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President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the year 2025 will bring brighter days, pledging that his administration will fulfill the collective aspirations of the nation.

In his New Year message to Nigerians on Wednesday, Tinubu acknowledged the challenges of 2024 but expressed confidence in a more promising year ahead.

“Economic indicators point to a positive and encouraging outlook for our nation,” the president said. “Fuel prices have gradually decreased, and we recorded foreign trade surpluses in three consecutive quarters. Foreign reserves have risen, and the naira has strengthened against the US dollar, bringing greater stability. The stock market’s record growth has generated trillions of naira in wealth, and the surge in foreign investment reflects renewed confidence in our economy.”

However, Tinubu noted that the rising costs of food and essential drugs remained a significant concern for many households in 2024. He assured Nigerians that his government would intensify efforts to address these issues by boosting food production and promoting local manufacturing of essential medical supplies.

The president also announced plans to reduce inflation from its current rate of 34.6 percent to 15 percent. “With diligent work and God’s help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all Nigerians,” he said.

Tinubu outlined plans to enhance access to credit for individuals and key economic sectors by establishing the National Credit Guarantee Company. The initiative, set to launch before the end of the second quarter, will expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises.

The company will be a partnership involving government institutions such as the Bank of Industry, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency, Ministry of Finance Incorporated, as well as private sector and multilateral organizations.

According to Tinubu, the initiative aims to strengthen the financial system, improve credit access for under-served groups such as women and youth, and drive re-industrialization and economic growth.

The president also expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their trust in his leadership. “Your trust humbles me, and I promise to continue serving you diligently and wholeheartedly,” he said.

He called for unity and cooperation in pursuing the goal of transforming Nigeria into a one trillion-dollar economy. “Let us not get distracted by a tiny segment of our population that still sees things through the prisms of politics, ethnicity, region, and religion,” Tinubu urged.

The president concluded by reaffirming his commitment to reforms that will foster sustainable growth and prosperity, expressing optimism that Nigeria is on the right path to becoming a great nation that works for everyone.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, has disclosed that the federal government has submitted most of the necessary documentation for the extradition of Simon Ekpa to Nigeria.

Ekpa, a pro-Biafra agitator and secessionist, was arrested by Finnish law enforcement authorities on November 21, 2024. Following his arrest, a district court in Päijät-Häme, Finland, ordered his detention for allegedly spreading terrorist propaganda on social media.

Speaking on Channels Television’s 2024 year-end review program on Tuesday, Musa confirmed the development, expressing satisfaction with Ekpa’s arrest.

“Well, I’m sure he is cooling off somewhere. Legal action is going to be taken accordingly. I don’t want to say much about that, but I’m happy he has been arrested,” Musa said.

He added that the federal government has forwarded most of the required documentation to the Finnish government to facilitate the extradition process. “The Federal Government has actually forwarded most of the requirements to the Finnish Government. So, I’m sure the right thing will be done,” he stated.

Ekpa, who has been a vocal advocate for Biafran secession, has drawn widespread criticism for his activities, including the dissemination of divisive and inflammatory content on social media platforms.

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, has pledged to strengthen advocacy for the rule of law and human rights in 2025.

Osigwe made the commitment in his New Year message to Nigerian lawyers, released to journalists in Lagos on Wednesday.

According to him, the NBA under his leadership will take a leading role in advancing respect for the rule of law and human rights while partnering with security agencies to promote a just and equitable society.

“As we proudly step into the year 2025, I am honored to welcome you all to a new era of limitless possibilities, reflection, gratitude, and renewed determination,” Osigwe stated.

He emphasized that the NBA would focus on addressing critical issues, including police brutality, unlawful detentions, and other human rights abuses. “We will remain at the forefront of holding authorities accountable and ensuring that citizens’ rights are upheld,” he said.

Osigwe also stressed the importance of unity within the legal profession, noting that the strength of the NBA lies in the collaboration and mutual respect among its members.

“As we embark on the tasks ahead, I encourage every member of the NBA to foster collaboration, dialogue, and mutual respect. Together, we can overcome the challenges facing our profession and nation,” he added.

Looking ahead, Osigwe called on lawyers to embrace 2025 with courage and determination, describing it as a year of growth, unity, and success for the NBA and the legal profession.

“Let us continue to stand as a beacon of hope, integrity, and resilience for Nigeria. May it be a year of growth, unity, and success for the NBA, the legal profession, and Nigeria as a whole,” he concluded.

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has welcomed the first baby of the year 2025, marking the occasion with visits to the Asokoro General Hospital in Abuja.

During the visit, gifts were presented to the first male and female babies of the year, as well as other newborns delivered on January 1.

Senator Tinubu was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima.

In her address, Mrs. Tinubu pledged the administration’s support toward ensuring a better future for Nigerian children. She emphasized the government’s commitment to creating an environment where every Nigerian child can thrive and achieve their potential.

The First Lady also urged the parents of the newborns to nurture their children, describing them as God’s gift to the nation and the future of Nigeria.