Minister mourns two Kano lawmakers who died hours apart
The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of two members of the Kano State House of Assembly, Aminu Sa’ad and Sarki Daneji. In a statement personally signed by him on Thursday, Ata described the demise of the lawmakers as painful and a huge loss to Kano State and Nigeria at large. “My heart goes out to the Governor, His Excellency, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, the members of Kano State House of Assembly, the people of Kano State, and their immediate families,” Ata stated. The lawmakers reportedly died following a brief illness on Wednesday, a development that threw the state assembly and the political class in Kano into mourning. Ata noted that the contributions of the late legislators to the development of Kano State would be remembered, praying for Allah’s mercy upon their souls.
Source:Punch
December 25, 2025 13:51 UTC
AIG Uzuegbu orders watertight security in Imo, Abia, Ebonyi for Yuletide
The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 9, Umuahia, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has directed the Commissioners of Police (CPs) in Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi states to put watertight security measures in place ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The statement noted that the security measures are designed to guarantee strategic deployment to identified critical and vulnerable points, to ensure a peaceful and seamless Yuletide celebration. “Recognising the season as one of heightened social activities and festivities, the Zonal Commander reassures members of the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to public safety throughout the festive period,” the statement added. The AIG urged members of the public to celebrate responsibly, remain law-abiding and promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police formation. “He wishes everyone a Yuletide season filled with peace, joy and abundant blessings, while reiterating Zone 9 Command’s steadfast commitment to its core mandate of ensuring public safety and security,” the statement said.
Source:The Guardian
December 25, 2025 13:26 UTC
Into the void: how Trump killed international law
There is no linear Trump foreign policy, just a catherine wheel of disconnected explosions thrown out across the night sky. We do not even ask them to have respect for international law, but ask to take a step back from going 100 miles away from international law.”All this has been accompanied by an open assault on the institutions of international law that stand in the way of coercive power. Washington’s turning away from international law and its institutions is especially sad because, as Dr Tor Krever, an assistant professor of international law at the University of Cambridge, points out, with Gaza “the language of legality has become the dominant frame of popular and political discourse”. In a special edition of the London Review of International Law, more than 40 academics have written essays discussing whether this sudden public faith in international law as a harbinger of justice is a load that the law has the capacity to bear. “International rules must be based on international law and must be written by all,” he said.
Source:The Guardian
December 25, 2025 13:03 UTC
The 10 best Australian films of 2025
What do films about occult practices, delicious porridge, Mongolian herders and a very cranky shark have in common? They’re all among the best Australian features released in 2025. To be eligible for this list, films must have had an Australian release outside the festival circuit in 2025, either theatrically or via streaming. I was initially unsure about the film’s use of flashbacks, but the full arc of the narrative gives them real purpose and impact. Don’t look for too much historical accuracy in Kiah Roache-Turner’s hellzapoppin spectacle, which mostly unfolds on the debris of a sunken Australian warship.
Source:The Guardian
December 25, 2025 13:02 UTC
Villa face Chelsea test as Premier League title race heats up
Aston Villa face a tough challenge at Chelsea on Saturday after muscling their way into the Premier League title race alongside Arsenal and Manchester City. AFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of the festive action:Rogers spearheads Villa chargeUnai Emery‘s third-placed Villa are still considered rank outsiders for the Premier League title even though they are just three points behind leaders Arsenal. Rogers’ seven Premier League goals this season have come from just 2.86 expected goals — a metric used to determine how likely a player is to convert a chance. Slot has steadied the ship at Anfield after a shocking run of six defeats in seven Premier League matches that left Liverpool’s title defence in tatters. The summer signing has netted eight times in the Premier League — twice the tallies of Salah and Cody Gakpo.
Source:The Guardian
December 25, 2025 12:58 UTC
From childhood staple to luxury food: how Nigeria’s jollof became too expensive to eat
“You will spend a lot for the ingredients to cook jollof rice that will be to your taste,” George, who works as a cashier, says. Jollof rice is beloved across West Africa with each country, and each family, having its own ways of preparing it. A true Nigerian staple at parties and family lunch, when jollof rice is served its smoky aroma draws everybody’s attention. In Ghana, where jollof rice is similarly popular, the cost of making the meal is also proving a burden for families. View image in fullscreen The price of plantain, which is often served with jollof rice, has also increased.
Source:The Guardian
December 25, 2025 12:35 UTC
Labour Party Crisis: Abure Warns Otti on Parallel Convention
There can’t be any reaction from Governor Otti and his deputy, Emetu, because they know they are erring. Ifoh further claimed that Deputy Governor Emetu was acting under pressure from Governor Otti. He warned that the Labour Party would not tolerate what he described as indiscipline and mutiny within its ranks. If Otti wants to run for Labour Party chairman, he has to follow the due process. “So, let Otti drop his position, then come and apply to be the chairman of the Labour Party.
Source:Punch
December 25, 2025 12:00 UTC
Shops Open on Christmas Day in Nigeria (25 December 2025): Supermarkets, Malls, Pharmacies and Where to Buy Last‑Minute Essentials
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Nigeria, but life doesn’t fully shut down. Supermarkets open on Christmas Day in NigeriaSPAR Nigeria: open on Christmas Day (with posted hours)If you’re looking for a major supermarket chain that has publicly signalled Christmas Day access, SPAR Nigeria has announced it will be open on Christmas Day and has shared 10:00am–6:00pm as trading hours in a recent post. Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja: public holiday hours listedJabi Lake Mall lists its Public Holiday trading hours as 10:00am–9:00pm on its official site. ( [9])For Christmas Day, check the mall’s latest update or the specific anchor tenant you need (supermarket, cinema, pharmacy, etc.). Pharmacies and health essentials: where to look first todayWhen it’s Christmas Day, pharmacies typically fall into two buckets: 24/7 branches (most reliable) and mall‑based branches (more variable).
Source:The Guardian
December 25, 2025 10:29 UTC
From Almajiri to graduate: Inspiring journey of Ahmad Isah
Years ago, a young Hausa/Fulani boy named Ahmad Isah arrived Dutse with little more than hope and a determination to learn the Qur’an. Touched by the boy’s sincerity, Maiyaki enrolled him in a primary school; a small act that would set the stage for a remarkable journey. I promised myself I would help achieve Goal Two of the MDG — universal primary education — by supporting a child like Isah.”Under Maiyaki’s guidance, Isah pursued both Qur’anic and Western education with unmatched fervour. In 2019, Isah’s life-long dream materialised when he gained admission into the Federal University Dutse, graduating with a BSc in Criminology and Security Studies, Second Class Upper (2.1) degree. I never believed my son would acquire Western education, yet today he has achieved it,” she said.
Source:The Guardian
December 25, 2025 09:58 UTC
We played better against Nigeria, says Tanzania coach
Despite still being locked in the dreamland of winning their first Africa Cup of Nations game, Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi expressed a bit of satisfaction about his team’s performance during the 2-1 defeat against Nigeria on Tuesday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. After Semilogo Ajayi had given Nigeria a first-half lead, Charles M’Mombwa struck the equaliser for Tanzania in the 50th minute, but their hopes of overturning the result faded almost immediately as Ademola Lookman struck the match-winner for Nigeria. Despite the defeat, Gamondi hailed his players for surpassing expectations against Nigeria. “I think Tanzania played better than many people expected. Nigeria had a lot of possession, but we neutralised them well through our tactical system,” the Argentine coach said after the game.
Source:Punch
December 25, 2025 09:26 UTC
CAN Film Controversy: A Debate on Faith & Artistic Freedom
He reacted—in fact, overreacted—to the mere film title that associated “dirt” (and its filthy connotations) with the Christmas season. Until CAN mentioned it, no Christian I know lost sleep over that film title. Even if the CAN leadership succeeds in getting the artists to change a film title, what does it translate to beyond mere symbolism? Christmas has come a long way, and quibbling over a film title is picking the wrong fights. If they had been the ones to ask Ini Edo to change her film title, the response would have been very different.
Source:Punch
December 25, 2025 07:33 UTC
Nigerian Woman Arrested in India with N195m Cocaine
A 29-year-old Nigerian woman, Olajide Iyanuoluwa, has been arrested in India with 121 grams of cocaine valued at about Rs 1.20 crore (approximately N195m), which she allegedly concealed inside bread loaves. PUNCH Metro learnt that Indian authorities have remanded Iyanuoluwa in judicial custody and initiated procedures to deport her to Nigeria. According to a report by The Indian Express on Wednesday, Iyanuoluwa was arrested by the Karnataka Police for allegedly smuggling cocaine from Mumbai to Bengaluru. Investigations revealed that the suspect had travelled to India in 2024 on a student visa and initially moved to Delhi before her arrest. Iyanuoluwa’s arrest adds to the growing list of Nigerians arrested and deported from India over drug-related offences.
Source:Punch
December 25, 2025 07:31 UTC
Tinubu Upholds Federalism, Rejects Central Gaming Bill
BY refusing assent to the contentious Central Gaming Bill, President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated an understanding of the need to uphold true federalism. In a landmark decision delivered on November 22, 2024, the Supreme Court invalidated the National Lottery Act 2005. The Act had established the National Lottery Regulatory Commission with the mandate to regulate lotteries in Nigeria. The Central Gaming Bill marks the third piece of legislation in a row so far rejected by Tinubu. By trying to force a gaming bill on states through underhanded tactics, the lawmakers have shown blatant disregard for the laws of the land.
Source:Punch
December 25, 2025 07:21 UTC
Govt trains scientists on mRNA technology
The Federal Government has trained scientists drawn from key research institutions across the country on mRNA technology for malaria vaccines, as part of efforts to boost local production of critical vaccines in Nigeria. The initiative is aimed at strengthening national capacity in biotechnology and vaccine development, with a focus on mRNA design, synthesis, formulation, delivery systems and quality control. He noted that Nigeria must move from being reactive to being fully prepared to respond to emerging health threats. In his presentation, Dr Olawale Salami told participants that understanding how the immune system interacts with vaccines is critical to achieving long-term immunity, especially in malaria vaccine development. “As we think about malaria vaccine development, it is important to understand how the immune system collaborates with the vaccine to achieve long-term protection.
Source:The Guardian
December 25, 2025 04:03 UTC
Be patient with Super Eagles, Moses pleads with Nigerians
Super Eagles forward, Moses Simon, has pleaded with Nigerians not to give up on the national team after their cagey performance in their opening game of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Nigeria managed to hold on to a 2-1 defeat of Tanzania in Group C’s opening game in Fes. Thereafter, the Nigerians barely managed to contain the Tanzanians, who came out forcefully in search of another leveller. Speaking after the game, Moses, a second-half substitute, said the game was not easy because the Tanzanians also wanted to win. He played 60 minutes, and we have 26 players in this team.” Tunisia leads Group C on goal difference after beating Uganda, and the Super Eagles will have a tough match against the North Africans on December 27
Source:The Guardian
December 25, 2025 04:00 UTC