Day: December 21, 2025

Trending Events Amidst Governor Buni’s Yobe Achievements (1), by Hassan Gimba

Emporium Reporters

Many things happened in Nigeria last week that will trend for a time. Among them were two weighty revelations, one of which led to two ‘juicy’ resignations. There was the revelation by Aisha Buhari, the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s wife, that the former president began locking his door to keep her out of his room. Reason? That he heard Villa rumours that she wanted to kill him. An old General fearing the woman who has been married to him for over 30 years!   The other was by Aliko Dangote,…

FG secures release of remaining abducted Niger state schoolchildren

Emporium Reporters

The Federal Government has confirmed the release of the remaining 130 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State, bringing the total number of freed victims to 230. A presidential spokesman, Mr. Sunday Dare, announced the development on Sunday via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, assured Nigerians that none of the abducted pupils was left in captivity. He described the release as a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity and protect vulnerable communities. The schoolchildren…

U-15 Tournament Finale: CDS reaffirms sports as strategic non-kinetic approach to youth engagement

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed sports as a strategic non-kinetic tool for youth engagement and national cohesion as the maiden edition of the CDS South-South Under-15 Boys Football Championship concluded on 20 December 2025 at the Sharks Football Club Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Speaking at the closing ceremony, the CDS, represented by the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, said the tournament reflected a collective commitment to grooming disciplined, talented, and focused youths while promoting unity, teamwork, and character development. He…

Defence Headquarters boosts Security ahead of Christmas celebrations

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has stepped up security measures across Nigeria to ensure the safety of citizens during the Christmas festivities. In a statement signed by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have deployed additional troops to strategic locations, placed special forces units and air support on high alert, and intensified surveillance operations, including aerial monitoring and intelligence gathering. Unit Commanders have been instructed to strengthen patrols, set up fortified checkpoints, and work closely with community leaders, vigilante groups, and state…

Nigerians in U.S. pledge deeper engagement as FG hails Diaspora patriotism

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has commended Nigerians living in the United States for their resilience, patriotism, and continued commitment to Nigeria’s development, as diaspora groups pledged stronger collaboration with government authorities. The commendation came during a joint virtual meeting organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in collaboration with the Nigerian Centre, Washington, which brought together government officials and leaders of Nigerian diaspora organisations across the U.S. Speaking at the forum, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, acknowledged the security challenges confronting parts of the country but…

Foreign Affairs Ministry mourns death of Photojournalist Sunday Olatuyi

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Mr. Sunday Olatuyi, a photojournalist with Advocate Broadcasting Network (ADBN TV), who passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025. In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday and signed by the Spokesperson of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Ministry described Olatuyi as a dedicated and hardworking journalist who was committed to public service and the ideals of a free and responsible press. Olatuyi was among journalists accredited to cover the programmes and activities…

NUJ FCT mourns Cameraman Sunday Olatuyi, demands prosecution of reckless driver

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of one of its members, Mr. Sunday Olatuyi, who was killed in a road accident at the Lugbe Bus Stop, Abuja. According to a statement signed by the Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, and the Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, Olatuyi died on Saturday night, December 20, 2025, after being hit by a Toyota Corolla with registration number ABUJA RBC 128 AM, allegedly driven recklessly while he was returning home from work. He…

Momoh, Auwal, Abubakar, Others dazzle at historic Cycling Kano 2025

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The ancient city of Kano came alive with energy and excitement on Saturday as cyclists and sports enthusiasts from across Nigeria gathered for Cycling Kano 2025, the first major competitive cycling event of its kind in Northern Nigeria. Isa Momoh, a professional cyclist from Kaduna State, emerged champion in the male professional category, clinching the gold medal after a thrilling race. His teammate, Jacob Ishaku, secured the silver medal, while Abuja-based cyclist Joel Berry claimed the bronze with an impressive finish. In the junior categories, Kano-based cyclists dominated the podium.…

Insecurity: Security Experts urge Tinubu to act against illegal gold mining in Zamfara

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Security experts under the platform of the Arewa Patriotic Neighborhood Watch (APNW) have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently move against illegal gold mining activities in Zamfara State and other parts of northern Nigeria, warning that the practice is a major driver of banditry and worsening insecurity in the region. The experts made the call on Sunday after a one-day security retreat held in Jos, Plateau State. Briefing journalists, the Convener of APNW, Dr. Danlami Shehu, alongside the Assistant Secretary, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed, said illegal mining operations continue…

Troops foil Terrorist logistics run, neutralise 17 Insurgents in Borno ambush

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Troops of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in collaboration with local vigilante groups, have foiled a terrorist logistics movement and neutralised 17 suspected insurgents during a coordinated long-range ambush in Borno State. The operation, which took place in the early hours of Sunday, 21 December 2025, followed actionable intelligence on the movement of logistics supplies by suspected Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements.   Acting on the intelligence, troops, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force…