President Bola Tinubu has felicitated Nigerians on the Christmas celebration, saying the country is on the path to restoration and progress.

The President in a statement he personally signed on Tuesday urged the citizens to pray for the nation’s leaders at all levels.

“On this joyous Christmas Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Christians across Nigeria and worldwide as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Holy Scriptures,” he said.

“Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future. In the spirit of this season, let us renew our hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria.

“Let us extend similar support and prayers to our nation’s leaders. With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity.”

To Tinubu, Christmas embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace, and unity.

He said the event is a poignant reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope, adding that this belief resonates with people of all faiths. Indeed, God is with us.

The President also sympathised with the families of victims who died in the recent stampedes in Abuja, Ibadan and Anambra State.

Describing the incident as tragic, Tinubu prayed that such events do not happen in the nation again.

“Recent tragic events in Oyo, Okija, and Abuja deeply sadden us, and our thoughts are with those who continue to suffer from these heartbreaking incidents.

“We earnestly pray that such misfortunes do not revisit our families and communities and that the lives of innocents are never again cut short.

As Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25, 2024, the wife of the President, Remi Tinubu, has assured Nigerians that the administration of her husband, President Bola Tinubu is committed to positive changes that will benefit every Nigerian.

In her Christmas message on Tuesday, the President’s wife said some of the policy changes are already yielding positive results.

She thanked all Nigerians for their support for the President’s administration in the last 18 months and pledged the government’s continuous support for all citizens.

She urged Nigerians to look forward to the new year, 2025, with bright optimism.

“As this year comes to a close, let us hold onto the belief that better days are ahead. Let us continue to love and support one another, foster unity, and embrace the diversity that makes our nation so great,” she said.

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Nigerians to rekindle hope in the country, urging them to use the Christmas season to show love to one another.

In his Christmas message on Friday, Buhari said Nigerians should use the season to “encourage ourselves so that the machinations of the wicked ones in our midst will find no place to thrive”.

“It is in the midst of hardship that the true test of a nation emerges,” he added in the message.

“I urge Nigerians to invoke the indomitable spirit in us and see the present order of things as a phase that will also pass, just like other unsavory situations in the nation’s history.

“This government will not abandon the promises made to Nigerians for a better lease of life.”

While noting that the diversification drive of the government “is yielding fruits,” Buhari restated the resolve to do more.

“We shall continue to create opportunities for our teeming youths to ventilate their tremendous energy,” he said.

On the fight against insecurity, Buhari assured that with the renewed commitment of security agencies, Nigerians would soon witness an improvement.

According to him, his administration has continued to support the security personnel in the discharge of their duties, leading to “remarkable successes”.

“I am confident that with the renewed commitment and empowerment of our committed security personnel, all these issues which inflict pain and trauma on us will soon be history,” Buhari said as he called for “encouragement to our gallant security personnel fulfilling their oaths to keep us safe”.

Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has called on residents of the north-western state to show love to one another and remain peaceful.

“We can all, as Christians as well as Muslims, emulate the example of Jesus Christ,” the governor said in his Christmas message to residents of Kaduna State on Thursday.

“We can strive to be better than we are today, combining our faith with exemplary conduct. We pray to God Almighty that the blessings and lessons of Christmas will spread all through our state and move us to be better people.”

While admitting that the COVID-19 pandemic will limit the celebrations, the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urged residents to adhere to the safety protocols.

“But as people of faith, we know that God’s love is unlimited; that amidst the trials and tribulations that confront us, the Almighty still avails us many reasons for joy in His Grace and gratitude for His protections,’’ El-Rufai noted.

According to him, combating the pandemic requires individual and collective efforts, but believes that ‘’together we can beat COVID-19!’’

The Niger State Governor, Sani Bello has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful for a better tomorrow as the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) is poised to re-position the country to the path of glory in the comity of nations.

Governor Bello, in a message to mark this year’s Christmas celebration, prayed for a brighter future for the nation.

“Though the country maybe going through hard times, we should not be despair. We should not be despondent. This hard time will soon be over.

“All we need do as a people is to be hopeful, united, support the government and be committed to the change mantra of the All Progressives Congress to move the country forward,” Governor Bello advised.

He recalled that Jesus Christ was given birth to at a critical moment of human history and noted that his birth which is being celebrated worldwide today brought hope, reconciliation and restoration of man to his creator.

“It is in the light of this that I want to advise all Nigerlites and indeed all Nigerians, irrespective of our religious differences to remain focused and hopeful for a better tomorrow.

The Governor also congratulated Christians in the state and wished them a peaceful celebration but called for moderation and caution during the yuletide season.

He assured the people of the state of his resolve to pursue the restoration agenda of the ruling party in the state in the New Year and called for patience and understanding.

PRESIDENT TINUBU SAYS GOVERNMENT HAS SUBSIDISED ROAD TRANSPORT ON OVER ONE HUNDRED ROUTES.

President Bola Tinubu says the Federal Government has subsidised transportation costs for Nigerians as part of moves to ease the hardship during the festive period.

In his Christmas message for 2024, Tinubu said the government has provided free train rides and subsidised road transport.

Tinubu said in a message he signed. “We also provide free train services and subsidized road transport costs on 144 routes nationwide to ease your travels.”

“For those travelling during this festive period, I wish you safe journeys. Rest assured, the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure our transportation routes are secure and convenient,”

He felicitated Nigerians on the Christmas celebration and asked the citizens to pray for the nation’s leaders at all levels.

“On this joyous Christmas Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Christians across Nigeria and worldwide as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Holy Scriptures,” he said.

“Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future. In the spirit of this season, let us renew our hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria.

“Let us extend similar support and prayers to our nation’s leaders. With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity.”

According to Tinubu, Christmas embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace, and unity.

He said the event is a poignant reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope, adding that this belief resonates with people of all faiths.

“As we celebrate this blessed season, let us be mindful of those facing difficulties. They are not far from us—our neighbours, family members, and the people we encounter daily, whether in places of worship, markets, offices, or boardrooms,” the president said.

MOZAMBIQUE UNREST CLAIMS TWENTY-ONE DEAD AFTER TOP COURT DECISION ON ELECTION.

At least 21 people have been killed in unrest after Mozambique’s top court confirmed long-ruling party Frelimo’s victory in the election.

Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda said late on Tuesday.

The decision by Mozambique’s Constitutional Council sparked fresh nationwide protests by opposition groups and their supporters who say the vote was rigged.

Seventy-eight people have been arrested so far and security measures have been tightened across the country, Interior Minister told public broadcaster TVM.

The armed and defense force will increase its presence in critical and key points,” he said.

MOZAMBIQUE’S TOP COURT CONFIRMS RULING PARTY WIN IN DISPUTED ELECTION.

Mozambique’s top court has confirmed the victory of ruling party Frelimo in the October election, which has sparked massive protests by opposition groups who say the vote was rigged.

The Constitutional Council has the final say over the electoral process and its ruling is likely to spark further protests in Mozambique, a Southern African country of close to 35 million people that Frelimo has governed since 1975.

Western observers said the election was not free and fair, and the post-election period has seen the biggest protests against Frelimo in Mozambique’s history.

The U.S. State Department said it was concerned by the announcement from the Constitutional Council on Monday while also urging “serious electoral and institutional reforms.”

The State Department statement cited assessments of observers, including those from the U.S., saying there were irregularities in the tabulation process and a lack of transparency in the election period.

At least 130 people have been killed in clashes with police, according to the civil society monitoring group Plataforma Decide.

Outside the conference centre in the capital Maputo, where a senior Constitutional Council judge announced that Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo was president-elect and the party had retained its majority in parliament, the streets were deserted amid a heavy police presence.

Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo casts his vote

Daniel Chapo, presidential candidate of the ruling Frelimo party addresses the media after casting his vote during the general elections at Inhambane, in southern Mozambique, October 9, 2024.

FRENCH OFFICIALS RAISE MAYOTTE DEATH TOLL TO 39 AFTER STORM CHIDO.

French officials raised the death toll in Mayotte to 39 from 35, about 10 days after the islands were battered by a devastating cyclone.

Authorities have said thousands may have died in Storm Chido when it hit the islands, a French overseas region off the coast of East Africa.

They have said efforts to count the dead may be complicated by people burying their loved ones quickly, per religious custom, and by the fact that many of the deceased may have been undocumented migrants.

The slow pace of aid and delays in the arrival of clean water – a flashpoint even before the disaster – have angered residents of Mayotte, France’s poorest territory located between Madagascar and Mozambique.

Mohamed Abdou, a doctor in Pamandzi, called France’s national day of mourning as a “political stunt” amid reports of historic neglect around infrastructure, electricity and distribution of aid, while other residents heckled President Emmanuel Macron during his visit last week.

Mozambique has said 94 people died when the storm hit mainland Africa, while neighbouring Malawi has reported 13 deaths.

GLOBAL HUNGER MONITOR SAYS FAMINE IN WAR-TORN SUDAN IS SPREADING.

Famine in Sudan has expanded to five areas and will likely spread to another five by May, the global hunger monitor reported Tuesday, while warring parties continue to disrupt humanitarian aid needed to alleviate one of the worst starvation crises in modern times.

Famine conditions were confirmed in Abu Shouk and al-Salam, two camps for internally displaced people in al-Fashir, the besieged capital of North Darfur, and in residential and displaced communities in the Nuba Mountains, according to the Famine Review Committee of the Integrated Food Phase Classification (IPC).

The committee also found that famine, first identified in August, persists in North Darfur’s Zamzam camp.

The five-member review committee vets and verifies famine findings produced by technical analysts.

In its Tuesday report, the review committee predicts famine will expand to five additional areas in North Darfur — Um Kadadah, Melit, al-Fashir, Tawisha and al-Lait — by May.

The committee identified another 17 areas across Sudan at risk of famine.

The IPC estimated about 24.6 million people, about half of all Sudanese, urgently need food aid through May, a sharp increase from the 21.1 million originally projected in June for October through February.

SUDAN HALTS PARTICIPATION IN INTEGRATED FOOD SECURITY PHASE CLASSIFICATION.

The Sudanese government has suspended its participation in the global hunger-monitoring system on the eve of a report that’s expected to show famine spreading across the country, a step likely to undercut efforts to address one of the world’s largest hunger crises.

In a letter dated Dec. 23, the government’s agriculture minister said the government is halting its participation in the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system.

The letter accused the IPC of “issuing unreliable reports that undermine Sudan’s sovereignty and dignity.”

On Tuesday, the IPC is expected to publish a report finding that famine has spread to five areas in Sudan and could expand to 10 by May.

This marks an unprecedented deepening and widening of the food and nutrition crisis, driven by the devastating conflict and poor humanitarian access,” the document stated.

Sudan’s withdrawal from the IPC system could undermine humanitarian efforts to help millions of Sudanese suffering from extreme hunger, said the leader of a non-governmental organization operating there, speaking on condition of anonymity.

LOOTING CRIPPLES FOOD SUPPLY IN GAZA AS ISRAEL NEGLECTS PLEDGE TO TACKLE GANGS.

Israel has failed to crack down on armed gangs attacking food convoys in Gaza, despite a pledge to do so in mid-October to help ward off famine in the Palestinian enclave, according to three U.N. and U.S. officials familiar with the matter.

The commitment, made behind closed doors, seemed like a breakthrough because, since the beginning of the war in October 2023, the international community has struggled to enlist Israel’s support to improve the dire humanitarian situation in the war-ravaged territory, the three senior officials said.

But the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has remained focused on its fight against Hamas and taken only limited actions against the handful of gangs operating in parts of Gaza under Israeli control.

This is according to the three officials, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the information.

The office of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred questions on the pledge and relief operations in Gaza to the military.

An IDF spokesperson declined to comment on what was agreed in October and what has been done to curb looting.

RUSSIAN CARGO SHIP SINKS IN MEDITERRANEAN AFTER EXPLOSION.

A Russian cargo ship called Ursa Major sank in the Mediterranean Sea overnight after an explosion ripped through its engine room and two of its crew are still missing.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

The vessel, built in 2009, was controlled by Oboronlogistika, a company that is part of the Russian Defence Ministry’s military construction operations, which had previously said it was en route to the Russian far eastern port of Vladivostok with two giant port cranes lashed to its deck.

The Foreign Ministry’s crisis centre said in a statement that 14 of the ship’s 16 crew members had been rescued and brought to Spain, but that two were still missing. It did not say what had caused the engine room explosion.

Russia’s embassy in Spain was cited by the state RIA news agency as saying it was looking into the circumstances of the sinking and was in touch with the authorities in Spain.

Unverified video footage of the ship heavily listing to its starboard side with its bow much lower down in the water than usual was filmed on Dec. 23 by a passing ship and published on Russia’s life.ru news outlet on Tuesday.

Spain’s Maritime Rescue Service said it had received a distress signal from the Ursa Major on Monday when it was located about 57 miles off the coast of Almeira.

It said it had contacted a ship nearby which had reported bad weather conditions, a lifeboat in the water, and said the Ursa Major was listing to the starboard side.

Two vessels and a helicopter had been sent to the scene and the 14 surviving crew members taken to the Spanish port of Cartagena.

UNCERTAINTY CLOUDS FATE OF SYRIANS IN EGYPT AFTER ASSAD OUSTER.

Syrian refugees and residents in Egypt face an uncertain future as new regulations may jeopardise their right to remain in the country after Bashar al-Assad’s ouster earlier this month.

European countries quickly suspended Syrian asylum applications after the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham swept into Damascus on Dec. 8, forcing Assad to flee after a 13-year civil war.

Other countries are also responding to the changing political landscape.

Egypt last week ratified a new law giving the government the power to determine refugee status. A decision has not been made on whether Syrians in Egypt would qualify as refugees under the new law.

The U.N. refugee agency UNHCR estimates six million Syrians are living as refugees around the world, primarily in neighbouring countries. It expects 1 million to return in the next six months, but some Syrian refugees fear being forced to return home.

Egypt is also suspending the renewal of existing residency permits, held by many Syrians for tourism, education, or business, pending a security check.

Syrian residents who spoke to Reuters were mostly unaware of the new rules, and many were also cautious about returning home.

Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has reached an agreement with ex-rebel factions to dissolve all groups and merge under the defense ministry.

He said his residency permit renewal was delayed so, like a number of other Syrians, he recently applied for UNHCR refugee status.

MOROCCO PROPOSES FAMILY LAW REFORMS TO IMPROVE WOMEN’S RIGHTS.

Morocco aims to grant women more rights over child custody and guardianship as well as a veto over polygamous marriage, in the first review of its family code in 20 years.

Justice and Islamic Affairs Ministers, Abdellatif Ouahbi said on Tuesday.

Women’s rights campaigners have been pushing for a revision of regulations governing the rights of women and children within the family in Morocco, where Islam is the state religion.

The draft code proposes more than 100 amendments, notably allowing women to stipulate opposition to polygamy in a marriage contract.

In the absence of such opposition, a husband can take a second wife under certain circumstances such as the first wife’s infertility, he said, putting more restrictions on polygamy.

It also aims to simplify and shorten divorce procedures, considers chid custody a shared right between spouses and gives either spouse the right to retain the marital home in the event of the other’s death, he said.

Divorced women will be allowed to retain child custody upon remarriage and the code will restrict exceptions for underage marriage to 17 years, maintaining the legal marriage age of 18.

While the revised code does not abolish the Islamic-based inheritance rule which grants a man twice the share of a woman, it allows individuals to gift any of their assets to their female heirs, Ouahbi said.

FORMER US PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL.

Former US president Bill Clinton left the hospital Tuesday, his office said, a day after he was admitted with a fever in the latest in a series of health scares for the veteran Democrat.

“President Clinton was discharged earlier today after being treated for the flu,” the 78-year-old’s deputy chief of staff Angel Urena said on social media platform X.

“He and his family are deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by the team at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and are touched by the kind messages and well wishes he received.”

Clinton was previously hospitalized for five nights in October 2021 due to a blood infection.

In 2004 he underwent a quadruple bypass operation after doctors found heart disease — motivating him to make lifestyle changes, including adopting a vegetarian diet, and he has since spoken publicly about his efforts.

Clinton, who led the United States from 1993 to 2001, is the second-youngest living US president, after 63-year-old Barack Obama. Clinton’s health last made headlines in November 2022 when he tested positive for Covid-19.

Though his prosperous time in office was marred by scandals, he has enjoyed a second life in the two decades after his presidency, which has seen him venture into numerous diplomatic and humanitarian causes.

IRAN LIFTS BAN ON WHATSAPP

Iran’s top council responsible for safeguarding the internet voted Tuesday to lift a ban on the popular messaging application WhatsApp, which has been subject to restrictions for over two years, state media reported.

“The ban on WhatsApp and Google Play was removed by unanimous vote of the members of the Supreme Council of Cyberspace,” the official IRNA news agency said.

The council is headed by the president and its members include the parliament speaker, the head of the judiciary and several ministers.

“Today, we took the first step towards lifting internet restrictions with unanimity and consensus,” Minister of Communications Sattar Hashemi said on X.

It was not immediately clear when the decision would come into force.

The move has sparked a debate in Iran, with critics of the restrictions arguing the controls were costly for the country.

“The restrictions have achieved nothing but anger and added costs to people’s lives,” presidential adviser Ali Rabiei said on X Tuesday.

“President Masoud Pezeshkian believes in removing restrictions and does not consider the bans to be in the interest of the people and the country. All experts also believe that this issue is not beneficial to the country’s security,” Vice President Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Tuesday.

Others, however, warned against lifting the restrictions.

The reformist Shargh daily on Tuesday reported that 136 lawmakers in the 290-member parliament sent a letter to the council saying the move would be a “gift to (Iran’s) enemies”.

The lawmakers called for allowing access to restricted online platforms only “if they are committed to the values of Islamic society and comply with the laws of” Iran.

Iranian officials have in the past called for the foreign companies that own popular international apps to introduce representative offices in Iran.