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Welcome to NowNowNaija! Governor Abiodun spreads holiday cheer with thoughtful aid across Ogun churches, easing festive burdens during tough times.

TOP STORY

Gov Abiodun Distributes Food to Ogun Churches

To brighten Christmas for worshippers and support the needy, Ogun State’s Governor Dapo Abiodun has distributed food gifts to various churches across the state. The initiative reached diverse denominations and communities, receiving praise as a timely relief amid economic difficulties.

This effort means many families in Ogun can celebrate Christmas with less worry about meals during the festive season. For congregations, it combines holiday joy with tangible support, reflecting a government mindful of citizens’ hardships. It also reinforces a sense of community care during a season often marked by financial strain, making celebrations more inclusive across the state.

Source: Premium Times
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Market Trends at a Glance

USD/NGN

1450.00

▼ 0.64%

GBP/NGN

1959.86

▼ 0.32%

EUR/NGN

1709.89

▲ 0.02%

Gold - Oz ($)

4524.90

▲ 1.81%

Brent Oil ($)

61.91

▼ 0.26%

BTC-USD

87099.41

▼ 1.57%

ETH-USD

2935.22

▼ 2.36%

USDT-USD

1.00

▼ 0.00%

BNB-USD

839.77

▼ 2.11%

SOL-USD

121.61

▼ 3.33%

Rates shown are as of 6:00 AM Lagos time.

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Politics and Economy

INEC Refuses to Recognize PDP’s New Leadership

INEC has declined to recognize the People's Democratic Party’s newly elected national officers following the November convention. Citing ongoing court rulings and legal processes, the electoral body said it cannot update its records until all appeals and court orders are resolved. PDP, however, insists there is no faction and accuses INEC of bias in its action.

This standoff affects how the PDP organizes and competes in upcoming elections, potentially delaying candidate approvals and party activities nationwide. For you, this means increased political uncertainty as legal battles over party leadership persist, which could influence governance and policy decisions. The dispute also highlights challenges in Nigeria’s democratic processes where party disputes may stall electoral preparations. For voters and stakeholders, the matter underscores the need for clarity and stability in party leadership ahead of future elections.

Source: This Day Live
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What else is happening:

  • The Federal Government says the sudden drop in power supply will be resolved within 48 hours, promising rapid restoration for affected households and businesses.

  • Former Vice President Atiku and the NBA have demanded suspension while they challenge the alteration of tax laws and warn of legal and economic uncertainty nationwide.

  • Plateau's political landscape may shift as the APC prepares to receive Governor Caleb Mutfwang next month, potentially reshaping local alliances and electoral calculations across the state.

Tech and Business

Urgent Call to Protect Nigeria’s Critical Power Grids

Taiwo Akinremi, a tech researcher and CEO of Compsoftnet Technologies, warns that Nigeria’s power grids, banks, and hospitals are vulnerable to global cyberattacks. He urges the Federal Government and financial institutions to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses to safeguard vital national infrastructure. Akinremi emphasizes that interconnected digital systems underpin daily life but also expose the country to cascading risks across sectors.

This warning means your essential services like electricity, banking, water, and healthcare could be disrupted by cyberattacks if action isn’t taken soon. Because these systems are linked, an attack on one can quickly impact many others, causing widespread interruptions in daily life and national security. Strengthening cybersecurity now helps protect your community’s safety, access to services, and Nigeria’s economic stability. It also highlights the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals to tackle increasingly complex digital threats.

Source: The Guardian
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Senate Approves Tinubu’s N58.47 Trillion 2026 Budget

The Nigerian Senate has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s 2026 Appropriation Bill totaling N58.47 trillion. The budget prioritizes infrastructure, security, and debt servicing, with a significant allocation of N5.41 trillion to defense. Additionally, the Senate passed revised budgets for 2024 and 2025 to promote fiscal discipline and improve budget execution.

This budget signals increased funding for critical sectors like roads, power, and agriculture, meaning potential improvements in infrastructure and job creation across Nigeria. With over N15 trillion earmarked for debt repayment, it aims to maintain economic stability that will impact inflation and investor confidence. The extension of the 2025 budget implementation to March 2026 also means ongoing projects could see better completion rates, minimizing delays you may have experienced.

Source: This Day Live
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What else is happening:

  • Nigeria joining the global road map to digital connectivity aims to strengthen broadband planning and close rural connectivity gaps affecting services and businesses.

  • LEAP Africa's initiative installs solar-powered digital libraries in Lagos schools to widen access and support blended learning for underserved students.

Entertainment and Culture

Pepsi Deepens Influence in Nigeria’s Entertainment Scene

Pepsi has reinforced its strong presence in Nigeria's entertainment and youth culture by backing major music events, live shows, and creative platforms during the December festivities. Known as ‘Baba for the Streetz,’ the brand continues championing Afrobeats and supporting the vibrant Detty December celebrations nationwide.

This means Pepsi remains at the center of Nigeria’s cultural pulse, powering concerts, festivals, and urban parties that define the season for young Nigerians. Their strong ties with artists and music scenes bring you memorable live experiences and digital connections during the holidays, boosting local entertainment and community spirit. For fans, this deepens access to popular cultural moments while helping shape the future of Nigerian music and nightlife.

Source: The Guardian
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The Social Feed:

  • Governor Sanwo-Olu hosted representatives of prominent families to finalise arrangements for the upcoming cultural highlight, the 2025 Eyo Festival, expected to draw large crowds and pageantry.

  • An analysis urges industry leaders to invest in reputation management and digital tools to modernise and protect the creative workforce in Kannywood’s masquerades.

  • A highlighted backstage moment shows the emotional romantic letter Travis Kelce sent Taylor Swift before her Vancouver shows, delighting global fans.

Sports

Lookman’s Goal Secures Eagles’ AFCON Qualifier Win

Nigeria kicked off their AFCON 2025 qualifiers with a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Tanzania. Ademola Lookman’s stunning second-half strike sealed the win in Morocco, extending Nigeria's unbeaten run against Tanzania to nine matches.

This victory brings relief and renewed hope to Nigerian football fans after missing two consecutive FIFA World Cups. You can expect rising team confidence as the Eagles build momentum ahead of their next group match against Tunisia. Lookman's winning goal shows that Nigeria has the talent to compete strongly in AFCON, which positively affects national pride and community excitement across the country.

Source: Punch
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Sports Spotlight:

  • Coach Eric Chelle warned that Nigeria must sharpen tactics and finishing despite a 2-1 win, increasing pressure before upcoming AFCON fixtures.

  • Supporters lauded Alex Iwobi after two assists and a commanding display that helped secure Nigeria's opening AFCON victory, boosting squad confidence.

Quote of the Day

“The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.”
Chinua Achebe

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