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
APC celebrates defection of six PDP lawmakers in Zamfara
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State has lauded the bold step taken by six Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers who defected to the APC, saying the party heartily rejoices and celebrates with them. In a statement issued on Thursday evening and signed by the Zamfara State APC Publicity Secretary, Mallam Yusuf Idris, the party said the lawmakers chose the APC because it is a party with human feelings. The statement read in part: “The new entrants, who spoke through their separate letters read by the factional Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. “The honourable members remarked that the state House of Assembly is marked by errors, inconsistencies and flaws which have nullified most of the laws enacted or passed by them. “They described the APC as a party that treats its members fairly, is accommodating and works in tandem with the aspirations of Nigerians.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 25, 2025 19:35 UTC
Gombe gov reiterates call for peace, unity, continued tolerance
He emphasised that Gombe State has no place for division along religious or ethnic lines, warning against the antics of individuals or groups bent on destabilising the state and the country. Inuwa Yahaya continued, “If you look at countries in crisis, they can hardly practice their religion, let alone enjoy development and progress. In his remarks, the Gombe State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. He then offered prayers for God’s continued guidance, wisdom and strength for Governor Inuwa Yahaya to lead the state to greater heights. The event attracted thousands of Christians from across the nooks and crannies of Gombe State and featured praise songs, goodwill messages, and prayers for sustained peace, unity and prosperity of the state and the nation.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 25, 2025 19:35 UTC
Foreign involvement in attacks on worshippers can’t be ruled out — Sheikh Gumi
Controversial Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has warned that foreign involvement may not be ruled out in recent terror attacks targeting worshippers in Nigeria. In a post made on X on Wednesday, Gumi recalled past incidents which, he said, point to the possibility of clandestine foreign operations in the country. According to Gumi, the former envoy has continued to decline comments on the allegation, describing the incident as “just another possibility” that supports his claims. Gumi claimed that the ultimate targets of such actions are Nigeria’s sovereignty and natural wealth, adding that similar tactics are now being directed at Venezuela. Nigeria being a country of concern by them, puts it on their radar for clandestine operations to prove the need for intervention.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 25, 2025 19:35 UTC
AFCON 2025: Man United’s Diallo strike gives defending champions, Ivory Coast, winning start
Diallo struck after 49 minutes of a Group F match the three-time champions dominated against opponents 60 places lower in the world rankings. Defeat prolonged Mozambican dreams of an AFCON victory — they have drawn four matches and lost 12 since their 1986 debut. Rain, which has fallen at many AFCON matches throughout the kingdom since the tournament kicked off on Sunday, greeted the sides after the break. As the match passed the hour mark, Kessie had a chance to increase the lead, but headed a cross just wide. Ivory Coast were not content with the narrow lead and attacked repeatedly, greatly limiting Mozambican opportunities to seek an equaliser.
Source:The Guardian
December 25, 2025 18:58 UTC
AFCON 2025: Etta Eyong grabs Cameroon winner in 1-0 victory over Gabon
Spain-based striker Karl Etta Eyong scored after six minutes to give five-time champions Cameroon a 1-0 victory over Gabon in a tense Africa Cup of Nations clash on Wednesday in Agadir. His goal earned Cameroon three points, bringing them level in Group F with title-holders Ivory Coast, who edged Mozambique 1-0 in Marrakesh earlier. Pagou then surprisingly dropped goalkeeper Andre Onana, on loan to Trabzonspor from Manchester United, and veteran striker Vincent Aboubakar when naming his AFCON squad. There was also confusion over who would replace Aboubaker as captain with Manchester United striker Bryan Mbeumo initially named. It did not take Cameroon long to go in front through Etta Eyong from La Liga outfit Levante, although his celebrations were delayed by a lengthy VAR review for potential offside.
Source:The Guardian
December 25, 2025 18:58 UTC
2025 Christmas: Wike calls for communal harmony
As Abuja residents, especially Christian faithful, join others across the globe to observe this year’s Christmas today, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike has urged them to foster communal harmony beyond the festive season. In his 2025 Christmas message on behalf of the FCT Administration, Wike extended warmest wishes to all esteemed residents, specifically the Christian community, as they gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Barrister Wike expressed deep gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his massive support toward the development of the FCT. And with a final wish for a Merry Christmas, Wike left the residents with a message of security and celebration, reaffirming that the FCT is a place where every citizen can commemorate the season in peace.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 25, 2025 18:23 UTC
Nigerians should not lose hope, 2026 will be brighter — Rev’d Ajayi
The Minister in charge of the First Baptist Church, Kano, Reverend (Dr.) Armstrong Ajayi, has urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the numerous challenges confronting the country, expressing optimism that 2026 will usher in renewed hope and blessings. He said there was still hope for the betterment of Nigeria, stressing that nothing is impossible for God to accomplish. He therefore urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayer and to focus their hearts and minds on God. “Go out and share the love of Jesus Christ with fellow human beings, preach peace and forgive one another,” he said. “That is when the birth of Jesus Christ will truly have meaning in our lives.”
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 25, 2025 17:51 UTC
Gbajabiamila still Chief of Staff to Tinubu, Presidency clarifies
Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu. Onanuga’s declaration followed a viral report claiming that the former Speaker of the House of Representatives had been replaced by President Tinubu’s Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola. Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola. The Principal Private Secretary likewise remains in his role. Hakeem Muri-Okunola has not replaced Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 25, 2025 17:51 UTC
Yuletide: Rep Abejide flags off N1bn food distribution to constituents
The member representing Yagba East, Yagba West and Mopamuro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. According to him, the distribution will cover all 34 wards and polling units across Yagba Federal Constituency to ensure that residents have food items to celebrate the festive season. It will reach the 34 wards and all polling units across Yagba Federal Constituency so that our people can celebrate Christmas and the New Year. He also announced a review of his earlier pledge to support autonomous communities across the constituency. “By 2026, all the autonomous communities in Yagba Federal Constituency will benefit.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 25, 2025 17:50 UTC
ADC to Nigerians: Let’s sustain prayer to end suffering in our land
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged Nigerians to continue praying for an end to insecurity and suffering in the country. “Therefore, among other things, let us spare a moment to pray for the victims, families, and communities affected by the Christmas Eve bombing at a mosque in Borno State. This tragedy is a poignant reminder that the situation in our country threatens us all, regardless of the language we speak or how we worship God. We must ask God to end the suffering in our land and grant our beloved country leadership anchored in conscience, empathy, and love for the people. “We wish all Nigerians a happy Christmas and a blessed New Year.”
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 25, 2025 17:50 UTC