Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has expressed concern over the exclusion of the North Central Regional Commission from the 2025 proposed budgetary allocations, a move he described as troubling and in need of immediate reversal.

In a statement, Obi emphasized that the omission of the North Central Commission undermines the development and peace essential for the nation’s progress.

He pointed out that the region requires urgent attention due to the severe challenges it currently faces.

Obi highlighted the relentless terror attacks and banditry in states like Plateau, Benue, Kogi, and Niger, which have led to significant loss of life and displaced countless families into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

These ongoing crises, according to Obi, have made the North Central one of the most vulnerable regions in Nigeria.

He further stressed that the region, which serves as the agricultural backbone of the country, deserves adequate support to improve security, stability, and development for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Obi urged both the government and the National Assembly to address the omission as a matter of urgency, warning that failure to do so could have adverse consequences for the region, which plays a crucial role in the nation’s overall development.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s New Year speech, calling it a “manifesto of hopelessness” and claiming it highlights a bleak future for Nigerians under his administration.

According to the PDP, the speech reinforces their belief that the President is out of touch with the challenges facing the nation, largely due to the policies implemented by his government.

Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, made the remarks in a statement issued in Abuja.

He said, “The PDP asserts that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2025 New Year Day address confirms the fears of many Nigerians that there is no hope for the nation under his leadership.”

The party described the speech as self-congratulatory and an indication that the Tinubu-led APC government is indifferent to the suffering of Nigerians, which they argue is a direct result of poor policy execution and mismanagement.

“The President’s speech failed to offer concrete solutions to the numerous issues plaguing the country, including the soaring price of petroleum, widespread hunger, and the faltering economy. There was no mention of a clear policy direction or roadmap to tackle the urgent challenges facing critical sectors like electricity, oil and gas, road infrastructure, and food production,” Ologunagba stated.

He further criticized the speech for lacking any strategy to address unemployment or stimulate the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), which are vital to the country’s economy.

The PDP also took issue with President Tinubu’s failure to offer a definitive solution to the rising cost of fuel, emphasizing that with proper management of national resources, Nigerians should not be paying more than N350 per liter for petrol.

The party expressed concern that the President’s speech did not reflect the realities of the nation’s struggles and argued that Nigerians have lost faith in the current administration.

“Nigerians are disillusioned and looking forward to the next election to end the current nightmare of APC’s governance,” the PDP added.

PDP urged President Tinubu to reconsider his approach, urging him to listen to the concerns of Nigerians and focus more on governance that prioritizes the welfare and security of the citizens.

The Kano State Government has officially opposed the proposed tax reform bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, through his Deputy, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, made the government’s stance clear during the 2025 New Year celebration at Filin Mahaha, Kofar Naisa open theatre.

The position was conveyed in a statement issued by the Deputy Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Garba Shu’aibu.

Governor Yusuf expressed concerns that the proposed tax reform would not address the state’s economic issues.

He stated, “This tax reform bill is not the solution to our economic challenges. Kano State stands firmly against any policy that negatively impacts the welfare of our people.” He further criticized the timing of the tax hike, calling it “ill-timed, lopsided, and harmful to the unity of the country.”

Yusuf highlighted the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, especially those in the northern region, who are grappling with hyperinflation and widespread insecurity.

He called on the federal government to prioritize addressing extreme poverty and hunger in the northern states.

In his speech, the governor also pointed to his administration’s successes in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and international scholarship programs.

He reminded residents of the Supreme Court ruling in January 2024 that reaffirmed his election as the legitimate governor of Kano State.

The Deputy Governor, Gwarzo, also touched on the reinstatement of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II in 2024, celebrating it as a triumph for the people’s will.

He emphasized that the power to appoint an Emir rests solely with the Governor of Kano State and urged respect for the law and peaceful coexistence, especially among those involved in the Kano Emirate’s affairs.

Deputy Governor Gwarzo concluded by encouraging the people of Kano to remain united and optimistic for the future, saying, “Let 2025 be a year of shared prosperity and progress. Together, we will build a stronger Kano.

On Wednesday, January 1, 2025, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu marked the arrival of the first baby born in Abuja at the Asokoro District Hospital.

Favour Stephen Odion, a baby girl, was born at exactly 12:27 am to Mr. Odion Oyinbo and Mrs. Chioma Odion.

The First Lady, represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, also welcomed other newborns at the hospital, including the first baby boy of the year, Zimchikachim Ejiofor, born to Mr. Ejiofor Nworie and Mrs. Delight Nworie at 7:14 am.

As part of the New Year tradition, the First Lady extended her well-wishes to Favour and the other newborns, presenting them with gifts such as post-natal care products, nutritional supplies, and cash.

She also prayed for the children’s well-being, health, and prosperity, expressing hope for a bright future for the next generation.

In her remarks, the First Lady encouraged the mothers to prioritize proper care, including exclusive breastfeeding, immunization, and regular post-natal check-ups, emphasizing the quality of care available at the Asokoro General Hospital.

She also presented birth certificates to both Favour and Zimchikachim and offered congratulations to other mothers in the hospital’s maternity ward.

Dr. Rosemary Nwokorie, the acting Chief Medical Director of Asokoro District Hospital, commended the ongoing efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to improve Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in the areas of maternal and child health.

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has explained his decision to attend an event organized by Labour Party (LP) legislator Nkemkanma Kama, stating that politics should not be seen as enmity.

Nwifuru made this comment on Monday during an empowerment programme held in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area, which was organized by Kama, who represents the Ohaoazara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The governor emphasized that politics should focus on collaboration for the betterment of the state and the country, rather than fostering division.

“Kama is supposed to be my enemy as he belongs to another party, but he has turned out to be my friend,” Nwifuru said. “After election comes governance. That is why I came with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, including its chairman,” he added.

Nwifuru further stated that Kama had aligned with this philosophy by supporting his administration, reinforcing the spirit of cooperation.

Kama, for his part, expressed his gratitude to the governor and the APC leaders who attended the event, acknowledging the bond of friendship and brotherhood shared with Nwifuru.

“I also thank the leadership of the House of Representatives and stakeholders of the constituency as their selflessness and commitment testify to the communal spirit in us,” Kama remarked.