He reportedly stressed that Nigeria urgently needs purposeful, inclusive, and unifying leadership to avert deeper national fractures. Both Obasanjo and Babangida, though non-partisan, are widely regarded as influential elder statesmen who remain deeply invested in Nigeria’s unity and stability, having played defining roles in the country’s political and military history. It added that during the Minna meeting, Hashim reportedly appealed to Babangida’s historic role in preserving Nigeria’s unity, referencing the sacrifices made during the civil war. He emphasised that the 2027 election must be centred on national rescue, warning that continued leadership failure could further endanger the country’s cohesion and stability. Political observers view the consultations as a strategic move by Dr Hashim to position himself as a national consensus-building figure ahead of what is expected to be a highly consequential 2027 presidential election.

The Federal Government has said its recent diplomatic disagreement with the United States has been largely resolved following sustained engagement between both countries. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Monday at a year-end news conference in Abuja. According to Idris, Nigeria handled the situation with maturity and principle, leading to a stronger relationship with the United States. “The recent diplomatic spat with the United States has been largely resolved through a firm, respectful engagement culminating in a strengthened partnership between America and Nigeria,” the minister said. Under the agreement, the United States will provide 2.1 billion dollars in grant funding, while Nigeria will commit 3 billion dollars.

Foreign capital inflow is very significant for the health of an economy. These are good indicators of progress, but the country must not lose sight of the factors that led to the increase in foreign capital inflows. With Nigeria’s removal from the FATF grey list, foreign investors found the country to be a safe place to transfer funds and thus engage in meaningful investment activities, resulting in a significant inflow of foreign capital over this period. While these foreign capital inflows are increasing and moving in the right directions, the challenge now is to ensure that the dark days of the Buhari administration on these issues do not resurface. While the CBN is highly elated at the positive developments, it should not lose sight of its core functions in relation to how the increased foreign capital inflows will be applied.

On December 21, 2025, Police Station Nihal Vihar, conducted a routine survey focused on identifying illegally staying foreign nationals within their jurisdiction. Upon being intercepted and questioned, the individual was unable to produce a valid passport, visa or any other document authorising his stay in India. Further questioning revealed his identity as Johnson Chinedu, a Nigerian national, who also admitted that his visa had already expired. Police officials stated that the timely action highlights the Outer District Police’s firm commitment to enforcing immigration laws and safeguarding public security. The police added that further efforts are in progress to trace and initiate action against other foreign nationals found living in Delhi without valid documentation.

Updated Dec. 22, 2025, 3:52 p.m. ETWe're still awaiting further word on what set off DK Metcalf on Sunday after the Pittsburgh Steelers receiver had a physical confrontation with a Detroit Lions fan. He called him the N-word and he did call his mom an [expletive]. I think with those words being exchanged and the fan saying that, I think that’s where the action occurred.”We don't know if that's truly the case, but maybe Metcalf or others will corroborate it. UPDATE: The fan has denied saying any of those alleged words:

The defection of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Rivers State lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may have altered the political equation in the oil-rich state. More importantly, it has repositioned Fubara as the leader of the ruling party in Rivers State, directly challenging Wike’s once unassailable influence. With Fubara now firmly in the APC, political control of Rivers has entered uncertain territory. He notes that the APC structure grants governors sweeping authority over party affairs, often eclipsing even state party executives. As 2027 approaches, one reality is clear: Rivers State is once again a theatre of high-stakes political drama.

Ogun State Government has suspended three environmental consultancy firms due to alleged professional deficiencies in enforcing environmental laws on pollution to closed battery recycling companies in Ogijo. He mentioned that three consultancy firms attached to the ULAB companies were suspended due to regulatory failures in reporting the actual situation of the firms to the state government. According to him, the firms failed to instal required pollution abatement devices, demonstrating clear professional negligence with significant environmental implications, particularly in sensitive ecosystems. “The three suspended firms, however, deliberately absented themselves from the review meeting, knowing well that they were complicit,” he noted. Oresanya confirmed that the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Environmental Standards and Enforcement Agency (NESREA) have been notified of the decision.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) has stated that the newly launched drug test policy for schools would discourage craving for illicit substances by young Nigerians, especially those aspiring to gain admission into tertiary institutions. He made the submission when he received the Vice-Chancellor of Taraba State University, Professor Sunday Paul Bako, who led a management team to seek partnership with the agency in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. The NDLEA boss said: “We are glad to work and partner with you, your university, and the Taraba State government on this matter. It’s a good thing that what you’re doing aligns with the new national policy for tertiary institutions, which includes compulsory and random drug integrity tests for students. Your relentless efforts in combating substance abuse have contributed significantly to protecting our youths and preserving the future of our nation,” he said.

A trick-or-treat passing game under Aaron Rodgers has led to the Pro Bowl wideout's least productive year since he was a rookie in 2019. Metcalf got into an altercation with a blue-wigged Lions fan on the sideline. After walking over to talk to the fan, who was carrying a Metcalf replica jersey, cameras caught him punching upward at the man as he leaned over the railing. Regardless, Metcalf can expect a hefty dose of NFL discipline this week. A fourth target deep down the sideline fell to the turf after Metcalf failed to get his head around in time to track it.

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested a notorious bandit leader linked to multiple cases of kidnapping and armed robbery along the Benue–Taraba axis. The suspect, identified as Fidelis Gayama, was described as a high-value target who had been on the watchlists of security agencies for some time. Preliminary investigations, as made known by the Brigade through its acting spokesman, Lt. Unar Muhammad, revealed that Gayama is closely associated with Aka Dogo, a wanted leader of an armed criminal group. On Saturday, both the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force inducted a total of 4,687 new recruits to boost their manpower. While the army inducted 3,391 newly regular recruits, the Air Force graduated 1,296 airmen and airwomen.

This year was a great year for Australian music, with several outstanding debuts and confident sophomore albums released, alongside a surprise supergroup and big names returning to the studio. – Sian CainStella Donnelly – Love and FortuneTop track: Feel It ChangeView image in fullscreen Stella Donnelly, Australian singer-songwriter. Photograph: Nick McKinlayOne of the most personable songwriters in Australian music, Stella Donnelly’s records always feel like a candid conversation with a friend. On their first album Strange Love, this new supergroup sound like they’ve been honing their sound for years. – Caitlin WelshMallrat – Light Hit My Face Like a Straight RightTop track: HideawayView image in fullscreen Grace Shaw, who performs as Mallrat.

DK Metcalf earned two Pro Bowl selections at the Seattle Seahawks before moving to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 [Getty Images]Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf appeared to punch a fan during the 29-24 win over the Detroit Lions in the NFL. Television footage showed Metcalf approaching the Lions fan, who was leaning over the railings at the front of the stand, in the second quarter at Ford Field. "He went over and the fan said something to him," CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson said during coverage of the match. The fan, identified as Ryan Kennedy, said he called out to Metcalf using his full name. AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementAs the officials did not see the incident, Metcalf remained in the game and finished with four catches for 42 yards as the Steelers claimed a third successive win.

The contract, which exceeded the approval threshold of the Tender Board, was not approved by the Federal Executive Council. Instead, presidential approval was obtained under Section 15(2) of the Public Procurement Act, which the audit noted did not apply to the procurement of smart card readers. Another issue involved N331,228,070.04 paid to contractors under doubtful circumstances, with audit findings indicating inconsistencies in supporting documents, including supplies and payments reportedly made before contract awards. In its responses, INEC maintained that due process was followed in its procurements and payments, citing presidential approvals and urgency of election-related activities. However, the Auditor-General described several of the responses as unsatisfactory and stated that the audit findings would remain valid until recommendations were implemented.

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A final group of 130 kidnapped Nigerian schoolchildren freed by the government on Sunday are expected to be reunited with their families in the central Niger state on Monday, ending a month-long ordeal that drew global concern. Last month, unknown gunmen took an estimated 215 schoolchildren and 12 teachers from St Mary’s Catholic school, Papiri community in Niger state, which runs west from the capital, Abuja, to neighbouring Benin. “Another 130 abducted Niger state pupils released, none left in captivity,” the presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare posted on X on Sunday. The abundance of non-state actors has left rural areas particularly vulnerable, and Nigeria’s under-equipped security agencies continue to be stretched. The deteriorating security situation has led to the US president, Donald Trump, to threaten military action in Nigeria.