Great news! All pupils kidnapped from St Mary's Catholic School in Nigeria's Niger State have been freed, officials confirmed.  The remaining 130 students and staff were released on December 21, 2025, bringing the total number of freed students to 230. This follows an earlier release of 100 students on December 8, and 50 students who escaped shortly after the abduction on November 21.  The Nigerian government attributed the successful rescue to a military intelligence-driven operation, but didn't disclose whether a ransom was paid. The students are expected to reunite with their families in time for Christmas celebrations.

Today, we're throwing a major celebration for the one and only Okoli Stephen Osita! 🎂 This amazing individual is another year wiser, and we're shouting it from the rooftops 🎊. Wishing you a day filled with love, joy, and unforgettable moments! 😊 May this special year bring you success, happiness, and all the things that make your heart smile 💖. Cheers to Okoli Stephen Osita – you're awesome! 🥳 #HappyBirthdayOkoliStephenOsita #BirthdayVibes

Today, we're celebrating an extraordinary individual who's a treasure to those around her! 🌹 Christabel, you're a shining star, and your special day is finally here! 🎂 Wishing you a birthday that's as fabulous, kind, and bright as you are 🎊.  May this year bring you endless laughter, unforgettable moments, and all your heart's desires 🥰. Here's to another amazing year of chasing dreams, making memories, and spreading joy wherever you go 💖. Cheers to you, Christabel! 🥳 #HappyBirthdayChristabel #BirthdayVibes #CelebrateYou

Thiago Silva has joined Porto on a 6-month contract with an option to extend for another year. The 41-year-old Brazilian defender has terminated his contract with Fluminense early to join the Portuguese club, citing a desire to be closer to his family in London as a key factor in his decision. Thiago Silva expressed his excitement about joining Porto, saying, "I'm super motivated. I hope I can help in the best way possible." He will be eligible to play for Porto from January 1, 2026, and will wear the number 3 shirt. 

Nigeria's World Cup hopes are still alive, thanks to a petition filed with FIFA over DR Congo's alleged use of ineligible players during the African playoffs. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) claims that up to nine DR Congo players may have breached FIFA rules by not formally renouncing their previous citizenships, as required by DR Congo's constitution.  Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, described Nigeria's case as "very tight," saying the decision to seek clarification from FIFA was guided by the rules of the game. Dikko emphasized that Nigeria is not acting as a sore loser but is simply relying on the rules.  FIFA is reviewing the complaint, and if DR Congo is found guilty, Nigeria could be reinstated into the Intercontinental Playoffs, potentially securing a World Cup spot.

President Bola Tinubu has replaced the heads of two key petroleum agencies, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), following their resignations. The outgoing heads, Farouk Ahmed of NMDPRA and Gbenga Komolafe of NUPRC, were appointed in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. Ahmed was accused of corruption by billionaire Aliko Dangote, whose refinery is Africa's largest.  Tinubu has nominated Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as the new NUPRC CEO and Engineer Saidu Mohammed as the new NMDPRA CEO. Both nominees have extensive experience in the oil and gas sector and are awaiting Senate confirmation. 

Emmiwuks, whose real name is Emmanuel Myam, is a 25-year-old Nigerian cyclist embarking on an extraordinary journey from Lagos, Nigeria to the United States of America. He's traveling over 8,573 kilometers on his bicycle to raise awareness and support for orphaned and displaced children affected by conflicts across Africa. Emmiwuks began his journey on July 1, 2025, cycling through West Africa, including Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea Conakry, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, and The Gambia. Key Highlights of Emmiwuks' Journey: - Distance Covered: Over 8,573 kilometers from Nigeria to the United States - Route: Cycling through West Africa, shipping his bike across the Atlantic, and continuing through Central America - Mission: Raising awareness and support for vulnerable children in Africa - Challenges: Logistical hurdles, visa requirements, security risks, and navigating unstable regions - Su...

President Bola Tinubu's decision to promote his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Nurudeen Yusuf, to the rank of Brigadier-General has sparked controversy within the Nigerian Army. This promotion marks the second time in one year that Yusuf has been elevated, having been decorated as a Colonel in January 2025. The Controversy Surrounding the Promotion The swift promotion has raised eyebrows, with some senior officers expressing frustration and accusing the President of favoritism. Critics argue that this fast-tracking of Yusuf's career defies military norms. The Presidency's Explanation However, the Presidency has defended the decision, explaining that the promotion aims to align Yusuf's rank with those of other senior security officials attached to the Presidential Villa. For instance: - The Nigeria Police Force promoted President Tinubu's Chief Personal Security Officer, Usman Shugaba, from Deputy Commissioner of Police to Commissioner of Police. - The State Securit...