Angry mob attacks Zamfara lawmaker over neglect of constituents
An angry mob on Wednesday attacked a member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly in Dansadau town, Maru Local Government Area, over allegations of poor representation and neglect of his constituents. The lawmaker, Kabiru Mikailu, who represents Maru South Constituency, was reportedly assaulted by residents while accompanying Governor Dauda Lawal on a visit to the violence-prone community. Residents accused Mikailu...
‘I inherited a mess’: Trump promises economic boom, slams Biden in nationwide broadcast
United States President Donald Trump has promised Americans an economic boom in an address to the nation. Trump, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, blamed Democratic predecessor Joe Biden for high prices of items in the United States. "Good evening America. 11 months ago I inherited a mess, and I'm fixing it," the 79-year-old president said in his live speech from the...
CAN blasts Ini Edo over Christmas movie title
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has criticised the title of Nollywood actress Ini Edo’s new movie, ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’, describing it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith. CAN made this known in a statement issued by its president, Daniel Okoh, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The association said the film title undermines the spiritual significance of Christmas,...
Ecuador defender Mario Pineida shot dead
Ecuador defender Mario Pineida was shot dead in the port city of Guayaquil on Wednesday. Pineida’s club, Barcelona SC, confirmed his death on Wednesday night. "We regret to inform, with deep sorrow, that it has been officially notified of the death of our player Mario Pineida, an event that occurred following an attack against him in Guayaquil,” the club wrote on...
Carabao Cup semi-final: Newcastle face Man City as Chelsea await Arsenal or Crystal Palace
Holders Newcastle will face Manchester City in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup after both clubs progressed in Wednesday night's quarter-finals. The other semi-final will see Chelsea play either Arsenal or Crystal Palace. Their quarter-final tie will be held next Tuesday at the Emirates. Chelsea will host the first leg of the two-legged semi-final at Stamford Bridge, while Newcastle will be at...
ONSA denies supplying arms to Miyetti Allah to fight banditry
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has dismissed reports claiming that the ONSA supplied weapons to a socio-cultural organisation to combat banditry. The centre was responding to online reports alleging that a member of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association arrested in Kwara State was found with a rifle purportedly issued...
Why Nollywood still struggles to access real film financing
Nigeria’s film industry remains a study in contrasts. Nollywood is a global cultural force, producing thousands of films each year, commanding audiences across Africa and the diaspora, and shaping perceptions of Nigeria worldwide. Yet financially, the industry continues to lag behind its influence. Many filmmakers are stuck in a cycle of inadequate funding, hurried productions and limited distribution, leaving an...
Debt servicing, wages swallow 105% of Nigeria’s revenue
Nigeria’s public finances came under intense pressure in the first seven months of 2025, as the Federal Government spent more on debt servicing and salaries than it earned in revenue, according to official budget documents. Data from the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP), released by the Budget Office of the Federation, show that between January and...
Nigeria bans wood exports, orders nationwide enforcement
President Bola Tinubu has signed an executive order banning the export of wood and allied products from Nigeria, as part of efforts to combat climate change and halt the rapid depletion of the country’s forest resources. The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, announced the directive at the 18th meeting of the National Council on Environment held on Wednesday in Katsina...
Stock market extends bullish trend as investors gain N245bn
The Nigerian stock market sustained its positive momentum on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, with N245 billion gain in market capitalisation. The market’s upward movement was driven by gains in equities such as Prestige Assurance, Veritas Kapital Assurance, First Holding Company, Lasaco Assurance, and 38 other stocks. The market capitalisation increased by 0.26 per cent, adding N245 billion to investors’ portfolio as...
