The Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago has presented a 2026 budget proposal of over N1.031 trillion to the state House of Assembly.

The budget presentation was confirmed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim.

According to the statement, more than N270 billion has been allocated for recurrent expenditure while over N761 billion is earmarked for capital projects.

Governor Bago said the 2026 budget is designed to stimulate agricultural growth, create jobs, improve healthcare and education, rehabilitate roads, enhance water supply and electricity, and strengthen security as well as the state’s economy.

Reacting to the presentation, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji, said lawmakers would carefully scrutinise the budget.

SOURCE PAGE

​A local hunters’ group in Yobe State has successfully rescued a kidnapped herder, Alhaji Babawuro, without the payment of any ransom, following a coordinated and decisive operation involving key security and traditional authorities.

​Alhaji Babawuro, a resident of Kurbunga village in the Ngelzarma Emirate, Fune Local Government Area, was abducted from his home at about 2:00 a.m. on November 29, 2025.

Sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that this was the fifth time the herder had been kidnapped, a likely consequence of his status as a wealthy pastoralist.

​The abduction was initially reported to the Damagum Police Division. The kidnappers subsequently demanded a ransom of ₦50 million.

​As police were preparing to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor and the Emir of Ngelzarma consulted with the Commissioner of Police. They agreed to engage a specialized hunters’ group with proven expertise in rescue operations.

​The hunters took over negotiations, successfully reducing the ransom demand to ₦7 million while simultaneously intensifying efforts to trace the kidnappers.

​The trail led the hunters and security elements to Sandi village in Gulani Local Government Area.

​At about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 11, the hunters stormed the hideout and successfully rescued Alhaji Babawuro without paying any ransom.

​During the operation, the leader of the kidnap gang, identified as Ahmadu Shuwa, also known as “Sumo,” was neutralised. Another suspect, Mohammed Bello, sustained gunshot injuries. Two other members of the gang were successfully arrested and have reportedly confessed to the crime.

​The rescued herder was treated at the State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu, and has since reunited with his family. The suspects and exhibits are expected to be handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution, with efforts ongoing to recover the weapons used by the kidnappers.

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

SOURCE PAGE

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI) has reaffirmed its confidence in the Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to retain him in office.

In a statement issued by its Convener, Yerima Shettima, the group said Matawalle’s continued presence in the defence portfolio was critical to strengthening Nigeria’s national security framework at a time of persistent and evolving security challenges across the country.

The NSCI noted that the minister’s experience and influence, particularly in the North, remain vital to ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability.

The group highlighted what it described as a strong and effective working relationship between Matawalle, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.

According to the statement, the collaboration among the three senior security officials has helped to create a coordinated and resilient security architecture capable of responding to the complex nature of insecurity confronting the nation.

NSCI expressed concern over recent public calls demanding Matawalle’s removal, describing them as lacking substantive justification and driven largely by political interests rather than national security considerations.

The group alleged that the campaign was being promoted by individuals seeking to undermine the Tinubu administration,

According to the group, the push for the minister’s removal is aimed at destabilising the political coalition that supports President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It argued that Matawalle’s popularity and support among northern communities constitute a strategic asset to the administration, and that attempts to dislodge him are designed to fracture that support.

The NSCI warned that removing the Minister of Defence at this stage could disrupt ongoing security operations and send a negative signal to stakeholders who have continued to support the government’s security agenda.

It said Matawalle has demonstrated commitment to inter-agency collaboration and engagement with local communities, which it claimed has contributed to recent gains in addressing insecurity.

The group urged President Tinubu to resist what it described as undue pressure from political actors and to prioritise continuity and stability within the nation’s security leadership.

It added that the strength of the administration depends significantly on cohesive alliances and sustained focus on governance rather than political manoeuvring.

Reiterating its support for the current defence leadership, the NSCI said it remained confident that the combined efforts of Matawalle and the broader security team would contribute to a safer and more secure Nigeria.

The group pledged continued engagement with the federal government in pursuit of peace, stability and national unity.

“The retention of Minister Bello Matawalle is not merely a matter of personnel but a strategic imperative for the future of our nation.

“We call on all stakeholders to rally behind this vision and support the President in his quest to secure our homeland.

“Together, let us forge a path toward a more secure and prosperous Nigeria, where the voices of the Northern stakeholders are heard and respected.

“We remain committed to working alongside the government to ensure that our collective aspirations for peace and security are realised.”

Please follow and like us:

SOURCE PAGE

The Tinubu Media Force has announced plans to hold what it described as Nigeria’s largest grassroots media summit in Abuja, bringing together more than 1,000 grassroots communicators and community-based media practitioners from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The summit, themed “Amplifying the Renewed Hope Through Grassroots Voices: Empowering Grassroots Media for National Development,” aims to strengthen community-level communication and deepen public engagement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In a statement, the National Coordinator of the Tinubu Media Force, Gbenga Abiola, said grassroots media practitioners remain some of the most influential voices within local communities, playing a vital role in shaping public understanding of government policies and national direction.

According to Abiola, the summit is intended to equip community media actors with the skills needed to responsibly amplify national development initiatives, counter misinformation, and promote unity at the grassroots.

He explained that discussions at the summit will focus on key national issues such as insecurity, economic reforms, youth employment, and human capital development, noting that effective grassroots communication is essential for sustainable national progress.

Abiola added that participants will take part in strategic discussions and interactive sessions designed to enhance coordination, encourage informed public discourse, and boost citizen participation across communities nationwide.

He said the summit reflects the Tinubu Media Force’s commitment to building a strong and coordinated grassroots media network capable of sustaining meaningful national conversations that support inclusive growth and democratic stability.

The Abuja gathering is expected to serve as a major milestone in grassroots political communication, reinforcing the importance of community voices in national development and strengthening public confidence in governance.

SOURCE PAGE

‎A fresh controversy erupted online after a female student, missing for eight days, was found at her boyfriend’s house.

‎Details of the incident were shared by a classmate of the lady, identified as @folaaaa on X (formerly Twitter).

According to @folaaaa, her classmate’s parents are of age, and the father disclosed that he is currently 70 years old.

‎ Prior to her being found, her last WhatsApp activity was on Monday, December 8, 2025.

‎Read Tweet Below…..

‎My coursemate was reported missing by her parents yesterday. They said they could not reach her for like 8 days. We did our research she was last seen online on Monday. They sha did perfect investigation with the oga olopa and they found out she was with her man”.

‎Meanwhile, the tweet which has garned over 400,000 views has been flooded with reactions from X users.

‎Reactions Trailing Below…..

‎Dam Dam stated, “Dem suppose arrest Her and her man. Make dem sleep inside cell for a week. Imagine giving your parents so much headache and eventually you are with a man,at least call them and let them know you are safe wherever you are”.

‎PP the art, “The number of people that had shared and reshared “missing girl” on my WhatsApp cl was crazy. my friend was telling me this just now and i was so shocked”.

‎Jimmy, “Same thing happened in my department while i was in year 1,fliers were made they even interrogated her male friends.these went on for the whole of the semester only to find out she reads the class group messages and sees the missing fliers. She then later said she’s with her man”.

‎Bhetty, “She went to see a man and she didn’t take her parents’ call?Make she sleep cell for 3 days”.

See below…..

‎

SOURCE PAGE

The Federal High Court in Lagos has reportedly upheld a preliminary objection filed by General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL) against the receivership bid of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

Agreeing with the objection, the court struck out the order permitting AMCON to enforce receivership over the oil and gas firm, General Hydrocarbons Limited, according to reports by Premium Times and The Cable.

Nairametrics reports that the development comes weeks after AMCON, in a bid to freeze GHL’s bank accounts over alleged debt arising from the receivership, wrote to thirty-four financial institutions across the country.

The post-no-debit directive was reportedly contained in letters dated November 6, 2025, written by Adedeji & Owotomo LLP, counsel to Oluseyi Akinwunmi—the receiver/manager reportedly appointed by AMCON to take over the company, Premium Times reports.

Akinwunmi was said to have informed First Bank Limited via a letter that the Federal High Court in Lagos, on October 24, issued a Mareva injunction barring the bank from releasing or dealing with any funds or assets of the firm pending the determination of a motion on notice in the suit.

Legal Development and Court Verdict 

AMCON, according to Premium Times, initiated the suit through Oluseyi Akinwunmi, the receiver/manager appointed over GHL’s assets to implement the receivership.

However, GHL’s legal team filed a preliminary objection, arguing that the suit amounted to an abuse of court process due to the multiplicity of similar lawsuits.

Ruling on the matter on Friday, the court held that AMCON’s suit constituted an abuse of court process in view of a subsisting order issued by the same court.

Mr Akinwunmi, the judge reportedly stated, commenced legal proceedings in disregard of an injunction granted by Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa in September, which restrained AMCON, its agents, privies, and nominees from appointing a receiver over General Hydrocarbons Limited and its assets.

The judge was quoted as saying that Mr Akinwunmi and his lawyer, Bidemi Ademola-Bello, intentionally suppressed material facts while obtaining the interim orders, adding that AMCON and the receiver failed to disclose the existence of the prior orders granted by Justice Lewis-Allagoa.

Consequently, the court upheld GHL’s preliminary objection and dismissed the receivership suit.

• As of press time, Nairametrics had yet to obtain the certified true copy of the ruling for independent verification, given the several pending court cases involving GHL, AMCON, and other parties in respect of a widely reported loan dispute.
• What is clear, however, is that the dispute between the parties is already headed to the superior courts.

What You Should Know 

Nairametrics previously reported that GHL, a company owned by media mogul Nduka Obaigbena, was placed under a receivership advertisement over an alleged debt obligation by AMCON.

According to a newspaper advertisement seen by Nairametrics in Leadership and New Telegraph dated November 6, all debtors of the company were instructed to remit payments directly to the appointed receiver, Oluseyi Akinwunmi.

For banks and other financial institutions, the advertisement instructed that all deposits, cash, and other assets held in respect of GHL be frozen until further instructions were issued by the receiver.

Reacting to AMCON’s move, GHL faulted what it described as “an unlawful attempt by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to appoint a receiver over GHL,” citing pending court cases related to the matter.

The company highlighted a “subsisting court order” issued by Justice Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1903/2025, dated September 23, 2025, noting that the order was allegedly reaffirmed in the presence of AMCON representatives on October 22, 2025.

Nairametrics reports that the development may be linked to an ongoing legal dispute between GHL and First Bank of Nigeria Limited over Oil Mining Lease (OML) 120.

Recall that a court sitting in Lagos had ordered General Hydrocarbons Limited to pay First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) $112,100 and N111 million as costs in connection with the OML 120 dispute.

Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs, who presided over the case, dismissed GHL’s Notice of Arbitration against FirstBank, ruling that the company failed to substantiate its claims that the bank had an “absolute obligation” to fund the exploration, development, and production of OML 120 under a Subrogation Agreement dated May 29, 2021.

However, GHL later disclosed that it had taken the issue of its crude oil transactions involving some financial institutions to the Supreme Court in Suit No. SC/CV/929/2025.

The company also stated that it had filed an application at the Federal High Court seeking to set aside the arbitration award against it.

Follow us for Breaking News and Market Intelligence.




SOURCE PAGE

Sylvester Idowu in Warri 

A Delta State-based environmental advocate, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has warned that the Niger Delta might be forced into a complete shift away from wood-based roofing materials within the next decade if urgent measures were not taken to curb the region’s alarming rate of deforestation.

Speaking during an environmental sustainability engagement in Warri yesterday, Onuesoke lamented the continued destruction of forests through illegal logging, unchecked timber exportation, pipeline repairs, land clearing for real estate expansion, and burning of bushes for agriculture, activities that collectively deplete the green cover that once defined the region.

According to recent environmental impact assessments, Nigeria loses between 350,000 and 400,000 hectares of forest every year, with a significant portion of that loss occurring in the Niger Delta—one of the most biodiverse wetland regions in Africa.

Analysts predicted that at the current trend, Nigeria’s remaining natural forests could be significantly degraded by 2035, pushing the cost of timber beyond the reach of low and middle-income home builders.

Onuesoke declared, “If we continue like this, wood as a roofing material will become both unavailable and unaffordable. Families who rely on timber for local construction will suffer. Our builders will struggle. The ecosystem services that sustain fishing and farming, already under threat, will collapse further.”

He blamed the growing timber scarcity on a combination of poor enforcement, weak environmental compliance, lack of reforestation programs, and the rising influence of black-market timber networks operating without accountability.

The environmental advocate therefore urged governments at all levels to take decisive action by banning uncontrolled logging and exportation of unprocessed timber, enforcing mandatory replanting for every tree cut.

He also advocated for funding community-based forest monitoring, promoting alternative roofing materials and green-building incentives as well as reintroducing environmental education in primary and secondary schools as part of efforts to checkmate deforestation.

Onuesoke also appealed to builders, carpenters and local timber unions to embrace innovation, sustainable sourcing, and partnerships that encourage regeneration rather than depletion.

“The Niger Delta should not be remembered as the region that harvested its future for quick profit. We still have time to reverse the trend, but the window is closing fast. Environmental preservation is not activism, it is a survival strategy.”

Onuesoke reiterated that environmental sustainability must rise above politics and become a binding commitment from government, traditional institutions, investors, and community stakeholders if the Niger Delta is to avoid a roofing-material crisis that will deepen housing challenges and increase the cost of living for millions.

SOURCE PAGE

By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: A fire outbreak on Saturday afternoon razed four of five blocks of three-bedroom flats in the highbrow Asokoro district of Abuja, destroying valuables worth millions of naira.

The affected property is reportedly owned by a former governor of Zamfara State, Senator Ahmed Yerima.

The fire was first noticed on solar panels mounted on the roof of the building located at No. 13 Nelson Mandela Street, before it quickly spread and engulfed most of the structure.

According to a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD, Nkechi Isa, the incident was reported to authorities at about 1pm, prompting an immediate emergency response.

Providing further details, the Head of FEMD’s Search and Rescue Team, Monday Addie, said the four affected flats were completely burnt, with furniture, clothing, food items and other personal effects destroyed, while the swift intervention of emergency personnel prevented casualties and further spread of the fire.

Emergency responders drawn from FEMD, the Federal Fire Service, the FCT Fire Service, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the FCT Police Command were deployed to the scene to contain the inferno and secure the area.

The post Millions lost as fire razes ex-governor’s Abuja building appeared first on Vanguard News.

SOURCE PAGE

About 500 residents of the Lugbe area in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) smiled home Saturday as The Everlasting Light Zone (TELP) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG),  gave out foodstuff, clothes and gifts during its annual Tabitha event.

The event is designed to share various items, including rice, yams, beans, spaghetti, clothes, shoes, kitchen utensils, and other donations from church members.

Besides, there was a robust medical outreach at the event where participants were able to check their blood pressure and get tested for various ailments. Medication was also provided to those in need.

Coordinator of the Welfare Department in the church, Mrs Nkiru Omelu, stated that the annual Tabitha event aims to positively impact the lives of residents in Abuja and convey the message that Jesus Christ loves them.

Mrs Omelu referred to the story of Tabitha (or Dorcas) in Acts 9:36-43, where she is raised from the dead by Peter. This story, according to her, explains how faith in Christ leads to good works, such as charitable giving and making clothes for the less fortunate, thereby demonstrating God’s power through believers.

RCCG Tabitha event

“Christmas is a season of giving, and in the Everlasting Light Zone, our annual Tabitha program is our way of thanking God and giving back to society as part of our social responsibility, which the national leadership of RCCG encourages.” Addressing the large crowd, Dr. Mrs. Justina Okoror, the wife of the Zonal Pastor, spoke on the essence of the program.

She referred to Acts 10:38, which states, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.”

Dr. Okoror urged participants to put their trust in God, emphasising that the RCCG is committed to sharing God’s love with all, both physically and spiritually.

She also encouraged the crowd to emulate Christ in their daily lives. Despite the challenging economic situation many face, she reassured them that there is a God who is abundantly capable of providing for those who place their trust in Him.

While inviting them to give their lives to Jesus, Pastor Okoror urged the attendees to love their neighbours and promote peace wherever they go. The event celebrated 34 new converts who publicly declared their faith in Jesus, included a special prayer for the new converts, and featured praises, worship, and a health talk

SOURCE PAGE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that national development is impossible without skilled citizens and leaders of integrity, noting that this is why the government is deliberately investing in education, digital skills, research capacity, and institutional autonomy.

The President said the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration places education at the heart of economic and social renewal, linking learning to job creation, poverty reduction, democratic stability, and national security.

Speaking at the 34th graduation ceremony of the University of Jos, President Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice-Chancellor of Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Professor Ibrahim Garba Hassan, highlighted that the administration is proactively addressing challenges facing the education sector through digital transformation, curriculum reforms, research development, skills-based learning, and improved funding mechanisms.

According to him, the government has prioritised improving the quality of education across all levels through school renovations, teacher training and retraining, and the provision of modern teaching and learning facilities. He added that significant investments have also been made in Technical and Vocational Education and Training centres to equip youths with employable and entrepreneurial skills.

“With specific reference to the University of Jos, the Federal Government has provided resources through interventions, special grants, and other support mechanisms to improve teaching and learning conditions.

“Notably, UNIJOS was selected as one of ten universities to host a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Digital Forensics, and Cybersecurity, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. This centre will strengthen research, innovation, and skills development in response to emerging digital challenges.”

He commended the University for successfully hosting the 27th edition of the Nigerian University Games Association competition, which involved about 100 universities nationwide, stressing that Federal Government agencies, including TETFund, played a key role in supporting the success.

In her address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of Council, University of Jos, Senator Grace Folashade Bent, disclosed that in 2025, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings listed UNIJOS among the top ten universities in Nigeria, adding that the achievement reflects the University’s sustained commitment to quality education, expanding research impact, growing global visibility, and the steadfast leadership of management and staff.

The Pro-Chancellor charged the graduands to go into the world with pride as ambassadors of the University of Jos—an institution that has stood for fifty years as a beacon of knowledge, peace, strength, and hope.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Tanko Ishaya, said that over the past five decades, the University of Jos has evolved from a modest campus into a globally recognised centre of learning, research, and innovation.

He pointed out that its achievements include world-class research in medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, arts and humanities, law, natural sciences, engineering, security studies, artificial intelligence, and ICT. He added that alumni of the University serve with distinction as governors, judges, diplomats, ministers, legislators, captains of industry, academics, and innovators across the world.

According to him, the University has also provided national leadership in peacebuilding, electoral reforms, community engagement, and inter-ethnic harmony. He noted that growth in infrastructure includes the new Sports Complex, Faculties of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Computing, the Central Research Laboratory, ICT Centre, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and modernised student hostels.

“This year alone, we introduced eighteen new undergraduate programmes, including Data Science, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Forensic Science, Radiography, Physiotherapy, Pharmacology, Entrepreneurship, and Social Work. Our Golden Jubilee is therefore not merely a celebration of time, but of impact, ideas, people, and national relevance.”

On the graduation statistics, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that a total of 60,000 graduands were produced, comprising 9,236 diploma recipients, 37,741 first degree holders, and 13,023 postgraduate graduates.

SOURCE PAGE