NIGERIA NEWS
We will immortalise Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi – Uba Sani
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has promised to set up a Foundation to commemorate the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, that will continue to preach the inter-religious harmony which the learned Islamic scholar was known for in his lifetime.
The Governor made the commitment on Sunday, when he led a 30-member delegation on a condolence visit to the family of the late Tijjaniyya leader who died on November 27, at his family home in Bauchi.
Speaking during the visit, he said that Kaduna State Government will set up a committee comprising the late Sheikh’s family members, his students and various stakeholders, to work out details of the Foundation.
The Governor pointed out that although the late Sheikh was from Bauchi State, Kaduna State will immortalize him more than anyone because of his invaluable contributions to Islam, good governance and peaceful coexistence.
According to him, the Foundation will not only continue with the good works of the late Islamic cleric, it will also implement what he had planned to accomplish.
“I used to consult our late leader and whatever advice he gave me, had positive outcomes. I am part and parcel of the late Sheikh’s family and we have a cordial relationship with members of his household.’’
Governor Uba Sani promised that ‘’we will continue with his efforts at uniting Muslims and ensuring unity amongst adherents of different religions, not only in Kaduna State but the country at large.’’
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Mohammed Auwal Jatau, recalled that Governor Uba Sani was in faraway China on an official assignment when Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi died.
He said that the Kaduna State Governor had phoned his Bauchi State counterpart, Senator Bala Mohammed, from China and offered his condolences.
‘’I want to disclose that, Governor Uba Sani also constituted a special committee in Kaduna to receive condolences from students and well wishers of the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi,’’ he added.
Responding on behalf of the family, the son of the late Islamic cleric, Khalifa Sayyid Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi, reiterated that the Governor has always been close to the deceased, even before he became the number one citizen of Kaduna State.
‘’This is your home. Immediately the death was announced, we spoke on phone. You also sent representatives that attended the funeral prayer and afterwards, you sent a delegation of Malams to condole us.
‘’Today, you have come to pay us a condolence visit. This shows the high esteem with which you held the late Sheikh. May Allah(SWT) bless you. May He also grant you your heart’s desires,’’ he added.
Khalifa Sayyid Ibrahim also thanked Governor Uba Sani, on behalf of the deceased’s 82 children, for promising to rebuild the residence of their grand father, where the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi grew up.
Those on Governor Uba Sani’s delegation include the Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Dahiru Liman; the National President of Fityanul Islam of Nigeria (FIN), Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Arabi Abul Fath and Dr. Musa Muhammad from Borno (Deputy National Chairman, Fityanul Islam).
Others are Engr. Mansur Nakande from Plateau State (Secretary-General, Fityanul Islam); Sheikh Salaudeen Inyas; Saiyyida Fatima from Niger State (National Women Leader, Fityanul Islam); Hajia Hadiza Muhammad (National Women Secretary, Fityanul Islam) and the Kaduna State Chairman of Fityanul Islam, Sheikh Rabiu Abdullahi.
Sheikh Abdulkarim Hashim (Chief Imam, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi Mosque, Kaduna); Sheikh Sharu Danlami (National Chairman, Quddamun Nabiyyu); Sheikh Salisu Maibarota; Sheikh Aminu Kasim Kafanchan; Sheikh Ibrahim Mahe and Sheikh Nasiru G. Shehu Dahiru were also on the delegation.
The rest are Kaduna State Chairman, First Aid; and State Chairmen of Fityanul Islam from various states, including Kano, Borno, Adamawa, Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Niger, and Bauchi, as well as other senior officials of the Kaduna State Government.
The Dangote Group has announced the appointment of renowned economist and former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Director, Dr. Mahmud Hassan, as its new Group Chief Economist.
The appointment, announced in a statement on Monday, aims to bolster the Group’s economic advisory capacity, particularly amidst the current environment of high global and domestic market volatility.
In his new capacity, Dr. Hassan will report directly to the President of the Group, Aliko Dangote, and will serve as the Group’s principal advisor on economic strategy, market trends, and policy implications across the conglomerate’s diverse interests.
Dr. Hassan brings over 30 years of extensive experience in economic policy formulation, financial sector regulation, and central banking.
His career at the CBN included key senior positions such as:
- Director of the Trade and Exchange Department
- Director of the Monetary Policy Department
- Secretary to the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)
- Special Assistant on Economic Policy and Research to the CBN Governor
Dr. Hassan is highly credentialed, holding a PhD in Economics and an MSc in Energy Economics and Policy from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom, alongside a BSc in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
He is also an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School and holds professional certifications as a Bank Examiner and AML/CFT Analyst.
Beyond his corporate roles, Dr. Hassan has played a key part in regional economic integration, serving as a lead consultant to the African Union Commission on trade integration and the establishment of the African Monetary Fund.
He also continues to serve as a visiting professor at several Nigerian universities and is the current President of the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics.
The Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) has urged the federal government to grant operators in oil and gas free zones a 10-year exemption from the new tax law.
The Managing Director of OGFZA, Bamanga Jada, in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, stated that this would help sustain over $24 billion in investments that have been attracted to the sector.
He said the proposed exemption would provide operators with the needed transition period to adjust to evolving tax requirements.
While meeting with officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and OGFZA licensees in Rivers State, Mr Jada said that many investors planned operations with long-term horizons of 10 to 25 years.
He said Nigeria’s oil and gas free zones had attracted more than $24 billion in investments, hosted over 200 enterprises, and generated hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
The managing director further stated that policy consistency was crucial for maintaining investor confidence under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, exports from the zones have risen to 496,537,804 metric tonnes under the current administration, supplying markets in Brazil, the United States, France, India, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea.
Mr Jada reaffirmed OGFZA’s readiness to continue collaboration with FIRS to ensure efficient and fair implementation of tax reforms.
The Executive Chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, described the 2025 tax reforms as a major step towards modernising Nigeria’s fiscal framework.
The chairman was represented by his Special Adviser on Tax Incentives, Cletus Adie.
Mr Adedeji said the 2025 tax reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s fiscal framework, with an emphasis on transparency, accountability, and compliance, rather than taxing profits in free zones.
He said that for export processing and free trade zones, the emphasis of the reforms was on strengthening compliance and ensuring that the zones contributed effectively to national development.
Stakeholders at the meeting unanimously called for the exemption of operators in special economic and free zones from the provisions of the new tax law to enable a smooth adjustment period and safeguard investments.
(NAN)
By Mercy Aikoye
The funeral of Agnes Nwakaego Abiante, wife of Rivers federal lawmaker, Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante, drew a large gathering of mourners. Governor Siminalayi Fubara and lawmakers from the National Assembly attended the funeral.
Abiante described his late wife as a pillar of strength and a partner whose influence shaped his personal life and public service. “I was married to an angel in human form,” he said. He praised her humility, kindness, philanthropy, and entrepreneurial spirit.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the late Mrs. Abiante as widely loved within and beyond her community. “If you mentioned her name anywhere in the community and beyond, she was appreciated,” he said.
Abiante cautioned leaders against the abuse of power, saying no amount of influence or wealth can prevent death. “No matter the powers you have wielded, the day the Lord closes your chapter, everything becomes useless to you,” he said.
The Association of Wives of Lawmakers described the late Agnes Abiante as an active and committed member. “She was someone that, being with her, there was no dull moment,” said Dame Akpama, leader of the association.
Pastor David Fubara urged mourners to reflect on life, death, and eternity. “What matters is what you will be remembered for,” he said. He encouraged the bereaved family to trust God for comfort, reconciliation, and strength.
Several testimonies extolled the virtues of the late Agnes Abiante, describing her as supportive, selfless, and committed to the well-being of others. Lawmakers present at the ceremony said their attendance was a show of solidarity with their colleague.
The burial ceremony concluded with prayers for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for strength for the bereaved family. Mourners filed past to pay their final respects to the late Agnes Abiante
NIGERIA NEWS
Lady Who Took Flight From Asaba to Attend Shiloh 2025 in Canaanland Shares Experience, Video Trends
A Nigerian lady, Unique Powell, shared her experience as she boarded a flight from Asaba to Ogun State.
Shiloh is an annual programme hosted by The Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, at its headquarters called Canaanland in Ota, Ogun State.
Lady Who Took Flight From Asaba to Attend Shiloh 2025 in Canaanland Shares Experience, Video Trends
Source: TikTok
Lady flies from Asaba to Ota for Shiloh 2025
In a TikTok post by @uniquepowell_, the lady shared how her flight was delayed from Asaba to Ogun State.
Sharing her experience at the airport, she said:
“I paid extra like 12k or 13k because of extra luggage. My box was so heavy.”
The video was captioned:
“Now that Shiloh is over, I actually have time to edit my videos and share with you guys. But you have to help me repost it oo. I need these videos to go far, and don’t forget to follow me.”
Watch the video below:
Reactions trail lady’s experience at Shiloh 2025
Read also
Lady who went to Shiloh for first time at Benin viewing centre shares why she’ll never attend again
TheRealTito🌸
Shiloh 2025!!! Breaking New Grounds 🥳. I will travel by flight to Shiloh ground Canaanland next year, Amennn
Kimberly_kim🦋omosi💯
I saw you at Shiloh market☺️maybe I was too shy to approach
Jenny🦋💙
Hey Mama. You skip one Vlogmas,your last one was Vlogmas 13
Samuel Otono
“Your “friend” came to pick you up” is always a man
FADIV’S OIL
next year I will join you to CL for shiloh
theolafaith
I love the way ,you love God
Glitter Flash accessories 💍👓
my mummy said you should give me the old phone pls
♡Perfume baddie♡ in|OGUN STATE
Love this vlog
shalom🌷
You inspire me soo much.. i love your vlogs
Source: Legit.ng
NIGERIA NEWS
Businesswoman expresses concern over customer who placed order 1 year ago, but is yet to pick up package
A businesswoman has taken to social media to express concern over a customer who placed an order a year ago, but hasn’t picked up the package.
The businesswoman identified on TikTok as @totebag‑vendor.in Akwa shared a video of the customer’s package.
Details Of The Package
In the now‑viral TikTok video, the package was sealed, and the customer’s telephone number is visible.
In the post’s caption, the businesswoman shared that the female customer is unreachable and hopes she’s in good condition.
The caption reads, “It’s been a year now. I sincerely hope you’re fine. To the customer that ordered from me, it’s been a year, she’s been yet to pick up her package, her line not connecting, I hope you’re fine”.
Meanwhile, the video has gone viral online and the comment section flooded with TikTok users sharing their thoughts and opinions.
Reactions Below….
@CHz: “Dry Cleaner go think say I don kpai. Been 2 years I left my clothes and never returned to pick up”.
@bobola_xs1, “Last year i was going from place to place looking for an apartment to rent for almost a month, when i finally see one wey i like i paid in full but i never went back there since 2023 this life funny”.
@Safeeyah Ahmed, “Once happened to me,for months I didn’t hear anything from the lady.I had to do serious finding only to find out that her phone was stolen and she lost contact”.
@Unyi🦋,“This reminds me of my friend, he told me the mom was sick and went to visit her, since then he’s number hasn’t been connecting it’s been 3 years now. Micheal I hope you’re still alive 🥺🥺”.
Watch video below……
@totebag_vendor.in.awka
To the customer that ordered from me, it’s been a year, she’s been yet to pick up her package, her line not connecting, I hope you’re fine ❤️
♬ Everything work slowed – 𝐕𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐠
Bamiji Clement Adesuyi has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Action Peoples Party, APP, in Osun State ahead of the 2026 election.
Adesuyi was elected on Monday during the party’s governorship primary election.
He was the sole aspirant and secured the mandate of delegates through a 39 vote affirmation.
In his acceptance speech, Adesuyi pledged to work tirelessly to ensure the success of the party at the Osun 2026 governorship poll.
“I will do everything possible to make this party succeed in the 2026 election,” he said.
He emphasised unity within the party, stating that all members of the APP in Osun State remain one family working towards a common goal.
Adesuyi also affirmed that the primary election was conducted in line with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
“I want to assure you that I will not betray the confidence you have reposed in me,” he told party members.
Earlier, the Osun State Chairman of the APP, Oluseye Titus Odesola, described the primary as an important moment in the life of the party.
Odesola assured delegates that the process would be fair, peaceful and transparent, urging them to conduct themselves with dignity and respect for party rules.
Also speaking, the APP National Organising Secretary, Barrister Obed Agu, commended the resilience of party members in Osun State.
Agu said the national leadership had urged members to remain steadfast, while warning against what he described as moves towards a one-party system in Nigeria.
He added that the party would reject any agenda he described as contrary to true democracy.
“We will practise democracy in Nigeria and APP has come to stay. APP would reject any agenda that is contrary to true democracy,” he said.
Announcing the result of the primary, Odesola disclosed that 39 delegates affirmed Adesuyi as the party’s governorship candidate at the conclusion of the voting exercise.
A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against actions he described as the politicisation of the Nigerian Army, saying abuse of military ranks could endanger democracy and fuel coup tendencies.
Frank raised concerns over reports of an alleged special and accelerated promotion of the president’s Aide-De-Camp to the rank of Brigadier-General barely months after elevation to colonel, describing the development as troubling if proven true.
He said the Nigerian Army is a national institution governed by professional standards and traditions, not a personal guard unit of any president.
His words: “The Nigerian Army is not a personal guard unit of any President. It is a national institution governed by time-tested rules, traditions and professional standards.
“Senior military ranks, especially the rank of General, are earned through years of service, sacrifice, command experience, rigorous training and competitive assessments. They are not political rewards.”
Frank said promotions outside established procedures weaken command authority, erode morale and damage cohesion within the ranks.
He warned that Africa’s recent history shows that the politicisation of military institutions often breeds resentment and indiscipline, conditions that precede unconstitutional disruptions of democratic rule.
“Across West Africa today, we are witnessing the consequences of weakened civil-military relations. From Mali to Burkina Faso and Niger, military juntas emerged in environments where institutions were abused, traditions disregarded and professionalism undermined,” he said.
Frank said it was alien to Nigeria’s democratic practice, and unheard of even during military rule, to manipulate the rank of General for an Aide-De-Camp or personal convenience.
“No former military Head of State and no civilian President in Nigeria treated the rank of General with such recklessness,” he added.
He rejected any justification based on constitutional authority, saying being commander-in-chief demands restraint rather than arbitrariness.
“Being Commander-In-Chief is not a license to erode institutions. Democracy survives on accountability, due process and respect for established norms,” he said.
Frank cautioned that irregular promotions expose officers to professional risk, invite institutional backlash and drag the armed forces into political controversy.
He urged the minister of defence to advise the president on the implications of any decision that undermines military tradition, morale and Nigeria’s international standing.
He also called for immediate public clarification of the legal and professional basis for the reported promotion, suspension or reversal of any action that violates Nigerian Army guidelines, and a firm commitment by the presidency to end personalised promotions.
Frank urged civil society organisations, retired military officers and professional associations to speak out, warning that silence in the face of institutional abuse could have severe consequences for civil-military relations.
He said the Nigerian Armed Forces must remain professional, apolitical and governed by established rules rather than personal discretion.
NIGERIA NEWS
Malami Calls for Transfer of Alleged Corruption Case from EFCC, Accuses Chairman of Political Persecution
Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has called for the immediate recusal of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from his ongoing investigation, alleging bias, political persecution, and personal vendetta linked to his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Muhammad Doka, Malami accused the EFCC of engaging in “illegal detention, media harassment, and procedural abuse,” insisting that the probe is motivated by “deep-seated historical animosity” rather than legitimate law enforcement considerations.
“I have been clearly pre-judged and cannot receive a fair, objective, or lawful investigation under the current leadership of the EFCC,” Malami said.
He traced his claims to events during his tenure as AGF, noting that the current EFCC Chairman served as Secretary to the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which investigated allegations of corruption and abuse of office within the EFCC.
Malami said the Salami Report, now publicly available, contained adverse findings against him, and he alleged that the present investigation reflects “retaliatory persecution motivated by personal vengeance.”
On this basis, Malami formally demanded that the EFCC Chairman step aside and urged the Attorney-General of the Federation to intervene.
He stressed that “to restore credibility and public confidence, another appropriate law enforcement agency must handle this matter,” warning that failure to act could inflict “serious institutional damage.”
Malami further demanded either his immediate arraignment or release within 24 hours, citing Sections 35(3), (4), and (5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), asserting that “only a court of competent jurisdiction—not a politically compromised agency—can lawfully and credibly adjudicate this matter.”
He also accused the EFCC of attempting to rely on individuals convicted by foreign courts and currently serving prison sentences abroad as potential witnesses, describing such actions as “desperate, scandalous, and corrosive to the integrity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.” He argued that such individuals should be subjects of extradition, not witnesses.
According to the statement, Malami’s legal team has initiated formal steps to protect his rights, including requesting Certified True Copies of the petitions that triggered the investigation and the EFCC’s report to prepare his defence.
“Let it be stated clearly: I seek no political settlement or inducement,” Malami said. “My singular objective is to clear my name openly and transparently before a court of competent jurisdiction.
“Nigeria must not become a republic where anti-corruption agencies are tools of political intimidation. The law must remain supreme—above politics, above power, and above persons.”
As of the time of filing, the EFCC had not responded to Malami’s latest claims.
The Nigerian All-Share Index ended Monday’s trading session on 15 December 2025 almost flat, inching up by just 4.62 points to close at 149,437.9, after opening the day at 149,433.3.
This marginal movement left the index hovering just below the psychological 150,000-point mark.
Trading activity softened, with market volume easing to 553 million shares, down from 571 million shares recorded in the previous session.
Market capitalisation, however, remained unchanged at N95.2 trillion, spread across 28,907 deals, reflecting the day’s subdued price action.
On the gainers’ chart, SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE and GUINNESS NIGERIA led the advance, rising by 10.00% and 9.96% respectively.
In contrast, PRESTIGE ASSURANCE and FTN COCOA topped the losers’ list, shedding 10.00% and 8.16%.
Meanwhile, FCMB and ACCESSCORP dominated trading activity, emerging as the most actively traded stocks by volume for the day.
Market summary
- Current ASI: 149,437.88
- Previous ASI: 149,433.3
- Day Change: 0.00%
- Year-to-Date Performance: +45.19%
- Volume Traded: 553 million shares
- Market Cap: N95.2 trillion.
Top 5 gainers
- SOVRENINS: Up 10.00% to N3.74
- GUINNESS: Up 9.96% to N239.50
- MECURE: Up 9.88% to N41.70
- FIRSTHOLDCO: Up 9.86% to N34.55
- AIICO: Up 9.86% to N3.79
Top 5 losers
- PRESTIGE: Down 10.00% to N1.53
- FTNCOCOA: Down 8.16% to N4.50
- GUINEAINS: Down 7.69% to N1.08
- ROYALEX: Down 7.25% to N1.79
- NB: Down 6.86% to N76.75
Trading volume
- FCMB topped the activity chart with 92 million shares, setting the pace for the session.
- ACCESSCORP followed with 67.9 million shares, while CONHALLPLC ranked third at 50.7 million shares.
- FIDELITY BANK and JAIZ BANK completed the top five, trading 35.7 million and 29.7 million shares respectively
Trading value
- By transaction value, VITAFOAM led the market with trades worth N1.7 billion.
- ACCESSCORP followed at N1.3 billion, while GTCO recorded N1.09 billion.
- FIRSTHOLDCO posted N968.9 million, with FCMB rounding out the top five at N963.9 million.
FUGAZ performance
Within the FUGAZ group, FIRSTHOLDCO posted the strongest gain, rising 9.86%.
UBA advanced 0.76%, Zenith Bank edged up 0.08%, while GTCO closed flat.
ACCESSCORP was the only laggard, ending the session down 0.5%.
Market outlook
The All-Share Index continues to edge closer to the 150,000-point mark as bullish momentum gradually returns to large-cap stocks.
If buying interest spreads more broadly across mid- and large-cap names, the market could break above this level and target highs beyond 155,000 points.
Follow us for Breaking News and Market Intelligence.
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Benin-Akure highway kidnapping has left communities in fear after gunmen abducted about 18 passengers along the busy road in Edo State.
The Benin-Akure highway kidnapping occurred near Obarenren village in Ovia North East Local Government Area, according to security sources.
Gunmen attack bus, abduct passengers
Witnesses said the attackers blocked the Benin-Akure highway kidnapping route and fired sporadically to create panic among commuters.
The passengers were travelling in an 18-seater Big Joe commercial bus when the gunmen struck and forced victims into the surrounding bush.
Police confirm incident, launch manhunt
Spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the Benin-Akure highway kidnapping and said security agencies immediately began operations.
She said joint teams of the police and Nigerian Army were deployed to track the abductors and rescue the victims.
Ikoedem explained that sustained bush combing operations yielded positive results, leading to the rescue of 11 passengers.
According to her, “The incident happened last Saturday. The passengers were in an 18-seater Big Joe bus. We have been combing the bush in collaboration with the Nigerian Army.”
She added, “No arrest has been made yet.”
Search continues as residents raise concerns
Security operatives are continuing operations in the area, as the Benin-Akure highway kidnapping has renewed concerns over safety on the route.
Residents and regular road users have urged authorities to increase patrols to prevent further Benin-Akure highway kidnapping incidents.