NIGERIA NEWS
Pastor Enenche Reacts to US Military Missiles in Sokoto, Slams Terrorist Sympathizers
The General Overseer of Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), Dr Paul Enenche, has expressed excitement over the recent United States military action against terrorists in Nigeria.
Politics Nigeria had reported earlier that the US military launched about 12 Tomahawk missiles targeting Islamic extremists in parts of Sokoto State on Christmas night.
The operation, directed by President Donald Trump, was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian government, with reports indicating that several terrorists were neutralised during the strike.
Speaking during a church service in Abuja, Enenche, who has consistently spoken against the killing of innocent citizens, said the operation was a welcome development, adding that more terrorists would still be eliminated.
The cleric maintained that terrorists, their sponsors, collaborators, and sympathisers should all face the same consequences.
“There are some jokers who said if America comes, they will fight them. They should go and fight the drones now,” Enenche said.
“I have bad news for every terrorist, terror sponsor, collaborator, and negotiator. I believe they should be going gradually, almost immediately.
“Anybody speaking for a criminal is a criminal, and anybody speaking for a terrorist is also a terrorist. They should receive the same treatment as terrorists.”
A young groom, who had just celebrated one of the happiest days of his life, reportedly passed away just hours after his wedding.
The sad news emerged shortly after friends and well-wishers had celebrated the joyous ceremony.
Wedding Photos Flood Social Media
Friends who attended the wedding earlier shared cheerful photos from the event, celebrating the couple and wishing them a happy life together.
Sadly, the mood quickly changed when news broke that the groom had died not long after.
Friends Confirm His Death
Hours later, friends took to X to announce the shocking loss. One close friend, who had been posting about the wedding, wrote emotionally:
“Innalillahi wa innailaihi Rajiun. The friend I went to his wedding yesterday is no more today. Indeed, the life of this world is nothing but enjoyment of delusion. Allah yajikansa da rahama. Please pray for him. He lived a good and kind-hearted life. Subhanallah.”
Memories of the Groom Shared Online
The same friend shared a video of the groom taken shortly before the wedding, expressing disbelief at his sudden death. He wrote:
“Went to his wedding yesterday, took this video 5 days ago, but he’s no more today. Subhanallah!!”
Heartfelt Tribute From Friends
Another friend recalled taking him for a haircut ahead of the wedding, sharing the groom’s excitement for his big day.
He wrote: “Day before his marriage I escorted him to barb his head. He said, ‘Umar Dan Allah karkafini kyau ran aurena, subhanallah.’ This world is nothing.”
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Former Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has called on the Federal Government to extend Nigeria’s joint military operations with the United States against terrorist hideouts to the North-East region of the country.
Ndume made the appeal in a statement issued on Saturday, while commending the recent military strikes carried out against Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) cells in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
United States President, Donald Trump, had announced the attacks on his Truth Social platform, revealing that the Department of War executed what he described as “numerous perfect strikes” against terrorist targets.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, later confirmed the development, stressing that the U.S. military strikes were conducted with Nigeria’s full cooperation, approval and intelligence support.
He added that the operation did not violate Nigeria’s sovereignty and was not directed at any religious group.
Ndume, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, said extending the joint military operations to the North-East would significantly weaken the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram insurgents operating in the region.
“We welcome this cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in targeting terrorist hideouts,” he said. “I am calling on them to extend it to the North-East where ISWAP and Boko Haram have their three known black spots, Lake Chad, the Mandara Mountains and Sambisa Forest, which are exclusive strongholds of these groups.”
He further urged that the military partnership with the United States should go beyond air strikes to include support for ground troops through training, intelligence sharing and logistics, as well as the deployment of attack helicopters to back ground operations.
The federal lawmaker commended President Bola Tinubu for allocating what he described as the highest budgetary provision to defence in the 2026 Appropriation Bill but insisted on the need for accountability and transparency in the utilisation of the funds.
Reacting to the recent suicide bomb attack at a mosque in Gamboru, Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, which claimed five lives and left many others injured, Ndume expressed condolences to the victims and their families.
“I sympathise with the victims of the bomb blasts in Borno State, where many people were killed and injured,” he said. “The incident at the mosque in Gamboru clearly shows that the terrorists do not care about religion.
“In this instance, which occurred on the eve of Christmas, all the victims were Muslims.
“The narrative of religious targeting does not exist. These terrorists are simply bent on making life unbearable for our people and are blind to religion.”
Former Super Eagles star player, Emmanuel Amuneke, has hailed Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen, as the natural leader of Nigeria’s national soccer team.
Amuneke, who represented Nigeria in multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, highlighted that Osimhen has consistently shown the same dedication and character since his debut.
Speaking to Victor Modo ahead of Nigeria’s crucial clash with Tunisia on Saturday night at the ongoing 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco, Amuneke recalled Osimhen’s unwavering commitment to the national team, dating back to his U17 days.
“One thing I can always say is that the character Osimhen demonstrates as a leader today is exactly what he has shown over the years,” Amuneke said.
He added that it would bring him immense joy to see Osimhen lift the AFCON trophy for Nigeria, insisting that the former African Player of the Year truly deserved to win the continental soccer tournament.
After a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania in their opening match at Morocco 2025, the Super Eagles face a tougher challenge against Tunisia this Saturday.
While Nigeria aims to secure a win and strengthen their position in Group C, the Carthage Eagles will also be eager to claim the top spot, promising an intense encounter.
Lagos Blue Line train heads to Mile 2 Terminal during its commercial launch. Photo: Pius Utomi Ekpei / AFP
The Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line will operate an expanded train schedule on Sunday, 28 December 2025, to support passenger movement for Wizkid’s “G.O.A.T: The Greatest Of All Time Experience” concert at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), according to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
In a notice shared on its official X account, LAMATA said the Blue Line will increase services from its regular 22 Sunday trips to 54 train trips for the day.
The enhanced operations will run at 30-minute intervals between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. to accommodate increased passenger demand linked to the concert.
The concert is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, 28 December, and end at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, 29 December 2025.
LAMATA said normal weekday operations on the Blue Line, comprising 90 daily train trips from 6:30 a.m., will resume on Monday.
The LRMT Blue Line, which runs between Marina and Mile 2 along the Badagry corridor, has become a key component of Lagos State’s public transport system.
Passenger services on the first phase of the line were officially launched in September 2023, following its inauguration by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The expanded service for the Wizkid concert builds on earlier operational adjustments made by LAMATA since the rail line became fully electric.
In October 2023, the authority announced a transition from diesel to electric-powered operations, a move that enabled a significant increase in daily train trips.
At the time, LAMATA said the number of trips would rise from 12 to 54, with a longer-term target of further increases as additional train sets were deployed.
LAMATA’s Managing Director, Abimbola Akinajo, said during the electrification phase that temporary service suspensions were necessary to ensure passenger safety while power systems were tested.
The switch to electricity, she said, was designed to support higher service frequency and increased passenger capacity.
Since the start of operations, the Blue Line has recorded steady passenger usage. LAMATA previously said the rail service had transported more than 80,000 passengers in its early months, with projections indicating higher daily passenger volumes as services expanded and public awareness increased.
The decision to run additional trips for the concert reflects a pattern of transport planning around major events in Lagos, particularly those held on Lagos Island, where road congestion is common during large gatherings.
Tafawa Balewa Square regularly hosts national and cultural events, often requiring coordinated traffic and public transport arrangements.
LAMATA did not announce any changes to fares or station access arrangements for the concert period. Passengers are expected to use existing stations along the Blue Line corridor under normal operating conditions.
The Muslim Public Affairs Centre, MPAC, has raised concerns over the United States military strikes on alleged ISIS enclaves in Sokoto State, calling on the Nigerian government to clarify the circumstances surrounding the operation and reaffirm the country’s sovereignty.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, MPAC said it unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and supports efforts to eliminate violent extremism in Nigeria.
However, the organisation said it was disturbed that news of the alleged strike was first announced by authorities in Washington rather than by the Nigerian government.
MPAC said the manner in which the information emerged raises questions about transparency, authority and national dignity.
“Military operations conducted on Nigerian territory should be communicated primarily by Nigeria’s own authorities, not by foreign governments addressing their domestic audiences”, the statement read
The organisation cautioned that while security cooperation with international partners is important, it should not evolve into operational dependence. MPAC stressed that intelligence sharing and strategic alliances must not undermine Nigeria’s control over its security decisions.
It also questioned official explanations indicating that Nigerian intelligence contributed to the operation while the United States carried out the strike because of its superior capabilities.
MPAC noted that Nigeria has previously demonstrated the ability to project military force within the region and argued that this capacity should be sufficient to address security challenges within its own borders.
Drawing on past US military interventions in other countries, the group warned of the potential risks of foreign-led strikes, including civilian casualties and prolonged instability. MPAC also expressed concern over past rhetoric by US leaders which, it said, could fuel religious division.
The organisation emphasised that many victims of terrorism in Nigeria are Muslims and warned against actions that could deepen sectarian tensions in the country.
MPAC called on the Federal Government to urgently explain the legal, operational and diplomatic framework under which the reported strike occurred, reassure Nigerians that the nation’s sovereignty remains intact, and recommit to building a security architecture that is Nigerian-led, Nigerian-controlled and Nigerian-accountable.
“Security is the primary responsibility of any government and cannot be subcontracted,” the statement said, urging authorities to prioritise transparent governance and Nigerian-led solutions to the country’s security challenges.
The Federal Government has concluded plans to deploy no fewer than 7,000 newly trained forest guards to seven pilot states as part of renewed efforts to curb insecurity and reclaim Nigeria’s vast ungoverned forest spaces.
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed this on Saturday in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, during the graduation ceremony of the forest guards who had undergone intensive training.
Ribadu said the guards would be deployed immediately to communities worst hit by insecurity, particularly areas around forests that have become havens for criminal elements.
“We are fully aware of Nigerians’ concerns about insecurity across the country. Accordingly, the newly trained Forest Guards will be deployed immediately to all the beleaguered communities in the highlighted states, particularly around forested and ungoverned spaces,” the NSA said.
According to Ribadu, the primary responsibility of the forest guards is to gather actionable human intelligence, support ongoing security operations, and restore government presence in areas where it has been weak or completely absent for years.
He noted that the guards are expected to work closely with existing security agencies in tackling banditry, insurgency, terrorism, and other criminal activities being perpetrated from forest hideouts across the country.
“The mandate of the Forest Guards is essentially to tackle bandits, insurgents, terrorists, and other criminal elements that are exploiting Nigeria’s vast, ungoverned forest spaces,” he stated.
Ribadu explained that the guards earned their graduation after completing an intensive three-month training programme conducted simultaneously in the seven pilot states of Adamawa, Borno, Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto and Yobe.
He said the training was designed to prepare them for the harsh realities of forest operations.
“Trainees underwent extensive physical and mental conditioning, including endurance exercises, obstacle-crossing drills, and long-range patrol simulations to prepare them for sustained forest operations,” he said.
The NSA recalled that the trainees were mobilised under the Presidential Forest Guards initiative, which was launched by President Bola Tinubu in May this year as a collaborative effort between the Federal Government and the states.
According to him, the programme reflects the administration’s resolve to address insecurity through proactive and intelligence-driven measures.
He added that instructors and coordinators for the training were drawn from several security and intelligence agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Park Service, and the National Intelligence Agency.
Ribadu disclosed that the current deployment marks only the pilot phase of the initiative, stressing that the Federal Government is already working towards expanding the programme nationwide.
“The pilot phase of the forest guards rollout provides a solid foundation for a nationwide deployment after more guards are accordingly recruited,” he said.
“As we speak, processes have commenced to train new batches across additional states, ensuring rapid expansion and comprehensive national coverage.”
In his remarks, the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, charged the graduating forest guards to see their assignment as a call to national service.
He urged them to carry out their duties with professionalism and respect for civilians.
Fintiri advised the guards to treat residents of host communities with civility, noting that winning the trust of locals would be critical to the success of the initiative.
Naija News reports that the deployment of the forest guards is expected to boost security operations in forested areas that have long served as hideouts for criminal gangs across the country.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday arrived at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos for the 2025 edition of the Eyo Festival, popularly known as the Adamu Orisha Play.
The festival commenced on Saturday with colourful and vibrant processions as residents, tourists and cultural enthusiasts thronged the venue.
The iconic cultural event transformed the city centre into a spectacle of tradition, music and pageantry.
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Saturday Telegraph reports that, President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, are expected to join other dignitaries at the event.
The Eyo Festival, which last held in 2017, is renowned for its distinctive white-clad masquerades, symbolic staff known as opambata, rhythmic chants and energetic dances deeply rooted in Yoruba culture and Lagos history.
It remains one of Nigeria’s most recognisable and celebrated traditional festivals.
Ahead of the festival, Governor Sanwo-Olu on Friday inaugurated the Eyo Monument at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, Lagos Island.
The monument is described as a powerful symbol of Lagos heritage and is expected to boost cultural tourism, while promoting education and economic development in the state.
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…Says “Sheikh Gumi to Keep his peace
…Call on Nigerians to support the USA to end terrorism
A Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Niger Dtate Hon. Jonathan Vatsa has described the ongoing airstrike against the Islamic State sects and other terrorists across the country as the best thing that happened to Nigeria in recent times, saying “We are very happy about the airstrike because it gave us a great relief”.
Vatsa, a former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism said all Nigerians who mean well for the good and development of the country must support the USA ongoing operations against terrorists groups in the country.
He said in a statement made available to Journalists in Minna that Nigerians should be grateful to the American Government for showing interest in the peace and development of the country, adding that “The terrorists do not have boundaries in their attacks on innocent Nigerians whether you are a Muslim or a Christian.”
The former Publicity Secretary of the APC in Niger state pointed out that anybody who is not in support of the America intervention in the insecurity in Nigeria must be an accomplice to the killings of innocent Nigerians.
Vatsa also described Sheikh Gumi’s stands to the America action as retrogressive and a disgrace to the group he claimed to represent, stressing that “Since Gumi has proven beyond reasonable doubt that he is above the law of the land with his reckless utterances, I will advice that he should keep his peace. Atleast, we now have a great relief.
“With the ongoing America airstrikes, Nigerians will soon know those who are behind the terrorism attacks in the country.
“They will soon begin to show their emotions and sympathy for the terrorists.
“This is a great sigh of relief to Nigerians because our farmers can now go to their farm, children can return to their schools and Nigerians can now travel freely without the fear of being abducted on the highways”.
He however called on the Nigerian Military and other security agencies to be vigilant as the terrorists will began to relocate to other parts of the country due to the ongoing US Military operations.
Accordingly, he said “I urge the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in step up their vigilance because many of the terrorists will soon begin to relocate to other parts of the country for safe haven.
“This is the time to step up our intelligent gathering, using the locals so as to monitor the movement of these terrorists.
“They will soon be fleeing from the far north which is hitherto their safe haven and we must be vigilant about it”.
He the commended President Bola Tinubu for involving the USA in the country’s security challenges threatening the very existence of Nigeria as a nation, saying that no country can solve its internal security challenges alone.
Furthermore, he said “it obvious that we do not have what it takes to tackle the situation so therefore we need external assistance.
“We must this initiative to liberate the country from terrorists, the country is under siege”.
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The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has temporarily closed the Otedola Bridge along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to facilitate the removal of two fully loaded 20-foot container trucks involved in an early-morning accident.
In a video update released on Saturday, the agency confirmed that recovery operations were underway, necessitating the suspension of vehicular movement on the bridge.
LASTMA explained that heavy-duty equipment, including a high-capacity crane and flatbed trucks, had been deployed to evacuate the affected vehicles.
“Recovery of the two loaded 20-foot container trucks is currently in progress. The bridge has been shut to traffic to enable safe operations, and there is no vehicular movement at the scene,” the authority said.
Motorists were advised to steer clear of the area and use alternative routes to reduce congestion.
According to LASTMA, drivers can divert from the Redeem Camp or Kara axis through Ogunusi Road, proceed to Omole Junction, connect to Agidingbi Road, and continue their journeys.
The incident occurred when one of the container trucks overturned on Otedola Bridge, inward Secretariat, causing heavy traffic congestion that extended from Berger towards the Oke axis.
Earlier, the agency disclosed that the accident happened at about 6:30 a.m., adding that traffic officers were promptly deployed to control the situation and coordinate evacuation efforts.
LASTMA assured road users that officials remain on ground to manage traffic and expedite the clearance process, urging motorists to exercise patience and caution while recovery work continues.
A member of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has joined family members, political associates and well-wishers nationwide to celebrate the 72nd birthday of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, describing him as a statesman whose life exemplifies selfless service and enduring leadership.
In a congratulatory message issued on Wednesday, Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, hailed Akume as a mentor and political father whose influence has shaped generations of leaders in Benue State, the North Central region and across the country.
He likened the SGF to a baobab tree firmly rooted in Benue soil, with branches extending nationwide to provide guidance, protection and opportunity to many. According to Agbese, Akume’s leadership has consistently transformed challenges into opportunities through vision, patience and integrity.
Agbese said he considers himself privileged to be among those nurtured by Akume’s mentorship, noting that the SGF’s counsel, discipline and steadfast character have remained a source of strength during difficult times.
“Your years of service continue to bear fruit for the nation,” he said, while praying for continued good health, wisdom and renewed strength for Akume in the years ahead.
Agbese, who also serves as Deputy Spokesperson of the 10th House of Representatives, reaffirmed his admiration and loyalty to the SGF and wished him a fulfilling birthday celebration.
- A Nigerian man has shared a post on the X app disclosing the gift that he received from an ‘area boy’ during the festive period
- According to him, he usually gives the young boy money regularly, so the boy thought it wise to reciprocate the consistent support
- Social media users who came across the post on the X app had different things to say in the comments section
A Nigerian man shared a heartwarming festive experience on the X app and the story quickly went viral.
He had been a regular giver to young street hustlers commonly referred to as ‘area boys’, and one of them decided to repay the favour.
Man shares how area boy appreciated him for always gifting him cash.
Photo credit: @sam_ekpewheni/X.
Source: Twitter
Man receives N5 notes from area boy
Identified on X as @Sam_Ekpewheni, the man explained that he had developed a habit of giving small financial support to ‘area boys’ over time.
Because of this pattern, he initially assumed that being stopped by one of them during the festive period meant another request for money.
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Expecting nothing other than that, he remained cautious but receptive when the young man approached his vehicle.
Contrary to his expectation, the encounter however took an unexpected turn for the better.
Instead of asking for assistance, the area boy decided to return the kindness he had consistently received.
He presented the man with a neatly wrapped pack of N5 notes amounting to N500, and the man accepted it with genuine appreciation.
He still valued the gesture despite the ‘small’ amount, recognising the effort and intention behind it rather than the monetary value itself.
In his words:
“One of the area boys I give money to regularly, stopped me. Since it’s festive period, I thought he wanted to demand more. I rolled down the passenger’s windows, and he said: “It’s my turn to dash you money today”. Handed me this parcel of N5. I was happy. And, It took me over 3 hours before I realized he gave me only N 500. Even after realising I still appreciated it, because it came in a special packaging. Doesn’t matter how small. Gift people this season.”
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Man disappointed, displays what he received from abroad-based brother in video, people react
Man discloses how an area boy surprised him with N500 during festive season.
Photo credit: @sam_ekpewheni/X.
Source: Twitter
Reactions as man shares experience with area boy
Nigerians stormed the comments section to react to the post.
Israel Lannister said:
“Abeg, where can I get some? I need them to file taxes next year. Taiwo and group go count until body pain them.”
Hot Fire said:
“I’m looking for ₦1 and 50 kobo coins. If you know how I can get please DM, we can all be mad together.”
Daddy said:
“Once you get the update of how d get this bundle abeg no forget me oo. Dem go here wyen with parcel of 5.”
Eniitan said:
“That’s so nice and thoughtful of him. God bless you for all you do. This is what I’ll give you when I see you, you don turn billionaire be that.”
Sholly said:
“This is his heart and he surely do appreciate your kind gestures to him, if he had more, he would surely give more.”
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Katarist said:
“At least he gave something. It’s the gesture that matters most. He would definitely give bigger when he has bigger. That is all he can afford to give. Kudos to him.”
Joice said:
“That shows he appreciates everything you have been doing to him, and he wants to do same for you. And am sure if he had more he would have even more than that.”
Francis Ikechi said:
“Some people might not understand the moral of this story but if your friend has been paying the bill since January whenever you goes out chilling at least pay for once this December, not that he has it all or there’s challenges on his side. Get sence!”
Prince Adindu added:
“Remembered years back we were use to changing new N10, N20 and N50 note to spray during party, but today those naira notes are no longer accepted even in supermarket. I went to one supermarket with N20 notes and they rejected it. I mean our currency being rejected.”
Read also
Man discloses what he received from company as December package, expresses joy
See the post below:
Nigerian man sends cash to wife
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a young Nigerian man went viral on social media after taking an unusual step because his wife had never gifted him before.
He sent her a large sum of money ahead of his birthday so she could buy him a gift on his special day.
Source: Legit.ng
A Nigerian woman who received Christmas rice from her neighbour has gone viral online after throwing away the food.
According to the woman identified with the TikTok handle, @ritafortune5, her neighbor offered her fried rice and revealed why she threw it away the next day.
Reason For Throwing Away Fried Rice
A video on @ritafortune5’s TikTok shows her throwing the fried rice in a nylon bag, heading out to dispose it.
According to her, she disposed the food because it had spoilt before the next day.
”This how some of the Christmas rice you gave to your neighbor yesterday went this morning. I was only throwing it away because it’s fried rice before I woke up this morning it have already spoiled”, She captioned the video.
Meanwhile, the post has garnered over 41,000 likes, with TikTok users sharing thoughts and opinions.
Reactions Below……
@PhoenixSolana remarked, ‘”I’m just trying to figure out why they collect it if they know they’re gonna trash it”.
@Zainab Resin & crafts, “She explained that she disposed the rice because she couldn’t eat it that day, and by the next day it had already spoiled. We all know that food can be excessive on Christmas Day. Therefore, this is not a case of food wastage”.
@Nollywood Redefined, “I too like my neighbours. We no even bother to give each other food 😂”.
@Reedah’s corner, “If you now you won’t eat please don’t collect people’s food Nigeria is hard enough 😳”.
Watch video below…….
@ritafortune5
I was only throwing it away because it’s fried rice before I woke up this morning it have already spoiled 😭#newmom #chrismasfood #friedrice #spoil#500k
♬ DJ FAAJI UYAH X NACK X ALL MY MONEY – DJ FÀÁJÌ
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the Osun 2026 governorship election, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has declared that he is the candidate to beat.
Oyebamiji also asserted that as far as he is concerned going into the Osun 2026 governorship election, he does not have a competitor.
He spoke during the Ansar-Ud-Deen annual prayer in Ikire on Saturday.
Addressing party members and supporters at the event, Oyebamiji said confidence is high within the APC about the outcome of the poll.
Adding that the party was united behind his ambition, he stated, “We believe strongly that by the special grace of God come August 8, 2026, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji will become governor of Osun State.”
Oyebamiji also hinted at strong electoral support from his local government area, saying it would play a decisive role during the election.
According to him, “I want to assure you that you will be surprised from what will come from this local government during the election.”
Reiterating his confidence ahead of the poll, Oyebamiji said he is certain of victory despite the presence of other candidates.
“I am very optimistic about winning the governorship election. I have said it on several times in several fora that I, Bola Oyebamiji, don’t have a competitor.
“Bola Oyebamiji is going to win the governorship election come August 8, 2026,” he said.
While maintaining that he is the candidate to beat, Oyebamiji who stated that the next governor of Osun State would emerge from Osun West Senatorial District, insisted that he fits that description.
The former Osun State commissioner for finance and Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, said he would avoid engaging in political attacks as the campaign season progresses.
“I don’t like attacking people. I have always been focused and I want to focus on the assignment before me and that assignment is winning the governorship election next year,” he said.
On party unity, Oyebamiji added that during a recent stakeholders’ meeting convened by APC stalwart, Chief Bisi Akande, party leaders resolved to close ranks and work collectively for his candidacy.
According to him, “The agreement was aimed at strengthening the party ahead of the 2026 governorship election.”
In his sermon, the Chief Missioner, Ansar-Ud-Deen, Ikire land, Badmus Monsuru Adekunle, said Oyebamiji’s endorsement as APC candidate is a divine testimony and an indication of the goodwill he enjoys across the state.
He also ascribed the victory to the people of Osun State, especially believers in progressive governance anchored on justice, equity and development.
Abdulazeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Lagos, has praised President Bola Tinubu for implementing economic policies that have “facilitated easier access to funds at the local government level.”
Adediran made the remarks following a meeting with Tinubu at the president’s Lagos residence.
“I had the privilege of conferring with Mr. President during his Christmas holiday in Lagos, during which we had an insightful discussion,” Adediran said.
“His perspective was invaluable as he expressed the need for continued alignment of vision between the Centre and the component states.”
Now a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jandor said he briefed Tinubu on the 100-day achievements of Lagos State local government administrations and how they are utilising federal allocations.
“Having participated in some of our Local Governments’ 100-day celebrations, I reported to Mr. President the efforts our local government administrations in Lagos State are making with the resources released to them from the federation account,” he said.
“Local governments in Lagos now commission roads, health centres, customary courts, and other developmental projects within just 100 days in office.
I appreciated him for implementing courageous economic policies and accountability measures that have made it easier for grassroots governments to access funds.”
Bimbo Ademoye’s new romantic comedy, Where Love Lives, has amassed over 6 million views in just 72 hours, after debuting to 2.5 million views on its first day, according to analytics from her channel Bimbo Ademoye TV.
Data checks by Nairametrics show that the movie has amassed a total of 6,041,086 views since its release on December 24, 2025.
Produced by Bimbo Ademoye in partnership with A3 Studios, the film stars Uzor Arukwe, Chioma Nwosu, and Osas Ighodaro, and follows a couple navigating the reality of life inside one of Lagos’ most exclusive estates, where status, secrets, and relationships collide.
The early momentum has already exceeded internal industry expectations and is making the film a case study in audience demand for digital-first distribution.
With a total subscriber base of 1.3 million people, Ademoye has one of the biggest Nollywood channels for a movie producer.
The surge places Where Love Lives ahead of previous breakouts like Ademoye’s “Love In Every Word,” which crossed 4.3 million views in its first 72 hours earlier this year.
Performance of other Nollywood titles
It’s another signal that Nollywood is cultivating its own YouTube blockbuster economy, driven by star-led channels, micro-studio partnerships, and algorithm-optimized romantic comedies.
This comes against the backdrop of YouTube’s strengthening pipeline for Nigerian releases. In 2025, channels like Omoni Oboli’s Digital Tribe have posted a string of multi-million-view successes, helping position YouTube as a parallel cinema for audiences priced out of traditional theatres or living outside major cities.
For example, ‘Love In Every Word’, which starred former BBNaija housemate, Bammy, raked in 20 million views three weeks after its release and 4.3 million views in its first 72 hours.
The platform’s ecosystem characterised by free-to-watch titles, subscriber-driven marketing, and low-friction access, continues to reshape Nollywood’s commercial model and offers a template for scalable revenue without major studio intermediaries.
What you should know
The success also marks a milestone for Ademoye’s evolution from actor to producer-creator. Her career began in 2014 with the short film Where Talent Lies, which earned recognition at the Africa International Film Festival.
She credits filmmaker Uduak Isong for mentorship and her first feature film role in It’s About Your Husband (2015). A run of comedic and drama roles followed, including Backup Wife (2017), earning her multiple nominations and Sugar Rush (2019), one of Nigeria’s most successful box office titles of the decade.
Ademoye’s wider breakthrough came through Anikulapo (2022), where her performance drew continent-wide attention. She won Best Actress in a Comedy TV Series at the 2023 AMVCA for Selina, further solidifying her status.
Recently, she has shifted toward content ownership, building a direct-to-audience model on YouTube that prioritizes monetization transparency, global reach, and the ability to retain rights over her catalogue. This approach makes her part of a growing Nollywood cohort treating film output as intellectual property portfolios, rather than single releases dependent on cinema or licensing deals.
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