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TCN Boosts Power Transmission Capacity in 2025

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has increased its electricity wheeling capacity to 8,700 megawatts (MW) in 2025 following sustained efforts to strengthen infrastructure, rehabilitate aging assets, and expand transformer capacity nationwide.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Sule Abdulaziz, disclosed this in his 2025 End-of-Year Goodwill Message titled “Reflecting on a Year of Progress and Powering Our Future Together.”

According to him, the achievements position the company to better support Nigeria’s growing electricity demand.

Abdulaziz highlighted that a major milestone was recorded on March 4, 2025, when TCN transmitted an all-time peak generation of over 5,800MW, alongside a record maximum daily energy delivery of 128,370.75MWh, the highest in the nation’s history within the period under review.

He also noted that the commissioning of 82 new power transformers and adding more than 8,500MVA to the national grid, significantly improved reliability and capacity.

The TCN boss further stated that the company advanced several critical transmission projects valued at over $1.16 billion, funded by development partners.

Key among them is the Abuja Feeding Scheme, which includes the construction of five new substations and a 330kV transmission line aimed at modernising the grid and expanding capacity.

Challenges

Despite the progress, Abdulaziz acknowledged challenges such as vandalism, with 131 incidents recorded between January and November 2025.

He said TCN is collaborating with security agencies, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and host communities to curb the menace and safeguard critical infrastructure.

He also noted that the successful unbundling of TCN and the take-off of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) marked a turning point for the sector, allowing TCN to focus on transmission infrastructure development while NISO handles system and market operations.

Looking ahead to 2026, Abdulaziz said TCN would intensify efforts to modernise infrastructure, accelerate project implementation, and deepen stakeholder engagement to further strengthen grid stability and efficiency.

Olusola Akintonde

Aston Villa Humbles Manchester United In Premier League Encounter

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England International Morgan Rogers struck two superb goals for Aston Villa as they beat Manchester United 2-1 at home on Sunday, recording their seventh straight Premier League victory and 10th in a row in all competitions.

The home side did not look like a team on a winning run for much of the first half, but that changed when John McGinn picked out Rogers in the 45th minute.

Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers celebrates goal.

Brimming with confidence, the 23-year-old brought the ball down and kept it in play before cutting into the box and curling a superb shot past keeper Senne Lammens and into the top corner.

United managed to level before the break when Matty Cash was robbed to the right of the Villa penalty area and Matheus Cunha blasted the loose ball past Emiliano Martinez.

But Manchester United’s joy was short-lived as captain Bruno Fernandes had to be substituted at halftime due to injury. Fernandes was replaced by defender Lisandro Martinez.

The fightback was short-lived, however, as Rogers netted again in the 57th minute with another curled effort past Lammens.

Morgan Rogers scores another goal.

United substitute Shea Lacey fired a late effort into the midriff of the Villa keeper and Mason Mount sent a free kick over the bar.

However, Villa held on to leave the visitors seventh in the table as the home fans heralded their goal-scorer.

“It’s hard work, it’s long hours and you want every one to go in the top corner like that, so it’s nice when one does go in,” Rogers said of his shooting prowess.

“You’ve just got to keep trying it and trying it, and sometimes it’s your day, sometimes it isn’t. Luckily, lately it has been and I’m happy about that.”

With seven goals and three assists in the league in 17 appearances this season, Rogers has helped Villa up to third in the table on 36 points and into the title race, hot on the heels of leaders Arsenal (39 points) and Manchester City (37).

NPFL: Rangers Beat Ikorodu City 2-1 In Enugu

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Rangers International defeated Ikorodu City 2-1 on Sunday in their Match Day 18 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, Enugu State.

Godwin Obaje opened scoring in the 33rd minute, applying a deft touch to Kenechukwu Agu’s free-kick to beat the Ikorodu goalkeeper.

Ikorodu pushed for an equaliser, but Rangers’ defence held firm, while the hosts failed to extend their advantage before half-time.

Rangers maintained pressure after the break, with Obaje, Chidiebere Nwobodo and Agu leading attacking forays against the visitors.

Nwobodo doubled the lead in the 75th minute, firing a direct shot past the helpless Ikorodu goalkeeper.

Ikorodu pulled one back at stoppage time, but Rangers held on to secure a 2-1 victory.

Ikorodu coach, Bright Ozebagbe, admitted missed chances cost his side. “We did not take our chances,” he said.

Rangers stand-in coach, Kene Ekenedilichukwu, praised his players’ discipline. “The team played to instruction and showed gallantry,” he said.

The victory leaves Rangers on 29 points, level with Ikorodu City after 18 league matches.

SUNDAY’S NPFL RESULTS

3SC 2-1 NIGER TORNADOES

EL-KANEMI WARRIORS 3-2 ENYIMBA

ABIA WARRIORS 1-0 WARRI WOLVES

KANO PILLARS 2-1 PLATEAU UNITED

WIKKI TOURIST 0-0 KUN KHALIFAT FC

RANGERS 2-1 IKORODU CITY

REMO STARS 2-3 BENDEL INSURANCE

KWARA UNITED 2-0 BAYELSA UNITED

Osun Governor Commends VON, Tasks It With National Image

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Osun State governor has commended Voice of Nigeria for its laudable effort at portraying Nigeria’s cultural heritage and landmarks worldwide in its reportage, coverage and programming.

Governor Adeleke said this at the Open Day and Get-together organised by the Voice of Nigeria Southwest Zonal office at the Government House, Abeere, Osogbo, the state capitol.

Open Day is a programme organised by VON with its partners to exhibit its programmes, expose its mission, showcase its exploits and display its achievements.

Adeleke who was represented by his Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment, Eniola Odeniyi further tasked VON, as an international media organisation and the official mouthpiece of Nigeria in the global arena to enhance its partnership with Osun State in showcasing its landmarks, heritage, culture, customs and festivals to the world.

We have in Osun, the UNESCO site, Osun Groove as well as Osun festival. We also have many tourists attractions and sites like Kiriji War Site at Igbajo, Ikogosi Water Falls amongst others. We equally have relics like Adire Osun – our traditional tie and dye wears. We need to showcase these and many more to the world and VON partnership is key in this regard”, the governor said.

The State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr. Wasiu Ajadosu urged Voice of Nigeria to take on the challenge of presenting the glowing virtues of ‘Omoluabi’ ethos Nigerians are renowned for globally.

Ajadosu said the achievements as well as the virtues of the good, brilliant, intelligent and wonderful Nigerians within and outside the the country far outweigh the vices of the bad elements, hence the need to showcase the positive achievements.

Authoritative Choice

Speaking before the exhibition, the VON Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Dr Mujeedah Abdul-Aleem Olagunju who thanked the State Ministry of Information team for being a wonderful host, noted that Voice of Nigeria is the nation’s only external broadcasting service that broadcasts in seven different languages to project the interest of the country and portray the laudable image of Nigeria as well as Africa to Nigerians in the Diaspora, the Black race and anyone interested in the giant of Africa.

“”At VON we do not just produce great programmes and great reports but we produce international award winning content, promote Nigerian and the African vision. This we are always proud to flaunt.

“It is our pride and our unique selling point. As you would see later at the Exhibition, we are national and international award winners for our radio programmes that are renowned worldwide. Just to mention a few, we are winners of the DAME Awards for best radio programmes, we have won the Commonwealth Broadcasting Organization awards for Best Drama Programme. We have won the African Media Initiative Excellence Award for Best African Journalist on Maritime Reporting and most recently in 2025, our English producer, Destiny Onyemihi won the Africa Media Development Foundation Journalist of the Year Award all these can be checked online and it testifies to our journalistic prowess, so come and do business with us if you truly want to go international“, she remarked.

 

Lagos Governor Declares Eyo Festival, Reaffirms Unity

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described the ongoing Eyo Festival in Lagos as a unique opportunity to showcase Lagos State’s rich and enduring cultural heritage, saying the celebration reinforces unity, identity, and shared history among Lagosians

The governor spoke on Sunday in Lagos after leading members of the Eyo group to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, at the President’s Ikoyi residence.

Sanwo-Olu said the festival provides a platform to demonstrate the depth of Lagos culture, noting that societies without strong cultural identity risk extinction.

He added that the Eyo Festival offers an avenue for people to appreciate Lagos’ heritage, in line with the President’s call for a celebration that brings everyone together.

It’s an opportunity to show the very deep cultural heritage of Lagos.They say a people without a culture is an extinct generation.. So we can use this to explain and for people to see the very deep cultural heritage of Lagos and like the President has said it will be a celebration of some sorts for all of us where all of the various Eyo family will come out in regalia, in unity, in peace, in celebration of the moment and season that we all find ourselves.

So what we have done here is to usher in the Adimu which is the most prominent in the order of ranking. They have come to pay homage to me and now to the President. So this formally commences the full week of Eyo Festival that will now crown it in Saturday December 27. Governor Sanwoolu said.

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He explained that the forthcoming Eyo Festival is being held in remembrance of four prominent Lagosians and Nigerians: the first Military Administrator of Lagos State, the late Mobolaji Johnson; the first civilian governor of the state, the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande; former civilian governor, the late Sir Michael Otedola; and Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, the late mother of President Tinubu.

The governor noted that it has been eight years since the last Eyo Festival, expressing satisfaction that preparations have now been concluded for this year’s edition.

It’s been eight years that we’ve had Eyo Festival and we are happy that we’ve set in motion to have this year’s own. And it’s in memory of four prominent Nigerians and Lagosians.

The first Military administrator of the state, the late Mobolaji Johnson, the First Civilian Governor of the State, the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the late Former Civilian Governor of the State, Sir Micheal Otedola and finally our mother who passed on less than a decade ago, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji who incidentally is the mother of our current President”.

He added that the President’s ties to Lagos, having served as the state’s 12th governor, made the occasion particularly significant.

Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, for granting approval for the Adimu Orisa Eyo to proceed, describing the moment as historic.

He said that, in over six years as governor, this would be the first Eyo Festival he would witness in office, calling it “an icing on the cake.”

According to the governor, the appearance of the Adimu Eyo, the highest-ranking among the Eyo groups, marked the formal commencement of a full week of activities leading to the grand finale of the festival scheduled for Saturday, December 27.

Sanwo-Olu said all Eyo families would participate in unity and brotherhood throughout the week, adding that the President had advised that the festival be considered for inclusion in a formal calendar to strengthen Lagos’ tourism appeal.

He noted that such a move would help project Lagos culture on the international stage, enhance tourism potential, and showcase the state’s diversity, hospitality, and strong cultural identity.

 

Nigerian President Endorses Greater Women Participation in Governance

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The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has declared his support for efforts aimed at increasing women’s participation in governance.

The President spoke at the  All Progressives Congress, APC National Caucus meeting held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

The meeting was attended by key party leaders, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, APC governors, and ministers, including the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim.

The meeting aimed to synchronise the party’s strategies and policies ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

President Tinubu commended the National Assembly for the constitutional amendment to accommodate more women. “ We are in support of that “ he said.

The President also acknowledged the significant strides made by the Niger State Government, which have resulted in the emergence of many women in strategic leadership positions.

He urged other states to emulate Niger State and ensure that more women are brought on board.

Grassroots Development

On grassroots development, he told governors to prioritise grassroots development, ensuring that government programmes and policies reach people at the local level.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, in a statement, sent a passionate thank-you message to the President for his interventions.

“Your Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering commitment as a HeForShe champion.

“Your leadership of the APC-led Government is more than just words; it is a daily demonstration of putting women at the forefront of national progress. Thank you for lending your voice and your power to the cause of gender equality,” she said.

Information Minister Describes Papiri Rescue as National Relief

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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described the rescue of the remaining 130 children and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, as a befitting end to the year and a moment of triumph and relief for Nigeria.

In a statement, the Information Minister noted that: “As it is, the Federal Government can confirm that all the abducted pupils of the Catholic School, Papiri, numbering 230, have been freed. Not a single pupil is left in captivity”.

According to him, the just-released 130 pupils are being handed over to the Niger State Government, after which they will be reunited with their families.

He stressed that: “This courageous effort by our security forces reaffirms our nation’s resolve to protect its people”.

Idris further expressed the Federal Government’s empathy with the parents and guardians of the pupils for the agony the abduction has caused them, wished them a pleasant family reunion, a smooth healing process, compliments of the season, and a Merry Christmas.

Nigeria Secures Release Of Remaining Abducted Schoolchildren

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The Nigerian government has announced the release of an additional 130 schoolchildren abducted from St Mary Catholic school, Papiri Niger State in November, following the earlier release of 100 pupils earlier this month.

The development was disclosed on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, in a post shared via his official X handle, @SundayDareSD.

Dare announced that the latest group of abducted pupils had regained their freedom, marking the conclusion of efforts to secure the release of all students taken in separate incidents within the state.

“Another 130 Abducted Niger State Pupils Released, None Left In Captivity.” Dare stated.

The release follows earlier reports on the freedom of students of St. Mary Catholic School, Papiri, in Niger State, who were also abducted and later rescued, reinforcing the government’s resolve to ensure that no child remains in captivity.

The Presidency has consistently reiterated its commitment to prioritising the safety of school children and restoring confidence in public safety, particularly in communities affected by abductions.

Morocco Opens AFCON 2025 With Victory Against Comoros

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Hosts Morocco began its CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a controlled 2–0 victory over Comoros, in front of a capacity crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday night.

Morocco dominated possession from the outset, circulating the ball with confidence and pinning Comoros deep inside their own half. Yet clear chances were scarce early on, with the visitors defending compactly and contesting every duel as the first half ended 0-0.

The breakthrough finally arrived ten minutes after the restart. A sweeping move down the left ended with Noussair Mazraoui drilling a low cross into the box.

Real Madrid forward Brahim Díaz arrived with perfect timing to guide a composed finish beyond the goalkeeper Pandor.

Morocco’s Brahim Díaz celebrates goal.

With the pressure lifted, Morocco played with greater freedom. Comoros continued to battle, but gaps began to appear. The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute when Ayoub El Kaabi, introduced to add cutting edge, produced a moment of brilliance.

He met a delivery from Salah-Eddine with an acrobatic overhead kick that left the goalkeeper rooted and sealed the points.

Ayoub El Kaabi scores goal.

From there, the hosts managed the game with maturity, slowing the tempo and limiting Comoros to half-chances as the clock ticked down.

The hosts were forced to remain patient against a resilient Comorian side determined to spoil the party as the match finished 2-0.

It was not a flamboyant display, but it was an efficient one — exactly the kind of performance expected from a tournament favourite.

The victory sends Morocco top of Group A ahead of the meeting between Mali and Zambia, while Comoros leave Rabat encouraged by their organisation but still searching for a breakthrough moment on the continental stage.

President Tinubu Assures Nigerians of Peaceful Yuletide

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians of a peaceful and joyous Yuletide, stressing that the holiday season will be marked by peace, harmony, and safety across the country.

The President gave the assurance while receiving members of the Eyo group, along with his wife,  senator Oluremi Tinubu, in audience at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos State.

President Tinubu urged Nigerians to celebrate responsibly, emphasising that the festive period should be free of fear and violence.

Well, I am happy for this great cultural remembrance and rekindle of our culture. It is a great honour to come back home to meet our people ready, happy healthy for the celebration of Eyo Carnival.

“In peace, harmony, love, brotherhood and sisterhood we continue to pray to God Almighty, the coming of Christ should be a joyous one for everyone of us.

“The coming holidays will not be a disaster for Nigeria ,You stay in peace, rejoice in peace.

“Dance in peace, no danger to anybody’s life, everybody is a member of this great family.”

He described the Eyo Festival as a significant cultural celebration, expressing happiness over what he called a “great cultural remembrance and rekindling” of Lagos heritage.

The President noted that Lagos continues to make progress, just as Nigeria is recording steady advancement, adding that the current atmosphere of celebration reflects the nation’s progress.

Eko is making progress, Nigeria is making progress . It is a result of this progress we are all rejoicing for this period

“God will bless you will bless Lagos will bless Federal Republic of Nigeria and I assure you we will defeat terrorism and banditry,” he explained.

President Tinubu concluded by offering prayers for Lagos and Nigeria, while reaffirming his administration’s resolve to defeat terrorism and banditry.

The audience formed part of engagements related to preparations for the annual cultural event.

Those present at the brief ceremony included the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Olori Eyo of Lagos, Chief Adebola Dosunmu Akinsiku.

President Tinubu is expected to serve as the Guest of Honour at the Eyo Festival, scheduled for December 27, among other engagements during his stay in Lagos for the Yuletide season.

Lateefah Ibrahim