Fubara Free to Join APC Without My Approval, Says Wike
Wike made the comments during his monthly media live chat at his country home in Port Harcourt on Monday. The PUNCH reports that Fubara defected from the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling APC in early December, following a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja. Speaking at a meeting with government officials at the Government House after the presidential meeting, Fubara said he made the move to offer “full support” to the President ahead of the 2027 general elections. I have been accused; so many governors have accused me that I’m working for Bola Tinubu, APC, to be able to destroy the PDP. “He saw that all the council chairmen left for APC.
Source:Punch
December 29, 2025 13:58 UTC
Anthony Joshua injured in car crash in Nigeria that killed two people
British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua was injured in a car crash in Nigeria on Monday morning that killed two people, local police said. Show Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for 'The Guardian'. If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the most recent version. In the Guardian app, tap the Profile settings button at the top right, then select Notifications. Joshua, seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and is receiving medical attention with another injured person.
Source:The Guardian
December 29, 2025 13:56 UTC
NAF airstrikes flatten bandits’ enclaves, kill dozens in Zamfara
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement on Monday that the airstrikes were conducted on Sunday based on credible multi-source intelligence. Ejodame explained that the strikes targeted key bandit enclaves linked to recent attacks in the North-West, with NAF air assets deployed to degrade the criminal elements’ combat capabilities and deny them safe havens. According to him, the first strike at Turba Hill, a confirmed bandit hideout, destroyed a zinc-roofed structure central to the enclave’s operations. “The second mission hit Kachalla Dogo Sule’s Camp, a notorious IED manufacturing and operational hub linked to recent attacks along the Dan Sadau–Magami axis. Ejodame added that the strikes dealt a significant blow to bandit networks in Zamfara, particularly their ability to manufacture and deploy improvised explosive devices.
Source:Punch
December 29, 2025 13:41 UTC
Anthony Joshua sustains minor injuries in Nigeria car crash
The British heavyweight boxer, 36, sustained minor injuries in the crash on the Ogun–Lagos state expressway. Nigerian authorities say Anthony Joshua has been involved in a car crash on the Ogun–Lagos state expressway. Local media reports say two people died in the crash. Police confirm to the BBC that Joshua had minor injuries but is "fine". He shared: "Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him.
Source:The Guardian
December 29, 2025 13:40 UTC
Semenyo set for Man City move as January talks open
Manchester City have opened talks with Bournemouth over the potential signing of winger Antoine Semenyo, whose £65 million release clause is set to become active from January 1 to January 10. According to Sky Sports on Monday, the 25-year-old’s representatives are expected to travel to Manchester this week to finalise personal terms and agree on a long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium. “City are currently the only club to have formally contacted Bournemouth regarding the clause, despite earlier interest from Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea before Christmas. “Reports suggest that Chelsea decided not to pursue the transfer, while Spurs have moved on to other targets. City are now expected to move quickly to conclude the deal once the January transfer window opens,” Sky Sports reportedThe potential signing of Semenyo would give Manchester City an additional attacking option ahead of the second half of the season as Pep Guardiola looks to bolster his squad.
Source:Punch
December 29, 2025 13:37 UTC
Detty December: How Lagos’ Urban Street Party Is Fueling an Economic Boom
In the heart of West Africa, the city of Lagos is emerging not just as Nigeria’s commercial powerhouse but as a global cultural magnet. Unlike those location-bound festivals, Detty December involves the entire city of Lagos, from the upscale beaches of Victoria Island to the bustling streets of Lekki and the mainland neighborhoods of Ikeja. A 2025 Lagos Economic Development Update from the state’s Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget estimates that tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors, Detty December’s core, contributed over 5% to Lagos’ GDP growth in 2024. If harnessed, Detty December could model how festivals drive inclusive urbanism in the Global South, turning cultural assets into economic engines. Investing in Lagos’ Festival FutureDetty December is more than a party; it’s a blueprint for urban transformation in emerging economies.
Source:The Guardian
December 29, 2025 13:33 UTC
Anthony Joshua hospitalised after road crash — Ogun police spokesperson
Anthony Joshua after being rescued from the car crash | Photo redit: Adeniyi OrojoFormer heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has been hospitalised after a road accident in the Makun area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State. He said, “The Ogun State Police Command confirms a road accident today in front of Sinoma, before Danco, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Anthony Joshua and other injured persons have been rushed to the hospital. The statement read, “The Ogun State Police Command confirms that world-renowned boxer, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a road traffic accident today, Monday, December 29, 2025, at about 11:00 am, in Makun, Ogun State. “The vehicle conveying Anthony Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated.
Source:Punch
December 29, 2025 13:31 UTC
AFCON 2025: Full List of Match Day 2 POTM Winners
Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) – Named Man of the Match in Ivory Coast’s 1–1 draw with Cameroon, marking a back-to-back award for the talented winger. Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) – Starred in Nigeria’s 3–2 victory over Tunisia with one goal and two assists, driving the team’s attacking play. Sadio Mané (Senegal) – Scored the equaliser and impressed with his overall performance in Senegal’s 1–1 draw with DR Congo. Naël El Aynaoui (Morocco) – Recognised for his consistent performance in Morocco’s 1–1 draw with Mali. Youssouf Zaidou (Comoros) – Awarded Man of the Match in Comoros’ 0–0 draw with Zambia, influencing the midfield throughout the match.
Source:Punch
December 29, 2025 13:15 UTC
Obi confirms 2027 bid, calls for unity, national renewal
“Yes, I will be on the ballot in 2027,” Obi said during an extended interaction on X (formerly Twitter) Spaces. Obi was emphatic that he was not desperate for office, urging supporters to reject insults, aggression and political hostility in his name. I am desperate to see Nigeria work,” he said, warning that arrogance, name-calling and intimidation only deepen national divisions. Coalitions with conditionsOn opposition realignments and coalition talks ahead of 2027, Obi adopted a firm but cautious stance, stating that he would only participate in alliances rooted in public interest. Despite confirming his 2027 intention, Obi repeatedly returned to the theme of uncertainty and humility, reminding listeners that political ambition must bow to larger moral obligations.
Source:The Guardian
December 29, 2025 12:59 UTC
One Punch Man season 3 part 2 release update: When will the anime drop?
Fans of One Punch Man are eagerly awaiting the release of Season 3 Part 2, following the first half of the season that received mixed reviews. The anime continues to follow Saitama, the hero who defeats any opponent with a single punch, as new threats and challenges emerge. Here’s everything you need to know about the release date, streaming details, and what to expect from the upcoming episodes. One Punch Man season 3 part 2 release updateOne Punch Man Season 3 Part 2 has been officially announced and is set to release in 2027, giving fans a clearer timeline for the anime’s return. The announcement has sparked fresh excitement among viewers, who are eager to see how the story progresses following the events of the first half of Season 3.
Source:Punch
December 29, 2025 11:49 UTC
Wike Warns PDP of 2027 Defeat Amid Internal Crisis
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party to urgently address its internal disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections. Wike warned that failure to do so could cost the party its chances of winning major political offices. During the media chat, the minister also criticised the PDP National Convention held on November 15 in Ibadan, Oyo State, describing it in a mocking tone. Wike and Makinde, once close political allies, have recently fallen out, with tensions escalating between both camps. On December 23, Makinde accused Wike of working to undermine the PDP in favour of President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid.
Source:Punch
December 29, 2025 11:40 UTC
Vendors count losses, three bodies recovered in Lagos Great Nigeria House blaze
Three bodies were recovered and eight people rescued after a fire gutted the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on the evening of Wednesday, December 24, 2025. The disaster also wiped out goods worth billions of naira, leaving importers and Instagram vendors devastated. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said the fire started at about 5:00 p.m. and continued into Thursday despite the early deployment of crews. Reacting to the incident, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos state, expressed sympathy with the victims and commended emergency responders. Some vendors said they were able to salvage small portions of their goods, but many confirmed total losses.
Source:The Guardian
December 29, 2025 10:25 UTC
Resident doctors threaten fresh strike over unfulfilled agreements
The association said the strike would be the inevitable result of the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Government ignoring multiple deadlines for implementing the MoU signed with resident doctors. The association called on senior medical elders to intervene, saying their influence could compel the government to act and avert another nationwide crisis in healthcare services. “Distinguished elders, resident doctors form the backbone of service delivery in Nigeria’s tertiary hospitals. “History has shown that when respected medical elders speak, governments listen. As of press time, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had not issued a response to the development.
Source:Punch
December 29, 2025 09:12 UTC
People conspired against me, thought they had won — Defence minister
The Minister for Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), has recounted how divine intervention shaped his journey to national leadership. The minister attended the service alongside his wife and thanked the founder of the church, Bishop David Abioye, and his wife. Even when the enemy thought they were putting us down, they did not know God was going to lift us up. In their small mind they conspired and thought they had won. But as long as you have God as your pillar you will win.”The defence minister, who described Abioye as a close ally, said challenges were necessary for growth, noting that adversity builds strength.
Source:Punch
December 29, 2025 08:40 UTC
ADC, LP slam Tinubu over Europe holiday amid security crisis
The Presidency announced on Sunday that Tinubu left Lagos for Europe for his end-of-year holiday ahead of an official visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where he is scheduled to attend the 2026 edition of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit. The ADC noted the deadly terrorist bomb blast in Zamfara and the ongoing foreign military involvement, calling the President’s move insensitive. The 17th edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week will run from January 11 to 15 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre under the theme “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go.”The event aims to connect innovation, finance, and people to advance sustainable development. Tinubu previously attended the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in January 2025, where he held meetings with Gulf investors and officials on trade, energy cooperation, and climate finance. Ogedengbe added that the council remained resolute in maintaining high standards, stressing that transparency and judicial integrity remain top priorities under the administration of Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun.
Source:Punch
December 29, 2025 08:04 UTC