Whether shopping, attending events, or hosting gatherings, a few practical tips can help you navigate the season safely while ensuring your festivities remain memorable for all the right reasons.

Here valuable tips to keep you and your loved ones safe indoors and outdoors during the festive period.

1. Be Alert in Crowded Areas

Crowded places such as markets and events are common during the festive period. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying large sums of cash.

2. Secure Your Home
Install security systems, lock all doors and windows, and inform trusted neighbours if you will be away.

3. Avoid Oversharing on Social Media
Posting your travel plans or expensive purchases can make you a target for burglars or scammers.

4. Drive Carefully
Roads tend to be busier during the holidays. Follow traffic rules, avoid driving under the influence, and plan trips during the day if possible.

5. Shop Responsibly
Use trusted vendors, avoid late-night shopping, and ensure your online transactions are done on secure platforms.

6. Stay Healthy
Avoid overindulgence in food and drinks. Also, maintain proper hygiene to prevent the spread of illnesses during gatherings.

7. Plan Your Finances
Create a budget to avoid overspending. Be cautious of scams or unsolicited investment offers.

8. Be Vigilant About Fire Safety
Inspect holiday lights, candles, and cooking appliances. Ensure fire extinguishers and smoke alarms are functional.

9. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy
Save contact numbers for local police, fire services, and emergency medical services for quick access.

10. Practise COVID-19 Safety

At crowded events, consider wearing a mask if needed, and maintain hygiene by washing hands or using hand sanitisers.

In an interview, the Lagos State Public Enlightenment Officer for the Federal Road Safety Commission, Route Commander Elizabeth Oluwadamilola Jayeola, shared vital safety precautions for the festive season.

She noted, “The festive season is a time of joy, travel, and heightened road activities. However, it is also a period when road accidents tend to increase due to factors like speeding, fatigue, and general disregard for traffic laws.

“To ensure safety, motorists and commuters must take deliberate steps to prioritise their safety on the road.”

Tips for Motorists:

1. Ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition by checking brakes, tyres, engine oil, lights, and wipers. Fix any faults promptly to avoid breakdowns or accidents.

2. Adhere strictly to speed limits and adjust based on road and weather conditions.

3. Avoid distractions, such as using your phone while driving. Stay focused on the road.

4. Fatigue impairs judgment. Ensure you are well-rested before embarking on any journey.

5. Start trips early to avoid night travel, which carries higher risks due to reduced visibility.

6. Respect your vehicle’s load-carrying capacity to ensure control and balance.

7. Prioritise passengers’ safety and comfort over profit.

Tips for Commuters:

1. Speak up against reckless driving.

2. Patronise reputable and well-maintained transport companies or vehicles.

3. Avoid boarding vehicles driven by drunken drivers.

4. Always fasten your seatbelt, even as a passenger.

5. Motorcyclists should always wear helmets.

6. Stay focused while riding and avoid distractions.

7. Report unsafe driving to relevant authorities.

8. Avoid last-minute trips to reduce rushed decisions and risk.

Similarly, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority Public Relations Officer, Adebayo Taofiq, outlined proactive strategies to ensure seamless traffic flow and safety during the Yuletide season.

“These strategies include stakeholder engagement, community enlightenment campaigns, media sensitisation, and enhanced deployment of officers to manage traffic hotspots. LASTMA has also provided heavy-duty towing vehicles for prompt responses to breakdowns and emergencies”, he stated.

Taofiq added that the agency is collaborating with the FRSC on public awareness campaigns and engaging market leaders to ensure traders do not encroach on pedestrian walkways, which can cause road hazards.

By staying proactive and following these safety tips, you can enjoy a memorable and safe festive season.

A statement on Tuesday, by the Corps Public Education Officer, FRSC Headquarters, Abuja, Assistant Corps Marshal, Olusegun Ogungbemide, stated that this collaborative effort is aimed at ensuring seamless vehicular movement during the busy yuletide season.

The initiative, borne out of strategic discussions between the Anambra Sector Commander, Corps Commander Joyce Alexander, and the Police Commissioners of Anambra and Delta States, CP Nnaghe Itam and CO BS Oluwafemi, respectively, introduces several critical measures to stem the tide of traffic during the festive period.

The statement read, “The partnership was reached following a critical session by the Sector Commander, Anambra State, Corps Commander Joyce Nnennaya Alexander, and the Anambra State Police Commissioner, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam as well as his counterpart in Delta State, CO BS Oluwafemi. “Part of the interventions to be put in place include; the removal of all checkpoints at the Head Bridge from December 18, 2024, to January 10, 2025, the establishment of mobile surveillance at the Second Bridge axis, dismantling of all police checkpoints on the Delta side of the Old Niger Bridge to facilitate free trafficking flow, as well as adequate deployment of officers for joint traffic control on the two bridges during the yuletide season.”

FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, lauded the initiative, emphasising its potential to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow during the festive period.

He urged motorists to cooperate with traffic management officials and adhere to road safety regulations.

The loans, currently in the pipeline, will focus on internally displaced persons, education, and nutrition enhancement.

According to information obtained from the World Bank’s website, the loans are designed to support Nigeria’s social and economic recovery, particularly in vulnerable sectors requiring urgent intervention.

The first project, titled Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities Project, has a commitment amount of $300m and is scheduled for approval on April 8, 2025.

The project, which remains at the concept review stage, seeks to provide sustainable solutions for internally displaced persons and their host communities, addressing their social and economic challenges.

The second project, HOPE for Quality Basic Education for All, is expected to receive $553.8m in financing.

Its approval is slated for March 20, 2025, and it also remains in the concept review phase.

The third project, Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria 2.0, involves the largest share of the proposed loans, with a commitment of $800m.

The World Bank is expected to hold a decision meeting on the project by February 20, 2025.

The $1.65bn financing package reflects the World Bank’s continued commitment to supporting Nigeria’s ongoing reforms.

The World Bank’s schedule indicates that decisions on these loans will be made in early 2025, with Nigeria’s ability to meet project prerequisites and demonstrate accountability in implementation likely to play a key role in getting the funds.

the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has secured loans worth $6.95bn from the World Bank in about 18 months. The amount increased to the new figure following the latest approval of a new $500m loan from the World Bank for a project in Nigeria.

The Board of the World Bank Group approved a $500m loan to Nigeria last week Friday (December 13, 2024) to boost rural access and agricultural marketing in the country.

According to information obtained from the Washington-based institution, the loan is for the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project—Scale Up.

It is designed to bridge the gap between rural communities and the broader marketplace, facilitating smoother access to agricultural markets, schools, and hospitals and promoting social cohesion among rural populations.

This was the 10th loan project from the World Bank under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The first project approved under Tinubu’s administration was the $750m Power Sector Recovery Performance-Based Operation.

This loan is designated as additional financing for the power sector recovery performance-based operation, a crucial component of Nigeria’s broader strategy to stabilize and enhance its power sector.

On June 27, 2023, the World Bank Group announced the approval of a loan of $500m to help Nigeria drive women’s empowerment.

This was the second loan approved by the bank under Tinubu’s administration. It provided a scale-up financing for the Nigeria for Women Program.

The accident, which occurred earlier today, claimed one life and left a total of five individuals affected.

LASTMA officials arrived at the scene and spearheaded the rescue operations. With the support of concerned bystanders, four victims were extricated from the wreckage, three of whom were rescued alive. Tragically, one individual, trapped inside the J5 Ford bus laden with pepper and other perishable goods, succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.

Preliminary findings suggest that the J5 Ford bus experienced brake failure while traveling at high speed, resulting in a collision with the Mercedes truck.

Emergency response teams, including the Lasema Response Unit (LRU), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigerian Police Force, and LASAMBUS, collaborated with LASTMA to manage the situation. All survivors were swiftly transported to the General Hospital on Lagos Island for immediate medical attention.

In a coordinated effort to restore normalcy, LASTMA’s rescue team efficiently cleared the accident site, removing the vehicles and spilled perishable goods to ensure the free flow of traffic along the bridge.

Some of the allowances under review include Duty Tour Allowance, transport allowances, uniform allowances, and overtime allowances.

The decision was reached at the 46th meeting of the National Council on Establishment, chaired by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack.

The NCE, which serves as the highest policy-making body for public service matters, is chaired by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and includes the Heads of Service from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

According to a report, the meeting was preceded by a two-day technical session chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies Office.

The session included permanent secretaries and directors of establishments from all 36 states and the FCT, with the Director of Organisation Design and Development serving as secretary.

During the council meeting, 32 memoranda were reviewed out of which six were approved, eight were stepped down, six were rejected, seven were referred to the Standing Committee, one was noted, and three were marked for re-presentation.

Among the approved decisions was the upward review of allowances for public service officers.

The report stated, “An upward review of rates of allowances paid to officers in the Public Service and a comprehensive review of the Schemes of Service to reflect the Council’s approvals.”

The Vice President of Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, disclosed this while playing host to a delegation from the Japanese Business Community in Nigeria, led by Japan’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo.

In a statement on Sunday, the company’s spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, quoted Edwin as confirming that products from the refinery meet international standards and are already being exported globally.

“In recent weeks, we’ve exported petrol to Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, and South Africa, among others. Diesel has gone all over the world, and jet fuel is being heavily exported to European markets. Our products are already making their mark internationally,” Edwin said.

Edwin explained that the facility is the vision of a Nigerian investor – Aliko Dangote, designed and built by Nigerians, and intended to serve the global market.

He said it is a point of pride that a Nigerian company not only designed but also built the world’s largest single-train refinery complex.

According to him, Dangote Industries Limited acted as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction contractor for the refinery, saying cutting-edge technologies from around the world were incorporated to ensure that the facility meets the highest standards.

Edwin assured the ambassador-designate and the delegation that the company is open to collaboration, always striving to maintain the best possible standards.

“Even now, we have a lot of Japanese equipment inside both the refinery and the fertiliser plant. There are significant opportunities for collaboration, as we always seek the latest technology in any business we engage in. For instance, our cement plant laboratory is managed by robots, and we always embrace advanced technology. With Japan’s focus on technological innovation, there is ample scope for cooperation and for supplying various types of technology,” he said.

Edwin also stated that the Dangote Petrochemical project will significantly boost investment in downstream industries, creating substantial value, generating employment, increasing tax revenues, reducing foreign exchange outflows, and contributing to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.

He added that by leveraging Africa’s vast crude oil resources to produce refined products locally, the Dangote Group aims to create a virtuous cycle of industrial development, job creation, and economic prosperity.

He reiterated that the refinery’s petroleum products are in demand worldwide, as it expands its polypropylene section to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported polypropylene, a crucial material used in packaging, textiles, and the automotive manufacturing industries.

The statement disclosed that the Japanese delegation hailed the refinery and the petrochemicals complex, describing it as an astonishing masterpiece, showcasing Nigeria’s technological advancements on the global stage.

The Japanese delegation, which toured the facilities housing both the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as well as Dangote Fertilisers, commended the technology, noting that it reinforces Nigeria’s role as the gateway to Africa.

Managing Director of the Japan External Trade Organisation, Takashi Oku, was said to have remarked that while Nigeria remains the gateway to Africa, the refinery stands as a remarkable project that showcases the country’s technological progress.

Oku added that the facility, as the world’s largest single-train refinery, is a point of immense pride for Nigeria.

“We had heard about the excellence of the Dangote Refinery through the media but seeing it in person has left us truly amazed by its vastness and grandeur. It demonstrates that Nigeria’s population is not only growing but also advancing in technology. We are keen to collaborate with Nigerian companies, especially Dangote Refinery,” he said.

Emphasising that the refinery has bolstered Nigeria’s leading position in Africa, he further noted that the facility serves as an ideal introduction to the country for the global community.

The Managing Director of Itochu Nigeria Limited, Masahiro Tsuno, was said to have also praised the sheer size and automation of the Dangote refinery, calling it a miracle and one of the wonders of the world.

“I’ve seen many standalone refineries across the globe, including in Vietnam and the Middle East. However, the size of a refinery built by one single investor is probably a miracle in the world. And I’m just actually witnessing a miracle,” he said.

The bill, currently before the Committee on Constitution Review, was sponsored by the member representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency, Bauchi State, Mansur Soro.

Speaking on the rationale for the bill, Soro said the bill was to encourage greater transparency in the utilisation of borrowed funds by dedicating a special account for it, and have full disclosure on the utilisation of the funds.

He noted that having borrowed funds, grants and Internally Generated Revenue housed in the same account made monitoring of utilisation of loans difficult.

The lawmaker said, “Having both the IGR and borrowed funds in a single account makes tracking of the funds difficult and less transparent. We need to be more transparent and accountable to the people. If we cannot effectively track the movement and use of loans, many questions are begging for answers.

“The bill seeks to separate the two (borrowed funds and IGR) and provide for the publishing of periodic reports on the utilisation.

“Let me add that the bill is coming at a time of increased Federal Government borrowing with national debt profile now put at more than N134tn.”

Similarly, Moro, in a bill co-sponsored by the member representing Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency, Ogun State, Isiaka Ibrahim, also want the National Sovereign Investment Authority and the abolition of the Excess Crude Account to be strengthened.

Speaking on the proposed legislation, the Bauchi lawmaker said, “The bill seeks to amend the Constitution to empower the NSIA to invest all excess revenue from the sales of hydrocarbons.

“It seeks to abrogate the ECA and empower the NSIA to manage the excess revenue from the sales of hydrocarbons.

“The current system which sees the Federal Government save money in the ECA only to use the money belonging to the three tiers of government for procuring arms should be discouraged,” stressing that” If we fail to adequately save for the rainy day, posterity will not be kind to us.”

Justifying the need to support the constitutional amendment proposal, the PDP chieftain added, “The excess revenue should rather go to NSIA for investment on behalf of the federation with both the Federal Government and sub-nationals as investors.”

However, Soro cautioned the Federal Government against reckless borrowing, saying, “We should only take loans when and where it’s absolutely necessary. We are already running into a finanfial crisis and this is the time to apply the brakes.”

To check the frequent resort to borrowing, Soro called on the President Bola Tinubu-led government to block revenue leakages and curb corruption in public expenditure.

The group urged the Dangote refinery to consider reducing its ex-depot price from N970 per litre since the estimated cost of landing petrol on Nigeria’s shores has dropped to N900.28 per litre.

President Bola Tinubu had during a Federal Executive Council meeting on July 29 proposed the sale of crude to local refineries in naira.

In a statement shared on its official X page on Tuesday, Dec. 10, the embassy revealed that applicants with scheduled interviews will now be required to visit the Consulate General in Lagos twice during the visa process.

The announcement read, “For applicants with interviews scheduled after January 1, 2025, you are required to visit the Consulate General in Lagos at least twice during the immigrant visa process.

This new process is designed to help you prepare for your visa interview and to prevent significant delays in processing your immigrant visa.”

Details on the embassy’s website indicate that the first visit will be for an In-Person Document Review with a consular staff member.

The purpose of this review is to ensure that applicants have all the necessary documents prepared for their visa interviews.

The second visit will involve the visa interview with a Consular Officer. This interview will be scheduled by the National Visa Center (NVC).

The statement added: “This review ensures that applicants are prepared for their visa interviews.

“The review allows applicants to retrieve any missing documents ahead of their visa interviews, helping to avoid delays in application processing.

“The second interview, on the other hand, is with a Consular Officer. The date for this interview will be scheduled for applicants by the National Visa Center (NVC).

The embassy also cautioned applicants, stating, “If you do not complete the In-Person Document Review before your visa interview, you will be required to reschedule your appointment.”

The magistrate adjourned till December 20 to rule on whether or not to admit Farotimi to bail following the stiff opposition by the police.

The police are prosecuting Farotimi on the allegation that he defamed legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Aare Afe Babalola.

According to the police, the activist lawyer defamed Babalola in his book titled,  ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.

Following his arrest in Lagos State last Tuesday, the police took Farotimi to Ekiti State and arraigned him last Wednesday before the Ado Ekiti magistrates’ court where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Last week, the magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, rejected an oral bail application by Farotimi’s lawyer, insisting that a formal bail application should be filed and adjourned till December 10.

At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, the defence counsel,  Taiwo Adedeji, urged the magistrate to admit his client to bail, noting that the offence against him is bailable

The alleged offences are bailable. Again, the defendant should be considered innocent until the contrary is proved.

“The defendant is a lawyer with a fixed address with 25 years unblemished record and his name is on the roll of legal practitioners of the Supreme Court and others. The defendant has undertaken to make himself available whenever his attention is needed,” Adedeji said.

He urged the court to discountenance all that was contained in the prosecution’s counter-affidavit and grant bail to the defendant.

But the prosecuting counsel for the police, Samson Osodu, vehemently opposed the bail application, contending that Farotimi would likely jump bail.

The police prosecutor also described the defendant as “a social media influencer, who, despite being brought to this court, has been intimidating our witnesses, nominal complainant.”

According to the prosecutor, Farotimi had also said many times that he does not believe in the judicial system.

Besides, he argued that “The affidavit brought by the defendants is not competent because it was deposed to by a litigation clerk.”

Earlier, Osodu had opposed the appearance of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, to defend Farotimi.

After taking arguments from the parties, the chief magistrate, Adeosun, adjourned till December 20 to rule on the bail application.

Meanwhile, the planned protest slated for Ekiti State Command Headquarters of Nigeria Police Force organised by the Take it Back Movement failed to hold on Tuesday as no protester was seen in sight.

A community leader and the Olotin of Ado Ekiti, Chief Michael Osaloni, had on Monday cautioned those planning to stage a protest in the state on Tuesday “to steer clear of Ekiti as they would not like the outcome, they should, in their own interest shelve it or else face the consequences”.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Police Command, Sunday Abutu, had also earlier warned against protests in the state.

“The state here is peaceful, the metro here is peaceful. There is no protest here in Ekiti. As a matter of fact, nobody informed us officially that there would be any protest, we just heard it through rumour.

“Though protest is the right of everyone, when we heard about that, we warned that people should desist from unlawful protest. We are happy Ekiti is peaceful. We are glad and we appreciate the good people of Ekiti State for not joining any form of illegal protest to put the state in a state of chaos,” the PPRO said.

In his reaction to the court ruling, the 2023 presidential candidate of African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, stated on his X handle, “The ruling on @delefarotimi’s bail application was today adjourned till December 20.

“@DeleFarotimi has been sent back to prison for the next 10 days. See what begging has done? #FreeDeleFarotimiNow,” Sowore stated

Recall that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, had on Monday visited Afe Babalola in Ado Ekiti to plead with him over the case of Farotimi, a move Sowore condemned on his X-handle, saying, “I condemn those who went to beg Chief Afe Babalola today (Monday) over the unjust detention and persecution of @DeleFarotimi”