The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that the 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the All Progressives Congress, APC, without consulting him.

Wike, who spoke at the Assembly Quarters on Saturday, noted that their defection affected him.

On December 5, 2025, the 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, left PDP for APC.

Their defection heightened political tension in the state, which had just emerged from a six-month emergency rule.

Shortly after their defection, Governor Sim Fubara also left PDP for APC amid the leadership crisis rocking the former ruling party.

Speaking on Saturday, Wike said: “Let me thank you Mr Speaker even though it affected me with 17 of you moving out to join APC without consulting me and leaving 10 other members here.

“This is what I have been advising my National Chairman, keep your house in order so that the enemies will not come and take our people.

“The enemies are hovering around and when you are not vigilant they take your people, that is why you must be at alert to make sure that enemies don’t take your people.”

The minister vowed to ensure that members of the assembly who have not defected would never suffer again.

“Those of you still remaining, whenever you choose, I’m here, but what I will not do is to let you suffer in your life,” he added.

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Yinka Olatunbosun

Lagos stood still for another momentous celebration as the popular Eyo Festival kicked off yesterday at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos. The ceremony which saw the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was besieged by prominent Lagosians, tourists and culture influencers.

In his remarks on the return of Eyo Festival, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu regarded it as a historic moment for Lagos and Nigeria.

The governor noted that the return of Eyo Festival is a clear reflection of Lagos’ unbroken cultural heritage and enduring identity as the heartbeat of the nation.

“Mr President, this is not just a celebration; it is history unfolding in our lifetime. What we are witnessing today is the reaffirmation of our identity, resilience and deep-rooted heritage,” he said.

He described President Tinubu as “our father and the best of leaders Nigeria has been privileged to have,” adding that the gathering was a testament to the enduring strength of Yoruba culture.

According to the governor, the 2025 Eyo Festival holds special significance as it honours four eminent Nigerians who made lasting contributions to the state and the nation: the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, revered Iyaloja of Lagos and mother of the President; the first civilian Governor of Lagos State, late Alhaji Lateef Jakande; the late Sir Michael Otedola; and the first Military Administrator of Lagos State, late Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson.

Sanwo-Olu eulogised Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, describing her as a symbol of strength, discipline and service whose legacy continues to inspire generations of Lagos women and leaders alike.

“Mama Abibatu Mogaji embodied courage, enterprise and selfless service. These virtues live on in her son, our President, whose leadership has been marked by compassion, resilience and commitment to national progress,” he said.

The governor noted that the Eyo Festival, beyond its ceremonial grandeur, remains a spiritual and cultural rite that connects generations and honours those who have made indelible contributions to society.

For him, the festival reaffirms Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s cultural capital, boosting tourism, economic activities and global visibility.

“Today, our streets become a theatre of history, our drums speak a universal language, and our white-clad Eyos stand as ambassadors of our identity. This festival strengthens tourism, stimulates economic activity and invites the world to experience the true spirit of Lagos,” he said.

“As we watch the Eyos glide with grace, let us renew our commitment to preserving our heritage while advancing boldly under our THEMES+ agenda. Progress is most meaningful when it is rooted in culture and shared prosperity,” he said.

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Nigeria and the African Union have called for respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of Somalia following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.

Israel recently became the first country to recognize Somaliland, the self-declared autonomous region in north-western Somalia that proclaimed independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Somali state.

Reacting to the development, Nigeria and the African Union reaffirmed their firm support for the sovereignty, unity, and statehood of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

In a statement, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said Nigeria recognizes the Government of Somalia as the legitimate authority representing the Somali people. She added that Nigeria commends the Somali government’s continued efforts to achieve peace, security, and national reconciliation despite ongoing challenges.

The statement read, “The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of all Member States of the United Nations and the African Union, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the Constitutive Act of the African Union.

 “In this regard, Nigeria declares its firm and unequivocal support for the sovereignty, unity, and statehood of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

“Nigeria recognizes the Government of Somalia as the legitimate authority representing the Somali people and commends its continued efforts to achieve peace, security, and national reconciliation amidst significant challenges. Nigeria stands in solidarity with Somalia and strongly condemns any actions or rhetoric that seek to undermine its constitutional order and territorial integrity. The Government of Nigeria calls on all regional and international actors to strictly respect Somalia’s sovereignty and to support its institutions in their vital work of rebuilding a stable, prosperous, and resilient nation.

“We believe that the stability of Somalia is integral to the peace and security of the entire Horn of Africa region and the African continent at large. Therefore, Nigeria remains committed to supporting Somalia through multilateral frameworks and international cooperation.

“The government of Nigeria urges international actors to desist from recognising any part of the territory of Somalia as an independent entity. Such actions would only escalate the crisis and should be avoided.”

The African Union in its reaction criticised Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland, reaffirming its long-standing position that the breakaway region remains part of Somalia.

The chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Youssouf, in a statement said the bloc had taken note with deep concern of recent developments relating to Somaliland and rejected any attempt to recognise it as an independent state.

“In this regard, the Chairperson of the Commission unequivocally reaffirms the longstanding and consistent position of the African Union, grounded in the principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, in particular the respect for the intangibility of borders inherited at independence, as affirmed by the 1964 decision of the Organisation of African Unity,” the statement read.

Youssouf said he firmly rejected any initiative “aimed at recognising Somaliland as an independent entity.

“Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia runs counter to the fundamental principles of the African Union and risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent.”

He added that Somaliland “remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” a position the AU says is shared by its 55 member states.

Somaliland, which has governed most of the territory it claims for over decades, has enjoyed relative peace and stability compared to much of Somalia. However, it has not received international recognition, despite sustained lobbying by its leaders. President Abdirahman Abdullahi has made international recognition a top priority since taking office last year.

Somalia’s federal government condemned Israel’s decision, describing it as an “unlawful step,” and insisted that Somaliland is “an integral, inseparable, and inalienable part” of Somalia.

The move also drew criticism from neighbouring countries. Egypt said its foreign minister had spoken with his counterparts in Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti, and that “they underscored their complete rejection of any unilateral measures that could undermine Somali sovereignty or erode the foundations of stability in the country.”

The AU warned that Israel’s decision risked “setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent,” noting that many African countries are grappling with their own secessionist movements.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the agreement, describing it as part of Israel’s broader diplomatic outreach.

He said the agreement with Somaliland “is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” adding: “The State of Israel plans to immediately expand its relations with the Republic of Somaliland through extensive cooperation in the fields of agriculture, health, technology, and economy.”

Netanyahu also invited Abdullahi to visit his office.

Reacting to Israel’s decision, Somaliland’s president hailed it as a major breakthrough. Calling it a “historic moment,” Abdullahi said in a post on X that the agreement marked the beginning of a “strategic partnership.”

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Says ex-Ekiti governor lacks credibility

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has dismissed claims by former Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, that he received N50billion support from President Bola Tinubu following the January 2024 explosion in Ibadan.

Addressing newsmen on Saturday, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Makinde, Dr. Sulaimon Olarenwaju, described the allegation as baseless and challenged Fayose to provide evidence to support it.

Olarenwaju said Fayose’s claim lacked credibility.

“He who makes an allegation must provide evidence. Let him produce proof of what he is claiming. It is important to note that Fayose lacks credibility. Even members of his family have publicly disowned him.

“What credibility does such a person have? People like that speak carelessly, and ordinarily, they should not be taken seriously. But since he has made a claim, let him substantiate it,” he said.

It would be reecalled that former Governor Fayose, an ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, while speaking on a TVC programme, ‘Politics Tonight,’ on Friday, had accused Governor Makinde of concealing an alleged N50 billion donation from the presidency in the wake of a deadly explosion in Ibadan last year.

The former governor claimed that although the money was not paid directly into Oyo State’s bank account, it was linked to Makinde’s visit to Tinubu after the incident.

“You did not tell Nigerians that you got, at the prerogative and mercy of Mr President, N50 billion in support of the explosion victims in Ibadan. He never said that to Nigeria.

“So, the president can say the explosion is not worth more than N10 billion.The N50 billion did not come into the coffers of Oyo State. It came as a result of your interface with the president, because you came out to say that you met with him,” he had said.

Fayose further alleged: “You only told Nigerians the part where you said the president asked you to go and organise the APC for him and that you said you could not organise. But you did not tell Nigerians what the president did for you and for the good people of your state.”

However, responding to Fayose’s claims, Makinde’s spokesman denied that the presidency made any such monetary donation to Oyo State government.

“There is no substance whatsoever in that claim. Did the president say anything like that? Did the Federal Government make such a statement? If neither the President nor the Federal Government said so, who is Fayose to make that claim? There was no N50 billion donation,” the governor’s aide reiterated.

Fayose’s comments followed Makinde’s declaration that he would not support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. The governor had also disclosed that he rejected a request to help organise the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.

Fayose, in response, criticised Makinde for making public what he described as private conversations with the president, citing a similar experience during his own time in office.

“He called me after an interview and said what he told me about not contesting against the president was private and not meant for public consumption. I was doing it in his interest so that they would not drag his name into the contest.

“But the same Governor Makinde went public to reveal all the discussions he had with the president and said he would not be part of the president’s re-election. And I am telling you, Governor Makinde’s candidate will not contest under the platform of the PDP,” he added.

LEADERSHIP reports that the exchange comes amid deepening divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which is split into two factions backed by former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, and former Minister of Special Duties Kabiru Turaki. Fayose is aligned with the Wike-backed faction, while Makinde belongs to the Turaki-led group of the PDP.

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Abia State Governor Alex Otti has said that the 2027 election would be smoother for him than previous outings.

He declared that he is not afraid of the 2027 polls, as his administration’s achievements since taking charge of Abia State would give him a smoother ride.

Otti, who was speaking at the 2025 Aro Day event held in Arochukwu LGA, said that he would not be selling promises to the people, but would only leverage what they are already seeing with their own eyes.

He expressed concern that many people are already causing themselves stress over the 2027 polls, even though the election year is still far off.

“2027 is still far away, but a lot of people have started killing themselves before 2027 comes.

“We are not worried about 2027 because we have a mandate to deliver to our people in four years. We’ve done 30 months, so we still have a long way to go,” Otti stated.

Speaking further, the Abia governor said: “Just like it happened in 2023, 2027 will even be smoother, I can assure you. Why am I so confident? I’m confident because in 2023, we were selling promises, but now there are one or two things we can point to.”

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, has charged officers and men of the newly established 248 Battalion, Illela Barracks, Sokoto State, to take pride in their posting, describing them as pioneers entrusted with laying a solid foundation for the unit.

Shuaibu, who visited the battalion on Saturday, assured the troops that their welfare remained a top priority for the Nigerian Army, while urging them to see the assignment as an opportunity to build a lasting legacy.

Addressing officers and soldiers during an interactive session, the Army Chief described their deployment to the new battalion as a badge of honour, particularly encouraging young soldiers to embrace the challenge with commitment and dedication.

“You are the pioneers of this unit, and I want you to wear that badge of honour,” Shuaibu said.

“Rome was not built in a day. Gradually, we will build this barracks, and when you look back years from now, you will be proud to say you were part of those who laid the foundation.”

The COAS disclosed that the Army Headquarters had approved several immediate infrastructural interventions to improve living and working conditions at the Illela Barracks.

According to him, the approved projects include the construction of additional accommodation, the development of a parade ground, and the construction of an access road leading to the barracks.

“I have listened to your Commanding Officer and the challenges you face,” he said.

“We have approved the construction of additional living quarters, your parade ground, and the road coming into these barracks.”

He assured the troops that the Nigerian Army was committed to ensuring their comfort and operational effectiveness, adding that efforts were ongoing to fast-track the projects.

Shuaibu also addressed young officers, particularly lieutenants, whom he described as the backbone of the battalion’s operational effectiveness.

He tasked them with ensuring rigorous and continuous training of soldiers, stressing that leadership by example remained critical to mission success.

“In our time, we called you ‘fire eaters’,” he said.

“You are responsible for training these soldiers day and night. You will lead them into battle, and how you conduct yourselves now will determine how your men follow you.”

The Army Chief further reminded officers and soldiers of the responsibility attached to their presidential commission, emphasising the need for discipline, professionalism and sound leadership to sustain operational readiness.

Addressing the soldiers directly, Shuaibu urged them to obey their officers and allow themselves to be guided, noting that Nigeria’s security largely depended on the strength, discipline and commitment of its young military personnel.

“Every nation depends on its young people. Being young means you have the strength to do more,” he said.

“While we will do our best to provide what you need, you must continue to do what is expected of you as soldiers.”

Naija News reports that the visit ended with an interactive session, during which the COAS fielded questions from the troops. He was accompanied by senior staff officers from the Army Headquarters.

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The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the explosion of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Maikogo village along Dansadau-Magami highway under Maru Local Government Area of the State on Saturday.

This is contained in a press statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, saying, information received from the Officer-in-Charge (OC), Magami outstation, indicated that an object suspected to be an IED, allegedly planted by unknown persons has exploded.

According to the statement, the explosion reportedly blew off a trailer, rendering it beyond recognition, and claimed the lives of some persons, including motorcycle riders who were in the vicinity at the time of the incident.

“Presently, details regarding the exact number of casualties are still sketchy. However, security operatives have been deployed to the scene, and efforts are ongoing to ascertain the total number of casualties as well as to secure the area and prevent further harm.

“The Command has commenced preliminary investigations into the incident, while relevant units, including explosive experts, are on ground to assess the situation.

“Members of the public are advised to remain calm, vigilant, and promptly report any suspicious objects or movements to the nearest police station or security agency”, the statement has advocated.

Meanwhile, a resident of Maikogo village identified as Sa’idu Maiwasha, revealed that, there were four motorcycle riders involved in the incident and it was learnt there were over ten people in the trailer which was blew up by the explosion.

Maiwasha further revealed that, “Honestly, no one can tell the exact number of casualties as some people were scattered by the explosion into tiniest to the extent might not be identified for counting”.

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The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested nine young people, including eight girls and one boy, for allegedly engaging in street prostitution, often described locally as “Good Evening Girls.”

The arrest was confirmed by the Deputy Commander-General of the board, Dr. Mujahideen Aminuddeen, in a statement released on Saturday.

According to him, the suspects were picked up during a special end-of-year operation carried out on Friday night across key areas of the Kano metropolis.

“During our end-of-the-year special operation, our personnel moved through major streets in the city and were able to apprehend eight young girls and a boy who were posing as ‘Good Evening Girls,’” Aminuddeen said.

He explained that the girls usually stand along busy roads at night and are approached by wealthy individuals who take them to different locations for entertainment in exchange for money.

“They are often taken to places of choice by rich men, who spend time with them and pay amounts ranging from N5,000 to N30,000,” he added.

Aminuddeen said the suspects, aged between 15 and 20, admitted during preliminary questioning that they had been involved in the activity for some time.

The operation covered several parts of the city, including Zoo Road, Banana Zoo Road, Ahmadu Bello Way, Lamido Crescent, Tukur Road, Lodge Road, Nassarawa Hospital Road, Magajin Rumfa Road, Sultan Road in Nassarawa, and Audu Bako Way.

The Hisbah official stressed that the board would continue to raid areas known for such activities in order to enforce Shari’a law in the state.

He also called on parents to pay closer attention to the upbringing of their children, especially girls, to help reduce prostitution and other social problems.

Aminuddeen added that once investigations are completed, the suspects will be charged in court for further legal action.

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Several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, have rejected Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent country, warning that the move violates international law and undermines Somalia’s sovereignty.

The sharp rebuke came a day after Israel became the first nation in the world to formally recognise Somaliland, triggering swift condemnation across African and Arab nations, and raising concerns about whether the move was part of an alleged Israeli plan to forcibly displace Palestinians.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland, a self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991 after a civil war. It had never been recognised by any United Nations member state until Israel’s recognition.

Somalia swiftly condemned the decision, describing it as an act of aggression and interference in its internal affairs. Ali Omar, Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, said the government would deploy all diplomatic means to challenge the move.

“This will never be acceptable or tolerable to our government and people who are united in defending our territorial integrity,” Mr Omar told Al Jazeera, urging Israel to rescind the decision and comply with international law.

He also accused Israel of pursuing recognition of Somaliland as part of a broader plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza, an allegation Israel has previously denied.

Qatar joined the condemnation on Saturday, describing Israel’s action as a “dangerous precedent and unilateral measure” that contravenes international law and threatens Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.

In a statement, Doha said it rejected any attempts to establish “parallel entities” that undermine Somalia’s sovereignty and reaffirmed its support for the Somali government and people.

Qatar added that Israel should instead recognise the State of Palestine and work towards ending the war in Gaza.

“It would be more appropriate for the Israeli occupation authorities to recognise the State of Palestine… rather than continuing to undermine international legitimacy and pursue reckless policies that contribute to heightened tensions and instability in the region,” the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Saudi Arabia also rejected Israel’s move, saying it entrenched “unilateral separatist measures that violate international law.”

Riyadh reaffirmed its full support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, as well as its legitimate institutions.

The African Union (AU) similarly dismissed Israel’s recognition, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent across the continent. The AU cited its long-standing principle on the inviolability of borders inherited at independence, stressing that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia.

Turkey described the recognition as an unlawful act aimed at creating regional and global instability, accusing Israel of explicit interference in Somalia’s internal affairs.

Sudan and Egypt also issued statements condemning the move and warning of its implications for regional stability.

Egypt said in a statement that its foreign minister had spoken by phone with his counterparts in Somalia, Turkey and Djibouti and that “they underscored their complete rejection of any unilateral measures that could undermine Somali sovereignty or erode the foundations of stability in the country.”

ALSO READ: African Union fumes over Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

The United States has so far stopped short of endorsing Israel’s decision.

President Donald Trump told The New York Post that Washington was “studying” the issue, adding: “Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?”

Palestine’s foreign ministry backed Somalia, recalling that Israel had previously floated Somaliland as a potential destination for forcibly displaced Palestinians from Gaza, which it described as a “red line.”

Somaliland’s President, Abdirahman Abdullahi, known as Cirro, defended Israel’s recognition, insisting it was not directed against any state and did not threaten regional peace. He said Somaliland had long sought international recognition, pointing to its functioning government, currency, and institutions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the move as being in the spirit of the Abraham Accords and said he would raise Somaliland’s case during a meeting with President Trump. He also invited Mr Abdullahi to visit Israel.

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December 27, 2025December 27, 2025

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From Salisu Zakari Maradun, Gusau

Members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have unanimously passed a vote of no confidence on the administration of Gov Dauda Lawal.

This was contained in a statement issued to journalists and signed by the Speaker of the House, Alhaji Alyu Gumi after their emergency meeting held in Gusau, capital of the State on Friday.

According to the release which was made public, Saturday, the governor had completely abandoned his primary assignment and only concentrated in attacking his predecessor, Bello Matawallen Maradun.

The House also accused the governor of spending billions of naira from the tax payers money purposely to fight Matawallen, saying they will soon expose all the wrong doings of the governor and make it public.
Dauda has also no excuse over his failure to provide the people with security, the slogan with which he campaigned that if mandated, he would bring peace in the State.

The House, according to the statement, also condemned in totality, the refusal of the governor to visit the victims of banditry or send assistance to cushion their problems.
It therefore pledged not to relent in its efforts toward calling the governor to account for what was entrusted to him as well as obedience to the rule of law until the right things are done.

Dauda, continued the statement, is only jittery of the popularity of Matawallen, and right now even before the election, he foresees his defeat at polls.
The House also, considering the increasing insecurity across the State, expressed its concern, especially on how the governor is showing no concern in respect of insecurity situation which has already destroyed the economy of the state.

At the end of the meeting, which lasted for about four hours, the members commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his defence ministers and all the military personnel involved in the fight against criminals in the country.

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• A Muslim man has shared his experience with a Christian brother who sent Christmas rice and chicken to him
• According to him, the man reached out after reading his tweet urging Christians to return kindness to Muslims who fed them during Sallah
• Massive reactions trailed his post on the X app as social media users stormed the comments section to share their opinions

A Muslim man has narrated how a ‘Christian brother’ extended a festive gesture to him during the Christmas period.

He shared his experience via the X app and it quickly went viral and garnered lots of comments from netizens.

Muslim man excited as ‘Christian brother’ sends Christmas rice and chicken to him.
Photo credit: @IU_Wakilii/X, Eric Lafforgue/ Getty Images.
Depicted person has no relationship with story.
Source: Twitter

Man enjoys sumptuous meal from ‘Christian brother’

Identified as @IU_Wakilii on X, the man explained that the encounter followed an earlier tweet he had shared on the platform.

In that earlier post, he had encouraged Christians to show appreciation to Muslim friends who shared food with them during Sallah.

Read also

Area boy appreciates man who regularly gifts him money, people react

His message caught the attention of a Christian man he never met, who decided to react with a generous gesture.

According to him, the Christian man reached out privately and arranged to send a portion of Christmas food. The package reportedly included rice, chicken and a locally made drink.

The recipient expressed excitement over the meal and disclosed how eager he had been to eat it, even before arriving home. He shared photos online showing the food and how he enjoyed it.

However, his post did not stop at gratitude alone as the Muslim man also used the moment to appeal to other Christians, urging them to learn from the example set by the donor.

Muslim man shares how he enjoyed the sumptuous meal given to him by a ‘Christian brother’.
Photo credit: @IU_Wakilii/X.
Source: Twitter

In his words:

“I made this tweet, and a Christian brother who didn’t know me from Adam reached out to me and offered to send me Christmas rice and chicken; he even added Zobo. Had to finish one lap on my way because I couldn’t wait to reach home. Thank you very much, my bro @Oriafarrell1. Dear Christian friends please learn from him, that your Muslim friend give am rice!! And Next Year please don’t forget to add coleslaw sir, Yes I am a beggar with choice.”

Read also

“I Felt Bad”: Carter Efe Recounts Disappointing Encounter While Trying to Greet Burna Boy

Reactions as man shares experience with Christian brother

Nigerians had different things to say in the comments section.

Oria Farell said:

“Hahahaha. No worry next year I go add coleslaw. Plus special cross river soup like Afang soup.”

Abass said:

“No worry next year bros

I go send you Ileya Meat Insha Allah so i go kolet Chicken for Christmas. God no go kill us till then.”

Oyinkansola reacted:

“Good afternoon my Christian brother, as a single lady living alone Abeg can I see new year rice and chicken? I don’t mind if coleslaw is not included in fact water is okay. Compliment of the season sir!”

Ismot said:

“Bros, you no go like add me for that list.”

Uncle Faris said:

“Amajiri with a choice. Why can’t we all just live together in peace and harmony? Follow your religion, try to convert who you can and anyone who listen, give thanks. In the end, let’s just hope our religion is the true one if there’s truly an afterlife.”

Read also

Man disappointed, displays what he received from abroad-based brother in video, people react

Aina Yombo said:

“That your Muslim friend, give him rice”. Please sir, maybe you should also help us tell your Muslim brothers/sisters that they should stop saying “we don’t eat Christmas food, we don’t celebrate Christmas.” No be poison we give them chop.”

See the post below:

Man shares foodstuffs for Christmas

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a rich businessman identified on Instagram as Blord put smiles on the faces of his town’s people during Christmas festivities.

Blord was seen in a trending video opening the gate of his house to allow poor people to troop in to collect food.

Source: Legit.ng

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‎A Nigerian man took to social media, sharing how an area boy handed a parcel of ₦5 notes to him during the festive period.

‎The man, identified as @madprofitguy on X (formerly Twitter), shared that he has been regularly giving the area boy money.

‎Details Of The Tweet

According to @madprofitguy, he was excited when handed the parcel and took 3 hours to realize the ₦5 new notes estimated to ₦500.

‎ However, he still appreciated it because it came in special packaging.

In his tweet that has garnered over 400,000 views, he encouraged people to give to others, no matter how small the gesture.

The tweet also included a photo of him holding the parcel.

‎His lengthy tweet reads below…

‎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 realizing, I still appreciated it, because it came in a special packaging. Doesn’t matter how small..Gift people this season.

See below…..

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The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State says it has reached a mutual understanding with the families of the two late members of the Kano State House of Assembly on how they will be replaced.

Speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa, the state chairman of the party, Dr. Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, said the agreement followed wide consultations led by the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

According to Dungurawa, Kwankwaso met with key party leaders and members of the bereaved families at his residence in Kano, where they discussed the way forward.

“There is understanding and respect on all sides. We sat down, talked frankly, and agreed on the process,” Dungurawa said.

He noted that the party is hopeful that Sa’ad Aminu Sa’ad and Nabil Aliyu Daneji, who are being considered as replacements, would live up to the standards and public service record of their late fathers.

“We believe they will continue the legacy of service and dedication their fathers were known for,” he added.

The two lawmakers died on December 24, 2025, after battling separate illnesses, leaving vacant seats in the Kano State Assembly.

Dungurawa stressed that the NNPP is committed to handling the replacement exercise smoothly, respectfully, and within the law, adding that all steps will follow party rules and electoral guidelines.

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A pro-Tinubu group, South East Renewed Hope Agenda (SERHA) has distributed food items to residents of Enugu state to support households and promote food security during the festive season.

Speaking at the event, Belusochukwu Enwere, national coordinator of SERHA, said the exercise was more than a humanitarian gesture and symbolised hope, solidarity, and unity in celebration of the birth of Christ.

Enwere said the initiative reflects the people-centred philosophy of the Renewed Hope Agenda being championed by the current administration.

He said governance should be measured not only by policies and statistics but by how actions translate into tangible relief and improved living conditions for citizens.

According to Enwere, the distribution underscores the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to ensuring government policies have a direct and positive impact on Nigerians.

“Food security remains a major challenge confronting our nation, and it is in recognition of this reality that SERHA has intervened by bringing food support directly to the grassroots,” Enwere said.

He described the exercise as a modest contribution aimed at helping families in Enugu put food on their tables during the Christmas season.

Enwere said while food items alone cannot resolve all socio-economic challenges, the gesture shows that the people are not forgotten.

He reaffirmed SERHA’s commitment to inclusive development, equity, and shared prosperity across the south-east.

The SERHA coordinator commended President Tinubu for establishing the south-east development commission, saying it is driving development across the region.

He also praised the administration for the inclusion of young Nigerians in governance, describing it as a positive step towards national growth and sustainability.

Enwere urged beneficiaries to use the food items judiciously to support their households.

He said the distribution is part of a series of planned engagements to improve livelihoods, strengthen community resilience, and foster unity.

Enwere added that SERHA would continue collaborating with institutions and stakeholders to address immediate needs and long-term development priorities.

He called on residents to embrace unity, patience, and hope, and prayed for peace and progress in Enugu state, the south-east, and Nigeria.

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The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has announced the graduation of over 7,000 forest guards drawn from seven states across the country.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, titled “FG Graduates Over 7,000 Forest Guards, Set for Immediate Deployment.” 

The development followed the successful completion of an intensive three-month training programme under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in May 2025.

What FG is saying 

According to the statement, the initiative is a coordinated federal–state security intervention targeted at “reclaiming Nigeria’s forests from criminal exploitation.” 

Graduation ceremonies were held on 27 December 2025 across Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi states.

“The programme is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture by denying terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal groups sanctuary within forested and hard-to-reach terrains. 

“The training programme was deliberately intensive, structured, and demanding, aimed at transforming loyal and committed Nigerians into agile, disciplined, and capable field operatives,” the statement partly read.

The curriculum focused on human rights, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), gender rights, and the protection of civilians, while arms handling and use-of-force protocols were strictly regulated in line with an Arms Management Manual jointly agreed upon by all participating agencies.

Commenting on the development, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed that the guards will hold ground, gather intelligence, and support security agencies in reclaiming territories previously overtaken by criminal elements.

The NSA said deployment is already underway, as the graduands are to proceed to their assigned duty posts.

“There will be no delay between graduation and deployment. Salaries and allowances will commence immediately, and every certified guard will proceed directly to assigned duty posts,” he stated.

“By protecting our forests, we are securing our territory. And by securing our territory, we are protecting our people. The Federal Government will not relent. This initiative will expand nationwide as part of our sustained effort to build a safer and more secure Nigeria,” Ribadu added.

Trainees, according to the statement, underwent extensive physical and mental conditioning, including endurance exercises, obstacle-crossing drills, and long-range patrol simulations to prepare them for sustained forest operations.

What you should know 

The Nigerian Forest Guard is an inter-agency national security initiative involving the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Park Service.

The programme also draws strategic input from the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The development comes days after the Federal Government designated kidnappers and violent armed groups as terrorists, escalating Nigeria’s response to abductions, attacks on farmers, and community violence.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, at an end-of-the-year press briefing in Abuja last Monday.

This signalled a shift from treating mass kidnappings and rural attacks as ordinary crimes to confronting them with full counterterrorism measures.

The minister also hinted that the forest guard initiative, once deployed, is intended to close existing security gaps by combining surveillance, local intelligence, and rapid-response capabilities in hard-to-reach areas.

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