The Leader of the 10th Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, CON, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, love and national unity as Christians across the country celebrate Christmas 2025.

In a Christmas message issued on Wednesday, December 25, Senator Bamidele described the birth of Jesus Christ as a timeless source of hope, redemption and salvation for humanity, noting that His message remains relevant in addressing contemporary national and global challenges.

According to the Senate Leader, Christmas offers Nigerians another opportunity to reflect on the state of the nation and the welfare of its citizens, irrespective of religious affiliation. He urged both Christians and Muslims to draw lessons from Christ’s message of love, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence, rather than resorting to violence in the pursuit of personal or collective grievances.

Senator Bamidele emphasized that Christ’s love transcends religious boundaries, describing it as a unifying force capable of healing broken relationships, reconciling divided communities and fostering national cohesion, stability and rebirth.

He further stressed that enduring peace is fundamental to sustainable development, economic growth and good governance at both national and sub-national levels. According to him, only in an atmosphere of peace and mutual understanding can citizens freely pursue their aspirations without fear or hindrance.

The Senate Leader therefore urged Nigerians to become ambassadors of peace, harmony and positive engagement, while rejecting hate speech, violence and divisive tendencies.

He concluded by wishing Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the renaming of the Federal University of Medical Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State, in honour of the late renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi.

The President announced the decision on Saturday during a condolence visit to the family of the revered cleric at his country home in Bauchi State. According to Tinubu, the renaming is aimed at immortalising the scholar’s enduring legacy and his immense contributions to humanity, religious scholarship, and peaceful coexistence.

“From today onward, I announce this change of name to immortalise him. The Federal University of Medical Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State, will from today be known as Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi University. May God bless his memory,” the President declared.

Describing the passing of the cleric as a “great national loss,” Tinubu said Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi lived a life defined by humility, selfless service, and unwavering dedication to the propagation of Islam, peace, and moral values across communities.

He prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the soul of the late scholar and asked that he be granted Aljannatul Firdaus. The President also prayed for strength and comfort for the family, the government, and the people of Bauchi State, urging Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity, and national harmony.

Speaking on behalf of the family, the eldest son of the late cleric, Sheikh Ibrahim Usman Bauchi, expressed profound gratitude to the President for the condolence visit, prayers, and the honour bestowed on their father. He also thanked Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State, for his consistent support to the family.

In his remarks, Governor Mohammed commended the President for honouring the family and Bauchi State, describing the gesture as a fitting recognition of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s lifelong commitment to faith, education, and national unity. He noted that the late scholar’s influence transcended Bauchi and Nigeria, touching lives across generations.

The President was accompanied on the visit by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni; and Seyi Tinubu, among other top government officials.

Tinubu arrived at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi, at about 4:09 p.m., where he was received with a guard of honour by the Nigerian Air Force. He was welcomed by Governor Bala Mohammed; the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; and the Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Shehu Buba.

The condolence visit formed part of the President’s broader engagements to commiserate with the family and followers of the late Islamic scholar, whose influence and contributions to Islamic learning and spiritual leadership spanned decades across Nigeria and beyond.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to depart Abuja on Saturday on a multi-state visit that will take him to Borno State, Bauchi State and Lagos State, as part of official and personal engagements.

The President’s first stop will be Borno State, where he is expected to commission a number of projects executed by the state government under Governor Babagana Zulum, in collaboration with the Federal Government. The projects are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure, governance and post-conflict recovery in the North-East.

While in Maiduguri, President Tinubu will also attend the wedding ceremony of Sadeeq Sheriff, son of former Borno State Governor and Senator, Ali Modu Sheriff, and his bride, Hadiza Kam Salem.

From Borno, the President will proceed to Bauchi State for a condolence visit to the state government and the family of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, the late Islamic scholar and spiritual leader of the Tijjaniyya Muslim Brotherhood. The revered cleric passed away on November 27, drawing tributes from across Nigeria and beyond for his decades of religious scholarship and leadership.

Following the condolence visit, President Tinubu will travel to Lagos State, where he will spend the end-of-year holidays. During his stay, the President is expected to participate in several engagements, including serving as Guest of Honour at the annual Eyo Festival scheduled for December 27.

The festival, to be held at Tafawa Balewa Square, will honour notable personalities, including President Tinubu’s mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, as well as former Lagos State governors Lateef Jakande and Michael Otedola.

The trip underscores the President’s blend of official duties, cultural engagements and personal commitments as the year draws to a close.