2027: Don’t Let Past Failures Lead to Apathy, YPP Urges Nigerians By Enock Damidami | Sele Media Africa Abuja — The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has called on Nigerians — especially the youth — not to let past political disappointments and setbacks dampen their enthusiasm or participation in the 2027 general elections. The party warned that voter apathy and disengagement could undermine democratic progress and rob citizens of the opportunity to influence national leadership. [1]In its appeal, the YPP emphasised that collective action and active involvement in the political process remain vital to achieving inclusive governance, accountability, and youth empowerment, which are core pillars of the party’s ideology.

In his New Year message shared across official channels, Akpabio emphasised that rhetoric which sows discord or promotes false messianic narratives could undermine Nigeria’s democratic process and social stability. He encouraged political actors and citizens alike to focus on ideas, responsibility, and respect for national unity rather than using tactics that deepen divisions. [1]“As political activities intensify, Nigerians must remain discerning and avoid language or actions that divide us,” the Senate President said, underscoring the importance of peaceful engagement and collective progress in the year ahead. [1]Akpabio’s appeal comes at a time when political tensions are rising across the country, with stakeholders calling for heightened vigilance and responsible discourse to safeguard democratic values and ensure a peaceful electoral cycle.

BREAKING: Nigeria to Play Mozambique on Jan 5 in AFCON Round of 16 By Enock Damidami | Sele Media AfricaMorocco — Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been confirmed to face Mozambique in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled for Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Fez Stadium in Fez, Morocco. The Round of 16 fixture was determined after the conclusion of the group stage, with Nigeria finishing top of Group C — securing three wins from three matches — and Mozambique qualifying as one of the best third‑placed teams from Group F.

EFCC Arraigns Bauchi Finance Commissioner Over N5.79 billion Money Laundering Reported by Sele Media Africa| Ihuoma Amarachi ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally arraigned Yakubu Adamu, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, before a Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of alleged money laundering involving N5.79 billion. The charges were read before Justice Emeka Nwite on Tuesday, marking a major development in the ongoing anti‑graft crackdown in the country. [1]According to court documents and an EFCC statement, Adamu and a company — Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Limited — were arraigned on a six‑count charge of money laundering contrary to Section 21(a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

No Going Back on January 1 Tax Law Commencement — Tinubu Reported by Sele Media Africa|Ihuoma Amarachi ABUJA, NIGERIA —President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has affirmed that Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws will come into force on January 1, 2026 as scheduled, dismissing calls for delays or reversal of the timeline amid ongoing public debate and concerns. Tinubu described the reforms as a “once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity” to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal framework and emphasised that the commencement date is non‑negotiable.[1] In an official State House statement, the President explained that the tax laws — part of a broader overhaul that includes the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, and other related fiscal reforms — are not designed to increase tax burdens, but rather to support a structural reset, harmonise the tax system, and strengthen the social contract between government and citizens.

NUC Okays 17 Degree Programmes for Fortune University, Ondo Reported by Sele Media Africa|Ihuoma Amarachi IBGOTAKO, ONDO STATE — The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved 17 new undergraduate degree programmes for the University of Fortune in Igbotako, Ondo State, ahead of the 2025/2026 academic session.The approval was conveyed in a letter dated December 29, 2025, signed by the Acting Director of Academic Planning, Abubakar M. Girei, on behalf of the NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu. [1]According to the commission’s approval, the programmes are spread across four faculties with a total admission quota of 800 students.

NAICOM Insists Recapitalisation Deadline Stands, Rules Out Extension Reported by Sele Media Africa|Ihuoma Amarachi ABUJA, NIGERIA —The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has reaffirmed that the recapitalisation deadline set for insurance and reinsurance firms in Nigeria remains unchanged, ruling out any possibility of an extension. The Commission stated clearly that the deadline is backed by law and that all firms are expected to comply or face regulatory consequences.This declaration was made by NAICOM's Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Sunday Thomas , during a media briefing, where he stressed that compliance with the recapitalisation policy is non-negotiable.

Cashew export ban could deepen poverty, hurt non-oil earnings- Farmers Reported by Sele Media Africa|Ihuoma Amarachi Farmers suggested that instead of banning exports, the government should prioritise investment in processing infrastructure, including the establishment of at least five functional processing plants across major producing states. Stakeholders also warned that without adequate processing capacity, most of Nigeria’s output would go to waste, leading to collapsed farms, destroyed livelihoods, and fewer opportunities for rural workers and women thereby harming the broader non‑oil export value chain. Similar warnings from Kogi stakeholders highlight that a ban could result in massive unemployment and devastate the agricultural economy if adopted without careful planning.

Nigerians Plunged Into Darkness as National Grid Collapses Again! Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa Millions of Nigerians were left without electricity on Monday afternoon, December 29, 2025, after the national power grid suffered yet another collapse — the latest in a string of failures that continue to cripple the country’s energy sector. What Happened The collapse reportedly occurred around 1:15 PM, with electricity distribution companies confirming a sudden drop in supply to nearly zero megawatts. Areas affected include Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Enugu, among others.

How to Resolve Electricity Supply Complaints — NERC Explains Reported by Sele Media Africa|Ihuoma Amarachi ABUJA, NIGERIA —The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has outlined the official steps for electricity consumers to resolve complaints about power supply, billing, meter issues or service delivery under the Customer Complaints and Redress Procedure. These steps empower customers to seek resolution from their Distribution Companies (DisCos) up to the national regulator if necessary. [1] Step 1 – Complain to Your Distribution Company (DisCo) The first point of call for any electricity issue — such as frequent outages, estimated billing, faulty meters or poor service — is the Customer Complaints Unit (CCU) of the DisCo responsible for your area.

Panic as Gunmen Attack Kebbi Community Reported by Sele Media Africa|Ihuoma Amarachi KANO / KEBBI STATE — Residents of the Gebbe community in Shanga Local Government Area, Kebbi State, were thrown into panic on Monday after gunmen launched a deadly attack, firing sporadically and forcing many residents to flee their homes in search of safety. [1] According to eyewitnesses, the assault began without warning, with attackers opening fire across the community, causing widespread fear and confusion. Survivors reported that several people were feared killed and many others injured, although the exact number of casualties remains unclear as many residents fled to neighbouring villages and nearby bushes.[1]Confirming the incident, the Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said security operatives have been deployed to the area to assess the situation and determine the extent of the loss of lives and injuries.

Atiku Sympathises with Anthony Joshua After Deadly Car Crash! Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed heartfelt sympathy to British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua following a tragic car accident in Ogun State that claimed two lives. What He Said In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Atiku wrote: “Deeply saddened to hear of the car accident involving our boxing champion Anthony Joshua. My thoughts are with him and the families of the victims who lost their lives. May they find peace, and may Anthony recover fully.”

PHOTOS: Anthony Joshua in Road Crash — Two Die in Ogun State! Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa World‑renowned British‑Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious road accident on Monday along the Lagos‑Ibadan Expressway in Makun, Ogun State, in which two people tragically lost their lives. [1] What Happened The crash occurred around 11:00 a.m. local time when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua collided with a stationary truck near the Danco Filling Station, Makun. [1] Anthony Joshua, 36, sustained minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, according to the Ogun State Police Command.

SERAP Sues Governors, Wike Over N14 trillion Fuel‑Subsidy Savings Reported by Sele Media Africa| Ihuoma Amarachi ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Socio‑Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated legal action against Nigeria’s 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, demanding transparency and accountability for an estimated N14 trillion in fuel‑subsidy savings reportedly collected through Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements since the removal of fuel subsidies. [1] In Freedom of Information (FOI) requests dated October 4, 2025, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged the governors and Wike to publicly disclose “the spending details of the estimated N14 trillion fuel‑subsidy savings,” including information about the locations of projects, their implementation status and completion reports, if any.

BREAKING: Nollywood Actress Allwell Ademola Dies at 43! Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning after news broke that Nollywood actress, producer, director and filmmaker Allwell Ademola has died at the age of 43. [1] What Happened Allwell Ademola reportedly died on Saturday, December 27, 2025, in Lagos, at the age of 43. [1] Entertainment sources say she suffered a heart attack at her residence and was subsequently rushed to Ancilla Hospital in Agege, where she was pronounced dead. [2]

BREAKING: United States Launches Airstrike on Islamic State Militants in Nigeria — Trump Confirms! Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa In a dramatic and unexpected military action, the United States has carried out airstrikes targeting Islamic State‑linked militants in north‑west Nigeria, President Donald Trump announced — marking a significant escalation in international counterterrorism cooperation. [1] What Happened President Donald Trump said the U.S. military launched “powerful and deadly” airstrikes against ISIS (Islamic State) militants in Sokoto State on Christmas Day, describing the militants as having “targeted and viciously killed, primarily, innocent Christians.” [1]

Airstrike: Shehu Sani Welcomes Action, Cautions on Foreign Dependence By Enock Damidami | Sele Media Africa Former senator Shehu Sani has welcomed recent airstrikes targeting terrorist elements in northwest Nigeria as a meaningful action against extremist groups, but cautioned that Nigeria must not over‑rely on foreign military assistance for its long‑term security. The comments were made following reports of U.S. military involvement in coordinated strikes that targeted Islamic State‑affiliated militants in Sokoto State. [1]Reacting on social media, Sani described the operation as a “conscionable action” if indeed executed in cooperation with Nigerian authorities.

Cambodia Says Thailand Escalated Strikes During Border Talks By Enock Damidami | Sele Media Africa Phnom Penh — Cambodia has accused Thailand of intensifying military strikes along their disputed border even as officials from both countries engage in ceasefire and peace talks aimed at ending deadly clashes that have flared in recent weeks. [1]According to the Cambodian Defence Ministry, Thai forces carried out heavy bombardment on disputed border areas in Banteay Meanchey province, deploying assets including F‑16 fighter jets to drop bombs near contested villages. The alleged escalation occurred while diplomatic engagements — including meetings between defence officials — were underway to negotiate a halt to the conflict.

Christmas: Soludo’s Son Clears Medical Bills of Patients in Anambra By Enock Damidami | Sele Media Africa In the spirit of Christmas, Ozonna Soludo, son of Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has paid off medical bills for patients at multiple health facilities in Anambra State. The philanthropic gesture brought relief to families unable to settle hospital expenses, allowing several patients to be discharged in time for the holidays. The act of kindness took place at public hospitals including the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) in Awka, where over a dozen patients had been stranded due to outstanding payments.

Ireland College to Honour Nigerian Student with Distinction Award Reported by Selecting Media Africa|Ihuoma Amarachi DUBLIN, IRELAND — Prestigious Irish institution, Trinity College Dublin, has announced that it will confer the Trinity QQI Distinction Award on Oluwajomiloju Adeparusi, a Nigerian student, in recognition of his exceptional academic performance and outstanding contributions to student life.The award, given annually, recognises students who graduate with distinction-level results through the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) pathway and who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to community engagement. According to Irish media reports, Adeparusi distinguished himself not only academically but also as a student leader and active volunteer in cross-cultural programmes.

Presidency Dismisses Claims of Gbajabiamila’s Replacement as Chief of Staff Reported by Sele Media Africa |Ihuoma Amarachi ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Nigerian Presidency has officially dismissed as false the viral social media claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri‑Okunola. The clarification was released in a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. [1]According to the Presidency, the widespread reports circulating on various social platforms are completely unfounded and should be disregarded in their entirety.

Christmas: Police Deploy 1,000 Officers Across Borno After Mosque Bomb BlastReported by Sele Media Africa|Ihuoma Amarachi BORNO STATE– In response to the recent mosque bombing in Borno that claimed several lives and raised nationwide concern, the Borno State Police Command has announced the deployment of over 1,000 officers across the state to ensure security during the Christmas celebrations.Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Yusufu, confirmed the deployment on Sunday, stating that the move is part of intensified efforts to safeguard places of worship, markets, and other public areas following the December 23rd suicide bombing at a mosque in Gwoza, which killed at least 20 people and injured many more.He added that special attention is being given to churches and Christian communities to ensure worshippers can observe the holiday without fear.

Kano Distributes Personal Protective Equipment to Health Facilities Reported by Sele Media Africa|Ihuoma Amarachi KANO STATE – The Kano State Government has commenced the distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to health facilities across the state’s 44 local government areas, as part of its ongoing commitment to improving public health safety and infection control.The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Yusuf, disclosed this during a flag-off ceremony at the state medical warehouse, stating that the initiative is aimed at protecting frontline health workers and strengthening the healthcare system’s resilience against disease outbreaks, including Lassa fever, COVID-19, and other infectious diseases.

Deputy Senate President Mourns Death of Two Kano Lawmakers Reported by Sele Media Africa| Ihuoma Amarachi ABUJA — Nigeria's Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of two Kano State lawmakers, Aminu Saad Ungogo and Sarki Aliyu Daneji, who both passed away on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, in separate incidents.Barau, who also represents Kano North Senatorial District, described their deaths as a huge loss to Kano State and the nation at large. In a condolence message released by his media aide, Barau praised the lawmakers’ dedication to public service, saying they were committed voices for the development of Kano and the betterment of their constituents.

Borno Mosque Explosion Unacceptable — PDP Slams FG Reported by Sele Media Africa |Ihuoma Amarachi ABUJA —The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the recent explosion at a mosque in Borno State, describing the incident as both "unacceptable”and a tragic failure of the Federal Government to secure lives and property in the country’s northeastern region.In a statement issued by PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the party expressed deep concern over the persistent loss of lives due to insurgency and terrorism, asserting that the rising wave of insecurity under the current administration reflects "gross leadership failure.”The opposition party called on President Bola Tinubu’s government to take urgent, transparent, and decisive action to prevent further bloodshed.