News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Sunseed Oil sealed facility in Zaria Determined to address environmental challenges, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed Sunseed Oil facility in Zaria, Kaduna State over excessive emissions.  The enforcement exercise was a response to reports of persistent air pollution caused by excessive air emissions from the facility in flagrant violation of the National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations.  News Rider reports that the air quality control regulations provide for the installation of pollution abatement equipment and cleaner production, which was absent in the facility.  The severity of the emissions, which posed an immediate threat to the surrounding ecosystem and the health of nearby residents led to the immediate closure of the facility. Director–General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor stated that the enforcement action is in line with its commitment t...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Amid the rising unemployment, the Igbo mentorship-based entrepreneurship system continues to make impact in the Southeast region as the safest means to reduce crime and bolster livelihoods for the youth.  With the successes recorded over the years, the Akurueulo Awards is set to debut in 2026 as a new platform to recognise Igbo mentorship-based entrepreneurship.  Known as Igba-boi apprenticeship system, the inaugural ceremony is expected to attract public officials, traditional rulers, business leaders, policymakers, and members of the Igbo diaspora. The Chief Convener of the awards,  Allwell Okata said that the programme is designed to acknowledge individuals and institutions operating within the Igbo trade apprenticeship framework that have played significant roles in skills development and enterprise growth across Nigeria and the diaspora. He said: "The inaugural edition of the awards will be held in Abia State. It will focus on recogn...

Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has been hospitalised following a road accident in the Makun area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State. The incident occurred at about 11 am on Monday, December 29, before Danco Filling Station in Makun, ahead of the Sagamu Interchange.  An eyewitness revealed that the Lexus Jeep with registration number KRD 850 HN, was conveying Joshua from Lagos to Sagamu before it collided with a stationary truck. "It was a two-vehicle convoy, a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him. A passenger sat beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed. "His security detail followed in the vehicle behind," the witness added.  While Joshua sustained minor injuries, two others died at the scene of the incident.  Police Public Relations Officer of Ogun State, Babaseyi Oluseyi confirmed the crash.  The PPRO stated that Joshua and other injured persons wer...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Tinubu President Bola Tinubu on Sunday departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos for Europe, in continuation of his end-of-year vacation.  During the vacation, the President is expected to embark on official trip to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed AlNahyan had invited President Tinubu to participate in the 2026 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026) Summit, which will take place in the emirate early in January. The weeklong summit is an annual event that mobilises leaders from government, business, and society to chart the next era of sustainable development. With the theme 'The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go', ADSW will connect ambition with action across innovation, finance, and people, showcasing how the world can move forward with confidence.' The President will return to the country after the summit. This was conta...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) has disclosed that the deadly airstrikes against ISIS terrorists occurred in Sokoto State on Christmas Day.  AFRICOM is responsible for military relations with nations and regional organisations in Africa.  In a tweet on Friday, AFRICOM said: "At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State." More Strikes The US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth also assured on Friday that more strikes will occur.  He tweeted, “The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come… Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!” Innocent Christians  This followed a state...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Presidents Bola Tinubu and Donald Trump  The Federal Government has confirmed that the United States launched deadly airstrikes in the Northwest, linking the action to structured security cooperation with international partners.  In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said that the airstrikes will address terrorism and violent extremism in the country. It reads: "Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism. "This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West." The ministry informed that the collaboration includes intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of support conducted in line with international law, mutual respect for Nigeria’s sover...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Donald Trump The United States military has launched deadly airstrikes against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) hotspot In Northwest Nigeria over the incessant attacks on Christians.  United States President, Donald J. Trump stated this via his verified social media handle on Christmas Day.  He informed that the action was taken on his direct orders as Commander in Chief. The message reads: "Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries! "I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was. "The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   President Bola Tinubu  President Bola Tinubu has pledged to do everything within his power to enshrine religious freedom and protect Nigerians irrespective of faiths from violence.  He made the declaration in his 2025 goodwill message to Nigerians. Below is the full text of the President’s message.  My Fellow Nigerians, As we mark this year’s Christmas, may the love of Christ and his message of grace, hope, peace, and goodwill to humanity abide with us all. Beyond the celebration and festivities of this season, Christmas reminds us to reflect on the significance of Jesus Christ’s birth and his message of salvation as the Prince of Peace. On this Holy Day, I wish all Christians in Nigeria and around the world a Merry Christmas. I thank God for the opportunity to serve as the leader of our great country, and I pray for peace in our land, especially among individuals of differing religious beliefs. As your President, I remain committe...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   L-R: Head of Civil Service, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack and Minister of Works For State, Bello M. Goronyo Esq after declaring open Enterprise Content Management (ECM) System Go-Live in Abuja.  As the Federal Government pushes for digital work flows, the Ministry of Works has attained 70 percent digitalisation via 1-GOV Cloud despite the volume and complexity of the documentation. With the latest feat, the ministry joined the league of Ministries, extra-ministerial Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on the 1-GOV Enterprise Content Management (ECM) platform.  This was revealed at the launch of Go-Live event, which took place at the ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja. It attracted the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Permanent Secretaries, senior government officials and civil servants, and key stakeholders committed to advancing the digitalisation of the Public Service. The Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo Esq....

Another bomb blast has occurred in one of Nigeria's troubled States currently battling insecurity.  At least five persons died when the bomb exploded at a Juma’at mosque in Gamboru market in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.  According to reports, the blast occurred around 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday when Muslims were observing their evening prayers. The BBC reported that Nahum Daso informed the local media that another 35 people were injured in the blast in the Gamboru market during evening prayers. Though no group has claimed responsibility for the attack but previous blasts have been linked to Boko Haram and its faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The blast occurred barely 24 hours to Christmas Day and a week after the Nigerian Air Force bombed civilians in Kukawa Local Government Area. 

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja In a bid to facilitate a hitch-free celebration across the States, the Federal Government has declared public holidays for Christian festivities.  This is even as the government announced Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day. The government also declared Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the New Year celebration. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani made the declaration on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The minister enjoined Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ. Tunji-Ojo pleaded with the citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security, and national progress. He advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prospe...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Bello Muhammad Goronyo  The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq has praised President Bola Tinubu for priortising security and road infrastructure for the safety of Nigerians and foreigners.  This was even as the minister hailed the 2026 Appropriation Bill, describing it as people-centred and responsive to the pressing needs of Nigerians, particularly in the critical areas of security and road infrastructure. He stated that the significant budgetary allocation to security reflects the President’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the country, stressing that no meaningful development can be achieved without a secure environment. According to him, improved security will enhance economic activities, boost investor confidence, and promote national stability. Goronyo maintained that sustained investment in the construction, rehabilitation, and completion of Federal roads will ease transpor...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja R-L: Minister of Works, Engr. Nweze David Umahi and Minister of State Works, Bello Mohammad Goronyo Esq while briefing the media in Abuja on the progress of ongoing construction work in all the States.  President Bola Tinubu has directed the full implementation of the fourth Legacy Road Project, just as the contract will be awarded soon for speedy dualisation.  The fourth legacy road project, which is the dualisation of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe road, will pass through the North Central, North West and North East zones.  Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi stated this in Abuja during an interactive session with newsmen on President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda for the road sector and various projects undertaken by the government to promote development and security, particularly in the Southeast zone. Responding to the issues raised by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe representing Abia South Senatorial District, the minister disclosed th...

BY CHIKA OKEKE Senator Peter Nwaoboshi  Former Senator who represented Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Peter Nwaoboshi is dead. He died at 67 years after a prolonged battle with an illness.  Born on 29 June, 1958, Nwaoboshi served in the National Assembly from 2015 to 2023. His death was confirmed on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State Governor, Mr Festus Ahon via a press statement.  Reacting, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing the late senator’s passing as a significant blow to Delta State, the Anioma people and the country at large. The governor stated that Nwaoboshi was a prominent and courageous voice for Anioma interests, as well as a respected leader whose contributions to national development would remain enduring. Oborevwori said: "On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the loss of my dear friend, Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaob...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Federal Government has re-echoed the need for States to adopt ongoing national initiatives by the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, and renewable energy and clean cooking policies, as the easiest means to crush the crisis triggered by climate change.  This formed part of the discuss at the just concluded 18th National Council on Environment (NCE) in Katsina State with the theme: "Tackling the Triple Planetary Crisis of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution for Sustainable Development in Nigeria." The NAGGW led by the Director General/CEO, Saleh Abubakar devotes to combating desertification and land degradation in the 11 frontline States through massive tree planting, meant to restore the ecosystems, boost food security, and create green jobs.  The frontline states, with a projected population of over 54 million and 394, 000 landmass, cu...

Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding a Cessna 172 Aircraft that crashed in Owerri, the Imo State capital.  The aircraft, operated by Skypower Express, somersaulted at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri. Registered as 5N-ASR, the aircraft had departed Kaduna International Airport en route Port Harcourt International Airport before the flight crew declared an emergency midair and redirected the aircraft to Owerri. The Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji said on Tuesday that the entire four occupants were on board at the time of the accident and no loss of life was recorded. She stated that the Airport emergency response services were immediately activated and arrived at the scene promptly. The statement reads: "Officials confirmed that there was no post-crash fire, and flight operations at the airport were not disrupted, as the runway remaine...

Alhaji Aliko Dangote  Transporters and Commuters in Nigeria are set to be relieved as petrol will now sell for N740 per litre from Tuesday, December 16,  2025.  This implies that all filling stations operated by MRS are expected to sell PMS at prices not exceeding N740 per litre, starting in Lagos. The breakthrough is a strategic effort of Dangote Refinery, intended to alleviate the plight of Nigerians and make the festive period more joyful.  Dangote Group is a multinational industrial conglomerate, founded by Aliko Dangote. It is the largest conglomerate in West Africa and one of the largest on the continent.  The Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote disclosed on Sunday that the pump price of petrol would fall further, adding that petrol would sell at no more than N740 per litre from Tuesday. During a press briefing at the refinery complex in Lagos, Dangote assured that the reduction would be effected due to his refinery’s reduction of gantry p...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Director of Human Resources Management at the Federal Ministry of Works, Alhaji Abdullahi Aliyu has retired after 35 years of meritorious service in the civil service.  In his valedictory remarks, Alhaji Aliyu expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the gift of life, guidance, and the opportunity to serve Nigeria with dedication. Reflecting on his journey, he recalled joining the civil service in 1990 as a Personnel Officer, never imagining that he would one day rise to the rank of a Director and be celebrated by colleagues, friends, and family, upon retirement. He described his service years as a journey filled with 'tears, joy, laughter, and many experiences in between' noting that the Civil Service had given him opportunities he never anticipated, including becoming a homeowner in Abuja through government housing reforms.  According to him, "This is one of the blessings of being a Civil Servant and serving my country faithfully....

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima has hailed Aliko Dangote's Foundation Education Scholarship Initiative, with a call on stakeholders to assist in building a future where every Nigerian child can benefit from quality life.  At the launch of the education scheme in Lagos, Shettima praised Dangote's philanthropic stride, saying that education is a burden carried by those with the knowledge of its power to transform. The programme, projected to cost ₦1 trillion over the next ten years, will support students across multiple levels through a range of targeted schemes. Shettima said: "Now is the time to recommit to building a future in which every Nigerian child has a fair shot at becoming the best version of themselves. Let us live our lives so that posterity will remember us not for the offices we held or the titles we bore. Posterity must remember us for the doors we opened and the lives we transformed." Shettima implored the priva...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja     Omar Touray  Worried by the rising coup, the Economic Community of West African States has declared a state of emergency across the region. The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray made the declaration on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, during the 55th Session of the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level in Abuja. He said: "Recent developments underlined the imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community." News Rider reports that the rising wave of political instability and insecurity across the West African States led to coup d'état.  Addressing ministers, diplomats and senior officials, Touray cited multiple incidents as evidence of a rapidly deteriorating security environment. He stated that ECOWAS member states currently face an average rating of 'high risk' based on country-by-country analyses contained in documents ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja    William Troost-Ekong  Super Eagles Captain William Troost-Ekong has retired from international football at 36, after a decade of career with the Nigeria National team. This implies that he will no longer play for the National team nor participate in any international tournament.  Troost-Ekong announced his retirement via his official Instagram page on Thursday.  He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Nigeria, describing his journey as a honourable run.  The emotion-laden statement read: "Honoured. Grateful. Forever a Super Eagle. Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. "The journey may end here, but my support never will. Here’s to the next chapter." Also, prominent football journalist, Fabrizio Romano revealed the development on his official X handle on Thursday. “William Troost-Ekong has decided to retire from international football and won’t play for Nigeria again. After 83 cap...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr George Akume has disclosed that Nigeria is better positioned to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those relating to health (SDG 3), clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) by embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI).  This was the crux of discuss in Abuja at a 3-day workshop organised by EHCON in collaboration with Afri-Tourism Investment Limited and West Africa Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA) with the theme: "AI-Driven Operations and Predictive Analysis." The focus of the workshop is to improve environmental health practice and prevent emerging diseases using artificial intelligent.  Digital Economy. He pointed out that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) would continue to coordinate policies that reinforce inter-agency synergy and ensure that environmental health initiatives complemen...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Dr Yakubu Baba The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has taken cogent steps to rebrand the environmental health sector using artificial intelligence.  Already, plans are underway to extend the initiative across the six geopolitical zones, as no community would be sidelined.  The Registrar of EHCON, Dr Yakubu Baba stated this in Abuja at a 3-day workshop organised by EHCON in collaboration with Afri-Tourism Investment Limited and West Africa Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA) with the theme: "AI-Driven Operations and Predictive Analysis." The essence of the workshop is to improve environmental health practice and prevent emerging diseases using artificial intelligent.   It is expected to empower Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) with the necessary digital skills needed to deepen environmental health practice and provide workable  solutions to problems.  Baba noted that integrating AI into environmental he...