The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has paid compensation to victims and families affected by the accidental air strike that occurred on Dec. 25, 2024, in Sokoto State.
The victims are residents of Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa villages of Silame Local Government Area of the state.
This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Sunday in Abuja.
In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, represented by the Chief of Civil Military Relations, AVM Edward Gabkwet, expressed gratitude to the state government for ensuring a relationship between the NAF and the people.
He commended Gov. Ahmed Aliyu for inclusive development policies and security initiatives under the 9-Point Smart Agenda, particularly the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps.
The CAS noted that the Governor’s proactive and localised security measures have complemented federal efforts in curbing the activities of terrorists and bandits, contributing to improved safety across parts of the State and reinforcing the importance of strong civil-military cooperation.
He explained that the said air strikes were conducted under Operation Fasan Yamma following intelligence reports of suspected armed terrorists transiting through the affected communities.
According to him, although multiple intelligence checks informed the mission, a petition received in April 2025 alleged civilian casualties.
“A thorough fact-finding investigation confirmed that 13 civilians were unintentionally killed and eight others sustained various degrees of injuries.
“The findings deeply saddened the Service and necessitated urgent steps to make amends,” he said.
Aneke emphasised that since assuming office on Oct. 24, Civilian Harm Mitigation had remained at the forefront of his Command Philosophy.
According to him, the NAF exists primarily to protect the lives and property of Nigerians, adding that no professional military deliberately harms the very people it is sworn to defend.
He explained that the compensation exercise was intended to commiserate with the victims, promote accountability and transparency, calm tensions, and bring closure, while enabling the service to draw critical lessons to further reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.
The CAS disclosed that the NAF had continued to institutionalise measures aimed at preventing and responding to civilian harm, including the development of the NAF Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (NAF CHMR-AP).
According to him, the framework is designed to strengthen operational planning, improve assessments and investigations, enhance continuous learning, and ensure effective response whenever civilian harm occurs.
He added that the plan’s scalability makes it applicable across both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, with the protection and restoration of the civilian environment treated as a critical operational consideration.
The air chief reaffirmed NAF’s resolve to apply purposeful and precise lethality in neutralising terrorists and other criminal elements.
“We want to use this medium to appeal to citizens to desist from mingling or cohabiting with terrorists and bandits within their enclaves as such associations significantly increase the risk of collateral damage during military operations.
“Public cooperation remains vital to safeguarding innocent lives as security forces intensify operations nationwide.
“The Nigerian Air Force, in concert with other security agencies, remains fully committed to ending terrorism, banditry, cattle rustling, and kidnapping across Sokoto State, the wider North-West region and the nation at large,” he added.
In his response, the governor expressed appreciation to the NAF for its unwavering commitment to protecting and caring for citizens, as well as its resolute role in safeguarding the nation’s security and territorial integrity.
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, December 25; Thursday, December 26; and Thursday, January 1, 2026, as public holidays to mark Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year celebrations.
The announcement was made on Monday by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
Tunji-Ojo extended season’s greetings to Christians in Nigeria and around the world, as well as to all Nigerians, urging citizens to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice exemplified by the birth of Jesus Christ.
He described these virtues as vital to national unity, tolerance and harmony, especially at a time when the country seeks lasting peace and development.
The minister also encouraged Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the peace, security and continued progress of the nation, while supporting government efforts toward national cohesion and development.
“The Christmas season and the New Year present an opportunity for Nigerians to strengthen the bonds of unity, show compassion to one another, and renew our collective commitment to nation-building,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo further advised citizens to remain law-abiding, security-conscious and moderate in their celebrations, urging cooperation with security agencies to ensure a peaceful festive period.
He concluded by wishing Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned telecom operators to improve their services or face regulatory sanctions.
This comes after subscribers complained about poor network quality, especially during the yuletide period.
The NCC released a data-driven report, developed with Ookla, showing each network’s performance.
It warned telcos with performance deficits to prioritize investments in network stability, particularly in reducing jitter and latency, to meet subscribers’ growing demands for quality services.
For instance, the report shows that latency and jitter are negatively impacting Globacom network, giving its subscribers’ unpleasant user experience.
According to the data, network performance in Nigeria is increasingly polarized, with some operators making significant strides in high-speed delivery while others continue to struggle with consistency.
However, the report said MTN has the strongest national profile by consistently delivering high download and upload throughput alongside stable latency and jitter values.
For Airtel the report noted a performance dip as the sector transitions toward 5G and highlighted that latency remains an area for improvement.
But, it praised the network for maintaining a competitive edge in urban download speeds via its 4G network.
Analysis of T2 (9mobile) showed variable performance across different regions, and while occasional high-speed peaks were recorded, the data indicates a significant gap in its overall national Quality of Service.
Glo’s latency and jitter issues, according to the report, negatively affected real-time applications like video calls and online payments.
NCC says its partnership with Ookla shows a deliberate strategy towards data-driven regulation.
The report which is published quarterly, is designed to empower consumers to make informed choices based on unbiased analytics rather than marketing claims.
As Nigeria inches closer to the January 1 commencement date for its most ambitious tax reform in decades, a fierce national debate has erupted over allegations that the tax laws signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu do not fully reflect what lawmakers debated and approved at the National Assembly. What began as a technical legislative concern has rapidly evolved into a full-blown political and civic controversy, drawing in former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, civil society organisations, lawmakers, and the Presidency itself.
At the heart of the controversy are claims of discrepancies between the tax bills passed by the National Assembly and the versions subsequently gazetted and circulated to the public. Critics argue that if such discrepancies exist, they raise serious constitutional, legal, and democratic concerns, potentially undermining legislative authority, public trust, and the legitimacy of the reforms themselves. The Federal Government, however, insists that the allegations are based on misinformation, incomplete documents, and premature conclusions.
On Monday, the Presidency formally entered the debate, seeking to calm public anxiety and counter claims that the new tax laws had been altered after passage. The intervention came amid mounting calls for the suspension of the reforms’ implementation, with prominent political figures and civic groups warning that proceeding under a cloud of controversy could further erode confidence in governance and fiscal policy.
The controversy was first ignited by Abdulsamad Dasuki, a member of the House of Representatives, who publicly raised alarm over what he described as inconsistencies between the tax bills lawmakers passed and the versions that later appeared in the public domain. Dasuki argued that the alleged discrepancies amounted to a violation of legislative privilege and procedure, insisting that lawmakers had a constitutional right to see the exact texts that were debated, approved, and eventually signed into law.
According to Dasuki, the situation suggested a breakdown in legislative integrity, where documents presented to the public might not accurately reflect the will of elected representatives. His claims resonated widely, especially in a political environment where Nigerians are already sensitive to issues of transparency, accountability, and trust in public institutions.
The concerns gained further traction when opposition figures weighed in. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi both called for a suspension of the implementation of the tax laws, arguing that the government must first address the credibility questions surrounding their passage and gazetting. Civil society organisations echoed these sentiments, warning that fiscal reforms of such magnitude must be built on unquestionable legal and procedural foundations.
Against this backdrop of growing suspicion and political tension, Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, appeared on Channels Television’s Morning Brief to offer the Federal Government’s most detailed response yet. His remarks sought to dismantle the allegations point by point, while also shedding light on the often opaque process through which bills move from legislative chambers to presidential assent and eventual gazetting.
Oyedele dismissed much of what had been circulating in the media as misleading and, in some cases, outright false. According to him, the central claim that the gazetted tax laws differ from what was passed by the National Assembly rests on a flawed premise: that the public currently has access to the final, harmonised versions of the bills as certified by the National Assembly.
“Before you can say there is a difference between what was gazetted and what was passed, we need to establish what was actually passed,” Oyedele said. “The truth is, we do not have the harmonised bills certified by the Clerk of the National Assembly in the public domain. What we have are drafts, unofficial documents, and interpretations.”
He explained that in Nigeria’s legislative process, the authoritative version of any bill passed by the National Assembly is the harmonised copy certified by the Clerk and transmitted to the President for assent. According to Oyedele, only lawmakers and the legislative bureaucracy can definitively state what was sent to the President, as that document is not automatically made public.
“Even me, I cannot say that I have it,” Oyedele admitted. “The only version I have is what was presented to Mr President to sign. The certified harmonised version remains with the National Assembly.”
This admission, while intended to clarify procedural realities, has paradoxically fueled further debate. Critics argue that the lack of public access to harmonised bills creates fertile ground for suspicion and misinformation, particularly when the laws in question have far-reaching implications for citizens, businesses, and subnational governments.
Oyedele also addressed a specific flashpoint in the controversy: Section 41, which reportedly contained a provision requiring a 20 percent deposit under certain tax circumstances. This provision became a rallying point for critics who claimed it was smuggled into the law without proper legislative approval.
According to Oyedele, that provision never made it into the final gazetted version of the law. He explained that it appeared in an early draft and was subsequently circulated prematurely, even before the relevant House committee had concluded its deliberations.
“I reached out to the House of Representatives committee on this issue,” Oyedele said. “Their response was that they had not even met on the matter. What circulated widely did not come from the committee. Someone wrote a report before the committee met, and it spread everywhere.”
He stressed that the draft containing the controversial provision was not an official document and should not be conflated with the final law. In his view, the media and the public must exercise caution and allow the National Assembly to complete its own internal review before drawing conclusions.
“I know that particular provision is not in the final gazette,” he added. “We should allow the House of Representatives to conduct its investigation and clarify matters authoritatively.”
Despite these assurances, the controversy underscores deeper structural issues in Nigeria’s lawmaking and communication processes. Analysts note that the absence of timely, transparent access to final legislative texts creates a vacuum that is easily filled by speculation, leaks, and conflicting narratives. In an era of heightened public skepticism, even procedural technicalities can quickly escalate into political crises.
President Bola Tinubu signed the four tax reform bills into law amid both applause and resistance, describing them as the most significant overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system in decades. The laws include the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act. Together, they consolidate tax administration under a single authority, the Nigeria Revenue Service, replacing the existing Federal Inland Revenue Service framework.
According to the Federal Government, the reforms are designed to simplify tax compliance, reduce duplication across federal, state, and local governments, broaden the tax base, and modernise revenue collection in line with global best practices. Officials argue that Nigeria’s historically low tax-to-GDP ratio makes reform unavoidable if the country is to sustainably fund development, infrastructure, and social services.
However, the bills faced stiff opposition during their passage, particularly from lawmakers from northern Nigeria, who raised concerns about equity, regional impact, and potential burdens on already struggling populations. Those tensions have not fully dissipated, and the current controversy has reopened fault lines that many assumed had been settled once presidential assent was secured.
The reforms are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, giving government agencies, businesses, and citizens time to adjust. Yet calls for suspension suggest that political consensus around the reforms remains fragile. For critics, the issue is not merely about tax policy but about process, trust, and democratic accountability.
Civil society organisations argue that even the perception of discrepancies between passed and gazetted laws is damaging. They contend that fiscal reforms require broad public buy-in, which can only be achieved through transparency and clear communication. Without this, they warn, implementation could face resistance, legal challenges, and non-compliance.
Supporters of the reforms, on the other hand, caution against allowing misinformation to derail urgently needed policy changes. They argue that Nigeria cannot afford perpetual delays in reforming its tax system, especially at a time of fiscal strain, rising debt servicing costs, and growing demands on public resources.
The Presidency has sought to strike a balance between these competing pressures, reaffirming its commitment to reform while urging patience and restraint. Government officials maintain that there was no deliberate attempt to alter the laws after passage and that any confusion stems from drafts and unofficial documents circulating outside formal channels.
As the debate continues, attention is likely to shift back to the National Assembly, whose role as the custodian of the harmonised bills places it at the center of the controversy. Lawmakers are under pressure to clarify what exactly was passed, how it was harmonised, and whether the public versions accurately reflect legislative intent.
Ultimately, the controversy over Nigeria’s new tax laws highlights a broader challenge facing democratic governance in the country: bridging the gap between complex institutional processes and public understanding. In a climate of economic hardship and political polarization, even well-intentioned reforms can falter if citizens do not trust the process behind them.
Whether the storm subsides or intensifies in the coming weeks will depend largely on how transparently and decisively the government and the National Assembly address the lingering questions. What is clear, however, is that the tax reforms—hailed by supporters as transformative and condemned by critics as questionable—have already reshaped Nigeria’s political and policy landscape long before their official commencement.
Nollywood actress Doris Ogala was reportedly arrested during a live-streamed interview on Saturday, December 20, 2025, amid a face-off with Lagos-based cleric Chris Okafor.
This is coming after Ogala had accused Okafor of breaching a promise to marry her, claiming their relationship began in 2017 when she was emotionally vulnerable.
She demanded N1 billion in damages and threatened to release compromising videos.
The actress shared a private photo of Okafor, alleging it showed him in a compromising position, and warned she would release more evidence.
Meanwhile, Ogala’s lawyers cited introductions to Okafor’s family, joint appearances, and financial transactions as proof of the promised marriage.
However, Okafor’s camp denied allegations, calling them false.
Ogala during the live-streamed interview also accused Okafor of using his church account for fraudulent activities, which warranted Interpol to arrest the pastor.
In a development that has stirred intense public curiosity and political speculation, security operatives believed to be personnel of the Nigeria Police Force have taken control of Azbir Hotel and Azbir Arena, two high-profile properties in Kebbi State linked to the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN. The early-morning deployment, carried out with visible security presence and strict access restrictions, has raised questions across political, legal, and civic circles, particularly as authorities have yet to provide an official explanation for the action.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that police operatives arrived at the facilities in the early hours of Tuesday, swiftly positioning armed personnel at strategic entry and exit points. By mid-morning, access to the premises had reportedly been limited, with movements in and out of the hotel and the adjoining event arena closely monitored. For a state capital unaccustomed to such a conspicuous security operation around private commercial properties, the scene immediately drew attention and speculation.
Azbir Hotel and Azbir Arena are well-known landmarks within Kebbi State, frequently hosting conferences, weddings, political gatherings, and high-level social events. Their association with Abubakar Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who served as Nigeria’s chief law officer for eight years under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has further amplified interest in the unfolding situation. While neither property is officially labeled as a government asset, their prominence and perceived links to a former top federal official have ensured that the police action has not gone unnoticed.
Multiple residents who spoke anonymously described a calm but tense atmosphere around the facilities. According to them, police officers appeared professional and restrained, but their presence was unmistakably firm. “They didn’t harass anyone, but you could tell this was a serious operation,” one witness said. “People were being told to keep their distance, and there was no explanation given.”
A video that later surfaced on social media appeared to corroborate these accounts. In the footage, armed officers can be seen stationed around the perimeter of the hotel and arena, with patrol vehicles parked nearby. The video, which has since circulated widely across messaging platforms and social networks, has become a focal point for public debate, with commentators offering divergent interpretations of what the security operation might signify.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Abubakar Malami nor the Kebbi State Police Command had issued an official statement clarifying the purpose of the police takeover. Repeated attempts by journalists to reach police spokespersons and representatives of the former minister reportedly yielded no response. This silence has only deepened speculation, as Nigerians accustomed to politically charged security actions search for meaning in the absence of formal communication.
The lack of official information has fueled a wave of conjecture across political and legal communities. Some observers have urged caution, warning against drawing premature conclusions without verified facts. Others, however, see the development as part of a broader pattern of heightened scrutiny surrounding former public officials amid Nigeria’s ongoing discourse on accountability, asset ownership, and the rule of law.
Abubakar Malami is no stranger to controversy or public attention. During his tenure as Attorney General of the Federation, he was one of the most powerful figures in the Buhari administration, overseeing key legal decisions, high-profile prosecutions, and sensitive constitutional matters. Supporters often praised his legal acumen and loyalty to the administration, while critics accused him of politicizing the office and shielding powerful interests. These divergent perceptions have ensured that any development linked to his name inevitably attracts intense scrutiny.
Political analysts note that the optics of police officers taking over properties associated with a former AGF are particularly sensitive. The office Malami once held is constitutionally tasked with upholding the law, advising the federal government, and defending public interest. Any security action involving assets linked to such a former official, analysts argue, naturally raises questions about legality, due process, and motivation.
However, experts also caution that police presence does not automatically imply wrongdoing. Security deployments can be prompted by a wide range of factors, including intelligence assessments, civil disputes, court orders, or precautionary measures. Without an official statement, it remains impossible to determine whether the police action is investigatory, preventive, or administrative in nature.
Residents of Kebbi State, meanwhile, have been closely monitoring the situation. For many locals, Azbir Hotel and Arena are more than just properties linked to a former federal official; they are economic hubs that provide employment and support social activities. Any prolonged disruption to their operations could have ripple effects on workers, vendors, and event planners who rely on the facilities for their livelihoods.
“I just hope whatever is happening doesn’t affect innocent workers,” said a local trader who operates near the hotel. “People are worried because no one knows what is going on.”
The timing of the operation has also attracted attention. Nigeria is currently navigating a politically charged environment marked by economic reforms, anti-corruption rhetoric, and heightened public sensitivity to the actions of security agencies. In recent months, there has been increased public debate about whether law enforcement institutions are being used impartially or selectively in addressing alleged wrongdoing by political elites.
Some political observers argue that transparency is crucial in moments like this. They contend that the absence of timely communication from the police creates a vacuum that is quickly filled by rumors and misinformation, potentially undermining public trust. In an era where social media can amplify unverified claims within minutes, silence from authorities can be as consequential as official action.
Others see the situation as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to due process. If the police action is linked to a legal investigation, they argue, it must be grounded in clear legal authority, such as a court order or warrant, and conducted in a manner that respects constitutional rights. Conversely, if the operation is purely precautionary or administrative, authorities owe the public a basic explanation to prevent unnecessary anxiety and speculation.
Legal practitioners have also weighed in, emphasizing that property rights are constitutionally protected and that any restriction of access must follow established legal procedures. “In a constitutional democracy, the police do not just take over private property without legal backing,” one lawyer noted. “If there is a court order, it should be made known. If it is an investigation, there are protocols.”
At the same time, security experts point out that not all operational details can be disclosed immediately, especially if doing so could compromise an ongoing investigation. They argue that the police may be balancing the need for transparency with operational considerations, though they acknowledge that prolonged silence can be counterproductive.
The development has also reignited broader conversations about asset ownership and public accountability in Nigeria. Over the years, questions have frequently arisen about the business interests and asset portfolios of public officials, both while in office and after leaving government. While ownership of private enterprises is not inherently illegal, critics often call for greater transparency to dispel perceptions of conflict of interest or abuse of office.
In Malami’s case, supporters insist that any assets linked to him were acquired lawfully and that he, as a seasoned lawyer, understands the importance of due process. They caution against trial by public opinion and urge Nigerians to await official clarification before forming conclusions. “Speculation does not equal facts,” one supporter said. “We should let the law
The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has unveiled his 2026 prophecies, warning about Nigeria’s economy, security, governance, and political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The prophecies were revealed during a press conference at his Lagos church on Saturday.
Nigeria’s Economy and Federal Government
Primate Ayodele said the Tinubu-led Federal Government will introduce several economic policies in 2026 aimed at stabilising the economy, but warned that the impact may not be felt by Nigerians.
According to him, while the government will try hard to revive the economy, opposition figures and public commentators will strongly criticise the policies, and many Nigerians will openly challenge government actions.
“The Tinubu government is trying its best, but people will not give the policies the recognition they deserve,” he said.
Coup Warning and Military Discontent
The cleric issued a strong warning of another possible military coup attempt, urging President Tinubu to take security matters seriously.
He claimed that some officers within the military are unhappy, advising the President to engage both serving and retired generals across geopolitical zones to prevent unrest.
“Military putsch is not yet over in Nigeria,” he warned.
Tinubu’s Second-Term Ambition
Ayodele said President Tinubu is strategically preparing for a second term, adding that while he will roll out aggressive policies to win public support, implementation problems and betrayal by close allies could affect his chances.
He also warned that selfish interests and mismanagement of funds may weaken Tinubu’s political calculations ahead of 2027.
Aso Rock Villa and Security Alerts
The prophet predicted major changes at the Aso Rock Villa, including new protocols and access procedures.
He cautioned against security threats, mentioning “smoke and unexpected gunshots” as symbols Nigerians should pray against.
Vice President Kashim Shettima
Ayodele claimed there are plots to remove Vice President Kashim Shettima, urging the Vice President’s office to be vigilant against secret monitoring, internal sabotage, and misinterpretation of official duties.
National Security Adviser (NSA)
He warned that the Office of the National Security Adviser would face serious challenges, stating that efforts of the current NSA may be frustrated, and that sensitive documents must be protected.
Tax Reforms
The cleric said Tinubu’s tax reforms will reshape the economy but described them as ill-timed, warning they would negatively affect many households and face widespread rejection due to poor public understanding.
Pensioners
Ayodele predicted protests, strikes, and legal actions by pensioners, citing delayed payments and dissatisfaction with pension administration.
Northern Political Leaders
He said Northern leaders will be divided between supporting Tinubu (APC) and rival candidates, including those from ADC, adding that political loyalty in the North will not be unified.
Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB
Ayodele said Nnamdi Kanu will eventually be released, but under strict conditions, stressing that the timing would be divine, not political.
He warned that IPOB commanders will be arrested, predicting violent clashes with security agencies, while insisting that the group remains committed to Biafra agitation.
APC:
Ayodele warned of internal crises, legal battles, and divisions among APC governors, claiming some may secretly work for ADC.
ADC:
He said the party would struggle with internal confusion and leadership challenges, urging seriousness ahead of elections.
PDP:
He predicted continued instability, noting the party would resurrect slowly but remain weak for now.
Labour Party:
Ayodele warned of legal battles and political attacks, urging party leaders to guard against internal collapse.
Nigeria’s fragile democratic experiment was thrust back into the national spotlight following a blistering intervention by former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, who accused the House of Representatives of deliberately protecting a broken and corrupt political system by refusing to criminalise vote-buying during party primaries. His remarks, sharp and uncompromising, have reignited an old but unresolved debate about whether Nigeria’s electoral reforms are genuine efforts to clean up the system or merely cosmetic changes designed to preserve elite interests.
At the heart of the controversy is a decision taken by lawmakers during the clause-by-clause consideration of proposed amendments to the Electoral Act 2022. In what many reform advocates describe as a defining moment, members of the House voted down a proposal that would have explicitly outlawed the inducement of voters during party primaries. The move shocked civil society organisations, electoral reform groups, and many ordinary Nigerians who had hoped that the current review of the Electoral Act would finally confront the entrenched culture of vote trading at its source.
Party primaries, often described as the womb from which Nigeria’s elections are born, have long been plagued by allegations of cash inducements, material gifts, delegate manipulation, and open bribery. For years, critics have argued that general elections merely reflect the rot that already festers within the internal processes of political parties. It was against this background that Peter Obi’s reaction struck a chord across the country.
In a strongly worded statement published on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi lamented what he described as a historic missed opportunity by the House of Representatives to confront a practice that has hollowed out Nigeria’s democracy. He said Nigerians had hoped the lower chamber would rise above partisan and self-serving considerations to take a principled stand against vote-buying, which he described as a “cancer” that has eaten deep into the country’s political system.
According to Obi, the refusal to criminalise vote-buying at the level of party primaries amounts to protecting a broken system rather than safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic future. He argued that credible elections cannot emerge from corrupt foundations and that any reform effort that ignores the primaries is fundamentally flawed. In his words, democracy cannot thrive where bribery and inducement are treated as acceptable political tools.
Obi’s intervention was not merely rhetorical. It reflected a broader frustration shared by many Nigerians who believe that successive electoral reforms have failed to address the real drivers of electoral malpractice. While the Electoral Act 2022 introduced innovations such as electronic transmission of results and clearer timelines, critics argue that it stopped short of confronting the internal corruption within political parties, where candidates are often “selected” rather than elected.
The former Anambra State governor warned that by refusing to criminalise vote-buying at the foundational stage of party primaries, lawmakers had effectively legitimised corruption within the democratic process. He said any effort to stop vote-buying must begin at the primaries, because once candidates emerge through fraudulent means, it becomes almost impossible to enforce integrity at later stages.
“A democracy where votes are bought is not a true democracy,” Obi wrote. “It is a criminal marketplace.” He insisted that national progress cannot be achieved while inducement and bribery are allowed to determine who emerges as candidates for public office. For Obi, the House’s decision sends a dangerous signal that electoral corruption is tolerable, as long as it occurs within party structures.
The decision by the House of Representatives has also raised questions about the sincerity of Nigeria’s political elite in pursuing genuine reform. Analysts point out that many lawmakers are products of the same system they were being asked to reform. Criminalising vote-buying at primaries would not only expose future aspirants to sanctions but could also retrospectively cast a shadow over how many current office holders emerged.
This inherent conflict of interest, observers argue, may explain why lawmakers were reluctant to endorse stricter rules. By voting against the proposal, the House effectively preserved a system that benefits entrenched political actors at the expense of ordinary citizens. To reform advocates, it was a classic case of legislators acting as judges in their own cause.
Beyond the halls of parliament, Obi warned of the wider societal consequences of tolerating vote-buying. He noted that the culture of inducement has now trickled down beyond mainstream politics into town unions, village associations, student union elections, clubs, and professional bodies. According to him, younger Nigerians are increasingly internalising the idea that leadership is something to be purchased rather than earned through credibility, competence, and service.
This normalisation of corruption, Obi argued, represents one of the gravest threats to Nigeria’s future. When vote-buying becomes routine, it erodes civic values, undermines meritocracy, and breeds cynicism among citizens. Voters begin to see elections not as a means of choosing leaders but as transactional events where immediate personal gain trumps long-term collective interest.
The former presidential candidate’s comments also come at a time when Nigeria’s democracy is under intense scrutiny, both domestically and internationally. The 2023 general elections were marred by allegations of irregularities, logistical failures, and vote trading, prompting widespread calls for reform. Many Nigerians had pinned their hopes on the ongoing review of the Electoral Act to close loopholes and strengthen accountability.
Instead, the House’s decision has reinforced fears that electoral reform remains hostage to political self-interest. Civil society groups have warned that failing to criminalise vote-buying at primaries will continue to undermine the credibility of elections, regardless of technological improvements or procedural changes introduced later.
Legal experts have also weighed in on the matter, noting that the absence of clear criminal sanctions for inducement during primaries creates a legal grey area. While vote-buying during general elections is prohibited under existing laws, the internal processes of parties often escape similar scrutiny. This disparity, they argue, allows corruption to flourish unchecked at the earliest and most critical stage of the electoral cycle.
For Obi, addressing vote-buying at the primaries is not optional but essential. He stressed that without tackling the problem at its roots, any measures taken later will lack the strength to endure. In his view, reforms that focus only on election day logistics while ignoring how candidates emerge amount to treating symptoms rather than curing the disease.
The controversy has also sparked renewed debate about internal party democracy in Nigeria. Political parties are supposed to be vehicles for aggregating interests and producing credible candidates. Instead, many have become closed shops dominated by godfathers, moneybags, and power brokers who manipulate primaries through cash inducements and intimidation.
By rejecting the proposal to criminalise vote-buying at this level, critics argue, the House of Representatives has effectively endorsed this dysfunctional model. It sends a message that as long as corruption occurs within party walls, it is beyond the reach of the law. For reform advocates, this undermines the very essence of democratic accountability.
Obi’s critique resonates particularly strongly among young Nigerians, many of whom rallied behind his presidential campaign as a symbol of change. To them, the House’s decision reinforces the perception that the political establishment is unwilling to reform itself. It also deepens distrust in institutions that are supposed to represent the will of the people.
In asking, “How long will we allow our society to be corrupted when the solution lies in addressing the roots of the problem?” Obi framed the issue as a moral and generational question. He suggested that Nigeria stands at a crossroads, where it must choose between perpetuating a cycle of corruption or committing to painful but necessary reforms that could restore faith in democracy.
The fallout from the House’s decision is likely to continue reverberating. Civil society organisations are already mobilising to pressure lawmakers to revisit the issue, either through further amendments or through public advocacy. Some have called on the Senate, which will also consider aspects of the Electoral Act review, to take a firmer stance on vote-buying at primaries.
Whether such pressure will yield results remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the debate has exposed a fundamental tension at the heart of Nigeria’s democracy: the clash between entrenched political interests and the demand for genuine reform. Peter Obi’s intervention has ensured that this tension remains in the public eye.
As Nigeria looks ahead to future elections, the question remains whether its leaders are willing to confront the uncomfortable truths about how power is acquired within the political system. For Obi and other reform advocates, democracy cannot be for sale, and any system that allows votes to be bought at any stage is unworthy of the name.
In the final analysis, the House of Representatives’ rejection of the proposal to criminalise vote-buying at party primaries may come to be seen as a defining moment. Either it will galvanise renewed efforts to clean up Nigeria’s electoral process, or it will stand as yet another example of how opportunities for reform are squandered in the service of a broken status quo. For now, the verdict of public opinion appears increasingly aligned with Obi’s stark warning: a democracy built on corrupt foundations cannot endure.
Mr. Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party, at the weekend visited the College of Nursing Sciences, St. Charles Borromew Hospital, Onitsha where he donated ₦15 million to support the institution.
He said the gesture was in line with his long-standing commitment to education and healthcare, which he described as the twin foundations of sustainable national development.
Addressing the management, staff, and students, Mr. Obi emphasized the central role of nurses and other health professionals in sustaining the healthcare system.
He noted that strengthening training institutions is critical to improving service delivery and saving lives, urging students to pursue their studies with discipline, excellence, and a strong sense of service despite the challenges facing the sector.
To illustrate the life-saving importance of nurses, Mr. Obi recounted an incident he witnessed during a flight from Lagos to Asaba, while en route to the nursing school.
He said a woman on board suddenly began gasping for breath, raising fears, but the situation was calmly brought under control by a nurse who was also a passenger on the flight.
Mr. Obi also spoke on healthcare delivery across nations, citing Indonesia’s achievement of over 95 percent medical insurance coverage, compared to Nigeria’s estimated coverage of about five percent.
He said the contrast highlights what is possible when countries deliberately invest in healthcare and ensure access down to the village level.
He assured the students of his continued support for nursing schools and called on friends and well-meaning Nigerians to assist such institutions within their capacities.
Touching on global migration trends, he noted that despite visa restrictions in some countries, nurses remain exempted because they are in high demand worldwide, reflecting the universal value of their profession.
The management of the College of Nursing Sciences expressed deep appreciation for the donation, describing it as timely and impactful. In his remarks, Fr. Basil Ekwunife, welcomed Mr. Obi and recalled his tenure as Governor of Anambra State, noting that his administration transformed the state through strategic investments in education, healthcare and other sectors, while commending his commitment to national progress.
Nigeria recorded 33 new confirmed cases of Lassa fever in Epidemiological Week 49, with the national case fatality rate (CFR) rising to 18.2 per cent, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said.
The NCDC disclosed that the new infections, reported from Bauchi, Ondo, Edo, and Taraba states, brought the total confirmed cases in 2025 to 1,069, with eight deaths recorded during the week.
In its Lassa Fever Situation Report covering December 1–7, 2025, the agency said the eight deaths represented a weekly CFR of 24.2 per cent. It added that 9,041 suspected cases and seven probable cases have been recorded nationwide this year, while cumulative deaths rose to 195, compared with 16.5 per cent CFR recorded during the same period in 2024.
According to the NCDC, 21 states and 103 local government areas have reported at least one confirmed case in 2025. Four states—Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Taraba—accounted for 89 per cent of all confirmed infections, with Ondo State recording the highest number of cases.
The report showed that young adults aged 21 to 30 years were the most affected, although infections ranged across all age groups, from one to 96 years. Cases were slightly higher among males than females, and no new infections were reported among healthcare workers during the week.
The NCDC said it continues to coordinate a national multi-partner response through its Lassa Fever Technical Working Group, including community sensitisation, training of healthcare workers, infection prevention audits, behavioural assessments, deployment of rapid response teams, and strengthening laboratory and treatment capacity in affected states.
Nigeria Has Only One WHO-Prequalified Antimalarial
Meanwhile, the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) revealed that Nigeria currently has only one World Health Organisation (WHO)-prequalified antimalarial product, as efforts intensify to expand local pharmaceutical capacity.
The disclosure was made during a four-day Technical Support and Capacity Workshop for pharmaceutical companies held in Lagos, organised under the National Malaria Elimination Programme with support from the World Bank.
NIPRD said the lone WHO-prequalified antimalarial is produced by Swiss Pharma Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need to boost local participation in the $161 million global antimalarial market.
Speaking at the workshop, NIPRD Director-General, Dr Obi Adigwe, said the programme aimed to provide hands-on guidance on the WHO prequalification application process, including documentation, bioavailability and bioequivalence studies, and laboratory quality assurance systems.
He identified limited awareness, funding constraints, outdated equipment, and weak technical capacity as key challenges facing local manufacturers.
Also speaking, Okoko Okefu Oyale, Director and Project Manager of the IMPACT project under the National Malaria Initiative, said WHO prequalification would allow Nigerian pharmaceutical companies to compete both locally and internationally.
Participants described the workshop as an eye-opener that clarified the technical, strategic, and economic benefits of attaining WHO prequalification.
(DDM) – The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ogun State Wing, has commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for approving Grade Level 17 for degree-holding primary school teachers, describing the decision as a historic milestone in the development of education in the state.
DDM gathered that the approval also includes a consolidated salary structure for Headteachers-General, a move the union says has repositioned primary education and restored dignity to the teaching profession.
The commendation was contained in a formal letter dated December 19, 2025.
The letter was jointly signed by the Ogun State Chairman of the union, Comrade Sewakanu Oladipupo Noah, and the Principal Secretary, Comrade Oyelere O. Samson.
In the letter, the union expressed deep appreciation to Governor Abiodun for what it described as a visionary, courageous, and transformative policy decision.
The NUT noted that the approval of Grade Level 17 for qualified primary school teachers has significantly elevated their professional status within the state’s public service structure.
According to the union, the policy directly impacts over 14,000 primary school teachers across Ogun State.
The leadership of the union stated that the move has reignited passion, motivation, and renewed commitment among teachers who had long felt marginalized in the public sector salary framework.
For decades, primary school teachers with university degrees had complained of stagnation and limited career progression.
Many of them argued that their qualifications were not adequately reflected in their placement and remuneration.
The union said Governor Abiodun’s approval has addressed these long-standing grievances.
It described the development as a bold departure from previous administrations that failed to prioritize the welfare of primary school educators.
The NUT further explained that the consolidated salary structure for Headteachers-General would improve administrative efficiency and boost morale among school heads.
According to the union, motivated headteachers are better positioned to provide effective leadership and supervision in public primary schools.
The teachers’ body stressed that the decision would have a positive ripple effect on teaching quality and learning outcomes across the state.
Education experts have long argued that teacher welfare is directly linked to student performance.
By improving the career prospects of teachers, the state government is expected to attract and retain qualified professionals in the primary education sector.
The union also noted that the approval aligns with global best practices, where teachers are recognized as the backbone of educational development.
It added that the policy would help curb the migration of qualified teachers to other sectors in search of better pay and recognition.
Beyond welfare, the NUT said the move sends a strong message about the state government’s commitment to strengthening foundational education.
Primary education, the union emphasized, remains the bedrock upon which secondary and tertiary education are built.
Stakeholders have repeatedly warned that neglect at the primary level often leads to systemic weaknesses throughout the education system.
The Ogun NUT leadership praised Governor Abiodun for listening to the concerns of teachers and engaging constructively with labour unions.
The letter described the governor as a leader who values dialogue and inclusive governance.
It also assured the state government of the union’s continued cooperation and support in implementing education reforms.
The union pledged that teachers would reciprocate the gesture through improved dedication, discipline, and professionalism in classrooms.
Education observers believe the approval could set a precedent for other states across Nigeria.
Several teacher unions in neighbouring states are expected to reference Ogun State’s model in their engagements with their respective governments.
The development has also sparked renewed conversations about standardizing teacher welfare nationwide.
(DDM) gathered that many teachers across Ogun State have welcomed the announcement with excitement, describing it as a long-awaited victory.
For them, the approval represents not just a salary upgrade, but recognition of their role in shaping the future of the state.
The policy is expected to take effect following the necessary administrative and budgetary adjustments by relevant government agencies.
As implementation begins, education stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the reforms translate into improved learning outcomes across public primary schools in Ogun State.
(DDM) – The remaining 115 students of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, are set to be reunited with their families on Monday following their release from captivity.
The students, alongside their teachers, were formally handed over to a security team from the Office of the National Security Adviser on Sunday evening after being assembled from several camps where they had been held.
DDM gathered that the children were kept in different locations, which delayed their final evacuation despite earlier plans for a coordinated handover.
Security sources disclosed that an evacuation team had earlier moved to an agreed boundary point between Lumma and Banana on Saturday to receive the children.
However, the handover was eventually concluded later on Saturday evening and extended into Sunday due to logistical challenges arising from their dispersal across multiple holding sites.
A source close to the host community revealed that the final handover of the 115 students took place at about 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.
The children were immediately transported under heavy armed security to Minna, the Niger State capital.
They are expected to be officially handed over to the Niger State Government before being reunited with their families.
The release of the remaining students comes nearly one month after the horrific abduction that shook the state and the nation.
On November 21, 2025, armed terrorists stormed the Catholic missionary school at about 2:00 a.m. and operated unhindered for almost three hours.
During the attack, a total of 315 persons, including students and teachers, were abducted from the school premises.
Out of this number, 303 were students while 12 were teachers.
Within 24 hours of the attack, 50 students managed to escape from their captors and returned safely to their families.
This reduced the number of captives to 265, comprising 253 students and all 12 teachers.
Two weeks ago, security agencies successfully secured the release of 100 of the abducted children, who were subsequently reunited with their families.
Following that development, public attention shifted to the fate of the remaining 215 abductees still in captivity at the time.
The Federal Government responded to the crisis by imposing a 24-hour security lockdown across the affected area.
Wide-ranging aerial surveillance operations were also launched, covering parts of Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi States.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cancelled a scheduled international trip in order to personally oversee the rescue operations.
Niger State Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago equally suspended all official engagements and called off a planned holiday.
The governor also ordered statewide prayers for the safe return of the abducted children.
As part of emergency measures, all schools in Niger State and several federal institutions located in high-risk areas were temporarily shut down.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, later visited Kontagora with a federal government delegation.
During the visit, Ribadu met with the Catholic Bishop of the Diocese, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, as well as distraught parents of the abducted students.
He assured them that the children were alive, stable, and would soon return home safely.
“God is with them and God is with us.
Evil will never win.
They are going to come back.
I give you that assurance,” Ribadu told the gathering.
Although no official statement has yet been issued confirming the release of the final batch, arrangements are reportedly underway to receive the children at the Government House in Minna on Monday.
Governor Bago is expected to formally receive the students before their reunification with family members.
DDM notes that the development has brought relief to families, religious leaders, and Nigerians nationwide who have followed the ordeal with deep concern.
The incident has once again highlighted the persistent security challenges facing schools in remote communities across northern Nigeria.
(DDM) – A fresh wave of controversy has erupted on Nigerian social media following the emergence of an alleged audio recording involving Nollywood actress Doris Ogala and outspoken social media activist VeryDarkMan, shortly before the actress was reportedly arrested.
The leaked audio has reignited public interest in the long-running and highly sensitive marital betrayal allegations previously linked to Doris Ogala and popular cleric, Pastor Chris Okafor.
In the recording now circulating online, Doris Ogala is heard speaking in an emotional and distressed tone, expressing fear over her personal safety and claiming that her life was under serious threat.
She allegedly told VeryDarkMan that she was prepared to release all voice notes, chats, and conversations in her possession, insisting that the materials reflected the truth of her experiences.
According to the voice heard in the audio, the actress claimed that while she was emotionally unstable at the time, she believed there were spiritual attempts to manipulate her and silence her claims.
The conversation further deepened public concern when Doris reportedly referenced a disturbing allegation involving a woman described as a “comfort girl,” who was allegedly pregnant for Prophet Jeremiah and later died under controversial circumstances.
In the audio, Doris claimed that the woman had cried out for help, alleging that men were sent after her, but the case was eventually covered up and quietly dismissed.
These claims, though unverified, have fueled intense online debate, with many Nigerians demanding clarity, accountability, and proper investigation into the allegations raised.
Doris Ogala was also heard clarifying that her intention was never to blackmail or extort anyone, stressing that she deliberately restrained herself from making public disclosures earlier in the year.
She attributed her silence to the emotional trauma of losing her brother, a painful experience she described as deeply destabilizing and life-altering.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, the actress reportedly expressed continued affection for Pastor Chris Okafor, stating that her actions were not driven by hatred or revenge.
In the audio, she allegedly said she still loved the cleric and would do anything for him, a statement that has left many social media users confused and divided.
The timing of the audio leak, coming just before her arrest, has further intensified speculation, with critics questioning whether the release was strategic or coincidental.
Public reactions have ranged from sympathy and concern over Doris Ogala’s mental and emotional well-being to skepticism over the credibility of her claims and motives.
Legal analysts and social commentators have cautioned against trial by social media, urging authorities to handle the matter with professionalism while ensuring that due process is followed.
The situation has also reopened broader conversations about power, influence, and the vulnerability of women within religious and celebrity circles.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Pastor Chris Okafor nor Prophet Jeremiah has publicly responded to the allegations contained in the audio.
DDM notes that the incident has once again highlighted the volatile intersection of celebrity, religion, and social media activism in Nigeria’s public space.
Observers say the unfolding drama underscores the need for institutional transparency, mental health support, and responsible digital engagement as Nigerians await further developments from law enforcement agencies.
American rap superstar Nicki Minaj has stirred widespread reactions after openly praising former United States President Donald Trump during a high-profile appearance at a conservative political gathering in the United States.
Minaj, whose real name is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, made the remarks while attending America Fest, a major conservative event that draws politicians, activists, and supporters from across the country.
Her presence alone drew significant attention, but it was her words about Trump that quickly became the focal point of online and media discussions.
The award-winning musician walked onto the stage hand-in-hand with Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, in a symbolic gesture that underscored her visible alignment with the audience and the event’s ideological tone.
The moment was met with loud applause and cheers from attendees.
Addressing the crowd, Minaj expressed deep admiration for Trump, describing him as a source of hope for many Americans.
She stated that she holds “utmost respect and admiration” for the former president, emphasizing that his leadership had positively impacted people who felt unheard or marginalized within the political system.
According to Minaj, the administration led by Trump was filled with individuals who demonstrated “heart and soul,” adding that their actions made her feel proud.
Her comments were greeted with enthusiastic reactions from the audience, reinforcing the strong emotional connection between her remarks and the sentiments of those present.
The rapper’s endorsement is particularly notable given her immense global influence and her historically complex relationship with politics.
While Minaj has previously spoken out on social and cultural issues, she has often avoided consistent alignment with any single political movement, making this public praise especially striking.
Her appearance at America Fest represents a growing trend of celebrities crossing traditional political boundaries, either by openly embracing conservative platforms or challenging expectations associated with their public image.
Analysts say such moments often ignite broader conversations about free expression, celebrity influence, and the evolving relationship between entertainment and politics.
Reactions on social media were swift and deeply divided.
Supporters applauded Minaj for speaking her mind and praised her courage for defying industry norms, while critics accused her of legitimizing controversial political figures and policies.
Some fans expressed disappointment, while others defended her right to personal political beliefs.
Political observers note that celebrity endorsements, while not always decisive, can shape narratives and energize specific voter demographics.
Minaj’s statements have added another layer to ongoing debates surrounding Trump’s legacy, his continued influence within conservative circles, and the role of public figures in political discourse.
As discussions continue, Minaj’s remarks have ensured that her appearance at America Fest will be remembered not just as a celebrity cameo, but as a moment that reignited conversations about politics, identity, and influence in contemporary America.
The year 2025 has been memorable for Nigeria’s entertainment industry, not only for chart-topping releases, blockbuster movies, and viral moments, but also for the wave of joyful baby arrivals that warmed the hearts of fans nationwide.
Across music, film, comedy, and digital media, several well-known Nigerian celebrities embraced parenthood, sharing moments of gratitude, celebration, and quiet reflection as they welcomed new members into their families.
For many admirers, these milestones offered a softer, more personal glimpse into the lives of stars often defined by glamour and public scrutiny.
One of the earliest celebrity baby announcements of the year came from former Big Brother Naija housemate Nengi Hampson, who welcomed her first child, a daughter named Moon, in February 2025.
Nengi openly reflected on motherhood as a transformative experience, describing it as a source of peace, clarity, and renewed purpose that reshaped her priorities.
In March, Nollywood actress Chika Ike also announced the birth of her first child, a baby girl, marking a significant personal chapter after years of focusing on career growth and self-development.
Her announcement was met with overwhelming goodwill from colleagues and fans, many of whom praised her resilience and patience.
That same month, popular singer Small Doctor quietly welcomed a new baby with his wife in Canada.
Although known for keeping his private life away from public glare, news of the arrival quickly spread across social media, drawing congratulatory messages from the music community.
The gospel music scene equally celebrated new beginnings, with award-winning singer Mercy Chinwo and her husband, Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa, welcoming their second child, a daughter, in August 2025.
Her announcement, accompanied by expressions of gratitude and faith, resonated deeply with fans and fellow gospel artists.
August also saw influencer Priscilla Ojo, daughter of actress Iyabo Ojo, and her husband, Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, announce the birth of their first child, a baby boy, in Canada.
The couple’s joyful revelation attracted attention across Nigeria and East Africa, reflecting their cross-border appeal.
Celebrity designer Prudent Gabriel and gospel singer Peterson Okopi similarly welcomed a son during the same period, opting for a calm and intimate announcement that highlighted the deeply personal nature of the moment.
In October, comedian and content creator Lasisi Elenu expanded his family with the birth of his second child, a baby boy named River Elroi.
The entertainer’s announcement blended affection and humour, drawing warm reactions from fans across the comedy industry.
Gospel star Moses Bliss also entered fatherhood in 2025, welcoming his first child, a son, with his wife Marie Wiseborn, just months after their widely celebrated wedding.
Their news was particularly embraced by the gospel community, which praised the couple’s values and openness.
Comedian and actress Real Warri Pikin welcomed her third child, a baby girl, while continuing to share honest and relatable motherhood experiences online.
Media personality Toke Makinwa rounded off the year’s surprises by quietly welcoming her first child, choosing privacy before sharing the news publicly.
Collectively, these stories underscored themes of love, growth, and renewal, reminding audiences that beyond fame and fortune, family remains one of life’s most meaningful achievements.
DDM – Veteran Nollywood actors and filmmakers from Abia State have applauded Governor Alex Otti for what they described as a remarkable turnaround that is repositioning the state as a growing hub for film production and creative enterprise.
Their commendations followed their return to Aba for the second edition of the Abia International Film Festival (ABIFF), an event that many participants said felt more like an emotional homecoming than a routine industry gathering.
Several of the veterans recalled years when insecurity, poor infrastructure, and neglect discouraged them from returning to Abia for professional engagements, especially movie production.
One of Nigeria’s respected actors and filmmakers, Ejike Asiegbu, who grew up in Aba, said the city had been largely avoided by filmmakers for more than a decade due to safety concerns and the general state of decay.
Asiegbu explained that the Abia of the past was neither welcoming nor conducive for creative work, forcing many professionals to relocate permanently to other parts of the country.
He noted, however, that the situation has changed significantly under the current administration, citing improved security, visible infrastructural development, and a renewed sense of order across major parts of the state.
Addressing colleagues and younger creatives at the festival, Asiegbu said he now feels confident returning home, describing present-day Abia as a place Nigerians can visit, live, and work in with pride.
He added that the strong presence of Nollywood veterans at the festival reflected renewed trust in the state’s leadership and revealed that discussions were already ongoing to attract international partners for future editions of ABIFF.
Another veteran actor, Paul Udonsi, said platforms like the Abia International Film Festival are critical for encouraging indigenous filmmakers and giving them opportunities beyond local audiences.
Udonsi noted that ABIFF has the potential to push Abia-based talents onto regional and global screens, while also helping to build sustainable careers for young creatives within the state.
Filmmaker Uzodimma Okpechi described his return to Abia after nearly two decades as deeply emotional, saying the physical changes he observed and the shared experiences of colleagues filled him with optimism.
He said the festival helped reaffirm a sense of belonging and possibility, adding that many filmmakers who once felt disconnected from home are now reconsidering Abia as a viable base for creative work.
Other Nollywood figures, including Don Single, Uche Elendu, Mary Lazarus, Maureen Solomon Okereke, and Florence Owanta, echoed similar sentiments during the event.
They collectively praised the Abia State Government for its support of the creative industry and for sustaining a festival that celebrates African storytelling and indigenous talent.
In his remarks, the President of ABIFF, Dr Alexander Elekwa, said the festival was established to amplify African stories, nurture emerging filmmakers, and promote film as a tool for education, job creation, and cultural exchange.
Elekwa thanked the state government for creating an enabling environment where creativity can flourish, stressing that policy stability and security are essential for the growth of the film industry.
For many participants, the success of the second edition of ABIFF was more than a celebration of cinema.
It was seen as clear evidence that Abia State is regaining its appeal, restoring confidence among its sons and daughters, and positioning itself as a serious destination for film production and creative investment in Nigeria.
Arsenal have reclaimed top spot in the Premier League table after edging Everton 1–0 in a hard-fought Matchweek 18 encounter that underlined the growing intensity of the title race.
DDM notes that the narrow victory at Goodison Park came just hours after Manchester City recorded a crucial win over West Ham United, forcing Mikel Arteta’s side to respond under pressure, a challenge they met through discipline, composure, and a moment of clinical execution.
The decisive moment arrived in the first half when Arsenal were awarded a penalty following a handball by Everton defender Jake O’Brien inside the box.
Summer signing Viktor Gyökeres stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, registering his latest important contribution in what has been a demanding campaign for the North London club.
Although Everton began the contest with energy and intent, Arsenal gradually asserted control, particularly in the second half, dictating possession and limiting the hosts to sporadic counter-attacks.
Arteta’s men came close to extending their advantage, with Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi both striking the woodwork in a dominant spell that suggested the scoreline did not fully reflect Arsenal’s superiority.
Despite failing to add a second goal, the victory proved significant, as it ended a run of inconsistent away results that had raised concerns about Arsenal’s ability to sustain a title challenge.
The result also ensured that Arsenal closed the matchday back at the summit, reinforcing their status as genuine contenders in what remains one of the most competitive Premier League seasons in recent years.
Attention now turns to a congested festive fixture schedule that could prove decisive in shaping the title race before the turn of the year.
Arsenal are set to host Brighton on December 27, a fixture that demands caution against an opponent known for its tactical discipline and ability to disrupt possession-based sides.
That match will be followed by a heavyweight clash at the Emirates Stadium against Aston Villa on December 30, a team that has already beaten Arsenal once this season and continues to impress under Unai Emery.
The pressure will not ease in the new year, as Arsenal travel to the south coast to face Bournemouth on January 3 before welcoming Liverpool for a high-stakes showdown on January 8.
A subsequent away trip to Nottingham Forest in mid-January further adds to a demanding sequence that will test squad depth, tactical flexibility, and mental resilience.
Elsewhere, Manchester City remain firmly in contention, with Pep Guardiola’s side navigating a challenging run of fixtures that includes away matches against Nottingham Forest and Sunderland.
City are also scheduled to face Chelsea in a pivotal contest before travelling to Old Trafford for a Manchester derby against a Ruben Amorim-led United side eager to reassert itself.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, continue to loom as serious disruptors in the title equation, buoyed by their impressive consistency and growing confidence.
Villa’s upcoming schedule presents its own obstacles, including difficult away trips to Chelsea and Crystal Palace, fixtures that demand focus and adaptability.
The highlight of their run, however, remains the looming showdown with Arsenal in North London, a match that could carry significant implications for the direction of the title race.
As Matchweek 18 concludes, the Premier League table reflects a finely balanced contest, with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Aston Villa separated by fine margins.
With pressure mounting and little room for error, the coming weeks promise drama, tactical battles, and defining moments that may ultimately decide who emerges on top at the end of the season.
Aston Villa have significantly intensified the Premier League title race after securing a dramatic home victory over Manchester United, a result that capped a remarkable seventh consecutive league win and reshaped the final league table at the close of the matchday.
According to DDM, the pulsating encounter at Villa Park underlined the growing belief within Unai Emery’s side that they are genuine contenders for the Premier League crown, as the victory moved Villa to within three points of leaders Arsenal with momentum firmly on their side.
Although Villa did not dominate proceedings in terms of fluid football, their efficiency and resilience once again proved decisive, with Morgan Rogers emerging as the defining figure on the night.
Rogers broke the deadlock just before half-time, curling a composed finish beyond the Manchester United goalkeeper after a patient build-up, a goal that rewarded Villa’s sustained pressure in the opening period.
Manchester United responded after the interval, drawing level when Matheus Cunha capitalised on a costly defensive lapse by Matty Cash, punishing the home side with a sharp finish that briefly shifted the balance of the contest.
The parity, however, was short-lived, as Rogers struck again with an almost identical effort, restoring Villa’s lead and igniting wild celebrations inside Villa Park.
The second goal marked Rogers’ sixth in as many Premier League matches, further cementing his status as one of the league’s most influential attacking players during this decisive phase of the season.
Unai Emery’s emotional reaction on the touchline, hurling his coat into the air in celebration, reflected the magnitude of the result for a club that has historically struggled against Manchester United on home soil.
The win was only Aston Villa’s second home victory over United in 27 Premier League meetings, highlighting just how rare and significant the achievement was in the broader context of the club’s recent history.
Beyond the three points, the result extended Villa’s winning run to 10 matches across all competitions, reinforcing the growing narrative that Emery has built a side capable of sustaining pressure at the highest level.
For Manchester United, the defeat compounded an already difficult period marked by injuries, inconsistency, and growing scrutiny.
Head coach Ruben Amorim arrived at Villa Park without six senior players available for selection, leaving his squad stretched before the match even began.
The situation worsened during the game when captain Bruno Fernandes appeared to pick up a hamstring problem, limping through the latter stages of the first half before eventually being withdrawn.
Fernandes’ discomfort raised fears of a potentially lengthy absence, a scenario that would further complicate United’s efforts to remain competitive in the top-four race.
The injury list was already troubling, with Kobbie Mainoo ruled out before kick-off due to a calf issue, forcing Amorim to turn to youth as Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey were introduced from the bench.
As the final whistle sounded, the contrasting emotions between both camps were unmistakable.
Aston Villa’s supporters celebrated another step forward in what is fast becoming one of the club’s most compelling Premier League campaigns in decades.
Manchester United, meanwhile, were left to reflect on missed opportunities, defensive errors, and a growing sense of uncertainty as the season enters its critical phase.
With the updated EPL table now reflecting Villa’s surge, the title race appears increasingly unpredictable, while the battle for Champions League qualification continues to intensify, promising more drama in the weeks ahead.
DDM – The Nigeria Premier Football League delivered another dramatic round of fixtures on Sunday, as defending champions Remo Stars suffered a stunning home defeat, while former champions Rangers International secured a narrow victory against Ikorodu City in Enugu.
According to DDM, the biggest surprise of the weekend unfolded at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, where Remo Stars were beaten 3–2 by Bendel Insurance in an action-packed encounter that kept fans on edge until the final whistle.
Bendel Insurance announced their intent early in the match, taking the lead in the 14th minute through Wisdom Ndon, whose clinical finish silenced the home crowd.
The visitors doubled their advantage before the half-hour mark when Chinedu Nwosu found the net, capitalising on defensive lapses from the champions.
Remo Stars responded quickly, as Olalekan Adeleke pulled one back just two minutes later, restoring hope for the home side and shifting momentum briefly in their favour.
However, Bendel Insurance regained a two-goal cushion five minutes before halftime when an unfortunate own goal by Henry Onyian compounded Remo Stars’ woes and sent the visitors into the break with renewed confidence.
After the restart, Remo Stars pressed aggressively in search of an equaliser, and their efforts paid off in the 62nd minute when Victor Mbaoma reduced the deficit again, setting up a tense finale.
Despite sustained pressure and attacking substitutions, the champions were unable to find the decisive third goal, as Bendel Insurance held firm to claim a famous away victory.
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors edged Warri Wolves 1–0 at the Umuahia Township Stadium in a tightly contested match decided deep into stoppage time.
Sunday Megwo emerged as the hero, calmly converting a penalty late in the game to secure all three points for the home side.
At the Kwara State Stadium in Ilorin, Kwara United recorded a convincing 2–0 win over Bayelsa United, with goals from Babatunde Bright and Ini Emmanuel sealing a comfortable victory.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars continued their impressive home form with a 2–1 win against Niger Tornadoes at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba.
Gbolagade Adelowo opened the scoring from the penalty spot late in the first half, while Promise Awosanmi doubled the lead midway through the second period.
Former U-23 Eagles striker Kufre Ebong pulled one back for Niger Tornadoes in stoppage time, but it proved too little, too late.
Meanwhile in Enugu, Rangers International maintained their push up the table with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Ikorodu City.
Goals from Godwin Obaje and Christian Nwobodo gave Rangers a commanding lead before Rasheed Owolabi struck in added time to reduce the deficit.
In Bauchi, Wikki Tourists and Kun Khalifat played out a goalless draw at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, with both sides cancelling each other out in a cagey affair.
The results further underline the unpredictable nature of the NPFL this season, as title contenders, mid-table teams, and relegation battlers continue to trade blows across the country.
The festive excitement surrounding Nigeria’s popular Detty December season has been significantly dampened as fears of detention, visa cancellation, and denial of re-entry into the United States force many Nigerians abroad to shelve planned trips home.
This growing anxiety follows the imposition of fresh travel restrictions on Nigerians by US President Donald Trump, a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigerian communities in the United States and beyond.
Detty December, a colloquial Nigerian expression describing the end-of-year festive season marked by concerts, parties, homecomings, and family reunions, traditionally draws thousands of Nigerians in the diaspora back home. The term “Detty,” a Pidgin twist of “dirty,” connotes carefree, high-energy celebrations. This year, however, the mood has shifted from excitement to caution.
Findings indicate that many Nigerians holding valid US visas have cancelled or postponed their travel plans, worried that leaving the United States could expose them to re-entry denial, detention at ports of entry, or even deportation. The fear cuts across students, professionals, frequent travellers, and even green card holders.
Several individuals told correspondents that the uncertainty surrounding the new policy was severe enough to disrupt family plans. One visa holder revealed that he advised his son against returning to Nigeria for Christmas, citing the unpredictable nature of the new restrictions.
Since assuming office, the Trump administration has steadily introduced visa bans and immigration controls affecting Nigeria and other countries, citing the need for stronger border security, immigration reform, improved vetting processes, and concerns over visa overstays. The latest proclamation, signed on Tuesday, marks a significant escalation.
Under the new directive, Nigerians—along with citizens of 16 other African countries—holding B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas will be barred from entering the United States from January 1, 2026. These categories cover business travellers, tourists, students, and exchange visitors, effectively impacting a broad segment of Nigerian travellers.
Beyond security concerns, US authorities also cited what they described as a high rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals as part of the justification.
Diaspora Nigerians Put Travel on Hold
Many Nigerians resident in the United States say the risks associated with travelling home for Detty December outweigh the benefits.
Dr Juliet Agocha, a Nigerian contesting for a council seat in District 4 of Prince George’s County, said travelling home at this time could jeopardise her political aspirations.
“Travelling to Nigeria under this climate poses a significant political risk for me,” she said. “More than 18,000 Nigerian immigrants could be affected by the visa ban, and nobody wants to take unnecessary chances.”
Similarly, a doctoral candidate and microbiologist at Indiana University disclosed that numerous Nigerian students had abandoned holiday travel plans despite completing academic documentation well in advance.
“There is panic everywhere, especially among students,” he said anonymously. “People fear that if they leave the US now, they may not be allowed back in.”
Fear Extends to Visa Holders in Nigeria
The apprehension is not limited to Nigerians in the US. Several Nigerians in Nigeria with valid US visas have also shelved upcoming trips.
An Osogbo-based entrepreneur with nearly two years left on his US visa said he cancelled a planned February 2026 visit to Maryland due to uncertainty around enforcement.
“I can’t take chances with what is happening. It’s better to wait and see how things settle,” he said.
He recounted the experience of a close relative who was detained upon arrival in Houston despite holding a green card and travelling frequently between Nigeria and the US.
“She was detained immediately on arrival and is still with Customs,” he said. “If this can happen to a green card holder, then no Nigerian is truly safe under this visa regime.”
A Nigerian-born US citizen, however, suggested that some green card holders facing difficulties may have unresolved legal or criminal issues that were previously overlooked.
“With the new enforcement posture, even minor infractions from decades ago are now being scrutinised,” he said, adding that Africans, in particular, appear more vulnerable under the new rules.
Another Lagos-based visa holder said he also postponed his January trip to the US, citing the unpredictability of the Trump administration.
“Your visa can be valid today and revoked tomorrow,” he said. “Who refunds your ticket if that happens?”
Universities Suspend Admission Offers
The uncertainty has also begun affecting academic pathways. Some US universities have reportedly suspended or deferred admission offers to Nigerian students.
A Canada-based education consultant, Dr Oludayo Sokunbi, disclosed that a Nigerian student who secured a fully funded master’s scholarship was advised to defer admission until 2027 due to the travel ban.
Several social media users shared similar experiences, with some institutions withdrawing offers altogether.
Experts React
Reacting to the development, education consultant Sulaimon Okewole described the visa restrictions as an unfortunate decision with far-reaching implications.
“This policy fractures families, disrupts education, and sends a message of rejection to an entire nation,” he said, urging affected Nigerians to consider alternative destinations such as Canada and the UK.
A former Nigerian ambassador, Yemi Farounbi, argued that the policy appeared more political than security-driven, noting that its broad application undermines its stated objectives.
Another retired diplomat, Mabdul Mohammed, said Nigeria’s security challenges continue to shape US policy decisions, stressing that meaningful improvements in internal security could influence future reversals.
Foreign affairs analyst Charles Onunaiju advised Nigerians to brace for tougher engagements with the US and called for diversification of Nigeria’s diplomatic relationships.
Efforts to obtain official reactions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Information were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Gunmen have killed nine people and injured ten others in a shooting at a township outside Johannesburg, South African police said on Sunday.
The attack marks the second mass shooting in the country this month.
The incident occurred in Bekkersdal, about 40 kilometres southwest of Johannesburg, though the motive for the attack remains unclear, police told AFP.
“Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen,” police said in a statement.
Initially, police spokesperson for Gauteng province, Brigadier Brenda Muridili, told AFP that ten people had died, but authorities later confirmed that nine fatalities had been recorded.
The shooting took place near a tavern or informal bar in Bekkersdal, an impoverished area located close to several of South Africa’s major gold mines. The injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Earlier this month, on December 6, gunmen attacked a hostel near Pretoria, killing 12 people, including a three-year-old child. Police said that incident occurred at a location that was illegally selling alcohol.
South Africa, with a population of about 63 million, continues to grapple with high levels of violent crime and has one of the highest murder rates globally.
The United States has seized another oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas amid an ongoing crackdown on vessels suspected of carrying sanctioned Venezuelan crude oil.
The latest seizure occurred early Saturday, December 20, 2025, when the US Coast Guard, with support from the US Department of War, apprehended a tanker that had recently docked in Venezuela, according to US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
“This was a pre-dawn operation,” Noem said in a post on X, accompanied by aerial footage showing a helicopter hovering over the vessel at sea.
Venezuela reacted angrily, describing the seizure as “theft and kidnapping”, and warned that those responsible would be held accountable “by justice and history.”
US authorities identified the vessel as Centuries, a Chinese-owned, Panama-flagged crude oil tanker, suspected of transporting oil subject to US sanctions.
While the tanker does not appear on the US Treasury Department’s official sanctions list, the White House said the cargo contained sanctioned PDVSA oil, referring to Venezuela’s state-owned oil company.
White House deputy spokeswoman Anna Kelly described the ship as “falsely flagged” and part of what US officials call Venezuela’s shadow oil fleet.
Details Of The Seized Vessel
According to TankerTrackers, an oil shipment monitoring service, Centuries loaded approximately 1.8 million barrels of crude oil at a Venezuelan port earlier this month and was escorted out of Venezuela’s exclusive economic zone on December 18.
Ship-tracking data also placed the tanker off Venezuela’s coast shortly before the seizure.
The incident marks the second oil tanker seizure in two weeks, following a similar US operation on December 10, when American forces intercepted a vessel allegedly transporting Venezuelan oil to Iran.
The seizures come shortly after President Donald Trump announced a blockade on “sanctioned oil vessels” entering or leaving Venezuela.
The US has also expanded its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying 11 warships, including an aircraft carrier, destroyers, cruisers, and amphibious assault ships, citing efforts to combat drug trafficking and sanction evasion.
Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez accused the US of engaging in psychological warfare and intimidation, insisting the country would not be cowed by military pressure.
Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said allies such as Iran were offering Venezuela support to counter what he described as “piracy and international terrorism” by the United States.
The tanker seizure coincided with a Mercosur summit in South America, where concerns over Venezuela sparked diplomatic tensions.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warned that escalating conflict over Venezuela could trigger a humanitarian catastrophe, while Argentina’s President Javier Milei, a Trump ally, said his country welcomed US pressure to “free the Venezuelan people.”
President Donald Trump of the United States versus President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria
The United States has signed a five-year health cooperation agreement with Nigeria, committing billions of dollars to strengthen the country’s healthcare system, with a particular focus on Christian faith-based medical providers, Washington announced on Saturday.
According to a spokesperson for the US State Department, the agreement will see the United States contribute nearly $2.1 billion to support programmes addressing HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, polio, as well as initiatives aimed at improving maternal and child health across Nigeria.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is expected to complement the effort by increasing its national health spending by almost $3 billion over the same five-year period.
The State Department said the deal places “strong emphasis on promoting Christian faith-based health care providers”, a move that comes amid growing concern in Washington over the security and welfare of Christian communities in Nigeria.
Last month, US President Donald Trump said his administration was prepared to take military action in Nigeria in response to attacks on Christians, remarks that attracted global attention.
Trump has repeatedly warned that Christianity faces what he described as an “existential threat” in Nigeria and other countries, framing the issue as part of broader concerns about the global persecution of Christians.
The Trump administration recently returned Nigeria to the US list of countries of “particular concern” over religious freedom and imposed additional restrictions on visa issuance to Nigerian nationals.
According to the State Department, the health agreement was negotiated alongside reforms by the Nigerian government aimed at prioritising the protection of Christian communities from violence.
Nigeria is roughly divided between a predominantly Christian south and a largely Muslim north. Authorities in Abuja have consistently maintained that insecurity in the country is driven by broader factors such as terrorism and banditry, rather than religious persecution.
Security Challenges Persist
Nigeria has faced a jihadist insurgency since 2009, particularly in the northeast, where violence linked to armed groups has killed at least 40,000 people and displaced about two million others, according to United Nations figures. Victims of the conflict include both Christians and Muslims.
The Nigeria deal follows a $2.5 billion health assistance agreement signed earlier this month between the United States and Kenya, marking one of the first major bilateral health deals since the Trump administration dismantled the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
Since returning to office, Trump has shut down USAID and ordered a comprehensive overhaul of US foreign aid under his “America First” policy, shifting assistance toward direct bilateral agreements aligned with US strategic and political priorities.
(DDM) – The Federal Government has spent more than ₦10 billion on insurance contracts covering public servants and government-owned assets since May 2023, raising renewed public attention on how risk management and asset protection are handled within Nigeria’s public sector.
The expenditure, which cuts across several ministries, departments, and agencies, reflects the government’s statutory obligation to insure public assets, personnel, and strategic infrastructure against unforeseen risks such as accidents, natural disasters, fire outbreaks, and other liabilities that could result in heavy financial losses.
Insurance coverage for government workers traditionally includes group life insurance, workplace accident policies, and other welfare-related schemes designed to provide compensation to families in the event of death or permanent disability while in service.
In addition to personnel-related insurance, the Federal Government also insures public buildings, vehicles, equipment, and critical national assets, particularly those with high replacement costs or strategic importance to national operations.
Officials familiar with the process explain that such insurance contracts are usually awarded through approved procurement procedures, often involving competitive bidding and oversight by relevant regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with public service rules.
The ₦10 billion figure represents cumulative payments made over time, rather than a single contract, as different government entities procure insurance services based on their operational needs and asset portfolios.
Historically, insurance of public assets has been a long-standing requirement under Nigerian law, aimed at protecting public funds from sudden shocks that could arise from disasters or accidents affecting government property.
Past administrations have maintained similar insurance arrangements, although the scale of expenditure often varies depending on economic conditions, asset expansion, and the number of workers covered within a given period.
Supporters of the policy argue that insuring government assets is a prudent financial decision, as the cost of replacing damaged infrastructure or compensating affected workers without insurance could far exceed premium payments.
They also note that effective insurance coverage can help stabilize public finances by preventing emergency spending when unexpected losses occur.
However, critics have consistently raised concerns about transparency, value for money, and the effectiveness of some insurance contracts awarded to private firms.
Civil society groups have, in previous years, questioned whether all insured assets were genuinely covered, and whether claims were promptly honored when incidents occurred.
There have also been calls for greater public disclosure of insurance beneficiaries, contract terms, and claims history, to ensure accountability and eliminate the risk of inflated premiums or underperformance by insurers.
In response to such concerns, government officials often emphasize that insurance contracts are subject to internal audits, external reviews, and regulatory supervision by bodies such as the National Insurance Commission.
They insist that proper documentation, verification of assets, and risk assessments are conducted before policies are approved, in line with existing financial regulations.
The current disclosure of insurance spending comes at a time of heightened public scrutiny over government expenditure, as Nigerians grapple with economic pressures, rising living costs, and demands for greater fiscal discipline.
Analysts note that while insurance spending itself is not unusual, transparency around how such funds are utilized is critical to maintaining public trust.
As discussions continue, stakeholders have urged the government to strengthen oversight mechanisms, publish detailed breakdowns of insurance contracts, and ensure that public interest remains central to all risk management decisions.
The debate highlights the broader challenge of balancing responsible asset protection with accountability in the management of public resources.
(DDM) – Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is set to sign the ₦892 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law on Monday, marking a critical phase in the state’s fiscal and development planning.
The 2026 budget, officially titled the “Budget of Economic Expansion,” was recently passed by the Oyo State House of Assembly after weeks of legislative scrutiny and stakeholder consultations.
Government officials describe the budget as a strategic framework designed to accelerate economic growth, expand infrastructure, and consolidate social investment programmes across the state.
DDM gathered that the proposed spending plan reflects the administration’s commitment to sustaining economic momentum while addressing emerging fiscal pressures.
The budget places significant emphasis on capital expenditure, with allocations targeted at road construction, healthcare upgrades, education infrastructure, and agricultural development.
According to government sources, the capital component is intended to stimulate job creation, improve productivity, and attract private sector investment into key sectors of the Oyo economy.
Recurrent expenditure has also been carefully structured to accommodate salaries, pensions, and operational costs, while maintaining fiscal discipline and debt sustainability.
Governor Makinde has repeatedly stressed that the 2026 budget aligns with his administration’s broader vision of inclusive growth and long-term economic resilience.
The Governor noted that the “Budget of Economic Expansion” builds on gains recorded in previous fiscal years, particularly in internally generated revenue and infrastructural development.
Lawmakers who participated in the budget review process said the document reflects realistic revenue projections and prioritises projects with direct impact on citizens’ welfare.
They added that oversight mechanisms have been strengthened to ensure transparency, accountability, and value for money in budget implementation.
Economic analysts observe that the timing of the budget signing is significant, as states across the federation grapple with inflationary pressures and fluctuating federal allocations.
Oyo State officials, however, expressed confidence that improved revenue mobilisation strategies and prudent financial management will support effective implementation.
The administration has also pledged to maintain open communication with the public by publishing periodic budget performance reports.
Civil society groups and policy experts have welcomed the focus on economic expansion but urged the government to ensure equitable distribution of projects across urban and rural areas.
They stressed that infrastructure development must be complemented by social interventions that address poverty, youth unemployment, and access to quality public services.
Diaspora Digital Media reports that the 2026 budget also makes provisions for environmental sustainability, security enhancement, and digital transformation initiatives.
The signing ceremony is expected to take place at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, with top government officials, lawmakers, and key stakeholders in attendance.
Following the signing, ministries, departments, and agencies are expected to commence implementation in line with approved timelines and expenditure ceilings.
Governor Makinde is anticipated to reiterate his administration’s resolve to translate budgetary figures into tangible outcomes for residents of the state.
Observers believe that the success of the 2026 budget will significantly shape public perception of the government’s performance ahead of future political milestones.
As Oyo State enters another fiscal year, attention will remain focused on execution, efficiency, and the ability of the government to deliver measurable economic gains.
The ₦892 billion spending plan represents one of the largest budgets in the state’s history, underscoring the administration’s ambitious development agenda.
Residents and stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the promises embedded in the “Budget of Economic Expansion” translate into improved livelihoods and sustainable growth across Oyo State.
