President Bola Tinubu Signs Executive Order Banning Export of Wood and Allied Products

 The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially prohibited the exportation of wood, charcoal, and allied products through a new Presidential Executive Order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The order, titled Presidential Executive Order on the Prohibition of Exportation of Wood and Allied Products, 2025, was signed by the President and gazetted on October 16, 2025. It was formally unveiled on December 17, 2025, by the Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas Lawal, during the 18th National Council on Environment meeting in Katsina State.

The Executive Order aims to curb illegal logging, protect Nigeria's forest resources, and align with constitutional obligations under Sections 17(2) and 20 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Minister Lawal emphasized that forests are critical for environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, clean air, and water resources. Continued unchecked exportation of timber exacerbates deforestation and undermines these benefits.

Key definitions in the order include:

• Forest resources — All trees, vegetation, and associated biodiversity in Nigeria's forested areas.
• Illegal logging — Unauthorized harvesting, transporting, processing, buying, or selling of timber or other forest products in violation of Nigerian laws.

This policy builds on existing export prohibitions (such as those on rough or sawn timber) and reinforces efforts to combat environmental degradation while promoting sustainable development.

The announcement was made under the theme: “Tackling the Triple Planetary Crises: Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”

The Federal Ministry of Environment urges strict compliance and collaboration with relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, to enforce the ban effectively.

Gunmen Kill 12 Miners, Abduct Three, Injure Five in Attack on Plateau Mining Site

 At least 12 artisanal miners were killed, three abducted, and five others injured when gunmen stormed a mining site in the Ratoso community, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, on Tuesday night, December 16, 2025.

The attack occurred around 9:00–9:30 p.m. while the victims, mostly young men, were engaged in legitimate night mining activities. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants, arriving in large numbers and reportedly hiding in the community beforehand, opened indiscriminate fire, catching the miners off guard and causing panic.

National President of the Berom Youth Moulder Association, Barrister Solomon Dalyop, condemned the unprovoked assault: “Our people were carrying out their legitimate mining business... when armed men attacked them, killing 12 and abducting three. Five others were injured.” He described it as a painful reminder of ongoing insecurity in Plateau communities, noting prior warnings of potential attacks during the Christmas season.

Dagallang Davott, Chairman of Berom Educational and Cultural Organisation (BECO) and Secretary of the Mining Committee in Barkin Ladi, confirmed the deaths and expressed concern over missing persons. Community leaders are preparing burials for the deceased while urging security forces, including Operation Safe Haven, to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted and apprehend the perpetrators.

Plateau State Police Command spokesperson SP Alfred Alabo confirmed the incident, stating that the Divisional Police Officer and team are on the ground conducting investigations.

This latest violence adds to a series of attacks on mining sites and communities in Plateau State, often linked to longstanding farmer-herder tensions and resource disputes in Nigeria's Middle Belt region.

Authorities have appealed for calm as investigations continue.

Chelsea Advance to Carabao Cup Semi-Finals with 3-1 Victory Over Cardiff City

 Chelsea secured their place in the Carabao Cup (EFL Cup) semi-finals with a hard-fought 3-1 win against League One leaders Cardiff City in the quarter-final tie at Cardiff City Stadium on December 16, 2025.

Substitutes Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto proved decisive for the Blues, with Garnacho scoring twice (including a late sealer in stoppage time) and Neto restoring the lead shortly after Cardiff's equalizer. The match remained goalless at halftime despite Cardiff's spirited performance, but Chelsea's bench strength ultimately shone through in the second half.

Cardiff, the last remaining non-Premier League side in the competition, impressed with their energy and nearly forced penalties when David Turnbull headed in a 75th-minute equalizer from Perry Ng's cross. However, Neto's clinical finish and Garnacho's brace ensured Chelsea's progression.

Enzo Maresca's heavily rotated side—featuring 11 changes from their previous Premier League outing—demonstrated squad depth, though the performance drew mixed reactions. Chelsea have now reached the semi-finals for the third time in five seasons and extended their unbeaten run against lower-division opponents in the competition.

The result ends Cardiff's remarkable cup run, which included victories over Premier League Burnley and Wrexham. The Bluebirds return focus to their League One promotion push, sitting atop the table.

Match Details

• Score: Cardiff City 1-3 Chelsea
• Goals: Garnacho (Chelsea), Neto (Chelsea), Garnacho (Chelsea); Turnbull (Cardiff)
• Venue: Cardiff City Stadium
• Attendance: Sold-out crowd, first full house since 2019

Chelsea become the first team into the semi-finals. The remaining quarter-finals feature Manchester City vs. Brentford, Newcastle vs. Fulham (December 17), and Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace (December 23). The semi-final draw follows the Newcastle-Fulham match.

“Injustice!” – Raphinha’s Wife Natalia Rodrigues Blasts FIFA Over The Best Men’s XI Snub

 Natalia Rodrigues, wife of FC Barcelona star Raphinha, has publicly condemned FIFA’s decision to exclude her husband from The Best FIFA Men’s XI for 2025, branding the omission a clear “injustice” in a series of now-deleted Instagram stories.

The Brazilian winger, who delivered an outstanding 2024/25 season with Barcelona—contributing 62 goals and assists across all competitions while helping the club secure La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup titles—was notably absent from the final XI announced during The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony in Doha on December 16, 2025.

In her passionate posts, Rodrigues highlighted Raphinha’s impressive statistics, writing: “62 G/A… But he didn’t deserve to be included in the XI.” She followed with direct criticisms: “They don’t even try to hide it anymore!”, “INJUSTICE!”, and sarcastically, “Is Raphinha a Basketball player?!” The stories quickly went viral before being removed.

The Best FIFA Men’s XI featured a strong PSG contingent, including Ousmane Dembélé (who won The Best Men’s Player award), alongside Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Pedri, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, and others. Raphinha, despite finishing fifth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or and earning La Liga Player of the Season honors, placed fifth among attackers in the voting.

Rodrigues’ outburst echoes widespread sentiment among Barcelona fans and analysts, who view the snub as the latest in a series of overlooked recognitions for the 28-year-old forward. Raphinha himself has previously responded to similar exclusions by sharing his achievements on social media.

The couple, who share a long-standing relationship and a young son, are known for their strong family bond and mutual support in the spotlight of professional football.

Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa Announces Retirement from International Football After 15 Illustrious Years

 Nigeria's most capped player and Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has officially announced his retirement from international football, concluding a remarkable 15-year career that cemented his status as one of the country's greatest football icons.

In an emotional statement shared on his social media on Wednesday, Musa reflected: “After a lot of thought, I have decided to retire from international football, bringing to an end almost 15 years with the Super Eagles. From a 17-year-old boy answering every call 🇳🇬 to becoming the most capped Super Eagle with 111 appearances. AFCON champion 🏆 Nigeria’s highest World Cup goalscorer ⚽️ Captain. Servant. Believer. I gave everything. Thank you Nigeria… my heart will always beat green.”

Musa, who debuted for the Super Eagles in 2010, holds the record for the most appearances (111 caps) in Nigerian football history. His highlights include winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scoring four World Cup goals—making him Nigeria's all-time leading scorer at the tournament—with memorable braces against Argentina (2014) and Iceland (2018). As captain, he emphasized leadership through service, patience, and support for younger players.

The 33-year-old forward expressed profound gratitude: “Once an Eagle, always an Eagle. Thank you, Nigeria. Thank you for everything.” His retirement follows his recent omission from the Super Eagles squad and comes shortly after William Troost-Ekong's international exit, signaling a transitional phase for the team.

Musa continues his career at club level with Kano Pillars in the Nigeria Professional Football League, where he also serves as General Manager.

Tributes have flooded in from fans, teammates, and the football community, celebrating Musa's dedication, longevity, and unbreakable bond with the national team.