The federal government has earmarked N100 billion for the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) in its proposed 2025 budget.

According to an analysis of the budget, the programme falls under the Service Wide Vote (SVW) and is managed by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

The school feeding initiative, suspended earlier this year on January 12, followed the suspension of Halima Shehu, CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), over alleged financial misconduct.

In August, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, announced plans to relaunch the programme.

He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing adequate resources to sustain and enhance educational initiatives nationwide.

Edun highlighted the programme’s significance, stating, “Feeding children in schools not only improves their health and wellbeing but also encourages them to stay in school.

This will help reduce the number of out-of-school children.”

Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese has attributed the recent stampedes in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja to the government’s failure to tackle the hunger crisis effectively.

The tragedies which occurred during food distribution events claimed several lives and highlighted the desperation of many Nigerians.

In his Christmas message, Bishop Kukah expressed sorrow over Nigeria’s struggles despite over 60 years of independence. He described the nation as “still walking in darkness,” citing a lack of progress tied to greed, nepotism, and ethnicity.

“Imagine if light shone on our politics, public service, and institutions,” he said. “Nigeria’s journey to greatness remains hindered by forces prioritising ethnicity and religion over citizenship. These feelings of exclusion drive many to frustration and violence.”

He emphasized the importance of embracing diversity, urging Nigerians to align with the ideals of the national anthem, which promotes unity despite differences in tribe and tongue.

Bishop Kukah also addressed barriers discouraging Nigerian youths from active political participation. While acknowledging the progress made since the passage of the Not Too Young to Run Bill in 2018, he noted that high costs of running for office and lack of internal democracy remain significant obstacles.

He commended young Nigerians who have won elections but called for reforms to make politics more accessible to the youth.

The Bishop praised the federal government’s educational loan scheme but advised that it should extend beyond university students to include those pursuing vocational and technical skills.

He urged the government to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensure the scheme’s implementation fairness, enabling more youths and their families to benefit.

“Poverty should never exclude anyone from obtaining a quality education,” he said, encouraging youths to take advantage of the initiative.

Bishop Kukah lauded the strides made in fighting insecurity but called for a detailed work plan with clear deadlines to secure the nation.

He linked insecurity to unemployment and violent extremism, stressing that addressing these root causes is crucial for sustainable peace.

“Insecurity is the child of corruption. Without tackling unemployment and extremism, the violence will persist,” he stated.

Reflecting on the recent stampedes, the Bishop lamented the conditions of hunger and desperation that led to the tragedies in Okija, Ibadan, and Abuja.

He criticized the government for not acting decisively to address the food crisis, stating that these deaths were avoidable.

“The desperation of citizens reflects the government’s failure to address hunger effectively,” he said. He urged the government to collaborate more closely with institutions working for the common good to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Bishop Kukah extended his condolences to the families of the victims and called on the government to ensure every Nigerian’s dignity and well-being.

An Azerbaijani airliner carrying 67 people crashed near the city of Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Christmas Day, leaving 38 dead and 29 injured, officials confirmed.

Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 was en route from Baku, the Azerbaijani capital, to Grozny in Russia’s Chechen Republic and made an emergency landing approximately 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from Aktau, Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Kanat Bozumbayev, disclosed that 29 survivors, including two children, were rescued from the wreckage with 11 of the survivors are reportedly in critical condition.

Footage from the crash site showed dazed and bloodied survivors emerging from the charred remains of the plane.

“The bodies are in poor condition, mostly burnt, all collected,” Bozumbayev said. “Now they will be in the morgue, and identification will take place.”

“There is only one survivor whose identity remains unknown, according to Bozumbayev. “She is unconscious, has no documents, and is in the hospital,” he added.

President Aliyev expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, offering condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. He declared December 26 a national day of mourning in Azerbaijan.

“I express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the swift recovery of those injured,” Aliyev wrote on social media.

Russian President, Vladimir Putin, spoke to Aliyev on the phone and expressed his condolences, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Speaking at the CIS meeting in St. Petersburg, Putin also said that Russia’s Emergency Ministry sent a plane with equipment and medical workers to Kazakhstan to assist with the aftermath of the crash.

Kazakhstani, Azerbaijani and Russian authorities said they were investigating the crash.
Embraer told The Associated Press in a statement that the company is “ready to assist all relevant authorities.”

The flight’s passenger list included 42 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russians, six Kazakhs, and three Kyrgyz nationals. Kazakh authorities had initially reported 32 survivors but later revised the number to 29 as investigations continued.

A Nigerian Air Force airstrike, intended to neutralise Lakurawa terrorists, marred Christmas celebrations in Sokoto State on Wednesday as it mistakenly hit two communities in Silame Local Government Area of the state, killing several residents, The PUNCH reports.

This is just as terrorists attacked a military base in Borno State with armed drones, injuring five members of the troops.

Eyewitnesses’ accounts said the accidental bombing in Sokoto claimed the lives of at least 10 villagers and left several others wounded.

The affected communities, Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, are located near the Surame forest, a known hideout for the Lakurawa sect and bandits.

A resident of Silame, Malam Yahya, told our correspondent that the airstrike occurred around 7am on Christmas Day, disrupting what should have been a peaceful holiday.

He said no fewer than 10 villagers were killed with several others sustaining varying degrees of injuries during the airstrike aimed at the terrorists.

The Chairman of Silame Local Government Area, Abubakar Daftarana, confirmed the attack and expressed shock at the devastation.

“The villagers were sitting peacefully when the bombs started dropping on the communities. They were innocent and peace-loving people who had no criminal record.

“It is too early to confirm the number of people either killed or injured because we are still assessing the development,” he said.

When contacted, the spokesman of the Sokoto State Police Command, ASP Ahmad Rufa’I, declined comments on the matter, saying it was not their operation.

On its part, the Nigerian Air Force promised to investigate the fallout of the airstrike.

NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, stated that the operation was conducted based on credible intelligence and surveillance.

However, Akinboyewa assured that the force would investigate claims of civilian casualties.

“The airstrikes were conducted based on credible intelligence from multiple sources, along with confirmatory aerial surveillance. Nevertheless, reports of possible harm to civilians will be thoroughly investigated and we will update you appropriately,” he said.

Also, the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma said military operations were conducted based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions.

In a statement on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullah, Coordinator, Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma, said the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were  associated with the Lakurawa group.

He said, “However, it is crucial to clarify that all military operations are conducted based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions.

“This rigorous process is particularly important when targeting groups like the Lakurawa terrorist organisation, as it aims to ensure precision and protect civilian lives.

“Given the serious nature of these operations, the public is urged to rely on confirmed information to prevent misinformation and unnecessary panic.

“There is a significant risk that terrorist groups may attempt to undermine military successes through media disinformation, necessitating caution concerning unverified claims, especially in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry.

“Importantly, the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa have been positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action taken.”

Borno attacks

The PUNCH learnt on Wednesday that the insurgents launched an attack on Forward Operating Base located in Wajiroko area of Damboa Local Government in Borno State with a drone around 3pm on Tuesday.

Scores of the troops were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries at a duty post following the attack.

Multiple local sources who did not want to be identified, however, claimed that some soldiers may have died in the attack.

“We heard a sound from the base and at a point, smoke was seen in the hair, the way it looked, someone or people must have died in the attack,” a source claimed.

While the military is yet to confirm the attack, efforts to reach the spokesman of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col. A.Y. Jingina, proved abortive as he neither picked nor returned calls.

Also, a signal of the incident sighted by one of our correspondents showed that terrorists launched two attacks on the troops and while one was repelled, the other led left five soldiers injured. The signal said the terrorists, during the first attack, used mortars and other firearms but they were repelled, adding that shortly after, the terrorists used multiple armed drones.

It read, “At approximately 13:00 hours on 23 December 2024, Forward Operating Base Wajiroko in Damboa Local Government Area came under attack by suspected terrorists. The attackers initially launched the assault using mortars and other firearms, but troops stationed at the base successfully repelled the assault, forcing the terrorists to withdraw in disarray.

“Shortly after, at around 13:23 hours, the base was targeted again in a coordinated attack using multiple armed drones equipped with locally fabricated grenades. Observers at the base reported spotting up to four distinct armed drones during the attack.

“Five soldiers sustained injuries during the drone assault. They received first aid and are awaiting evacuation to the 25 Brigade Field Ambulance for further medical attention.   Equipment damage included one damaged gun truck.

“The general security situation in the area is calm but remains highly unpredictable. Despite the attacks, troop morale and combat efficiency are reported to be satisfactory. “

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Buba Edward, could not be reached as of the time of filling this report.

CDS warns locals

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa,  warned citizens against engaging in any form of trading or transaction with terrorists, bandits and other non-state actors.

The CDS, who lamented that some unpatriotic elements had been trading with these groups, noted that their actions were sabotaging the efforts of the military and other security agencies.

Musa issued the warning on Wednesday after visiting patients at the Defence Headquarters Medical Centre as part of Christmas celebrations, which coincided with his birthday.

He said, “I want to also call on those few ones that think they are making money by trading with those terrorists and bandits. Those terrorists and bandits have no respect for anybody. Once you think you are trading with them they are going to come after you. If they don’t come after you, they will come after, either your relations – your brother, your sister, your wife, your husband. So, please nobody should trade with those guys.

“If we do not encourage them, we do not trade with them, they will not survive. That is the important thing we are saying.”

Musa regretted that terrorism was not nipped in the bud when it began, which, according to him, allowed it to fester to this day.

He said, “The mistakes that were made in the past when this thing (terrorism/banditry) started were that we did not nip it in the bud. We allowed it to get to where it is. But thank God everybody is putting hands together and we are very happy Nigerians are warming up. We are getting a lot of support from Nigerians, a lot of prayers, a lot of information on things that are happening everywhere. We must continue to do that.”

Musa assured that the military would leave no stone unturned to ensure that Nigeria was peaceful in 2025.

He said, “I think since we started to where we are today there is a remarkable improvement in the security situation, and we are going to take that further. That is why I said next year is defining, which means that we will do everything possible to ensure that Nigeria is peaceful.

“We are going to put every effort to ensure that we continue to live in peace. It’s not something that is automatic, but I know if we have the cooperation of Nigerians that is possible because God is with us always. We are going to make sure that Nigeria is better for everyone. “

COAS visits troops

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede, celebrated Christmas with troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

During the celebration at the Theatre Command in Maimalari Cantonment, Oluyede commended the troops for their dedication to the fight against insurgency in the state.

He praised their efforts in recent operations, which led to the deaths and capture of many terrorists in rural communities across the state and the North East region.

“Your efforts and success in recent operations shows your level of commitment to the fight against insurgency,” Oluyede said.

He reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu towards enhancing the capacity of the Armed Forces through provision of modern arms, vehicles and equipment to ensure that the war was brought to logical conclusion within the shortest possible time.

The COAS said the Christmas lunch with the troops, including wounded soldiers, provided a unique opportunity to appreciate the sacrifice, loyalty and camaraderie of the troops in the theatre and other operations across the country.

On his part, the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, commended the effective role of the military in tackling insurgency and pledged sustained support to counter insurgency in the region.

“The state government will not relent in ensuring adequate support to the military in your various operations,” Zulum said.

The governor, who was represented on the occasion by the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijjani, announced a cash support of N2m two to the frontline fighters who sustained injuries.

The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, says Nigeria is beginning to experience positive results based on the economic policies and reforms introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He added that though the reforms have brought some pains and challenges, such discomfort would be temporary.

Ganduje, who appealed for more patience from Nigerians for the government of President Tinubu, assured that by 2025 Christmas, the economy would have stabilized.

Naija News reports the APC Chairman stated this in a Christmas message issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu.

“I urge Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu’s administration as it navigates these tough reforms. Although the process has been challenging, we are beginning to see positive results.

“By next year’s Christmas, I assure you, the economy will have stabilised and will be in a much better position,” Ganduje stated.

The former Kano State Governor said remarkable progress has been recorded by the Tinubu administration in the areas of security, noting that there has been significant reductions in banditry and kidnapping across the country.

Ganduje also reiterated that the APC leadership remains committed to implementing policies that promote sustainable growth, security, and improved welfare for all Nigerians.

He further urged Nigerians to embrace the values of love, peace, and unity exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ by displaying virtues of selflessness, generosity, and care for the less privileged during the Christmas season.

The Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, has enjoined Nigerians to spread love and unity as they mark Christmas Day.

Julius Abure regretted that many families would be unable to celebrate the joys of the Christmas season as a result of economic hardship ravaging the country.

In his Christmas message on Wednesday, the Labour Party factional Chairman enjoined Nigerians to reach out to families that could not celebrate.

He said that Jesus Christ who was born in a lowly manger lived his entire life working to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged, the poor, the oppressed, the depressed and the sick.

“It will interest you to know that not many homes in Nigeria can afford to join in today’s celebration of Christmas because of the economic challenges Nigeria is facing today. But I am using this opportunity to task the society to show love to a neighbour who may be in one form of lack or the other.

“Also at this time, I think of all the men and women serving in the military to ensure our safety, who may not be privileged to be with their loved ones. Thank you for your service. As I speak, many of our gallant soldiers are in some trenches in many parts of the country ensuring that the terrorists and gunmen are kept at bay for the rest of us to celebrate the Christmas. I urge all Nigerians, particularly the clerics to put these patriots in their ceaseless prayers,” he said.

Abure further called on Nigerians to forgive one another in the season, stating that Jesus Christ is the symbol of forgiveness.

“There is nothing that will bring more joy to humanity than to be ready and willing to forgive the trespasses of our neighbors against us. There is also nothing that will bring more condemnation to humanity than to harden our hearts and to be bitter and vindictive in our feelings towards those by whom we are surrounded.

“I therefore call on Nigerians to imbibe the teaching of Christ that says ‘forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses against us.

“What a sacrifice. Today’s celebration can not be complete until we begin to allow the significance of the birth of Christ to manifest in our lives,” Abure stated.

Senators from the southern region of the country have urged Nigerians to believe in the administration of President Bola Tinubu and expect a brighter future.

The lawmakers, under the Southern Senators Forum, acknowledged the hardship in the country, necessitated by the ongoing reforms embarked upon by the Tinubu administration, but added that the future gains expected from the policies, far outweigh the current pains.

The Senators made this known in a Christmas message made available to newsmen on Tuesday by its chairman, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru.

They described the policy focus of President Tinubu as bold and targeted at laying the foundation for stable economic growth and transformation of Nigeria.

“The forum recognises the economic challenges facing many families in our country today. These are difficult times, but they also present an opportunity for growth and transformation.

“We commend the bold reforms and initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which are aimed at laying a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth, peace and prosperity in the medium and long term.

“Our strength lies in our diversity, and by working together, we can build a nation that is inclusive, prosperous and strong. We urge all Nigerians to remain hopeful and to keep faith alive.

“Together, through resilience, unity and dedication, we can overcome any challenges and create a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come,” the statement reads.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described its National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as a think tank and savvy politician.

Naija News reports that the former Governor of Kano State celebrated his 75th birthday today (Wednesday).

In a statement, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said Ganduje was instrumental in the party’s electoral successes across the nation.

“We celebrate an astute leader, administrator, scholar, philanthropist, and savvy politician who continues to distinguish himself in the many public offices he has been privileged to serve.

“Dr Ganduje’s purposeful, progressive and transformative leadership has guided our great Party to achieving spectacular successive electoral victories and consolidating our position as Africa’s largest and preeminent political party.

“Dr Ganduje’s consultative and inclusive approach has fostered a culture of unity and cooperation in our great Party and positioned it to effectively support the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration,” he said.

APC highlighted that under Ganduje, the party digitalized membership registration, and established its progressives institute while delivering electoral promises to Nigerians.

“On his focused watch, our great Party has achieved laudable feats, including the planned digitization of the Party’s membership register, the establishment of a Progressive Institute and policy think tank, and enhanced synergy between the Party and the government in delivering electoral promises to Nigerians.

“On behalf of the National Working Committee (NWC), leaders, members and supporters of our great Party, we rejoice with a great achiever on this special occasion of his 75th birthday anniversary. We pray the Almighty Allah, in His mercies, to grant our National Chairman long life, wisdom and good health as he continues his service to our great Party and country,” he added.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Christians on the occasion of the 2024 Christmas celebration, encouraging Nigerians to maintain their optimism, asserting that 2025 holds the promise of better days ahead.

Naija News reports that the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Durosinmi Meseko, conveyed this message in a Christmas address delivered on Tuesday in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State.

Meseko underscored the various economic strategies introduced by President Bola Tinubu, highlighting their potential to yield beneficial results for the country.

He stated that the full impact of these initiatives is expected to manifest in the upcoming year, resulting in enhanced economic conditions for all Nigerians.

“This Christmas, let us celebrate the spirit of hope and renewal. The policies of President Tinubu are already laying the foundation for a more prosperous Nigeria, and we can expect to see tangible results in 2025.

“Let us remain steadfast in our belief that brighter days are ahead. The APC Government has promised to address the challenges confronting the country through its economic reforms, and a tangible impact on the lives of ordinary citizens will manifest in 2025,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the payment of ₦100,000 Christmas bonuses for civil servants, public servants, and pensioners in the state.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Tuesday by the state’s Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.

Dr Nwaeke noted that the bonus was approved on Monday to enable workers and senior citizens to celebrate Christmas with ease and joy.

This marks the second time during Fubara’s administration that civil servants will be receiving a Christmas bonus of ₦100,000, which exceeds the national minimum wage. However, it is the first time pensioners are included in the initiative.

In his Christmas message, Governor Fubara called on Rivers residents to embrace peace, love, and unity during the festive season and beyond.

The governor, through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence to address the country’s economic and security challenges.