Welcome to NowNowNaija! President Tinubu’s new Forest Guards initiative promises a fresh approach to tackling insecurity. Here’s how 7,000 trained guards will protect Nigeria’s forests and communities.

TOP STORY

President Bola Tinubu launched the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative, graduating over 7,000 guards trained to patrol ungoverned forests in seven states. These guards, recruited locally, will use their deep knowledge of terrain to combat banditry, kidnapping, and illegal forest exploitation.

This initiative directly affects your safety by adding a specialized security force that understands local landscapes intimately. It aims to reduce crimes like kidnapping and banditry by gathering vital intelligence and responding swiftly in forested areas. Whether you live near forests or rely on these natural resources, this enhanced protection could stabilize your community and help restore government control in vulnerable regions. It also signals a new direction in Nigeria’s security strategy with stronger local involvement.

Source: This Day Live
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A US congressman confirmed that recent US airstrikes in Sokoto State stopped planned Christmas attacks by radical Islamic terrorists. The strikes, coordinated with Nigerian forces, targeted ISIS cells in multiple locations to prevent violence similar to past years. Nigerian military leaders are urging troops to maintain strong vigilance and ruthlessness against terrorists, especially during festive times.

This military collaboration means greater security for communities across northwestern Nigeria during the vulnerable holiday season, reducing the risk of deadly terrorist attacks. The joint effort also signals stronger international support and increased pressure on terrorist groups that disrupt daily life and economic activities. For you and your community, improved safety during festivals helps protect families, markets, and schools, allowing for more peaceful celebrations and economic stability. Calls to expand such operations to the northeast highlight ongoing efforts to secure the entire country.

Source: This Day Live
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What else is happening:

Taiwo Akintoye, formerly of the Afrobeats duo Twin-X, has reinvented himself as a tech entrepreneur and product strategist. He now focuses on building AI-enabled solutions tailored to African markets through his leadership roles at GP Technologies and O’range Development.

This transformation shows how skills and creativity can cross industries, opening new opportunities in Africa’s growing tech scene. Akintoye's work designing products for African realities means you may soon see more technology that truly fits local needs in sectors like media, agritech, and telecom. It also signals increased innovation and tailored solutions coming from African tech companies that impact your daily life and business.

Source: Punch
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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) raised about N15.3 trillion through Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs) in 2025 to help close the federal budget deficit. This marks a 14.8% increase compared to 2024, highlighting growing dependence on short-term government borrowing. Despite the larger amount raised, investor subscriptions slightly declined amid lower yields.

This move affects you by influencing interest rates and government borrowing costs, which can shape inflation and currency stability. Lower yields on NTBs may reduce returns for investors but encourage foreign investment to improve dollar liquidity and stabilize the naira. The rising borrowing from treasury bills reflects the government's efforts to fund spending without deepening debt risks, potentially impacting economic growth and inflation rates that affect daily expenses and savings.

Source: This Day Live
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What else is happening:

Allwell Ademola, a beloved Nollywood actress and producer, passed away at 43 after a heart attack at her Agege home. Known for her powerful roles in Yoruba films, she had a long career shaping indigenous storytelling before her sudden death.

This loss touches many in Nigeria’s film community and fans who admired Ademola’s commitment to authentic storytelling. Her passing reminds us of the fragility of life and the vital role entertainers play in our culture. For Nollywood and audiences, it prompts reflection on health awareness amid the pressures of the industry and a moment to honor her legacy through her work and impact.

Source: Punch
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The Social Feed:

Nigeria’s Super Eagles triumphed 3-2 over Tunisia to advance to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16. Ademola Lookman stood out with a goal and two assists, while Victor Osimhen and Wilfred Ndidi also scored crucial goals in a thrilling match in Morocco.

This win means you can celebrate as Nigeria leads Group C with six points, setting a bright tone for the team’s AFCON journey. The victory boosts national pride and guarantees more high-stakes matches for Nigerian fans in the knockout rounds. You might find your schedule filled with more exciting football nights, and local communities energized by the team’s success. It also highlights rising Nigerian talents making an impact on continental stages.

Source: This Day Live
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Sports Spotlight:

Quote of the Day

“Security is the foundation of development. Where people live in fear, progress cannot take root.”

— Yemi Osinbajo