Television Nigerian

Traditionally, Christmas is a time of optimism, light, warmth, and rejuvenation. This Christmas has arrived in Edo State, especially in Benin City, shrouded in spiritual and physical darkness. Streets that ought to be sparkling with joy are muted. Public structures that should represent utility and order are drenched in oppressive shadows. Offices that used to run smoothly now stutter through the day in periods of quiet and darkness. This is not a coincidence. It is a direct result of administration motivated by resentment, insecurity, and a destructive fixation on destroying the legacy of a predecessor rather than improving the welfare of the populace.

In a relatively short period of time, Governor Monday Okpebholo has shown how brittle progress can be when leadership is driven more by petty politics than by policy intelligence. His careless attack on and subsequent withdrawal from the power supply agreement with Ossiomo Power is the most glaring and terrible example of this failure.

It wasn’t a cosmetic arrangement. This was not a test. Under the Obaseki administration, the provision of stable, integrated energy to Edo State Government facilities in Benin City was a purposeful, forward-thinking program. Edo opted for innovation over justifications at a time when the national grid has come to be associated with failure, volatility, and national humiliation. An independent power source enhanced efficiency, decreased long-term expenses, decreased downtime, and restored public service’s dignity.

Because the facts are indisputable, progressive sub-national governments in Nigeria are actively seeking embedded power solutions. In recent years, the national grid has failed numerous times. Distribution firms are overworked. Power production is still inconsistent. Edo State was keeping up with the times. They were behind Edo.

Governor Okpebholo, however, made the decision to destroy this useful arrangement. Not due of its failure. It wasn’t because it wasn’t financially viable. Not because it violated the law. However, this is due to an irrational paranoia that views each of his predecessor’s successful initiatives as a political threat rather than a public benefit.

The repercussions are now evident, quantifiable, and extremely degrading.

The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), a utility already burdened by lean capacity, legacy infrastructure issues, and systemic national limits, is now under tremendous pressure as a result of Okpebholo’s attack on Ossiomo Power. What was once a shared load has turned into an intolerable strain.

On good days, the amount of electricity available in my residential neighborhood and office regions has decreased to about two hours. Previously, we had an average of sixteen hours each day. There are periods of three days or longer without power in my office axis. Darkness is become the norm. Where production once flowed silently, generators now howl. Diesel costs are rising. Companies struggle. Families make lower adjustments. This is a real-time regression.

Under Okpebholo, the state secretariat has come to represent governance in a sad way. I only recently witnessed the restoration of power following a blackout that lasted more than a week. What came next was both bizarre and depressing. There was an unplanned, boisterous celebration among the civil servants. Cheers filled the hallways. There was applause. Laughter erupted.

Under Obaseki, electricity—once taken for granted—had been turned to a show, a unique occasion deserving of celebration. The moral collapse of today’s Edo government was encapsulated in that moment. The state has drastically fallen short of acceptable norms when government servants hail the electricity supply as a miracle.

Stable electricity in government offices was normalized under the Obaseki administration. Competence had made it commonplace, so nobody cheered. Under Okpebholo, light has become extraordinary and darkness has become the standard.

Infrastructure like electricity is not aesthetic. It’s fundamental. It supports economic confidence, transparency, productivity, and service delivery. Long-term darkness raises operating expenses, encourages inefficiency, exacerbates corruption, and depresses morale. Every hour of blackout results in wasted man-hours, postponed paperwork, irate citizens, and unnecessary expenditures for generator and diesel upkeep.

Edo State and its local governments are receiving large monthly allocations totaling several billions of naira at the time of this crash. Therefore, Edo people have the right to inquire, without reservation, what exactly Okpebholo’s administration prioritizes if not the fundamental operations of the state.

Christmas in Edo ought to have been a time of ongoing development rather than its ceremonial deconstruction. Rather, the state is ensnared in a politics of animosity. Projects are dropped due to ancestry rather than merit. Policies are eliminated based on origin rather than proof. The role of governance has been reduced to an erasure theater.

However, darkness cannot be spun. You can’t rebrand Gloom. Official denials and carefully crafted propaganda are not as powerful as the actual reality of the Edo people. Investors are aware. Companies take note. Employees observe. The general public notices.

The future seems bleak if this trajectory continues. a state that is becoming dormant administratively. Both practically and figuratively, a capital city is losing its vibrancy. a workforce that has been taught to enjoy crumbs. People are gradually being trained to accept deterioration as the norm.

Leadership is judged by how well one maintains what works and enhances what doesn’t, not by how ruthlessly one rejects a predecessor. Obaseki is not the owner of Edo State. Okpebholo does not own it. Its people, both alive and dead, own it. Policies that are functional must put aside personal grudges.

Edo is darker this Christmas than it has ever been in history. However, no matter how deep-rooted, darkness is never lasting. It gives way to bravery, humility, and governance based on logic rather than animosity. The sooner this administration recognizes that reality, the sooner light will return to Edo State—not just to its structures, but also to its wounded sense of purpose and optimism.

According to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), it arranged passenger compensation and refunds totaling more than N1 billion in 2025—the largest amount of reimbursements in the organization’s history.

In an interview, Mr. Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Relations and Consumer Protection, revealed this, pointing out that the move represents enhanced consumer protection and better regulatory enforcement by the authority.

Achimugu claims that domestic airlines paid passengers more than N1 billion in reimbursements between May and July 2025 alone, without the NCAA being involved directly. He characterized this as a major change in business behavior.

He claimed that greater refunds, compensation payments, hotel accommodations, and other passenger entitlements that were previously unknown to many air travelers have resulted from the tougher enforcement of Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations, which has changed both the passenger experience and airline compliance.

“This year, we have significantly improved our ability to implement Part 19 of the NCAA regulations. We have therefore received the greatest number of reimbursements and compensations,” he stated.
Achimugu noted that the authority now offers round-the-clock assistance and credited the advancement to increased accessibility for passengers and better stakeholder involvement.

Travelers are now aware that someone is always ready to listen. He added that the strategy has contributed to the restoration of confidence in the aviation system and that even if problems are not entirely rectified, it won’t be because no one paid attention.

He added that airlines have also adapted to what he called a “new terrain,” emphasizing that adherence to rules is now required.
“Business as normal has ceased. Most of the time, airlines now cooperate without the need for escalation, he said.

However, Achimugu noted that many travelers prioritize their rights over their obligations and voiced concern about the increasing problem of disorderly passengers and public pressure.

According to him, “the majority of passengers are preoccupied with their rights but not much about their responsibilities.”

He clarified that implementing rules against such behavior frequently puts the NCAA at conflict with public opinion, which occasionally condones misconduct out of emotional reasons.

On Monday, Hon. Justice A. A. Omoniyi of the High Court 3, Ijebu-Ode Judicial Division, declared that popular musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, KWAM,1’s request for an interim injunction, which asked the court to stop Prince Dapo Abiodun, the governor of Ogun State, and other parties, including the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, from choosing a new Awujale of Ijebuland, was without merit.

However, Justice Omoniyi decided that the substantive case could be heard quickly and scheduled the resumption of the proceedings for January 14, 2026.

After the Fusengbuwa reigning House declared that K1, the Olori OmoOba of Ijebuland from the Fidipote Ruling House, was not a legitimate member of the reigning house and would not be permitted to run for the stool on their platform, he went to court.

Remember that on December 16, 2025, Wasiu Ayinde petitioned the court to stop the nomination and installation of a new monarch due to purported violations of chieftaincy law.

KWAM 1 requested an injunction to halt the proceedings while the fundamental concerns in his lawsuit were resolved.

The Governor of Ogun State, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, and the Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council were among the respondents he joined.

Ayinde said in the application that he is a legitimate member of both the Fusengbuwa and Fidipote reigning families and that what he called a defective and illegal process was endangering his rights as a prospective candidate.

In defiance of Ogun State chieftaincy regulations, he claimed that the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, which he referred to as a “unrecognized body,” was influencing the nomination process.

His main contention was that due process was not followed, including the requirement that the names of the 13 acknowledged kingmakers be legally published by the Ijebu-Ode Local Government before to the start of any selection process.

According to KWAM 1, the process was open to legal dispute because this stage was not followed.

The lawsuit was brought in response to the vacuum left by Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona’s death in July at the age of 91 following more than 60 years of rule.

Earlier in December, KWAM 1 openly expressed interest in the throne, which triggered a public discussion about his eligibility and ancestry.

He maintained that if he were not of acknowledged royal ancestry, the late Awujale would not have given him the title of Olori Omo-Oba.

The National Youth Service Corps, or NYSC, has expressed sorrow over the recent passing of Brigadier General Soyemi Ayodele Sofoluwe, Rtd., its 7th Director-General.

The current DG, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, honored the dead for his outstanding contributions to the expansion of the NYSC during his time as Chief Executive during a condolence visit to the deceased’s family in Lagos.

The DG said that his passing was a huge loss for the family, the NYSC, and the country as a whole.

He asked God to comfort his family and grant the late General eternal rest.

Additionally, Nafiu promised Colonel Kehinde Sofoluwe (Rtd.), the widow and matriarch of the Sofoluwe family, that NYSC would support her throughout the funeral ceremonies.

Sofoluwe, affectionately referred to as “Oga Show” by NYSC employees and Corps members, was well-known and cherished for his friendly, sympathetic, and humorous demeanor.

His spouse, kids, and grandkids survive him.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has pledged not to back President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 reelection campaign.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday in the state capital of Ibadan, Makinde took a jab at Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, saying that people ought to have the freedom to select their political allies.

He clarified that Wike cannot force people to make political decisions.

Details to come.

Residents have been reassured by Governor Seyi Makinde that his administration will not impose additional taxes because the state hasn’t done so for more than six years.

In an interview with Channels TV, the governor clarified that his administration has instead concentrated on increasing the number of people who are covered by the current tax system.

He referred to the strategy as a “chicken-and-egg” situation, raising the question of whether it is preferable to enact taxes first or foster an atmosphere that is favorable to economic expansion.

“You build a productive economy when you create a living environment where people and businesses can expand production.” You can only effectively raise revenue at that point, according to Makinde.

In order to guarantee a sustainable and equitable tax system for the people of the state, the governor underlined that the administration’s top objective is promoting economic growth.

Agila, Nigeria – In a show of profound gratitude, Unazi Gideon Oche has publicly acknowledged the significant contributions of Hon. Philip Agbese, the Okanga 1 of Agila, toward the success of their traditional marriage ceremony. The heartfelt appreciation highlights the role of Hon. Agbese in ensuring the event was marked by dignity, joy, and a strong sense of community.

Speaking at a post-event gathering, Unazi Gideon Oche emphasized that Hon. Agbese’s presence, encouragement, and fatherly guidance added immense meaning to the occasion. “You did not merely stand by me; you uplifted me, shared in my joy, and ensured that the day was one of pride, peace, and fulfillment,” they stated.

The expression of gratitude also extended to friends, relatives, elders, youth, and well-wishers whose prayers, resources, advice, and moral support contributed to the smooth execution of the ceremony. Special recognition was given to the best man, Dr. Best Orinya Agbese, whose loyalty and guidance were described as invaluable throughout the event.

Hon. Bitrus Agbese was also acknowledged for his presence and contributions, demonstrating the strength of family and community bonds.

In addition, Unazi Gideon Oche offered a humble apology to individuals who were unable to attend the traditional marriage due to space and event limitations, assuring them that the upcoming church wedding would provide an opportunity to celebrate together.

The event, marked by unity, generosity, and goodwill, was described as a resounding success, leaving lasting memories for all attendees.

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The Nigerian Army’s 2 Division has been tasked by Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), to intensify offensive operations and completely eradicate criminal elements operating within their sphere of influence.

The order was given to commanders and troops from the division’s various formations during the Army Chief’s first operational visit to the 2 Division Headquarters at Odugbo Barracks in Ibadan.

Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, said in a statement that the COAS praised the soldiers for their tenacity, professionalism, and operational efficacy in fighting banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities throughout the division’s operational area.

Lieutenant General Shaibu stated that he had received a thorough briefing on current operations and that he was pleased with the noteworthy accomplishments thus far.

He ordered the soldiers to keep up the current pace and pursue criminals with unwavering determination.

“I’ve been fully informed about your operations and the outstanding accomplishments you’ve made. I applaud your efforts and advise you to keep up the good work. “Go after kidnappers and other miscreants wherever they may be—in bushes, forests, or other hiding places—and make sure these illegal activities are minimized,” he ordered.

The Army Chief reiterated his dedication to personnel welfare in addition to operational directions, stating that unit morale is a crucial component of mission success.

He revealed that both the development of new living facilities within the barracks and the repair of existing accommodations had been approved.

He emphasized the necessity of a comfortable living and working environment to enhance long-term operational performance and urged officers and soldiers to take responsibility for the upkeep of existing facilities.

In closing, Lieutenant General Shaibu reassured the soldiers that, as the Army works to improve internal security throughout the nation, the welfare of personnel will continue to be a key component of his command philosophy.