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Rivers State Police Promises Safe, Peaceful Yuletide Season

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The Nigerian Police, Rivers State Command, has assured residents of a peaceful and secure Yuletide season by implementing comprehensive security measures across the state.

The Command emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure law and order before, during, and after the festive period.

In a statement, the Police Command called on the people of Rivers State to embrace the season as a time for sober reflection, prayer, and goodwill, while offering prayers for lasting peace and progress in the state and the nation at large.

Under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, PSC, MNIPS, the Command has rolled out a robust security architecture aimed at preventing crime and guaranteeing public safety.

Tactical and operational teams have been deployed to strategic locations, including entry and exit points of the state, waterways, motor parks, hotels, recreation centres, churches, mosques, and other identified flashpoints.

This wide deployment is intended to strengthen visibility policing, enhance surveillance, and ensure a swift response to any security threat.

The Commissioner of Police has further directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to fully deploy both operational and intelligence assets within their Areas of Responsibility to ensure a smooth and hitch-free celebration across the state.

Also Read: Yuletide Season: Borno Governor offers Packages to soldiers in Bama

In addition, the Command is intensifying community-based policing through active engagement with traditional rulers, youth groups, and religious leaders.

These partnerships aim to build trust, boost public confidence, and encourage timely intelligence sharing that would help prevent crime during the festive period.

Parents and guardians have been advised to closely monitor their children and discourage involvement in the use of fireworks, pyrotechnics, and knockout shooting, noting that such activities pose serious safety risks to lives and property.

Reaffirming its commitment to the protection of lives and property, the Rivers State Police Command urged residents to take personal security precautions by securing their homes, locking doors and windows before retiring for the night, remaining vigilant, and promptly reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

The public was also cautioned against spreading unverified information capable of causing panic or unnecessary alarm. Residents can report incidents or security concerns through the Command’s emergency lines:

Control Room: 08032003514

CRU: 08120822987

The Rivers State Police Command extends warm Christmas greetings to all Christians and wishes all residents a joyful celebration and a prosperous New Year.

Nigerian Leader to Mark Yuletide Season in Lagos

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is in Lagos State for the Yuletide, marking the festive season away from the nation’s capital, Abuja.

The President arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Saturday evening after commissioning the international wing of the Muhammadu Buhari Airport, a new VIP extension, as well as electric vehicles, intra-state buses, tricycles, and three model primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools.

Also Read: Ex-Presidents Gowon, Obasanjo Join First Lady at 2025 Christmas Carols

President Tinubu also visited Bauchi State, where he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi on Saturday.

Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, stated in a statement: “After the condolence visit, President Bola Tinubu will leave for Lagos State, where he will spend the upcoming end-of-year holidays.”

The President is expected to be the guest of honour at the Eyo Festival, scheduled for 27 December, among numerous other engagements while in the city.

President Tinubu Renames Azare Health University After Sheikh Bauchi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renamed the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State, as Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi University of Health Sciences, in honour of the late Islamic scholar and spiritual leader.

The announcement was made during President Tinubu’s condolence visit to the Bauchi State Government and the family of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi.

President Tinubu highlighted the remarkable legacy of the revered cleric, noting that the honour was well deserved.

“The late Sheikh brought impactful knowledge to the people, a great scholar, a Nigerian conscience who worked so hard on the path of Almighty Allah, preaching the word, the sermon, the knowledge, and the values of honesty, integrity, and great character,” the President said.

The visit provided the President with an opportunity to pay tribute to the late cleric’s lifelong contributions to religious scholarship, national unity, and social development.

“I am here to offer my condolences to all of you, the government, the people, and the public at large not just Bauchi alone, but the entire country,” he added.

The President also urged Nigerians to uphold Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi’s principles of righteousness, tolerance, and unity, and to ensure that future generations continue to learn from the values he stood for.

Also Read: President Tinubu Mourns Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, expressed gratitude to the President for personally paying a condolence visit and for the support extended to the family.

He noted that President Tinubu had earlier sent Vice President Kashim Shettima and a high-powered delegation to attend the funeral prayers, a gesture reflecting the nation’s respect for the late scholar.

“Looking at the streets, Mr President, you know that the people of Bauchi are with you. It’s a reciprocal love, because even going back to memory lane, you had a good relationship with the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi,” the governor said.

Governor Mohammed described the President’s presence as a demonstration of deep solidarity and respect for both the family and the people of Bauchi State.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr Bashir Dahiru Usman Bauchi thanked President Tinubu for his support and for recognising Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi’s contributions.

He described the late cleric as a global scholar and spiritual leader whose legacy includes the establishment of educational institutions and philanthropic initiatives that benefit both Muslims and non-Muslims across Nigeria and beyond.

Dr Bashir affirmed the family’s commitment to continuing his work under the leadership of the Khalifa, while also commending Governor Mohammed for his support to the family.

Among those present during the visit were the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni; the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang; members of the National Assembly from Bauchi State; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; and the Minister of Health and Social Development, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.

Members of the presidential entourage included the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas; a former Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara; and former governors Isa Yuguda and Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, among other dignitaries.

Nigeria to Roll Out Automotive Reforms in 2026

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The Nigerian government is set to roll out automotive reforms in 2026, including an end-of-life vehicle policy, stricter standards for imported used vehicles, and expanded electric vehicle capacity.

The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Joseph Osanipin, who disclosed this during a media parley in Abuja, stressed that the success of the reforms depends heavily on public awareness and media support.

He explained that the proposed end-of-life vehicle policy, which has already received approval and is ready for implementation, would ensure the responsible disposal and recycling of vehicles once they are no longer roadworthy.

“In developed countries, immediately you buy a new vehicle, during registration you make a payment towards the disposal of that vehicle when it gets to the end of life; somebody has to be responsible for the disposal,” Osanipin said.

According to him, over 85 per cent of parts from end-of-life vehicles can still be recycled, creating jobs, supporting second-hand parts markets, and generating significant revenue.

The NADDC boss also announced plans to enforce mandatory inspection and certification of used vehicles before they are imported into Nigeria, a practice already common in other African countries.

“We’ve seen situations where vehicles that are already at end of life in Dubai are being brought into Nigeria. They are doing it because of their personal interests, not because they like you.”

“If you are going to buy a vehicle in Nigeria, it has to be what it should be,” he stated.

Also Read: FEC Approves N58 Billion for 200 Electric Buses

On capacity building, the Director-General said the Council has trained technicians in compressed natural gas conversion, electric vehicle maintenance, and retrofitting, while introducing National Occupational Standards to support certification.

“We are so concerned about certification because when our people train and they get out, what do they show? What tells their competencies?”

Mr Osanipin revealed that Nigerian universities are already working on locally designed electric buses and tricycles, with private sector support to move the projects from design to production.

“If we succeed and we are able to produce two or three good auto engineers in Nigeria, what it will do to the economy cannot be imagined,” he said.

The NADDC boss also reiterated the Council’s push to move the National Automotive Industry Development Plan from policy to legislation in order to attract long-term investment.

“Investment in auto is huge; if you are going to bring three to four billion dollars, you need more than policy; you need an Act.”

He appealed to the media to help educate Nigerians ahead of the reforms.

Arsenal Regains Premier League Lead After Everton Win

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Arsenal will spend Christmas atop the Premier League after a 1-0 win at Everton on Saturday, reclaiming first place from Manchester City hours after their 3-0 dismantling of struggling West Ham United.

City’s win put them on 37 points, one more than the Gunners ahead of their late kick-off. However, that lead lasted for only a few hours as Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres scored from the penalty spot midway through the first half after a handball in the Everton box.

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres celebrates goal.

Arsenal couldn’t find the net in the second half as Everton defended well to keep the Gunners at bay.

However, the match finished 1-0 in favour of as Arsenal as the Gunners went two points ahead of Manchester City.

The win moves Arsenal to 39 points, while Everton slip to 10th in the table on 24 points. Arsenal’s Bukaya Saka said there had been no added pressure from City’s earlier victory.

“We take the emotions out. We focus on our job… we focus on coming here and winning. We did that today,” Saka said.

“We’re back on top of the table but we’re not watching City too much, or the other teams. We’re in control now. We know if we win every week we’ll stay there.”

Saturday’s Premier League results

Newcastle 2-2 Chelsea

Bournemouth 1-1 Burnley

Brighton 0-0 Sunderland

Manchester City 3-0 West Ham

Wolved 0-2 Brentford

Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Liverpool

Everton 0-1 Arsenal

Leeds 4-1 Crystal Palace.

U.S. Proposes New Ukraine-Russia Talks Format

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The United States has proposed a possible new format for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia that would involve American and potentially European representatives, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday.

He noted that Kyiv will decide whether to accept this format after evaluating the outcome of renewed bilateral talks with U.S. negotiators, which resumed on Friday.

Zelenskiy said the United States plans to hold separate discussions with Russian officials and suggested a broader framework that could include Ukraine, the U.S., Russia, and European representatives.

He added that he intends to discuss the proposal with Ukraine’s chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov.
U.S. negotiators were expected to meet Russian officials in Florida on Saturday.

Ukraine and Russia have not held direct talks since July, but U.S.-supported shuttle diplomacy has increased in recent weeks as efforts intensify to end the nearly four-year war.

On Friday, Ukrainian and European officials met with U.S. counterparts and agreed to continue discussions, according to Umerov.

Reuters/ Victoria Ibanga

 

UK Children’s Author Dropped After Harassment Allegations

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HarperCollins UK has dropped bestselling children’s author David Walliams after reports that the publisher investigated allegations he harassed junior female employees.

Report has it  that the publisher looked into complaints from junior staff and, following the investigation, kept some employees away from Walliams.

The report also said one woman who raised concerns about the 54-year-old received a five-figure settlement and later left the company.

In a statement, HarperCollins UK said: “After careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO, HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new titles by David Walliams. The author is aware of this decision.”

The publisher added that it takes employee wellbeing “extremely seriously” and has processes in place to report and investigate concerns, but declined to comment further on internal matters.

Walliams has strongly denied the allegations. A spokesperson said he had not been informed of any investigation and was not given an opportunity to respond.

“David strongly denies that he has behavedUK Children’s Author David Walliams Dropped After Harassment Allegations inappropriately and is taking legal advice,” the spokesperson said.

Walliams has sold more than 60 million books worldwide, translated into 55 languages. His best-known titles include The Boy in the Dress, Billionaire Boy and Gangsta Granny. He first rose to prominence on British television with Little Britain alongside Matt Lucas before launching his writing career.

He also served as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent for a decade, leaving the show in 2022 after apologising for making “disrespectful comments” about contestants during filming breaks.

HarperCollins UK is the British arm of the global publishing group owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp and is now led by chief executive Kate Elton.

Reuters / Jide Johnson

CAF Says AFCON To Be Held Every Four Years

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President of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), Dr Patrice Motsepe, has announced that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be held every four years, beginning after the 2027 edition to be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Dr. Motsepe made the announcement after a CAF Executive Committee meeting on Saturday in Rabat, ahead of the 35th AFCON scheduled to kick off on Sunday in Morocco.

The AFCON has been held every two years since 1968, except for a one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions.

CAF had previously opposed a four-year AFCON cycle proposed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, due to the significant revenue the tournament generates for the federation.

CAF has also long been at odds with European clubs over the timing of AFCON, which traditionally takes place in the middle of the European football season.

Cote d’Ivoire are the defending champions of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“We have the most exciting new structure for African football,” Motsepe said. I do what is in the interests of Africa. The global calendar has to be significantly more synchronised and harmonised.” 

Motsepe said the decision was taken in consultation with Infantino and FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafström.

He explained that the African Nations League would feature all 54 CAF member associations, divided into four zones: six nations in the Northern zone, and 16 nations each in the Eastern, Western and Central, and Southern zones.

According to him, the league will be “the equivalent of an AFCON every year” and would be organised in partnership with FIFA to attract top-class sponsors.

“Every year in Africa, the best African players who play in Europe will be with us on the continent,” he added.

“Every year, we will have a competition involving 54 African nations with all the best players coming to play. We are going to have a world-class competition every year.”

AFCON 2025 Winner To Claim $10m Prize Money

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Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, has announced the winner of the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), will receive USD 10 million in Prize Money

The announcement was made on Saturday following a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee (EXCO) in Rabat, Morocco, a day before the kick-off of the tournament.

The Prize Money for the winner represents a 43% increase from the 2023 edition, when hosts Cote d’Ivoire pocketed USD 7 million.

The winners of the CAF AFCON Cameroon 2021 received USD 5 million and with the figure having doubled to USD 10 million in 2025, it marks an astonishing 100% increase over a four-year period.

Historic increase in AFCON Prize Money

AFCON Cameroon 2021: USD 5 Million

AFCON Cote d’Ivoire 2023: USD 7 Million

AFCON Morocco 2025: USD 10 Million

The runners-up at the CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 will receive USD 4 million, while the two semi-finalists each receive USD 2.5 million.

ECOWAS Deploys Observation Mission to Guinea Ahead of Election

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The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has deployed a Medium-Term Election Observation Mission to Guinea as part of its support toward restoring constitutional order in the Republic of Guinea.

The fifteen-member technical team arrived in the Guinean capital Conakry to begin their assessment ahead of the presidential election scheduled for December 28, 2025.

The Medium-Term Election Observation Mission to Guinea is approved by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray. The mission
is led by the Acting Head of the ECOWAS Electoral Assistance Division, Mr. Serigne Mamadou Ka.

Guinea is set to hold its first presidential election since the 2021 military coup, following a decree.