A former Senator representing Nasarawa North Senatorial District, Sen. Godiya Akwashiki, has died in India, family sources confirmed on Thursday.
Akwashiki reportedly passed away in the early hours of Thursday while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in India. The exact cause of death was not immediately disclosed as at the time of filing this report.
The late senator was a prominent political figure in Nasarawa State and served as a member of the Senate during the Fourth Republic.
He was widely regarded as an influential grassroots politician who played a key role in the political development of Nasarawa North Senatorial District.
Reacting to his death, political leaders, associates and residents of Nasarawa State have expressed deep shock and sadness, describing Akwashiki as a committed public servant who dedicated his life to the service of his people.
Akwashiki was known for his contributions to legislative debates and his advocacy for rural development, education and improved infrastructure within his constituency during his time in the National Assembly.
The Nasarawa State Government is expected to issue an official statement in the coming hours, while arrangements are being made for the repatriation of his remains to Nigeria for burial according to family wishes and cultural rites.
He is survived by his wife, children and other relatives.
Making Korean-style rice face masks at home is a simple, affordable and natural skincare method widely embraced for achieving radiant and glowing skin.
Rice, a staple ingredient in Korean beauty routines, is known for its brightening, soothing and anti-ageing properties.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and use a Korean rice mask at home.
Ingredients
• Half a cup of white or brown rice (preferably organic)
• Two cups of water
• One tablespoon of honey (optional, for hydration)
• One tablespoon of milk or yoghurt (optional, for skin brightening)
Preparation Method
1. Prepare the Rice Base: Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove dirt and excess starch. Cook it with two cups of water until it becomes soft and slightly mushy. As an alternative, the rice can be soaked overnight and blended the next day for quicker preparation.
2. Blend into a Smooth Paste: Transfer the cooked or soaked rice into a blender or food processor. Add honey and milk or yoghurt if desired. Blend until a smooth, creamy paste is achieved.
3. Application: Cleanse the face thoroughly. Apply the rice mask evenly across the face, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes to allow the skin to absorb the nutrients.
4. Rinse and Moisturise: Rinse off the mask with lukewarm water, gently massaging in circular motions for mild exfoliation. Pat the skin dry and apply a moisturiser or serum to seal in hydration.
Skincare Tips
• Patch Test: Always test a small amount on the wrist or jawline before full application to prevent allergic reactions.
• Customisation: Tea tree oil can be added for acne-prone skin, while aloe vera gel helps soothe sensitive or irritated skin.
• Storage: The rice mask can be stored in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Variations
Beauty enthusiasts may enhance the mask by using rice paper sheets to lock in moisture or adding rice bran oil for its antioxidant and fatty acid benefits.
Different rice types such as jasmine or short-grain rice can also be used due to their higher starch content.
Experts note that regular use of rice masks can improve skin texture, boost brightness and promote a youthful glow when combined with a consistent skincare routine.
I welcome you all to 2026, with gratitude to God and confidence in our collective resolve that this new year will be a more prosperous one for our nation, our citizens, and all who call Nigeria home.
During 2025, we sustained the momentum on our major reforms.
We had a fiscal reset and also recorded steady economic progress.
Despite persistent global economic headwinds, we recorded tangible and measurable gains, particularly in the economy.
These achievements reaffirm our belief that the difficult but necessary reforms we embarked upon are moving us in the right direction, with more concrete results on the horizon for the ordinary Nigerian.
As we enter 2026, our focus is on consolidating these gains and continuing to build a resilient, sustainable, inclusive and growth-oriented economy.
We closed 2025 on a strong note. Despite policies to fight inflation, Nigeria recorded robust GDP growth each quarter, with annualised growth expected to exceed four per cent.
We maintained trade surpluses and achieved greater exchange rate stability. Inflation declined steadily and reached below 15 per cent, in line with our target.
In 2026, we are determined to reduce inflation further and ensure that the benefits of reform reach every Nigerian household.
In 2025, the Nigerian Stock Exchange posted a 48.12 per cent gain, consolidating its bullish run.
Supported by sound monetary policy management, our foreign reserves stood at 45.4 billion dollars as of Dec. 29, 2025.
Foreign direct investment rose to 720 million dollars in the third quarter of 2025, reflecting renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction.
A few days ago, I presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, emphasising that our reforms are laying a solid foundation for long-term stability and prosperity.
We are confronting the challenge of multiple taxation across all tiers of government. The new year marks a critical phase in implementing tax reforms designed to build a fair and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria.
On security, we remain mindful that economic progress must be accompanied by peace and stability.
Our Armed Forces have sustained operations against terrorist networks across the Northwest and Northeast.
In 2026, our security agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners to eliminate threats to national security.
We will accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme to empower at least 10 million Nigerians through agriculture, trade, mining and food processing.
We will continue to invest in infrastructure, including roads, power, ports, railways, healthcare and education. All ongoing projects will continue without interruption.
Nation-building is a shared responsibility. Let us stand together in unity, patriotism and service to our country.
I wish you all a peaceful, productive and prosperous New Year.
Nigeria’s new tax regime officially took effect Thursday as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) began its transition to the newly established Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), unveiling its institutional brand identity and logo to mark the change.
The transition comes under the sweeping tax and revenue reforms signed into law earlier this year, which replace the long-standing FIRS framework with the NRS, a centralised revenue authority mandated to oversee all federal government revenue collection and administration.
At an event in Abuja, the NRS presented its new logo and brand elements, signalling the operational start of a “new revenue era” for the country. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the newly formed NRS, said the identity reflects the agency’s renewed commitment to efficiency, transparency and service excellence.
“The unveiling of this new identity represents not an end, but the beginning of a strengthened relationship between the revenue authority and the Nigerian public—built on trust, clarity, and shared prosperity,” the statement issued by the NRS said.
The legal foundation for the transition includes the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act, 2025, signed by President Bola Tinubu in June, which repealed the 2007 FIRS Act and expanded the mandate of the revenue authority.
Under the new laws, the NRS will harmonise tax and non-tax revenue administration, strengthen coordination with other revenue-generating agencies and streamline compliance procedures.
The reforms are aimed at broadening Nigeria’s tax base and improving the efficiency of revenue mobilisation.
Stakeholders have welcomed the development as a significant step toward modernising the country’s public finance management, although some critics have expressed concerns over the pace of implementation and components of the new tax legislation.
As the NRS begins full operations from January 1, 2026, Nigerians are expected to engage with the reformed system, which also includes the launch of a central Tax Identification Number portal to simplify registration and reduce multiple taxation.
A natural skincare routine involving the use of fresh tomato slices and olive oil is gaining popularity among beauty enthusiasts as a home-based remedy for achieving smooth, radiant and “glass-like” skin.
The method, according to skincare advocates, entails dipping a freshly cut tomato slice into a few drops of olive oil and gently massaging it onto the face in circular motions for about two to three minutes. The mixture is then left on the skin for 10 to 15 minutes before being rinsed off with lukewarm water.
Experts recommend applying the routine three to four times weekly to achieve noticeable results.
Skincare specialists explain that olive oil is rich in healthy fatty acids and antioxidants which help deeply moisturise and nourish the skin, leaving it soft, supple and well-hydrated.
They add that tomatoes contain vitamin C and lycopene—natural compounds known for their antioxidant properties—which may help repair damaged skin, improve texture and enhance overall skin brightness.
According to beauty analysts, the combined use of tomato and olive oil may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, support skin regeneration and boost the skin’s natural glow when applied consistently.
Dermatologists, however, advise caution, particularly for individuals with oily or sensitive skin, noting that olive oil may clog pores if overused. They recommend conducting a patch test before full facial application to prevent irritation or breakouts.
Health experts further caution that while natural remedies may complement basic skincare routines, they should not replace medically approved treatments for chronic or severe skin conditions.
They emphasise the importance of maintaining a balanced skincare regimen that includes proper cleansing, sun protection, hydration and a healthy lifestyle for sustained skin health.
Former Anambra State Governor and the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi announced his defection on Wednesday in Enugu, saying the move was part of a broader effort to reposition the country and build a credible opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former governor said his decision to join the coalition-backed ADC was driven by the need to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges and chart a new course for national development.
“We are ending this year with the hope that in 2026, we will begin a rescue journey,” Obi said.
He added that the coalition was committed to ensuring credible elections in 2027, pledging to resist electoral malpractice through lawful means.
“We will resist rigging of elections by every lawful means in 2027,” he said.
Obi also called on opposition leaders across the country to close ranks and work together as one family under the leadership of former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, Sen. David Mark.
According to him, unity among opposition parties is critical to achieving meaningful political change and restoring public confidence in governance.
Several prominent political figures attended the event, including former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Emeka Ihedioha; Senators Ben Obi, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, Gilbert Nnaji, Enyinnya Abaribe and Sam Egwu.
Others present were Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, members of the National Assembly, former governors from the South-East, as well as party leaders and stakeholders from across the country.
Also in attendance were former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, Sen. David Mark, and former Sokoto State Governor, Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, alongside other dignitaries.
Obi, a former two-term governor of Anambra State, has belonged to several political parties in the course of his political career. He governed Anambra under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) before moving to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and later the Labour Party, where he contested the 2023 presidential election.
His defection to the ADC comes about one month after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also joined the party on Nov. 24, 2025.
Atiku, who served as vice president between 1999 and 2007, had previously contested presidential elections on different party platforms, including the PDP and the now-defunct Action Congress, before leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) and returning to the PDP to contest the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections.
Both Obi and Atiku are among leading political figures expected to vie for the ADC’s presidential ticket as the party positions itself to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election.
No fewer than 18 persons, including children, have been confirmed dead in a fatal road traffic crash along the Dutse–Kwanar Babaldu highway in Jigawa State.
The accident, which occurred on Wednesday, involved three vehicles and left several others injured, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Confirming the incident, the FRSC Sector Commander in Jigawa, Mr Umar Matazu, told the Source that the crash was caused by a tyre burst on a Volkswagen vehicle conveying passengers.
Matazu said the tyre burst caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in a collision with another vehicle coming from the opposite direction.
He explained that moments after the initial impact, a truck rammed into the two vehicles, crushing them and leading to heavy casualties.
“A fatal accident occurred along the Dutse to Kwanar Babaldu road involving three vehicles,” the sector commander said.
“A Volkswagen carrying passengers had a tyre burst and lost control, colliding with another vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. Unfortunately, a truck then ran into the two vehicles and crushed them.”
Matazu disclosed that preliminary reports confirmed that 18 persons lost their lives in the crash.
“So far, 18 people have been confirmed dead. The victims include male and female adults as well as children,” he added.
He said personnel of the FRSC, other emergency responders and security agencies were immediately deployed to the scene of the accident to rescue survivors and clear the highway for vehicular movement.
According to him, those who sustained injuries were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were evacuated to appropriate facilities.
The sector commander urged motorists to always ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on any journey, stressing the need for regular checks on tyres and other vital vehicle components.
“Drivers must regularly inspect their tyres and ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles. Many of these accidents are avoidable if road users exercise caution and comply with traffic regulations,” Matazu advised.
He also cautioned motorists against speeding and reckless driving, noting that excessive speed remained a major contributor to road traffic crashes across the country.
Matazu said the FRSC had commenced a full investigation into the incident to determine other possible contributing factors.
The tragic incident adds to the growing number of fatal road accidents recorded in recent times, raising renewed concerns over road safety and compliance with traffic laws in Nigeria.
Mali and Burkina Faso have announced restrictions on the entry of United States nationals, in a reciprocal response to Washington’s recent decision to place both West African countries on a travel restriction list.
The foreign ministries of Mali and Burkina Faso, in separate statements issued on Wednesday, said the measures were in reaction to the expansion of a U.S. travel ban by President Donald Trump, which targets nationals of nearly 40 countries based on nationality.
According to the statements, both governments described their actions as “equivalent measures” aimed at ensuring reciprocity in diplomatic and immigration relations between the affected countries and the United States.
Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the country would henceforth apply “equivalent visa measures” to U.S. citizens seeking entry into its territory.
Similarly, Mali’s foreign ministry announced that, with immediate effect, it would impose “the same conditions and requirements on American nationals that the American authorities have imposed on Malian citizens entering the United States.”
The Malian authorities also expressed regret over the U.S. decision, noting that such a significant policy shift was taken “without the slightest prior consultation” with the affected countries.
The recent U.S. travel restrictions, announced on Dec. 17, were justified by the White House on security grounds, with U.S. officials stating that the ban targets foreigners who “intend to threaten” American citizens.
The list of affected countries reportedly includes Syria, holders of Palestinian Authority passports, and nationals of several African countries, among them Niger, Sierra Leone and South Sudan.
Mali and Burkina Faso, both governed by military juntas, are members of a Sahel confederation that also includes Niger.
Although Niger has not officially announced counter-measures, the country’s state news agency, citing a diplomatic source, reported last week that similar retaliatory steps had been agreed upon.
In addition to Mali and Burkina Faso, the U.S. travel restrictions also include partial limitations on citizens of other African countries, such as Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal.
The restrictions come ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, raising concerns about potential implications for international travel and diplomatic relations.
The death toll from the devastating fire that gutted the Great Nigeria Building (GNI) at Balogun Market, Lagos Island, has risen to five following the recovery of two additional bodies from the rubble.
Emergency responders confirmed that the bodies were recovered on Sunday during ongoing search-and-rescue operations at the scene of the inferno, which occurred last Wednesday.
Meanwhile, another fire outbreak was recorded on Monday evening at Arena Market in the Bolade area of Oshodi, also in Lagos State, raising renewed concerns over fire safety in major commercial centres across the state.
In a statement issued by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the agency’s Controller-General, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, said the service received a distress call at about 5:50 p.m. reporting a fire outbreak at Arena Market.
According to her, firefighting units were immediately deployed and arrived at the scene within five minutes.
“Fire crews from Bolade, Ilupeju, Ikeja and Alausa Fire Stations responded swiftly and collaboratively to contain the incident,” Adeseye said.
She explained that the fire affected five 40-foot container shops arranged in two rows, bringing the total number of affected shops to 10.
The affected section of the market, she said, was mainly used for the storage and sale of clothing materials stocked in bales.
“The fire was successfully confined to the affected section and brought under control. There is no risk of the fire spreading to other parts of the market,” she added.
On the GNI Building incident, Source gathered that the fire reportedly started on the fourth floor of the 25-storey structure and spread up to the sixth floor before engulfing other floors and adjoining buildings.
A detached section of the plaza, estimated to be about seven floors, collapsed during the inferno, trapping traders, market assistants and customers.
Seven persons were rescued shortly after the collapse, while three bodies were initially recovered on Friday. The latest recovery of two additional bodies has brought the confirmed death toll to five.
A source at the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) told Source that the recovered bodies were severely burnt and could not be immediately identified.
“One of the bodies was also mangled. The presence of goods under the rubble continues to fuel smouldering fire beneath the debris. What remains now is recovery, not an active emergency,” the source said.
Source reports that anxiety has continued to mount as relatives and residents thronged the scene from Sunday in search of missing loved ones believed to have been trapped during the incident.
Some shop owners disclosed that customers who visited the market to purchase goods were also caught in the fire.
“People have been coming here since Sunday looking for relatives they last spoke with on the day the incident happened,” a trader, Mrs Wunmi Olabisi, said.
Emergency responders have continued excavation and recovery operations amid fears that more victims may still be trapped under the rubble.
Earlier reports indicated that no fewer than 20 persons were missing, with relatives providing names and photographs of some of the victims.
Those identified include Elo Chukwu, Omeigbo Chuwuebuka, Omeigbo Chukwudubem, Kayode Omoniyi, Ikechukwudi Asobi, Murphy Aborinwa, Onyeka Obinwa, Mercy Ukamaka and Taofeeq Opera, as well as a trader identified simply as Chiding and two of his assistants.
Reacting to the tragedy, the Shitta-Bey family of Lagos, owners of the GNI Building, expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
In a statement, the family said its thoughts and prayers were with the victims and their families, assuring the public of its cooperation with relevant authorities.
The family also stated that the building was adequately insured and pledged to restore the structure, including the mosque within the premises, while ensuring the safety of occupants.
It urged the public to disregard what it described as misinformation surrounding the incident, adding that updates would be provided as investigations continue.
Applications have opened for the World Press Institute (WPI) Fellowship 2026, a fully funded professional programme designed for experienced journalists from across the world to undertake an intensive nine-week study tour in the United States.
The fellowship, organised by the World Press Institute, is open to journalists of all nationalities and is aimed at strengthening professional journalism skills while promoting the free exchange of ideas among media practitioners.
According to information released by the organisers, the programme will expose selected fellows to the history of the United States,
• Current Affairs,
• Media Practices,
• Key Social,
• Economic and
• Political issues shaping the country.
The experience is expected to broaden participants’ perspectives and deepen their professional expertise.
The 2026 fellowship will run for nine weeks and covers all major expenses.
Successful applicants will receive
A round-trip airfare to the United States,
•Transportation within the country related to WPI activities, and
•Comfortable accommodation throughout the programme.
•Fellows will also be given a modest daily allowance to cater for meals.
However, participants are expected to cover personal expenses such as;
• Telephone bills,
• Camera equipment,
• postage and
• clothing.
To be eligible,
• Applicants must have a minimum of five years’
• Full-time journalism experience in print,
• Broadcast or online media.
Eligible Applicants Include Reporters,
• Photojournalists,
• Columnists,
• Producers And Supervisors With Substantial Hands-on Journalism Experience.
• University journalism experience,
• Public Relations Roles And
• Non-Media Jobs Are Not Accepted.
Applicants must be currently employed as journalists outside the United States,
• Demonstrate fluency in spoken and written English, and
• Show strong leadership potential within the journalism profession.
As part of the application process,
• Candidates are required to submit reference letters and
• Samples of previous work published within the last two years.
• Must have a publication date.
• Work samples must be in English or accompanied by an English translation
• Must be publicly accessible.
For print journalists,
• Three published work samples bearing the applicant’s byline are required,
• While photographers must submit a portfolio of five published works.
Broadcast and online journalists are to
• Submit work samples limited to 15 minutes of programming,
• Links to work samples on YouTube, Dropbox, and broadcaster’s websites are acceptable.
• Along with a synopsis indicating their specific roles.
The deadline for submission of applications is Feb. 15, 2026.
• Submission is to be either limited to 15 minutes of programming or equivalent to three print articles.
• Share the link of your online work sample (if applicable), and highlight your role in each sample.
• Samples should indicate your role as a journalist with task ranging from gathering the data, producing the material, or editing it.
The World Press Institute Fellowship is regarded as one of the leading professional development programmes for journalists globally, offering participants a unique opportunity to engage with media professionals, policymakers and institutions across the United States.
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