The Federal Government of Nigeria has firmly dismissed claims made by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, in a viral video accusing Nigeria and France of plotting to destabilize Niger.

According to the Nigerian government, these allegations are purely fictional and lack any factual basis.

Nigeria has never collaborated with France or any other nation to support terrorist activities or undermine the peace and stability of Niger, even amid the political upheaval in the country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his capacity as ECOWAS Chairman, has continued to advocate for peaceful engagement with Niger despite the current political tensions.

The Nigerian Armed Forces, working alongside the Multinational Joint Task Force, have made significant progress in combating terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.

Therefore, accusations of Nigeria conspiring to destabilize Niger appear not only baseless but also contradictory to its proven efforts toward regional peace.

The Nigerian government also refuted claims of ceding any part of its territory to foreign powers for subversive activities against Niger.

Nigeria has consistently upheld its sovereignty, rejecting the establishment of foreign military bases on its soil and demonstrating independence in its foreign policy.

Initiatives such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project highlight Nigeria’s long-standing support for Niger’s economic growth.

Suggesting sabotage of such joint efforts undermines logic and disregards Nigeria’s active role in promoting regional development.

Nigeria has invested heavily in combating terrorism, as evidenced by recent military operations such as Operation Forest Sanity III and the newly launched Operation Chase Lakurawa Out, aimed at addressing terrorist threats in the region.

The Nigerian government has urged the public to disregard these unfounded allegations, emphasizing that General Tchiani must provide credible evidence to back his claims.

Such accusations appear to be an attempt to deflect attention from internal challenges in Niger and undermine ECOWAS’s stance against unconstitutional power seizures in the region.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has named Oluwatoyin Taiwo as his new Chief of Staff.

The official letter of appointment was personally handed to Taiwo by the governor on Wednesday.

Before this new appointment, Taiwo served as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the governor, where he played an instrumental role in ensuring the smooth operation of the government.

His elevation to Chief of Staff is seen as a reward for his dedication and service.

Also, the announcement was accompanied by a statement from Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the Governor, confirming that the appointment took effect from December 18, 2024.

While presenting the appointment letter, Governor Abiodun expressed his confidence in Taiwo’s ability to excel in the position.

He described the appointment as not only well-deserved but also a reflection of Taiwo’s competence, loyalty, and deep understanding of governance.

Christmas is celebrated every year on December 25th. It is a day to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who is very important in Christianity.

Many people enjoy fun traditions like decorating trees, giving gifts, and singing carols. But the real meaning of Christmas is much deeper.

It is about God’s love, the gift of salvation, and the hope that Jesus brings to everyone.

The Birth of Jesus

The story of Jesus’ birth is not just a random event. It was promised a long time ago in the Bible.

In Isaiah 7:14, says, “The virgin will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.” Immanuel means “God with us.”

This shows that God planned for Jesus to come and save the world. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a small town, to Mary and Joseph.

His birth fulfilled this promise and brought hope to the world.

When Jesus was born, angels appeared to shepherds and sang a message of peace. In Luke 2:14, they said, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to those He favors.”

This peace is not just for big groups of people or nations. It is for every single person who believes in Jesus.

He brings peace to our hearts and helps us feel calm, even when life is hard.

God’s Love for Us

Christmas is a reminder of how much God loves us. In John 3:16, the Bible says, “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not die but have eternal life.”

This means that Jesus was a special gift from God. He came to earth to show us God’s love and to save us from our sins.

This love is for everyone, no matter who you are or where you come from.

Christmas is also about hope. It reminds us that no matter how tough life gets, there is always a reason to look forward.

Romans 15:13, says, “May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust Him.”

This verse tells us that when we trust in God, He fills us with happiness and peace.

Christmas reminds us that Jesus is our hope, and He will never leave us.

Why Christmas Still Matters Today

Even though Jesus was born over 2,000 years ago, the meaning of Christmas is still very important today. In our world today, many people feel stressed, lonely, or unsure about their future.

Christmas reminds us that God loves us and wants to help us. It encourages us to love others, share peace, and give hope.

Also, Christmas is a time to reflect on what matters. It is not just about presents or parties.

It is about spending time with loved ones, helping those in need, and remembering the birth of Jesus.

Christmas is more than just a holiday. It is a special time to remember God’s love, celebrate the gift of Jesus, and find hope and peace. Jesus’ birth was not just an event in history.

It was the beginning of a plan to save the world and bring people closer to God.