• …reaffirms Sanusi as legitimate Emir of Kano

Former Kano State Governor and National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called on the Kano State Commissioner of Police to withdraw security operatives stationed at the Nasarawa Mini Palace, where the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, is currently residing.

Kwankwaso made the appeal on Tuesday while speaking at the official launch of the Kano State Government–owned Neighbourhood Watch Corps in Kano. 

He criticised the continued security presence at the palace, insisting that it contradicts Kano’s traditions and could inflame tensions in the state.

The call follows the decision of the Abba Yusuf–led state government to sack Bayero and reinstate the formerly dethroned monarch, Muhammadu Sanusi II, as Emir of Kano. 

Kwankwaso maintained that Sanusi remains the only legitimate emir, warning that the existence of parallel traditional institutions could threaten peace and stability in Kano State.

“The legitimate Emir of Kano is Muhammadu Sanusi II. He remains the rightful Emir of Kano,” Kwankwaso said.

The Kano Emirate crisis dates back to March 2020, when then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje dethroned Sanusi II, citing alleged insubordination and political differences. 

Ganduje subsequently split the Kano Emirate into four and appointed Aminu Ado Bayero alongside three others as first-class emirs.

However, Ganduje’s successor, Abba Yusuf—widely regarded as Kwankwaso’s political protégé—reversed the policy by dissolving the additional emirates through a new law passed by the State House of Assembly. 

The law restored the unified Kano Emirate and led to the reinstatement of Sanusi, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Despite the development, Bayero has insisted that he remains the Emir of Kano. 

He vacated the main palace and relocated to the Nasarawa Mini Palace after a palace chief, Dan Agundi, approached the court seeking the enforcement of Bayero’s fundamental human rights.

Kwankwaso has since condemned the deployment of security personnel to maintain Bayero’s stay at the Nasarawa Mini Palace, describing the action as provocative and a potential threat to lasting peace in the state.

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By Henry Umoru

ABUJA- THE President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated Nigerians, particularly Christians, on the occasion of Christmas celebration, urging them to promote peace, love, and unity.

In his Christmas message, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Wednesday night in Abuja, Akpabio, who emphasised the importance of spreading love, kindness and generosity at Yuletide, also encouraged Nigerians to remember those in need and to offer a helping hand.

The Senate President noted that Jesus Christ exemplified peace, love and generosity, adding that his birthday should be an occasion for joy and merriment.

He said, “On behalf of my family, constituents, the Senate and entire 10th National Assembly, I wish to heartily rejoice with our Christian faithful on this joyful occasion of Christmas.

“And to our brothers and sisters of other faiths, I invite you to join us in celebrating the birthday of Jesus Christ. I urge you all to exude love throughout this period and beyond. Let’s tolerate one another and strive to be each other’s brother’s keeper.”
He also highlighted the need for Nigerians to remain hopeful and steadfast in the face of challenges, praying for the country’s peace, unity, and progress.

Akpabio expressed optimism that Nigeria is heading in the right direction under President Bola Tinubu. He urged Nigerians to continue to support the government for better days ahead.

The post Akpabio greets Nigerians at Christmas, urges peace, love, unity appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has pledged to address soldiers’ accommodation challenges nationwide.

He made the pledge on Wednesday while performing the ground-breaking ceremony for Phase 2 of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks in Asokoro, Abuja.

A statement by the Army Spokesperson, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the flag-off marked a significant step toward sustainable housing solutions for Nigerian Army personnel.

He noted that the initiative reflected a strategic shift from short-term interventions to long-term, sustainable solutions.

According to the spokesperson, the project followed the successful commissioning of Phase 1 in January 2025 and aligned with the COAS’s command philosophy of prioritising troops’ welfare and robust administration formed the foundation for building a professional and combat-ready force.

Lt.-Gen. Shaibu averred that the project comes at a time when the Nigerian Army was intensifying efforts to address the acute accommodation challenges faced by its personnel, in line with the resolve to complete all ongoing residential projects while initiating new ones.

He explained that Phase 2 is an entirely new barracks, distinct from Phase 1 commissioned by President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Tinubu.

The Army Chief emphasised that the project was central to the “Soldier First” concept, which prioritises the welfare and living conditions of troops. “Upon completion, the barracks will provide secure and dignified accommodation for personnel and their families, enhance unit cohesion and strengthen the Army’s operational effectiveness,” the statement added.

General Shaibu expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his relentless support and funding of the project and reaffirmed the unalloyed loyalty of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Earlier, the Coordinator, Nigerian Army Special Projects, Major General Bayode Adetoro, disclosed that while Phase 1 accommodated 614 personnel, Phase 2 is projected to house approximately 1,800 personnel.

Major General Adetoro stated that the project was a direct physical manifestation of the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy, anchored on a “Soldier First” culture that prioritises troops’ welfare through a comprehensive support framework aimed at ensuring stability on the home front.

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…set to introduce etiquette competition

A Lagos-based non-profit organisation, Rhoda Youth Centre, has presented educational materials to over 100 pupils in various primary schools in Ikorodu.

Two vulnerable students picked in each of the over 70 public primary schools in Ikorodu Division benefited from the project aimed at supporting the education of the beneficiaries through the provision of school bag, school uniform, 12 pieces of 40 leaves exercise books each, one 20 leaves exercise book, one drawing book, two pairs of white socks, a pair of sandals, and five pieces of pencils each. The Centre also gave scholarships to some of the pupils.

The three-day exercise held Monday, December 15 to Wednesday, December 17, took place at six centres – Methodist Primary School, Ikorodu; Methodist Primary School, Igbogbo, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA; Methodist Primary School, Oke-Eletu, Ijede LCDA; L.G. Primary School, Imota LCDA; Cherubim & Seraphim Primary School, Ogolonto, Ikorodu West LCDA and Farm Settlement Primary School, Odogunyan, Ikorodu North LCDA, with beneficiaries and their parents in attendance.

During the exercise, L.G. Primary School, Oreta, was presented with KG table and chairs, while a scholarship was announced for Praise Emmanuel of African Bethel Primary School, Maya, throughout his primary and secondary education.

Speaking with New Telegraph, the founder of Rhoda Youth Centre and the immediate past Chairman, Ikorodu -Oga Development Association (IKODASS), Asiwaju Rotimi Erogbogbo, said that two pupils were chosen from each of the schools in the Ikorodu division, adding that the scholarship will be a continuous exercise.

“Our intention was to pick more, but we decided to start with two each. This set will be provided with educational materials – uniform, bag, exercise books, drawing book, writing book, sandals, and socks throughout their primary school education. Come next year, we are picking another set who are also going to be provided for, while we will also continue with the existing beneficiaries.

“The intention is to give them confidence; to make them not to feel inferior among their peers because it’s only a pupil with a good uniform, and writing materials in class that would be bold and confident to relate and that helps such a pupil’s development,” he said.

According to him, the intention is to assist the pupils in ensuring that what their parents are unable to provide for them does not jeopardise their upbringing and future.

“Etiquette is important – we are concerned about how these children are raised. We care for their upbringing,” he added.

Erogbogbo commended the state government’s interventions in ensuring that public schools are of a standard.

“The government is trying their best because I took my time to go round all the primary schools in Ikorodu Division, and I can see that they are fantastic. I would rather put my children in the public schools than in most of the private schools.

“On two occasions, the government provides books for the pupils. They brought the books, and I know what books cost because I have worked with publishers in the course of these projects and during another engagement. To cap it all, public schools are staffed with the best teachers that you can have. They have qualified teachers and many of them hold more than one certificate,” he said.

Erogbogbo also emphasised the importance of etiquette and plans by the Centre to start a competition among schools in Ikorodu.

‎”We hope that schools will be serious about the etiquette programme because we are going to organise a competition among schools. We will monitor the process, and a child will represent each school in the Junior Primary 1 – 2 and senior categories (Primary 4 – 6).

“Winners will be given scholarship awards, while teachers of such children will receive handsome cash support, and the school will get a project.”

He assured that the Rhoda Youth Centre will not rest on the issue of etiquette, adding that they have developed a calendar and that they will not do any other programme until they get this right.

“As we go along, we will also do some interventions in schools. There is a school whose kindergarten lacks chairs, and we have purchased the chairs needed for them, and they will be delivered to the school.”

Erogbogbo also announced plans to support the parents of the beneficiaries who, he said, the centre would train and provide with soft loans as empowerment so as to be able to care for their children.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Social Development, Comrade Lekan Biliamin-Oba, lauded Erogbogbo’s consistency in impacting society and described it as a challenge to the younger generation to do more.

Noting that he has also been a beneficiary of Rhoda Youth Centre leadership and capacity building training programme, Biliamin-Oba also commended Erogbogbo for supporting the government in providing essential learning materials to pupils in the form of scholarships, stressing that the support would go a long way in shaping the perception and commitment of the children.

He, however, urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the learning materials for their growth and development so that they too, in future, would be able to give back.

The Vice Chairman, Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Barr. Ade Ayeni, who represented his chairman at the Igbogbo/Baiyeku centre for the distribution, thanked Rhoda Centre for assisting the council in doing some of its duties.

“I want to thank the facilitator, Rhoda Youth Centre, for filling in the gap because this is what we ought to be doing, and they are assisting us with. They are helping us to do our job and making it easy for us. What they are doing is not just for us in Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, but all over Ikorodu Division.

“But I am not surprised because the brain behind the initiative, Asiwaju Rotimi Erogbogbo, has initiated several ideas in the past that have been of great benefit to the Ikorodu Division. He’s someone that we usually run to whenever we need support, ideas and mentoring,” he said.

“This is an act of service, and that is what you have been doing over time. It is because you like giving back to society, especially those who are in need.”

Ayeni noted that through the support, Rhoda Centre is opening the way and giving opportunities to many children who would turn out to be their families’ breadwinners, stressing that the school uniform and other learning materials would give beneficiaries confidence and boost their morale to do well academically.

He also stated that the administration of Omoba Hammed Aroyewun in Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA has been greatly impacting education by creating a conducive learning environment and facilities to give pupils quality education.

Schools’ representatives, parents and the pupils commended the Rhoda Centre’s initiative, describing it as highly impacting.

Some of the officials of the Rhoda Youth Centre that were part of the three-day exercise include the wife of the Rhoda Youth Centre’s founder, Mrs Tosan Erogbogbo; notable director, producer and author, Deacon Austin Awulonu; Lead Consultant at Tchinasah Limited – an Edu-consulting Outfit, Maureen Awulonu; founder of Auntie Lola Foundation, Mrs Mabodu Ololade, among others.

Rhoda Youth Centre is a non-profit organisation in Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria, dedicated to empowering youth through free vocational training (hairdressing, tailoring, computers, etc.), educational support, healthcare initiatives (eye care), and community development, aiming to build stronger futures for young people and families by providing practical skills and opportunities for self-reliance.

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…Says N870bn IGR Target Realisable

…As House retains N1.3Trn Capital Expenditure, N321 billion Recurrent Expenditure

…Economic sector tops sectoral allocations with N825.9% of total budget

Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, has signed the Enugu State 2026 Appropriation Bill into Law, restating his administration’s resolve to redouble the transformations recorded across every sector so far.

Appending his signature to the document at the Executive Chamber, Government House, Enugu, on Wednesday, Mbah thanked Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly for their diligent and expedited consideration of the budget.

He promised to commence implementation immediately.

Out of the N1.62 trillion budget, the sum of N1,296,092,465,000,b representing 80 per cent of the budget, was allocated to Capital Expenditure, while N321,305,000,000, representing 20 per cent of the budget, goes to Recurrent Expenditure.

This follows the established budgeting tradition under the Mbah Administration as the 2024 budget comprised 79 per cent Capital Expenditure and 21 per cent Recurrent Expenditure per cent, while the 2025 budget comprised 86 per cent Capital Expenditure and 14 per cent Recurrent Expenditure.

Also, the Economic Sector leads with N825.9 billion, which represents 51 per cent of the total budget. The Social Sector is next with N644.7 billion, representing 40.1 per cent of the budget, while the Administration Sector, Justice Sector and Regional Sector follow with N128 billion, N15.8 billion, and N2 billion, respectively.

Education got the lion’s share of 32.27 per cent, with N30 billion earmarked for schools’ feeding in the 260 Smart Green Schools, thus maintaining the administration’s tradition of over 30 per cent allocation to the sector in 2024 and 2025.

The budget funding comprises N870 billion Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, N387 billion from the Federal Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, and N329 billion from Capital Receipts.

Mbah said the 2026 budget was built on the philosophies of inclusivity, accountability, transparency, traceability, and strong institutions that ensure that there is value for every kobo spent.

The governor maintained that the projected N870 IGR target was realisable, saying it only required discipline, creativity, and hard work.

He also cited the administration’s turnaround of the state’s IGR from below N30 billion it met in 2023 to over N180 billion in 2024 and N400 billion in 2025.

“We will be ending this year 2025 with an IGR of N400 billion, which is more than 83 per cent of our projected domestic revenue or IGR of N507 billion for this year.

“However, we are confident that we are not only going to achieve the over N800 billion revenue for next year, but we are also going to overshoot it. We believe that with the unlocking of the different streams of economic potentials in Enugu State, we will realise our domestic revenue projection,” he explained.

Mbah said his dream was to make the state’s FAAC allocations a savings for the future.

“If you also look at the ratio to our expected Federal Allocation, it would be barely 27 to 28 per cent. It means that if we stay the course and realise this projected revenue for 2026, we can effectively govern Enugu State without recourse to our FAAC allocation. FAAC allocation becomes something we may just save for our children and for the rainy days,” he stated.

The governor, however, emphasised that the ambitious IGR projection could not be wished into existence, reminding appointees to perish the idea of the yuletide holiday this year.

“We have projected an IGR of over N800bn. It translates to generating over N70 billion every month. And if you push further, it translates to over N18 billion every week. Again, if you drill down even further, it means we have to make over N2.5 billion every day.

“It is something we have to work extremely hard to realise. So, we do not have the luxury of wasting even one day, because it will be our billions that are being wasted. We feel the weight of the expectations on our shoulders, and we are committed to it.

“We are going to suspend Christmas for this year to ensure that we secure the future of our children,” he concluded

In his remark, the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, said that Governor Mbah’s involvement of the legislature right from the budget formation made its consideration seamless and people-centric.

“Therefore, Enugu people should expect numerous and earthshaking projects like the roads, the 135.5 rail project, 14 more aircraft, more transport terminals, Smart Secondary Schools, completion of the 260 Farm Estates, among others, in 2026,” he added.

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Armed bandits have reportedly killed no fewer than five people in a fresh attack on the Ortese community in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Naija News learnt that the attack occurred on Tuesday evening when the assailants blocked the Ortese–Yogbo Road and began shooting indiscriminately at residents.

An eyewitness, who spoke with Daily Trust, said the attackers stormed the community in large numbers, wielding dangerous weapons, and shot dead five young men.

The source said, “They also abducted several others to unknown destinations. The incident has forced many residents to flee for safety.”

Residents further claimed that some people were still missing after the attack and urged security agencies to search the surrounding bushes for possible victims.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said additional security personnel had been deployed to the area to comb the bushes and track down the perpetrators.

Describing the attack as unfortunate, Edet said the command had launched an investigation and would ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

In other news, no fewer than 10 persons have lost their lives in a fatal road crash along the Jos–Bauchi Road in Plateau State.

The accident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, December 23, around 12:12am, and involved four vehicles, comprising two trailers and two Ford Galaxy minibuses.

Eyewitnesses told PUNCH that the impact of the collision was severe, with 10 victims dying on the spot, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The injured persons were reportedly rescued and rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.

Confirming the incident, the Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Plateau State, Peter Longsan, disclosed that 10 adult men lost their lives in the crash.

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The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the continued detention of the former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, who was granted bail by the Abuja High Court in an order dated December 23, 2025, and is still being detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Malami’s media aide, Bello Doka, described the continued detention of the former AGF as illegal and a violation of due process.

Doka accused the commission of using the media to promote what he called inaccurate narratives about Malami, insisting that the former minister had voluntarily submitted himself for investigation and had met all bail conditions stipulated by the EFCC.

“His continued detention in EFCC facility constitute breach of legal procedures and a blatant abuse of office by the commission who are expected to respect and comply with court orders,” Doka said.

The aide warned that detaining Malami despite a subsisting court order portrays the commission as an institution placing itself above the law.

In a post on Wednesday via 𝕏, Sowore vowed never to support extrajudicial measures against anyone and urged the EFCC to obey the court order granting bail to Malami.

According to him, the late former President, Muhammadu Buhari and Malami governed with arrogance and impunity, recalling his ordeal with the former AGF while he was in detention.

He wrote, “I will never support extrajudicial measures against anyone. I urge the @officialEFCC to obey the court order granting bail to former Nigerian Attorney General, Abubakar Malami. That said, we must also speak honestly about the despicable conduct of the @MBuhari’s and the Malamis who governed with arrogance and impunity, acting as though there would be no tomorrow and no accountability for their actions.

“In 2019 after four months of detention under the Muhammadu Buhari regime, I was granted bail but, Abubakar Malami, SAN and the useless DSS DG Yusuf Bichi demanded that my sureties appear at the DSS office for profiling, a request I refused to comply with.”

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• A young man has shared a very touching post, which got people talking on social media after an incident happened in Maiduguri
• He shared a picture of a man, who he revealed is his brother, and mentioned that he was among those who died in the attack
• The man shared a very touching post about his brother who died in the attack, and several people reacted to his emotional statement

A young man whose brother was among those who lost their lives in the bomb blast that rocked a mosque in Maiduguri has spoken out.

He shared a statement on his page not long after the tragic incident made news headlines, as the incident and several other details about it were published in an article by Legit.ng.

Maiduguri mosque blast: Man confirms brother’s death. Photo Source: BusinessDay, Facebook/Abubakar Goni Abbari
Source: Facebook

Young man mourns brother

Several hours after the bomb blast that rocked the mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, the man, identified as Ibrahim Abubakar Goni Abbari, took to his media page to speak out.

Read also

Breaking: Mystery as 2 Kano lawmakers die within minutes, details emerge

He mentioned that he lost his brother in the incident and shared a photo of him with a short write-up.

Young man mourns brother killed in Maiduguri mosque blast. Photo Source: BusinessDay, Facebook/Abubakar Goni Abbari
Source: Facebook

Confirming his brother’s death, he wrote:

“With deep sorrow, I mourn the loss of my dear brother who tragically lost his life in the bomb blast at the mosque in Gamboru Market.””This is a heartbreaking and painful loss. May Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him Jannatul Firdaus, and give his family and loved ones the strength to bear this great trial. My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.”

His statement moved many people, as they took to the comments section to share their condolences.

Reactions as man mourns brother

Abubakar noted:

“Allahu Akbar Allah y jikansu day rahama.”

Abbas stressed:

“Such is life Allah yagafarta musu muma in namu yaxo Allah sa mucikada imani ya Allah.”

Kyari shated:

Read also

Man shares what he noticed about Buhari’s son after seeing him at mosque, post trends

“Allahu Akbar kullu nafsin zaikatul maut.

Amina noted:

“Allahu Akbar Allah yajikanshi yayafe masa.”

Idris said:

“Allahu Akbar Allah y jikansu day rahama.”

Lawan noted:

“Allah Ya jikanshi da rahma.”

Mohammed Sani Adam said:

“Allah jikansa da rahama.”

Engr Ibrahim stated:

“Allah sarki rayuwa.”

Idris noted:

“Allahu Akbar Allah y jikansu day rahama.”

Mohammed Gin noted:

“May his soul be rest in peace.”

Asmau musa shared:

“Allah ya jikan sa da rahama.”

Ibrahim shared:

“Innah lillahi wa inna ilaihi Rajiun may Allah forgive him and grant him with jannatul Firdaus, Allah ya jikanshi da rahama.”

Read the post below:

In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian lady shared the tragic experience of her cousin and her baby during the recent Eruku church attack in Kwara State.

Doctor shares update on Eruku church victims

Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that a Nigerian doctor shared an update about his cousin after the Eruku church attack in Kwara State.

In a post on his X page, he shared a picture of some of the rescued victims and said his cousin is among them. The attack had left many people kidnapped and some dead.

Source: Legit.ng

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‎A woman who attended Pastor Chris’ Okafor’s crusade in 2016 has shared details of her encounter online.

‎It’s worth noting that Pastor Chris Okafor has been in the headlines following allegations made against him by Nollywood actress, Doris Ogala, who was recently released from police custody.

‎According to Doris Ogala, Chris Okafor broke a promise to marry her after a 9-year relationship.

‎ The actress disclosed that she left her previous marriage at the clergyman’s insistence and is seeking N1 billion in damages for breach of promise.

‎Woman’s Encounter At Pastor Chris Okafor’s Crusade

‎According to the woman identified with the TikTok handle, @akreflections,  she flew from Europe to Nigeria, while seeking a child.

‎The woman disclosed that her husband was initially against her attending the crusade,  but eventually agreed for peace to reign.

Sharing details about her encounter at the crusade, @akreflections disclosed she declined a deliverance suggestion.

‎Her words below…..

‎ I think 2016. When I first heard about him, the kind of things he does, and at that time, I was believing God for the fruit of the womb. I was in that church and I saw with my eyes some of the things they’re talking about.

Na God save me, it was a narrow escape because I didn’t go too deep into the things they were telling me to do.The deliverance that they were telling me to do, I just said no, I don’t want to do this thing. I didn’t do it. 

Besides, my husband was really against it; he wasn’t happy that I went, but just for peace to reign, he let me go.

He told me I should bring my husband; he has to see him. What they do is they play on your intelligence, they size you up when they look at you. 

‎In that church, they have a place where people from the diaspora sit. People sit apart. That’s when they weigh you, weigh your pocket.

Watch video below…..

@akreflections

I traveled all the way from europe to attend a crusade in Christ Okafor church #myexperience #trendingvideos #pastorchris #bewise #foryoupage❤️❤️

♬ original sound – Queen Ak

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There has been reports of massive fire outbreak at the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island.

The building, which is widely known to serve as warehouse for traders who deal in clothing materials, was said to have been engulfed by fire in the evening.

The incident was confirmed in a situation report shared by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

According to a situation report from the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the fire reportedly started from an apartment on the fourth floor.

It quickly spread to other parts of the floor, later reaching the sixth floor with rapid upward momentum.

Emergency responders on ground

The number of casualties is currently unknown as firefighting operations are ongoing.

Emergency response teams are on the scene, including LASEMA, LASG Fire & Rescue, Federal Fire Service, LNSC, Nigeria Police, Red Cross, and LRU Paramedics.

Six fire trucks and a skylight have been deployed, and the LRU Fire team has been activated to assist with containment and rescue operations.

Recovery efforts are underway, and authorities have promised to provide updates as the situation develops.

Oke-Osanyintolu said, “Upon arrival of the Shark Response Team at the scene, a 22-storey building (Great Nigeria Insurance House) was found to have been engulfed by fire.

“Preliminary investigation conducted by the Shark Response Team revealed that the fire started from one of the apartments on the fourth floor and quickly gained momentum, spreading to other parts of the floor and escalating upwards to the sixth floor within the 22-storey building.

“Currently, the number of casualties cannot be ascertained, as firefighting operations are still ongoing.”

Also, the Controller-General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said in a statement on Wednesday that no casualties had been recorded.

“The fire is currently affecting up to the fifth floor of a 25-storey building. It originated on the fifth floor and has spread downwards from that level.

“The affected building is primarily used for warehouse storage and the sale of clothing materials, with corporate offices and a few shops also located within the premises. There has been no record of casualties as firefighting continues,” Adeseye stated.

This is a developing story…

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By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO:– As Christians across Nigeria and the world mark Christmas, the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, has urged Nigerians not to surrender to despair despite the nation’s deepening insecurity, economic hardship and social anxieties, describing the season as one of enduring joy, hope and divine presence even in times of tribulation.

He said Christmas arrives at a moment when Nigeria appears trapped in a valley of violence and sorrow, with citizens daily confronted by insecurity, fear and uncertainty, yet the message of the birth of Christ remains a powerful reminder that God abides with man even in darkness.

Bishop Kukah recalled the words of Prophet Isaiah that people who walked in darkness have seen a great light, stressing that the light of Christ is one which darkness cannot overcome, and that Nigerians must deliberately choose hope over despair.

He challenged political leaders at all levels to strengthen their resolve to alleviate the suffering of the people, noting that while greed among the elite appears insatiable, Nigeria still possesses enough resources to care for its citizens if justice, equity and compassion are prioritised.

The cleric noted that Christ remains the cornerstone of the Christian faith, warning against the temptation to grow weary or despondent in the face of prolonged violence, communal conflicts and loss of lives that have torn families and communities apart across the country.

Drawing parallels with the first Christmas, Bishop Kukah reminded Nigerians that Jesus was born into poverty and violence, as King Herod ordered the killing of innocent children, a tragedy still commemorated by the Church, underscoring that suffering has always accompanied redemption.

He said it was symbolic that the poor and vulnerable shepherds were the first to receive the good news of Christ’s birth, emphasising that Christmas calls on Nigerians to renew their strength and refuse to give up, trusting in God for restoration.

The bishop lamented that violence continues to stalk the cribs of innocent children today, both globally and within Nigeria, where abductions, displacement, abuse and exploitation have robbed thousands of children of safety, dignity and a hopeful future.

He recalled the painful memories of the Chibok and Dapchi schoolgirls and other victims, noting that similar tragedies continue to unfold across the country, exposing children to early marriage, slavery and psychological trauma, with devastating consequences for national development.

Bishop Kukah stressed that Nigerians must renew their belief that evil can be defeated, insisting that the battle against insecurity and moral decay is one for the nation’s soul and cannot be outsourced or solved by force alone.

He urged citizens to reflect honestly on what has gone wrong and to draw from the shared goodwill that has historically bound Nigerians together, reminding them that the nation has mourned, suffered and buried its dead collectively.

According to him, faith must not be abandoned in moments of darkness, nor should Nigerians resort to the weapons of hatred and revenge, as the true instruments that cannot be taken away are faith, prayer and steadfast witness to justice and truth.

The bishop identified toxic politics, greed and selfishness as the roots of much of the violence, arguing that those perpetrating crimes are products of societal failure, poor governance, miseducation and moral collapse.

He observed that northern Nigeria has become a major theatre of violence largely due to entrenched poverty, illiteracy and disease, warning that the nation must either renovate its values, educate its people or risk collective ruin.

Bishop Kukah reminded Christians that persecution is not new to the faith, noting that Christianity was born under severe oppression, yet endured and overcame empires through sacrifice, resilience and unwavering trust in God.

He said Christians must reject violence as a response to violence, recalling Christ’s command to put away the sword, and affirming that true victory comes through faith, patience and moral courage, not brute force.

The bishop called for prayers for all victims of violence, those killed through abduction, banditry, robbery or communal clashes and urged Nigerians to honour them by working towards a society where peace and justice reign.

He encouraged Nigerians to see Christmas not merely as a date or celebration, but as a vocation to reflect the face of Christ through love, reconciliation and service to others, especially the vulnerable.

Despite the dangers confronting the nation, Bishop Kukah said Nigerians must continue to act as ambassadors of Christ, carrying messages of peace, joy and reconciliation in a world marked by fear and uncertainty.

He concluded by expressing gratitude for the safe return of abducted persons and commending all who worked and prayed for their release, while stressing that such ordeals must end, and wishing Nigerians a Christmas filled with renewed hope, faith and determination for national renewal.

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Nigeria is set to commence full implementation of its End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Policy in 2026, a move aimed at strengthening automotive waste management, curbing environmental pollution, and generating employment nationwide.

Under the policy, vehicle manufacturers, importers, owners, and recycling operators will be required to comply with regulations governing the proper treatment and disposal of obsolete and decommissioned vehicles.

The development is contained in a document released by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), which details the Federal Government’s strategy for rolling out the policy across the country.

According to the Council, the 2026 rollout is designed to fully activate existing ELV and automotive waste recycling regulations nationwide.

NADDC noted that implementation will be supported by extensive awareness and sensitisation campaigns targeted at vehicle owners, mechanics, transport unions, and the general public, highlighting the environmental, economic, and safety advantages of ELV recycling.

The Council also disclosed plans to introduce capacity-building initiatives to equip recycling plant operators and auto technicians with the skills required for safe, standardised, and environmentally responsible ELV dismantling and handling.

“The implementation of the End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Policy in 2026 will focus on putting the approved ELV and other automotive waste recycling regulations into full operation across Nigeria,” the document read in part.

It added, “Overall, the 2026 implementation of the ELV Policy aims to reduce environmental pollution. improve automotive waste management, create jobs, generate revenue, and support sustainable development of the Nigerian automotive sector.”

NADDC further explained that the licensing and certification of ELV collectors, dismantlers, and recycling facilities will be undertaken in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).

To enhance oversight and compliance, the Council plans to establish a national data management system that will track vehicles, recycling plants, and trained technicians, while also supporting monitoring and long-term planning.

Additionally, NADDC revealed plans to encourage research and development in vehicle recycling, as well as set up a pilot ELV recycling plant to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficiency of the initiative.

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