Seasoned Nigerian entertainment journalist Gbenga Bada has called on students of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) to approach entertainment reporting with unwavering passion and strict adherence to professional standards.

Speaking at a recent engagement with students at the prestigious journalism institution in Ogba, Lagos, Bada, who serves as Assistant Entertainment Editor at *The Nation* newspaper, emphasized that the dynamic field of entertainment journalism demands more than mere reporting—it requires genuine enthusiasm and ethical rigor to stand out in an increasingly competitive media landscape.

“Entertainment reporting is not just about chasing headlines or celebrity gossip,” Bada reportedly told the aspiring journalists. “It thrives on passion for the arts, culture, and stories that shape our society, combined with the professionalism that ensures accuracy, fairness, and credibility.

“Bada, known for his in-depth coverage of Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment industry—including music, film, and celebrity features—drew from his extensive experience to inspire the students.

He highlighted the importance of building strong ethical foundations amid the rise of digital media and social platforms, where misinformation can spread rapidly.

The session, part of NIJ’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between academia and industry practice, resonated with attendees, who praised Bada’s practical insights into navigating the challenges and opportunities in entertainment journalism.

As Nigeria’s creative sector continues to grow globally, voices like Bada’s underscore the need for a new generation of reporters equipped not only with skills but with the drive to elevate the profession.

The Lagos State Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JNC), Trade Union Side, has issued a strong commendation to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for approving a 100% end-of-year bonus for public servants in the 2025 service year and presenting car gifts to outstanding officers.In a press statement signed by Comrade Biodun Bakare, Secretary of the Lagos State JNC (Trade Union Side), and dated December 19, 2025, the council, led by Chairman Comrade Domingo Michael Adeleke, described the initiatives as “landmark milestones” that demonstrate the governor’s deep commitment to the welfare, productivity, and motivation of the public sector workforce.The 100% bonus will be disbursed in two installments: 50% alongside December 2025 salaries and the remaining 50% with January 2026 salaries. The JNC highlighted this phased approach as a considerate measure attuned to prevailing economic challenges, aimed at easing financial pressures during the holiday season and beyond.The council also praised the presentation of car gifts to exemplary officers, calling it a powerful incentive to promote merit, foster innovation, and cultivate a culture of excellence, accountability, and superior service delivery across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).These actions, the statement noted, transcend mere administrative gestures and serve as significant morale boosters likely to enhance industrial harmony, employee loyalty, and overall performance. They further underscore the benefits of ongoing constructive dialogue between the state government and organized labour.The JNC reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Sanwo-Olu administration on policies that prioritize workers’ welfare and improve public service delivery. It called on all public servants to respond to the governor’s generosity with heightened professionalism, dedication, and service to Lagos residents.

• President Tinubu at the National Assembly during the 2026 budget presentation, Friday, December 19,2025.

President Bola Tinubu on Friday presented the N58.18 trillion 2026 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly.

Tagged the “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity”, the proposal seeks to lock in recent macroeconomic gains, restore investor confidence and translate recovery into jobs and improved living standards for Nigerians.

“I appear before this Joint Session of the National Assembly, in fulfilment of my constitutional duty, to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill,” said Tinubu, describing the moment as “defining” in Nigeria’s reform journey.

He acknowledged the pains of reforms over the last two and a half years but assured citizens that “their sacrifices are not in vain.”

The President said Nigeria’s economy was showing clear signs of stabilisation, citing 3.98 per cent GDP growth in Q3 2025, moderation in inflation for eight consecutive months to 14.45 per cent in November 2025, improved oil production, stronger non-oil revenues and rising investor confidence.

External reserves, he disclosed, climbed to a seven-year high of about $47 billion as of mid-November 2025, providing over 10 months of import cover.“These outcomes are not accidental. They reflect difficult but deliberate policy choices,” Tinubu sai.

The tasks ahead are to ensure that “stability becomes prosperity, and prosperity becomes shared prosperity.” said Tinubu.