The Federal Government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day.

The government also declared Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the New Year celebration.

The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

According to the statement, the minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.

According to the statement, the minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.

Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security and national progress.

He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has acknowledged that aspects of Nigeria’s newly enacted tax reform laws may have been altered and could require amendments, amid growing calls for the suspension of their implementation.

Oyedele spoke as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and several civil society organisations demanded a halt to the rollout of the laws over alleged discrepancies between what the National Assembly passed and what was eventually gazetted.
In an interview on Monday, Oyedele conceded that parts of the versions passed by lawmakers may need to be revisited, stressing however that implementation should proceed based on what the National Assembly approved.

“Even if it is established that there have been substantial alterations to what the National Assembly passed, my view is to identify those provisions which are not part of the law and proceed to implement the law as passed by NASS, while addressing how those issues arose and what to do about them,” he said.

He added that his committee had already identified areas in the passed version requiring technical amendments, particularly around referencing and definitions, which would be forwarded to the President.
Oyedele also addressed the controversy over alleged differences between the bills debated and approved by lawmakers and the versions later gazetted and made public.

A member of the House of Representatives, Abdulsamad Dasuki, had earlier raised the alarm, claiming that the gazetted laws did not reflect what legislators voted on, arguing that this amounted to a breach of legislative privilege.

“Before you can claim there is a difference between what was gazetted and what was passed, we must have access to the version that was passed,” Dasuki said, noting that only lawmakers could authoritatively confirm the harmonised bills certified by the National Assembly and transmitted to the President.

Clarifying concerns over Section 41(8), which mandates a 20 per cent deposit, Oyedele said the provision appeared only in a draft gazette and was not included in the final version of the law.

“Some people circulated a report of the committee before the committee had even met. What is out there in the media did not come from the House committee. We should allow the committee to conduct its investigation,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu recently signed the four tax reform bills into law, describing them as the most sweeping overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system in decades. The laws — the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act — are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, under a unified authority, the Nigeria Revenue Service.

The reforms have, however, faced stiff resistance, particularly from some northern lawmakers, who have questioned both their substance and the process leading to their enactment.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed confidence that newly trained medical professionals produced by Pamo University of Medical Sciences (PUMS) will significantly help to bridge existing gaps in health institutions within Rivers State and across the nation.

Governor Fubara made this assertion during the 8th Founder’s Day Celebration and 5th Convocation Ceremony of Pamo University of Medical Sciences, held in Port Harcourt on Friday, 19th December 2025.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, commended the introduction of postgraduate programmes at the University, stressing the importance of expanding opportunities for advanced medical education.

He reaffirmed the Rivers State Government’s continued support for PUMS in its quest for excellence, describing the institution as one that produces disciplined, well-trained graduates who serve as worthy ambassadors of both the State and the University.

Governor Fubara likened the growth of Pamo University to the biblical mustard seed that has blossomed into an oak tree, noting that the institution has become a flagship centre for medical education, describing the growing number of medical graduates as a source of pride and a clear testament to the University’s positive impact.

He congratulated the Chancellor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, for his sustained commitment and generous contributions to the institution, as well as the Pro-Chancellor, Sir Dr. Peter Odili, for his firm and visionary leadership.

Addressing the graduating students, the Governor said their achievements validate the State Government’s investment in education, yielding tangible results and dividends of democracy.

He also expressed gratitude to the university for their prayers and support to that has cumulated to the success of his administration.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chancellor and Chairman, Board of Trustees of Pamo University of Medical Sciences, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, said that as Nigeria continues to face security challenges, there is a pressing need for unity, vigilance and divine intervention. He prayed for the restoration of peace and stability across the country.

General Abubakar, assured that the Board of Trustees remains resolute and committed to providing the necessary support for the continued development of the University. While congratulating the graduating students and their parents, he urged the graduates to serve humanity and the nation with confidence and dedication.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Yusufu Ribadu, noted that over the past four years, Pamo University has consistently produced graduates in fields critical to national development. He added that the steady output of medical and allied health professionals is timely, given the country’s significant shortage of skilled manpower in these areas.

In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor of PUMS, Sir Dr. Peter Odili, thanked the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his continued support for the University, while expressing concern over the increasing migration of medical practitioners abroad in search of better opportunities.

He noted that an upward review of retirement age and welfare packages would help curb the trend.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of PUMS, Prof. Smith Jaja, disclosed that a total of 126 graduands were presented for convocation from various faculties. He stated that seven (7) graduands earned First Class Honours, twenty-three (23) obtained Second Class Upper Division, while eleven (11) graduated with Second Class Lower Division.

Highlights of the occasion were presentation of an award to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the best graduating student Dr. Iboro Onisokien Joel by the university.

The Ebedaowei, Engineer Hope Aserifa Torru, members of the Kabuowei Traditional Council of Chiefs in Bayelsa State have expressed profound shock over the passing of the State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

A statement on behalf of the Ebedaowei and the Traditional Council of Chiefs says Senator Ewhrudjakpo’s untimely death creates a significant void in diverse areas, mostly in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The statement signed by the Ozitua-owei (Spokesman) High Chief Freston Akpor notes that Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo dedicated his life to public service, displaying unwavering commitment to the development of Bayelsa State and it’s people.

“His leadership, vision, and tireless efforts in advancing the state’s infrastructural growth as Commissioner for Works, his time as a Senator was a testimony of patriotism and as Deputy Governor, he offered support in the quest to change the growth trajectory of the State”

According to the Kabuowei Traditional Council of Chiefs, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo was a man of integrity, whose compassion and dedication inspired many.

“As we mourn this great loss, we extend our deepest condolences to Governor Douye Diri, his widow and children, the Ewhrudjakpo family and the people of Ofoni and Bayelsa State and Tarakiri Clan”

The Ebedaowei and the Kabuowei Traditional Council of Chiefs (Bayelsa) states that “While we pray for strength for all in this difficult time particularly the bereaved family, as custodians of the people’s tradition and culture, we will honour the legacies of the departed in ensuring that his contributions to our dear state are never forgotten”.

As a devout and dedicated Christian, we are assured that his soul will find eternal and peaceful rest in the Lord.

Thousands of women from across Rivers State on Christmas 2025 converged on the historic Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt, in a spectacular outpouring of praise, thanksgiving and unity at the Christmas 2025 Praise Party Palooza.

The event, hosted by Rivers Women Unite for SIM in collaboration with the Toby Jug Foundation, drew women from all 23 local government areas of the state, cutting across professions, ages and social backgrounds, in a powerful demonstration of faith and communal solidarity.

The park came alive with exuberant worship, fervent prayers and spirited dance as participants lifted their voices in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Clad in elegant white and red attire symbolising purity, love, sacrifice and the joy of Christmas, the women formed a striking visual display that transformed the venue into a radiant arena of praise and fellowship.

Beyond the spiritual celebration, the women used the occasion to express gratitude and unwavering support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS. They joyfully affirmed his recent political transition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a strategic step toward peace, unity and accelerated development in the state.

Songs of thanksgiving echoed across Isaac Boro Park as prayers were offered for continued peace, progress and purposeful leadership in Rivers State. The women also prayed for divine wisdom, strength and protection for Governor Fubara and other leaders committed to the welfare of the people.

Organisers described the Praise Party Palooza as a reflection of the strength, resilience and faith of Rivers women, united by a shared hope for a better and more prosperous future.

As the celebration came to a close, the atmosphere remained charged with joy and gratitude, leaving behind a powerful message of unity, faith and collective support for leadership anchored on peace and development in Rivers State.