CBN Celebrates As Nigeria’s Purchasing Managers’ Index Hits 57.6 Points

December 31, 2025

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has rolled out drums to celebrate the upward movement of the country’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) attained over 50-point expansion threshold strengthening domestic
economic activity in December 2025.
According to the spokesperson of the apex Bank, Hakama Sidi Ali, in a statement today, December 31, the December 2025 PMI Survey, released by the Bank, puts the Composite Index at 57.6 index points, representing the strongest activity momentum recorded in about five years.
The report indicated sustained improvement, reflecting continued expansion across major employment-generating sectors.
It said that sectoral PMI readings showed that agriculture remained robust at 58.5 points, industry recorded 57.0 points, while the services sector remained in positive territory with 51.9 points, indicating broad-based growth in output and business activities during the month.
The Survey indicated also that 32 of the 36 sub-sectors monitored posted expansions in
key indicators such as production levels, new business orders, and employment.
The CBN notes that this outcome highlights a steady rebound in domestic demand and strengthening productive activities, particularly within the non-oil economy.
The Bank attributed the improved PMI performance to the positive effects of ongoing
macroeconomic stabilisation measures, including efforts to enhance the operating
environment and support business confidence.
“These reforms continued to bolster job creation, production efficiency, and overall optimism about economic prospects in the
fourth quarter of 2025.
“The December PMI reading reinforces expectations of a stable growth outlook as Nigeria transitions into the new year.”
The PMI is an economic indicator used to measure the health of a country’s manufacturing and services sectors. It shows whether business activity is improving, staying the same or worsening, based on surveys of purchasing managers in companies.
It is a leading indicator that gives early signals of economic trends and is used by governments, investors, banks and businesses to make decisions. PMI helps assess economic growth, inflation pressure and employment trends.

Varsity Don, Prof. Sule Ya’u Laments Poor Remunerations For Journalists In Nigeria

Greenbarge Reporters

December 30, 2025

A senior lecturer in the department of mass communication at Bayero University Kano (BUK), and an Associate Professor, Sule Ya’u Sule has lamented the poor remunerations for practicing journalists in Nigeria.
Speaking at the launching for an endowment fund to assist journalists in Kano State, Sule Ya’u recalled the recent embarrassing discovery he made in regard to salary of an average journalist in the country.
He said that he was part of an interview panel for the recruitment of journalists, and that in the process, he discovered that the take-home pay of the highest paid journalist so far “was nothing to write home about.”
He said that in some cases, hardworking journalists are either not paid their pitiable salaries by their employers or are owed an upward of 10 month salaries.
Sule Ya’u regretted that journalists who raise people, especially politicians from none entity to high public pedestal through their reportage are mostly left in poverty and on the same spot.
He noted that the worse is a situation in most cases, in which most people they so elevated are the same that would turn round to downgrade or even spite them.
The senior lecturer then commended the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ for coming up with an idea of floating an endowment fund.
He appealed to the friends of journalists both in government and private sector to contribute immensely to the fund.
This came as the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabiru Yusuf was believed to have earmarked about N100 million in the 2026 budget towards assisting journalists across the country.
His spokesperson, Mustapha Muhammad, at an award night ceremony by the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) at the Tahir Guest Palace in Kano on Sunday, December 28, said that the governor has always been the friend of media and journalists, adding that beyond friendship he is always thinking about their wellbeing and welfare.
Alhaji Mustapha Muhammad promised members of the Kano Correspondents Chapel in particular and all the journalists operating in the state of the concern of the governor for smooth operating environment to practice their trade.
He said that the governor appreciates the positive roles members of the chapel have been playing in his continued efforts to develop the state.
At the endowment fund launch, a business tycoon, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdúlkarim Zaura donated N2 million while a member of the House of Representatives, Barrister Muhammed Bello, former Kano State Commissioner of information, Garba Muhammed, Chief Executive of Amasco, Alhaji Ibrahim Mustapha, Alhaji Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Ambassador Usman Hassan, Hon Kabiru Alhassan Rurum donated one million naira each.

Kano Journalists Confer Distinguished Leadership Award On Editor-In-chief Of Greenbarge Reporters, Others

Greenbarge Reporters

December 30, 2025

Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), has conferred an award of distinguished leadership on the Editor-in-chief of Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine in Abuja, Nigeria, Yusuf Ozi-Usman, nipr. He is the pioneer chairman of the chapel from 1992 to 1994.
The insignia of the award plaque reads: “Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, NUJ Distinguished Leadership Service Award 2025, presented to YUSUF OZI-USMAN, in recognition of your quality leadership, dedication and invaluable contributions in your service as Former Chairman…”

… Murtala Adewale presents the award to Yusuf Ozi-Usman
The chapel conferred similar award on the subsequent chairmen of the chapel, including Alhaji Tajudeen Suleiman, Dr. Lamara Garba Azare, Osa Director, Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar Askira, Alhaji Ibrahim Garba, Alhaji Aminu Ahmed Garko, Alhaji Mujitaba Ramalan Bello, Alhaji Bala G. Abdullahi, Alhaji Baffa Jakusco and Edwin Olofu. Babajide Otiteju missed the event being one of the foundation executive of the chapel.
Speaking during an organized award night at Tahir Guest Palace in Kano city on Sunday, December 28, the current chairman of the chapel, Alhaji Murtala Adewale described the event as unique.
According to him, the first chairman of the chapel, Yusuf Ozi-Usman led the chapel from 1992 to 1994, about 33 years ago, saying that his leadership and the leadership of the subsequent chairmen strengthened unity, professionalism and progress in the chapel.
“Today, it is a privilege for some of us, just occupying this position, to meet these past leaders.
“We are also celebrating our members who God has elevated to different areas of human endeavour. “We are also celebrating our friends, the friends of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, who identify with us at all times.”
He described the Get-together and Award Night as one for “reflection, celebration and display of service to humanity.”
Murtala Adewale said that the award night was dedicated to recognizing past leaders and celebrating elevated members of the Chapel.
“It is also a special night set aside to reward the wisdom of long-serving members, and to recognize the loyal friends of the Chapel,” he said.
Those who received Awards as Friends of the Chapel include former President of the NUJ who also served as former Kano State Commissioner of Information, Comrade Muhammad Garba; Associate Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, Alhaji Inuwa Waya, Honourable Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, Honourable Baffa Babba Dan Agundi. Others are Director General Media and Publicity in the State Government House, Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa and former member of the House of Representatives, representing Kano Municipal, Honourable Sha’aban Sharada.
Those who got Awards as elevated members of the Chapel are Mr. Babajide Otitoju, Jaafar Jaafar, publisher of Daily Nigerian; Associate Professor Rukaya Aliyu and the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu.
Those who received Long Service Awards at the occasion included Abdullahi Mallam Yusuf, Mohammed Kabir Ya’u, Mohammed Abdulsalam, Chief Jacob Ajakaiye, Desmond Mbogh, Maduabuchi Jerry and Ahmed Mohammed Soron Dinki. The oldest journalist in the country, over 80 year old Chief Ajayi Maimeyatan was also honoured.

Kano Journalists Honour Yusuf Ozi-Usman, 33 Years After His Leadership

Greenbarge Reporters

December 30, 2025

….Chairman Murtala presenting the award to Yusuf Ozi-Usman

Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) conferred Distinguished Leadership Service Award on Yusuf Ozi-Usman, nipr 33, years after he led the chapel as its pioneer chairman, starting in 1992. The award was conferred on him and others in an organized award night in Kano on Sunday, December 28, 2025. Yusuf Ozi-Usman is currently Editor-in-chief of Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine in Abuja, Nigeria.

Yusuf Ozi-Usman, making a remark

Reps Member, Barr Shehu, Insists On Stopping Implementation Of Altered Tax Reform Law

Greenbarge Reporters

December 30, 2025

One the members of the House of Representatives who raised eyebrows over the alleged alterations in the controversial tax reform law, Barrister Muhammed Bello Shehu has warned against the implementation of the new tax law allegedly altered by the executive arm of the government.
He stressed the urgent need for the National Assembly to do the necessary corrections before the implementation.
The lawmaker made the fear of the possible dare consequences of implementing the altered law against the background of the Federal Government’s move to implement it from January 1, 2026.
Barrister Bello Shehu spoke on Sunday, December 28 at the award night ceremony of the Kano Correspondents Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) at Tahir Guest Palace in Kano.
The legislator, representing Fagge Federal constituency in the House of Representatives, stressed that implication of implementing questionable law would constituente a clear danger to the democracy.
Barrister MB Shehu advised the leadership of the National Assembly, “to take the issue of the Tax Reform very seriously.”
The lawmaker, who was elected on the platform of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) seazed the opportunity to advise journalists to always strive to keep Nigeria as one indivisible country.
According to him, Nigeria’s unity can be leveraged with its diversity.
“Nigeria remains one indivisible country, irrespective of our political, religious and ethnic affiliations.”
Representative MB Shehu commended the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel for organizing the all-important event. He was one of the friends of the Chapel and journalists that received the award.

Banditry Will Be Defeated Next Year, Senate President, Akpabio Predicts, Amidst US Bombings

Greenbarge Reporters

December 26, 2025

A few hours after the United States of America launched airstrikes in Sokoto, Nigeria’s Northwest, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has predicted the total end to bandit and terrorist activities next year, 2026.
A statement by the Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, quoted Senator Akpabio as saying, “I want to assure all Nigerians that the new year will usher in renewed peace in our country.”
Akpabio spoke during a prayer and fasting service organized in his honour and that of his family at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity, Ukana Ikot Ntuen in Essien Udim Local Government Area.
The Senate President said that with the renewed collaboration with international partners, especially America, insurgency will soon be defeated.
He also enjoined Nigerians to set aside their differences, embrace peace and foster unity among their families, States and Nigeria as a whole.
According to him, Nigeria can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, stressing:” Nigerians will be redeemed from banditry and insurgency in the new year and beyond.”
Senator Akpabio advised Nigerians, irrespective of political leanings to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu in the fight against banditry and insurgency.
This was even as the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, encouraged family members to set aside personal biases and live together in love.
The head of the Greater Akpabio Family, Chief Ekan Akpabio urged family members to keep supporting Senator Akpabio as a great Ambassador of the Family, Essien Udim LGA and Akwa Ibom as a whole.
He appealed to family members holding political positions to remain connected to their roots and prioritize the welfare of their relatives.
The annual Prayer and Fasting Service, held every December 26, is a time for the Akpabio family to express gratitude and offer thanksgiving to God for His sustenance throughout the year while they also pray for the peace and unity of Nigeria.

UBA Faces Court’s Anger For Failure To Effect N1.07 Billion Judgment Debt To Ex Kogi Deputy Gov

Greenbarge Reporters

December 26, 2025

The United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) may be compelled by the National Industrial Court for its alleged defiance of an order directing the release of over N1 billion from Kogi State Government accounts to settle a judgment debt to former Kogi Deputy Governor, Elder Achuba Simon.
The court gave the order in Abuja on 27th November 2025, specifically instructing UBA to transfer N1,070,860,138, alongside N2 million and N1 million in costs, from the state government’s accounts to the judgment creditor’s Access Bank account.
A legal documents dated 22nd December 2025 and signed by Samuel Ogala of Falana & Falana Chambers, accused the bank of having failed to execute the court directive despite multiple rulings in favour of enforcement.
The case traces back to a Court of Appeal judgment in suit number CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/1053M1/2024, which entitled Elder Achuba Simon to the substantial sum from the Kogi State Government. The enrolled order of the appellate court confirmed this entitlement, paving the way for execution proceedings against the state government’s assets.
Court records show that following an order nisi granted on 7th October 2025, UBA was directed to show cause why funds belonging to Kogi State Government in its custody should not be forfeited to satisfy the judgment debt. In response, the bank disclosed two accounts: a Kogi State Government SRA account (number 1002944334) containing N20,014,648.31, and a Kogi State ACRESAL IDA Designated Dollar Account (number 3003543886) holding $3,765,343.69.
The court being satisfied that the funds in the account being enough to satisfy the judgment sum made the order nisi absolute on the 27th day of November 2025,” the legal notice states. The garnishee order absolute represents a final court directive that legally compels the bank to release the specified funds.
However, rather than comply with the order, UBA filed an appeal and a motion for stay of execution before the National Industrial Court. This manoeuvre was struck out on 18th December 2025, according to a court ruling attached to the demand notice. The bank’s continued resistance has prompted the judgment creditor’s legal team to issue a formal demand notice to UBA’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
The lawyers argued that the bank has overstepped its statutory role as a mere stakeholder in the dispute.
“It is trite law that the bank is only a proxy to the judgment debtor and not an advocate for it,” the notice reads. “Your bank in this case has gone beyond its statutory role as a proxy to Kogi State Government and has now descended into the arena to act as an advocate for Kogi State Government, thereby assuming the liability of any cost or decision that the court may award on their behalf.”
The legal team further challenged UBA’s reported ground for appeal, which claims that the funds in question belong to the World Bank rather than Kogi State Government. This argument contradicts the bank’s earlier admission in its affidavit to show cause, where it acknowledged that the accounts were held in the name of Kogi State Government.
Under Nigerian law, garnishee proceedings allow judgment creditors to attach debts owed to judgment debtors by third parties. Banks holding funds for judgment debtors are typically required to surrender those funds to satisfy court judgments unless they can demonstrate a superior legal claim to the money. The principle of interpleader action, referenced in the demand notice, provides that only parties with a legitimate property interest can challenge garnishee orders.
Falana and Falana Chambers warned that UBA’s continued refusal to comply could result in further embarrassment and additional costs at the Court of Appeal.
“We believe that your esteemed office is not aware of the decision being taken on this issue by your bank branch manager in Abuja,” the notice states, appealing directly to UBA’s top management to intervene.
The legal firm has demanded swift action from the bank to execute the garnishee order absolute and transfer the funds to Elder Achuba Simon’s designated Access Bank account.
Meanwhile, the legal team of Elder Simon Achuba has filled a motion ex- parte which was as well heard on 18/12/25 asking the court to attach UBA moveable and immovable properties.The court ruled that the parties be put on notice and adjourned the case to 14/1/26. If the court grants the legal team prayers on 14/1/26, UBA risks losing moveable properties and three branches attached.

US Airstrikes On Terrorists In Sokoto Consistent With International Law – Nigerian Govt

Greenbarge Reporters

December 26, 2025

Nigerian government has confirmed that the Friday night devastating airstrikes on religious terrorists in Sokoto, Northwest of the country by the United States military were consistent with international law.
A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the early hours today, December 26, signed by the spokesman of the Ministry, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said: “in line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation (for the US airstrikes) includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security.
“Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity. Terrorist violence in any form whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.
“The Federal Government continues to work closely with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats, while strengthening Nigeria’s own security institutions and intelligence capabilities.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to engage relevant partners and keep the public informed through appropriate official channels.
“Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity.”
The US Africa Command said in a post on its X yesterday, December 25: “At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on December 25, 2025, in Sokoto State.”
The airstrikes on terrorist targets in Sokoto were said to involve intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of support in line with international law, respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, and shared security commitments.

President Donald Trump had earlier announced on his social media: “Truth,” saying: “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!
“I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.
“The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.
“Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper.
“May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”

As Sheikh Yahaya Tajudeen Entered Ilorin Emirate “Hall Of Fame” By Yusuf Ozi-Usman

Greenbarge Reporters

December 24, 2025

Until recently, not many people in Ebiraland, in Kogi Central Senatorial District of Nigeria knew that the first Chief Imam of the land, Sheikh Imam Yahaya Aliyu Tajudeen was an original indigene of Kwara State. As a matter of fact, the late Islamic cleric so integrated himself in Ebiraland that one would swear that he had no connection with Ilorin, Kwara State.
Sheikh Yahaya Tajudeen, to be sure, was and still is respected as a founding figure of Islam in Ebiraland. He is often described as the “founder” or “father” of Islam in Ebiraland due to his pioneering roles.
As a matter of fact, his mission in Ebiraland, spanning over 40 years, from about 1915 to 1956, laid foundations for structured Islamic life, scholarship and leadership among Ebira people.
He worked alongside early Muslim leaders and rulers such as His Royal Highness, the second Paramount ruler of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ibrahim Atta, helping Islam to take deeper root in the community.
He influenced future imams and scholars, including Sheikh Musa Galadima, who later became Chief Imam of Ebiraland.

Therefore, in a nutshell, it came as a surprise to many, especially the younger generation that late cleric was among 25 respected and accomplished personalities that were inducted into the prestigious “Ilorin Emirate Hall Of Fame” by the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) on December 24, 2025, about 70 years after his death.
To have merited such prestigious honour, he was acknowledged as having contributed immensely to the peace and progress of the community.
His life was described as being characterized by integrity, exemplary services, honesty and fascinating dispositions.
“The union believes that he is worthy of being categorized and celebrated among the most exceptional indigenes of Ilorin Emirate who deserve to be specially honoured for the present and future generations to emulate.”
The posthumous honour was received by one of the grandsons of the late Islamic cleric who is a veteran broadcaster, Mallam Nurudeen Imam AbdulRahman.

…abu Imam… Onizeyiza of Ebiraland
It is no doubt in recognition of the gargantuan roles Sheikh Yahaya Tajudeen played in the manifestation of Ebiraland into largely an Islamic society that the fourth Paramount ruler of the land, late Alhaji Dr. Ado ibrahim honoured his grandson, abu Imam with traditional title of Onizeyiza obanyi (Dan Amana) of Ebiraland. Onizeyiza simply means trustworthiness. It also means being reliable. That could be the only way to appreciate the great impact Sheikh Yahaya Tajudeen had on Ebiraland, in addition to the fact that even the grandson, abu Imam, was treading on the same footsteps of integrity, sincerity, honesty and commitment to human development like his grandfather.
Sheikh Imam Yahaya Tajudeen was born in 1875 in the “Ile Adafila” compound in Ilorin, Kwara State, into the family of Aliyu Badamasy and Princess Zainab. His mother was a princess from Irun town in Ondo State.
He was of Yoruba/Nupe descent and connected with the Ilorin scholarly community before his work in Ebiraland.
He first learned Qur’anic education from his father and pursued further Islamic knowledge under various scholars.
He later studied under Sheikh Tajul-Adabi, one of the prominent Muslim scholars in Kwara State.
Sheikh Tajudeen is widely acknowledged as the first Chief Imam and pioneer Islamic teacher in Ebiraland, especially in Okene and environs.
He was known as a scholar, astute administrator, pious leader, treasurer and advisor, serving not just in religious capacities but also assisting in community affairs.
He reportedly served in the British colonial Native Authority as treasurer before dedicating himself fully to Islamic propagation.
After resigning from colonial service in 1924, he committed to spreading Islam among the Ebira, Okun, Akoko and Nupe communities, establishing structured Islamic teaching and community growth.
Sheikh Tajudeen is remembered for propagating Islam peacefully through reasoned persuasion, patience and understanding of local traditions.

His leadership approach emphasized tolerance, humility, hard work, self-confidence, charity and sincerity.
His model of community engagement, teaching and leadership remains part of local Islamic history and collective memory.

Arrest Of Journalist Atanda Embarrassed IGP – Police Spokesperson

Greenbarge Reporters

December 24, 2025

“The IGP (Inspector General of Police) was particularly angry that this came up at a time when the Police had pledged and are taking tangible steps to ensure press freedom. He equally ordered that the head of that unit be sanctioned for his conduct.
“IGP Egbetokun does not want and would not condone any setback to our support for press freedom.”
These were the exact words of the Police Force spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin when he was reacting to the trending news of the arrest of Sodeeq Atanda, a senior reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).
Atanda’s wife and nine-month-old child were earlier detained for hours as bait to lure him.
The incident occurred on Monday when officers from the IGP Monitoring Unit reportedly detained Atanda’s wife, Adenike and their infant at a location in Ikorodu, Lagos.
The police spokesperson, on his X page today, December 24, said that the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate sanction of the head of a police unit implicated in the controversial arrest and detention of the journalist and his family members.
Benjamin Hundeyin said that IGP Egbetokun was “miffed” upon learning of the arrest of Atanda through the International Press Institute (IPI).
“In as much as you might want your depiction of the IGP to be true, it isn’t. I was with him last night when Mojeed Musikilu of the International Press Institute (IPI) reached out to me about the arrest. I promptly informed the IGP and he was miffed. You might choose to believe I am making this up, but it is the truth.
“He (IGP) directed that the head of the unit be contacted to release the journalist immediately. I updated Mojeed accordingly.”
He emphasised that the IGP ordered the journalist’s immediate release and sanctioned the unit head.
FIJ had said that the journalist was arrested because of a story on how Adeyemi Awoyinfa, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Legend Adex Immigration Consult, refused to refund £15,000 he collected in November 2023 from a UK-based Nigerian who wanted two certificates of sponsorship (CoS) for two of his family friends, after failing to deliver.
The IPI Nigeria, through its President, Mojid Musikilu had asked for immediate release of the journalist.

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