Category: PM News

The United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa will on Thursday, November 20, 2025, hold a high-profile open hearing to examine President Donald Trump’s recent redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious freedom violations.

If upheld by the US Senate, the CPC label empowers Washington to impose targeted sanctions on Nigerian officials implicated in religious persecution and restrict some forms of bilateral assistance. The designation also sends a warning to the international community that religious freedom in Nigeria is “under serious threat.”

The hearing, billed for 11:00 a.m. in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building and streamed live, will be chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ). It will feature two panels comprising senior State Department officials and prominent Nigerian religious leaders.

An invitation to members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee requested their attendance at what is expected to be a consequential review of Nigeria’s security and human rights situation.

Among the first panel of witnesses are Jonathan Pratt, Senior Bureau Official at the Bureau of African Affairs, and Jacob McGee, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.

The second panel features the Director of the Centre for Religious Freedom, Ms. Nina Shea; Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Makurdi Catholic Diocese; and Ms. Oge Onubogu of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

The hearing will explore the scale of religious persecution in Nigeria, assess US policy options, and consider measures such as sanctions, humanitarian support, and deeper cooperation with Nigeria to prevent further violence.

President Trump redesignated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern on October 31, 2025, citing what he described as severe and escalating attacks on Christians by extremist groups.

“There is an existential threat to Christianity in Nigeria,” he said, warning that the US could take drastic action–including halting all aid or even launching military operations–if Nigeria fails to curb alleged killings of Christians.

In a statement on his X handle, President Bola Tinubu rejected Trump’s claims as a “misrepresentation” of Nigeria’s religious landscape.

“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” he said. “Religious freedom and tolerance have always been core to our national identity.”

Nigeria was first placed on the CPC list by Trump in 2020 but removed by President Joe Biden after taking office.

Bishop Anagbe Raises Alarm in UK Parliament

One of Thursday’s key witnesses, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, has been vocal about attacks on Christian communities. Speaking in the UK Parliament on March 25, 2025, he described how Islamist extremists and militant Fulani herdsmen had ravaged communities in Benue State–burning homes, displacing families, and killing clergy and laity.

“They bear down on defenceless villagers without consequence,” he told parliamentarians. “They attack even those who escape into IDP camps.”

US Lawmakers Clash with Tinubu Administration

In a recent Fox News interview, Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV) insisted that the violence in Nigeria is severe and “five times more Christians are being killed than people of other faiths.”

Moore dismissed Tinubu’s pushback as “completely false,” claiming evidence of blasphemy laws and death-penalty cases linked to religious disputes. He said the US has a duty to intervene because it is “a Christian nation that stands up for the persecuted,” adding that all options–including sanctions and even “kinetic military action”–remain on the table.

Another US lawmaker, Rep. Bill Huizenga, told Arise TV last week that Trump’s threats of military intervention were unlikely, but said the President is committed to ending what he views as genocide against Christians. He argued that economic sanctions could help cut off funding to extremist groups such as Boko Haram and violent Fulani factions.

Pope Leo XIV Adds His Voice

Pope Leo XIV has also expressed concern about rising religious violence in Nigeria. In a post on his verified X handle, the Pontiff lamented that Christians were facing discrimination and attacks in countries including Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and Bangladesh.

“In various parts of the world, Christians suffer discrimination and persecution,” he wrote, praying for peace and inter-religious harmony.

FG Moves to Ease Tensions in Plateau

Back home, President Tinubu has deployed a peace emissary, Dr Abiodun Essiet, to Plateau State in a bid to calm tensions and rebuild trust among warring communities.

Essiet, Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (North Central), met with religious leaders, Fulani community heads, youth groups, and Christian clerics during her visit.

Her intervention reportedly helped resolve a conflict involving herdsmen and a farmland owner in Jos South, leading to a peace agreement and compensation payment supervised by local leaders.

According to a statement by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, the President remains committed to promoting peaceful coexistence and strengthening grassroots dialogue structures across the North Central region.

By Solomon Ogo-Oluwa Oyerinde

Anyone who thinks December in Nigeria is just about jollof rice, suya, and recycled holiday greetings hasn’t been paying attention. Every year, Nigerians quietly transform the last month of the year into something extraordinary. This phenomenon is known as Detty December.

For decades, Nigeria’s global image was shaped by negative headlines, but Afrobeats, Nollywood, and social media have rewritten the narrative. Nigerians are showing the world that we know how to celebrate, create, and innovate at a world-class level. Detty December is no longer just a holiday season. It is a cultural and economic powerhouse, capable of putting Nigeria on the global stage.

I attended the Lagos Detty December party hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. I brought along friends from abroad, who had never experienced Nigeria like this. One of them looked around at the lights, music, and vibrant crowds and asked how an entire city could be in celebration mode every single night. In their country, December is quiet. In Lagos, it is alive.

One unforgettable moment was at a beach house in Ilashe. A group of Canadian tourists joined us on a boat ride. When we arrived, one of them froze, staring at the ocean, palm trees, and poolside music. She later posted a video calling it the best day of her year. That one afternoon completely reshaped her perception of Nigeria.

Another highlight came from a lively street scene. Suya vendors and night market stalls were thriving. One vendor told me that his ten days of sales in December made more than he earns in two months. At a Victoria Island wedding, guests who flew in from the UK ended up spending more on the after-party than on their flights. Tourists dancing to Kese in packed clubs shared clips online that went viral almost immediately.

Real-life example of Detty December’s economic power:

A friend of mine in Ikoyi decided to turn his apartment into a short-let while traveling home to Omu-Aran in Kwara State for the holidays. By the end of December, after taxes, he had earned over 15 million naira. This is a clear example of how ordinary Nigerians are turning Detty December into a financial opportunity.

The economic impact is tangible. Lagos alone generated tens of billions of naira last year from concerts, short-let apartments, nightclubs, and events. Investors are taking notice, but the full potential is untapped. With strategic support, Detty December could easily become a $1 billion national festival, creating jobs, boosting tourism, and improving Nigeria’s global image.

Here is how the Presidency could unlock this potential:

1. Official recognition and national branding. Elevate Detty December as a cultural festival with global marketing to attract diaspora and international tourists. 2. Tourism incentives and infrastructure support. Tax breaks for hotels and short-lets, improved roads, and better airport handling would make December a seamless experience. 3. Support for Nigerian creativity. From music to fashion, supporting Afrobeat concerts, street carnivals, and fashion shows increases spending and international partnerships. 4. Expansion beyond Lagos. Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and other cities can replicate the Lagos model to scale the economic impact nationwide.

Every December, tourists arrive expecting only Lagos Island but discover a country alive with joy, fashion, food, and culture. Social media amplifies this energy globally. Videos of street performances, dance challenges, and food experiences show the world Nigeria at its best.

The people have done the heavy lifting. They created the energy, the excitement, and the international attention. All that is missing is strategic presidential support: recognition, infrastructure, promotion, and incentives. By doing this, Nigeria can turn a popular cultural celebration into a $1 billion economic and branding success story.

Detty December is loud, colorful, and joyous, but it is also proof of Nigeria’s creative power, economic potential, and global relevance. From Victoria Island to Ajah, from street corners to beach houses, the festival demonstrates what Nigerians can achieve when culture, creativity, and ambition come together.

The world is watching. This time, they are impressed. The Presidency has an opportunity to take notice and take Nigeria to the next level.

The United Kingdom (UK) has announced a major change in its immigration policy that will benefit thousands of international students, including Nigerians.

Starting November 25, 2025, students in the UK on a valid Study visa can now switch directly to the Innovator Founder visa without having to return to their home countries.

Previously, students were required to leave the UK before applying for this business-focused visa, creating delays and additional costs. The new rule allows foreign students to begin setting up their innovative businesses while their applications are processed, making it easier for them to launch ventures within the country.

The Innovator Founder visa is designed for graduates who want to establish and run a business that is unique and different from existing products or services in the UK market. To qualify, applicants must:

Apply for permission under the Innovator Founder route while holding a valid Study visa;

Obtain endorsement from an approved Innovator Founder endorsing body;

Submit their application before their current visa expires.

The change comes after recommendations in the UK White Paper 2025, which aimed to allow entrepreneurial talent already studying in the UK to transition smoothly into business. With the discontinuation of the Start-up visa, the Innovator Founder visa has now become the primary route for international graduates seeking to establish new businesses.

The policy is expected to boost entrepreneurship among Nigerian students, who make up one of the largest foreign student communities in the UK, and encourage innovative projects across sectors such as technology, healthcare, and creative industries.

The acting chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Felix Ese Idisi, has been shot dead. Although the details of the tragedy which happened on Sunday is yet to be confirmed, the former Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Omo-Agege has addressed the incident.

Omo-Agege on his Facebook page spoke about the killing, describing it as a barbaric act. He expressed his shock, explaining that the act is an attack on democracy.

“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the brutal murder of our Acting LGA Chairman in Ethiope East LGA. This act of violence is a stark reminder of the insecurity and lawlessness that have become a menace in our state. I condemn this heinous act in the strongest terms and demand that the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, and the Inspector General of Police leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice. The killers who had previously boasted of eliminating their political enemies in the Local Government Area must be arrested, prosecuted, and punished for their crime,” he said.

“I must reiterate that killing is not our culture in Delta APC. Our culture is winning hearts one person at a time. Those who are trying to import this evil act into our body polity in APC must desist immediately, as we will do everything within our power to resist this unacceptable evil culture of violence. We will not be intimidated or deterred by acts of violence and lawlessness. We will continue to work towards building a peaceful and democratic society where the rule of law is supreme,” he added.

By Martins Abochol

There is a general downward slide in the prices of food commodities in Taraba markets, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports.

A correspondent of NAN, who visited some markets in the state, reports that prices of most food commodities have been reduced to half currently as against the cost in 2024.

In Mallum Market of Ardo Kola Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, a 50kg bag of maize is now being sold for N20,000 as against N45,000 last year, and its measure hitherto sold at N1,500, now costs N500.

Also, a 50kg bag of soyabeans that was sold for N90,000 in the period under review has gone down to N45,000, and a measure now goes for N1,000 against the previous price of N2,500.

Similarly, a 50kg bag of white beans is now selling for N60,000 against the previous price of N120,000, while a bag of brown beans nosedived to N55,000 against its previous price of N125,000.

Five medium-sized tubers of yams are now selling for N8,000 against last year’s price of N12,000.

Equally, a measure of Red Garri is now being sold for N1,500, while a measure of white Garri now goes for N1,200.

A measure of Cassava flour (Alubo) now sells for N200 against its previous price of N600, as a complete bag now goes for N8,000 against the previous price of N18,000.

Malam Usman Jahun, a trader in Mallum Market, expressed concern that even with the sharp drop in prices of food commodities in markets, turnover remained low due to poor patronage.

Jahun attributed the poor sales to low purchasing power from buyers.

Mrs Patricia Yahaya, another trader in yams and others, observed that the price of yam was still fluctuating because farmers did not enjoy bumper harvests in the produce as they did in grains.

According to Yahaya, however, the current price of yams is not too different from its cost in 2024.

It is worthy of note that the measuring bowl in some states in the North East, such as Taraba and Adamawa, is almost two times the size of the one in most northern states and the FCT.

(NAN)

By Suleiman Shehu

Dr Kabiru Turaki, the new National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has assured members of the party and Nigerians that there would be no more impunity and suppression of their will.

Turaki stated this while delivering his acceptance speech after being declared the new National Chairman of PDP at the 2025 elective National Convention of the party on Saturday in Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Turaki scored a total of 1,516 votes to defeat his closest rival Garuba Lado, who scored 41 votes.

Turaki assured party members that the confidence reposed on the new elected party executives would not be taken for granted and they would do whatever it takes to effectively carry out their responsibilities.

“I want to assure you that the confidence reposed in the executives will not be taken for granted.

“There will be no more impunity and suppression of the will of Nigerian people, and we shall open our ears wide to listen to you to determine what you want and what you want is what we shall give you,” Turaki said.

He further assured party members that henceforth, there would be fairness, equity and justice in the party.

Turaki said PDP as a party was currently at a crossroads while the new executives were up to the task to tackle the challenges.

He said the new executives would start visiting some of the aggrieved party members to appeal to those with genuine grievances to return to the party in order to “save Nigeria’s democracy from imminent collapse.”

Muslim and Christian organisations under the umbrella of the Coalition for Peace and Justice have concluded plans to convene a National Mega Peace Summit aimed at promoting unity and strengthening the fight against insecurity across Nigeria.

The interfaith summit, scheduled to hold on Saturday in Kaduna and Abuja, is expected to attract grassroots religious leaders from across the country, particularly from the northern region.

This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna, jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary, Dr Othman Idris and Pastor John Jita, respectively.

The coalition reaffirmed that unity, mutual understanding and collective action remained essential to overcoming the forces threatening the nation’s peace and development.

According to the organisers, the summit would provide a strategic platform for Christian and Muslim leaders to engage in dialogue, exchange perspectives and develop joint approaches to tackling the rising threats of terrorism, banditry and violent extremism.

They emphasised that faith leaders play a critical role in shaping public attitudes and influencing community responses to security challenges.

They, therefore, sought to harness their influence in mobilising communities toward peacebuilding, conflict resolution and improved security cooperation.

Discussions at the summit would also focus on practical steps to end violence, foster peaceful coexistence and reinforce the shared commitment of both religions to safeguarding lives and restoring stability in affected communities.

t the end of the deliberations, a joint communique is expected, outlining agreed positions, recommendations and a coordinated framework to support national security efforts and advance sustainable peace across the country.

(NAN)

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says the accident involving a Volkswagen commercial bus with registration number EPE 494 XM and a stationary tipper truck has claimed one life.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, in a statement on Sunday in Lagos, said that six others were severely injured.

Bakare-Oki said that the accident occurred in the early hours around Majidun, inward Ogolonto, directly opposite MRS Filling Station.

“Preliminary inquiries have established that the ill-fated commercial bus, chartered to convey passengers to a scheduled programme in Ogijo, experienced an abrupt brake failure. The driver, who was reportedly speeding, consequently lost control and forcefully collided with a tipper truck positioned at the roadside for diesel purchase. The brutal impact resulted in the instantaneous death of an adult female passenger, while five female occupants and one male sustained severe and life-threatening injuries,” he said.

According to him, the injured casualties were rushed to nearby Benic Special Hospital, while the remains of the deceased were immediately transferred into the custody of security personnel who conveyed them to the General Hospital, Ikorodu, for urgent formal documentation.

He said that LASTMA operatives pursued and apprehended the tipper truck driver who attempted to abscond upon witnessing the enormity of the tragedy.

He said the driver of the commercial bus was likewise arrested, noting that both individuals were thereafter handed over to officers of the Ipakodo Police Division for comprehensive investigation.

“To re-establish order and ensure seamless vehicular movement toward Ikorodu Garage, LASTMA personnel efficiently removed the mangled remains of both vehicles from the roadway,” he said.

Bakare-Oki conveyed profound grief over the harrowing incident and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.

He admonished motorists to exercise utmost restraint, vigilance, and discipline on the highways by avoiding excessive speed.

He stressed that speeding drastically impairs a driver’s capacity to respond to sudden mechanical failures or unforeseen hazards, thereby magnifying the risk of catastrophic outcomes.

Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s resolute commitment to the protection of lives and the promotion of safer motoring culture across Lagos State.

NAN

Controversial Islamic scholar Sheikh Gumi, has reacted to critics calls for his arrests. The cleric, in a statement on his social media page on Sunday, described his critics as spineless and irresponsible.

Gumi also defended his comments on banditry and the security of Nigeria stating that he has committed no crime by engaging with bandits. He emphasised the need for his intervention, stating that critics only chose to politicise his peace efforts.

“ARREST HIM!!! These are the only words some spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people can utter. I was at Sabon Garin Yadi forest, accompanied by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police. This meeting was part of a peace initiative where we preached to over 600 bandits and their commanders, who agreed to lay down their arms in exchange for security and basic amenities,” he said.

Nigerian professor at Southern University, New Orleans, Samuel Eweni, has been fatally stabbed by his son, Chukwuebuka Eweni, in a shocking family tragedy.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night at their home on Pebble Street, New Orleans. Chukwuebuka reportedly attacked his father, killing him, before turning on his two sisters, who survived the assault. One sister has been released from the hospital, while the other remains under treatment, though her condition is not severe.

Family sources told WWL Louisiana that Professor Eweni was a well-respected computer science educator at Southern University. They aAlso revealed that Chukwuebuka had a history of mental illness but had never previously been violent. It remains unclear what triggered the deadly attack on Tuesday night.

After the attack, Chukwuebuka reportedly left the family home and went to New Orleans East Hospital, where he had regularly sought mental health support. Hospital staff were unaware he had committed a crime and transferred him to a facility in Jefferson Parish. Police later tracked and arrested him on Wednesday morning.

Southern University, through Chancellor Dr. Joseph Bouie, Jr., described the late Professor Eweni as more than an educator, calling him “a mentor and guiding light to so many students.” Dr. Bouie praised his contributions to the College of Business and Public Administration and the university’s mission of transforming lives through education, adding, “Our hearts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this deeply difficult time.”

Chukwuebuka Eweni has been charged with one count of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder.