Former Senate President and Senator representing Yobe North, Ahmad Lawan, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic boat accident in Garbi ward, Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State, which claimed several lives and left many families grieving.
In a condolence message issued on Sunday, Lawan described the incident as heartbreaking, saying it had brought immense pain to the people of Yobe North and the wider Nguru community.
He extended his sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives, the injured, and residents affected by the tragedy, noting that the loss was a heavy blow to the area.
The senator also conveyed his condolences to the Yobe State Governor, Rt. Hon. Mai Mala Buni, over the incident, and prayed that Almighty Allah grants the deceased eternal rest and gives their families the strength to bear the loss.
Lawan urged relevant authorities to promptly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and ensure that adequate support is provided to victims and bereaved families.
He further called for renewed attention to safety standards in water transportation, particularly in riverine communities, to prevent similar incidents.
He said improving safety measures on inland waterways had become necessary to reduce avoidable accidents and safeguard lives.
Lawan reaffirmed his solidarity with the people of Nguru Local Government Area and Yobe State, praying for comfort and healing for all those affected by the tragedy.
…hails education reforms, urban renewal drive in Kano
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on his 63rd birthday, commending his modesty, integrity, and commitment to public service.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Governor Yusuf’s administration as reflective of disciplined leadership and a strong sense of responsibility to the people, noting that his style of governance has reinforced Kano’s reputation as a centre of progressive politics in Northern Nigeria.
Governor Yusuf, who was elected in 2023 on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), previously served as Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transport between 2011 and 2015 during the administration of Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.
President Tinubu observed that Yusuf’s leadership in Kano echoes the historic struggle for social justice and grassroots empowerment championed by the late Aminu Kano, particularly in improving the welfare of the talakawa—the ordinary people.
“Governor Yusuf’s leadership experience, particularly his years as commissioner, managing strategic portfolios in Kano State, may have prepared him for the kind of infrastructural changes now witnessed in the state,” the President said.
He noted that the governor has embarked on ambitious urban renewal programmes, including the construction of bridges and road networks across the state.
“He has embarked on urban renewal programmes, building bridges and road networks, including the five-kilometre roads in each local government in the state,” Tinubu added.
The President also lauded Yusuf’s declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector, describing it as a decisive intervention with visible results.
“I also understood that his declaration of emergency in education has engendered a marked improvement in the performance of Kano students in National Examinations Council (NECO) exams,” he said.
President Tinubu wished the Kano governor a long life and many more years of impactful service, expressing confidence that his administration would continue to deliver transformative leadership for the benefit of the people of the state.
…President condemns Kasuwan Daji attack, vows justice for victims
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate tracking and apprehension of terrorists behind the latest wave of killings and abductions in parts of Niger State, directing security agencies to rescue all abducted victims without delay.
The President issued the directive on Sunday following reports that about 42 persons were slaughtered in coordinated attacks on communities in Agwarra and Borgu council areas of Niger State, with a yet-to-be-ascertained number of residents, including women and children, kidnapped by the terrorists.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu instructed the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure that the perpetrators are hunted down and brought swiftly to justice.
He also mandated all relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate rescue of the abducted victims.
The President was reacting specifically to the deadly attack on the Kasuwan Daji community, which he strongly condemned, describing the killings and abductions as a grave assault on innocent Nigerians.
“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions. No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down. They, and all those who aid, abet, or enable them in any form, will be caught and brought to justice,” the President declared.
According to the statement, the attackers were suspected to be terrorists fleeing pressure from military operations in the North-West, following reported air strikes around Christmas Eve.
President Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed, as well as to the government and people of Niger State, assuring them that the Federal Government would not relent in restoring peace to the affected areas.
He further directed security agencies to scale up operations around vulnerable communities, particularly those located near forests that have served as hideouts for criminal elements.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to national unity and security, the President urged Nigerians to remain calm, united, and resolute, warning against divisive rhetoric that could undermine collective efforts at a critical time.
“These times demand our humanity. We must stand together as one people and confront these monsters in unison. United, we can and must defeat them, deny them any sanctuary. We must reclaim the peace and security of these attacked communities,” he said.
The President’s latest order comes amid renewed concerns over security in parts of Niger State, as authorities work to prevent further attacks and ensure the safe return of those abducted.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Akintade Olayisade, has called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform agenda, describing it as a bold step toward strengthening the nation’s economy and improving governance.
Speaking with journalists on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital, Olayisade said the reforms were timely and aimed at tackling persistent fiscal challenges such as revenue leakages, weak tax administration, and the country’s overreliance on oil revenue.
The Federal Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) in Ekiti State explained that the initiative would help to broaden the tax base, improve transparency, and create a more efficient and equitable tax system capable of driving sustainable development.
Olayisade noted that enhanced revenue generation would enable the government to adequately fund key sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and social welfare, with positive effects on citizens’ living standards.
He said that effective implementation of the reforms would help reduce economic inequality, encourage voluntary compliance, and create a predictable tax environment that could attract local and foreign investment.
Olayisade, who expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, said the tax reform, if properly executed, would lay a solid foundation for long-term economic stability and inclusive growth.
He urged tax authorities to apply the reforms with professionalism and sensitivity, particularly in protecting small businesses, artisans, and low-income earners.
He called on Nigerians to embrace the reforms and comply with tax regulations, noting that active civic participation was crucial to national development.
The Renewed Hope Coalition, a pro-President Bola Ahmed Tinubu advocacy group, has hailed the Peace in the South East Project (PISE-P) initiated by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for contributing to the relatively peaceful Yuletide season experienced in the South East region this year.
In a statement issued in Enugu, the National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Coalition, Comrade Emmanuel Okoro, described the 2025 Christmas and New Year celebrations in the South East as a marked departure from previous years plagued by insecurity and enforced sit-at-home orders.
“Unlike in the past, when fear and tension dominated the festive period due to unrest, this year’s Yuletide has been remarkably calm, allowing families to travel home freely, reunite, and celebrate in peace,” Okoro said.
“We attribute this positive development largely to the non-kinetic approach of the Peace in the South East Project (PISE-P), convened by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.”
The group praised PISE-P’s focus on reconciliation, community engagement, and development initiatives as key factors in restoring stability and confidence in the region.
Launched in late 2023, the project has continued to promote dialogue and socio-economic programs aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity without reliance on military force alone.
The Renewed Hope Coalition also commended Rt. Hon. Kalu for his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
During his recent annual end-of-year town hall meeting in Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State, Kalu highlighted the fruits of the President’s bold economic reforms and expressed gratitude for the administration’s inclusive policies.
“We salute the Deputy Speaker for his steadfast loyalty to the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Okoro added.
“His legislative achievements, constituency projects, and peace-building efforts align perfectly with President Tinubu’s vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria.
“Kalu’s recent announcement of a ₦1 billion donation to support 2,000 MSME start-ups in Abia State, alongside palliatives and infrastructure developments, further demonstrates his commitment to uplifting the people.”
The group called on all stakeholders in the South East to sustain the momentum of peace and rally behind initiatives like PISE-P, while urging continued support for President Tinubu’s transformative leadership.
“As we enter 2026, the Renewed Hope Coalition remains confident that with leaders like Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu championing peace and progress, the South East will fully reclaim its position as the economic powerhouse of Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate has disbursed a total of N55.9 billion as monthly pensions and pension arrears to eligible pensioners and next-of-kin of deceased pensioners under the Defined Benefits Scheme in December 2025.
In a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications Unit, Olugbenga Ajayi, the Directorate said the payment comprised N13.41 billion for monthly pensions across all operations pension departments, including diaspora pensioners, and N42.50 billion for pension arrears.
According to the statement, the arrears covered outstanding obligations arising from the N32,000 pension increment, the 10.66 per cent and 12.95 per cent pension increases, as well as other accrued pension arrears, gratuity, and death benefits owed to eligible beneficiaries.
A breakdown of the arrears payment showed that the Police Pension Department paid N5.88 million to five pensioners, while the Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Department disbursed N604.33 million to 8,606 pensioners. The Civil Service Pension Department paid N16.36 billion to 71,643 pensioners.
The Defunct and Transferred Agencies Department paid N15.07 billion to 24,995 pensioners, while the Parastatals Pension Department disbursed N7.81 billion to 25,718 pensioners. The Tertiary Education and Health Department paid N2.37 billion to 28,245 pensioners, while N289.11 million was paid as gratuity and death benefits to eligible next-of-kin of deceased pensioners.
PTAD noted that with the latest payments, arrears resulting from the N32,000 pension increment had been fully cleared across all pension departments, except for one month outstanding each for pensioners under the Parastatals Pension Department and the Tertiary Education and Health Department.
Speaking on the development, the Executive Secretary of PTAD, Mrs Tolulope Odunaiya, said the payments reflected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She reaffirmed the Directorate’s resolve to clear the remaining one-month arrears owed to pensioners in the affected departments, while sustaining initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and overall well-being of Defined Benefits Scheme pensioners.
The African continent continues to showcase diverse living standards, presenting both challenges and opportunities for its residents. The quality of life index, a key metric for evaluating the livability of countries, considers several factors such as cost of living, purchasing power, safety, healthcare, and air quality.
According to Numbeo, the 2026 Quality of Life Index provides a detailed assessment of these indicators, using data on purchasing power, living costs, pollution, public safety, healthcare systems, climate, and other factors that shape daily life across countries.
Based on surveys completed by residents, the report identifies African countries where living conditions are considered easier, more comfortable, and more fulfilling. The rankings offer a practical snapshot of where people say they enjoy the highest quality of life on the continent.
Here are the top 5 African countries with the best quality of life in 2026:
1. South Africa (150.9)
South Africa tops the African rankings with a Quality of Life Index of 150.9, driven by strong purchasing power at 112.0 and a relatively solid healthcare performance of 64.0. Residents also benefit from a favourable climate score of 95.7 and comparatively advanced infrastructure. However, public safety remains a concern, reflected in a low safety index of 25.5, alongside notable traffic delays with a commute score of 38.4. Despite a moderate cost of living of 37.1, the country’s blend of urban amenities, natural attractions, and economic prospects keeps it at the forefront of quality living on the continent.
2. Tunisia (117.6)
Tunisia ranks second with a Quality of Life Index of 117.6, standing out for improved safety levels at 55.1 compared with many African peers. Healthcare performance is moderate at 56.6, while purchasing power remains limited at 36.3, and property affordability is low at 12.8. A favourable climate score of 94.3, manageable living costs of 29.1, and relatively efficient traffic conditions at 33.0 strengthen Tunisia’s appeal. Combined with controlled pollution levels, the country offers a balanced setting for urban life and leisure.
3. Morocco (114.1)
Morocco places third with a Quality of Life Index of 114.1, supported by moderate safety at 53.0 and healthcare at 46.8. Purchasing power, at 46.5, is slightly stronger than Tunisia’s, while residents contend with a reasonable cost of living of 31.4 and a property price-to-income ratio of 13.4. The country’s mix of modern cities, scenic landscapes, and a pleasant climate scores 90.3 and continues to enhance everyday living and outdoor lifestyles.
Kenya ranks fourth with a Quality of Life Index of 99.4, underpinned by solid healthcare performance at 62.2 and moderate safety levels of 44.9. Living costs remain relatively low at 28.9, while purchasing power stands at 36.7, supporting affordability for many residents. Traffic congestion, particularly in Nairobi, pushes commute times higher to 51.6. Nonetheless, Kenya’s favourable climate score of 87.1, rich natural attractions, and expanding economy sustain its appeal to professionals and expatriates alike.
5. Egypt (81.9)
Egypt completes the top five with a Quality of Life Index of 81.9. Safety and healthcare indicators are moderate at 53.6 and 47.9, respectively, while the cost of living remains low at 21.6. However, a high property price-to-income ratio of 20.4 points is attributed to ongoing urban housing challenges. Egypt’s climate score of 85.3 and relatively shorter traffic commute times of 47.6 help cushion infrastructure pressures, sustaining its position among Africa’s better-rated living environments.
…wanted female drug kingpin ‘Mama Kerosine’ arrested in Ibadan
…large consignments of opioids, skunk recovered in Borno, Lagos, Kwara, Jigawa raids
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 22 Indian crew members of a merchant vessel, MV Aruna Hulya, in which 31.5 kilograms of cocaine were seized by operatives at the GDNL terminal, Apapa Port, Lagos State, on Friday.
Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
Babafemi said those detained in connection with the discovery of the 31.5kg cocaine in hatch 3 of the ship, which originated from the Marshall Islands, include the Master of the Vessel, Sharma Shashi Bhushan, and 21 other crew members.
Their names are: Bharati Manoj Kumar; Bhalerao Nilesh Mukund; Nadar Anthony Macson David; Kolusu Srinivasa Rao; Sagar Gaurav; Francis Anto Beemas Nester; Jagdeep Singh; Jai Parkash; Prabhukhan Singh; Nevage Sandesh Suresh; Pandey Prashant; Nittu Anand; Akash Babu; Dasari Raju; Reddy Nandika Sanjeeba; Rana Nivesh; Melethil Insaf Rahman; Barla Chantanya Krishna; Ghosh Arijit; Mondal Raihan; and Gangwar Shiv Om.
Babafemi also said NDLEA operatives in Oyo state on Monday, 29th December 2025, arrested a wanted female drug kingpin who is a major illicit drug distributor in Ibadan, the state capital.
He said the 65-year-old grandma, Fatima Ilori, popularly known as Mama Kerosene, was nabbed in an intelligence-led operation following the seizure of 238.4kg skunk, a strain of cannabis, linked to her. She was arrested along with another female suspect, Olusanya Abosede, 35, at the Onireke/Elekuro area of Ibadan.
The Spokesman added that operatives of the Agency have intercepted various quantities of illicit substances, including Ketamine, Ecstasy, and Tramadol pills concealed in sachets of coffee mix and book parcels heading to Zambia and the United Kingdom. He said the seizures were made at a courier company in Lagos on 24th and 29th December 2025.
The statement reads, “In Borno state, the supply chain of illicit drugs to insurgents was further disrupted with the arrest of two suppliers and seizure of large consignments of illicit substances. While one of the suspects, Isa Mohammed, 26, was arrested by NDLEA operatives following the interception of 9,150 ampoules of Tramadol Injection along Maiduguri-Gamboru Ngala road on Friday, 2nd January 2026, the other suspect, Musa Samaila, 30, was nabbed with 34,000 capsules of Tramadol at Biu market on the same day.
Not less than 400kg of skunk was recovered along with a van at Mobolaji Johnson area of Lagos on New Year’s Day, Thursday 1st January, while a suspect, Bilya Ibrahim, 39, was arrested at a motor park in Hadejia town, Jigawa State, on Tuesday 30th December 2025 while trying to transport 260 compressed blocks of skunk weighing 140.8kg, which he procured from Taraba State to Nguru, Yobe State.
“In Kwara state, NDLEA officers on Tuesday, 30th December recovered 238.50kg skunk from the home of a suspect at Asadam area of Ilorin, while a total of 32,000 pills of tramadol and diazepam were seized from another suspect, Abubakar Rabiu, 32, at Bode Saadu, Morro LGA, on New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, 31st December 2025.
“In like manner, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, workplaces, and communities, among others, in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Madrasatu Fadimatul Zahra Sabuwar Abuja Kankia, Kankia LGA, Katsina; members of Topo Youth Progressive Organisation, Topo Badagry, Lagos; and residents of Madalla community at the palace of Hakimi Madalla, Niger state, among others.
“While commending the officers and men of DOGI, Apapa, Oyo, Borno, Lagos, Kwara, and Jigawa Commands for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to intensify the ongoing drug control efforts of the Agency.”
Reactions have continued to trail the United States military operation that reportedly led to the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday expressed concern over the development, while urging respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a statement, ECOWAS acknowledged the right of states to combat international crimes such as terrorism and drug trafficking, but cautioned that such actions must be conducted in line with international law.
US President Donald Trump had announced that American forces captured President Maduro and his wife following several rocket strikes on Caracas early Saturday.
“The Economic Community of West African States has followed with concern recent developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela,” the statement said.
“While it recognises the right of states to fight international crimes, including terrorism and drug trafficking, ECOWAS wishes to remind the international community of their obligation to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other, as enshrined in international law, especially Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter.”
The regional bloc said it fully aligned with the African Union’s statement issued on January 3, 2026, which called for restraint and inclusive dialogue among Venezuelans.
“ECOWAS reiterates its solidarity with the people of Venezuela and urges all states to respect the independence and territorial integrity of Venezuela,” the statement added.
“It expresses support for the people as they shape the future of their country through an inclusive process.”
Earlier, the African Union had also expressed concern over the reported invasion of Venezuela by the United States.
In a communiqué, the AU underscored the importance of dialogue, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for constitutional and institutional frameworks, in the spirit of good neighbourliness, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence among nations.
The continental body stressed that Venezuela’s complex internal challenges could only be sustainably resolved through inclusive political dialogue among Venezuelans themselves.
The federal government has withdrawn the criminal defamation case instituted against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Court documents show that the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) filed a Notice of Discontinuance on December 12, 2025, before the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, effectively bringing the prosecution to an end.
The notice terminated Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, which had been filed in the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria against the senator.
The prosecution arose from petitions submitted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
In the charge, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was accused of criminal defamation and cyber-bullying in connection with comments she made during a televised interview on Politics Today, anchored by Seun Okinbaloye.
The interview contained statements in which the senator alleged threats to her life.
The Notice of Discontinuance stated that the withdrawal was made pursuant to Sections 108(1), 108(2)(a), and 108(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, as well as under the inherent powers of the court.
The document was signed on behalf of the Attorney-General by officials of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation and was certified by the court.
During the pendency of the case, several individuals were listed as witnesses for the complainants, including the Governor of Kogi state, Usman Ododo, Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo, Reno Omokri, and Sandra Duru.
As of press time, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation had not issued a public statement on the reasons for discontinuing the prosecution.
Separately, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has directed his legal team to withdraw nine defamation suits he previously instituted against various individuals.
The directive, which was announced on the 1st of January 2026, instructed his lawyers to terminate all pending cases, bringing those civil actions to an end.
