Hijab-wearing TikToker apologises over controversial posts
Adeola also known as #niqabprintertondoyati in a TikTok video post in front of an undisclosed police stationThe hijab-wearing TikTok creator, Adeola, who recently faced backlash over controversial posts, has issued a public apology, admitting that the content was inappropriate and contrary to Islamic values. In a video shared on her Tiktok page, Adeola, who uses the handle @niqobprintertondoyati said, “I’m making this video to sincerely apologise for my recent videos. May Almighty Allah forgive my shortcoming and guide me to always do better. Please accept my sincere apology.”She added, “I’m really sorry. Please forgive me.”The apology comes after her earlier posts sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many users describing the content as inappropriate for a hijab-wearing Muslim influencer.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 14:32 UTC
Governor Otti Pledges Economic Boom for Abia in New Year
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has assured residents of a stronger economic future for the state in 2026, announcing that the government will begin offsetting accumulated gratuity arrears dating back to the early 2000s. Mistakes may have been made in times past, but the New Year is an invitation to begin again, this time on a clean slate. In the New Year, we shall consolidate the gains of the last 31 months to further expand our system of advantages. As we did in the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years, we have also committed 20 per cent of our entire budgetary outlay to the education sector in 2026. Our objective is to consolidate the gains we have made in the last two and a half years in repositioning the education sector for relevance in the new age,” he said.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 13:17 UTC
Abia budgets N5bn for manpower training in 2026 under Otti
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said the state government will commit N5 billion to manpower training and development in the state civil service in 2026. Otti disclosed this in his New Year broadcast on Thursday, noting that the only guarantee for the sustainability of any public sector reform is the readiness of institutions to effectively interpret and execute their service mandates. The governor revealed that across ministries, departments, and agencies, his administration has introduced the adoption of a new work ethic through the introduction of multiple layers of incentives. “Our target is that by the end of the New Year, we shall have 100 electric buses covering all the major urban and semi-urban routes in the State. Beyond the introduction of electric buses, 2026 will also see new levels of commitment to the development of critical transport infrastructure.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 13:17 UTC
Chelsea FC and coach Enzo Maresca mutually part ways
Chelsea Football Club and head coach Enzo Maresca have mutually agreed to part ways, the club announced on Thursday. The statement read, “During his time at the Club, Enzo led the team to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. Those achievements will remain an important part of the Club’s recent history, and we thank him for his contributions to the Club. Although Maresca enjoyed success in cup competitions, concerns over Chelsea’s league form and overall performances continued to mount, increasing pressure on both the coach and the club’s leadership. Those issues reportedly strained relations behind the scenes and raised doubts about his ability to continue in the role.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 12:57 UTC
ADC faction rejects Obi, disowns Enugu registration
The faction, which described itself as the authentic national leadership of the ADC, said the exercise violated the party’s constitution and established membership procedures. He said the ADC is founded on order, discipline and strict adherence to its constitution, adding that its membership registration process is clearly defined. “It has come to our attention that a certain Mr Peter Obi was reportedly registered at a party zonal office in Enugu. The NWC wishes to categorically state that this action does not align with the constitutional and stipulated procedures for membership registration into the African Democratic Congress. “Therefore, the office of the national chairman distances the original, constitutionally-governed ADC from the reported registration of Mr Peter Obi at the Enugu Zonal office.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 12:52 UTC
Plateau Gov Caleb Mutfwang officially dumps PDP
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party. Mutfwang explained that his decision was guided by his commitment to purposeful leadership, clarity of direction, and service delivery. The letter, which Mutfwang personally signed, read, “I write to formally notify you of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect. “I sincerely appreciate the PDP for providing me the political platform to participate in the democratic process. The National Working Committee of the APC has welcomed him, with party officials pledging support for his new political journey.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 12:41 UTC
Confusion mounts over police presence at controversial Lagos hijab-wearing printer’s shop
I deleted and blocked 90% of contact list because I grew tired of explaining to people who wouldn’t understand my choices. However, none of her posts explicitly stated that she was arrested, and the circumstances surrounding the police presence remain unclear. Messages sent to her social media inbox have yet to receive a response. There has also been no official statement from any police unit clarifying their involvement or the reason for their presence at her shop or the police station. Observers reacting to the post say the incident highlights growing tensions around social media expression, religious identity and online shaming, especially when viral content fuels speculation without verified facts.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 12:07 UTC
Naira Exchange Rate Ends 2025 Stronger at Official Market
The naira on Wednesday closed 2025 stronger against the US dollar, trading at N1,435.75 at the official foreign exchange market. Central Bank of Nigeria data showed that the currency gained N9.93, marking continued firmness at the year end. This followed Tuesday’s close of N1,445.68, translating to a 0.7 per cent day-on-day appreciation. A CBN official said the movement reflected improved liquidity and confidence, noting that “seasonal inflows supported stability during the yuletide.”Market analysts said the sustained gains capped a positive festive period, adding that cautious optimism would guide early 2026 trading.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 06:32 UTC
Six killed, four rescued in Lagos boat crash
No fewer than six passengers have been confirmed dead, while four others were rescued, following a boat accident along the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun Water Channel in Lagos. “As of the time of this report, four passengers have been successfully rescued and transported to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention. Search and rescue operations remain ongoing to account for all persons involved,” the statement read in part. “LASWA and NIWA wish to assure the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and further updates will be communicated as more information becomes available. Joint search and rescue operations and intensified patrols were also introduced as part of the strategy to curb unsafe practices and enhance surveillance across key waterways.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 04:48 UTC
Wike Vows Fubara Won't Win 2027 Election in Rivers Politics
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government, on Wednesday, clarified that its annual N100,000 Christmas bonus is paid to all civil and public office holders in the state without discrimination. The lawmakers tagged the N100,000 cash transfer as unconstitutional and extra-budgetary, saying Governor Fubara refused to present the 2025 budget. He said the clarification followed recent commendation by the Rivers State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress over the payment of the Christmas bonus. “Workers remain the greatest pride of the Rivers State Government’s development agenda,” he said. “While this bonus is meant to brighten the festive season, our long-term focus remains the continuous improvement of the working environment and the welfare of everyone serving Rivers State,” Sirawoo added.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 04:07 UTC
Solidarity! Osimhen, Ndidi, Osayi console Joshua after fatal loss
Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, friends and trainers of Joshua, were killed earlier this week after their vehicle struck a stationary car. Joshua was involved in the accident and was helped from the wreckage before being taken to hospital. His promotion team, Matchroom, confirmed on Monday evening that Joshua was in a stable condition and would remain in hospital for observation into the new year. We just hope he gets better.”Super Eagles captain Ndidi also spoke of the mood within the Nigeria camp after learning of the tragedy. Paul Onuachu gave the Super Eagles the lead midway through the first half as head coach Eric Chelle pushed for a perfect start to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 03:55 UTC
NAF Air Raids Neutralize 2,351 Terrorists in 2025
“The Nigerian Air Force recorded one of its most decisive operational years, neutralising no fewer than 2,351 terrorists through sustained, intelligence-driven air operations conducted across multiple operational theatres nationwide in 2025. The figures exclude hundreds of additional airpower missions involving ISR, close air support to surface forces, and armed reconnaissance operations,” the statement partly read. “In the maritime and energy security domain, precision air operations in the Niger Delta delivered equally strategic dividends. “The Nigerian Air Force will remain relentless and decisive in taking the fight to all enemies of the Nigerian state. Onoja further highlighted the successes of Operation DELTA SAFE in the Niger Delta, where troops disrupted oil theft valued at over N8.9 billion.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 01:25 UTC
Anthony Joshua discharged from hospital in Nigeria after car crash
The British boxer Anthony Joshua has been discharged from hospital, Nigerian authorities said on Wednesday night. Show Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for 'The Guardian'. Just hours before the crash, Joshua and Ayodele posted clips on social media of them playing table tennis together. The west African nation recorded 5,421 deaths in 9,570 road accidents in 2024, according to data by the country’s federal road safety corps. View image in fullscreen An image released by the federal road safety corps in Nigeria showing the damaged car that Anthony Joshua had been travelling in.
Source:The Guardian
January 01, 2026 00:27 UTC
Trump’s approach to Africa: more trade deals, less democracy and human rights
It was a clear encapsulation of the US president’s approach to sub-Saharan Africa in his second term, in which human rights and democracy promotion have been de-emphasized in favor of a stated focus on trade and ending wars – though how that squares with the nascent air campaign in Nigeria remains to be seen. ‘Trade, not aid,’ a slogan we’ve seen thrown around for years, is now truly our policy for Africa”. In a statement, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said Trump “has treated Africa not as a charity case, but as a powerhouse partner. Trump’s visa restrictions against African nations and coarse language towards its people “will accelerate trends that were already there in terms of young people increasingly looking to the east for opportunities, particularly for higher education”, Mutiga warns. Trump’s dispute with South Africa appears to have been influenced by his erstwhile ally Elon Musk, who was born there and has alleged that the white Afrikaner minority is being persecuted.
Source:The Guardian
December 31, 2025 23:31 UTC
NLC demands new wage review in 2026 amid high inflation
The Nigeria Labour Congress on Wednesday called for an urgent review of workers’ wages in 2026, saying current earnings are no longer sufficient to meet basic living needs as inflation and hardship persist across the country. “Furthermore, given the escalating inflation and suffering, we demand anurgent wage review as a worker’s income must guarantee life, not meresurvival in furtherance of Mr President’s promise to pay living wages. He encouraged workers to remain united as the country enters 2026, saying labour would continue to advocate for fair economic policies and social justice. The change was formalised through the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024 and was introduced in response to persistent inflation and rising living costs. The 2024 adjustment followed an earlier increase in 2019, when the minimum wage was raised from ₦18,000 to ₦30,000 after several years without review.
Source:Punch
December 31, 2025 21:45 UTC