Stakeholders at an interactive forum to appraise impacts of Zonal Intervention/ Constituency Projects in communities at the instance of the Federal Ministry of Special Duties lnter - Governmental Affairs agreed that monitoring and evaluating projects the responsibility of every citizen.
They also noted paucity of funds, duplications of projects, abandonment and sharp practices in the sector as some of the reasons for some delays in completion of projects.
To ensure the Renewed Hope agenda on community development is realized, Stakeholders expressed the need for adequate collaboration of all stakeholders in tracking, monitoring and evaluation of these projects.

The Commander of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General KC Uwa, on Tuesday, 10 December 2025, conducted an operational and confidence-building visit to Chanchanji in Takum Local Government Area following recent attacks that left several farmers dead.

The visit came amid ongoing clearance operations within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility, prompted by credible intelligence indicating threats from suspected armed herders reportedly hiding in surrounding bushes.

During the visit, troops led by Brigadier General Uwa carried out extensive patrols across Chanchanji and neighbouring areas, covering key flashpoints and access routes to farmlands. The patrols aimed to deter criminal elements and reassure residents of the military’s control over the security situation.

At Chanchanji Market Square, the Brigade Commander met with community members and displaced farmers, who lamented their inability to return to ancestral villages and farmlands to harvest crops due to fear of renewed attacks. Villages affected include Ayu, Dooshima, New Gboko, Adu Tyopaa, Peeki, and Tyojande.

Brigadier General Uwa issued directives for troops to provide security cover for farmers and authorised sustained farm patrols in the affected villages to ensure protection before, during, and after harvesting activities. He assured the residents that the Nigerian Army would relentlessly pursue all criminal elements responsible for the attacks.

He also urged residents to provide credible intelligence on bandits’ movements and cautioned against spreading rumours that could undermine security efforts.

Community leaders and displaced farmers commended the Brigade Commander’s personal intervention, describing the visit as timely and confidence-restoring. Many farmers expressed readiness to gradually return to their farms under military protection.

The operation and community engagement were conducted without incident, with troops maintaining firm control and a visible security presence throughout the affected areas.

The Nigerian Army, through 6 Brigade, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods, and ensuring that law-abiding citizens in its Area of Responsibility live and farm in safety.

Governor Yusuf Approves Appointment of Prof. Amina Salihi Bayero as Vice Chancellor, Northwest University

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has confirmed the appointment of Professor Amina Salihi Bayero as the substantive Vice Chancellor of Northwest University for a five-year tenure beginning Monday, 1st December, 2025.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday.

The approval follows a recommendation by the University Council after a rigorous selection process.

Governor Yusuf, as Visitor to the University, commended the Council Chairman and members for their dedication to merit and integrity throughout the exercise.

He also requested prayers for Allah’s guidance upon the new Vice Chancellor as she assumes the responsibilities of her office.

Prof. Amina Salihi Bayero is a distinguished scholar of Analytical Chemistry and the first female PhD holder in Chemistry from Bayero University Kano.

She has served in several academic and administrative capacities, including Head of Department, Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Deputy Vice Chancellor at Yusuf Maitama Sule University.

She is widely respected for her research contributions, leadership qualities, and commitment to mentoring young scientists.

Her appointment is expected to strengthen academic excellence and promote greater gender inclusion in higher education across Kano State.

CUSTOMS COMPTROLLER GAMBO IYERE ALIYU WHO REJECTED $50,000 BRIBE TAKES HELM AT FOU ZONE A

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has witnessed a major transition as outgoing Comptroller , now Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu, formally handed over leadership to the new Customs Area Comptroller , Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu. The handover ceremony, held on December 10, 2025, marked a notable moment for the Service’s anti-smuggling architecture as both senior officers outlined their visions for stronger enforcement and national economic protection.

In his valedictory remarks, ACG Shuaibu expressed deep gratitude to God and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, dsm, fnipr,psc+ for the trust and support that enabled him to lead the Zone effectively. He described his seven-month tenure as both challenging and rewarding, noting that his mandate upon assumption of office on April 23, 2025 was to strengthen intelligence-driven operations within the Zone.

He reported remarkable achievements during his stewardship, driven by the resilience and professionalism of officers under his command. According to him, the Unit recorded 476 interceptions comprising 761 seizures valued at ₦10,051,812,208, including 23,000 bags of smuggled rice, 98 used vehicles, 2,350 kg of cannabis sativa, 1,820 jerry cans of PMS, 15 rifles, 4,841 rounds of ammunition, two industrial drones, 25 kg of methamphetamine, and four 50kg cylinders of explosives of Russian origin.He added that the Unit also transferred $20,000 in intercepted currencies to the EFCC, arrested 38 suspects, and handed over eight containers of expired pharmaceuticals valued at ₦7.5 billion. Beyond enforcement, the Unit recovered ₦419,202,458.85 from underpaid import duties through meticulous document checks and demand notices.

ACG Shuaibu called on officers to remain committed and extend full cooperation to his successor, expressing confidence that the structures he leaves behind will continue to thrive. He thanked his principal officers, patrol leaders, and the media for their support, describing his time at FOU Zone A as fulfilling and impactful.

In his response, Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General and the NCS management team for the confidence reposed in him. He commended ACG Shuaibu for his exemplary leadership, pledging to consolidate the gains already recorded by the outgoing administration.

Comptroller Aliyu assured that he would uphold the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, focusing on enhanced intelligence-driven enforcement, strict discipline, strong stakeholder collaboration, and improved welfare for officers. Specifically, he will align with the Comptroller-General's goals of modernizing customs processes, strengthening anti-smuggling efforts, improving trade facilitation, and building capacity.

He highlighted the strategic importance of FOU Zone A as a frontline enforcement formation responsible for suppressing smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests. He emphasised that professionalism, accountability, and ethics would remain non-negotiable under his command, urging officers to uphold the core values of the Service.

According to him, operational activities will revolve around change management, compliance management, and reputational management—three pillars he considers essential for sustainable progress. Comptroller Aliyu also acknowledged the vital role of the media and pledged open, responsible engagement to ensure accurate dissemination of information.

Atiku Demands Independent Probe Into Alleged Army Killing of Female Protesters in Adamawa

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a transparent and independent investigation into allegations that soldiers from the 23 Brigade shot and killed female protesters in Lamurde, Adamawa State. The unrest stems from renewed clashes between the Bachama and Tsobo communities, which have resulted in deaths, displacement, and rising tension. While locals accuse the military of opening fire on unarmed women demonstrating over security failures, the Army has denied involvement, blaming the deaths on local militia clashes. Atiku condemned the violence, urged government intervention, and insisted that all responsible parties—civilian or military—must be held accountable.

The Basest of Men”: Understanding God’s Sovereignty in Leadership and National Governance

In this reflective opinion piece, Leonard Karshima Shilgba explores the tension between divine sovereignty and human governance through the lens of Daniel 4:13–17. The article examines the biblical phrase “the basest of men,” explaining its Aramaic roots and how it describes leaders of low character or unlikely backgrounds whom God allows or appoints for His purposes. Shilgba highlights biblical and historical examples of such rulers and argues that even when unworthy leaders rise to power, Christians are still called to pray, advocate for righteousness, and engage governance responsibly. He encourages believers not to lose heart, emphasizing that God’s sovereignty does not excuse apathy but empowers courage, accountability, and moral witness. The author concludes that burdens for good governance are divine callings, and that God both raises leaders and strengthens the righteous to shine even under flawed rule.

"How My Friend Got Pr3gnant and Secretly 4b○rted It While Still Asking Her Boyfriend for M○ney" – Lady Reveals

A Nigerian woman has shared a shocking story about her female friend who became pregnant by her boyfriend but later moved out of his house following a disagreement.

According to the X user, her friend got pregnant, and the boyfriend acknowledged and accepted responsibility for the pregnancy. However, after living together for a month, they had a misunderstanding, and the lady left the house.

She further revealed that after moving out, the friend secretly abxxted the prxgnxncy without informing the boyfriend. Despite this, she has continued to ask him for m○ney to "take care of the prxgnxncy."

Meanwhile, the boyfriend has been saving m○ney to support the baby after birth, unaware that the prxgnxncy was txxmin4ted behind his back.

"A friend of mine got pregnant around June this year. The guy confirmed it and accepted responsibility. She stayed with him for a month, then they fxxght and she left his house. After leaving, she went ahead to xbxrt the prxgnxncy at 14 weeks gxxtation. She hid it from him and continued asking him for money.

Now it’s December, and he thinks she will soon deliver. He has been looking for ways to get mxney. He’s my friend too, and he begged me to start an ajo. He collected four numbers, twice now he has collected 224k and each time he sent all the mxney to the girl so she could supposedly start buying baby things.

She has refuses to go and see him. She’s also hiding from her mum because her mom is aware about the prxgnxncy too . She has even settled back with her ex–boyfriend and has been with him ever since.

I’m just here watching everything.
I can’t tell the boy he cannot hear this from my mouth.
But I feel really bad for him.
It is well sha" she wrote.

What's your take on this?

COAS DECORATES ARMY SPOKESPERSON AS COLONEL …Reaffirms Public Trust as a Strategic Enabler for Military Operations

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu Nigerian Army Medal, on 9 December 2025, decorated the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, with the rank of Colonel in recognition of her steadfast dedication and exemplary service to the Nigerian Army.

At a brief ceremony held at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, the COAS commended Colonel Anele’s professionalism and unwavering commitment, charging the Directorate of Army Public Relations to sustain its efforts in projecting the Nigerian Army’s image responsibly and credibly.

Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, the COAS underscored the indispensable role of public trust in the success of military operations. He urged the Directorate of Army Public Relations to strengthen transparent, accountableand timely communication on the activities of the Nigerian Army, stressing that effective strategic communication remains vital in bolstering national confidence in the Armed Forces.

The Army Chief further tasked the Acting Director to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and loyalty, while mentoring her subordinates to enhance the overall effectiveness and capacity of the Directorate.

In her vote of thanks, Colonel Appolonia Anele expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the COAS for their visionary leadership, purposeful guidance and mentorship, which she described as instrumental to her career advancement.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including former Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman Kukasheka (Rtd) mni; Colonel Mustapha Anka (Rtd) mni, senior officers serving and retired; alongside family members, friends and well-wishers.

RSF: Israel Responsible for Nearly Half of Journalist Deaths Worldwide in 2025

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has accused Israel of causing nearly half of all journalist deaths recorded globally in 2025. In its annual report, the group revealed that 67 journalists were killed between December 2024 and December 2025, with Israeli forces responsible for 43% of the fatalities—29 of them Palestinian reporters in Gaza. RSF highlighted a deadly “double-tap” airstrike on a Gaza hospital that killed five journalists, suggesting deliberate targeting. The organisation also noted that nearly 220 journalists have been killed since the Gaza conflict began in 2023. Outside the Middle East, Mexico, Sudan, and Ukraine remained dangerous for media workers. RSF further reported 503 journalists imprisoned worldwide as of December 2025, underscoring escalating threats to press freedom.

#PressFreedom

#RSFReport

#JournalistSafety

Sharia Council Explains Rapid Growth of Islamic Banking in Nigeria

The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) says Islamic banking is expanding swiftly because it offers interest-free, ethically grounded financial solutions aligned with Islamic principles. Speaking at a major workshop in Kano, SCSN President Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar highlighted the sector’s emphasis on fairness, risk-sharing, and responsible financial practices, noting the presence of five fully established Islamic banks in Nigeria. The event also featured BUK’s announcement that Summit Bank will offer automatic five-year employment to its top Islamic finance graduates. Over 250 stakeholders attended the conference, aimed at deepening understanding of Sharia-compliant finance and modern regulatory practices.

Today, we officially launched the TY Logistics Park FZE in Alaro City, a project that will shape the future of logistics in Lagos and strengthen our position as Nigeria’s leading industrial hub.

I commend General T.Y. Danjuma (Rtd.) and Senator Daisy Danjuma for their vision. Through TY Holdings, they continue to show what responsible investment and confidence in Lagos truly look like.

This park sits in the middle of a rapidly expanding economic corridor, the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Dangote Refinery, new manufacturing zones, and the coming Lekki–Epe International Airport. A grade-A logistics facility here will cut costs for businesses, support exporters, and create real opportunities for our people.

We also appreciate the Federal Government’s commitment to the 7th Axial Road, which will strengthen the entire supply chain from the port to land.

This project aligns with our THEMES+ agenda to build modern infrastructure, improve mobility, and make Lagos an easier place to invest and operate. Alaro City is fast becoming a preferred industrial destination, and we will keep creating the environment where investors know that today is always the next best day to invest in Lagos.

ECOWAS Deploys Standby Force to Benin After Failed Coup Attempt

ECOWAS has ordered the immediate deployment of elements of its Standby Force to the Republic of Benin following Sunday’s failed coup attempt. In a statement titled “ECOWAS Statement N°2 on Bénin”, the bloc said the deployment was approved under Article 25(e) of its 1999 conflict-management protocol after consultations with regional leaders. Troops will be drawn from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana. The regional force is tasked with supporting Benin’s government and military to preserve constitutional order and prevent further instability. ECOWAS condemned the attempted coup as a subversion of the people’s will and warned that those responsible will be held accountable.

JUST IN: Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy and management expert, says Nigerian politicians are responsible for the divisions in the country.

BREAKING: ECOWAS has issued a statement condemning the attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin.

The regional body calls for full respect for Benin’s constitution and warns that those behind the plot will be held responsible.

IPOB Challenges Senator Orji Kalu to Provide Evidence for Alleged 30,000 Killings in South-East

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has demanded that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu present credible evidence backing his claim that the group and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) were responsible for killing 30,000 people in the South-East. In a statement by spokesperson Emma Powerful, IPOB insisted that such a grave allegation cannot be treated as politics and must be proven or publicly withdrawn. The group accused Kalu of misgovernance during his time as Abia governor, including enabling criminal elements and mismanaging state resources—allegations that remain unverified. IPOB reaffirmed its stance as a peaceful self-determination movement, distancing itself from armed groups and insisting that neither IPOB nor ESN has been proven responsible for killings in the region. The group said both Nigerians and the international community await evidence from the senator.

This Is a Civil Defense Officer Accusing Chinasa Nwaneri, SA To Hope Uzodinma, And Inspector Okebata, Also Known As ‘Kill And Bury’ Of Tiger Base Owerri, Of Being Responsible For Destruction And Unrest In Imo State:

Nigeria Targets Stronger Domestic Funding to Achieve Universal Health Coverage

The Nigerian government has announced plans to bolster domestic resource mobilization for healthcare as international grants and donor aid continue to decline, emphasizing the need for greater local ownership to attain Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Speaking at the 9th Annual Health Conference of the Association of Nigerian Health Journalists (ANHeJ), Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser to the President on Health, said sustainable financing must come primarily from within the country to ensure accountability and long-term progress.
Key measures highlighted include:

Strengthening the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF);

Expanding financial protection mechanisms under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act;

Introducing innovative revenue streams, such as the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) Tax.

Stakeholders at the conference stressed that state governments must take greater responsibility for health financing.

They renewed calls for states to meet the Abuja Declaration commitment of allocating at least 15% of their annual budgets to the health sector.
With external funding becoming increasingly unpredictable, experts warn that without urgent and substantial increases in domestic investment, Nigeria risks falling further behind on its UHC goals.

Supreme Court Slams Tinubu Government for Unlawful Seizure of Osun LG Funds, Faults State for Unauthorized Suit

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Tinubu-led Federal Government acted illegally by withholding Osun State’s local government allocations amounting to ₦73.7 billion between March and August 2025. While condemning the FG for violating the 1999 Constitution, the Court also faulted the Osun State Attorney General for filing the suit without authorization from the 30 councils. Justice Mohammed Idris described the FG’s actions as unconstitutional and “indefensible,” insisting funds must be paid directly to LG accounts. A minority judgment, however, supported Osun’s right to sue. The decision comes amid ongoing legal battles and political tension over the February LG elections and an interim order stopping UBA from releasing the funds.

Atiku Blasts Tinubu for Nominating Ex-INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu as Ambassador

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu for nominating former INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as a non-career ambassador, calling the move inappropriate and damaging to public trust. Atiku, who lost the 2023 presidential election supervised by Yakubu, described the nomination as “morally indefensible” and suggestive of a political reward for overseeing one of Nigeria’s most disputed elections. He warned that the decision sends a dangerous signal to electoral officials and undermines efforts to strengthen democratic institutions. Tinubu recently submitted 32 additional ambassadorial nominees to the Senate, including Yakubu and other notable political figures.

Peter Obi Slams Tinubu Govt for Distributing Luxury Vehicles Ahead of 2027 Campaign

Labour Party’s Peter Obi has condemned the alleged use of public funds to purchase and distribute luxury vehicles—including Hilux trucks, Land Cruisers, and Hummer buses—for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 campaign mobilisation. In a statement on X, Obi described the move as “profoundly insensitive” amid rising poverty, hunger, unemployment, and insecurity across Nigeria. He criticised leaders for prioritising political pageantry over urgent national needs such as healthcare, education and food security. Obi said the actions betray public trust and urged a shift toward empathy, accountability, and responsible governance, insisting that a “New Nigeria” remains possible.