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 In her usual tradition in expressing love, celebrating the joyous moments of a newborn which symbolizes new beginnings and putting smiles on the faces of first baby's of the year and their parents, the Chairman, Ijede LCDA, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Kabiru again has presented cash and gift items to the Year 2026 babies of the year, baby Kayode (female), baby Alabi (female) and baby Ogunbowale (male)today at the General Hospital, Ijede  Mrs Kayode Olabisi mother of first baby delivered through Ceasearian section at exactly 12.29am, with birth weight of 3.9kg. Other babies of the year, baby Alabi, and baby Ogunbowale were also delivered through Ceasearian section at exactly 2.42am, 4.17am weighing 3kg and 3.1kg respectively In the same vein, Egbin Power PLC, the foremost power station in Nigeria as part of it's cooperate social responsibility also presented cash gift to baby Kayode, baby Alabi and baby Ogunbowale The Deputy Medical Dir...

 GUNMEN ABDUCT KWARA MONARCH, SON IN NEW YEAR’S EVE PALACE RAID  1st January, 2026     Gunmen suspected to be terrorists have abducted the monarch of Aafin Community, Oba S.Y. Olaonipekun, and one of his sons, Olaolu, a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, during a late-night attack on the royal palace in Kwara State. The incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2026, in Aafin Ile-Ere, Ile-Ire district of Ifelodun Local Government Area. Witnesses said the assailants stormed the palace, firing sporadically to cause panic before forcing their way inside. During the attack, the Olori, Mrs. Felicia Olaonipekun, sustained a gunshot wound to the arm but escaped abduction. She was later rushed to a hospital, where she is receiving treatment. An eyewitness told Benue Info-pedia that the attackers appeared to have deliberately targeted the palace, overpowering the community’s two-man night vigilante team. At the time of the raid, no ...

  FIRE OUTBREAK DESTROYS SHOPS IN KEFFI MARKET AREA 1st January, 2026    A fire outbreak on Thursday razed several shops in the Keffi Market area, near the Old Tasha roundabout, causing significant damage to goods and property. Eyewitnesses said the blaze broke out suddenly and spread rapidly, overwhelming shop owners before emergency responders and residents mobilised to contain the fire. The cause of the incident had not been confirmed as of the time of filing this report. No casualties have been officially recorded, though affected traders are assessing the scale of their losses. Authorities have urged residents and traders to remain calm while investigations continue. People have also called for prayers and support for victims, expressing optimism that relief efforts will reach those affected. Further details will be provided as the situation develops. More photos below. 

 Catholic Priest Slumps, Dies While Delivering New Year Homily in Delta According to a report by PM News Nigeria on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2025, Rev. Steve Chukwuma, the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Agbor, Delta State, tragically passed away on Wednesday after collapsing at the pulpit while delivering the New Year’s Day homily. He was 63 years old. The sudden loss shocked worshippers who were present during the Mass and reverberated across the Catholic community in Delta State and beyond. Rev. Chukwuma, who dedicated 35 years to the priesthood, was remembered not only as a devoted cleric but also as a lawyer, writer, and a pastor whose ministry emphasized compassion, human dignity, and spiritual guidance Tributes poured in from parishioners, colleagues, and former altar servers who highlighted his gentle spirit, humility, and unwavering dedication to the Church. In a Facebook post, Oseghale Omo Akioya described him as “a beacon of hope and inspiration,” noting that his...

 Archbishop Okeke commissions N200m multipurpose hall and staff office built by old boys Association of a school in Anambra. Catholic Bishop of Onitsha Diocese, Archbishop Valerian Okeke, yesterday, commissioned a multimillion naira multi-purpose hall in Archbishop Heerey Technical College, Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The multi-purpose edifice, a storey building funded and built by the old boys association of the school, also accommodates staff offices. Archbishop Okeke, while commissioning the project, commended the old boys for giving back to the school that moulded them many years ago, saying that the Catholic Church and the school management was appreciative of it. President of the association, Dr. Okechukwu Okafor, said the association had executed so many projects in the school before now. “The fencing of the school premises, roofing dilapidated classrooms and laboratory, installation of burglary proofs in the Principal’s and Bursar’s office...

 In this New Year, We must prioritize critical infrastructure, good roads, quality healthcare, functional education, stable power supply, and access to clean water- Sen Uche Ekwunife  Happy New Year Fellow Nigerians As we step into the New Year, I call on all Nigerians to embrace one another with renewed love, unity of purpose, and unwavering hope for a better and more prosperous nation. Despite the challenges we have faced, I firmly believe that our greatest strength lies in our ability to rise above divisions. Love, tolerance, and a shared sense of responsibility must continue to guide us as we work together to build the Nigeria of our dreams. I am optimistic that this New Year will bring improved economic conditions, greater opportunities for our people, and much-needed relief for families and businesses across the country. With resilience, faith, and collective effort, we can turn our aspirations into reality. I also urge leaders at all levels of government to place the we...

 Peaceful Protest in Omasi, after immediate President General(PG) refuses to give financial account/report of his 3- years tenure The people of Omasi in Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State, matched peacefully after nominating their unopposed PG. Mr. Sunday Makor from Omasi-Uno is now the New PG. Subsequently after the election, the people placed  votes of no confidence on the past PG for his inability to account for all the money he handled in his tenure. They maintained that Mr. Alfred Okafor must face the law for all his atrocities in Omasi. Furthermore, members of the past executive council, including the Financial Secretary and the Secretary-General, gave a series of verbal reports revealing that the former PG had been running the affairs of the Town Union unilaterally, without due involvement of statutory officers.  This development raises serious questions as to how one person could effectively function simultaneously as President-General, Financial Secr...

 Lilu residents Calls for Urgent intervention from Soludo over incessant gunmen attack Barely three weeks after residents of Lilu community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State protested  what they described as four years of abandonment to armed insurgents,  the community has renewed its appeal to the state government over worsening insecurity. The residents, who had earlier stormed the Government House in Awka to register their grievances, said they were yet to receive any response or concrete action from the authorities, despite assurances given during their visit. Speaking on behalf of the community, a spokesperson,  Emeka Ozokwelu, said  the delegation from Lilu was received at the Government House by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Solo Chukwulobelu, who reportedly promised to brief Governor Chukwuma Soludo on their plight. However, Emeka said no intervention had followed the visit to the extent that only few days ago, suspect...

 Ebonyi Government procures four new aircraft, set to launch airline The Ebonyi State Government has procured three new aircraft as part of its plan to launch Ebonyi Air, a proposed airline in Ebonyi State, Nigeria’s South-east. Governor Francis Nwifuru disclosed this on Wednesday while delivering his 2026 New Year address to the people of the state. Mr Nwifuru said the aircraft were acquired under the Ebonyi Air initiative and are expected to arrive in January 2026. The governor explained that the decision to procure the aircraft was a strategic economic move aimed at opening up the state to investment, tourism, and increased business opportunities, rather than a quest for prestige. “Reliable air transport makes it easier for investors to do business, for professionals to move in and out of the state, and for our people to connect with other parts of the country and beyond,” he said. Mr Nwifuru stressed that the proposed Ebonyi Air will reduce travel time and costs, encourage priv...

 Bianca Ojukwu Reconnects With Daughter as They Celebrate New Year Together in Dubai Amidst her Chieftaincy Saga in Anambra. Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, began the New Year on a warm and emotional note as she reunited with her daughter in Dubai, sharing the special moment with her followers on Instagram. Taking to her official Instagram account on Thursday, 1st January, 2026, Ambassador Ojukwu posted photos and short videos capturing joyful moments between mother and daughter as they welcomed 2026 together. The post reflected gratitude, love, and the significance of family bonds, especially at the start of a new year. The images showed the duo smiling and spending quality time together against the stunning backdrop of Dubai, drawing admiration from fans and well-wishers who flooded the comment section with congratulatory and heartfelt messages. Many praised the minister for highlighting the importance of family despite her demanding diplo...

 Since Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa Were Jailed; Crimes Have Significantly Decreased in Southeast- Defence Headquarters  Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defense Media Operations, has reported a substantial decline in criminal activities across Nigeria's southeastern region, attributing the success to intensified military operations and recent legal developments against separatist group leaders. Speaking on the security situation in the region, General Onoja identified the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network as the primary security threats that have long plagued the area. However, he emphasized that the security landscape has improved dramatically over the past year. "Crimes and other criminal activities have significantly decreased during the year following troops intensified operations across the southeastern states," Onoja stated, highlighting the effectiveness of sustained military engagement in the region. The Director attributed...

 Baby Mmaduabuchi Egwu Emerges First Baby Of The Year 2026 in Anambra  Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, has delivered the Baby of the Year, Baby Mmaduabuchi Egwu, at nine forty in the morning. The baby, a boy, was delivered through normal vaginal delivery and weighed three point five kilograms. The mother of the baby, Mrs. Peace Egwu, a nineteen-year-old first-time mother from Mgbakwu, Awka North Local Government Area, thanked God for the journey, which she said was filled with challenges but, to the glory of God, ended successfully. Mrs. Egwu noted that she was well cared for from antenatal to the delivery process and commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his kind gestures toward mothers and children in Anambra State, promising to take good care of her son. The nurse on duty, Mrs. Chinwoke Asiegbu, who took delivery of the baby, said that as a first-time mother, Mrs. Egwu cooperated well throughout the process and advised her to take goo...

Richard Smallwood, Grammy-winning gospel legend whose songs were covered by Whitney Houston and Destiny’s Child, dies at 77 Richard Smallwood, the Grammy-nominated gospel singer, songwriter, and pianist whose work became a defining force in modern gospel music, has died at age 77. Smallwood passed away on Tuesday from complications of kidney failure at a Maryland rehabilitation and nursing center, according to a representative. Over a career spanning more than 40 years, he became one of gospel music’s most influential figures, earning eight Grammy nominations along with multiple Dove and Stellar Awards. His compositions later reached mainstream audiences, with artists such as Whitney Houston and Destiny’s Child recording his songs. As the founder of the Richard Smallwood Singers and later the choir Vision, he created enduring gospel classics including “Total Praise,” “Trust Me,” and “I’ll Trust You.” Houston recorded his “I Love the Lord” for the 1996 film The Preacher’s Wife, while De...

 Former Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell dies at 92 Former Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a trailblazing lawmaker who served as both a Democrat and later as a Republican, has died at 92. Campbell, the only Native American in Congress during his tenure, first won a House seat representing western Colorado in 1986 and served three terms before being elected to the Senate as a Democrat. He switched to the Republican Party in March 1995, shortly after Republicans gained control of Congress, citing a growing discomfort with his Democratic affiliation while emphasizing his commitment to an independent, moderate approach. During his Senate career, Campbell chaired the Indian Affairs Committee and held senior appropriations roles, including leadership over the Treasury Department and Postal Service subcommittee. He also oversaw the Legislative Branch subcommittee amid the construction of the Capitol Visitor Center. A member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe, Campbell was a decorated Air Force vete...

 English actors Tom Hiddleston and Zawe Ashton welcome second child    English actors Tom Hiddleston and Zawe Ashton have welcomed their second child, expanding their family just a few years after becoming parents for the first time. Hiddleston confirmed the birth in a recent interview, describing the experience as “the most beautiful, profound, earth-shattering, life-altering” moment of his life. While the couple has not shared the baby’s name or exact birth date, the child was born in early December, shortly before the interview took place. Hiddleston, 44, and Ashton, 41, first met while starring together in a 2019 revival of the play Betrayal and confirmed their engagement in 2022, the same year they welcomed their first child. Both actors were born in London and have built successful careers on stage and screen. Hiddleston is widely known for portraying Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while Ashton has appeared in film, television, and theater, including her rol...

 Mississippi man granted clemency over illegal sentence weeks after his brother  A Mississippi man who received a prison sentence far exceeding what state law allowed has been granted clemency by Gov. Tate Reeves, just weeks after his brother was released under similar circumstances. Reeves announced Wednesday that he approved clemency for Maurice Taylor, calling the case a clear miscarriage of justice that required executive action. Earlier this month, Reeves ordered the release of Maurice’s brother, Marcus Taylor, who had also been serving an illegal sentence for the same offense. The Taylor brothers accepted plea deals in February 2015 and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell hydrocodone acetaminophen, a Schedule III controlled substance. At the time, Mississippi law capped the maximum sentence for that crime at five years. Despite that limit, Maurice Taylor was sentenced to 20 years in prison with five years suspended, while Marcus Taylor received a 15-year sentence. Reeve...

 COURT ISSUES INTERIM ORDER ON TINTED GLASS PERMIT ENFORCEMENT On 15th December 2025, the Nigeria Police Force announced the resumption of enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy, to take effect from 2nd January 2026, in furtherance of its responsibility for public safety and internal security. However, subsequent to this announcement, the Nigeria Police Force was served with an interim order of court in Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, issued on 17th December 2025, restraining the Force from proceeding with the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or the vacation of the order. In line with constitutional obligations and respect for judicial authority, the Nigeria Police Force has entered appearance in the matter, raised preliminary objections, and formally applied for the vacation of the interim order. The court has adjourned the case to 20th January 2026 for further proceedings. Accordingly, and strictly in c...

 RE: GNI HOUSE FIRE The Lagos State Government has taken note of  speculations and assertions concerning the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House (GNI) on Martins Street, Lagos Island, following the Christmas Eve fire.  The Government wishes to, once again, sympathize with all those who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident. May The Almighty give them the strength to go through this tough time. We feel their pains and understand their anxiety. As soon as the fire alarm was received, the Government deployed teams of first responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS), security agencies, and other emergency and safety units. These teams have remained on the site, conducting systematic search, rescue, and safety operations - in line with internationally accepted emergency response protocols. They will remain there and continue to work until the co...

 ‘Nigeria is nowhere near as dangerous as America’ – US rapper DDG speaks from Lagos American rapper Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr., popularly known as DDG, has dismissed what he described as “fake” Western media narratives about Nigeria’s safety. The US hip-hop star, who is currently spending time in Lagos, said Nigeria is not as dangerous as it is often portrayed abroad and is “nowhere near” the level of violence seen in the United States. In a video shared online, DDG said while Nigeria has its security challenges, gun violence and gangster-related crimes are far more common in America. “I honestly think America is the most dangerous country,” he said. “Nigeria is not as dangerous as America — nowhere near. There’s insecurity here, no doubt, but the level of gun violence and gangsterism you see in the US is different.” He encouraged foreigners to visit Nigeria and experience the country for themselves rather than rely on stereotypes.

 Driver of Lexus SUV arrested over Anthony Joshua accident— Ogun Police The Ogun state police command has confirmed the arrest of the driver of a Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) in connection with the Anthony Joshua accident. The confirmation was made by the spokesperson of the command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, on his X page on Thursday, January 1. Babaseyi mentioned that investigations into the incident were still ongoing. “The driver of the Lexus SUV is currently in custody in connection with the Anthony Joshua accident case. Investigations are ongoing.”Babaseyi tweeted

 NAF UNVEILS INFORMATION SPECIALTY BADGE, HONOURING STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION PROFESSIONALS The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has unveiled a new Information Specialty Badge for the Directorate of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), recognising the strategic communication professionals who shape the Force’s narrative and strengthen public trust. Behind every message, image, and broadcast is a dynamic team of writers, photographers, videographers, graphic artists, printers, and anchors — the creative engine that ensures the NAF’s story is told with clarity, accuracy, and impact. Featuring the microphone and pen, the badge reflects DOPRI’s dual role in amplifying the NAF’s voice and documenting its story with integrity and excellence, while underscoring the evolving role of information professionals as frontline operators in the non-kinetic domain of national security. Guided by the motto “Informing with Integrity, Inspiring through Excellence,” the Directorate reaffirms its commitment...

 Gabon government sack Aubameyang and national team Gabon’s government have announced the suspension of the national team, the sacking of the coach and kicked Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang off the squad in the wake of three defeats at the Africa Cup of Nations finals, Reuters reported. Gabon’s Minister of Sports announced on television the suspension of the national team after they finished last in their group and were eliminated from the tournament in Morocco. “Given the Panthers’ disgraceful performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to dissolve the coaching staff, suspend the national team until further notice, and exclude players Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang,” said acting sports minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula after Wednesday’s 3-2 loss to the Ivory Coast in Marrakech. Gabon, coached by former defender Thierry Mouyouma, had already been eliminated after losing their opening pair of Group F fixtures to Cameroon and Mozambique but in th...

 Sudan leader Burhan vows victory against RSF, says reconciliation possible Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, on Thursday pledged victory in the war against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), saying the door to national reconciliation remains open. “We reassure our people everywhere that victory is coming and that victory will belong to the Sudanese people,” Burhan said in a speech marking the 70th anniversary of Sudan’s independence, as cited by the state news agency SUNA. “We also affirm that the door to national reconciliation remains open,” he added, AA reported. Burhan said the war has unified the Sudanese people and strengthened their national resolve, assuring residents of Darfur and Kordofan regions that victory was approaching. He also praised political forces that stand by the army, stressing that the door to national reconciliation remains open to all who wish to join. Sudan has been mired in a raging conflict between...

 Israeli PM Netanyahu announces ‘New Front’ to protect Christian in Nigeria Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israel will open what he described as a “new front” focused on protecting Christian communities in parts of Africa and the Middle East, including Nigeria. Netanyahu made the announcement in a public speech delivered on Wednesday and published on the official YouTube channel of the Israeli Prime Minister. Speaking to an audience he identified as Christian Zionists, Netanyahu said Israel was expanding its engagement beyond military confrontations to address what he described as growing global threats to Judeo-Christian values. He stated that Israel had recently fought what he called a “seven-front war” and had emerged largely victorious, but said an additional challenge had now arisen. According to him, the new front is centred on influencing public opinion, particularly among young people, which he described as a battle for “hearts and minds.” “I s...

 President of the Senate  Withdraws All Defamation Suits After Priest’s Sermon on New Year Day The President of the Senate Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel of the Priest during  2026  New Year Mass. Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo on Thursday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals who lied against him and slandered his name. He said  listening to the priest at the service,  he felt  the priest was  talking to him, and that moved him to direct his solicitors to withdraw all the defamation lawsuits. The Priest had in the sermon  stressed that what man needs is peace and admonished Parishioners to live in peace with one another, and letting go of the past. By the announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the...

 THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION’S MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF THE INDEPENDENCE DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE SUDAN. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has extended warm congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of the Sudan on the occasion of the anniversary of their Independence Day. The African Union reaffirms its full readiness to continue working closely with all Sudanese stakeholders, as well as regional and international partners, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations, and the League of Arab States, to support ongoing efforts toward an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and the achievement of a comprehensive and inclusive political solution. In a statement, the Chairperson reiterated the African Union’s unwavering commitment to an African-led and Sudanese-owned process that genuinely reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people for peace,...

 Abiodun Signs ₦1.669 Trillion 2026 “Budget of Sustainable Legacy” into Law Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has signed the ₦1.669 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill, tagged the Budget of Sustainable Legacy, into law, marking a major milestone in the state’s fiscal and development planning. The budget, which represents a 58 per cent increase over the 2025 appropriation of ₦1.054 trillion, reflects the state’s expanding financial capacity and commitment to sustainable growth. The Governor assured that implementation of the budget would commence immediately after the holidays to improve performance in revenue generation and expenditure. He noted that signing the budget before the end of the year aligns with the administration’s commitment to fiscal continuity, predictability, and effective governance. Governor Abiodun also commended the Speaker and members of the Ogun State House of Assembly for their diligence and swift passage of the bill, describing their collaboration with...