Chinua Soludo, son of the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has cleared the medical bills of several patients in different hospitals across the state as part of activities marking the 2025 Christmas celebration.

The outreach, carried out on Thursday, took him to hospitals in Anaocha, Idemili South and Aguata Local Government Areas, where he paid outstanding bills for patients and assisted some with transportation fares to enable them return home for the festive season.

The hospitals visited included St. Joseph Hospital, Adazi-Nnukwu; Nnobi General Hospital; and Ekwulobia General Hospital.

During the visits, Soludo urged Nigerians to show compassion, kindness and love to the less privileged, especially those receiving medical care during the festive period, stressing that Christmas should be a time of hope and shared joy.

At St. Joseph Hospital, Adazi-Nnukwu, several patients had their medical bills settled, while some were also given transport money to reunite with their families.

One of the beneficiaries, who had been detained after discharge over an unpaid bill of N933,500, was released after Soludo paid the full amount and provided transport assistance.

Speaking during the outreach, Soludo said Christmas was a period meant for spreading love and happiness, particularly to the needy, sick and vulnerable members of society.

“For me, Christmas means reaching out to those who need help the most, the sick, the less privileged and abandoned children. They deserve to feel loved and included in the celebration,” he said.

At the Nnobi General Hospital, Soludo cleared a bill of over N120,000 for a patient treated for acute malaria, enabling the individual to return home in time for Christmas.

He also visited Ekwulobia General Hospital, where nearly 10 women benefited from the gesture, with their medical bills paid and transport fares provided.

The outreach reportedly moved many of the beneficiaries to tears, with Soludo himself visibly emotional during some of the encounters.

This is not the first time Chinua Soludo has embarked on such humanitarian efforts.

Around the same period last year, he reportedly visited the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Awka, where he paid the medical bills of several patients as part of his Christmas outreach.

Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has criticised the recent United States airstrikes on suspected terrorist camps in north-western Nigeria, warning that the operation could deepen national divisions and undermine the country’s sovereignty.

Gumi’s reaction follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump that American forces carried out what he described as “numerous deadly strikes” against Islamic State terrorists in Nigeria.

The Federal Government later confirmed that the operation was conducted jointly, with Nigeria providing intelligence support.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the collaboration involved intelligence sharing and strategic coordination, stressing that the strikes complied with international law and respected Nigeria’s sovereignty while prioritising civilian protection and national unity.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Gumi acknowledged that eliminating terrorists is consistent with Islamic teachings but argued that such actions should be carried out internally rather than by foreign powers.

He said terrorist groups should be confronted by what he described as “clean hands,” adding that the involvement of foreign countries with a history of civilian casualties could worsen the situation.

Gumi called on the Federal Government to suspend military cooperation with the United States and instead explore partnerships with what he described as neutral countries such as China, Turkey and Pakistan.

According to him, foreign military intervention could turn Nigeria into a theatre of global conflict and attract anti-US forces into the country.

“No nation should allow its territory to become a battlefield, and no nation should allow its neighbours to become its enemies,” he said.

“If Nigeria requires assistance, countries like China, Turkey and Pakistan can provide it without the baggage of imperial ambitions.”

The cleric also argued that aerial bombardments alone cannot resolve Nigeria’s security challenges, insisting that effective counter-terrorism requires sustained ground operations, which Nigeria already has the manpower to conduct.

He further urged communities affected by the airstrikes to document and share evidence of any civilian casualties.

Gumi also criticised the decision to carry out the strikes in Sokoto State, a predominantly Muslim area, describing it as symbolic and potentially provocative.

He questioned the focus on the region, arguing that areas such as Maiduguri face more immediate security threats.

According to him, framing the operation as a move to protect Christians risks inflaming religious tensions and politicising insecurity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Investigations and reactions to the airstrikes continue amid growing public debate over foreign military involvement in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.

An Enugu-based catholic priest has reportedly resigned from the priesthood, DAILY GAZETTE gathered.

Sources said the priest recently communicated his decision to step aside from active ministry, although the reasons for the move have not been officially disclosed.

The priest, simply identified as Rev. Fr. Ogbonna, who served in one of the parishes in the diocese, was said to have informed close associates and church authorities of his decision.

Another source stressed that the development remains an internal church matter and is being handled in accordance with canon law.

A cleric, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained that resignations from the priesthood, though uncommon, are not unprecedented and usually follow a period of personal reflection and engagement with ecclesiastical authorities.

“The Church has laid-down procedures for such situations, and those processes are being followed,” the source said.

Efforts to reach officials of the Enugu Catholic Diocese for confirmation were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

The Catholic Church teaches that priesthood is a sacred vocation but also recognises human frailty, encouraging pastoral care, discretion, and due process in matters involving transitions from clerical life.

An assistant parish priest of Saint Kelvin Catholic Church, Ogbaku, in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, was shot on Christmas Day by gunmen suspected to be fleeing an unknown incident.

The priest, whose identity has not been officially confirmed, was reportedly shot around 8 am while approaching the church gate for morning Mass.

A source, who requested anonymity told DAILY GAZETTE that the priest was hit in the right hand and noted that the assailant was not seen.

The gunmen appeared to have fired from a concealed, distant location, making it difficult for witnesses to identify them.

The priest was immediately rushed to an undisclosed hospital and is receiving medical care, with prayers ongoing for his recovery.

“The shooting occurred on Christmas Day when everyone was in joyous celebration,” the source said.

“The priest was entering the church gate when suddenly he was struck. It may have been a stray bullet, but no one saw who fired it. He is now receiving treatment, and prayers are being said for his survival.”

Confirming the incident, Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, stated that the matter had not been formally reported to the police.

“I am aware of the incident, although the church has not officially reported it. The Divisional Police Officer for Owerri West has visited the church to verify the claims and has requested to see the priest to assist with the investigation,” he said.

The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, also confirmed the shooting but noted that the identity of the perpetrators remains unknown.

Police investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe (née Chime), popularly known as Black Indigo or Apunanwu, a devoted Anglican Lay Reader, accomplished businesswoman, dancer, and music lover, has passed away at the age of 90.

She is survived by her children, including her first son, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, Executive Vice-Chairman of Baywood Group and founder of the SAFE (Save Awgu Forum) support group in Enugu State.

The funeral service took place at the Cathedral Church of Saint Mark’s, Isu-Awaa, Agwu, Enugu State, drawing dignitaries from across Nigeria.

Among those present were five Anglican Bishops, including Most Rev. Dr. Amos Madu, pioneer Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Rt. Rev. Paul Udege of Afikpo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Daniel Oliha of Eha-Amufu Diocese, and Rev. Dr. Afam Ugwu, pioneer Bishop of Awgu/Aninri Diocese.

Over 30 Anglican priests also attended, with two bishops represented by delegates.

During the funeral sermon, Rt. Rev. Dr. Benson Chukwunweike, Bishop of Awgu/Aninri Diocese, reminded attendees of the inevitability of death and the importance of living a righteous life.

Citing scriptures from Numbers 23:10 and Hebrews 9:27, he emphasized that every individual will be judged and that blessings outside God’s will may lead one astray.

Using biblical examples like Jacob and Judas Iscariot, the bishop urged the congregation to lead lives of integrity and submission to divine timing.

Born in 1935 into the family of the late Chimengwu of Isu-Awaa, Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe overcame challenges through hard work and faith in God.

She married the late Chief Benson Maduabuchukwu Ibe (Chinenyeze 1 of Isu-Awaa), and together they raised a family that has flourished remarkably.

Her life was described as one of fulfillment, courage and impact, earning her the affectionate title “Black Indigo.”

The Ibe family marked her passing with a series of funeral events from December 18th to 21st, 2025, collectively titled “BLACK INDIGO GOES HOME.”

In keeping with Lady Ezinne’s lifelong spirit of generosity, the family distributed food items including rice, vegetable oil and seasoning cubes to over 1,050 of the poorest families across Awgu Local Government Area.

Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, who led the charitable outreach, noted that this was a continuation of the giving legacy instilled by his late mother.

Beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude, highlighting how the support enabled them to celebrate Christmas with dignity.

The church service also saw contributions from notable personalities, including Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State, Dr. Alex Otti of Abia State, former governors, senators, and top executives from major banks.

Ambassadorial representatives from Malawi and Uganda attended, further reflecting Lady Ezinne’s broad influence and legacy.

During the service, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe announced plans to construct a two-storey guest house for the Cathedral Church of Saint Mark’s, fulfilling a request made by church leaders during the ceremony.

The remains of Lady Ezinne were later interred at her late husband’s residence in Isu-Awaa, followed by a grand reception attended by friends, dignitaries, and community members.

Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe is survived by her eight children, four daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, 32 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.