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Terrorists attack NSCDC office 

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has confirmed a terrorist attack on its personnel deployed to the Wawa area of Borgu Local Government Area in Niger State.

The state Commandant of the corps, Mr. Suberu Siyaka-Aniviye, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Minna on Wednesday. He said the attackers struck in large numbers shortly after midnight but were prevented from operating freely due to the vigilance and swift response of officers on duty.

According to Siyaka-Aniviye, NSCDC personnel initially attempted to repel the attackers, but the situation became challenging because of the terrorists’ numerical advantage and the darkness in the area.

He explained that the attackers used torchlights to identify movements before opening fire, forcing the officers to tactically manoeuvre and take cover.

“Our men manoeuvred and took cover, but the attackers fired sporadically because they were heavily armed,” the commandant said.

He added that while retreating to safety, the personnel abandoned their operational vehicle. The attackers, believing the officers were still inside, reportedly opened fire on the vehicle repeatedly.

The vehicle was later found riddled with bullets, with its windscreen damaged and all four tyres punctured. Siyaka-Aniviye said the tyres were subsequently replaced and the vehicle was driven back to the NSCDC headquarters in Minna.

He further revealed that the attackers looted personal belongings during the incident.

“They went into nearby huts and carted away luggage containing clothes, mobile phones and other gadgets,” he said.

Tinubu’s 2025 Christmas goodwill message to Nigerians [Full Text]

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President Tinbu

President Bola Tinubu has felicitated with Christians across the country as they celebrate Christmas in commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

How Don Jazzy, D’banj, others ganged up  against me – JJC Skillz

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Nigerian singer and producer Abdulrasheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skillz, has accused music stars Don Jazzy and D’banj of conspiring with others to betray him years ago.

Speaking in a recent interview on Echo Room, JJC Skillz claimed that Don Jazzy, D’banj and their associates turned against him despite his support for them when they were struggling artists in the United Kingdom.

He said he had housed, fed and clothed the duo and helped them secure performance opportunities, adding that he later sought their assistance to connect with key players in the Nigerian music industry ahead of his planned relocation.

According to JJC Skillz, instead of helping him establish himself in Nigeria, the artists allegedly formed their own group, Mo’Hits, after arriving in the country.

The rapper further alleged that fellow artiste Ruggedman informed him that D’banj had accused him of cheating them during their time working together in the UK.

JJC Skillz maintained that the accusation shocked him, insisting that the artists were not earning significant income at the time and that he bore most of their expenses.

Don Jazzy, D’banj and the others mentioned are yet to respond to the allegations.

Christmas: US Embassy closes Lagos, Abuja offices

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The United States Government has announced a temporary closure of its diplomatic missions in Nigeria, as the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will suspend operations for three days to mark the Christmas holidays.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria said both offices will be closed from Wednesday, December 24, to Friday, December 26, 2025.

“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will be closed from Wednesday, December 24 through Friday, December 26, 2025. Regular operations will resume on Monday, December 29, 2025,” the mission stated.

The closure will affect routine services, including visa processing and other non-emergency consular activities. However, emergency services for U.S. citizens will remain available in line with standard holiday procedures.

The mission explained that the development aligns with global practice, as U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide observe major national and religious holidays.

Members of the public with urgent consular needs have been advised to make alternative arrangements and await the resumption of normal operations next week.

Summary of top headlines from Nigerian Newspapers today, Wednesday December 24

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Good morning! Here are six top headlines from Nigerian Newspapers today;

1. The Super Eagles of Nigeria beat the Taifa stars of Tanzania in their first match in Group C of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON. The Eagles opened the scoring in the first half with a goal by centre back Semi Ajayi.

2. Immediate-past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has been charged with money laundering. He will face a 16-count charge. He is charged along with his son, Abdulaziz, and an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, Hajia Bashir Asabe. In the charge, the first in three series, Malami was alleged to have laundered about N9billion to buy choice houses in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and others.

3. The Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS has clarified that the National Identification Number, NIN issued by the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC has automatically become the Tax Identification Number, Tax ID for Nigerians under the new tax framework. The clarification was made in a public sensitisation video on the new tax laws, which was circulated online.

4. Leaders of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC.at the national and state levels have concluded plans to organise a colorful reception for Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang on January 26, next year. The party’s acting State Publicity Secretary, Shittu Bamayi, announced that the reception is meant to officially welcome Mutfwang into the progressives’ family.

5. The Federal Government, on Tuesday raised the alarm over how terrorists are devising different means including use of Point of Sale, PoS to escape when carrying out their nefarious activities. It also disclosed that Nigerian security agencies are working with major social media companies to identify and take down accounts used by terrorists and criminal groups to promote their activities and raise funds.

6. The suspected kidnappers of 28 travellers in Zak community, Bashar District, Wase Local Government Area, LGA of Plateau State, have reportedly contacted the victims’ families, demanding a N1.5 million ransom for each person. The victims were taken on Sunday night while travelling to attend a Maulud celebration in Sabon Layi community, also in Bashar District.

Read more details and other top headlines on NIGERIAN NEWS SPHERE

 

Sunday Jackson: Nothing must happen to pardoned farmer- US lawmaker, Moore warns

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United States Congressman Riley Moore has reacted to the release of Christian farmer, Sunday Jackson, who was previously sentenced to death by an Adamawa State High Court.

Jackson had been condemned to death after killing a radical herder in what was described as an act of self-defence following an attack on his home.

Nigerian Newssphere reports that Moore had consistently called for Jackson’s release over several months and raised the case during congressional hearings on the security situation in Nigeria.

Last Sunday, Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, announced that Jackson was granted a state pardon alongside others, as part of activities marking the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Reacting to the development, Moore confirmed the news, stating that “Sunday Jackson has been pardoned,” but stressed that the Nigerian government must still do more.

According to the lawmaker, he has observed positive steps by the Nigerian government since his visit to the country, noting that “my concerns and the concerns of President Trump are being taken seriously.”

Moore also commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for its willingness to engage with the United States government in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

 

However, he warned that the safety of the pardoned farmer must be guaranteed, urging governments at all levels to ensure that nothing happens to Jackson following his release.

PDP crisis deepens as INEC rejects Turaki-led NWC

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The crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is far from over; the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) refused to recognize the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC).

Meanwhile, the Turaki-led PDP has reaffirmed that it is not factionalized, dismissing concerns.

INEC had declined to acknowledge the party’s national officers elected at the PDP National Convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. In a letter dated December 22, 2025, and signed by its secretary, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the commission said it could not upload the list of elected officers on its website due to subsisting court judgments and pending litigation relating to the PDP’s leadership crisis.

According to INEC, recognizing any set of officers while the matter remains before the courts would be improper.

Reacting, PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong said the party has already appealed the judgments cited by INEC and filed an application for a stay of execution.

In a statement he signed, Ememobong said, “The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party @OfficialPDPNig reiterates that in law and fact, there is no faction in the Peoples Democratic Party.”

He explained that the clarification became necessary following INEC’s letter, which referenced Federal High Court judgments as the basis for its decision not to recognize the party’s leadership elected in Ibadan.

“The said judgements have been appealed, and an application for the stay of execution has been filed against the judgements, and very soon the Court of Appeal will hear and give judgement in the matters,” he added.

Ememobong maintained that the PDP’s legitimate organs and administrative structure remain intact, insisting that they are under the control of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN.

“The truth remains that there is no faction in the PDP,” the statement concluded.

Carabao Cup: Arsenal outpass Crystal Palace on Penalties to reach Semi-Finals

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Arsenal booked a place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup after edging Crystal Palace in a tense encounter that was decided by penalties.

Both sides were locked after regulation time, forcing the contest to be settled from the spot, where the Gunners held their nerve to overcome Palace and seal progression in the competition.

The match was the final quarter-final still undecided, with the other three semi-final places already sealed.

Despite controlling large spells of the contest, Arsenal only broke the deadlock in the second half through an own goal by Maxence Lacroix.

Crystal Palace fought back late on, with Marc Guehi scoring in stoppage time to send the tie to penalties. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga then proved decisive, saving Lacroix’s spot-kick.

Arsenal have now booked a semi-final clash against Chelsea, while Manchester City will face Newcastle United in the other last-four encounter.

ICPC ranks among Nigeria’s top MDAs in website performance scorecard

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has emerged fourth among more than 200 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the 2024/2025 Federal Government Website Performance Scorecard.

 

The ranking was announced at a public presentation organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in collaboration with the Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT). The assessment evaluated the functionality, compliance and efficiency of government websites nationwide.

 

Speaking at the event, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN—represented by the Commission’s Spokesperson, Mr. John Okor Odey—attributed the achievement to the Commission’s sustained investment in information technology. He recalled that the ICPC had previously ranked first on two occasions in earlier editions of the scorecard.

 

Dr. Aliyu said the Commission has benefited from technology-driven leadership, which has supported its ongoing digital transformation. He reaffirmed ICPC’s commitment to leveraging technology to promote transparency, accountability and effective public service delivery.

 

He also commended the BPSR and other technology-focused institutions for advancing Nigeria’s transition from paper-based processes to digital governance and improving national cyberspace security. The Chairman pledged ICPC’s continued collaboration with stakeholders to strengthen accountability and digital governance in the country.

 

In his opening remarks, BPSR Director-General, Dr. Dasuki Arabi, said the scorecard was designed to enhance transparency, accountability and good governance by guaranteeing public access to information through functional MDA websites.

 

Dr. Arabi described the initiative as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to openness and citizen engagement, stressing that effective digital platforms are essential for information dissemination and service delivery.

 

He explained that the scorecard template was developed to align MDA websites with global standards and serves as a key performance indicator under the National e-Government Master Plan. According to him, standardised websites would reduce human interface, curb corruption in public financial transactions and help combat online scams.

 

Dr. Arabi noted that the 2024/2025 results reflect marked improvements in website functionality and compliance across MDAs, underscoring steady progress in Nigeria’s public sector digital reforms.

NCC shines, ranks among top 3 MDAs in Nigeria’s best website performance 

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Engr. Abraham Oshadame (left), Executive Commissioner, Technical Standards, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), on behalf of Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, accepted a website performance award from Dr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, DG, Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, at the BPSR office

The Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) has named the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) among the top three Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government with the Best Ranking in Website Performance for 2025.

 

 

 

In a statement by NCC head of public affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, the BPSR said the telecom regulator was recognized as one of the top five best-performing Federal Government agencies for 2025 by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC)—a testament to the Commission’s consistency in investment in technology for ensuring efficient service delivery.In the BPSR 2024/2025 scorecard ranking of agencies’ websites, the NCC came second in the ranking, trailing behind Galaxy Backbone Limited, which came first, while the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) clinched the third position from a pool of 235 MDAs whose websites were evaluated.

BPSR deployed 14 evaluation criteria, including MDA’s website compliance with the .gov.ng domain name, appearance and aesthetics (look and feel) of the website, content, relevance to MDA’s mandate/government policy, and the website’s structure. Others include the website’s responsiveness (device compatibility), security, load time, usability/ease of navigation, availability/uptime, functionality, interactivity, accessibility, and capacity building.

The recognition was announced at the official release of the Federal Government 2024/2025 Scorecard Ranking for MDAs’ Websites held at the Federal Ministry of Finance Auditorium in Abuja on Monday (December 22, 2025), while the award presentation took place at BPSR’s Office on Tuesday (December 23, 2025).

The award, which is an important index metric of the National e-Government Masterplan for determining the Nigeria e-Government Status, was received by the Commission in recognition of its commitment to maintaining a world-class website that enhances service delivery to the citizens.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, the NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, appreciated the BPSR for the recognition, describing the award as “another encouragement for the Commission to be a better public service institution leveraging digital platforms such as our web presence to enhance public service delivery to our various stakeholders, thereby implementing the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business policy direction.”

While presenting the award to the NCC, alongside two other agencies, BPSR’s Director-General, Mr. Dasuki Arabi, commended the top three for their proactive decisions in maintaining world-class websites, which are compliant with the Federal Government’s policy direction in effective and efficient service delivery to the citizens.

According to the DG, the 2024/2025 MDA websites’ ranking represents a collective effort of federal public institutions in Nigeria to be transparent, accountable, and open in governance, as well as a confirmation to align with global best practices in service delivery to the citizens.

Developed about six years ago, Arabi said as a result of the annual ranking, more public institutions have indicated readiness to embrace reforms and align with the policy direction of the current administration’s Renewed Hope agenda on improving governance for effective service delivery, as introduced by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The ideals of harnessing and deploying technological tools for service delivery have become imperative following the COVID pandemic and distortions of the socio-economic system of nations, culminating in the evolution of competitiveness, cost-effectiveness, and agile governance.

“As the engine room of governance, it behooves us in the public service to perform our statutory duties, and we must put in place technological innovations and standardized websites to operate services as well as deliver service needs to citizens,” he said.

The Scorecard exercise, he said, is part of the BPSR reform’s broader function of conducting research on reform implementation efforts and presenting ‘best practice’ models to the entire Public Service and, among other things, improving access to government information, facilitating seamless financial transactions, and eliminating corruption and cyber theft, as well as facilitating access to government services.

Speaking on the rigorous nature of the exercise that produced the top three winners, the DG said, “In the past few weeks, members of the Scorecard Jury drawn from inter-ministerial agencies had worked tirelessly to mill websites of selected MDAs through a rigorous process of enduring criteria for the ranking, and the outcome had also passed through a quality assurance mechanism to validate the outcome.”

 

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