The Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has congratulated Ndi Anambra and all Christians across Nigeria on the occasion of the celebration of Christmas. Also in it message, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), pray God to bring peace, love, and unity to the nation. “As we countdown to a new year, APGA remains committed to the ideals of our great party and the welfare of our people. We reaffirm our dedication to working tirelessly towards a Nigeria that is truly inclusive, prosperous, and just for all. “On behalf of the National Working Committee of APGA, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful. According to the APC national chairman, President Bola Tinubu’s economic and governance reforms are aimed at delivering long-term stability and shared prosperity. He said the Tinubu administration remains guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he described as a roadmap for national recovery, institutional strengthening and sustainable development. The APC chairman acknowledged the hardships linked to ongoing reforms but said the measures are necessary for Nigeria’s future. Looking ahead, the APC chairman expressed optimism about the coming year and called on Nigerians to remain united and resolute in building a stronger and more prosperous nation.

The Sultan spoke at his palace while receiving the newly appointed Area Comptroller of Customs in charge of Sokoto and Zamfara states, Aliyu Isa Ndako, who paid a courtesy visit to the Sultanate Council. According to the Sultan, the consistent revenue inflow from Customs has empowered government at all levels to undertake projects aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians. The Sultan also urged citizens to support the Customs Service by complying with customs regulations and cooperating with officers at border posts. Earlier, the Area Comptroller, Aliyu Isa Ndako, said the visit was to seek the Sultan’s blessings and support as he assumes leadership of Customs operations in Sokoto and Zamfara states. He added that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to work closely with traditional institutions and other stakeholders to promote lawful trade and stimulate economic activities within the area of command.

Have you ever heard adults compare their childhood Christmas to what Christmas feels like now in this era of adulting? But nothing compared to this Christmas Day itself. For many Nigerians, Christmas was once defined by abundance, excitement, and togetherness. Despite the changes, Christmas in Nigeria remains a celebration of faith, family, and community. Whether marked by abundance or survival, the true spirit of Christmas continues to live in the hearts of Nigerians.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunshine and cloudiness from Friday until Sunday across the country. NiMet`s weather outlook released on Thursday in Abuja, predicted sunny skies on Friday over the northern region throughout the forecast period. ‎NiMet predicts three-day sunshine, haziness from MondayThe agency predicted sunny skies with patches of clouds over the southern region during the morning hours. NiMet envisaged sunny skies over the northern region throughout the forecast period on Sunday, while anticipating sunny skies over the north-central region throughout the forecast period. According to NiMet, sunny skies with patches of clouds are anticipated over the southern region during the morning hours.

The dispute followed a ruling by a court which reportedly granted bail to Malami in a matter involving the anti-graft agency. While the EFCC, through its legal team, has denied being duly served with the court order, Malami’s office insists that the order was properly served in line with legal procedures. In a statement issued by Malami’s media office, it was stated that the EFCC and its lawyers were served with the court order shortly after it was issued. According to the statement, a court bailiff made attempts to effect service at the EFCC office, but officials allegedly declined to acknowledge or receive the documents. “The claim by the EFCC that it was not served with the court order is incorrect and misleading,” the statement said, stressing that service was carried out in accordance with the rules of court and that proof of service exists.

… extends Christmas support, distributes cash, relief items across GombeGombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Thursday, gifted the Christian community in the state the sum of N24 million. This was contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe. Inuwa announced the donation of N20 million cash during the Christmas Homage by the Christian community, comprising N5 million to CAN leadership, N10 million to the Youth Wing of CAN (YOWICAN) and N5 million to the women’s wing. He also announced an additional N4 million in support of gospel singers and Christian artistes who performed at the event. To further ease the burden on families during the festive period, the governor approved the distribution of essential items to Christian communities across the state.

Pope Leo has urged Ukraine and Russia to find the “courage” to hold direct talks to end the war during his first Christmas remarks to crowds in St Peter’s Square. The Pope called for an end to conflicts around the world during his Urbi et Orbi address, which is traditionally delivered by the pontiff on Christmas Day to worshippers gathered in Vatican City. The US has sought to put together an agreement acceptable to both sides, but direct talks between Russia and Ukraine have not taken place during this latest round of diplomatic efforts. Pope Leo also decried turmoil and conflict plaguing other parts of the world, including Thailand and Cambodia, where deadly border clashes have flared up despite a ceasefire in July. During an earlier Christmas Day sermon in St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo lamented conditions for homeless people the world over and the damage caused by conflicts.

The Presidency has dismissed as false and misleading a viral claim circulating on social media alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, with the Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola. He stressed that there has been no change in the leadership or structure of the Office of the Chief of Staff, adding that the claim did not originate from any official source. According to the clarification, Mr. Gbajabiamila continues to serve as Chief of Staff to the President, while Mr.Muri-Okunola remains in his established role as Principal Private Secretary. Both officials, the Presidency noted, are discharging their responsibilities as assigned, with no reshuffle or replacement having taken place. The Presidency condemned the circulation of what it described as deliberate falsehoods by mischief-makers seeking to create confusion and sow discord within government, particularly through the abuse of social media platforms.

A death row inmate, Mr Sunday Jackson, who was sentenced to death by the Supreme Court earlier this year, is set to regain his freedom on Thursday after Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri granted him a pardon on Tuesday. The Commissioner for Justice, Afraimu Jingi, told PUNCH in an exclusive interview on Thursday that all administrative procedures for Jackson’s release were concluded on Wednesday. Fintiri said the decision followed recommendations from the Adamawa State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, citing good conduct and significant behavioural improvement by the inmates. In November 2025, a member of the United States House of Representatives, Riley Moore, called on the Nigerian government to pardon Jackson, describing the killing as an act of self-defence. Moore argued that Jackson had acted to protect his life during the confrontation and questioned the fairness of imposing the death penalty under such circumstances.

The Wife of the Governor of Oyo State on Wednesday marked the birth of the first babies of the year with visits to selected health facilities in Oyo town on Christmas Day. The First Lady visited the General Hospital, Oyo; Aafin Primary Health Care Centre; and Iseke Primary Health Care Centre, where she presented Christmas gifts to newborn babies and their mothers. She expressed gratitude to God for the safe delivery of the babies, including a set of twins delivered through a caesarean section. ALSO READ: 2025 Christmas: Wike calls for communal harmonyAccording to her, the first baby of the year was delivered at about 4:00 a.m. on Christmas Day. She also emphasized the importance of postnatal care, noting that such clinics provide opportunities for mothers to share experiences, receive support, and address challenges such as postnatal depression.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State has lauded the bold step taken by six Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers who defected to the APC, saying the party heartily rejoices and celebrates with them. In a statement issued on Thursday evening and signed by the Zamfara State APC Publicity Secretary, Mallam Yusuf Idris, the party said the lawmakers chose the APC because it is a party with human feelings. The statement read in part: “The new entrants, who spoke through their separate letters read by the factional Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. “The honourable members remarked that the state House of Assembly is marked by errors, inconsistencies and flaws which have nullified most of the laws enacted or passed by them. “They described the APC as a party that treats its members fairly, is accommodating and works in tandem with the aspirations of Nigerians.

He emphasised that Gombe State has no place for division along religious or ethnic lines, warning against the antics of individuals or groups bent on destabilising the state and the country. Inuwa Yahaya continued, “If you look at countries in crisis, they can hardly practice their religion, let alone enjoy development and progress. In his remarks, the Gombe State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. He then offered prayers for God’s continued guidance, wisdom and strength for Governor Inuwa Yahaya to lead the state to greater heights. The event attracted thousands of Christians from across the nooks and crannies of Gombe State and featured praise songs, goodwill messages, and prayers for sustained peace, unity and prosperity of the state and the nation.

Controversial Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has warned that foreign involvement may not be ruled out in recent terror attacks targeting worshippers in Nigeria. In a post made on X on Wednesday, Gumi recalled past incidents which, he said, point to the possibility of clandestine foreign operations in the country. According to Gumi, the former envoy has continued to decline comments on the allegation, describing the incident as “just another possibility” that supports his claims. Gumi claimed that the ultimate targets of such actions are Nigeria’s sovereignty and natural wealth, adding that similar tactics are now being directed at Venezuela. Nigeria being a country of concern by them, puts it on their radar for clandestine operations to prove the need for intervention.

Diallo struck after 49 minutes of a Group F match the three-time champions dominated against opponents 60 places lower in the world rankings. Defeat prolonged Mozambican dreams of an AFCON victory — they have drawn four matches and lost 12 since their 1986 debut. Rain, which has fallen at many AFCON matches throughout the kingdom since the tournament kicked off on Sunday, greeted the sides after the break. As the match passed the hour mark, Kessie had a chance to increase the lead, but headed a cross just wide. Ivory Coast were not content with the narrow lead and attacked repeatedly, greatly limiting Mozambican opportunities to seek an equaliser.