Author: Naija Daily News

….Makes N512m in opening week Nigerian actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele’s new movie Behind The Scenes has become the highest-grossing Nollywood title of 2025, generating more than 500 million naira in its first week in cinemas, according to distributor FilmOne Entertainment. The company said the film earned N512mn after breaking five opening-weekend records, including the fastest Nollywood release to cross the 500-million-naira mark this year. The film opened nationwide on Dec. 12 after advanced screenings on Dec. 10 and 11. Behind The Scenes, featuring Scarlet Gomez, Iyabo Ojo, Destiny Etiko, Tobi Bakre and Uche Montana, extends Akindele’s dominance at the…

Photo: Former Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki By Didimoko A. Didimoko Lawmakers in Edo State have authorised Governor Monday Okpebholo to work with anti-corruption agencies to recover ₦17.5 billion in bond proceeds still held by two escrow agents appointed under former Governor Godwin Obaseki. The funds represent the balance of a ₦25 billion capital-market loan raised by the previous administration for the renovation of the Radisson Blu Hotel project. According to a report submitted to the state Assembly, the escrow agreement governing the hotel’s transfer to the Hospitality Investment Management Company was never properly executed, rendering it invalid. Legislators said the…

Nigeria’s federal government said it will move ahead with implementing new tax laws from Jan. 1, 2026, despite mounting calls for a suspension following allegations that the versions passed by parliament differ from the copies later published in the official gazette. The dispute intensified last week after Abdussamad Dasuki, a lawmaker from Sokoto, told the House of Representatives that key provisions in the harmonised tax bills passed by the National Assembly did not match those released to the public. The House set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the discrepancies and is expected to present its findings this week.…

The Federal Government has said its recent diplomatic disagreement with the United States, during which US President Donald Trump reportedly threatened military intervention over alleged mass killings of Christians in Nigeria, has been largely resolved. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday at a year-end news conference in Abuja. “The recent diplomatic spat with the United States has been largely resolved through a firm, respectful engagement culminating in a strengthened partnership between America and Nigeria,” Idris said. According to the minister, Nigeria demonstrated maturity and principled leadership in navigating complex international diplomacy throughout 2025,…

The Federal Government has formally classified kidnappers and violent armed groups as terrorists, marking a major escalation in Nigeria’s response to abductions, attacks on farmers, and violence against local communities. The designation was announced on Monday by the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, during the federal government’s end-of-year press briefing in Abuja. Under the new policy, mass kidnappings and rural attacks will no longer be treated as conventional crimes but will fall squarely within the framework of counterterrorism operations. “Henceforth, any armed group or individual that kidnaps our children, attacks our farmers, and terrorizes our communities is officially classified and…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Federal Government has approved mandatory drug testing as a prerequisite for employment in the federal public service, in a renewed effort to curb the growing problem of substance abuse in the country. The directive was conveyed to permanent secretaries, heads of extra-ministerial departments and parastatals, according to a statement issued on Monday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF). The statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the OSGF, Segun Imohiosen, said the policy is aimed at addressing the rising incidence of illicit drug use and…

By Deborah Nnamdi One person has been killed and a residential building has been razed following a clash between Itsekiri youths from Ugborodo and neighbouring Ogidigben riverine communities in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State. The deceased, identified as Emiko Onuwaje, was reportedly attacked and killed along a road in Ogidigben at the weekend, an incident that triggered outrage and heightened tension across the Ugborodo axis of the area. In the aftermath of the killing, angry youths allegedly set ablaze the residence of Captain John Deja Okpeyor, who had earlier that same day been installed as a chief…

By Deborah Nnamdi The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has commended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for what he described as responsible leadership, saying President Bola Tinubu is pleased with the governor’s performance. Ribadu said Rivers State ranks among the most peaceful states in the country, attributing the calm to Fubara’s leadership style and commitment to dialogue. He spoke on Monday while leading a presidential delegation on a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt. The delegation included the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, and top…

Award-winning Nigerian singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has staked $25,000 on goals ahead of Nigeria’s opening match against Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The singer shared a screenshot of his bet slip on Sunday via his X page, showing a wager on both teams to score in the Group C encounter involving the Super Eagles. He accompanied the post with the caption, “Let’s get this W Nigeria,” a message that quickly drew reactions from fans online. The bet, which carries potential winnings of more than $96,000, sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many…

By Deborah Nnamdi The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has issued a public alert on the recall of Indomie Vegetable Flavour noodles due to the presence of undeclared allergens that could pose serious health risks to consumers. In a statement released on Sunday, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, said the affected product is not currently available for sale in Nigeria. She, however, disclosed that the agency has intensified nationwide surveillance to prevent the product from entering the country or circulating in any market. “In light of this development, NAFDAC has undertaken some proactive measures as a responsive…