First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu

No fewer than 250 elderly citizens in Ogun State have received a sum of N200,000 each from the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), to ensure the senior citizens celebrate Christmas and New Year in comfort.

The scheme, a social investment programme set up to enable the elderly to live in joy and enjoy their old age with dignity, is aimed at supporting vulnerable persons aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).

Speaking on the theme “Finding Joy in Old Age” at the event held on Monday at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, where the selected senior citizens received the N200,000 cash, Tinubu, who was represented by the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, said the gesture was to recognise their contributions to the development of the nation.

She explained that the RHI Governing Board had approved a sum of N1.9 billion, out of which N50 million had been disbursed to each state, including FCT and DEPOWA, for the selected 9,500 beneficiaries, stressing that the cash gift was a tradition aimed at putting smiles and laughter on the faces of the elderly during the yuletide celebrations.

Tinubu said: “I am delighted to join you today at the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) with the theme: ‘Finding Joy in Old Age.’

This social investment programme embodies our ongoing effort to ensure that our elderly citizens live with dignity and joy in a nation that genuinely cares for its own.

Since the inception of this administration in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has made it a tradition to celebrate our senior citizens every December, in recognition of their invaluable contributions to nation-building.

“Through this scheme, we have continued to express our gratitude and care for the men and women who have laboured to build the Nigeria we are all proud to be part of today.

This scheme is to support Two Hundred and Fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens, aged 65 and above, in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).”

These 9,500 selected beneficiaries will receive Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000) each. The total sum to be disbursed is One Billion Nine Hundred Million Naira (N1,900,000,000), as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

Each state of the federation will receive Fifty Million Naira (N50,000,000), including FCT and DEPOWA. As the festive season approaches, it is crucial to emphasise the importance of prioritising our elderly citizens in our initiatives.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, thanked Tinubu for supporting the elderly men and women in the state with cash gifts to celebrate Christmas and New Year, stressing that the scheme had become a tradition every December to bring joy to the elderly during the yuletide festival.

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Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Otukpo–Enugu Expressway in Benue State, rescuing several passengers from armed assailants.

This was disclosed by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, on Wednesday.

The incident occurred at about 10:00 pm on December 22, 2025, after troops on routine patrol responded to a distress call around the Amoda axis of Ohimini Local Government Area.

According to the military, the attackers emerged from the bush, briefly took over an existing checkpoint and stopped two 18-seater commercial buses travelling from Jos, Plateau State, to Ibadan, Oyo State.

The criminals attempted to abduct all passengers on board the vehicles but were confronted by troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE, leading to a firefight. The assailants were forced to flee into the bush, abandoning their victims.

Fifteen passengers were initially rescued and handed over to the Nigerian Police Division in Otukpo. While six adults and four minors were first declared missing, follow-up operations led to the rescue of five additional adults and all four minors. They are currently in the custody of the Police Area Command in Otukpo, while efforts are ongoing to locate one remaining passenger.

Reacting to the development, the Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their swift response and professionalism.

He reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to protecting lives and property within its area of responsibility, covering Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States.

Gara said sustained offensive operations, intelligence-driven patrols and collaboration with other security agencies would continue to deny criminal elements freedom of action in the region.

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The Osun State House of Assembly has passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill, approving a total budget size of ₦723,454,988,670.00 after weeks of legislative scrutiny on Wednesday.

The passage, according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary of the House of Assembly Speaker, Olamide Tiamiyu on Thursday, followed extensive deliberations by lawmakers and a detailed review conducted by the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, with inputs from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The budget, entitled Budget of Economic Transformation, was described by the Assembly as a major component of the state’s fiscal framework for the 2026 financial year.

The statement said, “Members of the House engaged in debates aimed at ensuring that the proposals reflected the developmental priorities and socio-economic needs of residents across the state.”

The 2026 budget was presented to the Assembly on November 12, 2025 by the state governor, Ademola Adeleke.

According to the estimates, “the budget is structured to support infrastructure development, social services, and key sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture and economic empowerment.

“The revenue projection comprises an opening balance of ₦16,192,300,490.00, recurrent revenue of ₦421,253,229,320.00 and capital receipts amounting to ₦286,009,458,860.00.

“These figures bring the total projected inflow for the 2026 fiscal year to ₦723,454,988,670.00.

“On the expenditure side, personnel costs were pegged at ₦135,005,722,430.00, while other recurrent expenditures were set at ₦185,768,933,880.00.

“This results in a total recurrent expenditure of ₦320,774,356,310.00, with capital expenditure allocated ₦402,680,332,360.00.”

Following the passage, the Speaker of the House, Adewale Egbedun commended lawmakers for their cooperation, stating that the Assembly “remains committed to protecting the interests of the people and ensuring effective oversight of public funds.”

The House urged the Executive to ensure prompt implementation of the approved budget.

It also noted that the bill will now be transmitted to Governor Ademola Adeleke for assent.

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of deliberately delaying the implementation of full local government autonomy despite the judgment of the Supreme Court.

Atiku, in a personally signed statement made available to Naija News on Wednesday, said the non-implementation is a calculated political move by Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to keep the state governors under their control.

He, however, said history and Nigerians would not forget the roles played by President Tinubu in turning the judgement of the Supreme Court into a tool of convenience and bargaining.

According to Atiku, the action of Tinubu represents a direct violation of Nigeria’s constitution.

“Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by July next year, your administration will have spent two full years deliberately ignoring a binding judgment of the Supreme Court directing the Federal Government to implement direct FAAC allocation to local governments.

“This is not delay. It is defiance. Your refusal to act is a calculated political move—using obedience to the law as a bargaining chip to force opposition governors into the APC and to keep governors within your party firmly under your control. In doing so, you have reduced the Constitution to a tool of convenience and governance to partisan bargaining.

“Let us be clear: Supreme Court judgments are final, not optional. Persistently refusing to enforce one is a direct breach of the Constitution and a violation of the oath you swore to Nigerians.

“Local governments are the closest arm of government to the people. By withholding their financial autonomy (which ironically you’ve been trumpeting as a core cardinal policy), you are not weakening governors, you are crippling communities, stalling development, and deepening poverty at the grassroots. Roads remain broken, health centres abandoned, salaries unpaid—not by accident, but by choice.

“This situation does not require threats of Executive Orders or political drama. The solution is simple: instruct the Attorney-General of the Federation to enforce the judgment immediately. Anything short of this is a failure of leadership.

“Your continued inaction sends a clear message: that political control matters more than constitutional duty, that party dominance matters more than economic justice, and that regime survival outweighs the daily suffering of Nigerians already battered by harsh economic policies.

“Nigeria deserves leadership that obeys the law it swore to protect, not one that bends it for political gain.

“History will not forget this moment. Nigerians will not either,” Atiku wrote in the statement.

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Hundreds of residents of Badagry turned out for the Badagry Fitness Walk, an initiative organised by the lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Solomon Bonu, aimed at promoting physical fitness, community bonding and unity.

The event, tagged “Badagry Walk with Asiwaju” and popularly known as “Bonu Walk for Fitness,” commenced from Agia/Topo Garage and passed through Attah Roundabout, Badagry Secretariat, Ajara Topa, Sychomor Hotel and Gbaji, before culminating at Suntan Beach, Badagry West.

Participants, drawn from across the ancient town, included youths, adults and senior citizens, creating a colourful and energetic atmosphere marked by music, enthusiasm and collective participation.

The walk attracted several notable personalities, including popular Nollywood actor Saheed Balogun, musician Small Doctor, and the Member of the House of Representatives for Badagry Federal Constituency, Hon. Sesi Whingan, alongside other political and community leaders.

Speaking on the significance of the event, organisers described the fitness walk as more than an exercise session, noting that it symbolised the unity, resilience and shared commitment of the Badagry people to healthy living and social cohesion.

Many participants commended Hon. Bonu for initiating the programme, describing it as a timely intervention to encourage wellness while strengthening the bond between leaders and constituents. The event also provided an avenue for community engagement and interaction among residents from different backgrounds.

Organisers expressed appreciation to all participants, supporters and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the walk, describing the massive turnout as a clear vindication of the community’s desire for initiatives that promote health, unity and togetherness.

With the success of the “Bonu Walk for Fitness,” stakeholders say similar community-focused programmes are likely to continue to thrive in Badagry, reinforcing the town’s spirit of unity and collective progress.

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The Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Simon Ortuanya, has appointed renowned writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie as a visiting professor of the institution.

Mr Ortuanya, a professor, also appointed African Development Bank executive Kevin Urama and a professor from the University of Chicago, James Robinson, as visiting professors.

This information is contained in a statement issued in Nsukka on Wednesday by the acting Public Relations Officer (PRO) of UNN, Inya Egwu.

The statement said that the appointments dated 18 December and signed by the vice-chancellor were part of the drive by Mr Ortuanya’s administration to put the university on the global academic stage.

It stated that the letters of appointment outlined the roles and expectations of visiting professors, including teaching engagements, research collaboration, mentorship, and strategic academic interactions.

According to the statement, Mrs Adichie, one of the world’s most influential literary voices, was appointed in recognition of her outstanding contributions to literature, creative writing, and global intellectual discourse.

“Her visiting professorship will enrich the arts and humanities through lectures, scholarly engagements, and mentorship of students and young academics.

“Prof Urama, a renowned development economist and senior official at the African Development Bank, is appointed in view of his extensive expertise in development economics, climate policy, and evidence-based policymaking.

“His engagement is expected to strengthen teaching, research, and policy-oriented programmes, particularly in economics, development studies, and related disciplines, while Prof James Robinson is a political economist at the University of Chicago, whose work on institutions, governance, and economic development has earned global recognition.”

The visiting professors are expected to deepen academic collaboration, advance research, and expose students and lecturers to cutting-edge global scholarship in political economy and development studies.

READ ALSO: Nigerian diplomat Christopher Mbanefo is dead

The statement noted that the appointments align with the vice-chancellor’s commitment to attract eminent global scholars and industry leaders to UNN, in line with the vision of its founding fathers.

“UNN was founded to be a globally competitive institution. The latest appointments represent a significant step towards reclaiming that legacy and enhancing its global relevance,” the acting PRO said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mrs Adichie had attended UNN, where she studied medicine for about a year and a half, before moving to the United States for further education.

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By Stella Odueme

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and responsible energy development in Ogoniland, describing the Federal Government’s renewed engagement as a demonstration of hope and a new beginning built on partnership and understanding.

Ojulari disclosed this while speaking during a Federal Government delegation’s visit to Ogoniland, in Rivers State, Chief Corporate Communications Office, Andy Odeh, said in a statement on Tuesday.

“This visit is a demonstration of hope. It affirms the commitment of the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to peace, dialogue, and rebuilding trust. For NNPC Limited, it marks a new beginning—one grounded in partnership, mutual respect, and shared responsibility,” Ojulari stated.

While acknowledging the painful history of Ogoniland, the GCEO emphasized that recognising the past is essential to building a different future.

He commended the Presidential Committee on Ogoni Re-entry, led by Professor Don Baridam, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their steady leadership in building confidence and trust.

According to the Group CEO, NNPC Ltd.’s mission in Ogoniland goes beyond resource extraction, but one that places people, livelihoods, and the environment at the centre of its operations. “We believe wholeheartedly that energy development must go hand in hand with environmental protection and community wellbeing,” he said.

Reaffirming NNPC Ltd.’s responsibility to host communities, the Group CEO offered assurances on welfare, security, and opportunity.

“I am delighted to share that one of our commitments to the people of Ogoni is becoming a reality. The process for the full-time employment of 30 Ogoni indigenes has reached its final stage, with employment offers already issued. We look forward with pride to welcoming them as they resume work in January 2026, marking a meaningful step toward shared progress and opportunity for our communities.,” he stated.

On his part, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to finding lasting solutions to a decades-long, recurring issue in Ogoniland, which is now beginning to yield positive results.

We had our first meeting with Mr. President, and certain commitments were made to improve the quality of life in Ogoniland. He has begun to fulfill those promises, starting with road construction. We were assured of confidence-building efforts, the establishment of a University of Environment, hospitals, an industrial park, employment opportunities, and several other initiatives. As of today, 30 young men and women of Ogoni origin have already been employed by NNPC Ltd.” he concluded.

In his remarks, National Security Adviser of Nigeria, Nuhu Ribadu, who represented President Tinubu during the engagement, thanked the Governor of Rivers State and stakeholders from Ogoniland for their cooperation and collective efforts in addressing long-standing challenges inherited in the region.

“We have worked as one, and we are here today because of the Ogoni people, to thank them on behalf of Nigeria. Rivers State is now one of the most peaceful states in the country, and that’s largely due to the leadership of a responsible Governor and the good people of Ogoniland,” the NSA added.

Located in Ogoniland and operated by the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), a flagship upstream subsidiary of NNPC Ltd, OML-11 is Nigeria’s largest onshore block, with Ogoniland holding over 40% of its recoverable reserves.

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• A Nigerian man cried out after his wife abandoned him with their three-month-old baby following a “little misunderstanding”
• The man took to social media to lament how he would be able to take care of the baby in the absence of her mother
• Many reacted as he spoke about the “little misunderstanding” that led to his wife’s actions, sparking mixed reactions

A man cried out after his wife left his house, abandoning him and their three-month-old baby.

He lamented that he would have to take care of the child by himself and cried out online.

Man Cries Out as Wife Abandons Him With Their 3-months-old Baby Over “Little Misunderstanding”
Source: TikTok

In a video by @joepatrick047, the man was seen feeding his baby with formula.

He captioned the video:

“Its not easy taking care of baby, i wish i could bring back time, i just want forgiveness.”

Watch his video below:

More details shortly

Source: Legit.ng

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A Nigerian lady has stirred reactions online after raising question concerning the ongoing controversy between Nollywood actress Doris Ogala and popular cleric Dr. Chris Okafor.

Her post challenged the timing and sincerity of the allegations made by the actress, especially considering their former romantic relationship.

Viral Post Sparks Debate

The lady, identified as @blessing_jonah on X (formerly Twitter), took to the microblogging platform to react to Doris Ogala’s recent claims accusing Pastor Okafor of several alleged wrongdoings.

According to her, if the actress truly believed the pastor had such questionable character, it was surprising that she still considered marrying him in the past.

“Was She Blind Then or Angry Now?”

In the now-viral tweet, the lady questioned whether the supposed concerns about Pastor Okafor’s character existed during their relationship or only emerged after the breakup.

She suggested that the actress may have ignored the alleged red flags while things were still going smoothly between them.

Allegations Questioned Over Timing

The lady wondered why such serious accusations only surfaced after their relationship ended, instead of being addressed earlier if they were genuinely troubling.

“People Don’t Hate Evil, They Hate Losing Its Benefits”

She wrote: “If Doris Ogala says Dr Chris Okafor is a murderer, juju pastor, fake miracle worker, yahoo ally, and she still wanted to marry him… Was she blind then or just angry now? Some people don’t hate evil. They only hate it when it stops benefiting them.”

The post generated massive reactions online, with many social media users sharing different opinions.

See below;

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A Chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and former Minority Leader of House Of Representatives, Farouk Aliyu, said if the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, decides to destroy their party on their own, it is to APC’s advantage.

Speaking during an interview on ‘Sunrise Daily’, a programme on Channels Television monitored by DAILY POST on Wednesday, Aliyu said the issues in PDP are not the making of APC.

“No, we in the APC don’t have plans to make this country a one party state. No. And I’m confirming that to you that not the president, not us in the party, not the leadership, not the leaders of the party.

“What’s the problem in PDP? If you remember very well, Nigerians can remember that what happened was, during their convention in 2023 I think, coming to the election when they decided, I mean, who gets the ticket, whether the north or the south and so on and so forth.

“We saw it on the pages of newspapers and on television, when Atiku Abubakar got the ticket. He set up a committee to go and get the VP candidate for them. Somewhere along the line, they agreed on Nyesom Wike, and then his wisdom changed to another person.So Wike went berserk. So that’s their making, not our making, not the making of APC.

“But then of course, if PDP decides to destroy their party on their own, it is to APC’s advantage; however, the issues in PDP are not the making of APC,” he said.

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Popular afrobeats singer David Adeleke, known globally as Davido, has made a major political move ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election.

The singer has declared his decision to formally align with the Accord Party, the same platform recently adopted by his uncle and Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke.

The announcement places Davido directly in the unfolding Osun 2026 political contest. It also strengthens the governor’s new political base, as the election season gradually takes shape across the state.

Davido confirmed his move on Tuesday via his verified X account. He revealed plans to travel to Osogbo to complete the process and officially become a card-carrying member of the Accord Party.

“I Will be live in Osun to pick up my @AccordPartyNG membership card @ IMOLE HOUSE OSOGBO Tomorrow… see you soon ACCORDINGLY 😇 Cc @AAdeleke_01,” the singer wrote.

His declaration comes shortly after Governor Adeleke publicly unveiled the Accord Party as his new political platform.

The governor is seeking a second term in office in the 2026 governorship election after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party.

Governor Adeleke announced his defection during a political gathering held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Osogbo. The event was attended by key national and state figures within the Accord Party.

Explaining his decision, the governor pointed to the unresolved leadership crisis within the PDP at the national level. He said the situation made it difficult to pursue his re-election plans under the party.

“I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely November 6th, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026. This was after weeks of consultation and deliberations with stakeholders and opinion leaders,” Adeleke had said.

He also stated that the Accord Party’s guiding principles align with the focus of his administration, particularly in the area of social welfare.

“We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens and workers’ welfare,” he stated.

Before the public announcement, the governor had already severed ties with the PDP. He confirmed that his resignation letter was submitted earlier to party officials in his ward in Ede North Local Government Area.

Following the announcement of his uncle’s exit from the PDP, Davido had earlier shown public support. He reposted the resignation update online with the brief caption, “Jeje…”.

In a related development, Politics Nigeria had earlier reported the formal defection of Governor Adeleke from the PDP, a move that reshaped the political structure in Osun State and set the tone for the 2026 governorship race.

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Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has raised serious concerns over a growing and disturbing trend in the country’s kidnapping crisis, revealing that some Nigerians now stage their own abductions to collect ransom from their families.

Ribadu made this known while addressing the worsening internal security situation in the country.

He said the challenge goes beyond armed criminal gangs, pointing fingers at citizens who actively aid kidnappers or deliberately fabricate kidnapping incidents for personal financial gain.

According to the NSA, security agencies have uncovered several cases where supposed victims were not forcefully abducted but were instead willing participants in the crime.

He explained that some individuals collaborate with friends or acquaintances to create false kidnapping scenarios, all aimed at extorting money from unsuspecting relatives.

“We are talking about the population informing the kidnappers,” the NSA said. “When we are even having situations whereby people arrange with themselves to kidnap themselves to collect ransom from their families.”

Ribadu disclosed that such cases have already been confirmed by security operatives during investigations. He narrated instances where young people deliberately planned their own abduction, using trusted friends to deceive their parents and relatives.

“I have seen situations whereby a boy arranged with his friends to kidnap him so that his father can pay the ransom,” he added.

The NSA also raised alarm over the increasing role of technology in these fake kidnapping schemes. He noted that artificial intelligence tools are now being used to clone voices and create distress calls that sound convincingly real to family members.

“Some will even arrange themselves. There are AI tools where you can change your voice. You say you have been kidnapped, ask for ransom, you pay yourself and then you reappear,” he said.

He warned that this dangerous trend is complicating national security efforts and weakening public confidence, as families are now left confused about whether ransom demands are genuine or staged.

Ribadu stressed that community complicity remains one of the biggest challenges in tackling kidnapping across the country. He said some residents provide critical information, logistics and safe cover for criminal operations, making it harder for security agencies to respond effectively.

The NSA called for a change in public attitude, urging Nigerians to see security as a collective responsibility. He emphasized the need for renewed public enlightenment, vigilance and stronger cooperation with law enforcement agencies to curb both real and staged kidnappings.

“I think there is a need for us to resuscitate the population,” Ribadu said, as he appealed to citizens to stop aiding criminal activities that worsen insecurity nationwide.

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PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc has released its unaudited results for the half year ended 30 November 2025, posting a pre-tax profit of N37.9 billion.

This marks a sharp turnaround from the N5.5 billion pre-tax loss recorded in the corresponding period of 2024, with second-quarter earnings of N16.3 billion playing a key role in the recovery.

The rebound was driven by stronger revenue, foreign exchange gains, higher other income, and lower interest costs, which together restored profitability.

Key highlights (Half-year 2025 vs Half-year 2024) 

• Revenue: N127.9 billion, +32.59% YoY
• Cost of sales: N93.6 billion, +34.80% YoY
• Gross profit: N34.2 billion, +26.91% YoY
• Foreign exchange gain: N8.6 billion (vs a N15.1 billion loss)
• Other income: N14.7 billion, +1,424.05% YoY
• Operating profit: N37.9 billion (vs a N3.3 billion loss)
• Pre-tax profit: N37.9 billion (vs a N5.52 billion loss)
• Total assets: N179.4 billion, +6.23% YoY

Strong top-line performance 

PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc posted revenue of N127.9 billion for the half year ended 30 November 2025, rising from N96.4 billion a year earlier.

• The growth was driven by robust demand across its Hygiene, Baby, Beauty, Food & Nutrition, and Electricals segments.

While the cost of sales increased to N93.6 billion, up 34.80%, the company still delivered a solid gross profit of N34.2 billion, representing a 26.91% year-on-year rise.

Healthy operations 

According to the half-year financial statements, selling and distribution expenses rose sharply to N11.6 billion, up 46%.

On a positive note, PZ Cussons reduced administrative expenses to N8.02 billion from N8.08 billion in 2024 and recorded an FX gain of N8.6 billion, reversing a N15.1 billion loss.

Most notably, other income surged to N14.7 billion, up 1,424.05%.

• Profit on disposal of fixed assets accounted for N14.2 billion of this figure, while rental income and scrap sales contributed N412.7 million and N150.3 million, respectively.

As a result, operations swung from a N3.3 billion loss in half-year 2024 to a N37.9 billion profit.

Bottom-line profits 

The group reported interest income of N431.4 million and cut finance costs sharply to N473.7 million from N2.7 billion in the half year.

This supported a rebound in pre-tax profit to N37.9 billion, compared with a N5.5 billion loss a year earlier.

After accounting for income tax of N16.4 billion, profit after tax settled at N21.4 billion.

Balance sheet snapshot 

Total assets rose to N179.4 billion, up 6.23% from N168.9 billion in the prior period.

• Inventories, a key current asset, accounted for N66.2 billion, while cash and cash equivalents stood at N45.5 billion.

Total equity rebounded to N4 billion from a N17.3 billion loss.

• Retained earnings, though still negative at N18.2 billion, improved from a loss of N38.7 billion.

On the liabilities side, PZ Cussons reduced total obligations from N186.2 billion to N175.3 billion.

PZ Cussons Nigeria shares have returned 93.42% year-to-date on NGX as of trading day ended 23 December 2025.

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Former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has been granted bail by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, over charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Bello Kawu granted Malami bail on Monday, approving conditions earlier proposed by the EFCC.

As part of the bail terms, Malami is to surrender his international passport and execute bail bonds with two sureties.

The sureties include the Director-General of the Nigerian Legal Aid Council and a serving member of the House of Representatives representing Augie/Argungu Federal Constituency.

Justice Kawu ruled that bail was granted based on exceptional hardship, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive motion on notice.

The court adjourned the matter to January 5, 2026, for further hearing.

Earlier, Malami had strongly denied EFCC allegations linking him to 46 illegal bank accounts and alleged financial misconduct, including claims surrounding the repatriation of funds linked to the late military ruler, General Sani Abacha.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Bello Doka, the former Attorney-General described the allegations as “ridiculous and baseless.”

He insisted that he operates only six bank accounts, all of which, according to him, are already known to the anti-graft agency.

Doka further stated that Malami has no connection to any recovered Abacha loot or any other financial impropriety being circulated in the media.

With bail secured, attention now shifts to January 2026, when the court will hear the substantive motion that could shape the direction of the case against the former Justice Minister.

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Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is relishing the prospect of knocking former club Chelsea out of the League Cup following his key role in a penalty shootout win over Crystal Palace.

The Gunners went through to the semi-finals on Tuesday after Kepa saved Maxence Lacroix’s spot-kick in a dramatic 8-7 shootout success following a 1-1 draw with Palace at the Emirates Stadium.

Kepa spent seven years with the Blues before moving to north London in pre-season and he could now deny his old side a spot in the first major final of the current campaign.

Kepa, who has made all three of his Arsenal appearances so far in the League Cup, said: “Right now, if you want a trophy, and that’s something that we want, we have to fight against good teams.

“Both semi-finals are big games, and it’s going to be tough, but we’ll prepare well for the game, and we’ll be ready and we’ll go for it.”

Arsenal will take on Chelsea for a place at Wembley with the first of two legs to be played at Stamford Bridge on January 14 before the return match at the Emirates on February 3.

The Gunners were on course to reach the semi-finals in regulation time before Marc Guehi’s late equaliser — the third time in Arsenal’s last five fixtures the Premier League leaders’ defence has been breached in or beyond the 90th minute.

“We’ve conceded in a couple of games in the last minute so it’s something that we have to look at,” said Kepa, deputising for Arsenal first-choice keeper David Raya.

The 31-year-old Spaniard added: “But we are in the next round and we’re happy. We made a huge effort. We should have scored a couple in the first half. We played so well. Then the second half was more like 50-50.”

“Credit to the guys, they took amazing penalties. They kept us in the game, and they gave me an opportunity to make a save.

“Emotionally, you have to be focused, be strong, because obviously when you concede in the last minute and then you have to go to penalties, you need to 100 percent be focused on your penalty takers, you need to save. So it was a change of mindset, and it worked.”

The post Arsenal’s Kepa Arrizabalaga eager for more League Cup heroics against Chelsea appeared first on Vanguard News.

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