The Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, lost his son, Abdulwahab, on Thursday in a road crash.

The tragic incident happened barely 24 hours after the governor’s biological mother, Hajia Maryam Namadi, died, following an illness.

His Kano State counterpart, Governor Abba Yusuf, sympathised with him, describing the the incident as “a monumental tragedy, not only for the Namadi family but for the Jigawa State government and the entire region

“This is a deeply sorrowful moment for Jigawa State. I pray that the Almighty Allah grant Abdulwahab eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus and comforts the Namadi family and the people of Jigawa State during this moment of grief,” Yusuf said in a statement by his spokesman, Sunusi Bature.

The Jigawa governor, who is currently in China for official engagements, was unable to participate in his mother’s burial, which was well attended by hundreds of mourners, fellow including governors, ex-governors, government officials, appointees, diplomats, clerics and prominent personalities from within and outside Jigawa State.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Hamisu Gumel, broke the news of the son’s death in a statement on Thursday.

It was gathered that Abdulwahab was in a vehicle alongside his friends when the fatal accident occurred. Some of the surviving friends sustained injuries and are currently at Dutse General receiving treatment.

Breaking the tragic news on Thursday, the governor’s CPS said, “With a heavy heart, Governor Umar Namadi announces the passing of his beloved son, Abdulwahab Umar Namadi.

“The 24-year-old departed this world on Thursday, December 26th, 2024, due to a ghastly motor accident along the Dutse-Kafin-Hausa Road.”

It was learnt as of the time of filing this report on Thursday evening that the burial rites of the deceased were underway in Kafin Hausa town, in accordance with Islamic traditions.

According to the governor’s spokesperson, the late Abdulwahab left behind a wife, parents and siblings.

“This tragic incident comes just a day after the governor mourned the passing of his mother, Hajia Maryam Namadi,” his statement added.

The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the state, with many residents expressing their condolences to the governor and his family.

Our correspondent reported that as of the time of filing this report, many residents were trooping towards the government house to express their condolences.

The Governing Council of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), chaired by Saddiq Kaita, has approved the promotion of 154 staff members to various ranks.

The university announced this in a statement on Thursday.

The university said the promotions were approved during the council’s 98th regular meeting on December 10, 11, 12 and 14.

The statement explained that among the academic staff, 19 were promoted to professors, 14 to associate professor, 20 to senior lecturer, six to lecturer one and one to Lecturer II.

It also said 94 non-teaching staff were promoted across various ranks: two to deputy director, six to assistant director, and others to different grades.

According to the statement, the acting vice-chancellor, Aisha Maikudi, in her congratulatory message to the promoted staff members, commended them for their dedication, hard work and discipline.

Ms Maikudi said the university was committed to ensuring timely promotions for all deserving staff, with the support of the governing council.

“These promotions reflect the University of Abuja’s commitment to fostering excellence, recognising merit, and encouraging growth among its staff.

“I, therefore, congratulate all the promoted individuals and urge them to continue contributing to the university’s vision of academic and professional distinction and excellence. All outstanding backlogs of promotion cases have been meticulously reviewed and resolved, ensuring fairness and recognition for deserving staff.

“The remaining cases are now awaiting external assessment reports, reflecting the university’s commitment to transparency, meritocracy, and timely career progression for its workforce,” she said.

The Federal Road Safety Corps has confirmed the death of two people and 15 others injured in a lone crash involving a Toyota Hiace bus at Saapade on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

FRSC spokeswoman in Ogun, Florence Okpe, confirmed the incident on Thursday in Abeokuta.

Ms Okpe noted that the accident occurred at 4:34 p.m. on Thursday.

She explained that the incident was caused by a tyre blowout, which resulted in the loss of control, saying that the bus somersaulted and crashed.

Ms Okpe said 18 people were in the bus marked LSR 585 YH, including nine men, five women, two boys and two girls.

The FRSC spokeswoman said that 15 people who got injured were eight men, four women, two boys and one girl, while two people died, one man and a woman.

She explained that the injured victims were taken to PATMAG Hospital, Ogere, while the deceased were deposited at the State General Hospital morgue, Isara.

She noted that the sector commander, Akinwunmi Fasakin, advised motorists to pay more attention to their vehicles, especially during periods of high vehicular movement.

The Anambra State Police Command says its operatives have arrested a 38-year-old kidnapping and armed robbery suspect, Pablo Mamu from Delta State, but operating at communities in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

In a statement on Thursday, the command’s spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, said one locally-made pistol, a live 9mm ammunition, eight live cartridges and one black Lexus 330 jeep with different number plates – ABJ 159 LC and Enugu JRV 928 SX, were recovered from the suspect.

Ikenga said police operatives, comprising the joint security team, acted on credible information provided and busted the suspect in his abode.

He said, “Security team comprising of the police and AVG operatives in the early hours of 23/12/2024, arrested one Pablo Mamu ‘m,’ aged 38 years from Ughelli, Delta State and recovered one OFN rifle, one locally-made pistol, one live 9mm ammunition, eight live cartridges and one black Lexus 330 jeep with different plate numbers — Abuja reg no. ABJ 159 LC and Enugu JRV 928 SX.

“The joint security team acted on credible information provided, busted the suspect in his harbour, and during a search conducted, the above exhibits were found.

“The CP, while commending the synergy between the security operatives and the vigilance of the public in providing actionable intelligence, emphasised the importance of continued collaboration to ensure the safety and security of all residents during and after the festive season.”

On November 30, 2024, the command foiled a kidnapping attempt by a gang suspected to be members of a secessionist group.

The command’s spokesman confirmed that one suspect was killed during a gun battle, while others fled with gunshot wounds.

Pakistan’s controversial military courts sentenced 60 civilians to prison terms in connection with violent protests following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2023, sparking strong international criticism.

The military’s media wing ISPR on Thursday said that the Field General Court Martial handed down the punishments to the 60 civilians after examining all evidence and completion of due process.

The court announced the sentences ranging from two to 10 years in prison for involvement in attacks on military facilities on May 9, 2023.

Mr Khan’s nephew was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for attacking a corps commander’s house in Lahore.

“All convicts retain the right to appeal and other legal recourses, as guaranteed by the Constitution and law,” the ISPR said.

Earlier, 25 civilians were sentenced after trials in military courts for the same charges.

The announcement drew sharp criticism from Britain, the European Union, the United States and rights groups.

On Monday, the U.S. State Department said it was “deeply concerned” that civilians have been sentenced by a military tribunal.

“These military courts lack judicial independence, transparency, and due process guarantees. The United States continues to call on Pakistani authorities to respect the right to a fair trial and due process, as enshrined in Pakistan’s constitution,” it said in a statement.

Pakistan’s security forces arrested hundreds of Khan’s supporters after they attacked military installations and government buildings following his arrest. More than 100 people were tried in military tribunals.

Mr Khan, who ruled Pakistan between 2018 and 2022, has been in jail for more than a year after being convicted on several corruption charges. He denies the charges against him.

Two reporters and a police officer were killed after gunmen opened fire on journalists.

The attack took place during the opening of Haiti’s largest public hospital in downtown Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, officials in the violence-torn country stated.

According to the BBC, the Haitian government had recaptured the site in July after being occupied and destroyed by gangs.

The government had rebuilt the hospital and was there to commission it when the attack occurred.

Journalists were at the site waiting for the arrival of Health Minister Lorthe Blema when armed men began opening fire on them. Pictures posted online appear to show several people injured or dead inside the building.

“It felt like a terrible movie,” Dieugo André, a photojournalist who witnessed the violence, told The Haitian Times. “I have the blood of several injured journalists on my clothes.”

Robest Dimanche, the spokesman for the Online Media Collective, confirmed to AFP news agency that Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean were the two journalists who were killed in the attack.

Meanwhile, the Viv Ansanm gang alliance, who had occupied the hospital since March before the government recaptured it in July, posted a video online claiming responsibility for the attack.

The gang said it had not authorised the reopening of the hospital.

Reacting to the incident, the head of Haiti’s presidential transitional council, Leslie Voltaire, said, “We express our sympathy to all the victims’ families, in particular to the Haiti National Police and all the journalists’ associations. We guarantee them that this act will not remain without consequences.”

According to the United Nations, an estimated 5,000 people have been killed in the Haiti violence this year alone, with the country now on the verge of collapse as gangs occupy a major part of the country.

Two days after the announcement of the election result in Mozambique, the situation in the southeastern African country is escalating.

At least 121 people have died in protests since Monday, the civil society organisation Plataforma Decide said late on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, the organisation had reported 56 dead and 380 injured. It said the capital, Maputo, and the cities of Beira and Nampula are particularly affected.

Mozambique’s interior minister had spoken of 21 dead and 25 injured on Tuesday evening.

The unrest began after the Constitutional Council confirmed on Monday that Daniel Chapo, the candidate of the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) party, which has been in power for 49 years, won the presidency with 65 per cent of the vote.

Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who reportedly received 24 per cent of the votes, rejected the result, saying it was manipulated.

In a Facebook speech, he announced that he would declare himself president on January 15.

He has been abroad since the unrest began after the election in October.

In Maputo and other cities, shops were looted, and vehicles and buildings, including police stations and FRELIMO party headquarters, were set on fire.

According to the police, demonstrators stormed five prisons.

A total of 1,534 inmates were reportedly freed from the high-security prison Matola in Maputo alone, 33 of whom were killed in clashes with the police.

It was claimed that the attackers also seized weapons.

Dozens of inmates also escaped from other prisons.

The protests are paralysing public life: In Maputo, demonstrators erected roadblocks, destroyed power pylons and robbed banks, a dpa reporter on the ground said.

Many residents of the capital stayed at home on Christmas Day, fearing attacks.

The government is deploying special military and border guard forces alongside the police.

The situation remains tense, with opposition leader Mondlane urging his supporters to protest peacefully.

The foreign ministry of neighbouring South Africa called on the conflicting parties to engage in political dialogue and offered support for mediation.

Approximately 35 million people live in Mozambique, many of whom suffer from poverty, mismanagement, and the effects of climate change.

The FRELIMO party has governed the former Portuguese colony since 1975. Regular elections have been held since 1994.

The 1 Division of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna was a beehive of activities on Wednesday as John Asiemo, popularly known as Daddy Showkey, performed for wounded soldiers and their families.

The performance by the veteran gala singer was in commemoration of the Christmas celebration and organised by Tribute to Our Troops Foundation in collaboration with the Office of the Chief of Defense Staff and Chiefs of the tri-service – Army, Navy and Air Force.

Showkey, who wore a military regalia, told newsmen that he had been performing for years to honour Nigerian military troops who sacrificed their lives for all Nigerians.

He added that performing for the wounded soldiers was a form of therapy for them to feel relaxed and ease stress amidst their medical conditions.

Showkey, also known as the Ghetto Soldier, said a lot of good things would come from him, adding: “It is not about music alone, it is about changing people’s lives which is the most important thing for me.”

Ms Olivia Adom, founder, Tribute to Our Troops Foundation, said the event, which brought the barrack community and outsiders together, was to emphasise the need for respect and honour to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

She added that the gathering was to reinvigorate and improve civil-military relationships while calling on Nigerians to embrace the path of creating a sustainable healthy relationship with the armed forces.

“The armed forces have given up their freedom and homes. They signed off their human rights to protect the country’s integrity,” she said.

Adom said the Foundation was designed for the armed forces under the purview of the department of civil-military cooperation to honour fallen heroes and celebrate the serving men and women who fight endlessly to keep the country’s territorial integrity intact.

Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Defence Headquarters, Rear Adm. Idi Abass, said the performance was another non-kinetic line of operations.

Abass stated that the Chief of Defence Staff’s ambition was to have people-centric armed forces.

He, therefore, said the event was one of the ways that could project the military in the eyes of the civil population.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that present at the event included the Corps Commander Artillery, Maj.-Gen. Marcus Kangye and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigeria Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, among other senior officers and soldiers.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde on the occasion of his 57th birthday.

The party commended his compassion towards the people of Oyo state.

The Governor had canceled all activities relating to marking his birthday in solidarity with families of the tragic stampede at the children fun fair in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

This was disclosed in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, on Wednesday, December 25.

The statement reads: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) acknowledges the unceasing compassion of the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE towards the people.

“The PDP notes Governor Makinde’s cancellation of all activities relating to the marking of his birthday today in solidarity and compassion towards the families of the deceased children and the injured in the recent tragic stampede at a private children fun fair event in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

“Governor Makinde’s decision is in line with his stance that the purpose and essence of leadership is in pursuing the wellbeing and comfort of others and not self. Such distinguishes him as a leader with empathy and who at all times has the people’s interest and wellbeing at heart.

“The PDP continues to pray and stand with Governor Makinde, the families of the victims and the people of Oyo state especially at this trying moment.”

The wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde on Wednesday, 25th of December 2024 visited some hospitals within the state to celebrated Christmas with babies born on Christmas Eve.

She also presented gifts, cash and other items to mothers of the new born babies.

The governors wife was accompanied by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, Chairperson of Oyo East, Oyo West, Afijio, and Atiba Local government, and Wife of PFN President Pastor Victoria Wale Oke among others.

The governors wife said the birth of the new babies coincided with birthday of her husband, Governor Seyi Makinde also felicitated with families of the new born babies

Some of the hospitals visited by Mrs Makinde include State Hospital, Owode, Oyo, Oba Adeyemi Primary Healthcare Centre, Durba, Oyo.

The first baby was given birth to at 12:40am at State Hospital, Owode, Oyo.

The second baby was given birth at 4:17am at Oba Adeyemi Primary Healthcare Centre, Durba, Oyo while the third baby was born at 6:22am at State Hospital, Owode, Oyo.

The three babies were given hampers and cash gifts. Also, other newborn babies in the wards were given cash gifts.

Speaking while presenting the gifts and cash to mothers of the new born babies, Mrs Makinde urged mothers to always take good care of their babies, saying children are special gifts from God.

According to her, children are meant to be taken care of by their parents, saying that many social vices in the society will reduced to the bearest minimum if parents give proper upbringing to children.

She said, “It is important for parent to take care of their children properly and direct them to the way of God, not only the newly ones but also the older ones.”

She urged parents to maintain good hygiene at all times, adding that residents must always show love and share what they have with their neighbors.

Some of the mothers of the new born babies thanked Governor Makinde and his wife for their gesture, saying the gifts and cash would go along way in addressing some of their burdens.

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Theophilus Osazuwa for allegedly killing his four-year-old son.

The command said Osazuwa was suspected to have committed the act while under the influence of hard drugs.

The spokesperson for the command, Moses Yamu, revealed in a statement on Wednesday night that the incident, which resulted in the death of the four-year-old boy, occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

He stated that Osazuwa had just returned to his apartment at Ogbeson Quarters, off Benin-Agbor Road in Benin City, when he suddenly fell into a trance.

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While in a trance, the suspect reportedly screamed, “Holy Ghost fire,” grabbed the four-year-old boy, and slammed him against the wall, resulting in the child’s death.

Yamu stated, “Edo Police Command has arrested one Theophilus Osazuwa of Ogbeson Quarters off Benin-Agbor Road, Benin City, for the murder of his four-year-old son named Testimony Osazuwa.

“The suspect was said to have arrived at his home on 24/12/2024 at about 1230 hrs, went berserk screaming ‘Holy Ghost fire,’ then reached for the four-year-old boy and slammed him to the wall. The child was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the young man who is known for the consumption of illicit (colloquial, ice, etc.) substances must have acted under the influence of the same.”

He stated that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Umoru Ozigi, cautioned youths against the dangers of consuming illicit substances and drugs, emphasising their harmful effects on health and the potential risks they pose to both their lives and the safety of others.

Mrs. Funmilayo Ogunseyi, the mother of Naomi Silekunola, a former wife of the Ooni of Ife, has called on President Bola Tinubu and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene in her daughter’s legal troubles.

Silekunola is among three individuals taken before the Iyaganku Magistrate Court in Ibadan in connection with a tragic funfair stampede that resulted in the death of 35 children last week.

The court has since ordered the remand of the accused in prison on charges bordering on conspiracy, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities at the event.

In an emotional video that has gone viral, Mrs. Ogunseyi pleaded for mercy, asserting that her daughter’s intentions were purely humanitarian.

According to her, Naomi had organised numerous outreach programmes over the past decade to assist the needy, elderly, children, and pregnant women across Nigeria.

She lamented that her daughter’s goodwill had inadvertently led to the stampede and subsequent deaths.

“Have mercy on me. Mothers have mercy. Come to my rescue. Don’t let my life be destroyed. My child only came to Ibadan to help the needy; this was not her first time. We have travelled across the country helping children and the vulnerable. I sympathise with the families who lost their children; it was never our intention. Please, don’t let Naomi be imprisoned—she is innocent. She only came to show compassion,” Ogunseyi said tearfully.

She recounted the events leading to the tragedy, noting that crowds had gathered hours before the programme’s scheduled start time of 10 a.m.

According to her, the stampede began around 6:30 a.m., long before Naomi arrived at the venue.

Mrs. Ogunseyi further revealed that Naomi, who was reportedly unwell, fainted during police interrogation and remains in custody despite her fragile health.

“The programme was meant to begin at 10 a.m., but people started arriving the day before. By 6:30 a.m., the crowd became uncontrollable. Naomi wasn’t even there yet. I received a call about the chaos while still asleep. My phone number was on the event flyer, so I was the one contacted. Naomi, her elder brother, and I immediately went to the police station to report the incident, but she was detained and later charged with murder,” Ogunseyi narrated.

Breaking down in tears, Ogunseyi appealed to President Tinubu and other influential Nigerians to intervene. She claimed that her daughter’s predicament was orchestrated by “powerful persons.”

“They have taken my child to prison. The court was full of policemen. I don’t know where else to turn. They say her ordeal is an ‘order from above.’ Please, I beg those in power to release her. She is not a killer; she came to help. Naomi is fragile and sick. President Tinubu, I beg you, come to our aid,” she implored.

Mrs. Ogunseyi also expressed her condolences to the families of the deceased children, emphasising that the tragedy was unintended.

A fire incident was reported at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research office in Oshodi, near Cappa Bus Stop, Lagos State.

According to Vanguard, men of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority are currently on the ground to contain the incident.

When asked about the cause of the fire, a LASEMA official told Tribune Online that “Investigations are still ongoing to determine what triggered this unfortunate incident.”

No casualties have been reported so far, but the fire has extensively destroyed property worth millions of naira, and rescue operations are still ongoing.

The cause of the fire remains unknown at the time of filing this report.

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences to Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, following the passing of his mother, Maryam.

The matriarch of the Namadi family passed away on Wednesday, December 25, and has since been buried according to Islamic rites in the governor’s hometown, Kafin Hausa.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President paid tribute to the deceased, highlighting her commitment to community service.

He urged the Namadi family to honour her legacy by sustaining her philanthropic efforts.

The President described her as a pillar of the community and called on the family to find solace in the enduring impact of her good deeds.

“Hajiya Maryam’s life was marked by service to her community, and I encourage her family to immortalise her by continuing her philanthropic undertakings, ensuring that her legacy endures,” Tinubu said.

He urged the governor and other family members to draw strength from the exemplary life and good name the deceased left behind.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday denounced an “inhumane” attack from Russia, which launched over 170 missiles and drones on his war-torn country’s power grid on Christmas Day, killing one and causing widespread blackouts.

The country woke up at 5:30 am (0330 GMT) to an air raid alarm, shortly followed by air force reports that Russia had launched Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea.

“Putin deliberately chose Christmas to attack. What could be more inhumane? More than 70 missiles, including ballistic missiles, and more than a hundred attack drones. The target is our energy system,” Zelensky said.

This was the 13th large-scale strike on Ukraine’s energy system this year, the latest in Russia’s campaign targeting the power grid during the winter.

One Russian missile went through Moldovan and Romanian airspace, said Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga, who denounced Russia’s “Christmas terror.”

Ukraine’s air force shot down over 50 missiles, Zelensky said.

“Unfortunately, there are some hits. As of now, there are blackouts in several regions,” he said.

Ukraine’s DTEK energy company said the attack severely damaged equipment of thermal power plants.

“Denying light and warmth to millions of peace-loving people as they celebrate Christmas is a depraved and evil act that must be answered,” DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko said, urging allies to send more air defence.

Engineers were working to repair the system, as regional officials reported power cuts.

“Christmas morning has once again shown that nothing is sacred for the aggressor country,” said Svitlana Onyshchuk, the head of the Ivano-Frankivsk region.

She said part of the region was without electricity “at a time when we celebrate one of the greatest religious holidays—the bright Christmas.”

Ukraine is officially celebrating Christmas on December 25 for a second year.

The government last year changed the date from January 7, when most Orthodox believers celebrate, as a snub to Russia.

The Christmas Day attack targeted central Dnipropetrovsk, whose governor Sergiy Lysak said Russia was “trying to destroy the region’s power system.”

The attacks killed at least one person in the Dnipropetrovsk, Lysak said.

Rescue operations had been completed on the site of a strike on Kryvyi Rig, which killed one person and wounded 17 others the day before.

Russia launched 12 missiles toward Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city near the Russian border, targeting the city’s boiler houses, thermal power plants and electricity facilities, mayor Igor Terekhov said.

The attack wounded four in Kharkiv and cut heating to part of the city, he added.

Kazakhstan’s Ministry for Emergency Situations said on Wednesday that 25 people had survived the crash of a passenger jet with 67 people on board in the west of the country.

“According to preliminary information, there are 25 survivors, of whom 22 have been hospitalised,” the ministry said on Telegram. Health officials had earlier reported that 14 survivors had been hospitalised.

Nollywood actor Adeniyi Johnson has expressed his support for Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, following the tragic stampede in Ibadan that claimed the lives of over 30 children.

The incident occurred during a charity event organized by Naomi to feed the less privileged, which unfortunately ended in disaster.

In a heartfelt post on his Instagram page, Adeniyi extended condolences to the families of the victims and offered prayers for Naomi, acknowledging her pure intentions and charitable spirit.

He commended the people of Ondo State for their generosity, stating that Naomi’s actions mirrored the compassionate values of her community.

The actor also appealed to authorities to exercise leniency, emphasizing the tragic nature of the incident and the goodwill that had inspired the event.

He wrote: “First and foremost, condolences to the family of lost ones; no family deserves this kind of pain at this time or any other. I pray the good lord gives you the fortitude to bear the loss and comfort the family!! Amen

“Secondly, My heart and prayers go to @queen_silekunolanaomi_ogunwusi, whose intentions were not to hurt or kill but to give and feed!! This time, too, shall pass, and the God of your good deeds will speak for you, restore you, and bring you back stronger!!!

“We, the people of Ondo state, are known for our kind heartedness and generosity, which is clearly your motive for putting the program together. I pray God to see you through this in time and bring you back stronger!! @queen_silekunolanaomi_ogunwusi.

“Lastly, I know for a fact that the law must be upheld, but we beseech the authorities in charge to temper justice with mercies and look beyond the tragic incident! GOD BLESS NIGERIA”.

Snowboarder Sophie Hediger, who was part of the Switzerland’s national snowboard cross team that competed in the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, has died after being caught in an avalanche in the Swiss Alps on Monday.

According to the New York Times, Hediger was snowboarding with another person down a closed black diamond slope in Arosa, a mountain village in eastern Switzerland, when they left the slope, the initial police report stated.

Unfortunately, Hediger was lost in the avalanche, prompting her companion to notify rescue services, who immediately began looking for her.

However, it was not until after more than two hours that they could locate her buried in the snow.

The rescuers tried but were unable to resuscitate her, according to the police.

She was 26.

Hediger reached the podium for the first time in a World Cup race, finishing second in a competition in St. Moritz, Switzerland, in January before she finished third in a World Cup race in Gudauri, a ski area in the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia, the following month.

Less than two weeks ago, she competed in a World Cup race in Cervinia, Italy.

“For the Swiss Ski family, the tragic death of Sophie Hediger has cast a dark shadow over the Christmas holidays,” Walter Reusser, the chief executive of Swiss Ski, the country’s ski and snowboarding federation, said in a statement on Monday.

“We are immeasurably sad. We will honour Sophie’s memory,” he added.

Governor Francis Nwifuru has urged public officeholders to use the yuletide celebration to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, especially those around them.

In his Christmas message on Tuesday, the governor said the season should characterise love, kindness and generosity.

“This is a season of joy, reflection, and gratitude, a time to come together as families, friends, and communities to celebrate the hope and love that this special time of the year represents.

“By doing this, we can embody the true spirit of the season by lifting one another and spreading goodwill throughout our dear state.

“Commemorating the birth of Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ reminds us of the power of giving, compassion, and unity,” the governor explained.

Mr Nwifuru commended residents on the journey so far, especially their steadfastness in joining him in moving Ebonyi forward.

“As we look back on the year, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the resilience and strength of our people.

“Despite the challenges we may face, your dedication, hard work, and unwavering spirit make our state a better place for everyone,” he added.

The governor assured that his administration would continue to initiate policies and projects that would enhance the well-being of the people.

“It is my fervent wish and prayers that this Christmas will bring peace, happiness, and hope to you and your loved ones,” he said.