President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Susie Wiles, his campaign manager, as the White House chief of staff as he prepares to take office.

Donald Trump made this known in a statement on Thursday.

“Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history, and was an integral part of both my 2016 and 2020 successful campaigns,” Trump said.

“Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected. Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again. It is a well deserved honor to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud.”

According to CNN, Wiles brings a wealth of experience to the position. The daughter of the late NFL broadcaster Pat Summerall, she is a seasoned political operative with deep roots in Florida.

Wiles has been one of Trump’s most trusted and long-serving advisers. Following her role in securing Florida for Trump in the 2020 election, she acted as his de facto chief of staff during his post-presidency and led his 2024 campaign from start to finish—a notable achievement within Trump’s circle.

Her leadership was widely praised for delivering a highly sophisticated and disciplined campaign, which included effectively managing and minimizing the influence of fringe figures in Trump’s orbit.

On election night, Trump publicly acknowledged Wiles’ contributions during his victory speech, although she opted not to address the audience at the Palm Beach Convention Center. Her preference for maintaining a low profile has strengthened her rapport with Trump and his key supporters.

Earlier today, CNN reported that Wiles had set specific conditions before agreeing to take on the chief of staff role, chief among them being greater control over who has access to the president in the Oval Office.

The Cadre Harmonisé report on food and nutrition insecurity analysis said no fewer than 133.1 Nigerians would face a global hunger crisis in 2025.

The Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO, disclosed this in a statement yesterday. It said the report was prepared by the federal government and supported by partners, such as the World Food Programme, WFP, and the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF, among others.

The statement read: “The food and nutrition insecurity analysis, Cadre Harmonisé, led by the government of Nigeria and supported by partners, alerts on the deterioration of food security in Nigeria, with 133.1 million people expected to face high levels of food insecurity in the next lean season (June-August).

“It is an alarming seven million people increase from the same period last year, driven by economic hardship, coupled with record high inflation, impacts of climate change and persistent violence in the northeastern states.

“Nationally, the number of people experiencing emergency levels (Phase 4) of food insecurity is projected to increase. While no populations have been classified as catastrophe (Phase 5), populations experiencing emergency (Phase 4) are anticipated to increase from 1 million people in the peak of the 2024 lean season to 1.8 million people at the same period in 2025, representing an 80 per cent increase.

“Approximately 5.4 million children and nearly 800,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are at risk of acute malnutrition or wasting from six of the most affected states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe in the northeast, as well as Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara in the northwest.

”Of these, an alarming 1.8 million children could face severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and require critical nutrition treatment.

“Drivers of food security in Nigeria grapple with several factors that continue to exacerbate
the food insecurity situation, namely economic hardship, coupled with record high inflation (which reached 40.9 per cent for food, and 34.2 per cent for all items in June 2024).”

Speaking at the presentation of the report, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Temitope Fashedemi, who was represented by the Director of Nutrition and Food Security, Dr Nuhu Kilishi Mohammed, underscored the significance of the Cadre Harmonisé during the presentation, which recommended that the results be adopted for planning and implementation of food and nutrition security interventions across federal ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs, 26 Cadre Harmonise States, the humanitarian community and other partners in Nigeria.

On his part, FAO Representative ad interim in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dominique Koffy Kouacou, expressed FAO’s continued commitment to supporting Nigeria.

“Working closely with our partners, FAO is dedicated to implementing durable solutions that tackle the underlying causes of food insecurity and malnutrition.

”By enhancing agri-food systems, we strive to meet urgent needs, while promoting long-term, sustainable progress for communities”, Kouacou said.

Highlighting the longstanding issue, the Country Director, World Food Programme, WFP, David Stevenson, said: “The hunger crisis in Nigeria, fuelled by the ongoing conflict in the northeast, needs urgent addressing.

”Restoring peace in the northeast is critical for us to build pathways to production and achieve the northeast’s potential as the food basket of the country.”

UNICEF’s Country Representative, Ms. Cristian Munduate, emphasized the urgent need for action.
Munduate said: “Children are at the center of the food insecurity crisis and face irreversible consequences, both physical and cognitive, and potentially even death.

”It is our moral imperative to ensure that the right of every child to adequate food and nutrition is upheld.”

Consequently, the United Nations urged the federal government, donors and stakeholders to commit resources and implement measures to avert a potential food and nutrition disaster, emphasizing the need for immediate multi-sectoral support across the nation.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki, on Thursday, urged chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party to ensure unity within the party by not allowing individual presidential ambitions to cause division.

The two party leaders made this appeal during the official inauguration of the Board of Governors and the unveiling of the roadmap for the Peoples Democratic Institute at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

This appeal follows growing concerns that the presidential ambitions of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, and Makinde himself could escalate internal divisions within the party, potentially derailing the ongoing reconciliation efforts led by the Olagunsoye Oyinlola-led committee.

In recent months, the PDP has become divided into factions loyal to Atiku and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Tensions heightened when Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, expressed his interest in running for the presidency in 2027.

Saraki, addressing the gathering on Thursday, said that the PDP, once the party of the masses, had come a long way and should not be sacrificed for individual aspirations.

“The party was built on ideas, philosophies, and policies. Let us move away from building ideas on personal ambition. We cannot have an ambition if we don’t have a party. We cannot have a party if we don’t have ideas. This is where it starts. This is the foundation,” Saraki said.

He continued, “Let us stop talking about who is running for councillor, governor, or president in 2027. Let us focus on what the PDP represents. What are the issues and policies that we must address? This is what Nigerians want to know. That is why I support this institute. I hope others will too, because this is the foundation.

“I have travelled to several places, and when people meet us, even in Europe, they ask where our institute is. It is an embarrassment that, as a major political party, we did not have one until now. But today, we are closing that chapter. The message we send to Nigerians is that this is a serious party. We are leaders. Let PDP lead in that way.”

While expressing gratitude for the opportunities his political success has afforded him through the party, the Oyo state governor urged every PDP member to strive to be remembered for helping revive the party’s fortunes.

“A lot has been said about the PDI and its origins. But what do we want to be remembered for? This is the essence and significance of today. Abba Moro has said that since 1998, he has benefitted from the PDP. I too have benefitted since 2019. I want to thank our great party and all the stakeholders here today for giving me the opportunity to secure not one, but two mandates, back to back, under this umbrella,” he stated.

Makinde added, “The only thing I can promise is that, having drawn from this well, I will not pollute it when it is time for me to leave office. The journey here has not been easy, but I am grateful that we have overcome many obstacles. However, since the 2015 elections, things have only gone from bad to worse. As we face the next level of economic instability and renewed troubles, the PDP must offer real hope for Nigeria. Our country needs direction, and Nigerians are looking to the PDP for an ideological foundation.”

The governor continued by pledging support for the PDP’s governorship candidate in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, stressing that victory in the state requires unity.

“As we head to Ondo State, we need true reconciliation and unity to overcome the APC there. We know we are more popular. You saw the debate, and our candidates are the only ones with a clear vision for governance in Ondo. So, we must work together to ensure that no form of rigging, either institutional or propagated by the ruling party, succeeds.”

He concluded, “We must go to Ondo as one united party and resist any attempt to undermine the will of the people. The PDP is the only party in Nigeria that has allowed youth to be part of the political process, and I know that the PDI will only expand this space. I am not too old; my mind and body remain youthful, and I will be part of the effort to give youth opportunities in politics.

“This unveiling marks the renewal of PDP’s pledge to start planning for governance and create a blueprint to rebuild our nation. The PDP can and will do everything it can to fix Nigeria. We will fix the PDP, and then the PDP will fix Nigeria. That is the foundation of real hope for the people of Nigeria.”

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has vowed not to pollute the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

He urged stakeholders of the PDP to unite and rebuild the party to better serve Nigeria.

Makinde made the plea during the inauguration of the Board of Governors of the Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI) in Abuja on Thursday.

He insisted that the country needs direction and Nigerians are looking to the party to provide an ideological base.

Reflecting on his own political journey, Makinde thanked the PDP for giving him the platform to serve Oyo State. “Since 2019, I have benefited from this party. I promise not to pollute the well from which I have drawn,” he said,

The governor emphasized that Nigerians now recognize the difference between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in national governance.

“As we approach 2027, it is clear that the PDP must offer real hope for Nigeria. By revitalizing the PDI, we are laying that foundation.”

“Our country needs direction, and Nigerians are looking to the PDP to provide an ideological base,” he said.

Makinde urged every politician to consider their legacy, noting, “Players will come and go, but you must be remembered for something.”

With the inauguration of the PDI Board of Governors and the unveiling of the PDI roadmap by Director-General Dr. Edward, Makinde expressed optimism that the PDP is taking a significant step toward defining its ideology and cementing its place in history.

Makinde praised those who have worked toward the revitalization of the PDI, recognizing the institute’s role under former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar in providing insights for national development. “During those years, the PDI contributed positively to governance,” he noted.

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has expressed his readiness to submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) if there is a need to account for his eight-year tenure in office.

Obaseki made this known in Abuja during the EdoBEST National Results-Sharing Session, an event highlighting his administration’s achievements, particularly in the education sector.

The outgoing governor said he ignored all noise during his administration and focused on education.

Obaseki emphasized that he has nothing to fear regarding any allegations.

Obaseki, who acknowledged the hardships Nigerians are facing, called on the All Progressives Congress, APC, to shift its focus from vendetta to addressing the suffering of the people.

According to him, his political opponents in Edo State are full of vendetta and are jealous of his administration’s achievement.

He also expressed his belief that the bitterness and vindictiveness in the political landscape are secondary to addressing the real challenges faced by the country.

He said, “I’m not afraid of the EFCC. Why should I be? What is important is focus. I came into office and ignored the noise, concentrating on what I felt was important, and today you can see the results.

“If the EFCC calls on me, I will hand myself over; I have nothing to hide.

“What matters is focusing on our people and making Nigeria better. The suffering is too much. We, who are privileged, should focus on making a positive impact not on side issues like vendetta.”

Reflecting on his legacy, Obaseki said he is leaving office with his head held high, stressing that his administration’s educational reforms, including the enrollment of over 400,000 children and the establishment of a technical college, would leave a lasting impact on the state.

Obaseki pointed out that, unlike previous attempts at educational reform, his administration had implemented tangible solutions.

He added, “We are not just talking about teacher training or increasing enrollments. You can come to Edo and see the data. We have enrolled over 400,000 children, and you can identify them because the data on every child is there.”

Telecom operators in Nigeria have lamented the harsh economic conditions in which they operate, saying urgent steps need to be taken to save the industry from collapse.

The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, who spoke on behalf of the operators, said there is a need to increase tariffs so that the operators can remain in business.

He, however, observed that the increase must be done in such a way that consumers won’t suffer, noting that already, some people in Nigeria who once recharged ₦5,000 or ₦10,000 now mostly recharge ₦200 or ₦300 due to harsh economic realities.

Adebayo made his views known while speaking at the 93rd Telecom Consumer Parliament organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja.

“This is a critical moment for the telecom industry,” Adebayo said. “If we act now, we can establish a platform for growth and improve the user experience. Delaying necessary decisions will not only harm investor interests—many of whom are Nigerians feeling the same daily pains—but will also stifle innovation and the development of new services.”

He said while the operators understand the current economic hardships Nigerians are facing, there is an urgent need to increase tariffs to reflect current economic realities.

According to him, if the steps are not taken, the telecom industry in Nigeria stands the risk of losing the gains that have been achieved in the last 22 years.

He said: “People who once recharged ₦5,000 or ₦10,000 now mostly recharge ₦200 or ₦300 because of limited disposable income. Yet, they still benefit from connectivity at pre-crisis rates. Reversing the gains of the last 22 years would be detrimental to Nigeria’s future.

“If we don’t address these sustainability issues, the consequences will be much worse. Prices will need to rise, but this must be done thoughtfully, through dialogue and partnerships with the government to find lasting and manageable solutions.”

In his keynote, NCC Executive Vice Chairman Prof. Umar Danbatta noted that the challenges in the industry are a global issue and require immediate attention to address consumer concerns while keeping issues of data depletion and billing transparency in mind.

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the rise of a new terrorist group called ‘Lukarawas’, which is further escalating insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest region.

Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this during a military briefing on Thursday in Abuja, where he provided an update on ongoing military operations.

According to Buba, the group originated from the Republic of Niger following the recent coup that disrupted military cooperation between Niger and Nigeria.

He noted that after the political upheaval in Niger, the group began infiltrating northern areas of Sokoto and Kebbi States, exploiting routes from Niger and Mali.

Buba highlighted that before the coup, joint border operations with Nigerien security forces were effective in curbing terrorist activities.

“The terrorists capitalized on the lapse in collaboration between the two nations and leveraged challenging terrains to penetrate remote regions of certain northwestern states and propagate their ideology,” he said.

He further explained that some local communities initially welcomed the group, mistaking their intentions, and failed to alert the military or security agencies about their presence.

Maj.-Gen. Buba assured the public that military forces had intensified intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) efforts to weaken the group.

He also mentioned that the terrorists continue to exploit under-governed spaces to evade capture, hide, and intimidate residents.

“Troops are tracking them down and neutralizing the threat,” Buba added.

Equatorial Guinea’s government has dismissed the Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), Baltasar Ebang Engonga, after the discovery of around 400 explicit videos involving him with high-profile women across the country.

The dismissal, ordered by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, was confirmed by Real Equatorial Guinea, which cited Decree No. 118/2024, issued on November 4.

The decree outlined that Engonga’s removal was due to alleged professional misconduct and personal behavior incompatible with his public role.

The scandal erupted after several videos surfaced online, reportedly showing Engonga in intimate encounters with influential women and relatives, sparking widespread controversy on social media.

Reacting to the scandal, First Lady Constancia Mangue Obiang voiced her disapproval during a meeting with Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue.

The First Lady expressed her concern for the privacy and dignity of Equatoguinean women, urging the government to take swift action to protect them from such incidents.

In a Facebook statement from her Press Office, the First Lady emphasized the importance of safeguarding women’s privacy and rights in the digital age.

She called for proactive measures to uphold a respectful and secure environment for all women, noting that the government has made strides in promoting gender equality but must continue to address issues that compromise the dignity and safety of women.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that Nigerians will only pay their taxes if they can see it is properly utilized.

He asserted that while it is important for citizens to pay taxes, there must be something on ground to show for it.

Wike stated this after inspecting the dualization of Kuje township road.

He explained that the funds his administration is using to construct roads in the federal capital are from FCT’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

He said, “No government will say they have all the resources needed to provide services to the people.

“What is important is that we try to make sure everybody pays his or her taxes.

“What I can tell you about Nigerians is that, when they see that the taxes they pay are being utilised, they reciprocate by making sure they pay their taxes.

“They are however reluctant to pay, when they pay taxes, and nothing is on ground to show for it.”

Speaking on the resources for all completed and ongoing projects in the city centre and area councils, the minister said, “it is a matter of strategy and being prudent with available resources. “

He added that the FCTA was trying as much as it could to continue to increase its IGR.

Veteran Nollywood actor, Bimbo Manuel, has claimed that most of his colleagues flaunting Range Rovers and living in luxurious mansions in Lagos are living a fake life.

The thespian spoke while featuring in a recent episode of the TVC programme, Your View.

According to Manuel, no Nollywood star can buy Range Rover from acting fees.

The 66-year-old said he does not care about living a flamboyant lifestyle because he likes “a humble and realistic life”.

He said, “The actors you see flaunting Range Rovers and mansions in Ikoyi are living fake lives.

“No actor in Nigeria would say he or she can buy a Range Rover from acting fees alone.”

‘I’m Not Rich’

In other news, veteran Nollywood actress, Bimbo Akintola, has spoken on financial disparities in the Nigerian movie industry, expressing curiosity about the lavish lifestyles of some female stars.

Bimbo, in an interview with her colleague, Emmanuel Ehumadu, questioned how her female colleagues fund their luxurious lifestyles, noting that she is not financially buoyant.

The thespian urged fans to question female Nollywood stars on how they make their money, considering the earnings from film sales.

Bimbo Akintola attributed their wealth to alternative sources, including family wealth, business ventures, and romantic relationships with politicians.