Politics
BRICS reserve currency banknote features the word ‘Nigeria’ written in Hausa, sparking criticism.
A mock-up of the upcoming BRICS currency was unveiled at the alliance’s summit in Kazan, Russia, with Russian President Vladimir Putin prominently displaying the ‘BRICS bill.’
This marks the first public presentation of the new currency, generating significant interest among member nations.
In his address, Putin acknowledged the ongoing dominance of the US dollar in global finance but criticized its use as a political weapon, arguing that such practices undermine trust in the currency.
At the summit, Putin also proposed the establishment of a BRICS-based grain exchange.
He emphasized that many BRICS countries are major producers of grain, vegetables, and oilseeds, and suggested that the exchange could facilitate fair pricing and enhance global food security.
‘A number of BRICS countries are among the world’s largest producers of grain, vegetables, and oilseeds.
‘We propose opening a BRICS grain exchange, which would facilitate the formation of fair and predictable price indicators for products and raw materials, taking into account their special role in ensuring food security.’
The initiative aims to leverage the agricultural strengths of BRICS nations to create a more balanced and transparent market for essential commodities.
Notably absent from the summit were Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, raising questions and tensions among Nigerians on social media regarding their absence.
Although neither leader was present, the Nigerian flag was featured in the new currency design, igniting debate among citizens.
Journalist David Hundeyin, @DavidHundeyin highlighted a contentious detail on X: the proposed BRICS reserve currency banknote features the word ‘Nigeria’ written in Hausa, sparking criticism.
Hundeyin remarked that this choice reflects a lack of representation for Nigeria’s official language and suggests that the current Tinubu administration may be sidelined from BRICS initiatives.
‘Nigeria, for some reason, is apparently skipping the ongoing 2024 BRICS summit entirely. Nobody is representing Nigeria in Kazan. Not the president, not the VP, not the foreign minister, nobody.
‘This is a huge statement for a summit that basically every consequential president in the Global South is attending in person’, Hundeyin said.
Responses from Nigerians on social media varied, with some, like Abubakar Buba, suggesting that BRICS might prefer native languages over English.
Others like Aganji Adeyemi, @Olasunkanmiiiii argued that using indigenous languages is essential for Nigeria’s identity and independence, with calls to replace English as the official language with Pidgin or Hausa to reflect the nation’s cultural diversity.

As discussions continue, the summit underscores both the aspirations and challenges facing the BRICS alliance as it seeks to strengthen its global influence.
EVENTS
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES SENATOR IFEANYI ARARUME ON HIS BIRTHDAY
President Bola Tinubu felicitates Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Ararume, astute politician and accomplished businessman, on his birthday, December 16.
Senator Ararume’s odyssey in politics began in the late 1980s, when he served as the State Treasurer of the Liberal Convention in old Imo State. He later joined the National Finance Committee of the defunct National Republican Convention.
He represented Imo North in the 9th National Assembly. He was first elected in May 1999 and re-elected in April 2003. He also served on several committees and held other official roles.
President Tinubu commends the former senator for his years of service to the nation and contributions to its peace, unity, and progress.
The President describes Senator Ararume as a resolute and shrewd politician, highlighting his courageous and remarkable political journey through the years.
President Tinubu wishes Senator Ararume a happy 67th birthday and prays that God Almighty will grant him more years of good health and strength.
Politics
Ndigbo are no longer spectators in the Nigerian project- Minister Dave Umahi dismisses calls for Biafra under Tinubu’s administration
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, says the all-inclusive style of governance being practiced by President Bola Tinubu has made the agitation for Biafra an unnecessary clamour.
While speaking at the inspection of the Enugu-Anambra road last Saturday, December 13, Umahi said the Tinubu administration had given Ndigbo what they had sought for decades, not through secession, but through what he described as unprecedented inclusion in national governance and development.
He explained that the agitation for Biafra was historically driven by neglect, exclusion and underrepresentation at the federal level, but insisted that the situation had changed under the current administration.
“When a people are fully integrated, respected and empowered within the structure of the nation, the dream they once chased through agitation has already been achieved through cooperation.
The push for Biafran secession over the years was borne out of neglect, exclusion and underrepresentation but today the narrative has changed dramatically under President Bola Tinubu.
The President has deliberately opened the doors of national development to the South-East. Appointments, policy inputs and infrastructure priorities now reflect true federal balance.
Every sector now bears visible Igbo footprints. The emergence of Igbo sons and daughters in strategic positions is a testament to this inclusion.
Biafra was never about breaking Nigeria; it was about being counted in Nigeria. Through inclusion, equity and concrete development, Ndigbo are no longer spectators in the Nigerian project; they are co-authors of its future. When justice finds a people, agitation loses its voice.”he said
Politics
ADC Launches 90-Day Membership Drive, Fixes Dates For Congresses, National Convention
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced a 90-day nationwide membership mobilisation, revalidation, and registration exercise as part of preparations for its internal party activities ahead of 2026.
The party also approved provisional dates for its congresses and the election of delegates at the polling unit, ward, and local government levels across the country.
In circulars issued by its national secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, the ADC said the congresses are expected to hold between January 20 and January 27, 2026.
The process, the party said, will lead to the emergence of delegates who will participate in its non-elective national convention scheduled for February 2026 in Abuja.
A statement by Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary of the party, said the decisions were reached at a meeting of the national working committee (NWC) held on November 27, 2025.
Abdullahi said the timetable and activities were approved in line with the resolutions of the NWC and in accordance with relevant provisions of the party’s constitution.
The ADC said further details on the membership exercise, congresses, and convention will be communicated to party members and stakeholders in due course.
-
Business1 year ago
US court acquits Air Peace boss, slams Mayfield $4000 fine
-
Trending1 year agoNYA demands release of ‘abducted’ Imo chairman, preaches good governance
-
Politics1 year agoMexico’s new president causes concern just weeks before the US elections
-
Politics1 year agoPutin invites 20 world leaders
-
Politics1 year agoRussia bans imports of agro-products from Kazakhstan after refusal to join BRICS
-
Entertainment1 year ago
Bobrisky falls ill in police custody, rushed to hospital
-
Entertainment1 year ago
Bobrisky transferred from Immigration to FCID, spends night behind bars
-
Education1 year ago
GOVERNOR FUBARA APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR KEN SARO-WIWA POLYTECHNIC BORI
