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December 11, 2025

News, Trending

FCCPC Seals Ikeja Electric for Consumer Rights Violations in Nigeria

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has taken decisive action against Ikeja Electric, sealing its facilities over repeated breaches of consumer rights and failure to comply with regulatory directives.

Bola Adeyinka, FCCPC’s Director of Surveillance and Investigation, explained that the measure aligns with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

“Sealing this facility is a proportionate enforcement measure, taken only after repeated engagement and multiple opportunities for voluntary compliance,” Adeyinka said in a statement on Thursday, December 11, 2025.

The Commission clarified that the seal will remain until Ikeja Electric fully implements directives issued by both the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the FCCPC, and provides written proof of compliance.

The dispute centers on a NERC order instructing Ikeja Electric to unbundle a Maximum Demand account into 20 separate non-Maximum Demand accounts. The directive required the utility to recognize 19 residential units and one service point belonging to a customer as independent units, complete with necessary metering and connections.

Despite fulfilling all payment obligations, the complainant has been without electricity for over two and a half years. “The lack of electricity has prevented the complainant from using the nineteen residential units, even though all charges were duly paid,” the FCCPC noted.

Also Read: Labour Party Spokesman Accuses Peter Obi of Being Only a ‘Verbal Member’

According to the Commission, Ikeja Electric was repeatedly engaged on the matter. In April 2025, the FCCPC issued a detailed directive outlining the compliance steps and deadlines. When the company failed to act, a Compliance Notice was issued on October 2, 2025, mandating adherence within seven business days—yet no action was taken.

As of this report, Ikeja Electric has not issued any comment on the sealing of its facilities.

The FCCPC’s intervention underscores the government’s commitment to protecting consumer rights and enforcing regulatory compliance within Nigeria’s electricity sector.

News, Politics, Trending

Osun Governor Adeleke’s Accord Party Defection Sparks Internal Party Rift

A faction of the Accord Party, reportedly aligned with the party’s former 2023 presidential candidate, Professor Chris Imumolen, has criticized Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s recent defection, labeling it a “back-door entry” and asserting that it is “invalid.”

The governor formally announced his move to the Accord Party on Tuesday, citing ongoing disputes within his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

However, the Imumolen-led faction claims that Adeleke’s switch bypassed established party protocols, casting doubt on both the legality of his defection and his recent endorsement as the party’s governorship candidate.

According to insiders, speaking to TVC, the faction fears that such unilateral actions could undermine internal cohesion and exacerbate existing divisions within the party.

They caution that as elections draw closer, mishandled realignments may disrupt voter confidence and reshape political alliances in Osun State.

Despite the controversy, Adeleke officially secured the Accord Party governorship ticket for the 2026 elections following the party’s primary election on Wednesday. He reportedly won with 145 votes, while five ballots were voided, according to Abdulazeez Salaudeen, Secretary of the electoral committee.

Salaudeen announced the result, emphasizing the transparency of the process: “The electoral committee has delivered on its mandate. After voting and counting, witnessed by the agents of the candidates and officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission, I declare Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke as the winner of the primary.”

Also Read: I Never Avoided Lawmakers — Governor Fubara Breaks Silence

As Adeleke prepares to lead Accord in the upcoming governorship race, the internal rift highlighted by the Imumolen faction signals potential challenges ahead for party unity and electoral strategy.

News, Sports, Trending

Osimhen Crowned GQ Turkey’s 2025 Sportsman of the Year After Stellar Galatasaray Campaign

Nigeria’s star forward Victor Osimhen has added another honour to his growing list of accolades, clinching the 2025 GQ Sportsman of the Year award in Turkey.

The Super Eagles striker received the distinction on Wednesday night during a glamorous black-tie gala in Istanbul hosted by GQ Magazine’s Turkish edition, which annually celebrates exceptional figures in sports, entertainment and the arts.

The award caps off a breathtaking debut season in Turkey for the 26-year-old. Osimhen has become an instant hero among Galatasaray supporters after delivering an explosive campaign in which he scored 37 goals and registered seven assists in 41 matches, powering the Istanbul giants to both the Super Lig title and the Turkish Cup.

His performances were so influential that Galatasaray moved swiftly to make his stay permanent, activating a €75 million clause—setting a new transfer record in Turkish football.

Though injuries have interrupted parts of his current season, Osimhen has still maintained an impressive return, netting 11 goals in 14 games across all competitions.

The striker’s impact extends far beyond club football. For Nigeria, he returned to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in blistering form, scoring six goals in five matches to help drive the Super Eagles into the play-off stage.

He added a brace in the semi-final victory over Gabon, but a late injury forced him to miss the final showdown against DR Congo—where Nigeria narrowly lost on penalties.

Looking ahead, Osimhen is expected to spearhead Nigeria’s attack at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, scheduled from 21 December to 18 January 2026, as the team aims for a historic fourth continental title.

In his acceptance speech, the forward expressed heartfelt gratitude.

Also Read: CAC Issues Fresh Guidelines for Business Name Record Changes

“A big thank you to GQ. And to my Galatasaray family—this means so much to me and my loved ones. I appreciate everyone who has supported me up to this moment. I will continue to give my best for my family, for Galatasaray, and for fans around the world,” he said.

Osimhen was one of 11 honourees celebrated during the ceremony. Among the other award recipients were actor Aras Aydın, who won International Achiever of the Year; actress Sinem Ünsal, named Woman of the Year; British-Turkish artist Edis, awarded Music Person of the Year; and acclaimed chef Bahtiyar Büyükduman, who earned the Chef of the Year title.

Entertainment, Feature, Lifestyle, News, Trending

Two Nigerian Icons Make Forbes’ 2025 Most Powerful Women List

Two prominent Nigerian women — Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and media powerhouse Mo Abudu — have been named among Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women in the World for 2025, reaffirming Nigeria’s growing influence on the global stage.

The annual list, released on Wednesday, celebrates women driving major change in politics, business, technology, international development, and entertainment.

Okonjo-Iweala Ranked 92nd

World Trade Organisation Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, secured the 92nd spot. Forbes highlighted her as an “economist and international development professional” whose impact spans more than three decades across multiple continents.

Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African ever to lead the WTO, took office in March 2021. Before her global role, she served twice as Nigeria’s Finance Minister (2003–2006, 2011–2015) and briefly as Foreign Minister in 2006 — the first woman to hold that position.

Her international résumé includes chairing the board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which has provided vaccines to over 760 million children worldwide.

A Harvard graduate with a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the 71-year-old is globally respected for championing trade-led development for emerging economies.

Mo Abudu Listed at No. 98

Media entrepreneur Mo Abudu, founder of EbonyLife Media, also earned a place on the prestigious list — ranking 98th.

Forbes referred to her as “one of the most influential women in global media.”

Abudu launched EbonyLife TV in 2006, creating one of Africa’s most recognized entertainment brands, now broadcasting in more than 49 countries, including the UK and the Caribbean.

Under her leadership, EbonyLife has secured groundbreaking partnerships with Sony Pictures Television, AMC Networks, and Netflix — becoming the first African studio to sign a multi-title agreement with the streaming giant.

In November 2025, Abudu expanded her media empire with EbonyLife ON Plus, a digital platform now available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Also Read: U.S. House Committee Vows Action Against Religious Persecution in Nigeria

Born in London and raised partly in Nigeria, Abudu’s career has become a blueprint for African women in global entertainment.

Who Tops the 2025 List?

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen leads the 2025 ranking, followed by:

* Christine Lagarde — President, European Central Bank (No. 2)

* Sanae Takaichi — Japan’s first female Prime Minister (No. 3)

* Claudia Sheinbaum — President of Mexico (No. 5)

The list also features other notable figures, including:

* Lisa Su — AMD CEO (No. 10)

* Ruth Porat — Alphabet CFO (No. 12)

* Amy Hood — Microsoft CFO (No. 16)

* Susan Li — Meta CFO (No. 41)

* Kim Kardashian — Entrepreneur and media personality (No. 71)

* Daniela Amodei — Co-founder of Anthropic (No. 73)

Closing the list at No. 100 is the cast of Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, spotlighted for their cultural and global digital influence.

News, Politics, Trending

Labour Party Spokesman Accuses Peter Obi of Being Only a ‘Verbal Member’

The Labour Party’s internal tensions deepened this week as its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, openly criticized the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, accusing him of offering little more than verbal allegiance to the party.

In an interview, Ifoh suggested that Obi has been distant from party affairs and has failed to provide meaningful financial support, despite consistently identifying as a member.

“He has not shown any cause to say that he is a member of Labour Party outside verbalizing it,” Ifoh said, signalling a widening disconnect between the party leadership and Obi, who remains its most influential figure.

LP: Obi Benefited Us, But He Must Follow the Rules

The spokesman admitted that Obi’s entry into the Labour Party significantly elevated the party’s national profile, energising millions of supporters — popularly known as the Obidients — and helping the LP secure strong results in the 2023 general elections.

However, Ifoh stressed that the LP is not defined by any single individual, adding that the party had existed and achieved successes long before Obi joined in 2022.

Founded in 2002, the Labour Party had already produced elected officials at the state and federal levels, including a governor, senators, and House of Representatives members.

According to Ifoh, the LP has a long-standing structure that all members — including prominent politicians — must respect.

“If you want to be a member of the party, please come in and obey the rules and regulations guiding the party,” he said.

Internal Crisis? LP Says It’s Just Growing Pains

Addressing the perception of internal turmoil, Ifoh dismissed reports of a factional crisis as exaggerated, describing the situation as an “overflow of success” rather than a genuine split.

He argued that some individuals claiming influence within the party are “imposters” — people he says were once part of the Obidient movement but assumed they could “take over the party” because of their involvement in the election.

“We don’t have factions; what we have are imposters,” he insisted.

Preparations for 2027 Already Underway

Ifoh revealed that the Labour Party has begun positioning itself for the 2027 elections. He said the party intends to start unveiling programmes and opening its doors to new supporters as early as 2026.

Also Read: President Tinubu Urges APC Osun Governorship Aspirants to Unite Ahead of December 13 Primary

He emphasized that the LP is focused on strengthening unity and consolidating its structures ahead of the next major electoral cycle.

Fubara Urges Nigerians to Choose Unity Over Division as Independence Nears
News, Politics, Trending

I Never Avoided Lawmakers — Governor Fubara Breaks Silence

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed frustration over what he described as intense personal suffering caused by the state’s prolonged political upheaval.

According to him, the public has misunderstood his actions because he deliberately refrained from pushing his own version of events into the spotlight.

Speaking on Wednesday, Fubara said the widespread perception that he has been avoiding the state House of Assembly is unfair and inaccurate.

“I am a gentleman and a very principled person. The reason I am saying this here is that I have suffered too much because of a single story,” the governor lamented.

He insisted that he has always been willing to meet with lawmakers but that the public has only heard narratives that portray him otherwise.

‘I Have Made Every Effort to Meet the Assembly’

Fubara stated that contrary to claims making the rounds, he has repeatedly attempted to hold meetings with the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, and other members of the Assembly.

“A lot of things happened and nobody has heard my own side. I want to say it here, Speaker and members of the Assembly, I have made effort to meet with you. I am just waiting for that meeting to be fixed,” he explained.

He clarified that the delay in organizing such meetings is not from him. Instead, he said lawmakers insisted that any engagement must be arranged through former governor and PDP leader, Chief Nyesom Wike.

“I have made every effort. I believe that the leadership of the state council that is led by Ferdinand Anabraba can attest to this,” Fubara said.

“They don’t want me to call them directly. It was for my leader to arrange the meeting, which up till this moment has not been fixed.”

‘Claims That I Am Avoiding Lawmakers Are Lies’

The Governor dismissed reports suggesting he has been unresponsive to legislative demands.

“So, how people go about saying I don’t want to meet them and attend to their demands, that is pure lies. I don’t have any reason to do that,” he stated.

He emphasized that he remains willing to address any concerns presented by lawmakers.

“I have personally said whatever is their need, I am ready to meet it so that we can have peace in the state. Whoever is telling you that I don’t want to meet members of the Assembly is not true,” Fubara reaffirmed.

‘I Won’t Divide the House’

According to Fubara, he has refused to bypass party leaders in arranging meetings because he does not want to heighten tensions within the political structure.

“I have met with our leaders and they said they are going to arrange meeting, but I don’t want to go behind them. Let it not be as if I want to divide the house,” he said, stressing that his focus is the unity and stability of Rivers State.

“Please, we need to come together for the interest of this state. It is not about me. It is about this state,” he added.

Fubara Speaks at Road Commissioning, Reflects on Party Defection

The governor made the remarks at the commissioning of the expanded and dualised Ahoada–Omoku Road in the Rivers West Senatorial District, a project handled by Julius Berger. He described the road as a fulfilment of his campaign promises and thanked residents for standing by him and President Bola Tinubu.

“I want to thank the Almighty God for making this day possible… even in the face of our challenges, we are still focused on delivering the dividends of democracy,” he said.

Fubara also addressed his recent switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC), explaining that the move was motivated by a desire for peace and accelerated development.

“We can’t thrive in an atmosphere of rancour. Development can’t come to our state when there is continuous disunity. And you are also aware that we are standing because of the support of Mr President,” he noted.

According to him, the Federal Government’s renewed hope agenda would reach every part of the state.

Also Read: ‘I Love PDP, But Things Are Falling Apart Everyday’ – Adeleke Gives Reason For Dumping Party

“Let it be clear to everyone that the renewed hope agenda is here with a vigour that you can’t imagine. We are out, we are ready to drive it to every door… We will continue to deliver the dividends of democracy,” he assured.

‘I Have No Problems With Any Lawmaker’

Fubara ended his remarks by stressing that he holds no grudges against lawmakers at the federal or state level.

“I do not personally have any disagreement or anger anywhere with my members of the National Assembly, even that of the state,” he said.

“Let me be very clear, I do not have problem with members of the state Assembly here. I don’t have any issue with them.”

Business, News, Trending

CAC Issues Fresh Guidelines for Business Name Record Changes

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has rolled out stricter requirements for individuals seeking to update their Business Name records online, a policy the agency says is now in full effect.

In an announcement shared on its official 𝕏 page on Wednesday, December 10, the commission revealed that applicants will be required to submit more detailed personal and contact information.

The move, according to CAC, is designed to strengthen its verification system and improve the accuracy of its business registry.

Under the revised rules, anyone requesting a Business Name Online Update must now provide the following:

* Date of birth

* Registered office email address

* Proprietor’s personal email address

* A phone number for the registered office or proprietor (or both, if different)

* A valid means of identification

The commission explained that these additions are part of ongoing reforms aimed at boosting record integrity, curbing fraudulent filings, and ensuring smoother communication channels between the CAC and business owners.

According to reports, the new measures will help the commission streamline its database, simplify compliance checks, and provide more secure services for entrepreneurs across Nigeria.

Business owners were advised to follow the updated guidelines carefully to prevent delays in processing their requests.

Over the past few years, the CAC — the statutory body responsible for registering and regulating companies and business names in Nigeria — has continued to modernise its operations.

Also Read: Tinubu Orders Ministers To Get Presidential Clearance For Police Escorts

The agency has moved extensively from manual paperwork to a digital-first platform, making registrations and updates faster and more accessible.

business
Feature, News, Technology, Trending

2025–2026 Grants African Innovators Should Apply For Now

For African innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and social impact leaders, exciting funding opportunities are opening up across the continent and beyond.

From tech solutions to social development projects, these grants offer financial support, mentorship, visibility, and networking opportunities.

Here’s a curated list of programs Africans can apply for before 2026.

1. UNDP Nigeria: Digital Solutions to End Digital Violence Against Women & Girls (2025)

Deadline: December 12, 2025

Who Can Apply: Nigerian innovators creating tech or tech-enabled solutions that address digital violence against women and girls.

Eligible applicants include youth-led teams, women-led startups, digital safety innovators, NGOs with existing digital tools, and tech founders based in Nigeria.

What’s in It for You:

* Gain national recognition and visibility

* Showcase your solution at the UNDP Innovation Centre in Lagos

* Join multi-stakeholder dialogues with government agencies and tech regulators

* Receive documentation and media coverage of your solution

How to Apply: Applications are submitted via the UNDP Nigeria digital innovation portal (linked on the official call).

2. Africa Impact Fundraising Grant Program 2025

Applications Open: December 2025

Who Can Apply: African organisations driving social change, community development, or donor-funded projects.

NGOs, social enterprises, and community-focused nonprofits seeking fundraising support are eligible.

What You Get:

* Up to $5,000 to boost project fundraising and development

How to Apply: Submit your application through the Africa Impact Fundraising Program online form on the official announcement page.

3. IJURR Foundation Writing-Up Grants 2026

Deadline: January 31, 2026

Who Can Apply: PhD candidates from low- or middle-income countries who have completed fieldwork and are now in the writing-up phase of their dissertation.

Benefits Include:

* Up to £6,000 to cover living expenses, writing costs, and university fees

How to Apply: Submit your application, a detailed proposal, and two reference letters through the IJURR Foundation online portal.

4. Blue Food Futures Research Grant Program 2026

Deadline: Rolling (applications accepted until positions are filled)

Who Can Apply: Early-career researchers, PhD students, and professionals working in aquatic food systems, climate, sustainability, or nutrition.

Applicants must be affiliated with a university, NGO, or research institution.

Why Apply:

* Receive up to $10,000 in research funding

* Travel support for fieldwork

* Mentorship and access to a global research network

* Opportunities to present findings at international conferences and policy events

How to Apply: Submit your research proposal and CV via the Blue Food Futures grant portal.

5. Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) GROW Programme 2026

Deadline: December 31, 2025

Who Can Apply: Young South African entrepreneurs aged 18–35 with innovative businesses that have been operating for at least six months. Startups should show traction with annual turnover between R250,000 and R10 million.

What You Get:

* Funding between R200,000 – R1,000,000 (grant or soft loan)

* Comprehensive business development support

* Technical assistance and mentorship

* Guidance on growth strategy and scaling your business

How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the Orange Corners Innovation Fund online portal.

Conclusion 

These grants and funding programs offer more than just money—they provide mentorship, visibility, and pathways to scale your ideas, research, and businesses.

You May Like: Federal High Court Acquits 11 #EndBadGovernance Protesters of Treason and Terrorism Charges

Whether you’re developing a tech solution to fight digital violence, conducting groundbreaking research, or building an innovative startup, these programs can give your project the boost it needs.

Start planning now, meet the deadlines, and seize the opportunity to transform your vision into real impact.

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