By Oso Abidemi 

A major fire outbreak has engulfed a section of the headquarters of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), in Abuja, causing panic at the facility.

Eyewitnesses said thick black smoke and raging flames were seen billowing from part of the FIRS building located in the Wuse Zone area of the city, attracting a swift response from emergency services.

Firefighters from the FCT Fire Service were immediately deployed to the scene and were seen battling the inferno in an effort to prevent it from spreading to other sections of the complex.

As the fire intensified, security personnel cordoned off the area to ensure safety and allow emergency responders unhindered access.

As at the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation of casualties or injuries.

Emergency officials were still assessing the situation and the extent of damage caused by the fire.

The cause of the incident remains unknown, and authorities are yet to issue an official statement on what triggered the blaze or whether vital documents and records were affected.

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate reinstatement of the Mandate Secretary of the Education Secretariat, Dr Danlami Hayyo, and the Acting Executive Chairman of the FCT Internal Revenue Service, Mr Michael Ango.

The directive was announced on Wednesday in a statement by the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, who said both officials are to resume duty with immediate effect.

Wike also warned that indiscipline would not be tolerated in the FCT Administration.

Hayyo was earlier suspended over a leaked memo allegedly directing the closure of government secondary schools by November 28, 2025.

The FCT Administration later dismissed the report, saying no such decision was taken.

Wike subsequently ordered disciplinary action against the Director of School Services, Aishatu Alhassan, over the incident.

Ango was removed as Acting Chairman of the FCT Internal Revenue Service on December 8, 2025, without an official reason, and the most senior officer was directed to oversee the agency.

The minister has now reversed the decision, reinstating both officials while reaffirming his commitment to discipline and accountability in the FCT.

By Omoniyi David

The inaugural Groovy December Festival began Monday at Jabi Lake, Abuja, launching a 17-day celebration aimed at boosting tourism, culture, and entertainment in the city.

Dr. Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, Project Coordinator of The Emerging Abuja Projects, said the festival is part of the Imagine Abuja Programme, designed to engage residents and visitors with arts, crafts, and cultural activities.

“Abuja is usually quiet during this season. Our aim is to keep people entertained, engage youths, and support local businesses,” he said.

Organisers hope to attract over 50,000 participants by the festival’s third edition.

The festival, backed by the FCTA, Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, and private sponsors, will feature skating, horse riding, golf, boat rides, and cultural performances.

Special hotel discounts have been announced for visitors, while events include the Groovy December Golf Kitty Championship and the Emerging Abuja Diaspora Investment Forum.