By Adegboyega Adeleye

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has reaffirmed his commitment to playing football, as he says he will not retire until he scores his 1,000th career goal.

The 40-year-old scored a brace in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 win against Al Akhdoud on Saturday to take his tally for club and country to 956 goals. The goals ensured Ronaldo reached 40 goals for the calendar year for the third consecutive year and for the 14th time in his career.

He also holds the record for the most goals in international football with 141 in 223 games for Portugal.

Speaking after being named the Best Middle East Player at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Sunday, Ronaldo said, “It’s hard to continue playing, but I am motivated.

“My passion is high, and I want to continue. It doesn’t matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe. I always enjoy playing football, and I want to keep going.

“You know what my goal is. I want to win trophies, and I want to reach that number [1,000 goals] that you all know. I will reach the number for sure, if no injuries.”

The forward, who joined Al-Nassr in 2022, signed a new two-year deal with the Saudi Arabian club last July that takes him beyond his 42nd birthday.

Ronaldo has scored 13 goals in 14 appearances this season for Al-Nassr (scoring 12 in 10 Saudi Pro League games) so far this term to equal a personal record from his time at Juventus. His goal record has helped Al-Nassr this season, as they currently sit four points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League table.

Despite the forward’s record of 112 goals in 125 appearances, Al-Nassr have only won one piece of silverware – the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023 – since his arrival.

Ronaldo holds the record for most goals for Portugal (143) and Real Madrid (450) and is the only player to have scored 100+ goals for four clubs – Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr.

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Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has directed the State Police Command to fish out the attackers of some protesting women near the gate of the Government House in Ilorin, the state capital.

A video that has gone viral showed suspected thugs manhandling some women said to be protesting insecurity in parts of the state.

However, Governor AbdulRazaq, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, condemned the assault on the protesters while restating his commitment to public safety.

“Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed outrage at a footage showing some hoodlums attacking women protesters during the Christmas holiday near the under-construction Government House gate in Ilorin.

“The Governor said the assault on the protesters, whatever the circumstances, was unacceptable and should never have happened.

“Peaceful protest is a democratic right. The women are within their right to express their views.

“We, therefore, distance ourselves from the incident as it does not represent our values as a government. We call on the police to find the attackers and bring them to account,” Ajakaiye said.

The statement stressed that the government was clearly not standing aloof on security matters. “Just on Saturday, December 27, the Governor personally led the passing out parade of armed forest guards whose mandate includes flushing out kidnappers and terrorists from our forests.

“This is in addition to heavy deployment of security forces, among other investment, to secure our communities.”

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Families of seven construction workers kidnapped in Kwara State have begged the state government to help secure their release.

The kidnapped victims were reportedly whisked away while carrying out construction work along the Sabaja–Owa Onire Road.

Making the appeal at a press conference in Ilorin, the state capital, the families revealed that the abductors are demanding a ransom of N500 million for the workers’ release.

The families, while describing the ordeal as deeply traumatic, stressed that the incident has left wives, children, and elderly parents in distress.

“We are appealing to the Kwara State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue our loved ones.

“We also solicit immediate support for the affected families while they await the safe return of the abducted workers,” the families said.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that he is secretly backing President Bola Tinubu, insisting that his political allegiance has always been open, public and consistent.

Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State, made this known while reacting to comments credited to the incumbent Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who recently suggested that some politicians were engaging in corner-corner or secret political alliances.

Speaking during an end-of-the-year media chat on Monday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, Wike said there was nothing covert about his support for President Tinubu, stressing that his position had been known long before the 2023 general elections.

“I don’t know who is supporting Tinubu that is doing corner-corner. The whole of Nigeria knows that I’m the number one supporter of Tinubu,” Wike said.

He questioned the logic behind claims of secret alliances, noting that he had repeatedly stated his political choices publicly.

“What is corner-corner when I have stated openly that this is what I will do?” he asked.

Wike recalled that his open stance in support of Tinubu had earned him criticism and backlash from members of his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party.

“When the whole PDP accused me that I am working for Tinubu, how could that be corner-corner?” he queried.

According to him, his political philosophy is anchored on consistency and honouring agreements rather than political convenience.

“Why most people don’t trust politicians is that people don’t keep to their word. I don’t want to be that politician. Once I say this is what I will do, I will do it,” the minister stated.

Naija News reports that the controversy followed recent political developments in Rivers State after Governor Fubara formally defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) earlier this month.

Fubara’s defection came after a closed-door meeting with President Tinubu in Abuja, a move widely seen as a strategic step ahead of future political battles.

During the inauguration of the extension of the dualisation of the Ahoada-Omoku Road on December 10, Fubara openly declared his support for the President, even unveiling a new praise song in Tinubu’s honour.

Addressing supporters at the event, the governor said, “If you dey support Tinubu, no follow corner. We support Tinubu, we no dey follow corner,” as he instructed a praise singer to perform the song.

Wike also addressed reports of tension within Rivers State’s political space, particularly allegations that he had been interfering in meetings involving the governor and the State House of Assembly.

He acknowledged the existence of disagreements but maintained that he had played a mediatory role to stabilise the political environment.

“The governor cannot say that I have not brokered meetings between the Speaker and the leadership of the House. He cannot also say that I have not brokered meetings between the elders, which he attended,” Wike said.

The minister cautioned against washing internal political disputes in public, urging political actors to handle sensitive issues maturely.

“There are things that shouldn’t come to national television. We should act like mature people,” he said.

While admitting that friction was inevitable in politics, Wike downplayed suggestions of an outright political war in the state.

“In politics, all can never be well. But that does not mean people are fighting,” he added.

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The Coalition Against Terrorism and Corruption (CATC) has announced plans to mobilise a one-million-man march to protest any attempt to release former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami from EFCC detention for allegedly enabling terrorism financing through massive money laundering.

In a statement signed by Dr Hassan Adebayo, the group’s spokesperson, Malami’s actions have directly fueled terrorism, cost countless innocent lives, and betrayed the nation.

“Abubakar Malami, as AGF, laundered billions to arm terrorists and destabilise Nigeria while chasing a presidential ambition he later abandoned.

“His alleged laundering of over N1 billion through Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited between 2022 and 2025 is not mere corruption—it is blood money that has killed Nigerians and left families in perpetual grief,” he said.

Adebayo pointed to the EFCC’s 16-count charge, accusing Malami, his son, and associate Bashir Asabe of concealing and disguising illicit funds used to acquire luxury properties worth billions across Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi.

“He allegedly N500 million to buy a duplex in Maitama, retained N600 million as cash collateral for loans, and conspired to acquire assets in Jabi, Asokoro, and Gwarimpa—all funded by proceeds of crime that supported terrorism,” he said.

“While families buried loved ones killed by insurgents, Malami was busy buying mansions and plotting his political future on the blood of the innocent.”

The group condemned Malami’s role in allegedly acquiring over 41 properties traced to ₦212 billion in illicit funds.

“He disguised N1.36 billion through Meethaq Hotels Ltd, concealed N700 million for Hamonia Hotels, and laundered money for Rayhaan Hotels—all while presiding over the Ministry of Justice meant to protect Nigerians,” Adebayo charged.

“He turned the AGF office into a safe haven for terrorists and their financiers, ensuring that while our soldiers fought with limited resources, criminals like him thrived.”

Adebayo highlighted the human toll. “Every naira he allegedly laundered is a life lost, a family destroyed, a community terrorised. His betrayal is unforgivable, and the pain he inflicted on Nigerian families is irreparable,” he said.

The group warned against any bail or release, calling for the harshest punishment.

Adebayo added, “Abubakar Malami is a principal architect of insecurity. His actions—from laundering billions in Abuja to acquiring illicit properties nationwide—prove he prioritised personal greed and political ambition over the lives of Nigerians.

“He must face the gallows to send a message that betrayal of this magnitude will never be tolerated.”

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The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network has named Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, as the Best Performing Minister of the Year and Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as the Best Performing Agency Head.

According to the group, it came to this conclusion after a careful review of key promoters and stakeholders championing Mr President’s ideological and developmental agenda.

It noted that Minister Bagudu came out tops for his outstanding contributions, loyalty, and strategic leadership in steering Nigeria’s fiscal policy and economic planning throughout 2025.

In a statement signed by Opialu Fabian Opialu, Bagudu was described as a “towering figure” whose tireless efforts have significantly advanced the Renewed Hope vision in economic stabilisation and growth.

“Minister Abubakar Atiku Bagudu exemplifies the Renewed Hope vision through his relentless commitment to macroeconomic stability and inclusive development,” Opialu stated.

“His oversight of the ₦54.99 trillion 2025 budget has driven bold reforms, resulting in four consecutive quarters of GDP growth, exchange rate stability, and renewed investor confidence.”

Opialu highlighted Bagudu’s role in revising the National Development Plan and coordinating poverty reduction strategies.

“Bagudu has led effective implementation of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy across states, balancing fiscal responsibility with strategic investments in health, education, infrastructure, and agriculture,” he added.

He further praised Bagudu’s global engagements and sector synergies. “As Minister, Bagudu has championed partnerships, such as with Germany for the $1 trillion economy goal, and emphasised clean energy investments requiring $410 billion for net-zero by 2060, proving the administration’s commitment to sustainable prosperity,” Opialu said.

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network also recognised Dr Aminu Maida as the Best Performing Agency Head for his contributions to digital innovation and telecommunications advancement.

“Dr. Aminu Maida’s efforts have elevated the NCC to among the top-performing government agencies in 2025, creating a robust environment essential for economic progress under President Tinubu,” Opialu noted.

“Under Maida’s stewardship, the NCC has advanced data-driven regulation through the Quality of Experience Crowdsourcing Project and committed to broadband expansion and transparency,” he said.

Opialu concluded, “Both Bagudu and Maida are not just supporters; they are principled architects of the Renewed Hope agenda.

“Their actions—from steering economic policies to advancing digital infrastructure—demonstrate rock-solid commitment to President Tinubu’s transformative national project.”

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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Monday formally flagged off the All Progressives Congress (APC) electronic membership registration exercise, describing it as critical to the growth, credibility and future planning of the ruling party.

The governor spoke at the flag-off and training session for the APC e-registration exercise held at the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) Hall in Akure.

Aiyedatiwa said the initiative aligns with the long-standing vision of President Bola Tinubu, noting that the electronic registration system reflects the President’s belief in the use of technology to strengthen political institutions and party administration.

He urged party members to take the exercise seriously, stressing that mobilisation should be driven by persuasion and influence rather than coercion.

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According to him, the exercise would promote equity within the party, as all members, both old and new, would be registered within the same framework and timeframe.

Describing the process as technology-driven, the governor called on trainees to pay close attention to details, adding that modern governance and party management now rely heavily on data, information, education and ICT.

Aiyedatiwa emphasised that building a credible membership database would enable the APC to know its members, plan effectively and strengthen its internal processes.

He explained that the registration exercise has a defined timeline and will close on January 31, giving party officials about 34 days to register as many members as possible across the state.

He said those selected for the training were drawn from various wards, local governments and districts and were expected to train others, noting that their selection reflected the party’s confidence in their capacity.

Speaking at the event, the APC National Vice Chairman (South-West), Isaac Kekemeke, said the electronic registration exercise was critical to strengthening the party’s structure, internal democracy and credibility ahead of future congresses and primary elections.

Kekemeke said the exercise was designed to ensure verifiable and credible membership data nationwide, allow new members to become equal stakeholders in the party, build a reliable database for congresses and primaries, and enable members to become regular and financial members of the APC.

He disclosed that the exercise was being personally driven by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the full support of APC governors, stressing that the party was relying on governors to ensure the success of the registration process in their respective states.

In his welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Legislative Matters and Party Affairs, Babatunde Kolawole, said the APC embarked on the electronic registration exercise to build a credible, technology-driven database of party members nationwide.

Kolawole explained that the database would eliminate phantom entries, ensure accurate membership records and enhance transparency and accountability within the party.

He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for taking the lead in ensuring the success of the programme, noting that despite the short notice, the governor mobilised the necessary resources and approvals to make the training possible.

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A festive carnival in Nassarawa Eggon town, Nasarawa State, turned tragic after three trucks reportedly rammed into participants during a procession organised by the Ame Wo Ba Eggon (AWBE), a socio-cultural group of the Eggon people.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that four persons lost their lives in the incident, which occurred near the Eggon Community Secondary School, the venue of the annual carnival.

According to the Nasarawa State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Yahaya Sabo-Adikwu, the crash happened when one of the trucks drove into a procession moving from the palace of the Aren Eggon, the paramount ruler of the Eggon ethnic group, to the carnival grounds.

Sabo-Adikwu, who spoke to newsmen, said the accident occurred on Sunday, December 28, and was caused by reckless driving.

He disclosed that several other participants sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to the Nassarawa Eggon General Hospital for medical attention, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital in Lafia.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has denied assuring President Bola Tinubu to undermine the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to his advantage of his reelection ambition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Mr Wike’s rebuttal is a fresh twist to his deepening rift with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who recently made the allegation.

Mr Wike dismissed the allegation as false and politically motivated, insisting that at no point did he pledge to sabotage the opposition party or act as a covert ally of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The denial follows Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent assertion that Mr Wike openly told the president he would “hold down” the PDP, a claim that has intensified internal party tensions and renewed scrutiny of the minister’s role in the opposition’s prolonged crisis.

“I was in a meeting with the President and Wike, ….and Wike said to the president that, ‘I will hold PDP for you against 2027.’ I was in shock. So, we got to the veranda and I asked him, did we agree to this?

“The real issue is that Wike would like to support the President for 2027. That’s fine. It is within his right to do that. But also, some of us that want to ensure that democracy survives in Nigeria, that we don’t drift into a one-party state and want to ensure that PDP survives should be allowed to do our own thing,” Governor Makinde said in a media brief in Ibadan.

‘No such meeting, no such promise’ — Wike

Speaking during a media interaction with journalists on Monday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, Mr Wike said the claim attributed to him was a deliberate misrepresentation of events and challenged its promoters to explain why it only emerged long after the alleged encounter.

“That is a blatant lie. There is no such meeting. At no time did I say to Mr President that I will hold PDP for you. It is completely out of place for anybody to say that. Why did he not come out all this while to tell the party, ‘see what Wike is doing’?” he said.

He explained that a post-election visit to President Tinubu, which has been cited by his critics, was not a political bargain and involved no discussion about weakening the PDP or striking any alliance against the party.

According to Mr Wike, frustration among some party leaders had driven the attempt to rewrite the narrative around his relationship with the federal government.

“Frustration can make you do a lot of things and cause damage. Politics is not like being a contractor with the government. There are things you can do and think people don’t know. People do; they watch you. How did we get into this crisis? It is ambition.

“We all agreed for the party to move on. Why not allow this to go on? You destroy your party and now you are accusing the other party of wanting to create a one-party state. It doesn’t make sense,” he added.

PDP’s troubles self-inflicted, minister argues

Beyond the immediate dispute, Mr Wike said the PDP’s current predicament stems from leadership failures, internal power struggles and repeated disregard for due process.

He argued that the wave of defections, legal battles and factional disputes within the party were predictable outcomes of poor decision-making by its leadership.

The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on 1 December announced his resignation from the PDP due to the party’s internal crisis.

Governor Adeleke later joined Accord and emerged the party’s candidate for the 2026 governorship election.

“This is what happens when leadership is selfish and unwilling to listen. You cannot run a political party without respect for structure and process.

“As it is today, the appropriate authority that can talk about PDP is the caretaker committee. INEC has no choice but to recognise the caretaker committee,” he said.

Mr Wike rejected accusations that his actions were aimed at promoting a one-party state, saying the party’s internal implosion, rather than any external interference, had weakened its standing.

He maintained that recent interim arrangements put in place to manage the party’s affairs followed legal guidance and court decisions, insisting that stability could only return if party leaders were willing to reflect, rebuild and prioritise collective interest over personal ambition.

The PDP is facing serious internal divisions that threaten its chances in the 2027 elections. The feud has contributed to defections from the party, with key members leaving for rivals, further weakening PDP’s position.

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The New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, has appealed to Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State not to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The Chairman of the NNPP in Kano State, Suleiman Dungurawa, made this appeal at a press briefing on Monday in Kano.

Dungurawa also debunked speculations that some party members were planning to create enmity between the governor and the national leader of the party, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The Kano NNPP chairman further advised residents of the state to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities.

He, however, warned party members not to append their names to documents allegedly being circulated by mischief makers.

“On behalf of all of us collectively, we once again appeal to them, for the sake of Allah and the Prophet, not to leave this party and not to defect to the party that we have opposed and which the masses and other voters have rejected.

“We are aware of the developments happening here in Kano State concerning some individuals who intend to defect to the APC.

“I want to make it clear that the Kano State party, the national party, and our national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, together with other leaders, do not approve of what is happening.”

Recall that the Director-General of the Protocol Directorate of Kano State Government House, Abdullahi Rogo, had said that citizens of the state and voters have agreed that Rabiu Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Yusuf should defect to the APC from the NNPP.

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• A Nigerian man shares his observations about Trump’s bombing against ISIS terrorists in Sokoto state in Nigeria
• He mentioned why Nigerians should not celebrate or hail Trump’s military actions, sparking reactions from netizens online
• What he said in his X post caught people’s attention and sparked a debate about the reasons behind Trump’s airstrikes

A Nigerian man shared why Nigerians should not celebrate the bombing of ISIS terrorists by the United States President Donald Trump.

The attack, allegedly carried out on Trump’s orders, was recently confirmed in a news report published by Legit.ng.

Airstrikes in Sokoto: Man Shares Why Nigerians Should Not Hail Trump’s Action, Asks Deep Questions
Source: Facebook

Before this, Trump had issued a deadly warning to the terrorists over alleged attacks against Christians, promising to unleash severe consequences if the attacks did not stop.

Just weeks later, an attack was reportedly carried out against terrorists in Sokoto.

Man reacts to Trump’s bombing, asks questions

Read also

4 categories of people not happy about US bombing terrorists in Nigeria, Deji Adeyanju explains

On his Facebook page, Mustapha Mohammed Gembu asked deep questions as he slammed those celebrating the invasion.

His Facebook post read:

“For those obsessed with America’s so-called protection of Christians in Nigeria, many will never accept the truth because their minds are clouded by hatred. When we point out that America cannot even protect its own Christian citizens from gun violence on its streets, how then can it guarantee the protection of Christians in Nigeria? We are instead labeled and called names, accused of being sympathizers of bandits.”Meanwhile, Nigerians are yet to see evidence of the alleged ISIS terrorists said to have been killed by Donald Trump’s “powerful and devastating” attacks in Sokoto. At the same time, over 160 Christian Americans have been confirmed dead due to gun violence in the United States. Do you truly believe America would prioritize your protection over that of its own citizens?”To those who idolize America, consider this: visa bans are now being placed on Nigerians, including Christians, and Africans are being deported daily under your so-called “messiah,” President Trump. Do you really think you are anything more than tools of manipulation in America’s hands?

Read also

US attack: Sokoto resident accuses Trump of Targeting innocent people in Alleged ISIS Airstrike

“Has it occurred to you that constantly reporting what you call Christian genocide in Nigeria has given America an opportunity to exploit Nigeria through our collective weakness—religious intolerance? Do not forget that American-made bombs are being used by Israel in killing Christians in Palestine. Do you believe you are more important to America than Christians in Palestine, the birthplace of Jesus?”America is also funding the Ukraine-Russia war, costing the lives of both Ukrainian and Russian Christians, yet you applaud and pray for Donald Trump to come to your rescue over what you call Christian genocide in Nigeria. Between Black people and White people, who do you think America would choose first?”Venezuela, a country that is over 90 percent Christian, is currently surrounded by American soldiers, bombs, bullets, and missiles—yet you still believe America is here to guarantee your safety. Trump claimed to have launched devastating attacks against ISIS terrorists, but no proof has been shown. Many celebrate simply because they believe the targets are Hausa-Fulani Muslims. Do you think American bombs and missiles can distinguish between Christians and Muslims?”Do you believe such strikes would spare the Igbo, Yoruba, Tiv, Berom, or others? Are American weapons anti-Fulani, anti-Hausa, or anti-Muslim, or are they simply weapons of destruction? Perhaps it is time for serious reflection rather than blind celebration on social media.”

Read also

Man refutes claims that Trump’s missile missed target in Nigeria: “They refused to share images”

Airstrikes in Sokoto: Man Shares Why Nigerians Should Not Hail Trump’s Action, Asks Deep Questions
Source: Twitter

Reactions trail man’s opinion on Trump’s bombs

Mdooter Ferdinand Zaakaa said:

Eeeeen, let him try his luck in Nigeria

Ibrahim Bello said:

Tinubu should designate that country a ” Country of Particular Concern (CPC)”. Tinubu should come and safe Christians and Muslims living their from unlawful gunshots”

Japhet Istifanus said:

But why is it disturbing you guys? Or are you one of them

In a related story, a Catholic priest has shared why he was happy with Trump’s military action in Nigeria and what it signified.

Lawyer explains why Trump started bombing in Sokoto

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a Nigerian lawyer mentioned three reasons Trump first bombed terrorists in Sokoto before any other state.

His post went viral and sparked reactions from netizens, as the lawyer intelligently analysed the ongoing situation and praised Trump for his decision.

Source: Legit.ng

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A video circulating online captures a heart-wrenching moment as a lady breaks down in tears while watching a Christmas chicken struggle for its life.

In the clip, she is seen weeping uncontrollably, unable to bear the thought of the bird being killed for the festive meal.

Woman overcome with emotion watching bird struggle for festive meal

A family member try to console her, repeatedly saying “sorry” as she struggles with her emotions.

At one point, her family member asks if she would be able to eat the chicken once it is eventually cooked, showing how deeply she empathises with the animal.

Family tries to console her

According to the video, the woman’s heart simply could not take the sight of the struggling bird.

Despite repeated attempts to calm her, she remained distraught, clearly torn between respecting her family’s celebration and her own emotional response.

Video highlights compassion and empathy during festive preparations

The clip has resonated with viewers for its raw portrayal of empathy, showing that feelings of compassion can extend to animals and situations that many might consider routine.

It also raises questions about how tradition and festive celebration intersect with personal values, and how small acts of kindness leave a lasting impression on those who witness them.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has indicated that the political rift between him and Rivers State Governor, Siminalyi Fubara, is far from being resolved.

Wike stated that “all can never be well in politics,” suggesting that recent remarks by Fubara point to lingering tensions between them.

He made the comments on Monday while responding to questions during his monthly media briefing in Abuja.

Fubara, while recently declaring support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), had said that some individuals were backing President Bola Tinubu in a “corner, corner” manner, a comment widely interpreted as a reference to Wike, who remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite serving in the APC-led federal government.

Reacting to the remark, Wike said he was unaware of anyone secretly supporting President Tinubu, insisting that his own support has always been open and public.

“I don’t know who is following Tinubu and doing ‘corner, corner.’ How can that be when the whole of Nigeria knows that I have openly stated my position?” Wike said.

He recalled that even when PDP governors accused him of working for Tinubu, he never denied it and maintained a clear stance.

“If I were supporting Tinubu secretly, many people would not have supported him. Even council chairmen would not have followed,” he added.

Wike stressed that politicians lose public trust when they fail to keep their word, noting that he has always been consistent and transparent about his political decisions.

“I don’t want to be that kind of politician. Once I say something, people should be able to rely on it. Everybody knows that when I state what I will do, I will do it,” he said.

The FCT minister further dismissed suggestions that all was well politically between him and Fubara, reiterating that disagreements are inevitable.

“No, it’s not about everything being well. In politics, all can never be well,” he said.

He also rejected claims that he had not attempted to mediate the political crisis in Rivers State, stating that he had engaged with the governor, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and other political stakeholders, including elders of the state.

“People are economical with the truth. The governor cannot say that I have not intervened between him, the Speaker, and the leadership of the House. He cannot also deny that I have engaged with elders, even in his presence,” Wike said.

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The Chairman of Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group Plc, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, has set an ambitious agenda for the Nigerian capital market in 2026, emphasizing stronger competitiveness, deeper liquidity, and enhanced international alignment as core priorities.

In a detailed review titled “2025 Capital Market Review and a Forward-Looking Agenda for 2026,” he outlined strategic pillars expected to guide investors, regulators and operators into the new year.

He highlighted total market capitalization at N149.88 trillion comprising equities, bonds and Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) as of December 24.

Kwairanga identified regulatory and policy reforms, the ongoing recapitalisation realignment in the financial sector, and increased participation across investor classes as three key drivers of market’s historic performance.

What the NGX Chairman is saying 

The NGX Group Chairman is saying that sustaining the gains of 2025 will require long-term investing discipline, policy harmonisation, transparent governance practices and technology-led market access.

He stressed the importance of coherent tax and FX policies, improved regulatory clarity, deeper investor education, and enhanced infrastructure to strengthen Nigeria’s capital market resilience and global attractiveness.

Kwairanga’s 2026 agenda is anchored on three interlocking fronts — investors and issuers, regulators, and market operators — each expected to drive reforms that support stability and depth.

Agenda setting for 2026: Priorities for Stakeholders, Regulators and Operators 

1. For Investors and Issuers

The NGX Chairman urged market participants to adopt long-horizon, diversified investment strategies capable of strengthening capital stability. He highlighted the growing importance of technology in investor engagement and called for stronger adherence to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, which he said are now central to attracting global capital.

2. For Regulators (SEC, CBN and Policymakers)

He emphasised the urgency of harmonising tax, FX and cross-border repatriation rules to minimise volatility, particularly for foreign investors. Clearer policies on capital gains tax, settlement efficiency, disclosure standards and product innovation — including derivatives and exchange-traded products — will be vital, he said, in sustaining investor confidence.

3. For Market Operators (NGX and Intermediaries)

Kwairanga called for accelerated investment in market infrastructure, technology platforms, cross-border connectivity and continuous investor education. Market integrity, transparency and strong enforcement mechanisms, he added, remain fundamental to deepening local and international trust.

2025 Market Performance:  

Kwairanga noted that Nigeria’s capital market delivered a commendable performance in 2025 despite macroeconomic headwinds, FX uncertainties and global volatility. With strong reforms, robust corporate actions and expanded investor participation, the market ended the year at a historic high.

Total market capitalization soared to about N149.88 trillion as of December 24, 2025. Equities accounted for N98.89 trillion (about 65.31% of total market cap), driven by strong earnings, sectoral resilience across banking, consumer goods, industrials and telecoms, and sustained investor appetite for fundamentally strong companies.

The NGX All-Share Index surged by about 49.17% by 24 December 2025 to close at 153,539.8 points, a performance that places the NGX among Africa’s top-performing exchanges.

Domestic investors dominated activity at roughly 79–80% of transaction value, while foreign investors accounted for 20–21%, reflecting rising offshore interest albeit constrained by FX dynamics and policy ambiguity.

The primary market also strengthened as the exchange recorded a wave of new listings and equity issuances with total capital raised rising to an estimated N6.34 trillion — boosted significantly by bank recapitalization programmes.

Foreign participation recovery with gaps 

Foreign portfolio investment improved year-on-year, with several periods showing double-digit increases in offshore flows. Yet, participation remains low relative to domestic activity, averaging around 20–21% in recent months. Persistent FX instability and uncertainties around capital gains tax continue to weigh on foreign investor decisions.

Kwairanga, however, noted that the uptick in total foreign inflows signals a renewed global interest in Nigerian assets, but sustained progress will depend on predictable policies and a more stable macroeconomic environment.

According to him, the key drivers behind the 2025 upswing include:

• Reforms aimed at FX unification and transparency
• Stronger corporate actions and recapitalisation in the financial sector
• Increased retail and institutional participation supported by digital channels and healthy dividend payouts
• Improved governance frameworks and sectoral performance across the market

What you need to know 

Nigeria’s capital market is closing 2025 on strong gains, with total market capitalisation surging to N149.88 trillion as of December 24—effectively pushing the market to the brink of the N150 trillion milestone for the first time in its history.

The expansion reflects broad-based growth across equities, bonds, and Exchange Traded Products (ETPs), underpinned by sustained reforms and rising investor activity.

Data from the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) shows that equities contributed N97.89 trillion, accounting for 65.31% of total market value. The bond market added N51.55 trillion, while ETPs, though still a relatively small segment, recorded N43.20 billion in value.

The equities market, in particular, maintained a bullish run throughout the year. The NGX All-Share Index (ASI) posted a 49.17% gain to close at 153,539.8 points as of December 24, ranking the NGX among Africa’s best-performing exchanges in 2025. Turnover also more than doubled year-on-year, driven largely by domestic investors seeking higher returns amid tight monetary conditions.

The NGX Group Chairman believes the gains made in 2025 provide a strong foundation for even greater progress in 2026. Delivering on this potential will require tighter policy alignment, infrastructure upgrades, sustained investor education and an unwavering commitment to market integrity. With coordinated effort among regulators, investors and operators, Nigeria’s capital market is poised to become deeper, more inclusive and globally competitive in the years ahead.

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Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church, widely known as Winners Chapel, has welcomed the United States (US) military action against terrorist camps in Nigeria.

According to the report, the US military launched at least 12 Tomahawk missiles on Christmas night targeting terrorist positions in Sokoto State.

The operation, conducted in coordination with the Nigerian government under President Donald Trump, has raised hopes for a significant reduction in the country’s long-standing security challenges.

Bishop Credits God for the Intervention

Reacting to the airstrikes on Sunday, Oyedepo expressed gratitude to God, noting that sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria are now in hiding.

He added that for the first time in nearly two decades, perpetrators of violence are facing pressure.

He said, “We must thank God for this sudden turnaround in Nigeria. For nearly 20 years, the persecutors have acted freely, but now they are feeling the heat.

“The Holy Spirit led a midnight prayer that has brought about this outcome. Those who caused grief to others will now face consequences.

“Judgment has begun. God has intervened in Nigeria’s affairs. All those backing these criminals are now hiding, and fire is burning in their camps. For the first time, the oppressors are becoming the oppressed.”

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