Jarvis Puts Nigeria on the Global Map with Robotic Performance on iShowSpeed’s Livestream Nigerian TikTok sensation Jadrolita, also known as Jarvis, stole the spotlight during iShowSpeed’s livestream in Lagos with her signature robotic style. Dressed in a full robot outfit complete with her iconic blue avatar and mechanical movements, she immediately captured Speed’s attention. She greeted him in her unmistakable robotic voice, danced alongside him, taught him some Nigerian dance moves, and joined the birthday celebrations as he turned 21. In a moment that quickly went viral, Speed couldn’t hide his fascination, asking, “Are you a robot?” and “How do I activate her?” as they vibed together on camera. Jarvis’ unique, composed, and original performance shone amid the livestream chaos, showcasing Nigerian creativity to millions of global viewers. Moments like this highlight homegrown talent and firmly put Nigerian entertainment on the world stage.

Happy Birthday to beautiful Actress Eniola Ajao and her twin sister ……. Nollywood actress Eniola Ajao is celebrating her birthday alongside her twin sister, and fans are flooding social media with warm wishes. The actress shared beautiful photos of herself and her sister, expressing gratitude for life, growth, and sisterhood. Colleagues and admirers praised her talent, beauty, and resilience, describing her as a hardworking star who continues to shine in the industry. The birthday celebration has sparked admiration online, with many noting the strong bond between the sisters and wishing them more years of success and happiness. #fintternews

No, Coca-Cola Did Not Invent Christmas — Here’s the Real Story Christmas was not created by one person. It developed over time as a Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. In the early days, Christians did not celebrate Jesus’ birthday. It was around the 4th century (about AD 336) that Christian leaders in Rome chose December 25 as the date to mark His birth. The date likely aligned with popular Roman festivals at the time, helping Christianity gain wider acceptance. Coca-Cola came much later, in 1886. What the company influenced was the modern image of Santa Claus, especially the red-and-white outfit made popular through advertisements in the 1930s. Coca-Cola did not invent Christmas. Simply put, Jesus Christ is the reason for Christmas. The Church formally established the celebration, and no individual or company created it. #ChristmasFacts #FaithAndHistory #TruthMatters #Culture

Cubana Chiefpriest Sparks Buzz With Birthday Tease for Wife Celebrity barman Cubana Chiefpriest has stirred excitement online after teasing a special surprise for his wife’s birthday. In a post that quickly gained traction, he hinted at plans that suggest a grand celebration, leaving fans curious and guessing. Known for his flamboyant lifestyle and public displays of love, many expect nothing less than luxury. Social media users have since flooded his page with congratulatory messages and speculations.#fintternews

Layal Tinubu Celebrates Mum’s 60th Birthday in Morocco….. Layal Tinubu, wife of Seyi Tinubu, has celebrated her mother, Nkechi Holm, as she turned 60. The colourful birthday celebration took place over the weekend in Marrakech, Morocco. Sharing her joy online, Layal described the moment as special and emotional, saying she spent the most beautiful weekend honouring her mum at 60 and expressed deep gratitude, adding that her heart is full and thankful for the milestone.#fintternews

Sowore Foundation Awards 250 Scholarships, Empowers 45 Artisans; Hosts 2026 #ComeToKiribo Festival in Ondo The Sowore Foundation, founded by human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, has awarded scholarships to 250 students studying Medicine, Nursing, Law, and other disciplines, while also empowering 45 artisans and vulnerable individuals. The interventions coincided with the 2026 edition of the annual #ComeToKiribo Festival, held on January 1, 2026, in Kiribo, Ondo State. Speaking at the event, Sowore described the Kiribo Road Race as both symbolic and historic, noting that it is the first marathon race anywhere in the world held every year on January 1. Beyond celebration, the festival served as a platform for education, empowerment, and community development, drawing attention to grassroots support initiatives often missing from mainstream governance efforts. Question: Should community-driven initiatives like this play a bigger role where government support falls short? #ComeToKiribo #SoworeFoundation #OndoState #EducationAndEmpowerment

Nigerian SGF George Akume Plans to Spend N496 Million on Photocopiers and Office Furniture in 2026 The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), headed by George Akume, has earmarked ₦496 million in the 2026 budget for the purchase and installation of three heavy-duty photocopy machines and office furniture for the Cabinet Affairs Office. In context, Akume’s office has previously allocated substantial funds for empowerment initiatives: ₦100 million for grinding machines in Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos State, and another ₦100 million for Bonny/Degema, Rivers State, in 2025. ₦200 million for grinding machines in Kaduna South Federal Constituency. Totaling ₦400 million for empowerment via grinding machines in 2025. Additionally, the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology budgeted ₦195 million for grinding machines in Kebbi, Aliero, and Maiyama. The SGF’s office also drew attention in 2023 for spending ₦9.6 million on branded towels for Akume’s 70th birthday celebration, raising concerns over budget priorities and public fund usage. Meanwhile, civil society groups like Voice of the Voiceless Nigerian have called for Akume’s suspension, citing allegations of involvement in an N80 billion fraud, highlighting growing scrutiny of government spending practices.

E Don Set for AFCON: BUA Chairman Rabiu Promises Super Eagles $1.5 Million If Dem Beat Algeria, Enter Final E don set for AFCON oo! Nigerians no fit keep calm again as BUA Group Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, don drop heavy money promise for our Super Eagles after their hot victory over Algeria. Following the boys’ 2–0 win that carried Nigeria enter the semi-finals, the billionaire businessman come out boldly announce say serious cash reward dey wait the players if dem continue to deliver. Rabiu, wey post the message for him official X (Twitter) handle on Saturday, January 10, 2026, praise the team say dem don lift the spirit of the nation and make Nigerians proud again. According to am, if Super Eagles win their semi-final match, he go release $500,000 immediately, plus $50,000 for every single goal wey dem score. As in, every goal na money! But the real wahala dey the final. Rabiu talk say if Nigeria carry this AFCON cup go house, he go drop another $1 million, plus $100,000 for each goal scored in the final match. Meaning say goals don turn to dollars for this tournament. “Congratulations to our Super Eagles on a brilliant victory against Algeria. You have lifted the spirit of the nation,” Rabiu wrote. “Should you win the semi-final, I will reward you with $500,000 and $50,000 for each goal. If you go on to win the final, I further pledge $1,000,000 plus $100,000 for every goal.” He still encourage the boys make dem no relent: “Keep making Nigeria proud. Proudly Nigerian.” Recall say Nigeria beat Algeria 2–0 in Marrakech on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams for second half seal the match and send the Super Eagles straight to the semi-finals, where dem go face host nation Morocco. Since that victory, celebration don burst everywhere – from streets to social media – as Nigerians and top business leaders don begin rally behind the team. As e be now, one thing clear: AFCON don turn serious business. Goals na dollars. Victory na millions. Wahala don set oo!

Why Is the Nigerian Government Restricting School Graduation Ceremonies to Only Final Classes—Is This the End of Costly, Fee-Driven Celebrations in Primary and Secondary Schools? Is Nigeria finally putting an end to the growing culture of expensive and repetitive school graduations? The Federal Government has announced a new education policy that restricts graduation ceremonies to only final-year classes—Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3), and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3)—effectively banning the practice of holding graduation events for lower classes across the country. The policy was unveiled by the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suiwaba Sai’d, as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents and restoring focus to academic learning rather than ceremonial displays. According to the ministers, graduation ceremonies in many schools have become increasingly commercialized, with families often compelled to pay for gowns, souvenirs, photography, and multiple celebrations within a single academic year. These expenses, they said, place unnecessary pressure on households already struggling with the rising cost of education. By limiting graduations strictly to terminal classes, the government says it intends to eliminate fee-driven school practices and promote a more affordable and sustainable education system. The graduation reform also aligns with other cost-cutting measures introduced in the sector, including changes to textbook usage, academic planning, and resource sharing, which are designed to allow learning materials to be reused across multiple academic sessions. The policy further supports the introduction of a uniform national academic calendar, aimed at improving consistency in teaching, planning, and school administration while discouraging activities that impose additional financial strain on parents. Education officials insist that the move is not about diminishing students’ achievements but about resetting priorities in Nigerian schools—placing learning outcomes, classroom quality, and academic development above pageantry and social competition. However, the decision raises critical questions: Will schools comply fully with the new directive? How will private institutions adapt? And will the policy truly ease household education costs or face resistance from schools that rely on graduation-related fees? As implementation begins, parents, educators, and school administrators will be watching closely to see whether this reform marks a lasting shift toward affordability and academic focus—or sparks a new debate over tradition, celebration, and school funding in Nigeria’s education system.

Why Is Tinubu Budgeting Another ₦7bn for Aso Rock Solar While Nigerians Face Blackouts? After ₦10bn in 2025, Is the Presidency Prioritising Itself Over the National Power Crisis? Amid worsening electricity shortages across Nigeria, the Bola Tinubu-led federal government has allocated another ₦7 billion in the 2026 budget for the solarisation of the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, raising fresh questions about priorities, equity, and governance. The new allocation—listed by the Budget Office of the Federation under State House expenditures as “provision of solarisation of Villa with solar mini grid”—comes just a year after ₦10 billion was set aside for the same project in 2025. The decision has reignited public debate because it contrasts sharply with the everyday reality of millions of Nigerians who continue to endure persistent blackouts, business disruptions, and rising energy costs. Critics argue that while the Presidency secures reliable power through a premium solar project, households and small enterprises remain at the mercy of an unstable national grid. In April 2025, when the initial ₦10 billion allocation triggered public outrage, the Presidency defended the project as a long-term investment in sustainability and energy efficiency. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the move follows “global standards,” citing the White House’s use of solar power and insisting the administration was not “reinventing the wheel” but adopting a tested model for powering critical institutions. Supporters of the project also frame it as a smart hedge against grid failures and a step toward cleaner energy. Yet the timing has kept the controversy alive. The latest budget increase coincides with a series of national grid collapses that have plunged much of the country into darkness. According to data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), one major disturbance saw total power generation crash from 2,052.37MW to just 139.92MW within one hour, leaving only three of the country’s 11 distribution companies able to take any load. At different points, major DisCos—including Eko, Ikeja, Enugu, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt and Yola—recorded zero allocation, underscoring the fragility of the system. Independent monitoring confirmed that even hours after such collapses, national supply remained severely constrained, with total available power far below what is needed to sustain homes, hospitals, businesses, and critical services. Similar incidents in March and September 2025 followed earlier government celebrations of rising generation, only for output to plunge again below sustainable levels. Against this backdrop, many Nigerians question whether investing billions to guarantee uninterrupted electricity for the seat of power—while the wider grid remains unreliable—signals a two-tier energy policy. Some see the solar project as an admission that government itself no longer trusts the national power system it oversees. Others argue that the Presidency’s energy security should not come at a time when ordinary citizens face daily outages, rising fuel costs for generators, and an economy already under strain. The debate now centres on urgent questions: Is the Tinubu administration protecting Aso Rock while the country stays in the dark? Should scarce public funds be channelled first into stabilising the national grid rather than insulating the Presidency? And does repeated spending—₦17 billion across two years—reflect forward-looking sustainability or misplaced priorities in the middle of a power crisis? As Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure continues to falter, the Aso Rock solar budget has become a powerful symbol in a wider argument about leadership, accountability, and who truly benefits from government policy.

Is This Crazy or Inspirational? Why Did T-Pain Buy a Private Jet for His Family—and What Does It Say About His Comeback? | Fintter Is buying a private jet for your family a bold celebration of success—or a risky flex in an industry known for financial crashes? Grammy-winning American rapper and singer T-Pain has set social media ablaze after surprising his mother and family with a private jet, in an emotional moment captured on video. The clip, shared on his official pages on January 6, 2026, shows the artist—real name Faheem Rashad Najm—leading his loved ones toward a sleek blue-and-white aircraft on an airport tarmac before casually revealing: he bought it for them. His mother’s stunned reaction said it all. “You just bought the plane?! This is crazy!” she exclaimed, as the family broke into celebration, boarding the jet and enjoying snacks and drinks inside the cabin. For T-Pain, the moment symbolised more than luxury—it was victory after years of struggle. But the big question remains: Is this a powerful story of redemption, or a financial gamble dressed as success? From Financial Struggles to a Private Jet T-Pain’s lavish gift comes nearly a year after a major financial turning point. In February 2025, the rapper sold his music publishing catalogue and select master rights to HarbourView Equity Partners. He described the deal as one that would “secure wealth for generations,” marking a dramatic shift in his financial trajectory. This move followed a difficult chapter in his career. In the late 2000s, T-Pain revealed that mismanagement of a $40 million advance had led to serious financial setbacks, despite his global fame. For years, fans watched as one of music’s most influential hitmakers appeared to fade from the spotlight. Now, the private jet is being seen as a symbol of resurgence, redemption, and smart long-term strategy. A Celebration—or a Warning Sign? Online reactions have been mixed but emotional. Many fans praised T-Pain for making his mother proud and reclaiming his place at the top. Others offered words of caution, urging him to protect his wealth, avoid unnecessary spending, and ensure the jet is used strategically—through chartering, tax planning, or business operations. Some observers even called the purchase a “tax-savvy power move”, suggesting that with proper management, private aircraft ownership can reduce operating costs and generate income when leased. But critics ask: In an industry filled with stories of stars who went broke after extravagant spending, is buying a private jet truly wise? Or is it a dangerous symbol of excess? What Does This Say About Success in Music Today? Beyond the headlines, T-Pain’s story raises deeper questions about modern celebrity wealth: Is selling a music catalogue the smartest way for artists to secure long-term financial freedom? Does luxury spending reflect success—or does real wealth lie in investments and sustainability? Should public figures be celebrated for lavish displays, or for financial discipline? Interestingly, the debate echoes comments made by Nigerian music mogul Don Jazzy, who recently said he would never buy a private jet despite being able to afford one. He emphasised investments, personal growth, and long-term impact over flashy purchases. So where does T-Pain’s decision fall—visionary or risky? A Moment of Pride, a Test of Legacy For T-Pain and his family, the jet is more than a machine—it is a symbol of perseverance, recovery, and gratitude. His declaration in the video, “We fing did it,”* reflects the emotional weight of overcoming past mistakes and reclaiming success. Yet, for fans and critics alike, the story invites a broader conversation: Is this the ultimate example of “making it,” or a reminder that wealth must be handled with extreme care? --- 💬 Discussion Starters for Fintter Readers Is buying a private jet a smart business move or unnecessary luxury? Did T-Pain make the right choice selling his music catalogue? Should artists prioritise investments over high-profile purchases? Would you rather own a jet—or build long-term passive income? 👉 Join the conversation on Fintter: Is T-Pain’s private jet purchase inspirational—or is it a risky flex in an industry that has seen too many stars fall?

ADC Says Trump’s Action Against Venezuela’s Maduro Is a Warning to Illegitimate Governments, Slams Tinubu’s Silence as Embarrassing for Nigeria The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described recent actions by the United States under President Donald Trump against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife as a strong warning to governments that lack legitimacy, urging Nigeria to draw lessons from the development. In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the move sends “a strong message” to Nigeria and other countries where leadership is allegedly sustained by flawed elections and repression. While reaffirming its support for national sovereignty and non-interference as enshrined in the UN Charter, the ADC argued that these principles should not be used to shield tyranny, electoral fraud, and the denial of citizens’ right to choose their leaders. Citing the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election, the party noted widespread international condemnation over alleged fraud, repression, exclusion of opposition candidates, violent suppression of protests, and the use of state institutions against citizens—developments it said have driven mass migration and regional instability. The ADC acknowledged that U.S. intervention raises concerns under international law but maintained that the public celebrations within Venezuela reflect a deep legitimacy crisis for the Maduro government. The party also criticised the Tinubu administration’s silence, calling it “deeply embarrassing” and evidence that Nigeria has lost influence and moral authority on the global stage. It concluded that sovereignty must reflect the will of the people, not merely the survival of a regime, warning that “contrived mandates” and election rigging will no longer find safe haven.

From Church To Cell: Delta Police Accused Of Random Crossover Night Arrests, Assault And ₦200,000 Extortion Of Worshippers In Asaba Worshippers arrested during crossover night celebrations in Asaba, Delta State, have accused the Delta State Police Command of carrying out random arrests, physical assault and extorting between ₦150,000 and ₦200,000 before granting bail. The arrests reportedly occurred on New Year’s Eve at multiple locations, including Inter-Bau Roundabout and Direct Labour Agency (DLA) Road, and affected over 40 people, many of whom were attending or returning from church services. Although the police described the arrested individuals as “hoodlums” involved in violent conduct, several victims told SaharaReporters that they were innocent worshippers who were rounded up without cause, detained at the state police headquarters and allegedly framed. Some suspects said they were only released after paying large sums of money for bail, which is legally free. Victims and witnesses accused officers under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Adejobi Olumuyiwa, of abusing power and violating human rights. A Federal Road Safety Corps officer and a lawyer both confirmed incidents of extortion, while another victim narrated how police allegedly assaulted her and broke her tooth during the arrest of her brother. Police insiders also criticised the DCP’s operational style, alleging repeated mass arrests and disregard for due process. Efforts to get official responses were unsuccessful, as the outgoing and incoming commissioners of police distanced themselves from the incident, while the police spokesperson said the matter involved his superiors. The allegations have renewed public outrage over police brutality, extortion and abuse of authority in Nigeria.

EXCLUSIVE: FIRS Chairman Zach Adedeji Plans Lavish Dubai Birthday With Seyi Tinubu Amid Controversy Over Alleged Tax Law Alterations The Chairman of Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zach Adedeji, is reportedly planning a lavish birthday celebration in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on January 6, 2026, despite mounting public outrage over alleged alterations to recently enacted tax laws. Multiple sources disclosed that the high-profile event is expected to attract influential political and business figures, including Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu. The planned celebration comes at a sensitive time, as Adedeji and the FIRS face intense scrutiny over claims that provisions of Nigeria’s new tax reform laws were altered after passage by the National Assembly, allegedly to benefit powerful interests. While the controversy continues, President Tinubu has insisted that the implementation of the tax reforms would proceed as scheduled from January 1, 2026, describing the changes as critical to resetting Nigeria’s fiscal framework rather than increasing taxes. Lawmakers, particularly from the House of Representatives minority caucus, have raised concerns about discrepancies between the versions of the tax laws debated and passed by parliament and those published in the Federal Gazette. In response, investigative committees have been set up to probe the alleged alterations, even as the federal government moves ahead with the rollout of the new tax regime.

Chaos at KWAM 1’s All White Party as MC Oluomo, Sego’s Rival NURTW Factions Clash in Lagos, Videos Trend Online Drama erupted at Fuji icon King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal’s (KWAM 1) New Year All White Party held in Victoria Island, Lagos, after rival factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), led by MC Oluomo and Mustapha Sego, attended the star-studded event. Videos circulating on social media captured tense moments when members of Sego’s faction reacted angrily after KWAM 1 reportedly declared MC Oluomo as the head of the NURTW while performing on stage. The situation briefly disrupted the celebration, prompting KWAM 1 to appeal publicly for unity and reconciliation between the feuding union leaders. The event, which was also attended by celebrities such as Iyabo Ojo and Small Doctor, revived memories of similar clashes at KWAM 1’s shows in previous years, despite a peace agreement reportedly signed in September 2025. The incident sparked widespread reactions online, with netizens debating MC Oluomo’s authority within the NURTW and expressing concern over recurring tensions spilling into entertainment events.

Dozens Feared Dead, Over 100 Injured As New Year’s Eve Fire Engulfs Crowded Bar At Swiss Ski Resort In Crans-Montana A New Year’s Eve celebration ended in devastating tragedy after a massive fire swept through a packed basement bar at the luxury Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing dozens of people and leaving more than 100 injured. The blaze broke out around 1:30am at “Le Constellation,” a popular nightlife spot frequented by young tourists celebrating the arrival of 2026. Swiss police said the exact death toll is still being verified, but early estimates suggest that up to 40 people may have lost their lives, with many of the injured in critical condition. Authorities warned that identifying victims could take weeks due to the severity of burns sustained during the incident. Eyewitness accounts and preliminary investigations point to sparklers being used inside the bar as a possible cause of the fire. Survivors reported that flames spread rapidly after a lit sparkler allegedly ignited the wooden ceiling, triggering panic as patrons scrambled to escape through the venue’s narrow staircase — the only public exit. Residents and witnesses described scenes of chaos, with people smashing windows to flee while parents rushed to the scene amid fears their children were inside. Foreign nationals, including French tourists, are among the victims, prompting condolences from French President Emmanuel Macron and diplomatic visits from Italian officials. The tragedy has raised serious questions about safety standards, crowd control, and the use of pyrotechnics in enclosed entertainment venues, particularly in popular tourist destinations. As investigations continue, Swiss authorities are under mounting pressure to tighten regulations to prevent similar disasters in the future.

Gunmen Attack Plateau Community During New Year’s Eve Celebrations, Kill 7 Residents, Injure Others and Burn Houses in Jos South At least seven people were killed and several others injured on New Year’s Eve after gunmen suspected to be Fulani militia attacked the Bum community in Chugwi, Vwang District of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. The deadly assault occurred around 11:00 p.m. on December 31, 2025, while residents were observing crossover night to usher in the New Year, plunging the community into grief and chaos. Confirming the incident, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, said the attackers took advantage of the festive celebrations to carry out the assault, killing residents, injuring others, and setting several houses ablaze. As of the time of reporting, seven bodies had been recovered, while search and rescue operations were still ongoing, raising fears that the death toll could rise. Tengwong lamented that the attack happened despite prior security alerts warning that some communities in Jos South had been marked for possible attacks, alleging that the warnings were ignored by security agencies. He described the incident as part of a growing pattern of violent attacks on rural communities in Plateau State, particularly during festive periods meant for peace and celebration. In a related incident, residents of Ipele community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State were thrown into panic in the early hours of January 1, 2026, after suspected terrorists attacked and burned down a police station in the area. The assault forced residents to flee their homes, while videos showed the police facility and vehicles set ablaze. As of the time of filing the report, there was no official confirmation of casualties, and efforts to get a response from the Ondo State Police Command were unsuccessful.

Yobe Hisbah Commission Bans Men–Women Interaction, Private Conversations in Vehicles and Public Gatherings to Enforce Sharia Compliance The Yobe State Hisbah Commission has issued a public warning banning certain social interactions between men and women, particularly during festive periods, as part of efforts to enforce compliance with Sharia teachings in the state. The directive, dated December 31, 2025, cautions residents against behaviours the Commission described as morally inappropriate. According to the notice, prohibited activities include reckless movement in vehicles during celebrations such as weddings and Sallah, physical interaction between men and women in public transport like Keke Napep and motorcycles, as well as at public gatherings. The Commission also warned against private conversations or casual “chatting” between men and women that it says are not approved under Sharia law. The directive was issued by the office of the State Commander of the Hisbah Commission, Dr. Muhammad Yawudi Kale, with the approval of the Chairman, Dr. Yahuza Hamza Abubakar. The Commission stressed that the measures are aimed at safeguarding public morality and protecting the moral upbringing of children and youths in the state. Parents and community members were urged to cooperate with Hisbah officials to ensure effective enforcement of the rules. The Commission emphasised that collective support is necessary to uphold moral values and maintain social order in line with Islamic principles across Yobe State.

Kwara Govt Issues Security Alert Over Planned Attacks on Public Infrastructure During New Year The Kwara State Government has warned residents of potential attacks on government facilities and crowded areas during New Year celebrations. Intelligence reports indicate that “bad faith actors” may target public infrastructure and soft targets to avenge recent losses. Commissioner for Communications Bolanle Olukoju urged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid non-essential travel, and steer clear of large gatherings, especially during crossover church services. The government assured that security agencies are on high alert to protect lives and property, and citizens are encouraged to promptly report suspicious movements or activities.

Trump Bombs Farmlands in Sokoto, Tinubu Travels Abroad as Defence Minister Musa Goes Silent: A Scathing Review of Nigeria’s Security Crisis by Dr. Nasiru Aminu In this hard-hitting opinion piece, Dr. Nasiru Aminu delivers a blistering critique of Nigeria’s leadership and security architecture following the controversial US airstrikes on Christmas night, which reportedly bombed farmlands in Sokoto rather than confirmed terrorist hideouts. He argues that the strikes were justified by former US President Donald Trump using claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria—claims the author describes as exaggerated, misleading and rooted in Trump’s polarising, post-truth political style. Dr. Aminu questions why Sokoto was targeted instead of known terror hotspots in the North-East, noting that no credible evidence has emerged to confirm that ISIS or other terrorists were neutralised. He criticises Trump for belittling Nigeria publicly while simultaneously imposing visa restrictions on Nigerians, including Christians he claims to defend. The article further examines the Nigerian government’s response, highlighting conflicting narratives from officials. While the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Information publicly supported the US action, Tinubu’s policy communication adviser, Daniel Bwala, openly described the situation as “sketchy.” Other ministers offered what the author calls unhelpful or misplaced commentary, while President Bola Tinubu himself remained silent and left the country on an end-of-year trip days after the bombing. A major focus of the piece is the silence of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, whom Dr. Aminu accuses of failing in his responsibility at a critical national moment. Despite widespread public anxiety, Musa did not address the nation or clarify whether he was involved in, or even informed about, the bombing. Instead, media reports showed him attending personal celebrations and ceremonial events, behaviour the author describes as unprofessional and insensitive during a national security crisis. Dr. Aminu concludes that the absence of leadership, accountability and clear communication following the bombing reflects deeper systemic failures in Nigeria’s security management. He warns that unless this pattern changes, Nigerians should brace for continued mediocrity, insecurity and public disillusionment in the year ahead.