• A Nigerian lady has shared her experience with netizens after walking out of her marriage about two years ago
• In a video posted via her official account, she spoke about the moment her bride price was returned to her former husband’s family
• According to her, her former husband burst into tears when reality dawned on him that she was leaving, but it was already too late

A Nigerian lady recounted an emotional chapter of her life on social media, after leaving her marriage about two years earlier.

Through a video, she shared how the formal dissolution of the union took place just seven years after it was initiated.

Lady recounts her marital experience after her bride price was returned.
Photo credit: @miss.ijay/TikTok.
Source: TikTok

Lady recounts how her bride price was returned

In a video shared on TikTok, the lady, known on the platform as @miss.ijay, explained that the marriage officially ended when her bride price was returned to her former husband’s family.

Read also

Lady pens emotional post as Aunty Esther reportedly loses battle to cancer: “She hustled under rain”

She shared her story alongside a throwback video which was made on the same day the repayment took place, marking the complete dissolution of the marital bond.

According to her, the incident which was initially going smoothly, became dramatic when the realisation settled in for her former spouse.

As the dissolution process took place, he reportedly became overwhelmed with emotion and broke down in tears.

The formal return of the bride price, a key traditional step, made it clear that she was leaving permanently.

Despite the emotional display, she maintained that the decision had already been finalised long before that day.

She indicated that the moment was not one of doubt but rather confirmation that the chapter had closed.

Lady narrates how her former husband burst into tears when her bride price was returned.
Photo credit: @miss.ijay/TikTok.
Source: TikTok

In her words:

“My bride price was paid in December 2016. My bride price was returned in December 2023. This video was made on my bride price return day. My “husband” couldn’t stop crying. That was when it actually dawned on him that I was really walking out of the marriage.”

Read also

Lady wipes off over 20k messages, clears chat as boyfriend breaks up with her on Boxing Day

See the post below:

Reactions as lady speaks on marital crash

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

@Queen Meenas said:

“Some cases can be settled. Now everything na divorce. Did u not know your partner well enough before you agreed to marry him.”

@Worldearthblog said:

“When the children grow and he come and take his children that time you will be approaching 40/45 that time you will understand better. You did the man a great favour for giving him rest.”

@Zubbymercy said:

“If a man returns bride price it means he is the one that rejected the woman and not the other way round.”

@Helen ken said:

“Nothing dey outside think about old age my marriage is 35 years now I endure everything marriage brought good and bad cos my children they are grown.”

@Ify Okoye reacted:

“I am over 30 yrs in marriage. No marriage is perfect dear. But you can make it work. I will only advise you to quit when it becomes threat to life, apart from it, hand over to Jesus, He alone.”

Read also

Lady who disposed ‘Christmas rice’ she received from neighbour explains why in video

@Jacy.joseph20 said:

“My husband no gree return or accept anything, he keeps trying coming back until I went back to him and everything is good now.”

@Ekkies.empire kiddies added:

“I want to return my kid to her father by January, I don’t want to be stuck again. I want to focus on my life and business. Her father is living in d same street with me. We have been separated since 2023. He only pays half school fees. I do all.”

Lady ends her marriage to pastor

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a pastor’s wife publicly announced the crash of her marriage, shedding light on what really happened.

In a lengthy video, the former pastor’s wife disclosed that she got married at 20 and opened up about how she found solace in marriage at the time.

Source: Legit.ng

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What was meant to be a joyful Christmas homecoming has ended in tragedy in Oben Village, Benin city, Edo state.

A young man simply identified as Didi, who reportedly returned from abroad to celebrate the festive season with his family, was brutally killed under disturbing circumstances.

According to reports shared by @ChuksEricE on X (formerly Twitter), Didi was allegedly lured into a bush by a longtime childhood friend identified as Amadin William, also known as Old Soldier.

On getting there, he was reportedly attacked and murdered, leaving the community in shock and mourning.

Following the incident, the suspect was said to have fled the area. However, it was later confirmed that Amadin William was arrested in Benin City, where he had reportedly been hiding.

The tragic incident has sparked widespread anger and disbelief among residents and social media users, particularly due to the alleged involvement of a trusted childhood friend.

The killing has cast a dark shadow over Christmas celebrations in Oben Village, serving as a painful reminder of how trust can sometimes be fatally misplaced.

Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full details surrounding the murder.

Watch the video below…

Tragic Christmas Visit Ends in Mûrder in Edo State
A young man identified as Didi, who returned from abroad to celebrate Christmas with his family in Oben Village, Edo State, has been k!ll£d by allegedly childhood friend “Amadin William”
According to reports, Didi was allegedly… pic.twitter.com/TkVo06Mjjj

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) December 27, 2025

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has rejected claims that he has pulled out of the 2027 presidential contest, calling the reports false and misleading.

Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 election, was said in some reports to have stepped aside for Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate.

The story also claimed that Atiku supported a one-term presidency for Obi in the interest of regional balance.

However, Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, dismissed the report outright, describing it as fake news.

Reacting on Saturday, December 27, Ibe posted a screenshot of the claim on his verified X account and wrote: “Fake news: Not on the menu!”

This comes as reports indicate that Peter Obi now plans to formally join the ADC.

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Community Begs Anambra Govt To Tackle Erosion

Residents of Enugwu-Nanka Village in Orumba North local government area of Anambra State have pleaded for the state government’s intervention to address the worsening gully erosion threatening the community.

The residents are also seeking reprieve from the World Bank and relevant environmental stakeholders to prevent continuous destruction of lives and properties in the area.

Chairman of the Enugwu-Nanka Erosion and Flood Control Committee, Chief Emmanuel Osele, told newsmen that the erosion had displaced over 200 families, while houses worth billions of naira had collapsed into gullies.

He said, “Several buildings, farmlands, access roads linking the village with neighbouring Amakor and Ubahu communities, as well as critical infrastructure, are at risk, if urgent action was not taken.

“The community and individuals have embarked on various self-help measures, including tree planting, construction of drainages and catchment pits, to mitigate the damage. We also warned residents against cutting down trees in erosion-prone areas, but to no avail.

“We are therefore calling on the federal and Anambra State governments to urgently intervene in the worsening gully erosion threatening our community.”

A resident of the community, Nze Joshua Obinwa, whose house is threatened by the erosion, said the problem had lingered for decades.

Obinwa, an octogenarian, said that the menace had also displaced many old people from their ancestral homes; he consequently, joined in the call for governments intervention. (NAN)

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Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, may be on the verge of leaving the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Strong indications suggest that Obi is weighing a move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after weeks of quiet political engagements and consultations.

POLITICS NIGERIA can confirm from insider reports that discussions around his possible defection have intensified in recent weeks.

The move, if confirmed, would mark a major realignment within the opposition bloc and could reshape calculations ahead of the next presidential race.

There are strong claims that Obi has already agreed in principle to align with the ADC. Plans are reportedly underway for a public declaration in Enugu before the end of the year.

Supporters loyal to the former Anambra State governor are said to be mobilising for the event, even as formal confirmation remains absent.

Party figures familiar with the talks say Obi recently held high-level meetings with key ADC leaders. These discussions were said to focus on strengthening a broad political coalition aimed at challenging the ruling party in 2027.

The ADC has been actively courting prominent political figures as part of its expansion drive.

The renewed engagement follows a moment of tension earlier this month, after Obi reportedly described the ADC as unstable.

The party responded by urging him to make a clear decision on whether he intended to join the coalition or not. That exchange is believed to have triggered deeper consultations.

Within ADC circles, there is confidence that Obi’s hesitation is fading. Party officials argue that Enugu, rather than Anambra, was chosen for the proposed declaration because of its symbolic status in the South-East. They say the move reflects a regional outlook rather than a state-based ambition.

However, ADC leadership has maintained a cautious public stance. Party officials insist that while talks are ongoing, no official announcement has been made.

They say any declaration would only be confirmed when all internal processes are concluded.

The Obidient Movement has also refused to take a clear position. Its leadership insists that only Peter Obi himself can speak on such a critical political decision. The movement has remained silent amid growing speculation across political circles.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party has played down reports of Obi’s imminent exit. Party leaders say they are not alarmed by the speculation and will wait for Obi to personally address the matter.

They describe party defections as a regular feature of Nigerian politics.

Labour Party officials argue that any decision by Obi to leave would be based on personal political calculations. They maintain that the party remains stable and capable of surviving beyond any individual.

While expressing no hostility, party leaders say they would have preferred internal reconciliation.

They also reminded Obi of the platform the party provided during the 2023 elections. According to them, remaining within the party would allow unresolved issues to be addressed internally.

Still, they insist they would not stand in his way if he chooses another political path.

As of now, Obi has not made any public statement to confirm or deny the reports. His silence has only fueled speculation and heightened political interest across the country.

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The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has welcomed the United States’ airstrikes on terrorist targets in north-west Nigeria and criticised those opposing foreign military intervention against terror groups.

The group said Nigeria urgently requires all available support to end the worsening insecurity across the country.

Reacting to the US airstrikes in Sokoto state, Sunday Oibe, chairman of NOSCEF, said Nigeria is facing an existential security crisis that demands decisive and collaborative action.

Oibe said any assistance aimed at restoring peace should be embraced, provided the Nigerian government is fully aware of and involved in the process.

“In whatever way this help comes, as long as the Nigerian government is in the know, it is a welcome development.

“Nigerians have been bleeding for far too long because of the activities of these criminal bandits, whom I prefer to call enemies of humanity,” Oibe stated.

The NOSCEF chairman said his position aligns with that of former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, insisting that terrorism must be confronted decisively and without compromise.

“I agree completely with the position of former leader, General Babangida, that the government must root out this evil without negotiation,” he said.

Oibe questioned arguments against foreign military involvement, asking why anyone would oppose efforts aimed at eliminating groups that continue to kill innocent citizens.

“Why should any sane mind be against rooting out these criminals by whatever means necessary? We all saw how innocent Nigerians were bombed inside a mosque in Maiduguri just a few days ago,” he added.

Oibe said the nationality of those supporting Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts should not matter, as long as the objective is to restore peace.

“Whether it is American, Indian, or Togolese support that will help Nigeria uproot this evil, it should be welcomed. Nigerians simply want to live freely and go about their daily activities without fear of attack,” Oibe said.

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Nigeria’s luxury fashion landscape is shaped not only by designers but also by a small group of retail businesses that act as key intermediaries between creators and consumers.

While Nigerian and international designers produce high-end clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products, it is these retailers that curate, import, and distribute such items within the local market, determining how luxury fashion is accessed and experienced.

Accessories include handbags, shoes, watches, jewellery, and other premium lifestyle goods.

Operating at the upper end of the market, these retailers focus on brand selection, merchandising, and retail presentation rather than production.

Their stores offer platforms for both global luxury labels and Nigerian designers, providing consumers with products that meet the highest standards of international luxury fashion while also highlighting local creativity.

This article examines some of Nigeria’s leading luxury fashion retailers and the individuals behind them, highlighting the role they play in shaping the structure, accessibility, and evolution of the country’s luxury fashion retail ecosystem.

Folakemi Olaosebikan – Founder, The Regalio 

Folakemi Olaosebikan is the founder of The Regalio, a luxury fashion retail store located on the second floor of the Ile Oja shopping mall in Victoria Island, Lagos. Opened in 2023, the store sells women’s luxury apparel, handbags, and shoes.

The Regalio carries international fashion brands including Area, 16 Arlington, Pucci, Marni, Paco Rabanne, René Caovilla, Retrofête, Jimmy Choo, Cult Gaia, and Celine. Olaosebikan curates the selection, drawing on her background in personal shopping and styling, with a focus on evening and occasion wear.

Since opening, the store has built a customer base that includes fashion professionals and social figures in Lagos. Olaosebikan has said she plans to expand the store’s offering through additional wholesale partnerships.

She holds a Master’s degree in International Human Resource Management from Middlesex University and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Affairs from Houdegbe North American University, Benin.

Reni Folawiyo – Founder & CEO, Alára 

Reni Folawiyo is the founder and Chief Executive of Alára, a luxury fashion concept store in Victoria Island, Lagos. Founded in 2015, Alára blends African designers with global labels such as Stella McCartney, Dries Van Noten, Marni, and Valentino, offering curated high-end fashion, accessories, and lifestyle products to Nigerian and international consumers.

The store showcases Nigerian design through creators like Maki Oh, Lanre de Silva Ajayi, and Tiffany Amber, providing a platform for local talent to reach discerning customers alongside established global brands.

Born in London and raised in Nigeria, Folawiyo studied law at the University of Warwick before returning to Lagos. She also ran an interior design business producing custom furniture prior to opening Alára, identifying a gap in the market for African designers to showcase their work at an international standard.

Uche Rita Ukpaka – CEO, RJ4 

Uche Rita Ukpaka is the Chief Executive Officer of RJ4, a luxury fashion and lifestyle retail business based in Victoria Island, Lagos. The store operates a multi-category format, selling men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, accessories, beauty products, and other lifestyle items.

RJ4 offers a mix of local and international labels. Its menswear and womenswear selections include both contemporary and traditional clothing. The store also retails designer accessories such as sunglasses, wristwatches, ties, cufflinks, belts, and small leather goods, as well as handbags and shoes for both men and women. Additional products include fragrances, home scents, skincare, and makeup.

In 2023, RJ4 added a medspa and salon to its operations, expanding its offering beyond retail.

Ukpaka oversees the company alongside Managing Director Ignatius Ukpaka, managing its fashion, beauty, and lifestyle operations. The store focuses on curated selections and standard retail practices to provide access to high-end fashion and lifestyle products.

Yinka M. Ashogbon – Founder & CEO, Ashcorp Group 

Yinka M. Ashogbon is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ashcorp Group, a luxury fashion retail and lifestyle company with offices in Lagos and London. Founded in 2016, the Group operates retail brands including Ashluxe, Ashluxury, and Plus234LABS, offering curated high-end fashion, accessories, and lifestyle products to African and international consumers.

Under his leadership, Ashluxury, launched in 2017, became a concept store introducing global luxury fashion to the African market. In 2019, he launched Ashluxe, a streetwear brand blending African culture with contemporary design, now available in Lagos, London, and other major cultural capitals.

Yinka studied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Caleb University, Lagos, and Luxury Brand Management at the University of Arts, London. He also completed the Stanford Executive Program (SEP) in Business Administration and Management and the Executive Program for Growing Companies at Stanford Graduate School of Business, as well as the High-Performance Leadership Program at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.

Yinka has been recognized on the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list (2022) and the BOF 500 (2023).

Ms. Jennifer Obayuwana – Executive Director, Polo Luxury Group 

Ms. Jennifer Obayuwana is the Executive Director of Polo Luxury Group, one of Nigeria’s longest-standing luxury retail companies. Founded in 1987 by her father, John Obayuwana, the group introduced high-end watches, jewellery, and fashion brands to the Nigerian market and continues to operate across multiple luxury retail segments.

In her role, Obayuwana oversees the group’s strategic direction and operations. Polo Luxury Group represents global brands such as Rolex, Cartier, Breguet, Chopard, Piaget, Omega, Longines, Messika, Roberto Coin, and Montblanc, while its fashion arm, Polo Avenue, carries labels including Gucci, Valentino, Bottega Veneta, Berluti, Alexander McQueen, and Versace.

Obayuwana has an extensive academic and executive education background. She studied at The American University of Paris and Franklin University, Switzerland, and has completed executive programmes at INSEAD, Columbia Business School, Lagos Business School, Wharton, Cranfield School of Management, the Gemological Institute of America, and the Owner/President Management (OPM) programme at Harvard Business School.

She began her career within the group as a sales associate and has progressed into executive leadership, playing a central role in the management and expansion of the company’s luxury retail operations in Nigeria.

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Plateau State commissioner for agriculture and rural development, Mr Samson Bugama, has empowered 180 farmers in Kanke local government area of the state with farm inputs.

Presenting the items to the farmers yesterday, Bugama said the gesture was a demonstration of deep commitment to grassroots development.

He added that the gesture aimed at boosting agricultural activities in the state, in line with Gov. Caleb Mutfwang’s drive of boosting agriculture.

“This intervention reflects this administration’s commitment to enhancing agriculture at the community level by supporting small-scale farmers with tools required to improve crop yields and farm productivity.

This underscores this administration’s commitment to bringing meaningful development to rural communities,” he said.

Bugama said the beneficiaries were drawn from the 18 wards in the locality. (NAN)

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Seven passengers, including two children, were killed while four others sustained injuries in a road accident along the Gombe–Potiskum highway in Yobe State, with the police attributing the crash to a mechanical failure.

The incident occurred at about 4:30 pm on December 26, 2025, around the Badejo–Potiskum axis, when a Sharon bus travelling from Lawanti area of Akko Local Government Area in Gombe State to Maiduguri, Borno State, veered off the road and crashed into the bush.

The spokesperson of the Yobe State Police Command, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, said the Potiskum Divisional Police Headquarters received a distress call reporting the accident.

“On December 26, 2025, at about 16:30 p.m., the Potiskum Divisional Police Headquarters received a distress call regarding a fatal motor accident in the Badejo–Potiskum axis,” he said.

Abdulkarim explained that preliminary findings showed the vehicle, driven by Gambo Abbo, suffered a rear tyre burst while in motion.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle, driven by one Gambo Abbo, suffered a rear tyre burst, while in motion,” he said.

He added that the mechanical failure caused the driver to lose control, leading to the vehicle leaving the road and crashing into the bush.

According to him, the driver and four passengers died on the spot, while six others sustained injuries to their heads and limbs.

“The Police Motor Traffic Department (PMTD) promptly mobilised to the scene to evacuate the injured persons to the State Specialist Hospital, Potiskum, for medical attention,” Abdulkarim said.

He added that two of the injured later died while receiving treatment at the hospital.
“Sadly, two of the injured later succumbed to their injuries while on admission,” he said.

The police spokesperson said the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and identification by relatives.

Those identified as having died in the crash are Gambo Abbo, 35, the driver; Umalkhairi, 18; Rabiu Abubakar, 28; Fatima Hassan, 28; Amal Abubakar, 3; Adamu Bello, 4; and Zarau Alhaji, 27.

Abdulkarim said efforts were ongoing to reach and formally notify the families of the deceased in Gombe and Borno states.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ado, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

“The Commissioner of Police extends his deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes the injured a speedy and full recovery,” he said.

Ado also reiterated the command’s commitment to road safety and cautioned motorists against reckless driving.

He urged drivers to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and ensure regular maintenance of their vehicles, especially critical components such as tyres, brakes and steering systems.

According to him, “strict compliance with these safety measures remains vital in preventing avoidable road accidents and other crashes on highways.”

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Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume has urged Nigerians not to allow religion to become a source of division.

He stressed that both Islam and Christianity preach kindness, patience, and mercy.

Ndume gave the charge during a Christmas luncheon organised for Christian Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Centre in Wulari Ward, Maiduguri, Borno State.

According to the senator, religion should never be used to separate people, noting that Nigerians share common hopes, fears, and aspirations irrespective of their faith.

“Religion should never stand between one human heart and another. We all breathe the same air, and our dreams are more alike than different,” Ndume said.

He warned that conflicts often thrive when people are reduced to labels rather than seen as fellow human beings, adding that those who manipulate religion for selfish interests do so out of fear of unity.

“No belief system asks us to hate our neighbour. Every major faith teaches kindness, patience, and mercy. Those who twist religion for personal gain are serving their own power, not God,” he stated.

The senator called on Nigerians to place humanity above religious differences in their daily interactions, noting that empathy and dialogue weaken the influence of those who benefit from division.

“Unity is not a sign of weakness. A society that stands together will always be stronger than one broken by fear. Humanity binds us more deeply than any difference we may carry,” he added.

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The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has donated ₦10 million, alongside seedlings and other agricultural inputs, to farmers in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, as part of efforts to boost food security and support grassroots livelihoods.

Yilwatda made the donation on Saturday at his home community of Ampang East, Kanke LGA, during a ceremony where he was honoured with a traditional chieftaincy title by his kinsmen.

He was conferred with the title “Kaeh-rit of Ampang East,” meaning “the good seed,” in recognition of his contributions to community development and humanitarian service.

Speaking at the event, the APC national chairman said the gesture aligns with the food security agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration, which prioritises increased agricultural productivity as a strategy to reduce poverty and strengthen the economy.

He stressed that empowering local farmers with critical inputs remains key to achieving sustainable food production and building community resilience.

Prof. Yilwatda, who was recently honoured with a traditional title by the Tiv nation, said his public service philosophy is inspired by President Tinubu’s leadership style.

He also described the APC as an inclusive party, noting that it does not discriminate between old and new members, amid speculations of political realignments in Plateau State.

He added that political harmony across all levels of government would enhance coordination and ensure development policies directly benefit the people of Plateau State.

The chieftaincy ceremony attracted party faithful, community leaders and farmers, who commended Yilwatda for his support to agriculture and grassroots development.

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Presidential hopeful, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has described the recent United States airstrikes targeting Islamic State (IS) elements operating within Nigeria as a damning indictment of the country’s security architecture, blaming what he called the persistent failure of governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC-led administration.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Hashim said the US intervention reflects growing international concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, particularly in the North-West, where terrorist groups are steadily consolidating their influence.

According to the former presidential candidate, responsible global actors cannot afford to ignore the emergence of an IS foothold in Nigeria, stressing that the country is “too large, too strategic, and too important to be allowed to fail.”

Hashim revealed that since 2021 , and more intensely over the past year, his team had repeatedly warned that security modelling in the North-West pointed towards a dangerous trajectory, including the potential emergence of an IS-aligned enclave if urgent action was not taken.

He attributed the worsening insecurity to deepening poverty, prolonged governance failure, and weakened institutions, which he said have emboldened extremist groups while silencing moderate political and secular voices across the region.

“More worrying is the elevation of individuals who enable or rationalise extremism into positions of political influence, creating conditions under which terror groups can aspire to territorial control,” he stated.

While acknowledging that international airstrikes may temporarily degrade terrorist capabilities, Hashim stressed that lasting solutions can only come from within.

He added that as external interventions are not expected to be one-off actions, the mechanisms guiding them must be carefully negotiated within the framework of security cooperation between sovereign nations, with clear accountability structures and transparent reporting measures to prevent abuse and ensure long-term stability.

“The situation in the North-West is dire. Without urgent internal reforms, improved governance, and decisive political leadership, external military interventions will not produce sustainable results,” he warned.

Hashim further questioned the readiness of the APC-led government to undertake the critical internal reforms needed to stabilise the country, arguing that Nigeria continues to grapple with fundamental governance and security deficits that threaten its democratic future.

He also alleged that the government’s apparent reluctance to act decisively may stem from political compromises made during the 2015 struggle for power, compromises he said now constrain its ability to confront extremist elements head-on.

Concluding, Hashim warned that Nigeria can no longer afford denial or half-measures in the face of what he described as an existential threat, calling for urgent, courageous leadership to prevent further deterioration of national security.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has pledged unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu’s second term.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, said Mr Wike made the pledge on Saturday while meeting PDP stakeholders in Ochigba, Rivers.

Mr Wike attended an end-of-year thanksgiving service organised by former Deputy Speaker of the House, Chibudom Nwuche, in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers.

Addressing stakeholders, Mr Wike said their struggle would not be in vain, urging them to continue supporting Mr Tinubu despite what he described as intimidation in the state.

He recalled openly backing Mr Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, even when support was difficult in Rivers.

Mr Wike said he would continue to support the president now that conditions were easier, stressing that early supporters were recognised after Mr Tinubu’s victory.

“I want to thank you for standing with us all through these years. We know those who are ungrateful,” he said.

He said political courage was required in 2023, when many were unsure of Mr Tinubu’s chances and feared openly supporting him.

“In politics, you must take a stand, believing that at the end of the day, it will be good. Now, it is good,” Mr Wike said.

READ ALSO: Wike openly vowed to hold PDP down to Tinubu’s advantage – Gov Makinde

He added that his supporters made Mr Tinubu “stand strong” in the state when it was difficult to declare loyalty.

Mr Wike assured supporters he respected agreements, saying, “When we take a decision, Nigerians know we have taken it.”

He said preparations for the 2027 general elections would begin in January, promising to honour all political agreements.

“Agreement is agreement. Anything you cannot do, don’t say it,” he told supporters.

Mr Wike dismissed critics chanting loyalty slogans, saying his camp acted “when it mattered most”.

He said he remained firm on supporting Mr Tinubu, adding, “We are all in this till the end.”

(NAN)

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December 28, 2025December 28, 2025

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Onyedega, Kogi State – The Ejeh of Ibaji, Hrh (Dr) Odiche John Egwemi, has appealed to Kogi State authorities to allocate the Chairmanship and Secretaryship of Kogi Oil Producing Area Development Commission (KOSOPADEC) to Ibaji, citing it as “the area that lays the golden eggs”.

“This is standard practice in Oil Producing Communities around Nigeria. He who wears a shoe knows where it pinches. Let Ibaji People play a vital role in managing the Oil found on their land,” Egwemi said in an interview with SummitPost on December 26, 2025.

The call aligns with Ibaji People’s aspirations, who’ve been seeking justice and equity following the amended KOSOPADEC Law of July 2025, which they deem “repugnant, oppressive, and unjust”.

“We appealed to Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo to act in good faith and facilitate the reversal of the amended law,” stakeholders said in a statement. “Ibaji stood firmly with the present administration during the last elections… it’s unjust that we’re now subjected to policies undermining our dignity, voice, and future.”

It would be recalled that the federal government, through Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), had in 2022, recognised Kogi State as an oil-producing state. Same year, the former governor, Yahaya Bello, confirmed during a State Executive Council meeting that the had received its first 13 percent derivation funds.

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Linus Oota writes that Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, designed his 2026 budget to sustain the momentum of his administration’s reforms.

On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Nasarawa State Governor, Engr Abdullahi Sule, presented the 2026 appropriation bill to the Nasarawa State House of Assembly.

During the presentation, the governor expressed the desire of his administration to sustain the industrialization policy he promised the people of the state in 2019 and the drive is underpinned by both the size of the budget and sectoral allocations that indicate where emphasis lies.

During the six years, six months old administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule, the dream of making Nasarawa State a harbour for investment was 90 percent realized.

The 2026 budget of Strategic Consolidation has a total size of Five Hundred and Seventeen Billion, Fifty Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ten Naira and Seventy-Seven Kobo (N517,539,050,910.77) only.

According to Governor Sule “The 2026 Budget therefore, represents a strategic consolidation of our achievements over the years and a deliberate effort to chart a sustainable path for accelerated development.

“The Budget is aimed at achieving the developmental aspiration of our administration viz-a-viz the policy direction of the APC government under the leadership of our amiable President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR),” he said.

Looking at the budget and the aspirations of Governor Abdullahi Sule, the budget is no doubt audacious in outlook. The proposed budget evidently captured the dreams of the governor to manage effectively the resources of the state to make a positive impact on the people of Nasarawa State.

The 2025 budget which was presented in November 2024 deepens the governor’s efforts in tackling security challenges headlong and ensuring profitable Agricultural yields.

Speaking on the gains of the 2025 budget in the area of Security and Agriculture, Governor Abdullahi Sule told the lawmakers that the attraction of investments into the state was directly linked to peace and harmonious co-existence of the populace.

“On agriculture, you are aware that Nasarawa is an agrarian State with good climatic conditions and soil texture. This is why we have continued to take advantage of this opportunity to prioritize and focus on boosting our agricultural production for food value-chain addition.

“We also committed to ensure full exploitation of our potential in the agricultural sector. In this connection, the government has sustained the distribution of farm inputs to our farmers in order to support agricultural development in the State.

“I am happy to inform you that in our commitment to ensure food security for the State, Government expanded cultivation to 3,300 hectares of farm out of the 10,000 hectares of land acquired in Jangwa and Agwatashi of Awe and Obi Local Government Areas respectively.  As I speak, harvest has begun and we are expecting 8 tons per hectare to be harvested at the end of the season.

“This administration has also procured and distributed tractors and other agriculture machinery, as well as farm inputs to our farmers in our determination to enhance mechanized agriculture and its sustainability,” the governor added.

The 2026 budget,  notable for its substantial increase from previous years, indicates the state’s ambitions to accelerate development and improve residents’ quality of life. Significant allocations go to key sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, and agriculture/industry, security which are crucial for stimulating economic growth, creating job opportunities, and ensuring the populace’s overall well-being.

Investments in infrastructure, including roads and healthcare, are expected to enhance connectivity and access to essential services. Specifically, infrastructure received 157.80 billion representing 30.49% , Education got 92.91 billion representing 7.95%, the Health Sector was allocated 37.19 billion representing 7.19%  while the Agricultural sector was given 31.85 billion representing 6.15% .

The budget which overwhelmingly prioritizes infrastructure, reflected the Governor’s focus on delivering critical projects he has consistently proclaimed. Tagged, the ‘Budget of Strategic Consolidation,’ the document aimed at accelerating ongoing projects and launching new ones.

Recall that, in the midst of strident calls by admirers from across his Nasarawa North zone for him to declare interest to run for the Senate, Governor Sule has consistently called on the people not to distract him but to allow him to focus on delivering critical infrastructure for the sustainable growth and development of the state.

Therefore, it is not surprising  that the 2026 financial plan allocates N157.8 billion to infrastructure—30.49% of the total budget and the largest share of any sector. This substantial investment highlights the administration’s conviction that robust physical infrastructure is vital for unlocking economic potential and improving citizens’ quality of life.

Most significantly, the budget is strategically tilted toward capital projects, with 58.88% (N304.75 billion) earmarked for capital expenditure to ensure resources are directed toward tangible development.

This infrastructure focus builds on progress made over the past six years, during which the Sule administration has constructed about 639 kilometers of road networks, with recent initiatives to include new rural road projects in Akwanga, Nassarawa-Eggon, and Wamba Local Government Areas, such as the 17km Buku/Kambre/Numa Gona/Bayan Dutse link and the 21.5km Alizaga Hill Umme to Arugbadu road.

These projects are designed to open up and connect rural communities, fostering inclusive socio-economic growth by linking agricultural areas to markets.

The infrastructure drive is also not only limited to rural communities but extends to urban centers. Residents of Lafia, Keffi, and Akwanga are witnessing transformative projects like the recently commissioned Lafia Ahmed Bola Tinubu interchange and ongoing construction of flyovers and underpasses. These initiatives are expected to improve traffic flow, reduce travel time, facilitate the movement of goods, and stimulate commerce.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the 2026 budget is a multi-faceted development tool. The economic sector received the second-largest allocation of N221.84 billion to support job creation through industrialization, small and medium enterprise (SME) support, and agricultural productivity.

This policy thrust is in line with a recent major achievement: the groundbreaking of a $400 million rare earth and critical metals processing plant by Hasetins Commodities Limited in Uke, Karu Local Government Area.

Touted as a game changer and set to be the largest of its kind in Africa, the plant will process elements essential for electric vehicles, medical equipment, and advanced manufacturing. During the groundbreaking, Governor Sule commended the project as a historic milestone that will position Nasarawa as a high-technology production hub and create numerous jobs for the state’s youth.

The social sector is another key beneficiary, with an allocation of N170.92 billion. This includes N92.91 billion for education and N37.19 billion for health. These resources are intended to enhance the quality and accessibility of essential services, building on previous efforts such as recruiting teachers and healthcare staff, upgrading primary healthcare centers to general hospitals, and expanding health insurance coverage for the poor and vulnerable.

 To ensure sustainable human capital development beyond its tenure, the administration has also established six strategic new agencies in key sectors to drive modernization, institutional strengthening, economic growth, public safety, and regulatory framework.

 “These agencies include: Nasarawa State Fire and Rescue Service Agency, Nasarawa State Education Trust Fund (NASETFund), Institute of Leather and Science Technology, DOMA, Nasarawa State Multi-Door Court House (NSMDC) and in response to the expanding electricity market following the decentralization of power regulation in Nigeria.

 “We have also established Nasarawa State Electricity Regulatory Commission to oversee the generation, transmission, distribution, and marketing of electricity within the State.

“This new regulatory framework is expected to improve power supply reliability, encourage private sector participation, and support industrial growth across the State. We have also domesticated the made in Nigeria Project Office in Nasarawa State. This is in our commitment to promoting local content in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government

“I wish to state that these newly established Agencies Mark a significant shift towards strategic reforms, empowering citizens, driving economic growth, enhancing security, and strengthening institutions. I invite partners, stakeholders, investors, and the public to join us in supporting these Agencies as they drive transformative changes and improve service delivery across Nasarawa State” Sule had said

The 2026 budget will be funded partly through the government’s expected revenue of an estimated total recurrent revenue of N302,521,043,791.16 only from FAAC and IGR, and capital receipts which includes aid, grants, and capital development funds, which form part of deficit financing of N151, 435,982,663.34 only.

According to Governor Sule “the total expenditure budget for fiscal year 2026 is structured into N212,789,330,249.07 only, and this represents 41.12% recurrent expenditure and a total capital expenditure of N304,749,720,661.70 representing 58.88%. the ratio of the recurrent to capital spending shows another improvement in our commitment to investing in capital spending” he said

Speaking on the milestones achieved in the 2025 budget despite the challenges of an unstable economic environment, including inflationary pressures, fluctuating exchange rates and national uncertainties, Governor Abdullahi Sule told the state lawmakers that.

“I need to State that at the end of October 2025, Nasarawa State had generated a total revenue of N235.048 billion including opening balance which represents 61.16% of the total projected revenue for the fiscal year.

This includes N127.20 billion from the Federation Account Committee (FAAC) and N27.31 billion from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Additionally, we received N26.51 billion as capital receipts from aid, grants, and capital development funds, which from part of deficit financing.

“The total expenditure for the 2025 budget as at October 31st, 2025, stood at N226.36 billion, representing 58.90% of the approved expenditure for the year. Of this, N106.11 billion was spent on recurrent costs, with priority given to the regular payment of staff salaries, gratuities/pension, debt servicing and other running costs.

“The capital expenditure for the period was N120.25 billion, representing 53.75%, this is the highest capex performance in a fiscal year since the creation of the State. Our revenue collection and public expenditure management reforms are yielding results , with notable improvements in independent revenue (Internally Generated Revenue) performance. However, to sustain this momentum, we must make efforts to identify and tap into new revenue sources to reduce over reliance on external sources,” Governor Sule added

Our correspondent gathered that the 2026 Budget seeks to consolidate ongoing infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity and economic competitiveness, expand job creation through industrialization, SME support, and agricultural productivity, and improve the quality and accessibility of basic healthcare and education services.

Others include Intensify urban renewal efforts and strengthen environmental management, deepen the digital transformation of government operations for improved service delivery, enhance social protection mechanisms for the poor and vulnerable, sustain investments in security to safeguard lives, property, and economic activities, deepening fiscal sustainability and efficiency.

The budget equally seems to accelerate infrastructure delivery, strengthening human capital development especially in education, health, and other critical sub-sectors, as well as expanding the revenue base through improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) systems.

These priorities and policy thrust reflect Governor Sule’s commitment to building a resilient, competitive, and inclusive State and the goal is to consolidate prior achievements and accelerate ongoing reforms.

Indeed, as the 2026 appropriation bill undergoes legislative review, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau, has promised the Governor a diligent and speedy passage, acknowledging the budget’s clear commitment to the progress of the state.

 For the people of Nasarawa State, the coming year promises intensified activity, marked by construction, new economic opportunities, and the practical delivery of the critical infrastructure Governor Sule has been championing.

 And if the last six full budgets (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025) budgets of the Abdullahi Sule led administration are signposts to his credibility and competence, the 7th full budget will definitely be an appraisal of the administration’s performance.

 Sule has often reiterated his administration’s commitment to a partnership and inclusive governance to ensure that there is focused and qualitative governance and to create the enabling environment for a public private sector partnership which is fundamental to the creation of an enduring economic development and individual prosperity of the people of Nasarawa State.

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