmas celebration, gifting brand new tricycles (keke), motorcycles🏍️, electric sewing machines, grinding engines, bags of rice, cash gifts, and other… pic.twitter.com/BYuqb5BOKp
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) December 25, 2025
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has condemned in strong terms the bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, which occurred on Wednesday, describing the incident as sad and deeply troubling.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Mohammed Tukur Baba , the Forum said it received the news with “much sadness,” mourning those who lost their lives in the attack and praying for the peaceful repose of their souls.
ACF also expressed sympathy for worshippers who sustained injuries, wishing them a quick and full recovery, while extending condolences to the families of the deceased and those affected by the tragedy.
The Forum further commiserated with the Government and people of Borno State, as well as Nigerians at large, noting that the incident was a painful reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism and insecurity in the country.
According to ACF, the attack underscores the reality that the scourge of terror has neither been tamed nor adequately brought under control, despite ongoing efforts by security agencies.
Recalling its recent Christmas message, the Forum stressed that the fight against insecurity must be taken decisively to the “merchants of terror” with the urgency and vigour the situation demands.
“It is utterly inconceivable and totally unacceptable that criminal elements would be allowed to bring the country to its knees,” the Forum said, insisting that such acts must not be tolerated under any guise.
ACF therefore called for heightened vigilance at all times, particularly in places of congregation such as places of worship, markets and social gatherings, warning that anti-social and criminal elements, both foreign and domestic, must not be allowed to disrupt normal life or claim any victory over peace and stability.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunshine and cloudiness from Friday until Sunday across the country.
NiMet`s weather outlook released on Thursday in Abuja predicted sunny skies on Friday over the northern region throughout the forecast period.
According to the agency, sunny skies with patches of clouds are anticipated over the central region throughout the forecast period.
The agency predicted sunny skies with patches of clouds over the southern region during the morning hours.
it anticipated isolated thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Rivers, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Edo and Bayelsa States later in the day.
“For Saturday, sunny skies are anticipated over the northern region throughout the forecast period, while sunny skies with patches of clouds are anticipated over the central region during the forecast period.
“Sunny skies with patches of clouds are anticipated over the southern region during the morning hours.
“ The isolated thunderstorms with light rains are anticipated over parts of Edo, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Bayelsa States later in the day,“ it said.
NiMet envisaged sunny skies over the northern region throughout the forecast period on Sunday, while anticipating sunny skies over the north-central region throughout the forecast period.
According to NiMet, sunny skies with patches of clouds are anticipated over the southern region during the morning hours.
NiMet urged motorists driving under rain to drive with caution, while airline operators should get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective operations.
“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website.
Vanguard News
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Niger recruits forest guards, urges discipline and resilience
By Bala Yahaya, Minna
The Niger State Government has recruited the first batch of forest guards across the 25 local councils of the state.
Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago disclosed this during a visit to the trainees at their training ground in Minna on Wednesday, 24th December 2025. The visit provided an opportunity for the governor to interact with the recruits and boost their morale.
Bago congratulated the trainees and urged them to remain disciplined and resilient, assuring them of the state government’s determination to provide all necessary support and ensure their well-being.
The governor also revealed that more recruits would be trained in batches to strengthen security across communities in the state.
The forest guard initiative is a strategic collaboration between the federal and state governments to establish a permanent, armed, and locally rooted security force aimed at reclaiming Nigeria’s forests from criminal elements and protecting the environment.
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has urged the Christian faithful and Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of peace, love, tolerance, and sacrifice at Christmas, describing them as the core values of the season.
This was contained in a Christmas message he personally released on Christmas Day.
He also called for optimism and renewed hope in the nation.
“As we celebrate the joy and grace of Christmas, I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt goodwill to all Christian faithful in Enugu State and across Nigeria.
“Christmas reminds us of the enduring values of love, peace, sacrifice, and hope.
“May the Holy Season further unite us, and may the coming year strengthen our resolve to build the future our children deserve,” he stated.
He wished Ndi Enugu and Nigerians a hitch-free Christmas.
On the 22nd of November, 2025, at the church auditorium, 350 Petre Street, Sheffield S4 8LU, “Gratitude with Adedoyin Oseni” was held.
This is a gospel concert in the UK that brought together worshippers from different parts to intentionally thank God.
The programme featured different gifted artists and instrumentalists, who were chosen because of how excellent they are at their craft and also what they do, which is to praise God. Among these was Gideon Tobi Olajide.
Gideon, popularly known as Gideon Guitar, is a talented and celebrated Nigerian-born and UK-based guitarist. He is the lead guitarist at the Gratitude concert in Sheffield.
His first strum of the guitar creates a room where worship can never be ignored. Gideon has been praised a lot and by a lot of the people for his performance during the concert, but what will always be Gideon’s charm on the guitar is his ability to respect his colleagues and also play his best while they make the sound come together into a beautiful piece.
At the Gratitude concert, Gideon could be found among the set, which comprises the trumpeter, drummers, and keyboardists, among others. Yet, another reason people will always love to have Gideon around is his calm aura even while strumming his strings.
He plays the guitar effortlessly. At a particular point at the concert when the lead singer said, “Let’s go back to Nigeria,” he said, “Onye na-eme mma, lekwa ikperem na ala” and the backups responded with “Chineke idima…”
Gideon wowed the audience. How he cuts in, strumming with a quick response with chords that lift the moment is gracious. Gideon’s timing was perfect!
Gideon’s melodies still keep playing in the heads of the audience. How the audience feels at the Gratitude concert in Sheffield is quite a note. Music is a composition, but Gideon’s touch and tone make him distinct.
He knows when to hold the chords, when to lay back, and when to add colours to his piece. Gideon’s guitar skills are beyond the ordinary.
This has made him work for other popular and influential gospel artists like Bisi Alawiye Aluko and Theophilus Ogaga, among others, as lead guitarist.
Gratitude is a great concert where worshippers let out their souls to worship and praise God, and Gideon’s role as a lead guitarist makes the concert more blessed.
He keeps proving to all as a rising UK-based guitarist that he will soon take the world by storm.
Gideon’s performance again at the Gratitude concert will be a point of reference for his mentees. His leadership skills, also both at events as Gratitude and at his music programs that he tutors, are what make him a transformational leader.
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…Reaffirms Commitment to Troops’ Welfare
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State on Thursday celebrated this year’s Christmas with frontline troops of the Nigerian Army’s 68 Battalion in the strategic border town of Malam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Zulum spent the preceding four days traversing northern Borno, coordinating security measures and strengthening the resilience of returning communities.
As part of his administration’s commitment to restoring civil authority, he spent the night in the newly resettled town, engaging with community leaders and residents.
The Governor’s visit to the battalion, coinciding with the festive season, served as a symbolic and reassuring gesture to soldiers stationed far from their families under challenging operational conditions.
Zulum commended the officers and men for their gallantry, resilience, and professionalism, stating that their sacrifices had ensured the survival and stability of Malam Fatori. He described them as the true guardians of peace, whose courage had enabled displaced communities to return and rebuild.
“Celebrating Christmas with the troops protecting our territorial integrity is not merely ceremonial, but a deliberate effort to stand with you at the point of sacrifice,” Governor Zulum said.
The Governor, “The courage you display daily in securing Malam Fatori and other frontline locations continues to inspire the state’s commitment to supporting security agencies until lasting peace is achieved.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering support for the armed forces, assuring the battalion of continued logistical and welfare assistance to complement federal efforts.
“Let me reiterate that security remains the top priority of my administration,” he stated, stressing that without peace, development and recovery would be impossible.
In the spirit of the season, Governor Zulum donated five bulls to the battalion to enable the troops to celebrate with dignity. In a rare personal gesture, he joined the soldiers in line, sharing a meal with them within the base.
The visit elicited widespread jubilation from the troops, many of whom expressed renewed morale at the Governor’s presence and personal engagement.
For soldiers long separated from their families, the occasion served as a powerful reminder that their sacrifices are seen, valued, and appreciated.
The Governor was accompanied by the member House of Assembly representing Abadam State Constituency, Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Honourable Sugun Mai Mele and the Director General Borno State Emergency Management Agency.
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