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End of an Era: Ahmed Musa Bows Out as Super Eagles’ Most Capped Star

By
Udehi Alambo
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Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s most capped footballer, has officially announced his retirement from international football, drawing the curtain on a distinguished 15-year career with the Super Eagles.

 

The former national team captain made the announcement in an emotional message shared on X (formerly Twitter), where he thanked Nigerians for their steadfast support throughout his journey in the national colours.

 

“I wore this badge with pride for 15 years. From a 17-year-old boy answering every call to becoming the most capped Super Eagle with 111 appearances. AFCON champion, Nigeria’s highest World Cup goalscorer, captain, servant and believer,” Musa wrote.

“I gave everything. Thank you, Nigeria… my heart will always beat green.”

 

Musa’s rise on the international stage began unusually early, as he was simultaneously invited to the U-20, U-23 and senior national teams a rare achievement that underscored his exceptional talent and promise.

 

Over the years, the forward established himself as a mainstay of the Super Eagles, featuring in several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and FIFA World Cups. He was instrumental in Nigeria’s 2013 AFCON triumph and etched his name in history as the country’s highest goalscorer at the World Cup.

 

Beyond his goals and records, Musa earned widespread respect for his leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment. His influence within the team saw him handed the captain’s armband, while he also played a key mentoring role for younger players.

 

As he steps away from international duty, Ahmed Musa leaves behind a rich legacy one defined by excellence, leadership and devotion to national service and will be remembered as one of Nigeria’s greatest and most enduring football icons.

 

Wike Reinstates Suspended Education, Revenue Chiefs, Stresses Discipline

By
Toyin Adebayo
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ABUJA — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has reinstated two senior officials who were previously suspended, reinforcing his stance on discipline and accountability within the administration.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka, Wike directed the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, and the Acting Executive Chairman of the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), Mr. Michael Ango, to resume their duties immediately.

The statement emphasized that the Minister remains intolerant of indiscipline among officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Wike reiterated his commitment to upholding discipline, accountability, and effective service delivery in the governance of the nation’s capital.

The reinstatement signals a measured administrative decision, balancing corrective action with continuity in key sectors such as education and revenue generation.

CAN Condemns “A Very Dirty Christmas” Movie Title, Demands Apology

By
Toyin Adebayo
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ABUJA — The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly criticized the title of the upcoming Nollywood film A Very Dirty Christmas, calling it offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.

In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN described Christmas as a sacred season commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ—one that symbolizes purity, peace, love, and redemption. The association argued that linking the word “dirty” to the celebration undermines its spiritual significance and reduces a holy observance to something “crude and sensational.”

While acknowledging creative freedom, CAN stressed that artistic expression must be exercised responsibly, especially in Nigeria’s religiously diverse society. “Creativity should promote unity and understanding rather than provoke or offend deeply held beliefs,” the statement read.

The association also questioned how a film with such a title cleared regulatory scrutiny. It called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain the approval process for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season.

Additionally, CAN urged industry bodies—including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other Nollywood stakeholders—to adopt clear guidelines on the respectful use of religious themes and symbols.

CAN called on the film’s producers and promoters—specifically addressing actress and producer Ini Edo—to reconsider the title, issue a public apology, and take steps to ensure religious seasons are treated with dignity.

The association warned that at a time of national moral and social challenges, trivializing sacred values risks deepening divisions and eroding mutual respect.

CAN reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful engagement but vowed to continue speaking out “whenever the dignity of the Christian faith is undermined in the public space.”

PDP Signals 2027 Comeback Bid, Recounts “16 Glorious Years” in Power

By
Ola Akinola
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ABUJA — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fired an early salvo ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring its readiness to reclaim national power and rallying its former governors and ministers to rebuild the party’s cohesion and reconnect with voters.

The party’s National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja during a high-level interactive session with key figures from the PDP’s 16-year tenure at the federal level.

Addressing the gathering—which included former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, and former Information Minister Labaran Maku, among others—Turaki painted a nostalgic picture of the PDP’s legacy, describing it as a “glorious era” whose achievements remain visible across Nigeria.

“When you speak about the 16 glorious years of PDP governance at the centre, you are also talking about the phenomenal work that our former ministers have done in terms of policy formulation, driving those policies, and executing projects that have impacted positively and profoundly on the lives of Nigerians,” Turaki stated.

He argued that despite efforts by political opponents to “malign PDP and past PDP leaders,” Nigerians remain nostalgic about the party’s time in power, citing economic growth, debt relief, and infrastructure development as enduring hallmarks of its rule.

The chairman pledged to sustain engagement with the party’s elders, whose experience he described as critical to the PDP’s revival. “We need to go back to the basics… beyond taking this party back to Nigerians, we need to look to more,” he added.

Former leaders back revival push

In his remarks, Ibrahim Shekarau, Chairman of the Former Ministers Forum, commended the current National Working Committee (NWC) for its courage and performance within a short period, recalling their determination to reclaim the party’s headquarters despite facing tear gas and threats.

“The chairman has done far more than we expected,” Shekarau said, adding that ordinary Nigerians are now saying, “please return us to where you took over from us.” He expressed confidence that courage and commitment, not just numbers, would deliver victory in 2027.

Babangida Aliyu, Chairman of the Former PDP Governors Forum, stressed that leadership means service and respect for the people. He urged the party to reconnect with the grassroots, reminding attendees that “majority of people don’t think of the skyscrapers you build, but they will always remember the good time they enjoyed.”

Aliyu concluded with a pointed critique of the current administration: “We have been a tattered nation. Since 2015, God has given us a leadership that I believe Nigerians today are cursing.”

The meeting marks one of the PDP’s clearest signals yet of a coordinated push toward the 2027 elections—banking on legacy, renewed unity, and a narrative of past performance to fuel its quest to return to power..

Nigeria Pledges Economic Stability, Courts U.S. Investors with Reform Agenda

By
Ola Akinola
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ABUJA/WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nigeria has assured American investors of its commitment to macroeconomic stability and market-friendly reforms, as the country intensifies efforts to attract foreign capital amid a challenging global economic climate.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, delivered the assurance during the U.S.–Nigeria Executive Business Roundtable in Washington, D.C., on Monday, December 15. The event was hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Africa Business Center.

Addressing top U.S. business leaders and institutional investors, Cardoso highlighted Nigeria’s strategic shift toward rules-based economic management, transparent markets, and predictable policies.

He pointed to key reforms already underway, including:

· The unification of the foreign-exchange market

· The adoption of orthodox monetary policies

· Comprehensive banking sector reforms

· Modernization of the payments system

These measures, Cardoso explained, are designed to foster sustainable, private-sector-led growth and enhance Nigeria’s appeal as an investment destination.

“What investors are responding to today is clarity, clear rules, credible reforms, and a seriousness of purpose,” said Ms. Kendra Gaither, President of the U.S.-Africa Business Center. “Nigeria’s message is increasingly one of discipline and opportunity, and that matters in a global economy seeking actively for stability and predictability.”

The roundtable focused on critical themes such as macroeconomic stabilization, regulatory clarity, and scaling bankable projects in Nigeria’s priority sectors, with the goal of strengthening commercial ties between the two nations.

Cardoso’s engagement forms part of Nigeria’s broader diplomatic and economic push to build confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, even as the country grapples with domestic challenges such as inflation and currency volatility.

The outreach signals Nigeria’s intent to position itself as a disciplined and emerging market opportunity for global capital seeking stability and long-term returns.

Police Arrest Nine, Seize Arms and 24 Bags of Hard Drugs in Nationwide Crackdown

By
Ola Akinola
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ABUJA — Operatives of the Nigerian Police Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) have arrested nine suspected criminals and seized a significant cache of arms and illicit drugs in coordinated operations across the country.

The breakthrough was announced on Tuesday during a press briefing by the Force Spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, at the FID-IRT Headquarters in Guzape, Abuja.

“Today is yet another day that serves as a testimonial of the endless and relentless efforts of the Nigeria Police Force in the pursuit of justice and apprehension of criminals connected to several forms of crime and general safety of the country,” Hundeyin stated.

He noted that, over the past month, police operatives have tracked gunrunning and drug trafficking networks while also rescuing kidnapped victims, leading to the recovery of dangerous weapons and narcotics.

Items recovered from the suspects include:

· Two AK-47 rifles

· Three pump action rifles

· Two single barrel guns

· Two Beretta pistols

· Four locally fabricated revolver rifles

· Six live cartridges

· Four magazines

· 35 rounds of live ammunition of various calibers

· 24 bags of Indian hemp and other exhibits

The suspects paraded before journalists are:

1. John Magah, 45

2. Ishaya Stephen, 43

3. Adamu Zaki Babangida

4. Chibuke Nnaji

5. Joshua Izang a.k.a Buffalo

6. Daudume Bayina

7. Ifeanyi Egbeke, 40

8. Salisu Mohammed a.k.a Mande Dawa

9. Yunana Iliya a.k.a. Bado, 34

10. Uchenna Ikpe

CSP Hundeyin reiterated the police commitment to combating crime and ensuring public safety. “We will continue to strengthen our investigative capabilities and collaborate with our law enforcement partners. We remain steadfast in our mission to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of every citizen,” he said.

He expressed confidence that sustained operations would lead to a more secure and peaceful Nigeria.

 

 

Ganduje Suspends Planned Parallel Hisbah After Widespread Condemnation

By
Ola Akinola
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0

KANO — A controversial plan by former Kano State Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to establish a parallel Hisbah security outfit has been suspended following intense public outcry and security concerns.

The decision was announced on Tuesday in a statement issued by Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, the Director General of the National Productivity Centre and a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in the state.

The statement cited the “interest of peace and public order” as the primary reason for halting the plan, which had sparked widespread anxiety among residents, security stakeholders, and state authorities.

According to the statement, the proposed independent Hisbah structure triggered strong reactions across Kano, with many expressing fears that it could undermine security coordination, create confusion, and threaten social harmony.

Key institutions, including the Kano State Government and the Department of State Services (DSS), were said to have intervened in the matter, playing a decisive role in calming tensions and encouraging Ganduje’s camp to abandon the move.

“The stakeholders resolved to suspend the plan in order to allow the Kano State Government to review the disengagement of some Hisbah personnel and address the issue through dialogue and mutual understanding,” the statement read.

The group also reaffirmed its allegiance to the legally constituted Kano State Hisbah Board and pledged continued support for all recognized security agencies.

They emphasized a collective commitment to maintaining law and order and protecting lives and property in Kano and beyond.

The suspension marks a significant retreat by Ganduje’s political camp in the face of mounting institutional and public pressure, and reflects ongoing tensions over control of moral and security agencies in the state.

Spiritual Leader Backs Trump’s Warning, Urges Tinubu to Target Terror Financiers

By
Ola Akinola
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IBADAN — Satguru Maharaj Ji, founder of the One Love Family, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act decisively against alleged sponsors of jihadist and bandit groups operating in Nigeria, endorsing former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent warning about the nation’s security crisis.

In a press statement dated December 15, 2025, the spiritual leader described Trump’s caution—which hinted at potential foreign military intervention—as a “wake-up call” necessitated by years of unchecked violence, sectarian conflict, and what he termed Nigeria’s failure to dismantle terror financing networks.

Maharaj Ji accused certain individuals within Nigeria’s political and social elite of enabling violent groups while enjoying protection from authorities. He specifically named Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi among others and called for their arrest, investigation, and prosecution.

“No individual should be above the law where national security is concerned,” he asserted.

The spiritual leader further alleged that Western humanitarian and donor funds had been diverted to finance extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, fueling arms acquisition, deepening insecurity, and widening ethnic divisions. He also accused some Northern elites of deliberately undermining national unity for personal or ideological gain.

Advocating a return to African traditional spirituality, Maharaj Ji criticized both Christianity and Islam as foreign impositions that have diluted indigenous consciousness.

In a direct appeal to President Tinubu, Maharaj Ji urged collaboration with Donald Trump and Western intelligence agencies to expose terrorist networks and financial channels. He also proposed domestic measures, including:

· Reintroduction of nationwide toll gates to boost revenue.

· Provision of official vehicles for medical doctors to improve healthcare access.

· Comprehensive audits of property ownership and fintech firms to curb terror financing.

Additionally, he called on the Sultan of Sokoto to direct followers to vacate illegally occupied lands and urged scrutiny of Nigeria’s representatives to the ECOWAS Parliament to ensure no sympathies exist for extremist groups.

The statement concluded with a spiritual pledge of support for President Tinubu’s administration, coupled with a warning that Nigeria’s long-term stability hinges on accountability for those behind years of violence.

Wike Celebrates 58th Birthday Amid Acclaim from Rivers Groups

By
Ola Akinola
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PORT HARCOURT — The Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM) and 32 affiliated organizations across Rivers State have extended birthday felicitations to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, as he marks his 58th birthday.

In a statement jointly signed by the group’s Director-General, Hon. Johnson Georgewill, and Secretary, Mrs. Sarima Akpata, the coalition hailed Wike as “a dominant figure in Rivers State politics” and lauded his contributions to governance and infrastructure development.

The RRM noted the minister’s trajectory in public service—from his early role as Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, through his two-term tenure as Governor of Rivers State, to his current position overseeing the nation’s capital under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Describing Wike as a leader with a “resilient leadership style” and a commitment to delivering tangible democratic dividends, the group emphasized that his impact on governance and national development is widely recognized, “even by political opponents.”

The statement further commended Wike’s “strength of character and steadfastness in the face of political challenges,” portraying him as “a builder of leaders and a consistent force in Nigeria’s political landscape.”

The coalition concluded with prayers for the minister’s continued good health, wisdom, and greater impact in leadership as he celebrates another year.

The public show of support from Rivers-based groups comes amid sustained political engagement in the state, reflecting Wike’s enduring influence in the region’s political affairs.

Itode Akari reports for NEWSFOCUS.

FG Confirms Major Revenue Crisis, 2025 Income to Fall ₦30 Trillion Short of Target

By
Ola Akinola
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0

 

ABUJA — The Federal Government faces a severe revenue shortfall, with projected income for 2025 expected to reach only about ₦10.7 trillion against a budget target of ₦40.8 trillion, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, disclosed on Tuesday.

The alarming gap—approximately ₦30.1 trillion—threatens the full implementation of the 2025 “Budget of Restoration,” valued at ₦54.9 trillion, and underscores persistent vulnerabilities in the nation’s fiscal framework, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

Edun revealed the figures during an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committees on Finance and National Planning, convened to review the 2026–2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

He attributed the drastic shortfall primarily to the underperformance of key revenue streams, especially Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and Company Income Tax (CIT) from oil companies, which have fallen far below projections.

“Based on present trends, federal revenue for the year is projected to close at approximately ₦10.7 trillion, far below the ₦40.8 trillion target,” Edun told lawmakers.

To bridge part of the gap, the government has raised ₦14.1 trillion through borrowing. Despite the fiscal strain, Edun assured that the administration has maintained payment of salaries, statutory transfers, and debt servicing through “careful and innovative treasury management.”

Spending Performance and Caution

On expenditure,the Minister reported that capital releases to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in 2024 reached ₦5.2 trillion out of ₦7.1 trillion appropriated—a 73% implementation rate. When multilateral and bilateral-funded projects are included, total capital spending was ₦11.1 trillion out of ₦13.7 trillion budgeted, representing 84% performance.

Edun urged fiscal realism, cautioning against rigid expenditure commitments based on optimistic oil revenue forecasts. “We must aim high, but experience over the past two years shows that spending should be guided by revenues that actually materialise,” he stated.

Divergent Views on Future Projections

Also speaking,the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, acknowledged internal disagreements within the Economic Management Team regarding revenue assumptions. He noted some members advocated conservative estimates based on historical data, while others pushed for ambitious targets to drive revenue agencies toward higher performance.

For the 2026 projections, Bagudu said the government maintained an oil production target of 2.06 million barrels per day but adopted a more prudent revenue assumption of 1.84 million barrels per day. He urged revenue-generating agencies to intensify collection efforts.

Lawmakers Emphasize Scrutiny

Earlier,the Chairman of the House Committee, Rt. Hon. James Faleke, stressed the necessity for thorough scrutiny of the nation’s fiscal plans. He emphasized that, given current economic realities, careful analysis is essential to prevent inflated budgets and to support sound decision-making for national progress.

The revelation highlights the ongoing challenge of aligning Nigeria’s ambitious budget goals with its volatile revenue base, setting the stage for difficult fiscal choices in the coming years.

 

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