The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, has congratulated Christians on the celebration of Christmas, marking the birth of Jesus Christ.
In a message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Musa Krishi, the Speaker urged Christians to pray for divine intervention in Nigeria’s socio-economic, political and security challenges.
Dr. Abbas urged Christians to emulate the life of Christ exemplified by humility, holiness, courage, passion, humanity and devotion to God.
Similarly, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Benjamin Kalu, urged Christians to show love to the needy and emulate the life of Jesus Christ.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Radio Nigeria Ibadan Zonal Station
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu, Dr. Kalu said Christmas offers an opportunity to reflect on the birth of Christ and His love for humanity.
The Deputy Speaker urged Nigerians to work together to build a country where everyone can thrive.Dr. Kalu also called on citizens to continue praying for peace and unity, expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to uphold the love of Christ and His message of grace, hope, peace and goodwill as they mark this year’s Christmas.
The President said Christmas goes beyond celebrations and festivities, noting that the season calls for reflection on the birth of Jesus Christ and His message of salvation as the Prince of Peace.
President Tinubu wished Christians in Nigeria and across the world a Merry Christmas.
He thanked God for the opportunity to serve as Nigeria’s leader and prayed for peace in the country, especially among people of different religious beliefs.
The President said he remains committed to entrenching religious freedom and protecting citizens of all faiths from violence.
He urged Nigerians to reflect on the contributions Christians have made and continue to make to national development.
President Tinubu said the love of Christ and the Gospel message have inspired many Christians to care for the vulnerable and less privileged in society.
He said the Christmas season is a reminder that, despite challenges, God remains with Nigeria.
The President said since assuming office in 2023, he has consistently assured Nigerians of his commitment to the nation’s security, unity and stability.
He said that commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
President Tinubu expressed hope that all Nigerians can live, worship and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity.He said no one should suffer discrimination because of ethnicity or religious belief.
The President said love for God and humanity lies at the heart of all great faiths and must continue to unite Nigerians as one resilient people.
As Nigerians travel to reunite with loved ones during the holiday, President Tinubu urged motorists to exercise patience and maintain discipline on the roads.
As Nigerians, we have become a nation of pointing fingers, a chorus of blame directed at the faces on our screens.
We have scrutinized every flaw in our leaders, but we have refused to look into the one place where the rot might truly begin.
We Nigerians have refused to look in the mirror.
We often talk about how much our country needs to change — how the government has failed, how leaders have disappointed us, and how things keep getting worse.
But have we paused to ask what role we are personally playing in this decline?
The truth is, not everything wrong in our society is caused by those at the top.
Many of the issues we complain about start right where we are — in our homes, workplaces, and communities.
The local government chairman didn’t block the drainage; the residents who dump refuse in it did.
The governor didn’t inflate food prices; the trader who hiked prices of goods that have nothing to do with forex did — blaming it all on “the dollar.”
The president didn’t cheat customers or shortchange clients; business owners and artisans who lack integrity did.
When teachers collect salaries but don’t show up in class, they fail a generation.
When civil servants deliberately delay files unless “something passes under the table,” they become part of the rot they complain about.
When contractors use substandard materials to maximize profit, they build the foundation of future disasters.
Corruption is not just about stealing billions; it’s also about cheating in small ways — lying, cutting corners, inflating prices, arriving late to work, or not doing what you were paid to do.
True change begins when each Nigerian decides to act right, even when no one is watching.
When each citizen starts teaching their children honesty and responsibility by example.
When business owners deliver what they promised.
When drivers obey traffic rules even when no officer is watching.
When citizens stop looking for shortcuts and start valuing integrity again.
Let’s stop waiting for the government alone to fix everything. We are the government!.
Each of us represents a part of the system — and the system can only be as good as the people in it.
If we all do what is right at our own level — as teachers, traders, leaders, workers, parents, or students — we will begin to see the transformation we’ve been praying for.
Real change doesn’t start from Aso Rock — it starts from your street, your shop, your desk, your heart.
Nigerians!. Let’s make things right in our own corners and watch our nation rise again.
The Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Reverend Gabriel Abegunrin, has admonished Nigerians who have committed crimes to face the consequences of their actions rather than mounting pressure on lawyers to pervert the course of justice.
The Most Reverend Abegunrin gave the charge at the 2025 Legal Year and Thanksgiving Mass, as well as the Public Lecture of the National Association of Catholic Lawyers, Ibadan, held at the Catholic Church of the Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan.
He urged people to desist from inducing legal practitioners with money to evade justice, describing such acts as ungodly.
The Archbishop of Ibadan explained that the special thanksgiving was not only organised for lawyers but for all professionals in the Catholic Church, to guide them in practicing their profession with the fear of God.
In his address, the National President of the Association, Mr. Edward Ogar, commended members for their performance in the last legal year, stressing that true justice would only be achieved when lawyers practice with integrity and fear of God.
Mr. Ogar also advised stakeholders in the system to be courageous and work towards stamping out corruption, which has continued to hinder the sector’s growth and speedy dispensation of justice.
In his remarks, retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Peter Ige, emphasized that quick justice could be attained if the government appointed more judges and reviewed the Constitution to include timelines for cases, irrespective of the social status or political affiliation of those involved.
Delivering the keynote lecture entitled “Is There Hope for Justice in Present-Day Nigeria?” Professor Titilayo Aderibigbe of the Faculty of Law, Babcock University, Ogun State, argued that systemic reforms alone could not guarantee justice without integrity at the heart of judicial practice.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Provincial and Ibadan Archdiocesan President of the National Association of Catholic Lawyers, Mr. Michael Agbolade, said the association had remained at the forefront of promoting justice in Nigeria.
He noted that the body consistently provides free legal services—known as pro bono services—for indigent Nigerians.
Highlights of the Thanksgiving service included the launching of a book, A Guide for Catholic Faithful, and the presentation of awards to deserving members and guests.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent his Christmas message to the citizens of Nigeria.
The President said, every virtue of life should be considered during and after the celebration, for better coexistence.
Below here is the speech of the first citizen of Nigeria :
Fellow Nigerians,
Christmas is a special time of the year for all of us. For Christians, this time of the year marks the birth of Jesus Christ and celebrates the hope and redemption that are the hallmarks of Christ’s life.
For people of all faiths, this is an opportunity to enjoy the company of family, celebrate life, and delight in the gifts of love and friendship that make life worthwhile.
This is also a time to look out for each other because, amidst the festivities, this time of year for many will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of loved ones and others grieving the hopes that failed to materialise and the dreams that fell short.
In the spirit of Christmas, reflecting the best of Christ, let us all endeavour to extend the warm embrace of kindness to those around us who need it and let the multiple acts of kindness serve as a light that guides us into a happy and wonderful new year.
This year has been a time of transformation and relentless change in our country. And I am aware that the necessary reforms we are implementing to achieve a more prosperous, peaceful nation for all have imposed unique sacrifices.
My administration will continue to implement palliative measures to ease the burden on the most vulnerable, address current hardships and alleviate the suffering of all our nation’s people.
Fellow Nigerians, as we navigate this transition to stability, prosperity, and Renewed Hope, I urge you once more to hold fast and rest assured of my commitment to govern with vision, dedication, and empathy.
Be confident that by the strength of our joint endeavour, we will shortly emerge into a new dawn of prosperity, peace, and irreversible progress.
As you celebrate this season, please spare a moment of remembrance and prayer for the men and women of our nation’s armed forces, bearing arms in our names and ensuring our safety. My God protect them and bring them back to their families.
And let us together commemorate the memory of those who, in their service, have paid the highest price for our nation. May God bless their souls and comfort their families and loved ones.
Let the light of Christmas guide our paths as we bring this year to a close and usher in the new year.
Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET wants Nigerians, especially, travellers and farmers to be conversant with the weather forecast to guide them in their daily activities.
An Official Of NIMET, Mr James Adamu gave the advice in Ibadan at a workshop organized by the Agency on The Seasonal Climate Prediction, SCP in Collaboration with the Federal Ministry Of Agriculture And Rural Development and Human And Environmental Development Agenda, HEDA,
Mr Adamu said the workshop became imperative to provide early warning for early action for farmers in order to reduce risk and enhance food sufficiency.
“He noted that 80-90 per cent of the weather forecast by NIMET were correct and appealed to farmers to always liaise with NIMET for reliable weather forecast”
Mr Adamu also advised them to avoid unguided information that usually leads to panic and affects their production.
On her part, the Oyo State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture And Rural Development, Dr Florence Kakulu enjoined farmers to always get up-to-date weather forecasts before embarking on their activities.
“Dr Kakulu said the Ministry of Agriculture would continue working with the farmers to provide a conducive environment for them to operate”.
The Executive Secretary of the Human And Environmental Development Agenda, HEDA, Mr Arigbabu Sulaiman urged the government to do more by assisting the farmers in view of the various challenges confronting the nation.
“Mr Sulaiman maintained that farmers in Nigeria were capable of feeding the Nation and help in boosting the country’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR”
The workshop had in attendance farmers, representatives of Research Institutes, and other stakeholders in the Agricultural sector.
The need for attitudinal change by Nigerians, family stability and readiness to collectively realize a hitch-free 2023 election formed the central discourse of the lecture organized by the National Forum of Heads of Federal Establishment, NAFOHEADS.
In her paper entitled: Insecurity: a threat to domestic peace”, the Oyo state chairperson, of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Mrs Shola Sulyman said insecurity is a national problem rooted in the failure of families to foster the moral and ideal culture in the children who on the long run assumed a leadership position in the country.
“Even as exert our political will to the nation to elect credible and effective leaders, we should not renege on our duties as husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncle’s to foster stable, safe and secured families and homes for our children.
The advantage will be that more of the candidates we have to choose from to lead us will surely stable minded and we’ll breed individuals. They will lead a right and give us the peace that our founding fathers envisaged in the last line of the national anthem: …one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.”
Mrs Sulyman represented by a FIDA member in the state, Mrs Olubusayo Ayegbusi said despite several billions of naira spent on the security of citizens had not been justified in view of the numerous security outfit put in place by the state government.
Speaking on the topic, Insecurity: a threat to domestic peace and effective election, the chairman of, independent national electoral commission, INEC, Professor Mahmud Yakubu represented by the head of publicity, INEC, Oyo state, Mr Olayiwola Awolowo said the commission has made sufficient provision to ensure a hitch-free 2023 poll.
” We have sufficient materials that will give us hitch-free election” “once the national assembly says diaspora voting has been passed into law, the commission has no right to reject it.” Chairman on the occasion, who is also The Maye of Olubadan Chief Lekan Alabi, represented by Chief Femi Olaore appealed to Nigerians to collectively secure the country.
Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Balogun represented by Balogun of Ibadanland, Chief Abiola Arulogun expressed optimism that insecurity in the country would soon become a thing of the past stressing the need for NAFOHEADS and representatives of federal agencies to continue to live up to their responsibility in the state.
Earlier, the chairperson, of NAFOHEADS, Oyo state chapter Mrs Omolara Esan said the two topics were chosen in view of the current socio-economic crises in the country.
Nigerians have been advised to be guided by competence, a record of achievements and experience in the choice of political leaders during the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
The President General, Concerned Yoruba Muslim Scholars in Nigeria, CONYORMS, Sheikh Abdulrasheed Mayaleke and Secretary General of the association, Professor Abideen Olaiya gave the advice during a joint news conference tagged “Who is afraid of Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket” in Ibadan.
They noted that Nigeria requires good governance to surmount socio-economic and security challenges, irrespective of religious affiliation Professor Olaiya, who emphasized that Senators Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima are the best leadership combination, Nigeria deserves a united and prosperous nation, urged Nigerians to ignore prejudice by individuals, groups and some non-Muslim religious leaders.
He pointed out that Senator Tinubu’s track record as founding father of modern Lagos state and Senator Shettima’s detribalized and managerial skills as governor of Borno state were indications that they would usher in a working nation for all.
Professor Olaiya maintained that there was the need for Nigerians to imbibe religious tolerance to build a politically stable and economically prosperous nation.
One thousand, one hundred and fifty [1,150], intending pilgrims from Nigeria have missed this year’s Hajj exercise.
The breakdown of the affected intending pilgrims shows that the private tour operators sector has the highest with 740 followed by Kano State with 700.
Others are Plateau State with 91 intending pilgrims while Bauchi State has nine [9].
This is contained in a statement by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Alhaja Fatima Sanda-Usara.
NAHCON regretted all inconveniences caused by the development to the intending pilgrims and other stakeholders and attributed the cause to the last-minute disappointment regarding flight arrangements pointing out that the Commission is ready to refund the intending pilgrims.
“Sadly, despite all efforts to airlift all Nigerian intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2022 Hajj, NAHCON was incapacitated in discharging this responsibility fully, majorly due to last-minute setbacks that frustrated its plan to conclude airlift of pilgrims by 27th June of this year. Unfortunately, the chartered flight option that gave so much hope to NAHCON and the Private Tour Operators’ leadership also became a failure as their IBAN accounts failed accreditation by the respective authorities in Saudi Arabia”.
“The Commission gives assurance that all affected pilgrims will be refunded their Hajj fares while it will work towards improving its deficiencies next time. NAHCON has learnt a lot of lessons and is determined not to have a repetition of the unfortunate situation”.
NAHCON also acknowledged the disappointment and hardships experienced by pilgrims already in Saudi Arabia during their airlift operations to the holy land.
“NAHCON humbly acknowledges the following: that it owes deep and unreserved regrets to entire intending pilgrims to 2022 Hajj for the hardships and disappointments experienced during outbound airlift operations to the holy land. The Commission offers similar apologies to the federal government of Nigeria, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Private Tour Operators, and the general public for any embarrassment the situation of the past few weeks might have caused”.
Over thirty thousand Nigerians are among the pilgrims from across the globe that will this morning converge on mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj. Arafat day is the peak of hajj exercise which precedes Eid Kabir celebration which comes up tomorrow . While on the plain of mount Arafat, the pilgrims are to praise Allah, recite the Quran and pray for themselves as well as others till the sunset. After sunset, they will depart to Muzdalifa where they will pass the night before proceeding to Jamrat where the symbolic throwing of stones to devils would be done. Speaking on the essence of Arafat, the Special Assistant to Oyo State Governor on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Abdur-Rasheed AbdulAzeez who is also among the pilgrims explained that Arafat is Hajj as every pilgrim irrespective of their health challenges must be at the plain of Arafat otherwise their Hajj would be nullified. ” Prophet Muhammad says ‘Arafaf is Hajj and Hajj is Arafat’. This implies that the most important aspect of Hajj is staying at the plain of mount Arafat. All pilgrims including the sick ones must be on ground otherwise their Hajj exercise would be null and void.” He said Allah will move closer to the pilgrims on Arafah and would be ready to answer their prayer requests.”Angels in their multitude will descend to the earth to join the pilgrims as Allah will come down to answer prayers from them. It’s a special day in the lives of Muslims. “ An Islamic scholar, Ustaz Ismail AbdRasaq said other Muslims who are not on Hajj are expected to observe fasting on the day of Arafah which its reward is expiration of sins” It’s recommended that Muslims who are not performing Hajj fast on the day of Arafah as Allah promises to forgive their sins for last year and next year. This is no doubt a worthwhile exercise. “ He also emphasized that this year’s Arafaf day that fell on Friday was a rare privilege which would earn the pilgrims double rewards. ” Any Arafah that falls on a Friday is a special Arafah because it will entail 2 sermons of Arafah and that of Jumat service. This is a double reward from Allah”. Radio Nigeria correspondent, Ridwan Fasasi reports that the pilgrims are in high spirit to perform the Hajj exercise.
Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN has felicitated with Muslims on the successful completion of this year’s 30-day Ramadan fast and urged them to let the lessons learnt during the period continue to reflect in them.
In an Eid-el Fitr message by the National President of the association, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun said the lessons of self restraint, sacrifice, charity, fear of Allah, devotion and love of mankind imbibed during the period must continue all year round.
On the economy, MMPN implored the Federal government to cushion the effects of inflation on the citizenry with an aggressive policy aimed at relieving Nigerians from the present economic crunch.
As the nation is on the march to full political activities, the Association appealed to all stakeholders to play the game with fear of Allah and be fair to all concerned with the hope that all shall give account of their deeds on the day of reckoning.
The statement implored Muslims to exercise their rights to contest for elective positions and also participate actively in the electoral process by obtaining their Permanent Voters Card and cast their votes to the candidate of their choice.
The Association for the umpteenth time restated its call for the provision of adequate security in the country. “The rate of insecurity in the country is alarming and disturbing and it seems no no person is safe. The Federal Government is hereby enjoined to intensify efforts in this direction as it is affecting all facets of activities in the country”.
On ASUU and Federal Government face off, the MMPN appealed to them to find lasting solution to the incessant strikes disrupting the academic calendar with its attendant effects on Nigerian students and the educational sector in the country.
MMPN noted that prayer is the sword of believers, hence Muslims should use this festive period to continue to pray fervently to Allah, for peace, security and well-being of Nigerians and the country as against cursing the leaders.
“May Nigeria continue to grow from strength to strength, guide our leaders aright and let the followers too do the right thing”.
The first batch of Ukraine based Nigerians stranded in the country following invasion by Russia have arrived in Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital.
The report has it that, Ukraine based Nigerians arrived in the country on Friday morning from Romania.
Max Air flight VM602 from Bucharest landed in Abuja at about 7:10 AM with the next flight from Hungary currently being expected.
“To God be the glory, Max Air evacuation flight VM602 from Bucharest touched down in Abuja,” Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, confirmed.
According to a source, the federal government will give $100 each to the Ukraine returnees upon their arrival.
Nigerians have described the lift of the ban on Twitter operation in the country as a welcome relief.
A public affairs analyst, Dr Moses Duruji, said lifting the ban was the right thing to do going by the number of Nigerians who utilized the media platform not just for social interaction but also for business engagements.
Dr Duruji noted that for the two hundred fourteen days while the ban lasted, about forty million Nigerians along with institutions and corporate bodies had their activities restricted, though some citizens migrated to the use of the virtual private network, known as VPN.
Similarly, some residents of Ibadan while responding to the development, pointed out how the Twitter ban affected them while it lasted.
They expressed delight that the federal government was able to resolve the dispute with the social media firm.
It would be recalled that the federal government wielded the big stick on the social media platform in June last year.
The Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev John Oyejola, has admonished Nigerians not to lose courage in the new year despite the nation’s condition.
The cleric, in his new year message made available to newsmen in Osogbo by the Director, Social Communication Commission of the diocese, Rev Fr Anthony Omodunbi, said if Nigerians could scale through the storm of 2021, then they should trust God that 2022 would usher good tidings.
Bishop Oyejola urged citizens of Osun State not to allow what he described as “stomach infrastructure” to determine their political path adding that if they do, miscreants and scoundrels would continue to rule them and their children.
He said, “Looking back through year 2021, there is no mincing of words that the journey was very rough and tough. We continue to face the untoward effects of covid-19, the battering economic hardship, the incessant high level of insecurity across the country. It is like the country is on reverse mode or in a state of anarchy. My people, it was not easy. Despite all, we continue to show how resilient we are as people of this great nation, and most importantly, as a people of God. Truly, our spirit refuses to die because we are a grateful people. In the midst of the challenges, we continue to see reasons to be thankful to God. Scaling through the storm of 2021 only shows that the God never left us.
“My beloved people, we have commenced another journey now and I know we all have fears, we have doubts, we feel insecure but take courage, do not be afraid. It seems as if our dear nation is in a hopeless state without certainty of the future. However, remember that the season of Christmas always remind us that God is with us. Emmanuel. The book of Deuteronomy encourages us to be strong and courageous, not to be afraid or terrified for the Lord our God goes with us and will never abandon us (Deuteronomy 31:6).
“Kindly allow me to use the words of Robert F. Kennedy to speak to our leaders that, what we need in this country is not division; not hatred, what we need in Nigeria is not violence and lawlessness, but is love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who suffer within our country irrespective of their ethnicity, religion, sex or political affiliation.
“My people of Osun State, this year is gubernatorial election, I call on you to exercise your civic responsibility responsibly. Enough of stomach infrastructure directing your political path. Go out to vote and vote right because if you do not, miscreants and scoundrels will continue to determine your future and that of your children. My beloved youth, do not be used as instruments of electoral manipulations and violence. Be courageous and take the bull by the horn and let us know that you are the true leaders of tomorrow.
“As we commence this year, I admonish us as St. Paul did in his letter to the Philippians that whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, anything worthy of praise, let your heart dwell on them this year and it shall be well with you and your family. Amen.
Wife of the Oyo state governor, Mrs Tamunomini Makinde wants well to do Nigerians and NGO to continue to partner government in infrastructure development. Mrs Makinde made this known while commissioning a solar powered facility at the female hostel of the Oyo state rehabilitation center for persons with disabilities. Mrs Makinde who commended the gesture tasked other wealthy individuals not to relent in giving back to the society. She noted that since government had a huge task before it, philanthropic gestures were welcomed by good spirited individuals. Chief Executive officer of the energy company that donated the solar facility to the center, Mr Emeka Nwankwo, said rendering helping hands to humanity especially vulnerable members of the society was a good gesture.
Also speaking, director social welfare,in the Ministry of women affairs and social inclusion, Mr Olubukola Akande described the gesture as a welcome corporate social responsibility. The solar and energy storage facility which has a 5 kilohertz battery and can last 20hours when fully charged was donated to ease the challenges of epileptic power supply at the hostel.
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state has described the Captain of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Ahmed Musa as a footballer who has never disappointed football loving people within and outside the country.
Governor Bello made this known when the Super Eagles captain paid him a courtesy visit.
The governor who is a staunch fan of the Super Eagles said Musa is an excellent and clinical attacker who with the entire Super Eagles team has brought so much pride to football fans both within and outside the country.
Earlier, the Super Eagles striker had described Governor Bello as a bridge builder who dedicated himself to the welfare of the youths and the elderly.
Ahmed Musa also presented a Super Eagles jersey to the Governor.
The year 2020 has come and gone but the fact remains that many Nigerians will forever live to remember the impact of the year on their lives as captured by Radio Nigeria correspondent Kayode Babatuyi in this special report.
The presiding Bishop, Victory International Church, Rehoboth Cathedral, Ibadan bishop Taiwo Adelakun has appealed to Nigerians to shun the acts of violence presently being experienced in some parts of the country to allow peace to reign.
Bishop adelakun who made the appeal in an interview with Radio Nigeria said it was unfortunate that the peaceful protest which initially was to demand reformation in the police force and change for a new Nigeria turned violent.
The cleric said for the country to surmount her challenges, it has become necessary for government to embark on sincere reformation in all sectors, be more accountable and reduce the cost of governance that will make politics less attractive.
While advocating for state police for effective policing, Bishop Adelakun called for full investigation into the lekki toll plaza shootings and make culprits face the full wrath of law within short time.
Bishop Adelakun urged journalists to be professional in their reportage to avoid inciting stories.
He reminded people on the seat of power that power belongs to the people and everyone will give account of his stewardship on judgement day.
