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December 16, 2025

Akpabio, Akume Urge Nigerians to Stay Hopeful Despite Economic Hardship
News, Politics, Trending

Senate Launches Investigation Over False Reports on Godswill Akpabio’s Health

The Nigerian Senate has directed the National Security Adviser (NSA) to investigate circulating reports claiming that Senate President Godswill Akpabio has passed away.

The resolution came during plenary on Tuesday after Senator Titus Zam raised a point of order, citing unverified reports circulating on various media platforms. The reports alleged that Akpabio had suffered a health emergency and was rushed to a hospital in London. Senator Zam described such misinformation as unacceptable and urged authorities to identify those responsible and hold them accountable under the law.

Presiding over the session, Akpabio acknowledged the challenge of monitoring media content, particularly stories about politicians, noting that some publications amounted to “garbage in, garbage out.”

Earlier, Akpabio’s media team had dismissed claims that he collapsed and was flown abroad for urgent medical attention. Kenny Okolugbo, Consultant on Communications and Strategy to the Senate President, told Daily Post, “It’s a lie, fake news,” without providing additional details.

The controversy follows a report by Sahara Reporters alleging that Akpabio collapsed on December 10 and was flown to London in a private jet reportedly provided by billionaire Aliko Dangote. The report also claimed that the Senate President was absent from official engagements, including the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) session held last Wednesday.

During the session, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi represented Akpabio, highlighting the Senate President’s absence at a key legislative event.

Also Read: Senate President Godswill Akpabio Denies Collapsing, Labels Reports as Fake News

The Senate’s move to call for an investigation signals a growing concern over the spread of fake news targeting public officials and the potential consequences of such misinformation.

News, Trending

ISWAP Executes Eight Alleged Nigerian Spies in Borno State

Security sources report that the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) has executed eight individuals accused of spying for the Nigerian government.

According to security analyst Brant Philip, who shared the information on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, the victims included members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and one police officer. The group reportedly captured them from their homes across different villages in Borno State, northeast Nigeria.

Philip explained, “ISWAP announced a new series of executions targeting spies and CJTF operatives loyal to the Nigerian army. The victims were taken from their residences, including a police officer apprehended between Gubio and Damasak. All eight men were executed on the same day, despite being captured at separate times and locations.”

He suggested that the executions may be linked to intelligence retrieved from the phone of the late Brigadier General Musa Uba, who was previously captured and killed by ISWAP. “It is possible that these killings are a direct result of intelligence leaks from Brigadier General Musa Uba’s phone,” Philip added.

Earlier, Philip had reported that ISWAP had released images showing the execution of two Nigerian army informants dressed in orange jumpsuits, indicating that a full video of the killings might be published by the group in the near future.

Also Read: Abaribe Predicts Tinubu’s Defeat in 2027, Questions 2023 Election Outcome

This recent wave of executions highlights the persistent threat posed by ISWAP in northeastern Nigeria and the continuing risks faced by local security operatives and informants.

Umahi Hands ₦20bn Road Projects To Local Firms Only
News, Politics, Trending

Umahi Says Igbo Marginalisation Debate Is Over, Credits Tinubu’s Infrastructure Drive

Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stated that the Igbo community is no longer marginalised, asserting that calls for Biafra are now “unjustified.”

Speaking during an inspection of federal projects in the Southeast, Umahi said the region has witnessed unprecedented inclusion in national development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

He linked the diminishing Igbo marginalisation debate to the extensive infrastructure investments currently underway in the region. According to the minister, improved integration and visible federal presence have addressed grievances that historically fueled separatist movements.

Infrastructure Investments Changing Perceptions

Umahi noted that past administrations left many Igbos feeling excluded, which amplified agitation and separatist sentiments. “In previous governments, our people felt very much marginalised, and that was the reason some advocated for Biafra. Today, we are fully integrated into the mainstream of the nation,” he said.

He argued that strategic federal projects across the Southeast are reducing the relevance of the Igbo marginalisation discourse.

Major Projects Across the Southeast

The minister highlighted several key projects that he says demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to the region:

* The Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway

* The Owerri–Onitsha Expressway

* Section 2B of the Second Niger Bridge

* A 123-kilometre highway from Ndibe Beach in Ebonyi State to the Benue border

Umahi emphasized that these initiatives represent investments worth hundreds of billions of naira, prioritizing durability and long-term benefits.

Tinubu’s Administration Praised

The Works Minister also commended President Tinubu for prioritising the Southeast in national development, saying the region now feels “comfortable” and “very happy.” He urged Southeast leaders to pursue political influence through strategic engagement rather than relying on sentiment or rhetoric tied to past marginalisation debates.

Also Read: Bandits Strike Jege, Kidnap Residents as Insecurity Worsens in Kogi

“Even those who opposed our rightful place as Southeast people, God has opened the time. This is our time, and this is the moment President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reintegrated our people,” Umahi concluded.

Akpabio, Akume Urge Nigerians to Stay Hopeful Despite Economic Hardship
Uncategorized

Senate President Godswill Akpabio Denies Collapsing, Labels Reports as Fake News

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has dismissed online claims suggesting he collapsed and was rushed abroad for emergency medical care.

Reacting to the reports on Monday, Kenny Okolugbo, a Consultant on Communications and Strategy to the Senate President, categorically denied the story, describing it as false. When contacted by Daily Post regarding the claims, Okolugbo simply stated, “It’s a lie, fake news,” without offering further details.

The denial follows a report by Sahara Reporters which alleged that Akpabio collapsed on December 10 and was flown to London in a private jet purportedly arranged by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote. The report further claimed that the Senate President is currently receiving medical treatment overseas.

Speculation around Akpabio’s health gained traction after his absence from last Wednesday’s session on the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), a key legislative engagement focused on Nigeria’s fiscal outlook. In his absence, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi reportedly presided over proceedings.

A source within the National Assembly, quoted in the report, claimed that Akpabio had missed the MTEF presentation and alleged that this was the second occasion he had been flown to London for medical attention, raising questions about his capacity to continue leading the 10th Senate.

You May Like: Politics, Football, Celebrities: Nigeria’s Biggest Google Searches of 2025

However, beyond Okolugbo’s brief dismissal of the claims, the Senate leadership has yet to release an official statement addressing the reports as of the time this article was filed.

News, Sports

Nigeria Begin AFCON 2025 Preparations in Cairo as 22 Super Eagles Train

Nigeria intensified its build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday evening as the Super Eagles held their first full training session in Cairo, with 22 players taking part.

Head coach Eric Chelle oversaw the workout, which marked a major step forward in preparations despite the absence of several high-profile attackers. Star forwards Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon were not involved and are now unlikely to feature in Tuesday’s international friendly against Egypt.

The team’s Cairo camp had gradually come together over the weekend with the arrival of officials and a handful of early-reporting players. Monday’s session, however, represented Chelle’s first opportunity to work with the bulk of his squad on the training pitch.

Squad numbers were boosted by the arrival of Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu, who received a late invitation following injury setbacks to Ola Aina and Benjamin Fredrick.

While the camp continues to fill up, six players are still yet to report. Those expected to join in the coming days include Osimhen, Chukwueze, Simon, Chidozie Awaziem, Usman Muhammed and Salim Fago Lawal.

Also Read: Abaribe Predicts Tinubu’s Defeat in 2027, Questions 2023 Election Outcome

With the Egypt friendly looming, Chelle will be eager to fine-tune his plans as more players filter into camp ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON campaign.

Business, News, Trending

Facts Don’t Lie- Dangote Shares Evidence Of $5M Swiss School Spending By NMDPRA CEO Farouk

Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has accused Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), of spending millions of dollars on the overseas education of his children.

In a paid newspaper advertisement published on Tuesday, Dangote alleged that Ahmed expended approximately $5 million on the secondary school education of four of his children in Switzerland over a six-year period. The billionaire industrialist had earlier made the claim on Monday, describing the alleged expenditure as an act of “economic sabotage and corruption.”

According to Dangote, the children—identified as Faisal Farouk, Farouk Farouk Jr., Ashraf Farouk, and Farhana Farouk—attended some of Europe’s most expensive private institutions. He listed the schools as Montreux School, Aiglon College, Institut Le Rosey, and La Garenne International School.

Dangote claimed that the costs covered tuition fees, accommodation, air travel, and general upkeep across the six years of study. He estimated that tuition, airfare, and upkeep for each child amounted to about $200,000 annually, bringing the combined yearly cost for all four children to $800,000.

He further stated that over the six-year period, living expenses and travel costs per child totaled $1.2 million, translating to $4.8 million for all four children. Based on these figures, Dangote concluded that the overall cost of secondary education alone was approximately $5 million.

Beyond secondary education, Dangote also raised concerns about the alleged cost of the children’s tertiary education. He claimed that tuition, living expenses, airfare, and other related costs averaged $125,000 per year over a four-year university program, amounting to $500,000 per child and $2 million for all four.

Providing a specific example, Dangote alleged that Faisal Farouk recently completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Harvard University in 2025, with tuition reportedly costing $150,000, alongside $60,000 for upkeep, travel, and other incidental expenses—bringing the total expenditure for that year to $210,000.

Dangote argued that Nigerians deserve transparency regarding the source of such funds, particularly when they are allegedly spent by a public official.

Also Read: Nigeria Police to Resume Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement January 2026

He contrasted the figures with the economic realities faced by many citizens, noting that numerous families in Ahmed’s home state of Sokoto struggle to afford school fees as low as ₦10,000.

The allegations have sparked renewed debate over accountability, public service ethics, and the financial conduct of government officials.

Edo: Gunmen Kill 8 NSCDC Officers, Kidnap Chinese Expat in Okpella Ambush
News, Trending

Bandits Strike Jege, Kidnap Residents as Insecurity Worsens in Kogi

Residents of Jege, a community in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, were thrown into panic on Monday night, December 15, 2025, following a violent invasion by suspected bandits.

Local sources who spoke with Sahara Reporters said the attackers struck under the cover of darkness, abducting an unspecified number of residents and leaving the community gripped by fear. As of the time of reporting, the exact details of the attack remained sketchy, with neither security agencies nor the state government issuing an official statement.

Witnesses described the atmosphere in Jege as extremely tense, noting that the incident has intensified concerns over rising insecurity within the area. Community members have since appealed for increased security patrols and swift intervention to forestall further attacks.

The latest assault comes amid a wave of abductions across parts of Kogi State. Earlier on Monday, suspected bandits reportedly kidnapped the elder brother of the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Mr. Tosin Oluokun, while he was working on his farm within Yagba West LGA.

That incident has further heightened anxiety among residents, many of whom are already struggling with frequent cases of kidnapping and bandit attacks, particularly against farmers.

The Jege attack also follows a separate incident reported on Sunday, when gunmen abducted no fewer than 20 worshippers during an attack on the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area. According to local sources, the assailants stormed the church during a worship service, firing sporadically to cause panic among congregants.

While several worshippers managed to flee, an undisclosed number were seized by the attackers, who reportedly escaped through nearby bush paths. The brazen assault plunged the otherwise peaceful community into chaos, leaving residents shaken and fearful.

Also Read: Fear Grips Edo Communities After Kidnapping on Benin–Akure Road

These incidents have deepened concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Kogi State, as communities continue to face repeated attacks by armed groups targeting farmers, worshippers, and rural settlements.

Entertainment, Feature, Lifestyle, News, Politics, Trending

Politics, Football, Celebrities: Nigeria’s Biggest Google Searches of 2025

Google’s 2025 Year in Search report has offered a revealing snapshot of what dominated the minds of Nigerians over the past year, showing a sharp rise in interest across news, politics, sports, entertainment, technology and viral internet culture.

The annual report, which tracks search queries with the biggest year-on-year growth, highlights how Nigerians responded to major global events, local personalities and pop culture moments that shaped conversations throughout 2025.

News and Global Events Took Centre Stage

Searches related to breaking news topped the charts, reflecting a year marked by significant developments at home and abroad.

Nigerians showed heightened interest in the World Cup, the Israel–Iran conflict, and the deaths of prominent figures such as Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota and Nigeria’s former president, Muhammadu Buhari.

Other widely searched newsmakers included Pope Francis and wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, underscoring Nigerians’ engagement with global affairs and influential personalities.

Public Figures and Politics

Local figures attracted intense online attention. Senator Natasha Akpoti emerged as the most searched Nigerian personality of the year, followed by footballer Eberechi Eze, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, actress Chika Ike, musician Mr Eazi, filmmaker Kemi Adetiba and food entrepreneur Hilda Baci. Social media personality Very Dark Man and actress Priscilla Ojo also ranked highly.

Beyond Nigeria’s borders, Nigerians actively searched for international figures such as Viktor Gyokeres, Alejandro Garnacho, Joao Pedro, Aaron Pierre, Tyler Perry, Michele Lamy, Larry Ellison, Kim Sae Ron, Teyana Taylor and Cameroonian president Paul Biya.

Football Dominated Sports Searches

Sports-related searches were overwhelmingly football-focused. Nigerians closely followed players including Viktor Gyokeres, Alejandro Garnacho, Xavi Simons, Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Alexander Isak, Noni Madueke and Andre Silva, highlighting the country’s enduring passion for the sport.

Entertainment and Celebrity Culture

The entertainment industry also played a major role in shaping search trends. Actors, musicians and filmmakers such as Aaron Pierre, Juma Jux, Mr Eazi, Kemi Adetiba, Kim Sae Ron and Teyana Taylor generated significant interest.

Searches linked to death and loss were also prominent, as Nigerians sought information about notable figures who passed away during the year. These included Muhammadu Buhari, Diogo Jota, Pope Francis, Hulk Hogan, Charlie Kirk, Peter Rufai, Doyin Okupe and others.

Music, Movies and TV Shows

Music remained a powerful driver of online curiosity. Popular search queries included songs and lyrics such as Oluwatosin, Joy Is Coming, With You by Davido featuring Omah Lay, Laho by Shallipopi, and tracks by Teni like Arike and Money.

Film and television searches reflected a blend of local and international content.

Nigerians showed strong interest in titles such as Straw, To Kill a Monkey, Fantastic Four, Final Destination, Squid Game, Wednesday season two and Koleoso.

Viral Slang and Internet Culture

Google’s data also revealed Nigerians’ curiosity about trending slang and online expressions.

Searches spiked around the meanings of words like “Achalugo,” “labubu,” “kelebu,” “demure,” “nepo baby,” “allegedly” and “Ozempic,” highlighting the influence of social media on everyday language.

Food Trends and Lifestyle Searches

Food-related searches reflected the impact of viral recipes and lifestyle content.

Nigerians looked up how to make pornstar martinis, ginger shots, chin-chin, sausage rolls, hummus, Chinese-style chickwizz rice and asun rice.

Technology and Gadgets

On the technology front, consumer interest was driven by new devices.

The iPhone 17 led tech-related searches, alongside budget-friendly smartphones such as the Tecno Pop 10 and Infinix Note 50 Pro.

A Snapshot of Nigerian Curiosity

Overall, Google’s 202 Year in Search paints a picture of a country deeply engaged with serious national and global issues, while still embracing entertainment, food, humour and internet culture.

Also Read: Absconded Corps Members Get Second Chance as NYSC Opens 2025 Batch C Portal

The trends reflect a balance between awareness of world events and a strong appetite for lifestyle and pop culture content—defining the digital interests of Nigerians throughout the year.

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