The Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Timothy Osadolor, has expressed optimism that the party is coming back to power in 2027.

The PDP chieftain submitted that the 2027 election would be bigger than a protest but assured the party won’t entertain violence.

According to him, the PDP would not only win the 2027 election convincingly, but would also send the All Progressives Congress (APC) into political oblivion.

Naija News reports Osdolor made the submission during an interview with Daily Independent, which was published on Monday.

Apart from pushing the APC out of power, Osadolor added that the PDP would do enough to ensure the party is unable to regroup or mount a comeback.

To be able to achieve this, he, however appealed to the PDP leadership and members to adopt collaborative efforts and present a credible candidate for the 2027 election.

“With the right networking, messaging and collaboration, with a credible candidate, PDP will win convincingly. 2027 election is going to be like a revolt. It’s going to be bigger than a protest, even better as it will not be violent, but everyone will be at the polling unit with their cards to send APC into political abyss. We will be gracious to send chillers and freezers along so they can freeze whatever plans they have to protest, regroup, or want to come back to the government in this country,” he said.

Popular Nigerian comedian and actor, Woli Arole is mourning the demise of his beloved father.

The comedian-turned-preacher shared a photo of himself and his late father, accompanied by a deeply emotional tribute.

With a mix of sadness and acceptance, Arole expressed his grief, stating that his father’s demise was a testament to God’s will.

He fondly remembered his last moments with his father, filled with joy, prayers, and fun, and took comfort in the legacy his father left behind – himself.

Woli Arole’s emotional tribute was a celebration of his father’s life, acknowledging the profound impact he had on his own life and career.

He wrote:

“It has pleased the LORD to receive my FATHER in GLORY.

It’s in total submission to the will of GoD to announce the demise of my Father, my HERO and my ROLE MODEL.

I am happy I spent your last moments with you in JOY, PRAYERS and FUN. Rest well Baba Jimmy.

Happy you left a LEGACY and that LEGACY is ME!!!!!!

I would miss you so MUCH!!!!!”

There was a gas explosion in the Orazi axis of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Over 20 persons, including a pregnant woman, four children, and a couple sustained varying injuries.

The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, January 4, 2025, near a densely populated area in Orazi called ‘Big Tree’.

Many of the victims including residents and some passers-by suffered severe burns and were rushed to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt. A graphic video posted by an eyewitness shows some of the victims with severe burns.

It was learnt that the explosion occurred in a gas refilling shop when a technician who runs the place was said to be fixing a faulty cylinder.

Immediately, the cylinder exploded, and it affected other cylinders inside the shop, triggering multiple explosions, even as the welder was the first victim.

It was further gathered that the resulting fire affected some surrounding buildings as most of the occupants fled for their lives, even as firefighters who later arrived had a hectic time before putting out the inferno.

Speaking to newsmen, a relative of one of the victims who did not want his name in print said the owner of the shop has been selling gas for years now.

He said his in-law and her husband, who were affected in the explosion, were rushed to the hospital for treatment, lamenting that they have spent over N500,000 already.

“I was just called in the evening about the incident because my sister-in-law and the husband are involved. When my wife picked up the call her countenance changed immediately,” he narrated.

“So I asked what happened. She said it was a gas explosion and that her sister was at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. I lost my appetite and immediately drove to the hospital. I know how Orazi is. there are many shops scattered all over just for people to survive.”

While hinting on the cause of the incident, the relative said, “But there is somebody who also refills their cylinders. He has been there for some time now and he is also doing welding work.

"Sometimes you will see him welding perforated cylinders without following the normal procedure. Maybe he feels that because the cylinder is empty you can carry out any work but it is not done that way.
 
"So as a result of that the gas exploded and affected the cylinders inside. The other families affected were my brother-in-law, the wife, their two children and himself. They just came back from evangelism.

"They just branched to say hi and that was how they joined. One of my uncles was just passing by and stopped to greet his two grandchildren with him. He too was affected. That was how it happened.

"They are all at the intensive unit taking treatment. So far about N500, 000 has gone for drugs and other treatment. We are not talking about the children. We are running my uncle’s expenses while some other person is running that of the children. It is quite unfortunate what we are seeing this January.”

Another source who called a Radio Station on Sunday evening to report the incident said a pregnant woman was affected in the explosion.

"About 20 people were burnt, but no death. Let the government come to their aid because this is the beginning of the year,” he pleaded.

Spokesperson of the state police command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident, saying 18 injured persons are receiving treatment in the hospital.

“Yes I can confirm the incident. It was a technician repairing a Fridge carrying a gas cylinder to weld the fridge when it exploded. 18 persons were injured but no life was lost. The man himself was injured. They are all in the hospital receiving treatment. We (the police) have commenced an investigation to find out more,” she added.

Popular Nigerian Pastor and singer, Nathaniel Bassey, has clarified that he was not invited to perform at President-elect, Donald Trump’s inauguration scheduled for January 20th.

Reports circulated across online platforms and traditional media claiming Bassey would be among other international Christian singers performing at Trump’s inauguration.

The Akwa Ibom Cleric, however, clarified that he was not invited to perform at Trump’s inauguration. He explained that the Presidential Prayer Breakfast was a non-official and non-governmental event.

He stated that it has always been hosted once every four years, preceding the inauguration ceremonies of new presidents of the United States of America.

The ‘Onise Iyanu’ singer said while the Presidential Prayer Breakfast is held on behalf of incoming presidents of the US, it has no attachment to the incoming president.

“The Presidential Prayer Breakfast is a non-official and non-governmental event. It is a Faith Based platform where intercessory prayers and worship are offered to God on behalf of the office of the president and government of the nation.

“This event is held once in four years preceding the inauguration ceremony as a breakfast prayer meeting ahead of every new administration. And over the years has been attended by leaders and dignitaries from around the world

“Please note, The Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfasts is not the Inauguration as reported by blogs and some online platforms,” Pastor Bassey said.

A new initiative has been introduced by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) which allows students to resit their WASSCE papers as early as January and February 2025.

This is a major departure from the previous system, where candidates had to wait for the next private exam cycle.

WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, announced the new programme, dubbed WASSCE PC1, during an appearance on JoyNews’ AM Show in Ghana on Tuesday, December 31.

Popular Nigerian skitmaker, Mark Angel Comedy, has opened up about how he lost the sum of $3.7 million in forex in 2024 and considered ending it all.

Mark, in a lengthy post via his Instagram page on Sunday, said that his money loss led him to drown in debts as he watched his properties slip into the hands of loan sharks.

The skitmaker said he felt like his world was crumbling before he received help from his family members.

Mark Angel added that while he was still trying to heal, undergoing therapy to recover from the trauma, he was hit by a scandal which shook the foundation of his career and questioned the loyalty of those around him.

The post read, “The year 2024 began like every other year, but I had no idea how much it would test me how much it would break me, yet ultimately reshape me. It was the year I lost everything. I trusted the wrong hands in forex and lost all my money. Nobody knew except my family and closest circle. The weight of the loss, over $3.7 million was suffocating. I was drowning in debts, and one by one, I watched all my properties slip into the hands of loan sharks. It felt like my world was crumbling, and I considered ending it all in my darkest moments.

“But God… If not for His mercies, I wouldn’t be here writing this. He sent angels into my life when I needed them the most. Blessing, my friend who became family, never gave up on me. My pastor and his wife stood by me, praying and guiding me. My daughters, Victoria and Mila, reminded me of the beauty of life, even when it felt unbearable. My ex-wife Mandy extended a hand of kindness I will never forget. My son, Schoolboy, showed me strength beyond his years. And Bright, my social media assistant, stood as a pillar in moments I thought I’d collapse.

“While I was still trying to heal, undergoing therapy to recover from the trauma, life dealt another blow. A scandal hit, shaking the foundation of my career and questioning the loyalty of those around me. It was in that storm that God began to uncover the truth. He exposed the fake friends, the pretenders, and the ones who had been silently sabotaging my peace and my circle. It was painful, but it was necessary.

“2024 was the hardest year of my life, but it was also the year God drew me closer to Him. Through the ashes, He taught me resilience, faith, and the true meaning of grace. I don’t take it for granted that I’m alive today. To everyone who stood with me, prayed for me, and held me up when I had no strength left, thank you.

“Here’s to God’s unwavering faithfulness. If 2024 taught me anything, it’s that even in the darkest valleys, His light never stops shining.”

See Post Below;

Iyabo Ojo, the Nigerian actress, has expressed regret over her involvement in the exhumation of the body of Mohbad, the late singer.

Ilerioluwa Aloba better known as Mohbad died under mysterious circumstances on September 12, 2023, and was buried the following day.

However, on September 21, 2023, his body was exhumed by the police for an autopsy.

In May 2024, the pathologist in charge of the autopsy revealed that the cause of death could not be determined due to the decomposition of his body.

A toxicology report showed that Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, was found in his system. However, it was not in a lethal concentration.

In an interview with Biola Bayo, her colleague, Iyabo Ojo, who had called for justice in the singer’s death, shared her regrets regarding the situation.

She expressed regret over the delays caused by the exhumation and ongoing disputes within Mohbad’s family. She said: 

“I did my best. If I knew Mohbad’s case would turn out this way, I wouldn’t have requested that he be exhumed.”

“He hasn’t been buried till now. The dad says he wants a DNA test done, and I hear the court has granted that now but I hear the dad has conditions again.”

Iyabo Ojo explained that her intention in requesting the exhumation was to facilitate an autopsy to uncover the cause of Mohbad’s death and ensure justice.

She stated that she made efforts to push for investigations, but “various theories and distractions” shifted the focus away from the pursuit of justice. The actress added:

“I just wanted his body exhumed so they could do the autopsy, find out the cause of his death.”

“I did my best to make sure everyone was investigated but when they came up with different theories, DNA became their target and was more important.”

In October 2023, Joseph Aloba, Mohbad’s father, vowed that Mohbad would not be reburied until a DNA test was conducted on Liam, the singer’s son.

He also called on the police to probe Omowunmi, Mohbad’s wife, to unravel the cause of the singer’s death.

In December 2023, Wunmi agreed to the DNA test but requested it be conducted at three hospitals.

She also accused her father-in-law of bullying her and Liam on social media and seeking to claim Mohbad’s properties.

STRONG indications have emerged that more governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP may move to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2027 general election.

Vanguard gathered that moves by the PDP governors to dump their party may not be in connection with lingering and unresolved crisis in the party, especially with the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party and also in some states and zonal levels.

According to a source, the prelude to the defection is the fact that while some governors have begun visits to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, others are inviting him for the commissioning of projects in their respective states where discussions are said to be ongoing.

Also, the chairman of progressives governors and Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, is alleged to be involved in the wooing of the governors as part of moves to enlarge the coast of his party.

Recall that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State who recently asked Deltans to support President Bola Tinubu, had said one of the major communication policy thrusts of his administration was to consistently support the administration of President Tinubu as he continues to deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda for the betterment of Nigerians, including Deltans.

Oborevwori, who was represented by his Commissioner for Information, Ifeanyi Osuoza, stated this at the opening ceremony of the 5th Edition of Delta State Communication Workshop, with the theme, “Advancing Delta: Strategies for Public Communication and Effective Media Management,’’ in Asaba.

Also recall that President Tinubu had last weekend, praised Enugu State governor, Dr Peter Mbah, for his leadership style and commitment to development, describing him as a focussed and result-oriented leader.

Tinubu, who spoke during his first official visit to Enugu State, where he commissioned several projects, said Mbah was doing a fantastic job and expressed happiness that Enugu was making great strides.

He said: “I salute Peter Mbah for his commitment to development. You’ve built a solid team and I’ve reviewed a number of things with you in Abuja.

“You’ve impressed me with the technological advancements in the state and the support you’ve garnered from the private sector. I know your background.’’

Similarly, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State was among the first callers to visit President Tinubu at his Bourdilon, Lagos house in the spirit of Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Come clean of rumours of alleged plans to decamp to APC, PDP leaders tell Delta gov
Meanwhile, a group, under the aegis of concerned leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, has urged Oborevwori to come clean of rumours of alleged plans to dump his party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC, to secure his governorship seat ahead of 2027 general elections.

In an open letter to the governor, a copy of which was made available yesterday, the group said it had become imperative for Oborevwori to intimate them of his position, as that would reassure them about their future in the PDP.

The letter, titled “Open letter to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to confirm the rumours of his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC,” was signed by Theophilus Ekiyor; Ochuko Oghenekome and Ezekiel Chukwudi respectively.

The letter read: “We, the concerned Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, are compelled to address you in this open letter regarding the very disturbing rumours of your alleged plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC, to secure your governorship seat ahead of 2027 general elections.

“The rumour mills are agog with stories of your intention of cross-carpeting to the ruling party at the centre, the All Progressives Congress, APC.

“That you have been secretly romancing top aides of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Top presidential aide and allies of the President mentioned as your point men for your new venture include; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila and Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who are now working to facilitate a meeting between you and President Tinubu on this self-seeking agenda.

“Your ultimate goal, as pointed out by those close to you, is to obtain approval to join the APC. In this regard, we are deeply troubled by these flying and unconfirmed rumours.

“We, therefore, demand prompt clarification from you to put us in the picture. A delayed response could be considered as glaring evidence of your compromised position.”

The long-embraced and intoxicated lifestyle of using smartphones has persisted in Nigeria, despite the various economic downturns the country has been experiencing over the years.

But many citizens, who preferred buying brand-new smartphones instead of used phones, due to issues of phone thefts, according to Economy&Lifestyle investigation, are now opting for foreign used ones, because of the fast depreciating values of the recent crop of new phones.

According to Mr. Vincent Ibeh, a car dealer, those new smartphones manufactured now depreciate fast, unlike before when you can use a phone for two to three years and still pass it on to another person.

“I bought a phone, a few months ago for N160,000 and, within six months, the charging point started having issues.

“Then it was the battery. That was how the phone got to the point of damage.
“A friend now told me that I bought a repackaged phone.

“He advised me to buy a foreign used one. I had to tell a friend who travelled to buy me a new Android phone, while I was managing the small one I had.

“Since I started using the phone, I have not had any issues.

“How will sellers not repackage old smart phones? The money to restock is no longer there. The economy has gotten to a state where even the content of a cube of maggi needs to be queried.

“Fake and adulterated products are everywhere just because people want to make money by force.
“It is the masses like me that fall victim to all these at the end.

“Nigeria has gotten to a stage where people don’t even have confidence in our locally made goods.”

Mrs. Florence Johnson, a business woman, complained that she bought a brand new smart phone and its battery life stands at 60 per cent after six months of usage when compared to the lower grade of the brand whose life still stands at 75 per cent after two years of usage.

“I had to fall back to the old one because it was bought outside the country.

“Sometimes I wonder why we as an end user of a country are always thrown at things that have less quality.

“All these phone factories in Nigeria are not helping matters.

“Today, you will see different models of phones produced in the space of three months.

“When you patronize these phones, you end up using it for less than a year and not even up to their claimed one year warranty given to the customer.

“It is high time the government looked into this issue because people spend higher amounts buying these phones and end up with something not worth the value of their money.

“Many of my friends have experienced this also and have switched to buying foreign used phones or asking someone to buy it for them when coming home.”

Mrs. Kehinde Salami lamented the problem she had last year when she bought a new phone and after a few weeks it started malfunctioning.

“I bought the phone from a phone hub. On getting home a few weeks later the phone started hanging.

“All attempts to return the phone were futile as the attendant told me there was nothing wrong with the phone.

“The screen got blind in three months and before you know it the battery got weak.
“I had to tell my sister abroad to get me a new phone.

“This is it. I have been using it and have had no issue with it.”

Mr. Olawale Omoniyi an electrical engineer said most of the new phones are fairly used old faulty ones that are being repaired, repackaged and put up for sale as new ones.

“The phones are Nigerian used phones, that are repaired and repackaged.

“Some have been faulty from the store and what they do is repair it and repackage it like a new one .

“When you buy such a phone and use it for five to six months, it starts having issues like getting hot, screen going blind, earpiece going bad among others.

“I don’t buy new phones. I go for foreign used phones.

“Some foreign used smartphones even come with a pack while some don’t.”

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Kemi Badenoch, member of the House of Parliament and Opposition Leader of the Conservative Party, and Tony Elumelu, chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) have been recognised among the 100 Most Reputable Africans for 2025.

The list which was released on Sunday by Reputation Poll International (RPI), in partnership with the Global Reputation Forum, had the names of other notable Nigerians and African leaders.

The list featured men and women from diverse sectors across the continent who had excelled in technology, creative industries, sports, public service, academia and environmental advocacy.

National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu who also made the list has his nomination stemming from his leadership of the nation’s security apparatus leading to enhanced synergy between the military, other security and intelligence agencies in the country.

He has recently coordinated a series of successful rescues of kidnapped victims in the northern part of the country.

“This is a celebration of African excellence and a call to recognise those shaping the future of the continent with their unwavering commitment to progress and innovation.

“Honorees were chosen for their significant local and global influence as well as their ability to create meaningful change.

“The 2025 honorees were selected through a rigorous methodology based on integrity, ethical leadership and commitment to societal well-being.

“They were also selected through the impact of contributions to transformative projects and initiatives as well as the recognition and influence within their respective fields,” the organisers said on the website.

The ‘roll of honour’ released on the organisations website also had the names of Dr Paul Enenche, the founder, Dunamis International Gospel Church, Mr Cosmos Maduka, Chairman Coscharis Motors and Sen. Gbemisola Saraki.

While Enenche and Adeboye have appeared on the list in the past, Dr Daniel Olukoya, founder, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries is appearing for the first time.

Others are Bala Wunti, the Group General Manager National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), as well as songwriter and worship singer, Osinachi Egbu, popularly known as “Sinach”.

President-elect of Ghana, John Mahama, who won an election for his second term in office, Benedict Oramah, President of Afrexim Bank and Mo Ibrahim, a Sudanese-British billionaire businessman are the other notable African leaders that made the list.

Isatou Ceesay of Gambia, one of the honorees, was notable in advocacy for climate resilience and sustainable development; she redefined sustainability through her innovative approach to waste management and women’s empowerment, turning plastic waste into economic opportunities for rural women.

For Karen Matsiko of South Africa, another honoree, she was notable in finance and corporate governance, and was found worthy as an exceptional leader in banking and logistics, with a focus on trade finance and sustainable trends in emerging markets.

Her work was instrumental in driving financial innovation and economic growth across sub-saharan Africa.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan; Dr Jennifer Douglas, Managing Partner, Miyetti Law Firm and Ogiame Atuwatse, the Olu of Warri made the list in previous editions.

Pastor William Kumuyi, founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry and Bishop David Oyedepo, founder, Living Faith Church Worldwide were among the 2023 honorees.