Ireland college to honour Nigerian student with distinction award
Africa News of Thursday, 25 December 2025Source: punchng.comTrinity College Dublin is set to honour a Nigerian student, Oluwajomiloju Adeparusi, with the Trinity QQI Distinction Award in recognition of her exceptional performance in the QQI FET College examinations. This was contained in an email sent to Adeparusi and signed by Professor Vincent Wade, a copy of which was obtained by PUNCH Online on Thursday. Her record also secured her admission into the prestigious Trinity College Dublin to study Business, Economics and Social Studies for a combined honours degree. In the award notification email, Trinity College noted that the ceremony would be held on January 19, 2026. The email read, “I am delighted to inform you that you have been selected for a Trinity QQI Distinction Award in recognition of your exceptional performance in your QQI FET College examinations.
Source:Punch
December 25, 2025 23:17 UTC
FG deploys tactical teams as Shettima vows no mercy for terrorists
He added that security agencies have been placed on high alert and mandated to act decisively. Our security agencies have been directed to act decisively and ensure that those behind this heinous act are swiftly brought to justice,” the Vice President said. He extended condolences to the Borno State Government, residents of Maiduguri, and families affected by the attack, assuring them of the Federal Government’s full support. “We sympathise with the Government and people of Borno State, particularly families who have lost loved ones. The Vice President reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, property and national unity, stressing that security remains a top priority anchored on constitutional responsibility.
Source:The Guardian
December 25, 2025 22:55 UTC
Niger recruits forest guards, urges discipline and resilience
The Niger State Government has recruited the first batch of forest guards across the 25 local councils of the state. Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago disclosed this during a visit to the trainees at their training ground in Minna on Wednesday, 24th December 2025. The visit provided an opportunity for the governor to interact with the recruits and boost their morale. Bago congratulated the trainees and urged them to remain disciplined and resilient, assuring them of the state government’s determination to provide all necessary support and ensure their well-being. The governor also revealed that more recruits would be trained in batches to strengthen security across communities in the state.
Source:The Guardian
December 25, 2025 22:36 UTC
11 dead, 12 injured in Jigawa auto crash — FRSC
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has confirmed 11 persons dead and 12 others injured in a lone auto crash that occurred along Ringim-Sankara-Beguwa road in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa. Commander in charge of the Ringim Local Government Unit of the FRSC in Jigawa confirmed the development on Thursday. The unit commander added that 11 of the passengers, including five males and six females, lost their lives, while 12 of them – seven males and five females sustained varying degrees of injuries. According to him, the bodies of the deceased and the injured persons were taken to Ringim General Hospital. Adamu said the victims were on their way from Bauchi state to the Kankia local government area of Katsina state.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 25, 2025 22:31 UTC
Soludo, APGA congratulate Nigerian Christians on Christmas celebration
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.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 25, 2025 22:31 UTC
Yilwatda to Nigerians: Remain hopeful, Tinubu’s reforms will deliver stability, prosperity
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.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 25, 2025 22:31 UTC
Sultan hails Customs as new Area Comptroller pledges trade-friendly period in Sokoto, Zamfara
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.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 25, 2025 22:31 UTC
VIDEO: Christmas Then and Now; what changed?
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.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 25, 2025 22:31 UTC
NiMet forecasts three-day sunshine, cloudiness from Friday
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.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 25, 2025 21:31 UTC
Bail dispute: Malami, EFCC trade words over service of Court order
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.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 25, 2025 21:31 UTC
Christmas: Gov Inuwa gifts Gombe Christian community N24m
… 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.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 25, 2025 21:31 UTC
Pope Leo urges ‘courage’ to end Ukraine-Russia war in Christmas message
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.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 25, 2025 21:31 UTC
Gbajabiamila remains Chief of Staff, Presidency clarifies
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.
Source:The Guardian
December 25, 2025 20:42 UTC
Death row inmate pardoned by Adamawa gov to be released Thursday – Commissioner
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.
Source:Punch
December 25, 2025 19:44 UTC
Makinde’s wife celebrates Christmas babies with gifts
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.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 25, 2025 19:35 UTC