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Victor Osimhen is back in training with Turkish Super Lig team, Galatasaray, according to DAILY POST. He missed the Turkish Cup match against Istanbul Basaksehir on Wednesday due to illness but was present on the sidelines to support his team during the 2-2 draw. The 26-year-old has returned to health and is prepared to participate once more. He has netted 13 goals and provided five assists in 16 matches for Galatasaray. Osimhen was loaned to Okan Buruk’s squad from Napoli last summer.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has accused foreign nations of supplying Boko Haram with weapons and financial aid. In an interview with Al Jazeera about the ongoing security issues in Nigeria, he expressed concern over the group’s sustained activities over the last 16 years, despite the military’s attempts to eliminate them. He specifically mentioned that many captured Boko Haram fighters were found with money linked to influential foreign countries, indicating possible international support for the group. General Musa urged the United Nations to investigate how Boko Haram militants are funded and trained, emphasizing the group’s ongoing operations despite the military’s claims of reducing their strength. He also pointed out that the militants have adopted new tactics, including the use of drones for surveillance and attacking security personnel. In explaining why Boko Haram continues to revive and launch assaults, Musa highlighted the financial backing from foreign sources. He additionally called on the United Nations to assist in identifying those who are financing and equipping the insurgents. “More than 120,000 Boko Haram members have given themselves up, and many have been discovered with funds from influential foreign nations.” Where is this money coming from? Who is providing their training? Who is providing them with arms? Musa stated that it is crucial for the international community to look into the global financial networks that support Boko Haram’s ongoing insurgency. He noted that, although he is unsure which countries may be undermining Nigeria’s security, Nigeria is not the only nation in the Sahel and West Africa experiencing these difficulties.

The crisis in Rivers State appears to be ongoing, as the House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, has enacted three laws without the approval of Governor Sim Fubara. The Assembly bypassed Fubara to pass these laws. During a session, the factional Speaker stated that Fubara considers himself above Nigeria’s constitution. The bills in question include the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) (Amendment) Bill, the Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and the Rivers State Commissions of Inquiry Bill 2024. The lawmakers asserted that their actions comply with Section 100(5) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, and aim to promote legislative positivism for the benefit of the people of Rivers. The bills had previously been passed and sent to Fubara for his approval. A statement from Amaewhule’s Special Assistant on Media, Martins Wachukwu, confirmed that the lawmakers had adhered to legislative procedures to establish the laws following Fubara’s decision to withhold his assent. The statement added that the House Majority Leader, Major Jack, reintroduced the bills for discussion among members. Amaewhule referenced Section 100(5) of the 1999 Constitution as the basis for the House’s authority to override the governor when he refuses assent. He argued that the governor should not hinder the state’s progress due to his laziness and incompetence, asserting the necessity for the state to advance. Amaewhule criticized Fubara as someone who believes he is above the Constitution, the judiciary, and other laws in the state.

During a strategic meeting on preparedness and response to Human Metapneumovirus organized by the National Emergency Management Agency in Abuja, stakeholders on Thursday committed to boosting surveillance, enhancing public health communication, and strengthening collaboration to prevent the virus from entering the country. HMPV is a respiratory virus prevalent in various countries during the winter and spring seasons. While not every country regularly tracks and reports trends, the WHO states that most individuals with HMPV experience mild upper respiratory symptoms, akin to a cold, and typically recover within a few days. However, it can lead to hospitalizations from bronchitis or pneumonia in certain instances. Data from China up to December 29, 2024, indicate an increasing number of ARI cases, with HMPV detected in the northern provinces. The authorities have observed a rise in HMPV cases, particularly among those under 14, leading to the implementation of mask-wearing, social distancing measures, and frequent disinfection of public areas to control the virus. Mrs. Zubaida Umar, the Director General of NEMA, indicated that the rising trend of HMPV suggests that public health emergencies can easily spread across borders. He emphasized the importance of being well-prepared through collaboration, even though the country has not yet been impacted, in order to minimize risks. Speaking through Dr. Onimode Bandele, NEMA’s Director of Planning, Research, and Forecasting, Umar highlighted the agency’s crucial role in disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response to keep citizens safe. He mentioned the need to evaluate the country’s readiness, improve coordination among stakeholders, and enhance monitoring and surveillance in all sectors. Consequently, he urged all agencies to prioritize mobilizing resources, emphasizing that this should involve strategic allocation of financial, technical, and human resources to ensure effective responses to emerging public health threats. Dr. Bandele guaranteed that NEMA would make every effort to assist other agencies in achieving a coordinated and effective response to HMPV and other emerging public health issues.

President Bola Tinubu has elevated his Aide-de-Camp, Lieutenant Colonel Nurudeen Yusuf, to the rank of Colonel. The promotion occurred on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with attendance from Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Yusuf’s wife, and other notable guests. Lt. Col. Yusuf was named ADC to President Tinubu in April 2023, just before the president’s inauguration on May 29, 2023. His military education includes a broad range of training and education. After finishing his Ordinary National Diploma in Computer Science at Offa Polytechnic, he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna in 2000 to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Electrical-Electronics Engineering. In 2004, he went to the United Kingdom for the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Officers Cadre. In 2023, he underwent advanced military training at the Nigerian Army Intelligence School in Lagos, focusing on intelligence and security. In 2007, he participated in the Young Officer’s Course in Infantry in Kaduna and completed the Tactical Intelligence Officers and Security Investigations courses in 2008. From 2009 to 2018, he took part in various international military courses in Mali, Pakistan, China, Israel, and the United Kingdom. He earned a Master’s degree in Defence Studies from King’s College London in 2018. During his military career, Yusuf has taken on several important roles. He held the position of Officer-in-Charge (Technical) for the 119 Intelligence Group in Lagos before moving to the 4 Brigade HQ in Benin as Operations Officer.

On Thursday, Pope Francis urged for global dialogue to prevent the outbreak of a world war, expressing his concern over the escalating threat during a New Year’s reception for foreign ambassadors. The Catholic leader encouraged diplomats to communicate, even with those who are difficult to engage. He emphasized that dialogue is essential to breaking the cycles of hatred and revenge, as well as reducing the destructive forces of human selfishness, pride, and arrogance—the underlying causes of war. The Pope expressed his hope for the end of the war in Ukraine by 2025 and reiterated his call for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. The 88-year-old pontiff also warned about the dangers of fake news, which distorts reality, creates a climate of suspicion, fuels hatred, undermines security, and threatens civil coexistence and national stability. According to DAILY POST, Pope Francis has been leading approximately 1.4 billion Catholics globally and serves as the head of Vatican City State since 2013. Vatican City, the smallest state in the world, maintains diplomatic relations with 184 countries.

Wang Yi, China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that his country will provide over $130 million to African nations to enhance their military and police capabilities. He made this announcement to reporters on Thursday through an interpreter after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock villa. The Chinese minister is visiting Nigeria to reinforce agreements made between President Xi Jinping and Tinubu during the latter’s visit to China last year. He also mentioned that China will assist Africa in establishing a standby force. “China will strongly support Africa in protecting its legitimate rights and interests, promoting true multilateralism, and countering power politics and bullying in Africa. Additionally, China will firmly back Africa in achieving security through development.” We will collaborate with Africa to implement the 10 partnership initiatives and effectively utilize the 360 billion yuan funding announced during the summit. “Nigeria is a key country in Africa and the chair of ECOWAS, playing a critical role in maintaining peace and stability in Western Africa and the Sahel,” he stated. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, mentioned that Nigeria has consistently demonstrated its ability to tackle peace and security issues in West Africa and across the continent. “We aim to collaborate with countries like China in the domestic production of military equipment, both conventional and non-conventional. This is our goal to minimize the need for external procurement, along with the associated delays and numerous regulations, so we can produce locally.” Tuggar emphasized that Nigeria is a responsible nation that adheres to its constitution, which has earned the trust and confidence of others in its leadership. He added that when Nigeria is excluded from agreements on the continent, those agreements often become difficult to implement due to Nigeria’s significant role in Africa.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reassured the public that there is no major threat from the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in the country. Despite concerns in other regions, the NCDC emphasized that Nigeria is safe and there is no reason for alarm. Jide Idris, the Director-General of NCDC, made this statement on Thursday during the ‘Sunrise Daily’ program on Channels Television, asserting, “There’s no serious threat for now.” That’s one option. Secondly, this HMPV virus is not a new virus. It’s simply not widely recognized. It has been associated with numerous respiratory infections over the years and across various countries, particularly affecting children and the elderly. “Similar to seasonal flu and other respiratory viruses, it is simply one of the factors contributing to respiratory issues,” he stated. He mentioned that the country is keeping an eye on the situation and remains on high alert, with no cases reported in Nigeria so far. “We are currently in a monitoring and alert phase, which is why we follow guidance from the WHO globally, as every country is required to report such cases or issues to the WHO—those that could potentially lead to global concerns, enabling them to inform other nations to prepare. This is exactly what we are doing in Nigeria.” We’ve faced significant challenges – we dealt with Ebola and then with COVID. With those two, we created certain abilities. We gained insights and established necessary infrastructures.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has shown his support for Biodun Oyebanji’s reelection as governor in 2026. He made this remark on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Ikeja GRA Network of Roads in Lagos. Fayose, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who resides in Lagos, praised the All Progressives Congress (APC) government for enhancing the status of the state capital to match that of the upscale Ikoyi area. While he is part of the PDP, Fayose stated that he would back Oyebanji of the APC for the 2026 election, remarking, “This place is now our own Ikoyi…You and your deputy have turned GRA to Ikoyi GRA.” I am a Nigerian who won’t say anything I don’t truly believe, even if it costs me my life. I will say it. I want to clarify once more that I am not a member of APC. I am not and will never be part of APC, but I won’t hesitate to acknowledge what is good. “When you were nominated about six years ago, there were many doubts, but you have proven the skeptics wrong, myself included.” All the bookmakers, you have demonstrated to us that it’s not the color of the pack that matters, but what is actually inside it. You are a unique type of politician. “You united everyone just like my governor in Ekiti, Oyebanji, managed to bring everyone together.” I always share with those who are interested that I am a member of PDP, but I will back Oyebanji in the upcoming election.

Wikki Tourists’ technical adviser, Abdulahi Maikaba, has reiterated his dedication to bringing the club back to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) next season. The Bauchi Elephants were demoted to the Nigeria National League (NNL) two years ago. Wikki Tourists did not succeed in their attempt to gain promotion to the top league last season. Maikaba is focused on helping the club reach their goal this year. “With this support, Wikki Tourists FC are set to maintain their winning streak and ultimately return to the NPFL,” he said. So far, Wikki Tourists have achieved two victories and one draw in their first three matches of the season. The Bauchi club will face Jigawa Golden Stars in their matchday four game at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium on Saturday.