PRESIDENT TINUBU'S 2025 CHRISTMAS GOODWILL MESSAGE

My Fellow Nigerians,

As we mark this year's Christmas, may the love of Christ and his message of grace, hope, peace, and goodwill to humanity abide with us all.

Beyond the celebration and festivities of this season, Christmas reminds us to reflect on the significance of Jesus Christ's birth and his message of salvation as the Prince of Peace.

On this Holy Day, I wish all Christians in Nigeria and around the world a Merry Christmas. I thank God for the opportunity to serve as the leader of our great country, and I pray for peace in our land, especially among individuals of differing religious beliefs.

As your President, I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect all people of different faiths from violence.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us also reflect on the many contributions that Christians in Nigeria, as followers of Christ, have made and continue to make toward the progress of our country.

The love of Christ and the message of the Gospel have inspired many Christians to care for the vulnerable and less privileged in our society. We honour those who, following the example of Jesus, work tirelessly to promote peace, harmony, and tolerance in their communities.

For those who bring hope and faith in the midst of despair, this season is a reminder that, despite daunting challenges, God is with us.

Since I assumed office in 2023, I have continually reassured Nigerians of our unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation.

That commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. All Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity.

No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith. The love for God and love for humanity is at the heart of all the great faiths. These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people of our blessed country.

Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of engaging with prominent leaders from the two major faiths in the country, particularly amid concerns about religious intolerance and insecurity. We will build on these conversations to strengthen collaboration between government and religious institutions, prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.

As many Nigerians travel to reunite with family and loved ones during this holiday period, I urge all citizens to exercise patience and maintain discipline on the roads.

I wish all travellers a safe journey and a safe return to their destinations.

With confidence in divine providence and our collective strength, we will continue the work of building a greater Nigeria-one that future generations will be proud of.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year in advance.


Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
December 25, 2025

Lagos Police Deploy Thousands Ahead of Christmas and New Year to Ensure Safety

The Lagos State Police Command has deployed thousands of officers across the state ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations, following directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The deployment includes conventional officers, tactical units, intelligence operatives, and marine officers to secure land and waterways, combat crime, and maintain traffic flow. Special attention will be given to public spaces such as markets, motor parks, nightclubs, places of worship, and recreational centres. The move aims to protect lives, property, and ensure a safe festive season for residents and visitors.

#LagosPolice #ChristmasSecurity #NewYearSecurity #LagosState #Nigeria

House of Reps Urges Urgent Rescue of 28 Travellers, Including 25 Children, Abducted by Bandits in Plateau State; Ransom of N42 Million Demanded

The Nigerian House of Representatives has called on security agencies to urgently rescue 28 travellers, including 25 children, abducted by suspected bandits in Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State. The victims—children, a teacher, and a tricycle rider—were ambushed along the Zak–Sabon-Layin Gaji road while travelling to a Maulud celebration. The attackers abandoned the tricycle and the children’s footwear, highlighting the panic during the abduction. Bandits have demanded a ransom of N1.5 million per person, totaling N42 million. Lawmakers emphasized the challenges posed by dense forest terrain and urged security forces to deploy intelligence-driven operations. Plateau State authorities confirmed that soldiers and helicopters are actively tracking the kidnappers.

#PlateauState #Kidnapping #NigeriaSecurity

Malawi Government Denies Claims Vice President Jane Ansah Will Spend $1.3 Million Public Funds on Husband’s 80th Birthday Celebration in UK

The Malawian government has strongly denied allegations that Vice President Jane Mayemu Ansah plans to spend $1.3 million (K2.3 billion) in public funds on a private trip to the United Kingdom for her husband’s 80th birthday celebration. The denial follows widespread public outrage after documents circulated on social media claiming the Vice President would travel to the UK with a large, taxpayer-funded entourage amid ongoing economic hardship in the country.
In an official statement issued on December 22, 2025, the Office of the Vice President described the alleged budget documents as fake, misleading, and not originating from any government institution. Signed by the office’s Communications and Public Relations Officer, Richard Mveriwa, the statement insisted that no such expenditure was approved and urged the public to rely only on verified information from official channels.
The controversy comes at a time when the Malawian government is calling on citizens to endure austerity measures, intensifying criticism from civil society groups and social media users who questioned the justification for public spending on what was perceived as a private family event. The Vice President’s office reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, condemning what it described as the deliberate spread of false information capable of undermining public trust.

#Malawi
#GovernmentSpending
#InternationalNews

Adamawa Governor Fintiri Grants Christmas Pardon to Farmer Sunday Jackson Sentenced to Death for Killing Herder in Self-Defence Case

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has granted a full Christmas pardon to Sunday Jackson, a farmer who was controversially sentenced to death for killing a herder during a violent confrontation on his farmland. Jackson’s conviction, despite widespread claims that he acted in clear self-defence, had sparked national outrage and became a symbol of what critics described as the criminalisation of farmers facing deadly attacks.

The farmer was previously transferred to the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abuja, where he remained on death row while human rights advocates and rural communities called for justice. Exercising his constitutional prerogative of mercy, Governor Fintiri approved Jackson’s release following recommendations from the Adamawa State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy and in recognition of his conduct while in custody.

The pardon, granted as part of Christmas and New Year celebrations, has been widely welcomed across Adamawa State, particularly by farming communities who viewed Jackson’s case as a grave miscarriage of justice. While the government avoided reopening the legal details of the case, rights groups insist the decision amounts to an implicit acknowledgment that Jackson should never have faced a death sentence for defending his life and livelihood.


#Adamawa
#SundayJackson
#JusticeAndPardon

Ondo Hosts 2nd Edition of Christmas Marathon & Health Walk
Event: The second edition of the Prince Adewole Adebayo Christmas Marathon and Queen Lillian Adebayo Health Walk will take place on December 28, 2025, in Ondo City.
Purpose: The event promotes healthy living, youth engagement, and community bonding during the festive season.
Format: It features a competitive road marathon with cash prizes (₦2 million for first place, ₦1 million for second, ₦500,000 for third) alongside a non-competitive health walk for families, youth groups, and seniors.
Participation: Registration is free and open to all ages, with both online and physical registration options.
Highlights: The event will include entertainment, refreshments, medical support, and appearances by notable personalities, creating a community-focused celebration beyond sports.
Organisers: Prince Adewole Adebayo, a legal and youth empowerment advocate, and Queen Lillian Adebayo, a health and wellness campaigner.
Takeaway: The marathon is designed not just as a race, but as a celebration of wellness, unity, and community spirit ahead of the New Year.

NSCDC DEPLOYS 55,000 OPERATIVES FOR YULETIDE SECURITY

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, says it has deployed over 55,000 operatives nationwide to ensure the safety of lives, property, and critical national assets during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, hinted that the deployment is to strengthen the nation’s security architecture, especially as criminal elements often exploit festive periods to carry out unlawful activities.

The NSCDC boss directed Zonal Commanders to closely monitor formations under their control, while State Commandants are to coordinate area commands, divisions, and other operational units to ensure effective coverage, assuring the Corps’ readiness to work with sister security agencies, urging citizens to cooperate and support security efforts for a peaceful and secure festive season.

Malawi Vice President Jane Ansah Sparks Outrage After Spending $1.3million Public Funds To Attend Husband’s Lavish 80th Birthday Celebration In UK

Malawi’s Vice President, Jane Ansah, has come under intense public criticism following revelations that she spent an estimated K2.3 billion (about $1.3million) in public funds to travel to the United Kingdom with a large government-funded entourage to attend her husband’s 80th birthday celebration. The trip, described by sources as a private visit with no official or diplomatic agenda, is scheduled to take place in Nottingham between December 26 and January 10, according to official documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The delegation reportedly includes about 16 people, comprising personal aides, security officers, medical and protocol staff, the Vice President’s brother, and a close family friend, raising serious concerns about abuse of public resources. Critics argue that the expenditure contradicts the government’s austerity measures at a time when Malawians are grappling with food shortages, fuel scarcity and collapsing public services.
Civil society groups and governance advocates have condemned the trip as emblematic of elite excess, warning that such actions erode public trust and undermine economic recovery efforts. Despite mounting backlash, the Vice President’s office has declined to disclose the full cost or justification for the trip, further fuelling demands for accountability and transparency.

Nigerian Police Arrest Man With Unlicensed Guns, Seize Firearms and Human Body Parts in Osun During Intelligence-Led Operations

The Osun State Police Command has arrested multiple suspects in separate intelligence-driven operations targeting criminal hideouts across the state ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Police recovered unlicensed firearms, live ammunition, and human body parts allegedly meant for ritual purposes. One suspect was arrested in Ikire for unlawful possession of single-barrel guns, while three others were apprehended in Iwo Local Government Area after allegedly exhuming corpses from a Muslim cemetery. The police say investigations uncovered a wider syndicate involved in ritual crimes, and all suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

Borno: Zulum gifts food items for Christian widows, vulnerable

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has distributed essential food items to widows and vulnerable members of the Christian community in preparation for the upcoming Christmas celebrations.

Over 6,000 people will benefit from the gesture, including 1,605 IDPs who have each received a bag of rice, 1 carton of spaghetti, and 1 gallon of cooking oil.

This year’s event, which took place on Monday, marks the continuation of a consistent policy of support since his inauguration in 2019, for the past five years.

Fuji star Saheed Osupa stole the show at Seyi Tinubu’s coronation as “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” at the Alaafin’s palace in Oyo State. His lively performance had fans praising his stage presence and musical mastery, while some took playful digs at fellow Fuji singer Taye Currency, referencing Currency’s controversial coronation lyrics earlier this year.
The event also featured King Sunny Ade, highlighting the grandeur of Yoruba cultural celebrations. Netizens flooded social media with reactions, calling Osupa the “King of Music” and contrasting his elegant performance with Currency’s viral song.
Previously, Osupa and Pasuma, once seen as rivals, were also spotted bonding at the 15th-year remembrance of Fuji pioneer Ayinde Barrister, showing unity in the Fuji music community.
This performance not only celebrated Seyi Tinubu’s coronation but also reaffirmed Osupa’s enduring influence in Fuji music.
Source: Legit.ng

Nigeria Declares 2025 Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year Public Holidays
The federal government of Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has officially declared the following dates as public holidays:
Thursday, December 25, 2025 – Christmas Day
Friday, December 26, 2025 – Boxing Day
Thursday, January 1, 2026 – New Year’s Day
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Monday, December 22. Permanent Secretary Magdalene Ajani conveyed the declaration on behalf of the government.
Tunji-Ojo encouraged Nigerians to use the festive season to reflect on values such as love, peace, humility, and sacrifice, and to pray for national progress and security. Citizens were also urged to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations.
Source: Legit.ng
Author: Ridwan Adeola Yusuf (Current Affairs Editor)

Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Avoid Alcohol During Eyo Festival 2025, Stresses Peaceful Celebrations

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians, particularly participants of the upcoming Eyo Festival, to avoid alcohol and embrace peaceful celebrations. Speaking on Sunday, December 21, while receiving festival organizers at his Lagos residence, Tinubu emphasized the importance of unity, joy, and public safety during the December 27 festivities. The President urged festival adherents to celebrate responsibly, avoid actions that could endanger lives, and foster mutual respect. He offered prayers for Lagos and Nigeria while reiterating his administration’s commitment to tackling terrorism and banditry. The video of Tinubu’s remarks quickly went viral on social media, prompting widespread reactions. Many Nigerians praised the President’s advice as practical and responsible, noting that it encourages citizens to enjoy festivities safely and responsibly. The Ministry of Interior has also announced statutory public holidays for Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year, allowing citizens to celebrate responsibly.

FG DECLARES DECEMBER 25, 26 AND JANUARY 1 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

The Federal Government has declared December 25 and 26, 2025, as well as January 1, 2026, public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day, and the New Year celebrations.

A statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani indicates that the declaration was made on behalf of the Federal Government by the Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The Minister calls for reflection on the values of love, peace, humility, and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.

He also calls on Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, security, and national progress.

Tunji-Ojo further urges citizens to remain law-abiding and security conscious during the celebrations, while wishing Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

The Silence of Religious Leaders in Nigeria Amid Corruption, Oppression, and Terrorism: A Call for Unified Prayers This Christmas Season

In a powerful opinion piece, M. Musa highlights the troubling silence of religious leaders—both Christian pastors and Muslim imams—during Nigeria’s ongoing crises of corruption, oppression, and terrorism. Once vocal during political campaigns, many clerics have now become silent, prioritizing personal gain or political access over moral responsibility. Musa calls for accountability and challenges Nigerians to demand fearless prayers against injustice in every mosque and church during Christmas celebrations. He emphasizes that faith should not serve power, and religion must uphold truth rather than politics. The piece urges citizens to act if spiritual leaders refuse to denounce corruption openly, framing silence as complicity. Musa’s message resonates across faiths, stressing that both Christians and Muslims can unite under one God to confront societal ills, with prayer serving as a form of moral resistance. Ultimately, the article is a call to action for the masses to reclaim moral authority and demand integrity from religious institutions in Nigeria.

Ned Nwoko’s Fifth Wife Laila Charani Steals the Spotlight on His Birthday Amid Regina Daniels Saga

Nigerian billionaire Ned Nwoko celebrated his birthday with his fifth wife, Laila Charani, and his children in a private ceremony that left fans impressed. Charani serenaded Nwoko, creating heartfelt moments that went viral on social media. The celebration comes amid ongoing public attention on his estranged sixth wife, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, with whom he has been involved in a highly publicized fallout. Nwoko expressed gratitude for the love and support from family and friends, emphasizing that moments like these make birthdays truly meaningful despite personal controversies.

Nigerian Army Breaks Silence as Military Deploys Troops, Air Support to Foil Alleged Terrorist Attacks Planned for Christmas Day

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that heightened security measures have been put in place nationwide following reports of planned terrorist attacks targeting Christian communities during Christmas Day celebrations. In a statement issued by the Defence Headquarters, Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed that additional troops had been deployed to vulnerable areas, while special forces and air support units were placed on high alert to ensure rapid response. Surveillance activities, including aerial monitoring, intelligence gathering, fortified checkpoints, and coordinated patrols with community leaders and vigilante groups, have been intensified across the country. The military urged Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities, stressing its commitment to protecting lives, property, and national stability throughout the festive season.

Drama as Ugandan High School Students Arrive Graduation in Helicopter and Luxury Convoy
By Ankrah Shalom, May 6, 2024

Graduates of Elite High School in Entebbe, Uganda, made a grand entrance at their prom and graduation events.

Most students arrived in luxury cars, while one student made headlines arriving in a helicopter with their prom date.

The viral TikTok video showing their arrivals sparked widespread reactions online, with many questioning the appropriateness given they are still in high school.

Comments highlighted the contrast between wealth and Uganda’s widespread poverty, with critics labeling it a display of extravagance by “rich kids.”

This event is part of a broader trend of lavish celebrations among wealthy students, with similar cases of students flaunting money and security escorts going viral.


Source: Legit.ng

JUSTIN Davido’s friend and personal assistant, Lati, has once again embodied the true spirit of the season by distributing food and cash to those in need in celebration of Christmas.

This generous act touched many lives and brought smiles to countless people, showcasing the power of compassion and selfless giving.

Moments like these remind us why being around friends like Davido is special—a circle built on kindness, empathy, and the desire to give back to society.

It’s a heartfelt reminder that true success isn’t just about reaching the top, but about lifting others along the way.

CAN Condemns Ini Edo’s Film A Very Dirty Christmas As Offensive To Christian Faith, Demands Regulatory Review By Film Censors

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has criticised the Nollywood film A Very Dirty Christmas, produced by actress Ini Edo, describing its title as offensive and disrespectful to Christianity. CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said associating Christmas with the word “dirty” trivialises the sacred celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. The association has called on the National Film and Video Censors Board and Nollywood industry bodies to review the film’s approval, urging filmmakers to exercise creative freedom with religious sensitivity in Nigeria’s plural society.