The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has urged residents of the FCT and Nigerians nationwide to embrace the spirit of love, peace, and unity during the Christmas season.

In a heartfelt message shared via her social media platforms, Mahmoud emphasized the need for kindness and support, especially toward the less privileged, while encouraging citizens to reflect on values that promote togetherness and harmony.

She expressed optimism that the festive season would usher in renewed hope, happiness, and abundant blessings, adding that the government remains committed to fostering progress, inclusiveness, and shared prosperity in the coming year.

Her message reads:

“As we celebrate the joyous season of Christmas, I extend my warmest greetings to you and your loved ones.

“This season is a time to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that bind us as a community and as a nation.

“Let us use this occasion to show kindness to one another, especially to the less privileged among us, and to strengthen the bond that makes the FCT and our nation a beacon of hope and harmony.

“Together, we can continue to build a nation of inclusiveness, development, and shared prosperity.

“May this festive season bring us renewed hope, happiness, and countless blessings. As we step into the new year, we remain committed to working to achieve greater progress and opportunities for all.

“Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!”

Tensions flared at the University of Abuja on Tuesday as protesting professors condemned the controversial process for selecting a new Vice-Chancellor.
The demonstration took a violent turn when security operatives allegedly assaulted a Channels Television crew covering the protest.
Witnesses reported that the journalists were manhandled, their vehicle vandalized, and detained for over an hour.
The aggrieved professors accused the university’s management of conducting a flawed and opaque selection process, calling for immediate reforms and fairness in appointing the institution’s next leader.
While the university authorities have yet to respond to the accusations, security presence on campus has been intensified to quell further unrest.
The incident highlighted growing dissatisfaction within Nigeria’s academic community over leadership appointments and governance practices.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the deaths of 10 people, including four children, in a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday morning.

The tragic incident occurred during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals, leaving eight others injured, according to a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.

Adeh disclosed that four of the injured victims have been treated and discharged, while others remain in critical care.

The stampede took place around 6:30 a.m., prompting a swift response from the Police Rapid Response Squad and the FCT Joint Task Force, who evacuated over 1,000 people from the scene.
“The FCT Police Command extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes the injured a speedy recovery,” Adeh said.
She added that the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, visited the victims in the hospital to offer support and assistance.
Following the tragedy, the Police Command directed organizers of public events to notify authorities in advance to allow for adequate security measures.

Adeh warned that failure to comply with this directive would result in legal action against event organizers, holding them liable for any loss of life or injuries caused by negligence.