Ogun suspends three firms for environmental pollution
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.
Source:The Guardian
December 22, 2025 14:27 UTC
Marwa justifies new drug test policy for students
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.
Source:The Guardian
December 22, 2025 14:27 UTC
DK Metcalf threw a punch at Lions fan mid-game
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.
Source:Punch
December 22, 2025 14:23 UTC
Troops nab notorious bandit leader in terrorising Benue-Taraba axis
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.
Source:The Guardian
December 22, 2025 14:14 UTC
The 16 best Australian albums of 2025
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.
Source:The Guardian
December 22, 2025 14:08 UTC
Steelers' Metcalf appears to punch fan during game
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.
Source:Punch
December 22, 2025 13:53 UTC
Auditor-General Flags N288bn Spending by INEC Under Yakubu
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.
Source:Punch
December 22, 2025 13:34 UTC
Freed Nigerian schoolchildren to be reunited with families
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.
Source:The Guardian
December 22, 2025 12:11 UTC
Trump administration recalls nearly 30 career diplomats around world
The Trump administration is recalling nearly 30 career diplomats from ambassadorial and other senior embassy posts as it moves to reshape the US diplomatic posture abroad with personnel deemed fully supportive of Donald Trump’s “America first” priorities. That changed on Wednesday when they began to receive notices from officials in Washington DC about their imminent departures. The state department declined to comment on specific numbers or ambassadors affected, but defended the changes, calling them “a standard process in any administration”. Politico was the first to report on the ambassadorial recalls, which have drawn concern from some lawmakers and the union representing American diplomats. This article was amended on 22 December 2025 to give the correct name for the country of North Macedonia.
Source:The Guardian
December 22, 2025 11:09 UTC
Sweden hastens Gripen deep-strike punch with Taurus missiles
MONTREAL — Sweden will soon have the capability to conduct deep strikes far behind enemy lines, as the Gripen will be integrated with the German-made Taurus cruise missile earlier than planned, the Swedish air chief said. A document published in February by agency officials noted that the planned initial operational capability of the Taurus KEPD-350 air-launched cruise missile on the JAS39 Gripen C/D was first expected by 2028. The missile was developed by Taurus Systems GmbH, a German-Swedish joint venture between MBDA Deutschland and Saab. A South Korean Air Force F-15K fighter jet releases a Taurus missile during a drill off the country's western coast on Sept. 13, 2017. (South Korea Defense Ministry via AP)“The capability itself is very important because we haven’t had any deep-strike or offensive counter-air capabilities before.
Source:Punch
December 22, 2025 10:54 UTC
Childbirth under attack: how women and babies became targets in conflicts around the world
Thirty women were sheltering in the Saudi maternity hospital in El Fasher, Sudan, on 28 October when the massacre began. Most of these attacks have taken place in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan, where hundreds of thousands of pregnant women are trapped in war zones. They constitute a pattern of reproductive violence.”View image in fullscreen A baby in Pokrovsk maternity hospital in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine. The Guardian has reported from frontline maternity hospitals where births have been forced underground and stress has caused birth complications. But shelling in the city of Goma in January hit the neonatal ward at Charity maternity hospital, killing mothers, babies and nurses.
Source:The Guardian
December 22, 2025 10:27 UTC
UPDATED: FG declares holidays for Christmas, New Year celebrations
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day. He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. The statement added, “The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 25th December 2025; Friday, 26th December 2025; and Thursday, 1st January 2026 as public holidays to mark the Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year celebrations respectively. “The Christmas season and the New Year present an opportunity for Nigerians to strengthen the bonds of unity, show compassion to one another, and renew our collective commitment to nation-building. “The Minister wishes all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”
Source:Punch
December 22, 2025 09:42 UTC
DSS DG Ajayi: A New Era for Press Freedom in Nigeria
The International Press Institute, Nigeria, on December 2, 2025, honoured the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, while unveiling its first-of-its-kind Book of Infamy. The record, according to the President, IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, is intended as a permanent accountability mechanism, documenting public officials whose actions undermine media freedom in Nigeria. While defending its positive stance on the activities of the DSS DG since he assumed office, the IPI said under his leadership, the DSS had demonstrated restraint and professionalism in its dealings with media organisations. Those who know the DSS DG closely would tell you, without being biased, that he is a no-nonsense official, loyal only to his job. What explanation can one offer for this other than the fact that the DSS DG is a golden fish.
Source:Punch
December 22, 2025 09:38 UTC
Adopting AI will improve workplace, business performance
Communication and marketing analytics expert, Chinyere Agbasiere, has noted that AI adoption can enhance workplace performance by reshaping skills, driving efficiency and preparing employees for an AI-enabled economy. Speaking with The Guardian recently, she stated that AI adoption is transforming workplace skills and emphasises continuous learning, strategic planning and ethical implementation to boost productivity. AI adoption, she explained, is altering how tasks are performed rather than simply eliminating roles. She further pointed out that AI adoption can either widen or reduce workforce inequalities. Looking ahead, Agbasiere further divulged that AI adoption is a present reality shaping the workforce today.
Source:The Guardian
December 22, 2025 08:48 UTC