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 GOV. ALIA PRESENTS ₦605.5bn 2026 BUDGET, PRIORITISES RURAL DEVELOPMENT, LIVELIHOODS  22nd December, 2025    Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, on Monday presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill of ₦605.5 billion to the Benue State House of Assembly for consideration and approval. Presenting the estimates at the Assembly Complex in Makurdi, the governor said the budget, titled “Budget of Rural Development, Livelihood Support and Sustained Growth,” is designed to reposition the state’s economy and improve the living standards of the people. The total budget size stands at ₦605,506,764,066.16, comprising ₦281.09 billion for recurrent expenditure and ₦342.42 billion for capital expenditure. Alia explained that recurrent spending accounts for 46.4 per cent of the budget and represents a 21.69 per cent increase over the revised 2025 figure, largely due to the sustenance of the minimum wage, personnel costs and other overhead obligations. He said capital exp...

 Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Anambra and Delta Commands Collaborate for Safe, Efficient Travels The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commands have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining safe, efficient transportation networks in the region during the yuletide. Sector Commander of Anambra State, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno and her Delta state counterpart, Corps Commander Joyce Alexander made the commitment when they led joint operational oversight visit to the Onitsha and Asaba Bridge Heads. During the visit, the Commanders evaluated traffic control measures, personnel deployment, and adherence to standard procedures. Key issues noted included heavy congestion, unauthorized parking, and non-compliance by motorists. They engaged officers on duty, stressing professionalism, courtesy, and strict enforcement of safety protocols. The duo said the inspection aimed to assess traffic management efforts at this critical corridor, a major gateway between the southeastern...

 IMO POLICE ARRESTS FOUR OVER FIREWORKS POSSESSION  The Imo State Police Command has arrested four men for possession and distribution of banned fireworks and various kinds of pyrotechnics within Owerri metropolis. The command has warned that anyone found in possession or distribution of fireworks will be arrested and prosecuted. The spokesperson for the Imo State Command, Henry Okoye, made the disclosure in a statement released on Sunday night. The suspects are 29-year-old Victor Amadi, 31-year-old Moses Okoro, 28-year-old Ebuka Onye, and 23-year-old Isaac Amadi.  According to him, the arrests were made after intelligence-led raids in different parts of Owerri. Okoye said, "Their arrests followed separate intelligence-led raids conducted at different locations within the Owerri metropolis, during which large quantities of prohibited fireworks and other pyrotechnic items were recovered." He warned residents against possession of fireworks, knockouts, bangers, and all othe...

 Dangote Refinery Urges Nigerians to Report MRS Stations Selling Petrol Above ₦739/Litre Dangote Petroleum Refinery has called on Nigerians to report any MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling station selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, above the approved price of ₦739 per litre. In a statement issued on Sunday, the refinery announced the commencement of nationwide sales of petrol at ₦739 per litre exclusively through over 2,000 MRS stations across the country. This price reduction, backed by a guaranteed daily supply of 50 million litres, aims to provide relief to consumers, stabilize the downstream market, and counter seasonal fuel scarcity often seen during the festive period. The refinery commended MRS and other compliant marketers for "demonstrating patriotism" by implementing the reduced pump price, while urging other operators to patronize its products to extend the benefits nationwide. It strongly warned against "unscrupulous" attempts to crea...

 Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, on the controversy over the new tax laws: “Before you can say there is a difference between what was gazetted and what was passed, we have what has not been gazetted. We don’t have what was passed. “The official harmonised bills certified by the clerk, which the National Assembly sent to the President, we don’t have a copy to compare. Only the lawmakers can say authoritatively what was sent. “It should be the harmonised version certified by the clerk. Even me, I cannot say that I have it. I only have what was presented to Mr President to sign. “What was circulating and also widely reported by a lot of media organizations is actually fake.”

 CHRISTMAS: LAWMA ASSURES LAGOSIANS OF SEAMLESS WASTE MANAGEMENT … Holds End of the Year Thanksgiving and Carol The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has reaffirmed its readiness to maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment across the state during the Christmas and New Year festivities. In a statement, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the Authority had activated a comprehensive waste management plan to address the anticipated increase in waste generation across residential, commercial, and public areas, during the period. According to him, LAWMA has deployed waste evacuation trucks, personnel, and supervisory teams to strategic locations, including major highways, markets, motor parks, and other high-traffic public spaces, to ensure prompt and continuous waste collection throughout the holiday period. Gbadegesin noted that the Authority had also strengthened collaboration with Private Sector Participants (PSPs), ...

Ariana Grande hosted Saturday Night Live for the third time on December 20, 2025, in a festive holiday episode featuring legendary musical guest Cher.  The night was especially memorable as it marked the final appearance of her Wicked: For Good co-star Bowen Yang after seven incredible seasons on the show.   Backstage at 30 Rock, Ariana was surrounded by love and close friends, including her boyfriend, Broadway star Ethan Slater, who came to cheer her on. Photos shared by Ariana’s longtime bestie and Victorious co-star Elizabeth Gillies captured the group relaxing in the dressing room, sharing laughs, and even toasting with champagne after the live show.   These behind-the-scenes moments highlight the warmth and support Ariana receives from her loved ones during milestone occasions. It’s heartwarming to see such strong bonds celebrated alongside her professional achievements.

 Press Release  FG: Security Operations Will Follow Global Rules of Engagement The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stated that Nigeria is fully prepared to protect its citizens from terrorists and other criminal elements, in strict compliance with globally accepted Rules of Engagement. Idris, who stated this at the End-of-Year Press Briefing at NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, on Monday, was responding to concerns that trailed the new counterterrorism doctrine that classifies all armed groups operating outside state authority as terrorists, including bandits, militias, armed gangs, and their political or community enablers. “Nigeria has to defend itself as a country by observing the highest standards of procedure. All our Armed Forces are trained and have been collaborating with their international partners, and they are following strict protocols of engagement with terrorists. We must commend our Armed Forces for observing that,” he said. ...

 22nd December, 2025 PRESS RELEASE   DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND DEPLOYS MASSIVELY AHEAD OF YULETIDE CELEBRATION, ASSURES RESIDENTS OF ADEQUATE SECURITY DURING THE SEASON AND BEYOND  Delta State Police Command has assured residents of a hitch-free Christmas and New year celebration. The Commissioner of Police has ordered massive deployment of Personnel across the state to provide adequate security before, during, and after the celebration to ensure the protection of all residents in the state and the success of all activities lined up to mark the celebration.  The CP  directed that all Area Commanders, DPOS, and Tactical Commanders identify and deploy men to all venues of the Celebrations and other resort centers to prevent mischief makers from showing their ugly faces and causing any form of mayhem to law-abiding citizens in the state. Police Patrol teams have been drawn from Dragon Patrol, Safer Highways, Quick Response Squad, Rapid Response Squad, CP-SAT and E...

Clashes intensify in DRC's border city of Uvira between pro-government forces and M23 rebels Clashes broke out on Monday near Uvira in the Democratic Republic of Congo between the M23 rebels and pro-government forces, days after M23 vowed to withdraw from the city, local sources said. M23 rebels had seized the strategic city near the border with Burundi earlier this month, shortly after the Congolese and Rwandan governments signed a peace deal in Washington that US President Donald Trump hailed as a "great miracle." But US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has since accused Rwanda of violating the peace agreement it signed with its neighbour on December 4, and vowed unspecified "action" in response. Kigali, however, denies, instead claiming that its neighbours, DRC and Burundi, are individually breaching the ceasefire agreement. The leader of the M23's political branch, Corneille Nangaa, announced that the group would "unilaterally withdraw its forces from...

 Singer Olivia Rodrigo and actor Louis Partridge have reportedly ended their relationship after nearly two years of dating.  Sources say the couple separated a few weeks ago following a challenging period, though neither has publicly commented on the reports. Rodrigo and Partridge were first linked in late 2023 and became known for supporting each other at public events, including major music and film appearances. Their relationship remained relatively private despite public interest. At this time, the breakup remains based on reports, and no further details have been shared by either party.

 The film One Battle After Another draws inspiration from real-life political movements and figures of the 1960s and 1970s.  While the story and characters are fictional, the movie incorporates themes and ideas influenced by activist groups such as the Weather Underground and figures like Assata Shakur. Director Paul Thomas Anderson spent over 20 years developing the story, blending historical inspirations with fictional elements to explore themes of activism, justice, and political unrest.  Cast members, including Teyana Taylor, drew on historical sources and autobiographies to shape their portrayals and bring depth to the characters.The film provides a dramatic lens on the challenges and ideals of past political movements while remaining a work of fiction, offering audiences both entertainment and context about the era that influenced its story.

 In a heartbreaking case from Jacksonville, Florida, 21-year-old Justin Golden has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated manslaughter of a child in the death of his son, Pablo Kye Golden.  The incident occurred on January 25, 2025, following a dispute, when Golden placed his 8-month-old son on the ground near an intersection, where the child was struck by a vehicle.   During the sentencing hearing on December 19, Golden expressed deep remorse, stating: “While I did not intend to harm my son... I failed as his protector and father.” His words reflected the gravity of the tragedy and the lasting impact of his actions.   The judge imposed the maximum sentence of 30 years, emphasizing the profound violation of trust inherent in the case. Our thoughts are with Pablo’s family and everyone affected by this devastating loss during such a difficult time.

Chris Rea, the beloved British singer-songwriter best known for the timeless holiday classic Driving Home for Christmas, has passed away at the age of 74.  His family shared: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Chris. He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.”   Born in Middlesbrough, Rea rose to fame with hits such as The Road to Hell, On the Beach, and Let’s Dance. His iconic Christmas song, inspired by a real-life drive home through traffic, has become a festive staple worldwide and is even featured in this year’s M&S advert. Over his remarkable career, he released 25 albums, sold more than 30 million records, and touched countless lives with his distinctive gravelly voice and blues guitar.   Following the news, fans have been revisiting his heartfelt 2020 appearance on Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing Christmas Special, where he shared warm memories ...

 Legendary singer Barry Manilow, 82, known for iconic hits like “Copacabana,” “Mandy,” and “Can’t Smile Without You,” has shared an encouraging update with fans about a recent health discovery.  Following weeks of bronchitis, an MRI revealed a spot on his left lung. Barry announced that it was caught early—thanks to excellent medical care—and he will soon undergo a procedure to remove it. Doctors believe it has not spread, and no additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation are planned at this time.   To prioritize recovery, Manilow has postponed his January 2026 concert dates but looks forward to returning to the stage in February. He expressed gratitude for the early detection, calling it “pure luck and a great doctor,” while keeping spirits high with humor, joking about resting with chicken soup and classic TV reruns.   With a decades-long career that continues to inspire millions, Barry Manilow’s timeless music and resilience remain a source ...

 CAS HOSTS DEPOWA LEADERSHIP, REAFFIRMS PERSONNEL AND FAMILY WELFARE AS FOUNDATION OF NATIONAL SECURITY The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed that personnel and family welfare remain fundamental to Nigeria’s national security architecture while hosting the National President and members of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) on a courtesy visit to Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, on 22 December 2025. He described the visit as a strong demonstration of unity and synergy among Officers’ Wives Associations, noting that such cohesion is vital to sustaining morale, professionalism, and operational effectiveness across the Armed Forces and security institutions. In her remarks, the National President of DEPOWA, Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede, expressed deep appreciation to the CAS and the Nigerian Air Force for their unwavering commitment to the welfare of personnel and their families, describing welfare-focused leadership as ...

 President Tinubu Commends Rivers Governor Fubara for Leadership as NSA Leads Delegation on Ogoni Peace Efforts Nigeria's National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday visited Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, delivering a direct message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressing satisfaction with the governor's "responsible leadership." During a courtesy call at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Ribadu, leading a high-level presidential delegation, praised Rivers State as one of the country's most peaceful and highlighted ongoing federal initiatives to restore peace and development in Ogoniland after decades of conflict. "President said I should I thank you, he is very happy with you," Ribadu said, noting the president's happiness with Fubara's handling of discussions on resuming oil exploration in the region. He added that a "new chapter is unfolding in Ogoni," signaling transformative changes starting fr...

 PRESS STATEMENT FG INTRODUCES MANDATORY PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING FOR PUBLIC SERVICE APPLICANTS The Federal Government has approved the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing as a requirement for prospective applicants into the Public Service, being part of ongoing efforts to curb the rising menace of illicit drug use and its attendant consequences on national development and security. Consequently, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments/Parastatals are hereby directed to include mandatory drug testing as a core requirement in the recruitment of new personnel. In addition , MDAs are to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the conduct of the tests, in line with established standards and procedures. The directive, which was contained in a service-wide circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including extra-Ministerial Depar...

France faces cyberattack disrupting postal service and banks amid Christmas rush  A suspected cyberattack hit France’s national postal service and its banking division on Monday, causing widespread disruption to mail deliveries and online banking just as the country enters the peak Christmas season. La Poste, the postal service, said a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack made its online systems inaccessible. While customer data was reportedly unaffected, the attack delayed package and mail deliveries, leaving holiday shoppers frustrated. At a Paris post office, employees had to turn away customers trying to send or collect parcels. La Banque Postale, the bank affiliated with La Poste, also faced outages, blocking customers from approving payments or conducting other banking tasks online. The bank redirected approvals via text messages and said its teams were working to resolve the problem swiftly. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident follows a we...

TikTok Shop introduces digital gift cards to compete with Amazon and eBay  TikTok Shop has launched a new digital gift card feature, allowing users to send funds that friends and family can use to purchase from the app’s millions of products. The feature debuted during the holiday season, a critical period for TikTok Shop as it seeks to strengthen its presence in e-commerce. The move brings the platform closer to competing with established giants like Amazon and eBay, both of which offer gift card options. TikTok Shop has also been expanding into luxury retail to further solidify its market position. Gift cards can be loaded with values ranging from $10 to $500 and offer customizable animated designs for occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and thank-you messages. Cards are sent via email, and recipients must have a TikTok account to redeem them. Once redeemed, the amount is credited to the recipient’s TikTok Balance, and they can respond with a thank-you note or even send a gift...

Paramount submits revised bid for Warner Bros. Discovery  Paramount Skydance has revised its bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, adding a personal guarantee from Larry Ellison worth $40.4 billion. Ellison, founder of Oracle and father of Skydance CEO David Ellison, is backing the deal alongside sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The updated offer addresses Warner Bros. Discovery’s previous concerns that Paramount’s financing lacked sufficient guarantees. Warner Bros. Discovery had formally advised shareholders to reject Paramount’s original $108 billion offer, having already accepted an $82.7 billion bid from Netflix, pending regulatory approval. Paramount’s revised proposal includes an irrevocable personal guarantee from Ellison, assurances that assets in the Ellison family trust won’t be revoked or transferred during the transaction, more flexible terms, and an increased regulatory reverse termination fee from $5 billion to $5.8 billion to match Netflix’s. Dav...

 Remain Gatekeepers, Not Facilitators of Criminal Activities-Olukoyede Charges Banks’ Compliance Officers in South-East The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has charged Banks’ Compliance Officers in the south-east to be professional in discharging their duties in order not to destroy the image of their banks and attract unnecessary regulatory sanctions,  as they are regarded as the gatekeepers, not facilitators of criminal activities. He gave this charge on Thursday, December 18, 2025 in Enugu, during a one-day sensitization programme, organized by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Commission for Banks’ Compliance Officers in the region. While describing them as “the watchdog, those that should guide the bank and navigate operations of the bank to align with the anti-money laundering measures at the national levels”, Olukoyede, who was represented by the Zonal Director, Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Commission, Comma...

 SPEECH BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND NATIONAL ORIENTATION, MOHAMMED IDRIS, FNIPR, AT THE END-OF-YEAR PRESS CONFERENCE, HELD ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025, AT THE NICON LUXURY HOTEL, ABUJA Protocols. Distinguished Colleagues, it is appropriate we start this end-of-year press conference by reamplifying the good news that came yesterday from the Office of the National Security Adviser, that the abducted 130 pupils of the St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, were released yesterday. With this development, it can be confirmed that all the abducted pupils, numbering 230, have been freed. Not a single pupil is left in captivity due to the efforts of our security agencies. In this joyous season, the Federal Government empathizes with the parents of the pupils for the anguish the abduction has caused them, and wishes them a pleasant family reunion, a good healing process, Compliments of the Season and a Merry Christmas.   I stand before you today, on th...

 Teenage girl and a lady arrested for attempt to smuggle hard drugs to Kano prison inmate The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Kano State Command, has arrested two women for allegedly attempting to smuggle illicit drugs into the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Goron Dutse, Kano. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Musbahu Lawan, disclosed this in a statement released on Monday, December 22. Lawan said the suspects identified as Maryam Ali,19,and Hauwa Musa, 20-year-old, both residents of Kano State, were apprehended during routine security checks while attempting to gain access to the custodial centre on Dec. 21, 2025. According to him, the women were found in possession of suspected illicit drugs, which preliminary investigations indicated were meant to be supplied to inmates within the facility. Lawan said that the act constituted a serious violation of the NCoS regulations and is a criminal offence under the relevant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. ...

 ‎Anambra SDP hails Supreme Court judgment on party leadership ‎ ‎The Social Democratic Party, Anambra State chapter, has hailed the Supreme Court decision dismissing the appeal filed by the Independent National Electoral Commission challenging the party’s leadership. ‎ ‎In a statement on Saturday, the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Uche Obi, said the victory confirmed that the state chapter was standing on solid and unimpeachable legal grounds. ‎ ‎Recall that the Supreme Court, on Friday, dismissed an appeal filed by INEC challenging the leadership of the SDP, describing the case as lacking merit and purely academic. ‎ ‎In a unanimous decision, the apex court also awarded a cost of N2m against INEC’s counsel. ‎ ‎INEC had approached the Supreme Court to overturn the October 17 judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which affirmed a ruling of the Federal High Court compelling the electoral body to recognise and include SDP candidates in by-elections conducted acro...