PHOTOS: NLC Protest Hits Lagos, Abuja, Enugu Over Rising Insecurity

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) launched a nationwide protest on December 17, 2025, to demand urgent government action over rising insecurity, with confirmed demonstrations in Abuja, Lagos, and Enugu. Led by NLC President Joe Ajaero, members gathered at key locations, including the NLC secretariat in Abuja, ahead of the rallies. Despite a late-night meeting between President Bola Tinubu and union leaders aimed at averting the protest, the NLC went ahead with its planned action. In preparation, police deployed tactical units and placed commands on high alert in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja. The protests caused disruptions in Enugu, highlighting the scale of the nationwide mobilisation. While the demonstrations were planned across the country, Taraba State has not been confirmed as a location where protests took place. So far, Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu are the only states with verified reports of active protests. The nationwide action was organised to draw attention to the worsening insecurity in Nigeria and push for immediate government intervention.

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NMDPRA Boss Farouk Ahmed Denies Issuing Response To Dangote’s Allegations

Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has denied issuing a statement circulating under his name in response to allegations made by Aliko Dangote, president and CEO of Dangote Industries Limited. In a disclaimer released on Wednesday, Ahmed said the statement did not originate from him. He acknowledged being aware of the allegations and the public reaction but emphasized that he had chosen not to respond publicly. “My attention has been drawn to a purported response I was said to have made on the recent allegations against my person. I hereby state categorically that the so-called statement did not emanate from me,” he said. Ahmed described the claims against him and his family as “wild and spurious” but said he would not engage in public disputes. “Thankfully, the person behind the allegations has taken it to a formal investigative institution. I believe that would provide an opportunity to dispassionately distill the issues and to clear my name,” he added. Dangote had accused Ahmed of economic sabotage and alleged that NMDPRA leadership was frustrating domestic refining by issuing import licences for petroleum products.

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Juma Jux Reveals He Fell In Love With Wife Priscilla Before Knowing She Was A Celebrity

Tanzanian singer Juma Jux has revealed how he fell in love with his wife, Priscilla, without realizing she was a celebrity at the time. Recalling their first encounter in Rwanda, Jux described it as “love at first sight,” saying their connection was instant. He was immediately drawn to her beauty, and they began talking, completely unaware of her fame. “I’m so happy. I’m in love. I love my wife so much. I love my family. When I first met her in Rwanda, I didn’t know she was a celebrity. I just saw her with Chioma… and I thought, wow, this girl, she’s beautiful. We started talking, and it was just amazing. Even after the basketball game, she never revealed she was famous. I saw her followers and thought, okay, she’s popular, but I didn’t know she was this big,” he said. Juma Jux added that their bond only grew stronger after a trip to Zanzibar, where they took pictures and spent time together. He credited their matchmaker, Chioma, for witnessing their love story from the very beginning. “Meeting Priscilla was love at first sight. I just knew she was the one,” he said. “I didn’t know Priscilla was a celebrity when I met her.” – Juma Jux pic.twitter.com/kJuUiG5gkq — Metro Naija (@metronaija) December 16, 2025

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Toyosi Etim Effiong Explains Why Cheating Would Not End Her Marriage

Toyosi Etim Effiong, the wife of Nollywood actor Daniel Etim Effiong, has shared that infidelity alone would not make her walk away from her marriage. She expressed this view during a recent episode of the Toke Moments podcast, where she spoke candidly about marriage, commitment and the role of faith. Toyosi explained that while cheating is serious, it is not something she considers grounds for ending her union, as her focus is more on prayer and spiritual backing. “Cheating is not a dealbreaker for me. I even created a prayer group, Wives of Entertainers Prayer Group, to pray for our husbands so that Jezebels will not carry them,” she said. According to her, rather than abandoning her marriage in the face of infidelity, she chooses to lean on faith and prayer as a way of safeguarding her home and strengthening her relationship. She also emphasized that enduring marriages are built on love, patience and effective communication, noting that both partners must be intentional about understanding each other and working together through challenges.

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Ayra Starr Praises Wizkid as Living Legend, Reveals Lessons Learned from Working with Him

At the Grammy Museum event, Ayra Starr shared her admiration for Wizkid, calling him a living legend and reflecting on the lessons she has learned from working with him. She recounted her first time collaborating with the Afrobeats superstar, admitting she was overwhelmed and in awe of his presence: “Wizkid is a legend. We all know that. Look how far we’ve come. He’s a legend. He’s a living legend.” By their second collaboration, Ayra noticed a different side of him—calm, composed, and confident. She explained how his demeanor taught her that true confidence isn’t loud, it’s quiet and assured: “He was so cool, so calm, so relaxed. He made me understand that confidence is not noise. He’s very present and confident in his mission in life, and that taught me a lot.” Her reflections highlighted the mutual respect between the two artists and the inspiration she draws from Wizkid’s approach to music and life, further strengthening her journey in the Afrobeats scene. "Wiz is a legend, we all know that! He’s a living legend. He made me understand that confidence is not noise, he’s just very calm as a human being, very present and confident in his mission in this life, and that made me learn a lot.” – Ayra Starr. pic.twitter.com/UpwGiDipev — Wizkid Source (@WizkidSource) December 17, 2025

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Four Injured As Airplane Crashes At Owerri Airport

Four people are receiving medical care after a Skypower Express plane crashed at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State. The aircraft, a Cessna 172 registered as 5N-ASR, reportedly somersaulted on the runway. According to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the plane had taken off from Kaduna International Airport heading to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an emergency mid-flight and diverted to Owerri. NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, confirmed that all four occupants survived the crash. She said airport emergency teams responded promptly, no post-crash fire occurred, and flight operations at the airport continued normally. Efforts are ongoing to remove the damaged plane from the runway to allow a full assessment of the wreckage. NSIB Director-General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said the agency has begun its investigation and is coordinating with relevant authorities. He expressed relief that there were no fatalities and promised updates as the inquiry progresses.

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Pastor Chris Okafor Marries Partner Amid Doris Ogala’s Allegations Of Broken Promise

Pastor Chris Okafor has reportedly tied the knot with his partner, stirring reactions online after actress Doris Ogala accused him of breaking a marriage promise. Ogala had earlier revealed that she and Okafor were in a relationship following her failed marriage, claiming that he failed to honour a commitment to marry her. She also stated that she has evidence supporting her claims and plans to take legal action against the pastor. Photos circulating on social media show Okafor married, leaving netizens eager to see how Ogala will respond.

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Osimhen, Lookman, Bassey, Ajibade Head Nominations for 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards

The Super Eagles trio of Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray FC, Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC, and Calvin Bassey of Fulham FC lead nominations for the 12th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards. The organizers of the awards announced this at a media gathering at the Johnwood Hotel in Abuja on Tuesday, 16 December. Speaking at the event organized to celebrate partners, members of the College of Voters, and journalists, Dr. Shina Philips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, reaffirmed organizers’ confidence in the voting process coordinated by SIAO Partners, the accounting firm that has been at the helm of the collation and auditing of the results since 2014. ‘We would like to thank SIAO Partners and express our confidence in the results that will be presented at this gathering. We have worked with SIAO Partners for over 11 years, and during this period, they have consistently demonstrated professionalism and commitment to this national project,’ Dr Philips said. Also speaking at the event, Mr. Afolabi Lawal, Senior Manager at SIAO Partners, stated that the accounting firm adhered to all due process while collating and auditing the results. While announcing the names of nominees, Dr. Ademola Olajire, the NFF Director of Media and Communications, stated that the Federation continues to support the Nigeria Pitch Awards because the award process is credible and transparent. In the King of the Pitch category, Atalanta’s striker, Ademola Lookman, the 2024 winner of the award, will face competition from Fulham defender Calvin Bassey and Galatasaray S.K. goal poacher Victor Osimhen. The Queen of the Pitch Award will be a stiff battle between Chiamaka Nnadozie of Brighton & Hove Albion Women FC, Esther Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto, and Rasheedat Ajibade of PSG Feminine. Super Eagles new defensive sensation, Benjamin Frederick (F.C.V. Dender E.H.), will hope to stave up competition from Calvin Bassey (Fulham F.C.) and Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest F.C.) for the Defender of the Year award. The Midfielder of the Year category will be a fierce competition between Alex Iwobi (Fulham F.C.), Frank Onyeka (Brentford F.C.), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), and Wilfred Ndidi (Beşiktaş J.K.). In their second nominations, Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC) and Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray S.K) will face competition from Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United) for the Rashidi Yekini Award for the Best Striker of the Year. The award for the Football Friendly Governor of the Year will be a straight contest between Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State. Dr Shina Philips also announced that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will be honoured with the Special Achievement in Sports Award at the 12th Award Ceremony. This is in recognition of the Commission’s invaluable contributions to the growth of sports through its organization of the Niger Delta Games. Detailed list of other nominees: GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR Kayode Bankole Remo Stars & TS Galaxy F.C. Maduka Okoye Udinese Calcio Stanley Nwabali Chippa United F.C. DEFENDER OF THE YEAR Benjamin Frederick F.C.V. Dender E.H. Calvin Bassey Fulham F.C. Ola Aina Nottingham Forest F.C. MIDFIELDER OF THE YEAR Alex Iwobi Fulham F.C. Frank Onyeka Brentford F.C. Raphael Onyedika Club Brugge Wilfred Ndidi Beşiktaş J.K. RASHIDI YEKINI AWARD FOR THE BEST STRIKER OF THE YEAR Ademola Lookman Atalanta BC Anas Yusuf Nasarawa United Victor Osimhen Galatasaray S.K TEAM OF THE YEAR Remo Stars F.C Rivers United F.C Super Falcons COACH OF THE YEAR Daniel Ogunmodede Remo Stars F.C Finidi George Rivers United F.C Justine Madugu Super Falcons SAM OKWARAJI AWARD Kunle Soname Bet9ja Patrick Olusegun Odegbami Nigerian Ex-International Victor Osimhen Galatasaray S.K STATE WITH THE BEST GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Delta State Kwara State Lagos State FOOTBALL PITCH OF THE YEAR Godswill Akpabio Int’l Stadium Uyo, Akwa Ibom State MKO Abiola Int’l Stadium Abeokuta, Ogun State Remo Stars Stadium Remo, Ogun State FOOTBALL FRIENDLY GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu Lagos State His Excellency, Dapo Abiodun Ogun State His Excellency, Umo Eno Akwa Ibom State CORPORATE SPONSOR OF FOOTBALL AWARD Bet9ja Sport Betting GTI Financial Financial Services MTN Nigeria Telecom SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD Bukola Olopade D.G, NSC George Aluo Chairman, NNL Hon. Kunle Soname Chairman, Remo Stars FC FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – PRINT Abiodun Adewale Punch Newspapers Johnny Edward The Nation Newspapers Charles Diya New Telegraph Newspapers FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – TV Babatunde Koiki News Central Television Cecilia Omorogbe Channels TV Mozez Praiz Supersport FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – RADIO Olawale Adigun Wash 94.9 FM/ Sure 97.5 FM Anthony Bekederemo Brila 88.9 FM Chuma Nnoli Nigeria Info FM FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – ONLINE Kunle Solaja Sportsvillagesquare.com Niyi Busari BSNSports.com.ng Samuel Ahmadu Savid News/ Nigeriafootball.ng QUEEN OF THE PITCH Chiamaka Nnadozie Brighton & Hove Albion Women Esther Okoronkwo AFC Toronto Rasheedat Ajibade PSG Feminine KING OF THE PITCH Ademola Lookman Atalanta B.C. Calvin Bassey Fulham F.C. Victor Osimhen Galatasaray S.K.

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