Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON)

have come tops in the 2025 Integrity Report of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).

The upstream commission scored  91.83 points, followed by NDIC with 90.70 points, while AMCON came third with 89.93 points, the report showed.

However, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the University of Calabar, the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) were among 13 Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) of the federal government that failed to score any point, according to the 2025 report.

The 13 agencies were subsequently classified as “high corruption risk” MDAs, the ICPC release indicated.

In the report released on Tuesday, 357 MDAs were assessed in line with the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) tool of the commission.

The EICS, is a tool used alongside the Anti-corruption and Transparency Units (ACTU) Effectiveness Index (AEI), to measure ethical compliance in the public service. Specifically, the MDAs were assessed in terms of their internal control mechanisms, organisational policies, and adherence to statutory requirements.

The tool also provided a benchmark for peer comparison, government oversight, and potential investor confidence. But the report, according to the Chairman of ICPC, Musa Aliyu (SAN) showed that no MDA achieved full compliance.

The Director of System Study and Review, Olusegun Adigun, who represented the chairman at the presentation stated that out of the 344 MDAs assessed, 48 (13.95 per cent) demonstrated substantial compliance, 132 (38.37 per cent) recorded partial compliance, 141 (40.99 per cent) showed poor compliance, and 23 (6.69 per cent) fell under non-compliance.

In comparison, 13 MDAs (3.64 per cent) were non-responsive and classified as high-risk MDAs.

Also, he explained that 169 MDAs did not have the core values, mission and vision systems for understanding by their staff, while 191 did not have domesticated policies regarding acceptance of gifts, donations, hospitality, and others, which may create integrity questions, noting that government institutions were expected to have a policy to guide employees.

The ICPC chairman further revealed that 102 MDAs did not have strategic plans, while 154 lacked monitoring systems and failed to conduct monitoring and evaluation of programmes, projects and activities during the year under review.

He added that 289 MDAs did not encourage system studies or corruption risk assessments by their ACTUs, while 315 failed to utilise the outcomes of such assessments for decision-making.

In the area of financial management, the report claimed that 99 MDAs lacked guidelines for granting staff advances, adding that 69 did not ensure the timely retirement of advances, while 68 allowed their staff to access new advances without retiring previous ones.

Besides, the report noted that 114 MDAs failed to submit financial reports to the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), while 40 did not remit Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) as required, with 75 failing to comply with fiscal responsibility provisions.

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The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has said the nation owes the troops on the frontline an immeasurable debt of gratitude.

The CDs said Nigerians are grateful to the troops for remaining vigilant and confronting diverse threats to the nation’s collective peace and security, while the citizens enjoy Christmas with their loved ones.

Oluyede said this in a special tribute he sent yesterday to frontline troops on today’s Christmas celebration.

He said: “I pay a special tribute to our gallant frontline troops who, even during this sacred season, remain deployed across various theatres of operation in the defence of our nation.

“Your courage, discipline, professionalism, and selfless service, often at great personal sacrifice, epitomise the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. You remain vigilant, confronting diverse threats to our collective peace and security, while others enjoy Christmas with their loved ones. For this, the nation owes you an immeasurable debt of gratitude.”

In the personal statement, the CDS thanked fellow citizens for their resilience, patriotism, and continued support for the military, despite the multifaceted security challenges confronting the nation.

He noted that Christmas is a season that embodies love, sacrifice, hope, and renewal, offering the people a solemn opportunity to reflect on “our shared humanity, our collective responsibilities as a nation as well as our unwavering commitment to peace, unity and national progress”.

Oluyede stressed that the citizens’ steadfast belief in the Nigerian project is a vital source of strength and motivation for the troops.

The CDS said trust, cooperation and synergy between the military and the citizenry are indispensable to the attainment of sustainable peace and security across the country.

He added that the military would continue to remain resolute in its constitutional mandate to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic institutions.

Oluyede reassured the personnel of the Armed Forces that their welfare remains a top priority and main focus under his leadership.

“We are firmly committed to improving the living and working conditions of our personnel and their families through enhanced welfare packages, improved healthcare delivery, better accommodation, timely payment of allowances and sustained support for the families of our fallen heroes,” he said.

The CDS urged Nigerians to use the festive period to promote peace, tolerance and unity across ethnic, religious and cultural lines.

He added: “Our diversity remains our strength and our collective resolve is the foundation upon which a secure, stable and prosperous Nigeria will be built.

“As we celebrate this season of goodwill, I urge all members of the Armed Forces to reflect on the teachings of Christ, which express peace, love, forgiveness, selflessness and purposeful service.”

The CDS urged members of the Armed Forces to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We must also continue to uphold the values of honour, integrity and service to the nation,” he said.

Oluyede thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support for the Armed Forces.

“To our sister security agencies, I call for sustained collaboration, synergy and unity of effort in our collective quest to safeguard our dear nation,” the CDS said.

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By Victor Ahiuma-Young, Henry Ojelu, Ikechukwu Nnochiri, John Alechenu, Gabriel Ewepu & Gift Odekina

LAGOS — Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has said that President Bola Tinubu does not have the powers to halt the implementation of the tax laws already passed and gazetted.

He said this in reaction to calls for the suspension of the tax laws, following the allegations that have trailed them, while appearing on Arise TV programme yesterday, said: “Suspending or putting it on hold, what does it mean? Some people calling for the suspension have never asked who is supposed to do the suspension.

“The President has no powers, the executive has no powers to suspend it, that is the first point. The second point is that there are four tax laws, two commenced immediately. The Nigeria Revenue Service, has already commenced. So, these laws repealed the FIRS Act, we no longer have the FIRS Act, we now have the NIRS, so how do you suspend this, does it mean we will no longer have any revenue service?

“Is there a way somebody will say that in the last six months, we have had an illegal NIRS? The monies paid to them, we should collect and refund back. I feel if we wait for the outcome of their (House of Reps) review, whatever that is established, if we establish that parts of the alteration were there, we remove them. If you suspend the FIRS for one month, that is crisis.”

But senior members of the Nigerian Bar, many of them of the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs, disagree, and advanced reasons the Federal Government should not proceed with plans to commence enforcement of new tax laws from January 1, 2026.

In separate reactions, the senior lawyers insisted that it would amount to an affront to the rule of law for such enforcement to begin, despite alleged post-passage alterations to the legislations.

They argued that a law that was duly passed by the National Assembly and officially gazetted, could not be enforced if it is found to contain illegal alterations.

Lawyers disagree

It was their position that since the alterations were not done by the legislative arm of the government, it rendered the gazetted law unconstitutional, void and unenforceable.

In a blunt reaction, Mr. Mohammed Abeny, SAN, described Oyedele’s remarks as “reckless talk and disregard to rule of law in governance.”

On his part, Chief J. K. Gadzama, SAN, argued that the discrepancies between the version of the tax laws passed by the National Assembly and the official gazetted copy, “created a serious constitutional and legal crisis.”

Arguing that there was a constitutional violation, Chief Gadzama said: “Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution lays out the precise process for how a bill becomes law. It states that once the President gives assent (or the National Assembly overrides a veto), the Clerk of the National Assembly shall cause the Act to be published in the Official Gazette.

“The gazetted version is the definitive, authentic text of the law. If the gazetted version differs from the one passed, it means the constitutional process has been breached. The ‘law’ in the public domain is not the law as legitimately made.”

Continuing, he contended that the development has created a legal uncertainty that touches on the validity of the new law.

“Which version is the true law? Citizens, businesses, and the judiciary cannot know with certainty what the law says. This undermines the rule of law and the principle that laws must be accessible and predictable.

“A court could declare the gazetted version (or parts of it) invalid or null and void if it is proven to be materially different from the version passed. This would create a legal vacuum for tax matters the law intended to address.”

More so, the learned silk stressed that the situation posed challenges to enforcement and compliance.
“The Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, or other tax authorities cannot reliably enforce the law. Any attempt to apply provisions that exist only in the gazetted version (but not in the passed version) would be legally challengeable.

“Tax-payers facing liabilities or penalties under the discrepant provisions could seek injunctions or challenge the law in court, leading to a flood of litigation and a freeze on the law’s implementation.
“This reveals a major failure in the legislative process—either within the National Assembly’s record-keeping, the Clerk’s office, or the Government Printer (Federal Ministry of Justice’s Gazette office). It erodes public confidence in the institutions of government.

“The House of Representatives’ discovery points to the need for a probe. Was the discrepancy a clerical error, or was it a deliberate alteration (a serious criminal act)? The Constitution does not envisage any authority altering a law after passage and before gazetting.”

Remedial actions

Gadzama, therefore, suggested remedial actions he said could entail the immediate suspension of planned enforcement of the law. He said, “The Attorney-General of the Federation may advise that implementation of the discrepant provisions be suspended until rectified.

“The most straightforward legal remedy is for the National Assembly to pass a new ‘Correction Bill’ or an amendment act that explicitly adopts the intended correct version. This new bill would then go through assent and proper gazetting.

“An affected person or the National Assembly itself could seek a judicial interpretation or declaration from the Federal High Court or Supreme Court on the validity of the law and the correct version.”

Past experience

Going down memory lane, the senior lawyer recalled that such incidents occurred in the past.
“Similar issues have arisen in the past (e.g., with the Electoral Act and other statutes). Courts have consistently held that the authentic law is the one passed by the legislature and assented to, not an incorrectly published version.

In Attorney-General of the Federation v. Guardian Newspapers Ltd (1999), the Supreme Court emphasized the supremacy of the constitutionally-passed version.

“This is not a mere administrative error; it is a fundamental flaw that strikes at the heart of legislative due process.

Averting chaos

“Until resolved, the Tax Reform Law’s legal force is in jeopardy. The National Assembly must act swiftly — either through a corrective legislative action or by collaborating with the Executive to withdraw and re-gazette the correct version — to avert prolonged legal chaos in Nigeria’s tax regime,” he added.

Oyedele’s right — Akinlaja

Reacting to Oyedele’s declaration, Mr. Dayo Akinlaja, SAN, said: “He is legally correct. Rightly or wrongly, the law has been gazetted with a commencement date prescribed.

“Only a court action can stop its operation as legislated at this time. Of course, it is within the constitutional powers of the legislature to amend or repeal the Act if so found necessary. Shorn of these two possibilities, the Act will operate as it is, regardless of its seeming moral blight.”

Earlier, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in a statement by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, maintained that controversies surrounding the tax reform law had cast doubt on the sanctity of the country’s law-making process.

NBA, which is the umbrella body of lawyers in the country, added that the controversies struck “at the very heart of constitutional governance and call into question the procedural sanctity that must attend lawmaking in a democratic society.”

It said: “The Nigerian Bar Association considers it imperative that a comprehensive, open, and transparent investigation be conducted to clarify the circumstances surrounding the enactment of the laws and to restore public confidence in the legislative process. Until these issues are fully examined and resolved, all plans for the implementation of the Tax Reform Acts should be immediately suspended.
“Legal and policy uncertainty of this magnitude have far-reaching consequences.

It unsettles the business environment, erodes investor confidence, and creates unpredictability for individuals, businesses, and institutions required to comply with the law. Such uncertainty is inimical to economic stability and should have no place in a system governed by the rule of law.”

President can’t suspend law he assented to — Aladetola

However, Dr Opeyemi Aladetola, a lawyer, said: “The President cannot suspend any law which he has given assent to. Even with all the allegations and controversies surrounding the law, once it has been given assent to, the President himself cannot turn around to suspend the law. It is the National Assembly that can make amendments thereafter if what they passed is not the same with what the president assented to.”

NLC calls for total rejection distorted tax law

In like manner, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has called for total rejection of any distorted or falsified tax law, saying: “it is better to patiently craft a law that is broadly co-created and owned than rush into one filled with serious errors and outright political manipulations.

In a statement titled: “Our hope lies in collective action”, President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, said: “Together, in this season and beyond, we must insist on Tax Justice where the rich pay their fair share and all forms of regressive taxation are removed. It is therefore our responsibility to once again remind government that any tax system that does not include workers in its formulation and passage into Law remains an unjust tax.

“Any tax system that is mired in apparent distortion and outright falsification is unacceptable and should therefore be rejected by all. It is better to patiently craft a law that is broadly co-created and owned than rush into one filled with serious errors and outright political manipulations.

“We must insist on social justice where all citizens have access to dignity, good healthcare, and quality education; greater equity for workers where labour is justly rewarded and rights are respected and in, fact a safe and secure nation where lives and properties are guaranteed and the people move about their businesses without fear and intimidations.”

Don’t insist on Jan 1 – Ndume begs Tinubu

Meanwhile, former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, urged President Tinubu to take steps to resolve the controversy surrounding the new Tax Act before its implementation.

In a statement, yesterday, Ndume appealed to the President to shelve the January 1 implementation date to allow for a thorough investigation into claims and counter-claims over alleged alterations to the tax laws.

He gave the advice amid calls by politicians, civil society organisations, and the NBA for the suspension of the Act.

In his appeal, Ndume urged President Tinubu to constitute an ad-hoc team to investigate the allegations, saying that proceeding with implementation without resolving the issue will create legitimacy challenges for the tax laws.

His words: “As a responsive leader that he has always been, he should look at it to find out, if the copy that was signed, whether the claim of alterations was genuine so that he will do the needful to bring the controversy to rest. If not, the controversy will continue. That is to say the tax law will not be implemented, because you can’t build on nothing.

“So, Mr. President should suspend implementation until the issues are resolved because so many civil society organisations, the Arewa Community, the Nigerian Bar Association are saying that he should withdraw the Tax Law and investigate the allegation of forgery.

“Therefore, Mr. President should get to the root of the allegation of forgery. The small committee that will be set up should look into it while the House of Representatives does its own.”

House promisses speedy probe

However, the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee investigating alleged discrepancies in the gazetted Tax Reform Acts has resolved to conclude its assignment and submit its report to the House within the shortest possible time.

Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary, last week, set up a seven-man ad-hoc committee to investigate allegations of discrepancies between the tax bills passed by the National Assembly and the versions subsequently assented and gazetted.

The concern was raised by Rep. Abdulsammad Dasuki (PDP, Sokoto), as a matter of privilege on the floor of the House, alleging discrepancies between the tax laws passed by the National Assembly and the versions subsequently gazetted and made available to the public.

Rising under Order Six, Rule Two of the House Rules on a Point of Privilege, Rep. Dasuki told the House that his legislative privilege had been breached, insisting that the content of the tax laws as gazetted did not reflect what lawmakers debated, voted on and passed on the floor of the House.

According to him, after passage of the tax bills, he took time for three days to carefully review the gazetted copies alongside the Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives, as well as the harmonised version adopted by both chambers of the National Assembly, but observed discrepancies.

The committee, chaired by Muktar Aliyu Betara, met for the first time on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, to deliberate on the matter.

During the meeting, members resolved to conclude the investigation and report back to the House within the shortest time for legislative integrity, due process, and public confidence in the lawmaking process.

“The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Allegations of Discrepancies in the gazetted copies of the Tax Acts passed by the National Assembly met on Tuesday 23rd December, 2025 to deliberate on the Privilege Matter on the alleged discrepancies in the Tax Reform Acts as passed by National Assembly. The Ad-hoc Committee resolved to conclude the investigation and report back to the House within the shortest time,” the committee said.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and thoroughness, the committee chairman assured that its findings and recommendations would be presented promptly to the House upon conclusion of the investigation.

“The Ad-hoc Committee was constituted to ensure clarity, accuracy, and full conformity between legislation duly passed by the National Assembly and the gazetted tax reforms in line with constitutional provisions and established legislative standards,’ Betara said
Other members of the committee include former Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, Sada Soli, James Faleke, Fred Agbedi, Babajimi Benson and Iduma Igariwey.

Alteration a bad precedence, criminal — Yiaga Africa

Speaking on the issue, Yiaga Africa, yesterday, described alleged alteration of the tax laws as setting a bad precedence and criminal.

In a chat with Vanguard, Executive Director, Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, said the alleged action is a breach of the Constitution, and criminal.

He said: “I think that this entire episode is very concerning and is disturbing, and it is a breach of the Constitution after the National Assembly considered and passed a legislation, and the executive is alleged to have mutilated the legislation passed by the National Assembly, it’s criminal and it amounts to usurping constitutional powers of the National Assembly.

“It is a very bad precedence. How can the National Assembly pass a legislation and then the executive, all they need to do is to assent? The President only has assenting powers.

“He has no power whatsoever to alter a legislation already passed by the body that is a representative of the people saddled with the responsibility of lawmaking. So, it is illegal, it is criminal for that to happen.”

He also called on security agencies to swing into action and investigate the allegation leveled against the executive.

“It calls for thorough investigation and the security agencies need to prosecute anyone who actually mutilated or performed this illegality and criminality because it is short-changing the Nigerian people when their representatives pass the legislation and then somehow the version gazetted is at variance with what the National Assembly passed, especially when some of the provisions that were deleted or inserted border on accountability and transparency,” he stated.

The post Gazette furore: Tinubu can’t stop tax law, says Oyedele; lawyers disagree appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 4,393 officers and men to clamp down on criminal activities during the Christmas celebrations in Lagos and Delta states.

Of the total number, 3,100 personnel were deployed in Lagos, while 1,293 were posted to Delta State. The Lagos State Commandant, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, said the officers were strategically deployed to key tactical locations, including patrol points, beats, relaxation spots, recreational parks, markets, worship centres, religious gatherings, rights of way, and critical national assets and infrastructure, in line with the National Protection Policy Strategy.

He added that deployments also covered remote, coastal and riverine areas across the state. Keshinro said the exercise was aimed at protecting all citizens and Very Important Persons (VIPs), in line with directives from the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, the personnel were drawn from various departments and units of the command, including Operations, Intelligence and Investigation, Anti-Vandal, Armed Squad, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Unit, Area Commands and Divisions, Quick Intervention Squad (QIS), Special Female Squad (SFS), Agro Rangers, Crisis and Disaster Management, Counter-terrorism, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Marine, Airport, and the Anti-Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration Unit (ATHIMU), among others.

The commandant reassured Lagos residents of the corps’ commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment, free of crimes and activities that could lead to a breakdown of law and order or the vandalisation of critical national assets and infrastructure during the 2025 Christmas and New Year celebrations. He said the command had concluded its Proactive Operational Deployment Strategy in preparation for the festive season and the post-New Year period.

Keshinro stressed the importance of inter-agency and intra-agency collaboration to achieve optimal security and safety outcomes, charging personnel to work harmoniously among themselves and with other security agencies.

He also felicitated with Christians on the celebration of Christmas and urged residents, Nigerians and foreigners alike, to imbibe the virtues of peace and compassion exemplified by Jesus Christ during the yuletide and New Year celebrations.

The commandant expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, for their support to the corps during the year.

He also thanked members of the state executive council, strategic partners, sister security agencies, local security networks, community leaders and other stakeholders for their support in achieving operational and administrative excellence.

Keshinro further commended members of the press for their professionalism, balanced reportage and constructive engagement, which he said had contributed to effective information dissemination and a peaceful working relationship with the command.

Similarly, the Delta State Commandant of the NSCDC, Chinedu Igbo, said the scale of the operation was designed to ensure “watertight security” before, during and after the yuletide.

Beyond conventional patrols, Rapid Response and Patrol Teams have been strategically deployed across the state’s three senatorial districts, while the newly reorganised Female Squad teams will conduct routine patrols in major towns throughout the festive period.

Igbo said particular emphasis had been placed on the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure (CNAI), a long-standing security concern in Delta State.

He ordered 24-hour surveillance of oil and gas installations, as well as continuous patrols of the First and Second Niger Bridges—facilities whose disruption would have far-reaching economic and security implications.

While the NSCDC has urged residents to celebrate without fear, the deployment also underscores persistent security challenges that often intensify during festive periods, including armed robbery, vandalism and attacks on infrastructure.

Commandant Igbo reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to working with sister security agencies to clamp down on criminal elements, pledging that miscreants would be “apprehended and brought to book.”

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In a move that would majorly impact the youth population and lift the nation’s economy, the Mastercard Foundation’s corporate social responsibility philosophy, which focuses on job creation, has started yielding results with the commitment of partners within the private and public sectors. Raheem Akingbolu reports.

At the beginning, the announcement and the buildup to the 2025 partner convening looked like a tall dream. But as a foundation that had invested well in research to know where the shoes pinched and had consistently impacted the society, the management of Mastercard Foundation had their eyes fixed on the ball and pursued their goals with vigour and precision. The objective was clear, and the approach was well mapped out. Welcome to the 2025 edition of Mastercard Foundation Nigeria Partner Convening.

The venue was Jewel Aeida in Lekki, Lagos, where selected youths from various geo-political zones of Nigeria were gathered to learn, share experiences, network, and tap opportunities. From tech to agriculture, fashion to entrepreneurship, the participants all came prepared with determined minds to leave the two-day event as changed agents to explore the world and contribute their quota to the economy.

The Partner Convening is an annual event that brings together the Foundation’s partners, stakeholders, and collaborators to reflect on progress, share insights, and explore opportunities to deepen impact. This year’s theme focused on “Six Years of Impact: Building on Progress, Shaping Work for the Future”

On day 2, there was a spotlight on the role of all stakeholders in shaping the future of work for young entrepreneurs that the foundation and its partners program for. Among others, the session featured panel sessions with key stakeholders in government parastatals and development partners.

There were also conversations with young entrepreneurs driving change in their communities. One of them was a young lady, Augusta Ezenwa, a Chartered Accountant based in Kano, who has since ventured into Agribusiness. In one of the sessions, Ezenwa spoke with passion on how Agriculture has turned her to an employer of labour and opened her eyes to the opportunities abound in the nation’s agricultural sector.

“Though I’m a chartered accountant, I derive pleasure in agriculture, and it’s paying my bills. With this platform provided by Mastercard Foundation, I have not only learnt more things about entrepreneurship, but I have also been exposed to more opportunities and boosted my contact base. For youths who are passionate about building and sustaining their businesses, this platform has deepened our knowledge and built our confidence that we are indeed on the right path.” she stated.

Another brilliant young Nigerian who spiced up the event was a young University of Lagos 500 level Mechanical Engineering student Saheed Azeez. The young man made a name for himself and the entire country recently after creating two million GPT tokens and built an artificial intelligence (AI) text-to-speech model with a Nigerian accent.

According to Techpoint report, Azeez had earlier in 2024 created Naijaweb, a dataset of 230 million GPT-2 tokens based on Nairaland. In a world where AI can generate lifelike voices in seconds, a text-to-speech model with a Nigerian accent might not seem revolutionary at first. But the young man has rewritten the story and recorded a remarkable feat.

Addressing youths in their hundreds at the event, Azeez said he was motivated by failure and other factors, because prior to his starting YarnGPT, he had applied for a job at a Nigerian AI company but did not perform as well in the interview as he had expected.

YarnGPT became the project that would help him improve his skills and increase his chances of securing such roles in the future.

Building an AI model that sounds Nigerian requires gathering a vast amount of Nigerian voices.

“I used some movies that were available online. I extracted their audio and subtitles. The problem with building in Nigeria is data. Replicating what has been built overseas isn’t that hard, but data always gets in the way,” he explained.

During an interview session with THISDAY, he commended Mastercard Foundation for instituting a platform that would help Nigerian youths live their dreams and called on other organisations in Nigeria to invest in such initiatives

The high point of the event was the announcement by Federal Government on plans to partner with the Mastercard Foundation and other key development partners to establish a credible national employment database that will track employable youths across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who disclosed this, said the initiative reflects the government’s renewed commitment to tackling unemployment and promoting inclusive economic growth.

According to her, the partnership is a key component of the Federal Government’s renewed agenda to collaborate with organisations such as the Mastercard Foundation, which has made remarkable contributions toward boosting entrepreneurship and job creation. The effort, she noted, aims to provide training opportunities, match skilled youths with available jobs, and engage retired professionals in national development programmes.

Hon. Onyejeocha explained that the partnership seeks to create a comprehensive, data-driven system capable of identifying, profiling, and monitoring employable youths across various sectors.

This, she said, would enable the government to better understand labour market dynamics and design targeted interventions for skill development and job creation.

As part of the plan,she said the Federal Government intends to work closely with private sector organisations not only to enhance job creation at the ward level but also to ensure the establishment and smooth functioning of employment hubs across all 774 local government areas in the country.

She stated that the hubs would serve as one-stop centres for job registration, career counselling, vocational training coordination, and employment linkage services. The centres, she added, would also facilitate collaboration among government agencies, private sector employers, training institutions, and community-based organisations to ensure that job opportunities are effectively matched with available skills.

Onyejeocha emphasised that one of President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda priorities is employment and job creation, encapsulated in the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), which targets the creation of 2.5 million jobs annually. She appealed to the Mastercard Foundation to work closely with the federal government to achieve this goal.

Earlier, the Country Director of Mastercard Foundation Nigeria, Rosy Fynn, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government through its Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to create 10 million dignified and fulfilling jobs for young Nigerians by 2030.

Fynn noted that the convening was crucial for gathering collective insights that would help the Foundation and its partners enhance entrepreneurship and job creation across the country. She further reiterated the Foundation’s determination to support the government in harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s youthful population, reducing unemployment, and creating a sustainable pathway for inclusive national growth.

In his keynote address, the Founder AI Centre of Excellence (AICE), John Kamara, urged the Federal Government and private sector leaders to take urgent steps to equip youths with job-ready skills to cope with the disruptive effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the world of work.

Kamara, who is also the Founder of Adanian Labs and a leading advocate for digital transformation in Africa, warned that rapid advances in AI are redefining traditional jobs, creating new work models, and demanding entirely new skill sets. He stressed that this shift requires immediate and coordinated action from policymakers, educational institutions, and industry players to prevent worsening unemployment and inequality.

“Artificial Intelligence is not the future—it is already here.Across industries, AI is transforming how we work, learn, and produce. The question is whether our young people will be prepared to thrive in this new reality or be left behind,” Kamara said.

While acknowledging that AI presents vast opportunities for productivity, innovation, and economic growth, Kamara cautioned that it also poses significant risks to employment. He said the only sustainable solution lies in retraining the workforce and integrating digital literacy and AI education into national development plans.

He added that the nation’s youthful population could become its greatest competitive advantage if the right policies, funding, and training ecosystems are put in place.

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…Maj-Gen, CP give security tips to travellers

…Reveals how to identify kidnappers in military, police uniforms

…IGP deploys highway patrols nationwide

By Evelyn Usman

LAGOS — When 34-year-old hair stylist, Gbaikeme Osaretin left her home in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos, on December 9, 2025, for a trip to Edo State, her plan was simple.

She intended to spend three nights with her mother in Afuze before continuing to Abuja on December 13, to visit her ailing elder sister, then, return to Edo state to spend Christmas with her mother .

However, Osaretin never made it out of Afuze because the vehicle she boarded for Abuja was flagged down by men in uniform along a lonely stretch of road outside the town.

The men, later identified as kidnappers, abducted her and nine other passengers, marching them barefoot through the bush into a forest camp. She was released four days later after an undisclosed ransom was paid. Recounting her ordeal to Vanguard, she said the abductors appeared authoritative and did not conceal their faces.

“We thought they were soldiers. They waved us down, and the driver stopped immediately. That was when we realized something was wrong,” she said.

Rising fears on highways

With the Christmas season here, millions of Nigerians like Osaretin, are traveling to reunite with family across the country. Major highways linking Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are experiencing increased traffic, with higher transport fares, and queues at motor parks.

Alongside this annual movement, concerns over highway insecurity have grown, with travelers reporting fears of abduction rather than traditional worries of vehicle breakdowns or bad weather. Several federal roads have recorded repeated incidents of kidnapping, with armed groups reportedly blocking highways in broad daylight.

Routes such as Kabba–Lokoja–Abuja, Auchi–Abuja, Benin–Akure, and parts of Ondo, Imo, Kwara, Zamfara, and Benue states have been identified as high-risk pathways. In Benue, areas within the Sankera axis—Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo — as well as Makurdi–Naka and Otukpo–Ugbokolo–Otukpa–Orokam roads, have gained notoriety for criminal activity.

In Edo State, the Auchi–Abuja and Benin–Akure roads have also recorded repeated attacks, with drivers sometimes shot while passengers were abducted into nearby forests.

Dilapidated roads

Beyond insecurity, poor road infrastructure has further complicated inter-state travel. Major highways across the country now have huge potholes, which have become craters as a result of continued erosion, Many sections have collapsed, generating traffic congestion. The Akure–Ado Ekiti road, previously a 30-minute drive, now takes over 90 minutes, while gridlock on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway continues to delay travelers for hours. Transport fares have also increased sharply; road journeys that cost about N 20,000 last year now cost between N40,000 and N 50,000, while air travel remains unaffordable for many due to rising aviation fuel costs.

Security advice to travellers

Despite these challenges, security experts advise Nigerians to travel cautiously rather than abandon road trips.

One of them, Major General Ishaq Bello (rtd) offered security tips, saying, “Christmas is a season of joy, not sorrow. Don’t travel blindly. Prepare your mind, your vehicle, and your route. The journey is as important as the destination. Share route details with at least two trusted relatives, including vehicle registration, destination, departure time, and expected arrival. Information becomes a lifeline if something goes wrong.”

He also warned against night travel, saying : “Darkness gives kidnappers cover. Visibility drops, security response slows, and fatigue makes drivers vulnerable. Travel at dawn, not at dusk.”

On fake checkpoints, he said: “Real checkpoints are organized. You will see patrol vehicles, signage, name tags, and officers working in teams. When men appear in uniform without structure or authority symbols, be suspicious.”

He cited a recent viral video showing over 20 armed bandits standing on a major expressway, appearing in military camouflage but lacking authentic insignia.

For clear identification, Major-General Bello explained: “You can differentiate Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel in camouflage by observing their berets, badges, insignia, rank slides, and unit patches. The quickest visual cue is the headwear: Army uses red for infantry, green for armor or special forces; Navy wears maroon or dark blue/black; Air Force uses light blue or maroon for branches like Air Provost or Air Defence. Criminals wear similar-looking uniforms but without these distinctive features.”

A serving commissioner of Police, who supervises highway security in one of the busiest corridors, also urged caution. Speaking on condition of anonymity, he advised travelers: “Use registered transport companies. Avoid roadside boarding. Don’t board a vehicle and sleep through the journey. Lock doors, keep windows up in traffic, and avoid displaying phones, cash, or jewelry. Criminals watch for targets.”

On checkpoints, he added: “If a checkpoint looks suspicious, slow down, look around carefully, and if necessary, turn back or alert security. Don’t argue with armed men. Compliance increases survival chances.”

Both officers advised kidnap victims to remain mentally alert, noting that observing routes, sounds, and accents can assist security forces later. Motorists were also advised to service vehicles before travel. “Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, turn back. Lives are not replaceable. Keep phones charged and distress numbers saved. In an emergency, seconds matter. We want Nigerians to reach home safely, celebrate with family, and return peacefully. The roads may be dangerous, but knowledge reduces risk. Be guided, be alert,” the CP stated.

IGP deploys policemen

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the strategic deployment of police personnel and operational assets nationwide to ensure a safe, peaceful, and crime-free Christmas and New Year. Patrol teams and surveillance units according to his directive, are to cover inter-state routes and major expressways to prevent road-related crimes and traffic disorder, while specialized units, including the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Command, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Special Intervention Squad, Highway Patrol, Marine Police, and Air Wing, have been placed on heightened operational readiness.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a separate statement titled Festive Season Security Tips, assured Nigerians of the Police Force’s commitment to their safety.

He said: “While we are doubling our efforts to keep you safe this season, your active participation in your own security is paramount”.

He also advised travelers to ensure vehicles are in good working condition, as well as avoid late-night travel on isolated routes.

“Report all suspicious activities. The Nigeria Police Force is here to serve you. Your prompt information can help us prevent crime and ensure everyone enjoys a peaceful celebration,” Hundenyin added.

The post Christmas travels on highways of fear appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has released the Final Transfer of Regulatory Authority Order to the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA) as the statutory regulator for electricity sector activities in the State.

The Chairman and CEO of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA), Mr Emeka Onyegbule, who disclosed this to journalists in Umuahia, said the authority to regulate the electricity market in Abia state became effective from December 24, 2025.

He recalled that following the Constitution amendment of 2023, which empowered the States to generate, distribute, and transmit electricity, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission in Abuja gave an interim order permitting the states to go ahead and begin the establishment of the regulatory institution.

“That order from NERC came out on June 24, 2025, and it had a time frame of six months for that transition to happen.

“That transition entails putting in the necessary structures in place, appointing the board, and equipping them to do the work which NERC has been doing. So today is a very significant milestone in the life of ASERA as we have completed the six-month transition as at yesterday.

“So, effectively from today, the responsibility and the mandate to regulate, oversight and manage the Abia State’s electricity markets falls on ASERA and no longer NERC.

“And as I said, it has some very profound impact on what the market stands to benefit. First of all, we expect that by the creation of ASERA, you will bring regulation home to customers.

Contributing, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr Ikechukwu Monday, said that the establishment of the State’s Electricity market remains critical to achieving the Abia 25-Year Development Plan and accelerating industrialisation.

He traced the journey to operationalising the electricity market to March 17, 2025, following Governor Alex Otti’s assent to the Abia State Electricity Law, adding that electricity remains central to economic growth, investment attraction and improved service delivery to consumers across Abia state.

“He explained that the new electricity market had been designed to be world-class, investor-friendly and consumer-focused.

He informed further that ASERA has been empowered to issue metering and billing licenses to encourage private investment in meter deployment, noting that the improved metering would ensure fairness by allowing consumers to pay only for electricity consumed.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said that the enactment of the Electricity Act of 2025 by the Abia state government made it possible for the progress achieved in the electricity sub-sector.

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Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has felicitated with the Christian community in Gombe State and across the world on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebration, describing it as a season that reinforces the timeless values of love, peace, sacrifice and tolerance.

In his Christmas message, the Governor said the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ offers an important moment for reflection on the virtues that bind humanity together, irrespective of faith or background, and called on the people of Gombe State to continue to cherish and promote peaceful coexistence.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya noted that Gombe State remains a shining example of interfaith harmony, where people of diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds live and work together in mutual respect and understanding.

“This festive season reminds us of the power of love, compassion and selflessness, which are virtues that are central to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
These values are also essential for sustaining peace, unity and harmony in our dear state and our nation,” the Governor stated.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, urged Christians to use the festive season to pray fervently for peace, unity, stability and prosperity across the region and Nigeria, especially at a time when collective resilience and shared responsibility are required to overcome economic, security and social challenges.

He further called on residents of Gombe State to remain committed to supporting government efforts aimed at improving the well-being of the people.

The Governor reassured the Christian community of his administration’s commitment to religious tolerance, equity and inclusion, stressing that his government will continue to carry all segments of society along in the ongoing transformation of Gombe State.

He also pointed to the administration’s tradition of extending practical support to communities during festive periods to ease the burden of celebration, as part of efforts to promote solidarity and shared joy.

He wished Christians in Gombe State and beyond a peaceful, joyous and fulfilling Christmas celebration, while calling on all citizens to recommit themselves to the ideals of unity, brotherhood and peaceful coexistence for the continued progress of the state.

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Good morning and welcome to the 25th day of the month of December, a day set aside for Christmas celebration for the year 2025 by Christians.

Merry Christmas to you, your friends, and your family from Naija News Team.

Today being Christmas day for 2025, many expect good Christmas messages and wishes from their friends, family members, and loved ones, hence, a need to compile one.

Below are some 2025 Christmas messages and wishes you can send to friends, family members, and loved ones.

1. May this Christmas be the brightest, most beautiful Christmas of your life. May you find the peace and joy you’ve been looking for!

2. Merry Christmas! And best wishes for a healthy, happy, and peaceful New Year. Love from the (insert your name).

3. Be thankful for all the sweet memories this year has offered you so far. May the faith and serenity descend on you. Wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

4. I hope this festive season will bring good luck and good health for you and your family. Sending you a very warm wish of Christmas!

5. May this Christmas be full of surprises, gifts and greetings for you. Embrace the joy this wonderful occasion brings to your home. Merry Christmas!

6. May the divine love of God descend into your home to make it a piece of heaven. This Christmas, I wish you find peace and prosperity in every sphere of your life.

7. May the gift of love and happiness be yours this season. Wishing you a Merry Christmas from the core of my heart!

8. Wishing you a happy Christmas and a fulfilling year ahead. May you be showered with unimaginable peace and prosperity. Merry Christmas!

9. May every little thing from your Christmas wishlist come true. Have a magical and blissful holiday season this Christmas!

10. Let’s make some memories of this Christmas that will last forever. Enjoy the biggest holiday of the year. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

11. May the unconditional love of God be with you the entire time. Here’s to a season of blessings and beyond. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

12. The time for celebration and gathering is about to begin. Prepare yourself to embrace the best of this year. Wish you a merry Christmas!

13. May you receive all that you desire for and dream for. May this Christmas bring you all that you need in life. Merry Christmas!

14. I wish happiness surrounds you all around on this happy occasion. Feel the joy of it. I hope you’ll have a great time with your friends and family!

15. Wishing you a joy-filled Christmas season. May your holidays be spent in good cheers and unforgettable moments. Have a great time this Christmas!

Best Christmas Wishes

16. May you feel all the love and joy throughout the day and all year round. Sending you the warmest greetings of this festive season and best wishes for happiness in this New Year.

17. Merry Christmas! May God shower your life with unlimited blessings on this day. Have a wonderful time and make some good memories!

18. Wishing you the most amazing Christmas of your life and praying to the Lord to help you be a better person than ever. May God always bless you. I love you so much.

19. On this merry day, I wish happiness surrounds you all around on this happy occasion. May God shower your life with unlimited blessings. Make some amazing memories this Christmas!

20. Hope this festive season will bring good luck and good health for you and your family. Embrace the joy this wonderful occasion brings to your home. Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

21. May this Christmas end the year on a cheerful note and make way for a fresh and bright New Year. Wishing you a magical and blissful holiday.

22. During this festive season of giving, let us take time to slow down and enjoy the simple things. May everything on your wish list come true. Happy Holidays!
Christmas Wishes for Friends

23. Wishing this Christmas will bring so much fun and happiness for you. May you have so many good memories to remember for the rest of your life. Merry Christmas dear friend!

24. May this holy season be filled with true miracles of love for you. May the colours and cheers of this hoy festival be with you forever. Merry Christmas!

25. I’m so thankful to God for having you as a friend this Christmas and all year round. May the glow of the Christmas candles brighten your day. Happy holidays, dear.

Funny Christmas Wishes for Friends

26. May all the sweet magic of Christmas conspire to gladden your heart and fill every desire. Wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

27. Not so long ago, on one of this Christmas, I wished for a sweet, supporting friend. I didn’t know my wish would come true this quick. Merry Christmas!

28. I would like to send a million thank you for being my best friend in life. I hope you’ll have an amazing time this Christmas!

29. Your friendship is the firework that makes my every Christmas a memorable one. You deserve a box full of blessings in this Christmas!

30. I may not always say how important you are in my life. But I just want to know, the joy of Christmas is incomplete without you!

31. The warmth of your friendship and the charm of your presence is the best Christmas gift for me. let’s make this Christmas full of sweet friendship moments!

32. Thanks for the support and care you have always given me. May this festive season strengthen our friendship so it can endure any difficulty life throws at us!

33. Wishing you a happy, healthy and colourful time this Christmas. Enjoy every moment with your family, friends and your loved ones. Take chances and take some risks in life. Merry Christmas!

34. Hope this Christmas brings you new opportunities and gives you great ideas. Let Christmas also bring you wealth and happiness. Have a great time with friends and family. Merry Christmas

35. Merry Christmas to my best friend forever! Here’s wishing you a season full of fun parties, beautiful experiences, soothing challenges and all the new memories you are waiting to create!

36. I wish that your Christmas season shimmers with love and kindness. May the faith and serenity descend on you. Have a safe and Merry Christmas dear friend.

Romantic Christmas Wishes

37. Your smile brightens my Christmas like a Christmas tree. Bless me with your presence this Christmas and I don’t want anything else. Merry Christmas!

38. Wishing you a Christmas holiday filled with love and joy. I can never think of a Christmas without you by my side. I love you!

39. I love you with all my heart and I want you to know that there is no one in this world who can make me happier than you. Merry Christmas sweetheart!

40. It doesn’t matter if we are together or far apart, we’ll always be in each other’s thoughts in every Christmas there is and there will be!

Romantic Christmas Messages

41. You’re the reason why this Christmas feels so special to me. So grateful for having you in my life. Merry Christmas!

42. If I’d have to choose between good moments on a Christmas and you, I’d choose you. Because I know good moments will come following you!

43. Nothing is more beautiful in this world than a Christmas Eve spent with you. Your presence is what makes my Christmas more enjoyable and awesome.

44. I have so many reasons to be thankful on a Christmas day but you are the one that comes first in my mind always. Merry Christmas!

45. My joy of Christmas doubles when I see you smiling. You have a permanent place in my heart and I’m not letting you go anywhere! Wishing you a happy Christmas!

46. Thank you for making my Christmas special. I look forward to spending some quality moments with you on this beautiful occasion. Sending my love for you!

47. Can’t wait to meet you and see your beautiful face this Christmas eve. You fill my heart with so much joy and pleasure. Merry Christmas my love!

48. Among the many wonderful gifts, I am about to receive on Christmas, your presence will be the most precious one. Merry Christmas my love!

49. You take all the stress out of my life during the Christmas season. Thanks for filling my holidays with joy and love. Well, technically all I want for Christmas is you. Merry Christmas, Darling.

50. Wishing you all the warmth of cocoa and the chillness of the snow in the festive season. Sending lots of Christmas kisses to my wonderful sweetheart. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, babe.

51. To the one I hold so dear in my heart, sending my heartfelt wishes on this Christmas. You are the nicest person I have ever met. Happy Christmas to you!

52. Thanks for brightening my life with your love and support. I want you to know that you are everything that I have ever dreamt of. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Wishes for Mom

53. Thank you for being my no. 1 supporter forever. The human being I am today and everything that I have conquered- I owe it all to you. Merry Christmas, mom.

54. Jingle bells rang and snow are on its way to wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. I love you so much, Mom. Miss you.

55. You make the season merry and bright, mom! May you have a blissful holiday. I love you so much. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Heartfelt Christmas Messages

56. Merry Christmas, mom! Thank you for always being there for me through thick and thin. I hope you know that I am always grateful to you. Love you so much.

57. Wherever I go and whatever I do, I carry in my heart the memories of you. Thank you for being the best mom ever. Merry Christmas!

58. Because you put so much care into everything, our lives are so wonderful. Dear mom, you have a heart that glows like a thousand diamonds. Merry Christmas to you!

59. Mom, I can never express my love for you just like how can never express my love for Christmas. Stay safe and stay happy this holiday season! Wishing you a joyous Holiday season.

60. I am really grateful to have such an amazing and supportive mother. Merry Christmas, Maa! Many good wishes for the holiday season and the coming year.
Christmas Wishes for Dad

61. No words can ever hold up the value you hold on my life, dad. I am glad that God has blessed me with the best dad ever. Merry Christmas, have a great holiday.

62. Dear dad, Merry Christmas. I pray to God every day for your good health and good mind. You have always made sure that we were doing okay. Thank you for all your sacrifices.

63. May all the peace and joy of Christmas fill your heart the whole year through, dad. Wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. I love you so much.

64. Dear dad, I hope you know that you mean a lot to me. I wish you a joyous holiday season with every bit of happiness in the world! Merry Christmas and a happy new year, dad.

65. May the wonders of Christ’s love surround you always and bring joy to your heart. Merry Christmas to the one person who always keeps us strong and united.

66. Christmas is a good time to count the blessings and you dear dad, always comes first on my list. May the magic of this Christmas overflow your heart with peace and wonders.

67. You make the season merry and bright, daddy dearest! May you have a blissful holiday with your heart lifting up with joy. At Christmas and always, what an amazing blessing you are!

68. Thank you for shaping me into the person I am today. Thank you for always being my no.1 supporter. Wishing you nothing but all the joy that Christmas brings. I love you so much.

69. I love how you make everything so funny and comfortable around you, sister. Merry Christmas. Here’s to never growing up and having lots of fun.

70. I hope the warmth of this holiday season stays with you throughout the year and brings you joy and happiness. I miss you more than you can imagine. Merry Christmas, dear.

71. Lots of amazing wishes and happiness on the Christmas bucket, I hope you will have a safe and sound holiday. Merry Christmas, baby girl. I love you so much.

72. Having you as my sister is the biggest blessing from God. I love how take our time out and enjoy the holiday season together. Merry Christmas and happy new year, sis.

73. You’re so special to me that I can never think of a Christmas holiday without you. I hope you will not deprive me of your charm this Christmas!

74. Dear sister, you are present in all my silent prayers and all my unmentioned wishes. I hope to see your smiling face during this Christmas and when the new year starts. Merry Christmas!

75. Its difficult to put in words how important you are to me. But you should know that yours is the most blissful presence in my life. Merry Christmas to you!

Christmas Wishes for Brother

76. In this holiday season, I wish nothing but good health, a good mind and prosperity for you this year! Hope you have a great holiday. Merry Christmas, Bro!

77. All good memories aside, I remember how you used to nag around for decorating the Christmas tree on your own. Merry Christmas, brother.

78. I hope you know that I love you so much and we are always together in my heart. I’m so thankful to have you in my life! Merry Christmas.

79. You add new meaning to Christmas eve with your dumb jokes, I love you so much my brother. Wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

80. Wishing you good luck and good health at this festive season of the year. May you find many reasons to celebrate during Christmas!

81. No matter what you do throughout the year, Santa will always be good to you because my prayers are with you. Merry Christmas to my sweet brother!

82. You spent so many Christmas with me even when you had your reasons not to. That makes you a perfect brother forever. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Wishes for Family

83. May all your moments be filled with tremendous happiness and astounding cheerfulness. Wishing all of you a remarkable Christmas season!

84. Thank you for giving me the best memories in life I could ever ask for. Wishing a magical Christmas season to the most adorable family ever.

85. The best thing about Christmas is that it gives me so much time to spend with you guys. Wishing you all the best things in this world on this Christmas!

86. Having a family like you is the best Christmas gift there ever could be. May your heart and our home be filled with all of the joys the festive season brings. Here’s to toast a Merry Christmas.

87. May the Christmas Season bring only happiness and joy to you and your adorable family. Merry Christmas!

88. Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful Christmas. I truly am grateful to be blessed with such a wonderful family. Merry Christmas.

89. Every Christmas is a time to be in touch with so many wonderful people under the same roof. I’m really proud to be a part of this family!

90. You taught me about the Christian religious values and you taught me about how to have fun on a Christmas! I’m lucky because I belong here, with you!

91. I wait the entire year just for a Christmas because this is the only time, we’re all present in the same house. Merry Christmas to all of you!

92. Favorite foods and favourite faces are the reasons why Christmas is my most favourite festival. I love all of you! Merry Christmas!

93. It doesn’t matter how far away from each other we are the whole year, we’ll surely unite under the same roof every Christmas! Happy Christmas!

94. Wishing each and everyone a Christmas this year full of laughter, joy and contentment. May all our wishes come true. Merry Christmas!

95. The joy of Christmas is doubled when you send Christmas wishes on your phone. Just a simple effort like this from you can really make a big difference in your relationships with your loved ones!

96. The festive cheer of this magical season reminds me of all the beautiful Christmas moments I spent with you guys. I wish to be with you this time too!

97. May all your long-cherished dreams come true this Christmas. With love and warmth of heart, wishing you Merry Christmas!

Christmas Messages for Parents

98. Thank you for all the love, care, and guidance. You guys made sure everything was fine with me even when you guys weren’t. I love you more than you can imagine. Merry Christmas.

99. Christmas is all about family and love and care. Thank you for making me understand the worth and meaning of life. Merry Christmas, Mom, and Dad. Love you.

100. Throughout life, I have always wanted to be a person like you! I admire you for being such a kind-hearted person. Merry Christmas, thank you for always loving me so well.

101. Dear Mom, Merry Christmas. Thanks for getting me even when I cannot express myself. Thanks for being my saviour. Have a great life. I love you so much.

102. It has always been an absolute pleasure to spend the holiday season with you. Thanks for making the holidays magical. I love you so much, dad. Merry Christmas.

103. For all those years you helped “Santa” to make the holiday season perfect, so grateful to you. I love you more than you can imagine. Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Christmas Wishes for Colleagues

104. I have learned things from you in my job. Today I think of you as a friend who should be a part of my Christmas this year!

105. May this festive season of Christmas bring all the success for you. May you achieve what you aimed for in life. Merry Christmas!

106. Very few colleagues can cross the boundary and touch the deepest place in the heart. You are one of the few. Happy Christmas!

107. You have always been a supportive and caring colleague. This Christmas is incomplete without your presence in my home. Merry Christmas and you’re invited!

108. Colleagues are part of one’s job life. But never knew they could be a part of actual life. Merry Christmas! You’ve become a friend of mine!

109. We have shared many workdays together, side by side. Let’s share a holiday together, side by side. Merry Christmas dear colleague!

110. Wishing you the happiest holidays of your life this Christmas. May your life continue being filled up with joy and pleasure. Happy Christmas!

111. Your support and inspiration are the reasons why I feel relaxed even when loads are heavy. Thank you for being such a helpful co-worker. Merry Christmas!

112. Because of a co-worker like you, works seem so enjoyable. Thank you for bringing so much joy into my life. Merry Christmas dear colleague!

113. Sending my warmest Christmas wishes for the coolest colleague ever. May you have a time of your life on this Christmas!

Christmas Wishes for Boss

114. I wish you all the wonderful and amazing blessings this Christmas that God has stored for you. Wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year, sir.

115. May this Christmas bring you a bundle of joy! Have a bliss and merry Christmas, Sir. May God bless you and your family. Merry Christmas to your family from mine.

116. Thank you for always keeping on inspiring and motivating me, dear boss. May God bless you in the holiday season. Wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

117. May this great festive season bring you nothing but joy and success which will last throughout the upcoming year. Merry Christmas, Boss. Happy holidays!

118. It’s a lifetime opportunity for any employee to be able to work for such a visionary leader like you. I feel really lucky to be one. Merry Christmas!

119. Wishing you a pleasant time throughout this Christmas season. May you find countless successes and glory in the coming years. Happy Christmas!

120. No one can run a business quite as successful as you. I am lucky to be an employee of yours. Merry Christmas, dear boss!

Christmas Wishes for Clients

121. I’m so fortunate to have a client like you who have been so supportive in hard times. Merry Christmas with thanks for all you do!

122. You’re not only my client but also my best benefactor. May this grand occasion enlighten your life with success merriment. Merry Christmas!

123. It is so wonderful to work with you and I would like to celebrate more Christmas with you as same as this. Let’s buckle up and enjoy the Holiday.

124. The magic of Christmas never ends and its greatest of gifts are family and friends. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

125. Lucky people get a good coworker and I’m one of them. Wish you all the prosperity in your life in this Special season.

126. You make my gloomy days brighter and the cold days warmer just by being my most supportive hand. Celebrate the joy, may you feel this happiness all year round. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Wishes for Neighbor

127. Wishing Merry Christmas to someone who’s more than a neighbour to me. You’re a part of my family and perhaps my biggest well-wisher.

128. You’re a big reason why we love to live in this neighbourhood. Looking forward has a lot of fun together this season. Merry Christmas!

129. It always feels great to spend Christmas with such a friendly neighbour like you. It’s truly a great pleasure to have you as our neighbour. Merry Christmas to you!

130. Life becomes much more enjoyable and peaceful when someone has a neighbour like you. I’m grateful because I’m the lucky one. Merry Christmas!

Religious Christmas Messages

132. May the Lord Jesus fill your life with eternal joy and never-ending happiness. I pray for a Christmas full of love and peace for you and your family!

133. It’s not only about a day of decorating Christmas trees and singing Christmas carols, but it’s also a day to celebrate our Lord’s unconditional and unceasing love for us!

134. Let the lights of Christmas guide you towards true Christianity. May the teaching of Christmas enlighten your soul with heavenly wisdom! Merry Christmas!

135. May this holy season of Christmas bring the lord’s blessing to your home. May all your wishes come true and your desires be fulfilled! Happy Christmas!

136. As you celebrate the birth of our sweet Lord Jesus, I want you to know that my prayers are always with you and you’ll always have Christ’s blessings in life!

137. A Christmas is a reward for those who believe in Christ. It comes with a promise that Christ will never abandon his dear followers. Merry Christmas!

138. May the gift of serenity and true love surround you like a shield of God. I wish you find the meaning of your life through the prayers you make. Merry Christmas!

139. May the miracle of Christmas bring you the utmost joy and happiness. May God give you contentment and peace among you and your family. Have a jolly and Merry Christmas.

140. God is always watching over you so don’t chicken out. May your Christmas sparkle with moments of love, laughter and goodwill. I wish you all the good things. Merry Christmas.

Inspirational Christmas Wishes

141. Christmas is not only about having fun and making happy memories, but it’s also about reaching out to people and be a Santa clause for them in real life!

142. Be thankful for all the sweet memories this year has given you so far. Enjoy every moment of Christmas because it has come with a promise of a better tomorrow!

143. On this wonderful occasion, I want you to know that you’re one of the nicest creations of god and that he will never disappoint you in life. Merry Christmas!

144. No matter what happens in life, make sure you don’t stop believing in yourself. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Have a nice time!

145. Life can be so unfair sometimes. But when that does not mean you should stop dreaming. May this Christmas season be full of new hopes and dreams for you!

146. If you look around, you’ll see God has blessed you in many more ways than he did to others. You have more reasons to be thankful for this Christmas!

147. Always be silent and let your actions speak for you just like a Christmas candle; never makes a noise, but softly gives itself away to light up the world. Merry Christmas!

148. This Christmas, experience the miracles of love and absorb the spirit of sacrifice in yourself. Let the joy be spread all around you. Merry Christmas!

149. I wish that your Christmas season shimmers with love and kindness. Take chances and take some risks in life. May you get success in every sphere of life. Merry Christmas!

150. May the joy and peace of Christmas be with you all through the Year Wishing you a season of blessings from heaven above, Happy Christmas!

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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, Akpabio emphasised the importance of spreading love, kindness and generosity at yuletide.

He also encouraged Nigerians to remember those in need and offer a helping hand.

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

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

“And to our brothers and sisters of other faith, 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 every other brothers’ keeper”

The Senate President 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.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria was heading in the right direction under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCON and urged Nigerians to continue to support the government for better days ahead.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to produce Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, for arraignment on 30 December.

Judge Emeka Nwite issued the order on Wednesday after the EFCC failed, for the second time, to present Mr Adamu, a former Polaris Bank manager, for arraignment on six counts of alleged N4.6 billion money laundering.

EFCC filed the charges on 19 December against Mr Adamu and a firm, Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd.

The defendants were earlier scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday, but proceedings could not take place as neither the EFCC nor the defendants appeared in court, despite defence lawyers being present.

The court then adjourned the matter to Wednesday (today).

At Wednesday’s proceedings, EFCC lawyer Samuel Chime apologised for the prosecution’s absence the previous day. He explained that the commission intended to amend the charge to include additional suspects. He added that the suspects had written to the EFCC indicating their readiness to honour invitations.

He therefore requested an extension of the remand order to allow all defendants to be arraigned together on 30 December.

But lead defence lawyer, Gordy Uche, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), opposed the application.

He claimed that the prosecution was acting in bad faith. “There is already a charge before the court against the defendant which he can take a plea on,” he said.

Mr Uche also revealed that the EFCC had already responded to a bail application without indicating that investigations were ongoing or that other suspects were being sought.

He highlighted the wider impact of the finance commissioner’s detention, explaining that “since his detention, more than 60,000 workers have not been paid.”

He urged the court to stand the matter down so Mr Adamu could be produced.

Responding, EFCC’s lawyer, Mr Chime, insisted that the investigation had been concluded and that the prosecution only sought a uniform arraignment of all defendants.

After listening to the parties, Mr Nwite expressed displeasure at the EFCC’s handling of the case.

Expressing frustrations with the prosecution’s conduct, Mr Nwite questioned why the commission filed the charges without being ready to proceed.

The judge described the EFCC action as unfair, unprofessional, and “uncalled for.” He said not producing the defendant on the next sitting would attract sanctions. “Go and tell your chairman,” the judge said.

He then rescheduled the arraignment to 30 December.

Charges

According to the EFCC, Mr Adamu, while acting as Branch Manager of Polaris Bank Ltd in Bauchi, allegedly conspired with Ishaku Mohammed Aliyu, Managing Director of Makayye Investment Resources Ltd, and Muntaka Mohammed Duguri, both said to be at large, to launder about N4.65 billion between June and December 2023.

READ ALSO: Court grants Malami bail in conditions set by EFCC, ex-AGF reacts

The prosecution alleged that the funds were provided under the guise of financing motorcycles for the Bauchi State Government through Emmanuel Asomugha General Enterprises, but the motorcycles were never supplied.

Another count accused the defendants of retaining and transferring proceeds of an unlawful act through nominees and third parties, including the alleged transfer of N165.9 million to Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd.

The EFCC said the offence violated and is punishable under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

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• A young Nigerian lady has shared a TikTok post disclosing things she found in her father’s abandoned cupboard
• In the trending video, she brought out the items and sampled them, reminiscing about how simple life used to be back then
• Nostalgic reactions trailed her post on TikTok as social media users shared their opinions in the comments section

A lady from Nigeria left many emotional online after sharing a short video about the items in her father’s abandoned cupboard.

The clip showed items discovered inside a cupboard that had been left untouched for years in her family home.

Lady displays items in dad’s abandoned cupboard

As she removed each item, she couldn’t help but express admiration for the level of simplicity that was present during that period.

Identified as @wonuuu on TikTok, she disclosed that the cupboard belonged to her father and had long been abandoned.

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Man shows 4-bedroom flat he built from scratch, mentions amount he budgeted: “I started with nothing

She carefully brought out the contents one after another, displaying each item for everyone to see.

Among the objects displayed were an old lantern, cassette tapes, old magazines, ancient beads, headphones, an old radio from earlier times, and a landline telephone.

She captioned the post:

“Things I found in my dad abandoned cupboard. Memories. Back when life was simple.”

Reactions as lady displays items in dad’s abandoned cupboard

TikTok users stormed the comments section to react to the post.

@Cynthia said:

“Do not, I repeat, do not discard most of these items. They’re gonna be worth a fortune soon. If and only if historical preservation culture is still ever present and active in the Nigeria of the future. Because these items would be used also as teaching materials for the generations to come.”

@Lonely Girl said:

“Basorun gaa and ibinu elewon very interesting film and i never marry see my life.”

@itslitfit reacted:

“Your papa nah legend oooo chai, Almighty Allah continue to protect him and grant him long life.”

Read also

Father of bride gives couple 6 plots of land worth N10 million each on wedding day

@Actor_khaleefah said:

“You caption it BACK THEN WHEN LIFE WAS SIMPLE, But the first thing you show us was “NIGERIA AFTER ABIOLA” with another headline saying “ABACHA KILLED ABIOLA”. It’s obvious Nigeria has never been simple.”

@Beekay said:

“If you are a lady protect that lamp with ur life, if u are a guy keep it for your wife she will need it after birth Dey find one after I birth my son omo I no see buy self.”

@OLUWADAMILOLA said:

“I watch most of the movies you post, I can remember kkk and Sade blade, bashorun gaa almost all.”

@💉🩺 said:

“Pls next time indicate that he’s still alive before all these people wish your dad RIP again but in btw your papa was a baller during those days.”

@HAKRIS said:

“I guess your dad is a great legend,amongst the greatest may the almighty Allah continue to bless and guide him into the right paths.”

Read also

Nigerian lady who visited UK church displays sumptuous meals served to members, people react

@SONIAA added:

“Comment section dey muzz me. why is everyone typing rip to the man like do you guys want to tell me that you didn’t see where he corrected the first person that thought he’s dead?”

See the post below:

Lady finds her parents’ wedding photo

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a Nigerian lady sparked many reactions on TikTok after she posted her parents’ wedding photos for people to see.

The lady identified as Ammy said her parents got married 25 years ago and they have been living together since then.

Source: Legit.ng

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Kayode Tokede