Tinubu Meets NLC Leaders In Last-Minute Move To Stop Nationwide Protest

President Bola Tinubu met behind closed doors with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress on Tuesday night in a bid to halt the nationwide protest scheduled to begin today. The meeting, held at the State House in Abuja, was led on the labour side by NLC President Joe Ajaero. After the talks, Ajaero avoided giving a definite answer on whether the protest would still take place, saying the decision would be taken collectively by the union. “If I’m insisting, I’m not insisting. I will communicate to you. It is not an organisation that one person rules. Let’s go back now. You have a meeting of labour and the governor’s forum. We’ll go back to the drawing board and digest all that Mr President said to us, and move forward from there.” He added that the NLC leadership would reconvene early on Wednesday to review the outcome of the engagement with the President. “We came for consultation with the president, and we are finished. So, we have to go back to our meeting and then continue tomorrow. By tomorrow, we will get the outcome.” The labour union is expected to announce later on Wednesday whether it will proceed with the planned protest. The meeting was also attended by the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, and the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

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US Adds Nigeria To Partial Travel Restriction List As Trump Expands Entry Controls

President Donald Trump has approved a new Proclamation expanding US travel restrictions, with citizens of 15 additional countries now subject to partial entry limitations as part of stricter security measures. The decision, taken on Tuesday, is aimed at reinforcing travel screening and national security standards. The countries newly placed under partial restrictions are Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Proclamation retains full travel restrictions on 12 countries earlier identified as high risk. These are Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. In addition, five more countries have been moved into the full restriction category following updated security assessments. They are Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria, along with individuals travelling on documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. Laos and Sierra Leone, previously under partial limits, have also been upgraded to full restrictions, while partial measures remain in effect for Burundi, Cuba, Togo and Venezuela. The order removes non-immigrant visa restrictions on Turkmenistan, with US authorities citing improved cooperation with Washington, although immigrant visa limits for its citizens remain unchanged. Exemptions under the Proclamation apply to lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories including diplomats and athletes, and individuals whose entry is considered to be in the national interest of the United States.

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Lagos Police Arrest Peller Over Reckless Driving Live-Stream Crash

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested and detained social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, after a video showing him driving recklessly and crashing his vehicle during a live-stream sparked widespread outrage. The incident occurred on Sunday, December 14, 2025, and prompted swift police action, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi. The police said the influencer’s conduct posed a serious danger to public safety. “The Lagos State Police Command has arrested and detained, for further investigation, Habeeb Hamzat aka ‘PELLER’, subsequent to the viral video that surfaced online on Sunday 14th December, 2025, in which he was seen driving recklessly, leading to a dangerous road crash and serious motor accident, while the incident was being live-streamed, thereby endangering his life and that of other road users.” The command described the act as highly dangerous, warning that it could have had fatal consequences. “His action constitutes a deliberate attempt to commit suicide and endangers the lives of other innocent people.” Police authorities disclosed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough investigation. “The case is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). The outcome of the investigation will be made public, and the suspect will be charged to the court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with the law.” Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, cautioned social media influencers and members of the public against exploiting online platforms to engage in unlawful acts. “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Olohundare Jimoh, strongly warns social media influencers, content creators and general members of the public to desist from using social media platforms to engage in or promote reckless, dangerous, or unlawful and criminal acts.” He stressed that such behaviour would no longer be tolerated and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to enforcing the law. “Such lawlessness will not be tolerated, and the full weight of the law will be applied on any offender. The Command further urges all road users to comply strictly with traffic regulations and remains committed to ensuring public peace and safety at all times.” The incident has renewed public concern over the increasing trend of dangerous stunts by content creators seeking online engagement, with many Nigerians calling for stricter enforcement to deter similar actions. Authorities have reiterated that anyone found endangering lives on Lagos roads will be prosecuted, regardless of social status or online influence.

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Egypt Defeats Nigeria 2–1 In Pre-AFCON Friendly

Egypt edged Nigeria 2–1 in a pre-Africa Cup of Nations friendly in Cairo on Tuesday, thanks to a second-half strike from Mostafa Mohamed. The hosts opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark when Mahmoud Saber tapped in at the back post following a precise delivery from Zizo, who repeatedly caused problems for the Super Eagles down the right wing. Nigeria struggled to maintain attacking momentum but came close to an equaliser when Paul Onuachu’s long ball almost resulted in an own goal by Yasser Ibrahim, forcing a sharp save from Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy. The Super Eagles eventually drew level shortly afterward. Zaidu Sanusi’s free kick from the left was mishandled by El Shenawy at his near post, allowing defender Chidozie Awaziem to head the ball in from close range. Egypt regained the lead in the second half as Mostafa Mohamed finished clinically inside the box after another incisive move orchestrated by Zizo. Despite Nigeria’s continued efforts, they could not find a response, and Egypt held on to secure the victory, boosting morale ahead of the tournament. Egypt will begin their AFCON campaign against Zimbabwe on Monday, December 22, while Nigeria face Tanzania the following day.

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Alaafin Of Oyo To Confer Okanlomo Title On Seyi Tinubu And Obaloyin Title On Yari

His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo, is set to install Barrister Oluwaseyi Abiodun Tinubu as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will be honoured alongside Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, who will receive the title of Obaloyin of Yorubaland during the same ceremony. The event, hosted at the Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo, is expected to attract traditional rulers, political leaders, cultural stakeholders, and dignitaries from across Yorubaland and beyond, reflecting the significance of the titles and the stature of the honourees. Palace sources said the installation demonstrates the Alaafin’s commitment to recognising individuals who have made notable contributions to societal development while promoting Yoruba culture, values, and unity.

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Federal University Lokoja Names Professor Gbenga Ibileye As New Vice-Chancellor

The Federal University, Lokoja, has named Professor Gbenga Ibileye as its fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor. The appointment was confirmed on Tuesday by Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman, Professor Zubairu Abdullahi, who said, “Professor Ibileye emerged tops, first out of the best three candidates.” Professor Ibileye will succeed Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, whose five-year term concludes in February 2026. Born on June 7, 1966, in Kogi State, Professor Ibileye is a distinguished academic with extensive leadership experience. He earned his PhD in English Language from Ahmadu Bello University in 2002 and has served as Professor and Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies at the university since 2012. He has also held several key administrative roles, including Acting Vice-Chancellor, Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, and Pioneer Director of General Studies. His research interests cover Discourse Analysis, Pragmatics, Legal and Forensic Linguistics, and Applied Linguistics, with a focus on Political Discourse, Media Analysis, Constitutional Language, and Communication in Leadership. He has authored multiple publications, including Current Trends in Discourse Analysis and the English Teacher’s Guide Series 1–6. Professor Ibileye’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Pragmatician Award (2025), Noble Prize for Education (2024), and Hall of Fame Induction (2023).

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Fola Apologises After Mainland Block Party Show Cut Short Due to Overcrowding

Afrobeats sensation Folarin Odunlami, popularly known as Fola, has apologised to fans after his first headline performance at the Mainland Block Party was abruptly halted due to safety issues. The concert, held on Monday, December 15, at the Balmoral Event Centre, Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, was stopped after organisers reported that the venue had exceeded its approved capacity. Overcrowding and safety risks forced the decision to protect attendees. Several fans expressed frustration at the event, with some ticket holders claiming they were denied entry despite having purchased tickets. Complaints also centred on poor crowd management and event coordination. Fola addressed the situation on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, apologising for the disruption. “My people, I’m really sorry about how last night went,” he wrote. “People were hurt and that should never happen. I had to stop the show because safety comes before anything else. I hear you on all fronts, and we’re working to make things right.” The show, which fans eagerly anticipated given Fola’s breakout success in 2025 with hits like Lost and Bye Bye, triggered a backlash online, with many criticising both the singer and organisers over the handling of the event. Dangbana Republik, Fola’s record label, also issued a statement acknowledging the lapses and reiterating their commitment to fan safety. The label said the performance was halted as soon as it became clear that attendees were at risk and that discussions are ongoing with organisers to address the concerns. “At no point should fans have been put in unsafe conditions. Your safety remains non-negotiable,” the statement read. As of now, the organisers of the Mainland Block Party have not released an official statement regarding the incident.

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Davido Reacts After Man Walked Past Him in Elevator, Sparking Online Buzz

Davido has stirred conversation online after reacting to a viral video in which a man appeared to walk past him in an elevator without acknowledging him. The singer took to his X account and wrote: “You wey dem pursue … 😵‍💫”, leaving the meaning of the post open to interpretation. Aura for Aura in Abuja City, Moment a guy walked past Davido in an elevator😂. Yenking 001 😂 pic.twitter.com/7rhR4TV5ZE — 🐝zzyyNotFound (@_Sokowonci_) December 16, 2025 Although he did not confirm if it was a direct reference to the clip, the timing of his reaction has led many netizens to connect the two. Fans and social media users have since speculated about the post, with some interpreting it as a lighthearted jab at the moment captured in the video, while others believe it comments on the nature of chasing fame and attention.

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