Tinubu Reaches Anthony Joshua After Ogun Crash, Extends Condolences

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December 30, 2025

2025-12-30 06:30:00

In a report by The Nation, President Bola Tinubu said he phoned Anthony Joshua after the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway crash that killed two members of the boxer’s team and left him injured, offering condolences and prayers.

The paper said Joshua assured the President he was receiving medical care, while Tinubu also called Joshua’s mother to console her and pray with her.

The incident has again put the spotlight on safety risks along the Lagos–Ibadan corridor during peak holiday travel, with renewed calls for stricter enforcement and faster emergency response.

Premium Times also reported the State House release, quoting that Tinubu “has spoken by telephone” with Joshua and his mother. The Nation’s own report quoted Tinubu saying, “I spoke with AJ on the phone…” as it described the calls and condolences.

Echotitbits take: Beyond the celebrity angle, the tragedy underlines persistent highway safety gaps. Watch for targeted FRSC enforcement on the Lagos–Ibadan axis and any new state-backed emergency-response upgrades in 2026.

Source: The Nation — December 29, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/tinubu-speaks-with-anthony-joshua-mother-after-tragic-ogun-crash/)

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AFRIMA Taps Falz and Liliane Maroune to Front Lagos Awards Week

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 19:00:00

In a statement obtained by Punch, AFRIMA named Nigerian rapper‑actor Falz and Moroccan‑Senegalese media personality Liliane Maroune as hosts for the 9th edition of the awards scheduled for Lagos.

The report said organisers framed the pairing as a blend of youth appeal and pan‑African identity, positioning the event as a multi‑day celebration of African music and creative enterprise.

The Lagos edition is expected to draw artists, industry executives and media, reinforcing Nigeria’s status as a central hub for Afrobeats and African pop culture.

AFRIMA’s official announcement praised the hosts’ fit for the ceremony, describing Maroune as adding “elegance, global appeal, and a strong African identity.” National Daily also reported the announcement and confirmed the Lagos schedule window, describing the edition as taking place in Lagos from “January 7 to 11, 2026.”

Echotitbits take: AFRIMA is both entertainment and cultural diplomacy for Lagos. Watch the sponsor lineup, logistics/security execution, and which categories and artists dominate as Afrobeats keeps building global momentum.

Source: The Punch — December 30, 2025 (https://punchng.com/falz-moroccan-senegalese-actress-to-host-afrima-awards/)

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Fresh Bandit Attacks Kill Residents, Spark New Abductions Across the North

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 18:00:00

According to Punch, fresh bandit attacks left multiple casualties in Kebbi and triggered abductions in Zamfara, underscoring the expanding footprint of violent groups across northern corridors.

The report said eight people were killed in attacks on communities in Kebbi, while gunmen abducted women in Zamfara in a separate incident, intensifying pressure on rural communities.

Security analysts say the speed and spread of attacks suggest persistent operational freedom for armed groups and weak inter‑state coordination.

Channels Television reported on the Kebbi assault, saying gunmen struck villages and left “eight persons” dead. Premium Times also reported a related kidnapping case in Kwara, noting abductors demanded “N500 million ransom” for five road construction workers.

Echotitbits take: These attacks show armed groups still exploit porous boundaries and local intelligence gaps. Watch for coordinated inter‑state operations, stronger rural intelligence networks, and tougher disruption of ransom logistics and cash‑out channels.

Source: The Punch — December 30, 2025 (https://punchng.com/banditry-eight-killed-in-kebbi-attack-16-abducted-in-zamfara/)

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NiDCOM Appeals for Nigerian’s Release From Saudi Detention After Settlement Steps

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 17:00:00

According to The Nation, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) is pressing Saudi authorities to release Suleiman Olufemi, saying key settlement steps have been concluded and urging final action.

The report framed the case as a diaspora‑protection issue and suggested the commission believes conditions for release are now in place following interventions and engagements.

NiDCOM says accurate public communication is critical in sensitive consular matters, particularly when legal and compensation processes are involved.

NiDCOM’s official statement said it is “setting the records straight” and added that “the blood money has been paid.” TVC News also reported the commission’s push, quoting NiDCOM’s stance and noting the paid settlement as part of the pathway to release.

Echotitbits take: The story shows how diaspora cases can drag without sustained diplomacy and clear communication. Watch for confirmation of release timing, clearer consular protocols, and whether NiDCOM uses the case to strengthen rapid‑response support for Nigerians abroad.

Source: The Nation — December 30, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/nidcom-appeals-for-release-of-suleiman-olufemi-from-saudi-prison/)

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Former AGF Malami Arraigned as EFCC Intensifies High-Profile Probes

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 16:00:00

In a report by Vanguard, the EFCC arraigned former Attorney‑General Abubakar Malami on money‑laundering allegations tied to claims of asset acquisitions and concealment of funds.

The report said prosecutors outlined an alleged scheme involving co‑defendants and corporate structures used to disguise the origin of money and acquire properties indirectly.

The case is part of a broader anti‑corruption drive targeting former senior officials and testing the strength of Nigeria’s asset‑tracing and prosecution process.

Premium Times reported that the EFCC alleges Malami and others conspired to “disguise the origin of funds” and acquire properties indirectly. TVC News highlighted a specific allegation that the defendants used a company “to conceal the unlawful source of over N1.014 billion.”

Echotitbits take: High‑profile cases rise or fall on evidence discipline and process integrity. Watch the court’s posture on compliance, the asset‑tracing trail, and whether prosecutors keep the case tight enough to survive procedural challenges.

Source: Vanguard — December 30, 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/efcc-arraigns-malami-today-for-money-laundering/)

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Geregu Power Control Shifts as MA’AM Energy Takes Majority Stake

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 14:30:00

According to Punch, MA’AM Energy has taken control of 77% of Geregu Power Plc following a restructuring that ends billionaire Femi Otedola’s indirect controlling interest.

The report said the shift followed changes around the majority shareholder structure and noted the transaction was not presented as a direct share sale on the NGX.

Geregu’s update cited in Punch said the transfer changes the controlling interest and sets up a new governance posture for one of Nigeria’s key listed generation assets.

Premium Times reported the ownership shift and cited a source saying the deal “was valued at $750 million.” In the corporate update referenced by Punch, Geregu Power stated: “As a result of this transaction, the indirect controlling interest… has been transferred to MA’AM Energy Limited.”

Echotitbits take: This is a strong signal that investors see real value in listed power assets. Watch for (1) capex commitments by the new controller, (2) governance changes, and (3) whether the move reshapes market expectations for other energy listings.

Source: The Punch — December 30, 2025 (https://punchng.com/otedola-cedes-geregu-power-control-to-maam-energy/)

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FCMB–TLG Private Debt Fund Cleared to Raise ₦20bn in New Series

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 13:30:00

According to Punch, FCMB Asset Management has received regulatory approval to issue up to ₦20bn under the FCMB‑TLG Private Debt Fund Series II, opening the door for a new fundraising cycle.

The report said the approval moves the manager from documentation into rollout, targeting investors seeking structured private‑debt exposure in Nigeria’s tightening credit environment.

Market participants see private debt funds gaining traction as investors balance yield goals with a preference for managed credit structures over direct lending.

Nairametrics reported the same approval, describing the Series II clearance as “a significant milestone” for the fund’s strategy. TheCable also carried a company‑style update stating the manager “has received regulatory approval,” referencing the execution of transaction documents following the approval.

Echotitbits take: Private debt is becoming a key middle lane between bank loans and public bonds. Watch the pricing terms, sector allocation, and whether the fund leans into ESG‑style screening or purely yield‑driven credit.

Source: The Punch — December 30, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fcmb-tlg-private-debt-fund-gets-approval-for-series-ii-issuance/)

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World Bank Warns Debt Pressures Rising, Urges Nigeria to Rethink Exports

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 12:00:00

Figures cited by Punch show the World Bank urging Nigeria and other Sub‑Saharan African economies to diversify exports and tighten fiscal management as debt burdens and servicing costs rise.

The report, linked to the International Debt Report 2025, argued that the region remains vulnerable as debt crowds out social and infrastructure spending, while higher global rates raise borrowing costs for developing countries.

Punch also highlighted the renewed pressure on sovereigns returning to Eurobond markets, even as multilateral flows continue to play a stabilising role.

The World Bank’s own International Debt Report summary describes the publication as providing “factual and timely external debt statistics and analysis” for developing countries. Reuters reporting on the same World Bank findings said debt costs for developing countries “hit a record” in 2024, underlining the impact of elevated interest rates.

Echotitbits take: The debate is shifting from “how much we borrow” to “what we borrow for, and how we earn FX to service it.” Watch whether Nigeria’s 2026 borrowing plan is matched with export‑earning reforms and tighter deficit discipline.

Source: The Punch — December 30, 2025 (https://punchng.com/debt-wbank-urges-nigeria-others-to-rethink-exports/)

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Tax Reform Faces New Headwinds as Reps Minority, Students Demand Suspension

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 10:00:00

In an update published by Punch, Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws hit fresh turbulence after the House Minority Caucus and the National Association of Nigerian Students urged the Federal Government to halt rollout amid claims of post‑passage alterations.

The report said the FCT High Court fast‑tracked hearing in a suit challenging the Acts’ authenticity and a proposed January 1, 2026 start date. Lawmakers warned that enforcement under disputed texts would undermine legislative integrity.

Punch also reported that NANS threatened protests unless implementation is suspended, while the House set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the alleged alterations.

Ametrocopy summarised the dispute and reported that the court ordered accelerated hearing, echoing that opponents want implementation paused while the text controversy is investigated, describing the case as moving on a “fast track.” Punch’s editorial stance also captured the tension, urging authorities to “correct the alleged errors and sustain the January 1, 2026, take‑off date.”

Echotitbits take: This is a credibility test for reform. If the public believes the gazetted text differs from what lawmakers passed, compliance will crater. Watch for (1) the ad hoc committee’s findings, (2) publication of Clerk‑authenticated copies, and (3) whether government negotiates a short implementation shift to rebuild trust.

Source: The Punch — December 30, 2025 (https://punchng.com/tax-laws-reps-caucus-opposes-rollout-court-battle-begins-wednesday/)

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Another Grid Crash Renews Worries Over Nigeria’s Power Reliability

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 08:30:00

Reporting by Vanguard indicates that Nigeria recorded yet another national grid collapse, plunging many customers into blackout and renewing concerns about system reliability.

The update noted that restoration efforts were underway as operators moved to stabilise supply after the latest failure. The incident adds to a string of recent collapses that have repeatedly disrupted households and businesses.

Market watchers say the frequency of failures reflects deeper fragility—tight gas supply, transmission constraints, and limited redundancy—making the system prone to cascading trips.

Premium Times reported customer advisories issued during the outage, including assurances that stakeholders were working to restore power “fully as soon as the grid is stabilised.” AllAfrica also carried an operator‑attributed account describing a “system disturbance… that led to a partial collapse,” underscoring ongoing grid fragility.

Echotitbits take: The pattern is shifting from “rare emergency” to “routine disruption.” Watch whether recovery time shortens, and whether 2026 reforms prioritise transmission resilience and gas‑supply security alongside tariff and metering debates.

Source: Vanguard — December 30, 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/nigerians-in-darkness-as-national-grid-collapses-again/)

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