The factional Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has convened in Abuja with a renewed resolve to rebuild confidence in the party and strengthen its internal structures nationwide.
Speaking at the opening session, BoT Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, assured members that the leadership is committed to restoring unity and urgently conducting long-overdue congresses in states where they are yet to be held.
Ohuabunwa outlined a revival roadmap anchored on completing pending state congresses, consolidating recent gains, and collaborating with state chapters to usher in fresh, stable leadership across the federation.
He stressed that only through deeper unity, transparency, and disciplined organisation can the party regain credibility. By prioritizing timely congresses and stronger grassroots engagement, Ohuabunwa said the PDP is poised to rebuild trust among members and present a more formidable opposition ahead of future elections.
ABUJA — At the launch of Love Through the Eyes of a Village Boy on Friday night, the room was filled with laughter, but one story stood out as the defining moment of the evening.
During an intimate Q&A session at the Dunadura Restaurant, an audience member asked the author, Serial Creative Adetimilehin “Vic’Adex” Inioluwa, how his background as a “Village Boy” shaped his view on love.
Vic’Adex’s answer was not a philosophical treatise, but a confession of a childhood heartbreak that had the audience roaring.
The “Fast” Education and the Fatal Letter “I had a ‘fast’ Nigerian education,” Vic’Adex explained to the packed room. “By the time I was in SS3, I was only 13 years old. But in my mind, I was a senior. I was a man.”
Feeling the pressure of his peers who were 17 and 18, the young poet decided it was time to find love. He set his sights on a student in JSS3—a girl who was roughly 12 years old. To his 13-year-old mind, the age gap was appropriate.
“I wrote her a love letter,” he recalled, shaking his head. “I poured out my heart. I was expecting romance.”
The Reply That Changed Everything The reply came the next day. It wasn’t a rejection. It wasn’t a “yes.” It was a condemnation.
“She wrote back to me,” Vic’Adex said, pausing for effect. “And she called me a Destiny Destroyer.”
The audience erupted in laughter, but the author used the moment to pivot to a deeper truth about the environment he grew up in.
“At the time, it hurt me deeply,” he admitted. “But looking back now, her response was the best it could have been. She was a young girl in a Catholic school. Our parents and teachers constantly warned us that boys were distractions, that teenage pregnancy ended futures. To her, my letter wasn’t affection—it was a threat to her education.”
From Heartbreak to Art This intersection of innocence, fear, and misunderstanding is the core of his new collection, Love Through the Eyes of a Village Boy.
The book captures that specific brand of “Village Boy” naivety—where love is vast and terrifying, where intentions are misunderstood, and where a 13-year-old boy can be branded a villain for trying to write a romance.
“That naivety is what I wanted to capture,” Vic’Adex told the audience. “We fumble through love. We get it wrong. But we grow.”
For the readers who picked up a copy of the book—including the first copy sold for a record-breaking 1 million Naira—the story served as a reminder: before he was a celebrated Strategist and Poet, Vic’Adex was just a boy trying not to destroy anyone’s destiny.
Love Through the Eyes of a Village Boy is available now.
On the morning of December 7, 2025, Benin—a West African nation long considered one of the region’s most stable democracies—faced a sudden political crisis when a group of soldiers seized control of the state broadcaster, Société de Télédiffusion du Bénin (SRTB), and announced a military coup on live television. The soldiers, identifying as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (Comité Militaire de Refondation), declared that they had overthrown President Patrice Talon, dissolved all state institutions, suspended the constitution and political parties, and closed the country’s land, air, and sea borders. Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri was named as the head of the committee. The broadcast followed reports of gunfire near Talon’s residence in Porto-Novo, the capital, and the deployment of armored vehicles around key sites in Cotonou, the economic hub.
This dramatic announcement came amid heightened tensions ahead of Benin’s presidential election scheduled for April 2026, which was set to mark the end of Talon’s second (and constitutionally final) term. Talon, a 67-year-old businessman who has ruled since 2016, has faced criticism for consolidating power, including recent constitutional changes that opponents argued could extend his influence. The coup plotters cited governance failures and the need for “refoundation” as their motives, though details remain sparse.
#### Presidency’s Response: Talon Safe, Situation Under Control
Within hours, the Beninese presidency issued a firm rebuttal, insisting that President Talon was unharmed and in a secure location. Government spokesperson Wilfried Houngbedji told the Associated Press that “everything is fine,” emphasizing that the plot involved only a “small group” who had briefly hijacked the TV signal. Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari added that loyalist forces, including the regular army and national guard, had swiftly regained control of the broadcaster and key installations, including the presidential palace. The signal to SRTB was cut off shortly after the announcement, and by mid-morning, reports indicated the rebels had been neutralized with no confirmed casualties.
The U.S. Embassy in Benin urged its citizens to shelter in place and avoid travel, citing reports of gunfire at Camp Guézo near the president’s residence, but later echoed the government’s assurances of stability. The French Embassy, Benin’s former colonial power, confirmed similar incidents but noted the rapid response from security forces.
#### Regional Context: Part of a Broader Wave of Instability
This incident is the latest in a string of military interventions across West Africa, often dubbed the “coup belt.” Since 2020, the region has seen at least 10 successful or attempted coups, including recent ones in Guinea-Bissau (November 26, 2025) and Madagascar (October 12, 2025). Benin, independent from France since 1960, had largely escaped this trend after a history of instability in its early post-colonial years, transitioning to democracy in 1991. However, analysts like Adama Gaye, a former ECOWAS communications director, noted that the attempt “does not come as a surprise,” pointing to underlying frustrations with economic stagnation, youth unemployment, and perceived authoritarian drift under Talon.
ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), which has been criticized for inconsistent responses to coups, has yet to issue an official statement as of midday December 7. The bloc’s recent sanctions on junta-led neighbors like Niger and Burkina Faso could influence its stance here.
#### Current Status and What’s Next
As of 10:20 GMT on December 7, the situation appears contained, with no further broadcasts from the plotters and government forces reporting full operational control. Streets in Cotonou saw brief chaos with motorists fleeing amid armored vehicle patrols, but normalcy is reportedly returning. No arrests or leader identifications beyond Tigri have been confirmed, and the borders’ closure status remains unclear—likely temporary if the government prevails.
This failed bid underscores the fragility of democratic gains in West Africa, where military grievances often intersect with public discontent. For Benin, it could accelerate calls for electoral reforms ahead of 2026, but also risks deepening divisions if investigations reveal broader military discontent. International observers, including the UN and African Union, are monitoring closely. Stay tuned for developments, as the full scope of the plot—including any external influences—may emerge in coming days.
The clock read 90+4 when David Raya flung himself to his left and somehow clawed Youri Tielemans’ stabbed effort off the line. For a split second, Arsenal dared to believe they had escaped. They hadn’t.
The ball looped high into the Birmingham night, Declan Rice tried to head it to safety, and there – ghosting into the six-yard box like a man who had been waiting his entire career for this exact moment – was Emiliano Buendía. One touch to set, one exquisite curl with the outside of his right boot, and the net bulged. Villa Park detonated.
2-1. Ninety-five minutes on the watch. Game over. Title race blown wide open.
It was the kind of ending that makes neutrals fall in love with football and sends away supporters trudging silently into the cold. For Unai Emery, arms outstretched on the touchline, it felt like sweet revenge against the club that once discarded him. For Mikel Arteta, hands on hips staring at the turf, it was the cruellest reminder that even the most disciplined side can be undone in a heartbeat.
Villa had started like a team possessed. Matty Cash’s 36th-minute volley – slammed home after Lucas Digne’s cross ricocheted kindly into his path – rewarded a first half in which Boubacar Kamara and John McGinn hunted in pairs and Ollie Watkins terrorised William Saliba at every turn.
Arsenal, five points clear at the start of the weekend, looked rattled. Their response came seven minutes after the restart: Bukayo Saka’s wicked delivery, Martínez’s parry, and Leandro Trossard – the half-time substitute – ramming home the equaliser. Parity restored. Control, apparently, reclaimed.
What followed was 38 minutes of breathless, chaotic football. Martin Ødegaard struck the base of the post. Morgan Rogers forced a flying save from Raya. Rice threw his body in front of everything. Both managers emptied their benches like men playing poker with their last chips.
Then came the 87th-minute roll of the dice that will be replayed for years: Emery withdrew Cash – the goalscorer, the right-back – and sent on Buendía. Three minutes plus stoppages later, the Argentine delivered the knockout blow.
As the stadium roared itself hoarse, Arteta stood motionless. His side’s 14-match unbeaten run was over. Manchester City, watching from afar, suddenly find themselves only three points behind with a game in hand.
For Aston Villa, now unbeaten in ten and up to fourth, the message is clear: they are no longer just making up the numbers. Emery’s project is gathering serious momentum, and on nights like this – when a substitute scores a 95th-minute screamer against the league leaders – it feels like anything is possible.
Full-time: Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal
Cash 36’, Buendía 90+5’ | Trossard 52’
The Premier League, ladies and gentlemen, is alive and absolutely kicking.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has removed the Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), Mr. Michael Ango, with immediate effect.
The dismissal was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
Wike has directed the most senior official of the agency to immediately take over the leadership of the revenue service.
ABUJA – The All Progressives Congress (APC) screening committee has dramatically narrowed the Osun State governorship race, disqualifying heavyweight Senator Iyiola Omisore and six other aspirants for failing to meet key nomination rules, leaving only two candidates cleared for the December 13 primary.
The panel, chaired by Chief Obinna Uzoh, submitted its report to the APC National Working Committee (NWC) on Friday after screening nine contestants on December 4 at Amor Hotel, Katampe, Abuja.
Disqualified aspirants include:
– Sen. Iyiola Omisore (former Deputy Governor and APC National Secretary)
– Babatunde Haketer Oralusi
– Mr. Oyedotun Babayemi
– Dr. Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi
– Benedict Olugboyega Alabi (former Deputy Governor)
– Adegoke Rasheed Okiki Adekunle
– Sen. Babajide Omoworare
The committee cited violations of Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and Paragraph 6(c) of the 2025 Governorship Primary Guidelines. Specifically, the seven failed to provide proof of sponsorship by at least five fully registered, financially up-to-date party members from each of Osun’s 30 Local Government Areas.
Only Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji were cleared, having “satisfactorily met all constitutional and guideline requirements.”
The decision stemmed from a petition by the Osun APC Renewal Group alleging irregularities. To ensure fairness, the committee applied the same scrutiny to all candidates, upholding “internal party democracy.”
Uzoh stressed the ruling is subject to NWC ratification. However, sources say affected aspirants view it as “politically motivated” and are holding an emergency meeting to file appeals.
Omisore, a frontrunner in the August 8, 2026, election, and others like Alabi and Omoworare now face an uphill battle to overturn the disqualifications. Party insiders warn the mass cull could deepen Osun APC’s internal divisions ahead of the primary.
Wike Dismisses France Arrest Rumours, Justifies Rivers Lawmakers’ Defection to APC
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has justified the defection of the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and 15 other lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), blaming deep divisions within the PDP.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting road projects in Abuja, Wike said the lawmakers acted within their constitutional rights.
“It’s unfortunate. Everybody has the right to make a choice. The party is fully factionalised, and when a party is factionalised, members are allowed to leave,” he said.
Despite the defections, Wike stressed that he remains a committed member of the PDP.
“I’m still in the PDP. Not everyone has left. We still have about 10 members remaining, and we will continue to work together,” he said, urging the party to “put its house in order” to remain relevant.
On rumours that he had been arrested in France, Wike dismissed them as politically motivated distractions.
“People want to distract you. Last time they said I was sick and flown overseas. This time, they said I was arrested in France. I’m focused on my job,” he said.
Wike added that as long as President Bola Tinubu is satisfied with his performance, critics’ claims will not deter him.
“Critics will always play politics. Just focus and do your work,” he said.
He reiterated his commitment to delivering results across the FCT, especially on infrastructure projects, emphasizing that progress will speak louder than political rumours.
**Amotekun Rescues Kidnap Victims After Fierce Forest Gunfight, Parades Five Suspects**
**AKURE (NewsFocus)** – The Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, on Friday paraded five suspects arrested for kidnapping, attempted abduction, and fraud, while announcing the successful rescue of several kidnap victims after a heavy shootout with gunmen deep inside the forest.
Commander Adetunji Adeleye told journalists at the Amotekun headquarters that operatives stormed a notorious kidnappers’ den in the Supare-Akoko forest axis following credible intelligence.
“On getting to the camp, the hoodlums opened fire on our men. Our officers returned fire and overpowered them in a fierce gun battle,” Adeleye said.
He confirmed that all the victims held in the camp were freed unhurt and have been reunited with their families.
Items recovered from the suspects include:
– Two locally-made pistols
– Live cartridges
– Charms
– Mobile phones
– Cash believed to be ransom proceeds
The five paraded suspects, aged between 22 and 38, confessed to multiple kidnapping operations along the Akure-Owo and Akure-Ikere highways.
Adeleye warned criminal elements that Ondo forests are no longer safe havens, vowing that Amotekun will continue aggressive patrols and intelligence-led operations until every kidnapper is flushed out.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical and psychological care.
Nigeria’s health sector is at a critical crossroads as foreign aid declines by an estimated 15–20 per cent, prompting urgent calls for sustainable domestic financing to safeguard essential services.
The warning emerged at the 9th Annual Conference of the Association of Nigerian Health Journalists (ANHeJ) on Friday in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser to the President on Health, said the country could no longer rely on “external benevolence” to build its healthcare system. She stressed that domestic ownership and accountability were crucial to protecting the nation’s Universal Health Coverage goals.
“Donor fatigue is real, and Nigeria will inevitably graduate from multiple aid programmes. The health and prosperity of our nation must no longer depend on foreign grants,” she said.
Dr Anas highlighted that donor funds currently support HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, immunisation, and primary healthcare programmes.
She warned that declining support could lead to service disruptions, stock-outs, and adverse outcomes for the most vulnerable Nigerians. She praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) as frameworks for strengthening primary healthcare, boosting local production of medicines, and improving governance. Central to the plan is the expansion of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) from 1% to 2% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, effectively doubling funding for grassroots health facilities.
Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, represented by Dr Babatunde Akinyemi, echoed the call for domestic financing, noting that reductions in donor funding, including from PEPFAR, Gavi, Global Fund, and the World Bank, were global and inevitable.
He cited government initiatives such as N260 billion disbursed through the BHCPF, expanded NHIA coverage, increased co-financing for global health programmes, and emergency funding of $200 million to address gaps.
State-level innovations were highlighted, including Lagos allocating 12 per cent of its budget to health, Kaduna’s contributory scheme covering 1.6 million residents, Delta’s use of 0.5 per cent of the derivation fund, and Abia’s diaspora health fund.
Private-sector contributions included N50 billion mobilised by the Private Sector Health Alliance and $200 million from the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority for tertiary hospitals.
Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council represented by Mr Jide Oyekunle, Secretary of Council, emphasised the critical role of journalists in ensuring accountability.
She urged governments to increase and protect health budgets, strengthen health insurance penetration, and leverage public-private partnerships in infrastructure, technology, and pharmaceuticals.
Opening the conference, ANHeJ President Joseph Kadiri warned that the global decline in foreign aid exposed structural gaps in Nigeria’s health-financing architecture.
He encouraged health journalists to engage critically, report responsibly, and ensure reforms deliver measurable impact.
The three-day conference, attended by more than 65 journalists and policymakers, is expected to produce a roadmap for domestic resource mobilisation that could reshape Nigeria’s health-financing landscape for years to come.
Wike Confident Gwarimpa Interchange Will Be Completed in Three Months, Urges Focus Amid Distraction
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has expressed optimism that the ongoing Gwarimpa Interchange project will be completed within the next three months, praising contractors for their commitment despite funding challenges.
Speaking during an inspection of the site, Wike commended CBC Global, the contractor handling the project, noting that the quality of work is “quite encouraging” and that residents of Gwarimpa Estate would soon benefit from reduced traffic congestion.
“What surprises me is the confidence they have, even though we have not funded them very well. I can see the level of work they have done, and I’m really impressed. We will ensure the contractor is well funded so that the job is completed as promised,” Wike said.
The FCT Minister also lauded President Bola Tinubu for his confidence in the administration, saying that it has inspired contractors to continue work even without full funding.
On handling distractions and critics, Wike emphasized the importance of focus, dismissing recent false reports about his arrest in France.
“People will try to distract you. But as long as you are focused on your mandate and your boss is happy with your work, you will not be perturbed by what others say,” he said.
On the political developments in Rivers State, particularly the defection of 16 lawmakers from the PDP to the APC, Wike maintained a measured stance, stressing that the Constitution allows members to leave a factionalized party.
“It’s unfortunate, but everyone has the right to make a choice. Those who have left are free, and those who remain, we will continue to work together,” he said, affirming his continued commitment to the PDP.
Wike’s remarks highlight both his administration’s focus on infrastructural development in Abuja and his approach to navigating political and media distractions while delivering on government projects.
