….More strikes to come, Hegseth U.S Secretary of War warns

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Federal Government has confirmed that coordinated security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, has resulted in precision air strikes on terrorist targets in the North West of Nigeria.
The operations are part of ongoing efforts to tackle persistent terrorism and violent extremism across the country.

In a statement confirming the earlier tweet by U.S president, Donald Trump, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said: “Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

“This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.”

The Ministry emphasised that the collaboration includes intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of support conducted in line with international law, mutual respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, and commitments to regional and global security.

“Terrorist violence in any form whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security,” the statement said, highlighting the government’s zero tolerance for attacks on civilians.

All counter-terrorism operations, the Ministry added, prioritise civilian protection, national unity, and the rights and dignity of all citizens.

It also noted that “the Federal Government continues to work closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while strengthening Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities.”

Meanwhile, U.S Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, who commented on the air strikes and the timing of the operation said more strikes are to come.

He tweeted, “The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come… Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!”

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By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

The Federal Government on Friday confirmed that Nigeria remains engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to address terrorism and violent extremism, following air strikes on terrorist targets in the North West.

In a press release issued Friday morning by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government said the action resulted from ongoing intelligence collaboration and strategic coordination with partners.

According to the Ministry, the cooperation has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.

It explained that the collaboration follows international practice and bilateral understandings, including intelligence sharing and strategic coordination, while respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and international law.

It reads in part, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria confirms that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

“In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security,” the Ministry stated.

The government stressed that protecting civilians remains central to all counter terrorism efforts.

“Nigeria reiterates that all counter terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity,” the statement said.

It added that terrorist violence against any group remains unacceptable.

“Terrorist violence in any form whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry further noted that Nigeria continues to work with partners to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their funding and logistics, and prevent cross border threats, while strengthening national security and intelligence capacity.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through official channels.

The confirmation comes as the United States says it will be sending additional support to northern states to bolster surveillance, security operations and counter-terror efforts after the recent military action.

Following that, President Donald Trump on Christmas night ordered United States airstrikes against ISIS militants operating in North West Nigeria, accusing the group of carrying out deadly attacks against Christians.

The post Nigeria confirms US strikes, says ‘partnership targets ISWAP terrorist sites in North West appeared first on Vanguard News.

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A group, the Indigenous Muslims Association of Plateau State (IMAP), has said as a faith based organisation, it is committed to upholding the true practice of Islam anchored on love for one another, peace and unity.

It vowed to continue to stand against fanaticism, radical ideologies where extremists are hibernating under the guise of Islam to cause problems in the state.

The group’s secretary, Hon. Babuga Yusuf Umar, made the disclosure during a chat with newsmen in Jos.
According to him, Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s performance in the last two years speaks volume, adding that he needs to be supported in 2027 to consolidate on the gains of democracy in the state.

“We want to sincerely commend the Governor for his relentless efforts in driving developments and ensuring that peace has returned so that the state will reclaim its rightful position as the home of peace and tourism.

“We want to pledge our total loyalty and support to Governor Caleb Mutfwang anywhere he goes. We will continue to work with him for the overall interest of the state.

“His administration in the last two years has recorded tremendous achievements in the area of Security, Agriculture, Education and most especially the unprecedented roads constructions and rehabilitation among many others in the state,” he said.

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December 26, 2025December 26, 2025

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The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has announced the suspension of its National President, Pretty Okafor, with immediate effect.

The decision followed an emergency NEC meeting held on Wednesday, December 25, 2025, convened to address what the council described as serious governance and constitutional issues within the association. Acting in line with provisions of the PMAN Constitution, the NEC said the suspension will remain in force pending the conclusion of a full investigation and disciplinary process.

According to the council, the action was taken over alleged repeated violations of constitutional provisions, abuse of office, disregard for due process, and conduct deemed harmful to the welfare, credibility, and integrity of the association.

Key allegations highlighted by the NEC include the unilateral appointment of vice presidents without council approval, the unlawful removal of the elected National Treasurer following demands for financial audits, persistent failure of the National Working Committee to carry out core mandates, intolerance for dissenting opinions, and reported irregularities linked to a joint venture involving PMAN property in Abuja.

As part of its resolutions, the NEC announced the nullification of all unilateral appointments made by the suspended president, reinstatement of the National Treasurer, and the commencement of a forensic audit of PMAN’s financial accounts and joint venture agreements.

In line with constitutional provisions, the council also approved the appointment of Sydney Sparrow, PMAN Governor for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as Acting National President.

The NEC stressed that the suspension is corrective rather than punitive, assuring PMAN members nationwide of the council’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of the interests of Nigerian musicians.

The statement was signed by the PMAN National Treasurer, Baba Ojonugwa.

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United States President Donald Trump has announced he authorized a “powerful and deadly strike” against an ISIS terrorist base in Northwest Nigeria.

The announcement was made via his Truth Social account, where he stated that the U.S. Department of War executed “numerous perfect strikes” targeting the extremists.

The post, published shortly after midnight on Boxing Day, came as many Nigerians retired after Christmas celebrations. It also follows a terrorist bombing earlier in the day at a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, prompting calls for increased vigilance by the Nigerian Army.

What Trump is saying

According to his Truth Social post, Trump said the strike was executed “as only the United States is capable of doing,” and vowed the country would not allow “Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper,” adding a holiday greeting, “MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists.”

In his post, Trump declared:

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries! I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was. The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper. May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.” – President Donald Trump

As of press time, Nigerian government officials had not issued a formal response to the U.S. military action. However, the US Secretary of the Department of War, Pete Hegseth, thanked the Nigerian government for support, suggesting the government may have been aware.

“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end.

The@DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come…Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!” – he tweeted

What you should know

This latest strike follows repeated warnings from President Trump over alleged religiously motivated violence in Nigeria.

In November, Trump publicly threatened military intervention and directed the U.S. Department of Defense to prepare for potential action in Nigeria.

• He also accused the Nigerian government of failing to curb “mass slaughter” of Christians, threatening to withdraw all aid and assistance unless immediate steps were taken.
• In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”, defending Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees for religious freedom and the government’s efforts to protect all faiths.
• The U.S. Congress has also weighed in. Representative Barry Moore stated last month that Trump and lawmakers from both parties were “united and serious” about addressing Christian-targeted violence in Nigeria.
• His remarks came after a high-level meeting in Washington, D.C., between U.S. lawmakers and a Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

Meanwhile, tensions remain high following a deadly explosion at a mosque in Maiduguri’s Gamboru Market on Christmas Day. The Nigerian Army has since issued security alerts, urging increased protection of churches during the festive period.

Why this matters

Trump’s statement and the U.S. strike represent a dramatic shift in foreign military engagement in Nigeria’s internal security crisis, especially on religious grounds.

The move raises questions about sovereignty, bilateral cooperation, and the role of global powers in Nigeria’s domestic affairs.

While the U.S. claims the strikes are in defense of persecuted Christians, Nigerian authorities maintain that the violence affects citizens of all faiths and is driven by complex regional, ethnic, and socio-economic factors — not just religious intolerance.

More Nairametrics reporting on this story
• Trump threatens military action over alleged Christian persecution
• Tinubu rejects Trump’s CPC designation
• Presidency responds to Borno bombing

This is a developing story, and Nairametrics will continue to monitor and update as more official responses and verified military details emerge.

Follow us for Breaking News and Market Intelligence.




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President Donald Trump said Thursday that US forces conducted deadly strikes against Islamic State “Scum” in northwestern Nigeria, and vowed more attacks if the militants keep killing Christians.

Without providing details, the commander in chief said “The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes,” on Christmas Day, against IS targets.

“I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

“May God Bless our Military,” he said, adding provocatively, “MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”

US Africa Command said in an X post that it conducted a strike “at the request of Nigerian authorities…killing multiple ISIS terrorists.”

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth took to X to praise his department’s readiness to take action in Nigeria, and said he was “grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation.”

The attacks mark the first by US forces in Nigeria under Trump, and come after the Republican unexpectedly berated the west African nation in October and November, saying Christians there faced an “existential threat” that amounted to “genocide” amid Nigeria’s myriad armed conflicts.

The diplomatic offensive was welcomed by some but interpreted by others as inflaming religious tensions in Africa’s most populous country, which has seen bouts of sectarian violence in the past.

Nigeria’s government and independent analysts reject framing the country’s violence in terms of religious persecution — a narrative long used by the Christian right in the United States and Europe.

The post Trump says US launched ‘numerous’ deadly strikes on IS in Nigeria appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Nigerian-born cloud engineer, Abel Yakubu, of NexEdge Technologies based in Germany, has been confirmed by Guinness World Records as the holder of the Longest Computer Programming Lesson.
The feat took place in Abuja between November 21 and 23, 2025.

Yakubu, supported by 30 participants and monitored by 20 independent witnesses, led the 60-hour marathon lesson, marking a major milestone for Nigeria’s growing technology ecosystem.

“I, Abel Yakubu of NexEdge Technologies, with the support of 30 committed participants and 20 independent witnesses, have been approved as the Guinness World Record title holder for the Longest Computer Programming Lesson,” Yakubu said.

He said the achievement demonstrated what could be accomplished through teamwork, shared belief, proper planning and unwavering commitment, while appreciating all those who contributed to the success of the record attempt.

The three-day programming lesson, streamed live across major social media platforms, brought together 60 students and more than 25 official witnesses.

The session was aimed at pushing the boundaries of skill development and collaboration, while showcasing how dedication, preparation and teamwork can lead to historic accomplishments.

LEADERSHIP recalls that Yakubu undertook the marathon lesson to break the previous global record of 48 hours and 15 minutes. The session ran from 11 a.m. on Friday, November 21, to 11 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2025.

With over 10 years’ experience in cloud engineering, Yakubu focused the lesson on major cloud computing platforms, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure.

The Guinness World Records confirmation underscores the impact of strategic planning, collective effort and perseverance, while highlighting Nigeria’s growing potential in global technology education.

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• A man travelling from abroad to Lagos shared how an elderly woman swapped his seat on the flight and refused to leave
• He mentioned what happened after a crew member of the plane intervened in the drama that unfolded on the plane
• The incident caught people’s attention on social media, as it sparked conversations about similar incidences with older Nigerians

A Nigerian man shared his unpleasant experience at a flight from Amsterdam to Lagos.

He narrated how an elderly woman occupied his seat and refused to leave when he asked her politely.

A Nigerian man calls out elderly woman for swapping his seat on a plane. Photo: @yinkanubi
Source: Twitter

In an X post by @yinkanubi, the man shared what happened after a crew member intervened in the drama.

The X post read:

“I boarded a flight from Amsterdam to Lagos. When I got to my seat an elderly woman was sitting there. I told her politely that she was sitting on my seat. She didn’t move and didn’t say a word. I called on one of the crew to please ask her to move to her seat. The crew member asked for her ticket. She said she couldn’t speak English but Yoruba.

Read also

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“Some other passengers then told her in Yoruba to bring out her boarding pass. She did and it showed it wasn’t her seat. It was mine. The woman still refused to leave saying that her allocated seat was between two men and she doesn’t want to be between two men. “I told the crew member that I paid for the seat for my comfort and I need to have the seat. He pleaded with me to take the seat beside her and during the flight he will look for another seat for me. For the sake of peace and given the age of the woman, I agreed. “When the flight took off, the woman was now talking to me in Yoruba, saying “shebi Omo Yoruba ni e”….suggesting that I shouldn’t have insisted on claiming the seat I paid for because we share same ethnicity. I told her in Yoruba, that the only reason I did so was because of her age not ethnicity. “As luck will have it, I hit it off with the white guy sitting beside me. He was travelling to Lagos to get married to his Nigerian Fiancée. So we talked, culture shock, business and entertainment. The woman kept looking at us and at one point interjected in perfect ENGLISH something along the lines of “So, you can be this friendly and you were stressing me to leave my seat”.

Read also

Lady blows hot as Warri Airport staff insist she’s not Nigerian: “Are you okay?”

“Imagine my shock. Not only me, the women in the adjourning seats who had joined to plead with me to let it go. I asked her now very loudly “SO YOU CAN SPEAK ENGLISH….AND YOU WERE PRETENDING THAT YOU CAN ONLY SPEAK YORUBA?” I told her in Yoruba “Mummy oni oruko till Yoruba ma’npe ewa beyen…sugbon nitoripe mo je omooluwabi, I will restrain from saying it”. “Throughout the flight, she kept trying to make conversations with me, asking me where I am from, telling me what she went to do abroad. I wasn’t interested. The dishonesty was too much for me to overlook. There is something about us that permits bad behaviour. It is regardless of age or ethnicity, status of even religion. We are simply accepting of bad behaviour and willing to rationalize it for the most silly reasons.”

He added in the comments:

“It was annoying my brother. If you see the drama this women demonstrated to prove she couldn’t speak English, it is worthy of Oscar nomination. When they asked her for her boarding pass, she pretended she didn’t know what a boarding pass is. “One of the women in the adjourning seat had to bring out her own boarding pass to show the woman what it looked like. It was then she produced it. To do all that drama, knowing full well what a boarding pass is and understanding clearly what was being asked of her is a level of dishonesty I couldn’t comprehend. But there it was, right there in my face.”

Read also

“I still stayed with him”: Nigerian lady makes a list of things her ex did to her

See the man’s X post below:

Reactions trail man’s experience on flight

@idbaddo said:

“Very despicable… agbaya behavior”

@HNIC8 said:

“I can’t imagine how angry you were!”

@ItsDeyoka said:

“If it were me, God knows I’d take my seat. There’s nothing like “Omo Yoruba” here. I don’t tolerate cunning or deceptive behavior.”A man shares his unpleasant experience on a plane Photo: fhm
Source: Getty Images

In related stories, a tragic Air India plane crash claimed over 240 lives in India and an investigation report was released a month after the crash.

Passengers jump from plane wings after fire alert

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that some passengers flying from Spain to London jumped down the wings of a plane after a fire alert during the flight.

A rare video showed the passengers jumping from the plane, operated by Ryanair, at Marjoca airport in Spain.

Source: Legit.ng

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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