By Tunde Odesola (Published in The PUNCH, on Friday, December 26, 2025) The (Ọmọ) child (tó) is (bá) the (ma jẹ́) father (Àṣàmú) to (kékeré) the (ló ti ń jẹnu) man (ṣámú-ṣámú). Ehn, yes! Deal with it! The mishmash opening sentence is intentional because it is confusion I have on offer today, not peace or order. Not prostration or placation. My esteemed readers can’t be eating Christmas rice and chicken while I wrack my brain to produce an article, which will be digested within 20 minutes, amid mutterings of ‘uhm!’, “na wa o” and “you said it all.” No, I…
Author: Abimbola Ogunaike
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria confirms that 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. In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security. Nigeria reiterates that…
One of Africa’s most storied and remarkable football rivalries makes another stop on Saturday, 27 December, 2025, this time in the Moroccan city of Fès, as Nigeria and Tunisia clash in a top-of-the-table encounter of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations, at the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès. With three points taken by each team from their opening games, the stage is set for fiery exchanges as Coaches Eric Chelle and Sami Trabelsi, themselves former players, will be determined to push their teams to achieve victory and book an early spot in the tournament’s Round of 16. There have been…
One student from Igbobi College will be one of the beneficiaries of the scholarship to be awarded on Saturday, 27 December, 2025, when the Seyi Akinwunmi Foundation takes centre stage in the school. The foundation, in its 11th edition, has been giving out scholarships to students since inception in 2014. Organisers of SACF are not keen about the numbers of students that have benefited in the past 10 years but are rather focused on helping more and more every year to develop better in education and football. Head of the Technical arm of the organizing team, Mr. Dotun Coker, confirmed…
After spending weeks decrying the group for targeting Christians in Northern Nigeria, United States President, Donald Trump on Thursday, 26 November, 2026 confirmed that his country carried out airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria. Trump, who confirmed the development through a post on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, 26 November, 2025, said: “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!…
On behalf of the National Working Committee of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), I extend warm Christmas greetings and best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year to all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora. I specially felicitate our distinguished Governors across the federation, particularly the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma; the leadership and honourable members of the National Assembly; members of the National Working Committee; our committed State Chairmen and members of State Executive Committees; the Ward Executives; and the millions of faithful members of the APC whose loyalty and…
The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to a viral falsehood circulating on social media suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola. There is absolutely no truth to this story. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely. The Chief of Staff remains in his position. The Principal Private Secretary likewise remains in his role. Hakeem Muri-Okunola has not replaced Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff. The viral claim is a fabrication by mischievous purveyors of fake news whose sole aim is to create disharmony…
Pastor J.F Odesola Assistant General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). He is an in-law to Evang Mike Bamiloye and Pastor E.A Adeboye. He is a renowned Gospel film producer and arguably the most educated Pastor in Nigeria. He had bagged 6 PhDs, 4 Masters and four First degrees. “When I came to Pastor Adeboye that I wanted to serve God, I did not tell him it was going to be a full time job. But I knew what I was supposed to do in the Youth Ministry; I told him that the Lord wanted me to serve Him…
The Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Seyi Jakande, has reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots welfare by delivering on his campaign promise through the council’s annual Christmas chicken sales at a highly subsidized rate of ₦3,500. The initiative, held at the LCDA Secretariat, on Tuesday, 23 December, 2025, attracted thousands of residents from across the council area. With market prices ranging between ₦20,000 and ₦30,000, the programme provided significant relief to families during the festive season. Over 2,500 residents benefited directly, following strict measures for crowd control, payment processing, and fair distribution. Hon. Jakande personally supervised the exercise, ensuring transparency and…
As Nigerians join millions around the world to mark the Christmas season, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has appealed to citizens to conduct themselves peacefully and uphold the values of unity, tolerance and mutual respect. In a Christmas message signed by its Director-General, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, the Institute described the festive period as a time for reflection, reconciliation and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence. It noted that the values associated with Christmas—love, compassion and forgiveness—remain critical to addressing the country’s security and social challenges. The Institute stressed that peacebuilding is a shared responsibility that requires the active…