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Christmas: List of African Countries That Don’t Celebrate Birth of Jesus

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Christmas celebrations in Africa vary significantly depending on the country’s religion, culture, and government policies.
Conversely, nations such as Algeria, Libya, Somalia, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, and Morocco observe Christmas minimally, influenced by their predominantly Muslim demographics.

This disparity underscores how local customs and religious compositions shape the observance of Christmas across the continent.

Countries like Zambia, Rwanda, and Nigeria feature vibrant public festivities due to their sizable Christian populations.

Data from World Population Review shows that not all 206 countries worldwide observe Christmas, even though it is celebrated in predominantly Christian nations such as the United Kingdom and the United States, and even in some Muslim-majority countries like Iraq, Syria, and surprisingly, the UAE.

In Africa, Christmas traditions vary widely. Countries like Zambia, Rwanda, and Nigeria mark the day with public holidays, large-scale festivities, and community gatherings. In contrast, in other parts of the continent, December 25 passes quietly, or not at all, shaped by local religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and government policies.

In Nigeria, for example, Christmas is a major national event, celebrated with church services, family gatherings, and lively public festivities that reflect the country’s large Christian population. Similarly, South Africa, Seychelles, and even Egypt host ceremonies, music performances, and community events, underscoring how central Christmas is to social and cultural life.

Countries Where Christmas Is Not Widely Observed
A small number of African nations do not formally recognize Christmas or observe it as a public holiday. Algeria, Libya, Somalia, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, and Morocco fall into this category. While Christian communities exist, they are small, and celebrations are typically private, low-key, or geared toward tourists rather than national observances.

In Algeria, for example, Christians make up less than 2% of the population, and December 25 passes like any other day. In Libya, where around 2.7% of the population is Christian, celebrations are largely restricted to homes and private gatherings, often occurring under the shadow of insecurity for minority communities.

A wonderful-picture of a-woman celebrating Christmas at the Giza-Pyramids
A wonderful-picture of a-woman celebrating Christmas at the Giza-Pyramids

Strict Observance and Private Celebrations
Somalia and Mauritania, both nearly 100% Muslim, largely ignore Christmas, treating December 25 as a normal working day. In Somalia, public celebrations are banned entirely, reflecting strict interpretations of Islamic law.

Morocco and Guinea-Bissau offer notable exceptions. In Morocco, major cities with strong tourism sectors, such as Marrakech and Casablanca, feature festive decorations, special hotel menus, and midnight masses for Christian expatriates, blending European traditions with local culture. Guinea-Bissau’s Christian minority celebrates quietly at home, often with modest meals and small gifts.

Countries like Zambia, Rwanda, and Nigeria feature vibrant public festivities due to their sizable Christian populations.
Countries like Zambia, Rwanda, and Nigeria feature vibrant public festivities due to their sizable Christian populations.
Why Christmas Celebrations Differ

The variation in observance across Africa is shaped by religion, culture, and government policy. Countries with large Christian populations, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, and Namibia, treat Christmas as a major national event with public holidays, church services, family gatherings, and community celebrations.

In predominantly Muslim nations, Christmas is typically a private or low-key event. Local religious norms, sometimes reinforced by law, limit public festivities, and political or security considerations may further restrict celebrations.

Ultimately, these differences highlight how Christmas, a globally recognised holiday, is experienced differently depending on local faith, cultural practices, and governance. In some African nations, it brings lights, music, and public celebrations; in others, it remains a quiet, private observance, or passes like any other day.

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BREAKING: Ifa Picks Most Suitable Successor For Awujale Throne Among 95 Nominees

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A prince identified by the Oracle (Ifa) as the most suitable successor to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has emerged following the screening of 95 nominees by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

The development was disclosed on Monday after the conclusion of the nomination exercise held at the Bisirodipe Hall, GRA, Ijebu-Ode, by the Olori-Ebi of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi.

Owoyemi said the ruling house was confident that the kingmakers and the Ogun State Government would eventually select a candidate who reflects the aspirations of the family, the will of the ancestors, and the divine guidance revealed through Ifa. He, however, declined to disclose the identity of the prince favoured by the oracle.

Among the nominees screened are Princess Oluwakemi Adetokunboh; Prince Adebisi Kadiri, a retired Lagos State Permanent Secretary; Prince Abdul-Fatai Arowolo of Aeron Construction; Prince Olumuyiwa Adeyemi; Prince Okeowo Obafemi; and Prince Adegbenga Bakare, among others.

Owoyemi, who is also the Otunba Jadiara of Ijebuland and a former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), explained that extensive traditional consultations were conducted before the ruling house resolved to back one of the nominees.

The full list of the 95 nominees was jointly endorsed by Otunba Owoyemi; his deputy, Prince Adedokun Ajidagba; Vice Chairman, Professor Fassy Yusuf; and Secretary of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Pastor Bolarinde Salami. Officials of the Ijebu-Ode Local Government, led by the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Adebanjo Oke, witnessed the exercise.

Describing the process as peaceful and transparent, Owoyemi said the exercise marked a collective victory for the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. He added that a new Awujale is expected to emerge within one month, noting that all contenders have signed undertakings not to challenge the final selection in court.

Lagos Reporters will continue to follow developments surrounding the emergence of the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

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Chimamanda: Heartbreaking Details About What Killed Author’s Late Son Emerge

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The renowned author and her family were plunged into grief a few days ago after a statement was released confirming the untimely death of one of her twin sons, Nkanu.

In a post shared by renowned journalist and BON Awards organiser, Seun Oloketuyi, more heartbreaking details about what happened before the little boy was pronounced dead were revealed.

According to the post, which was credited to the author, Nkanu might still be alive today if not for a tragic incident that occurred at Euracare Hospital on January 6, 2026.

It was reported that the little boy initially had what was believed to be a cold, which later turned out to be a serious infection. He was admitted to Atlantis Hospital and was scheduled to travel to the United States the following day for advanced medical treatment.

Doctors and a medical team at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore were reportedly already waiting to receive him.

Seun Oloketuyi further stated that the Johns Hopkins team requested an MRI scan and a lumbar puncture test. However, while preparations for his journey were ongoing, the Nigerian medical team administered intravenous medications.

While at Atlantis Hospital, Nkanu was referred to Euracare Hospital, which was said to be the best facility to carry out the procedures. On January 6, he was taken to Euracare, sitting in his father’s arms, after doctors advised that he be sedated to prevent movement during the MRI and central line procedure.

According to Chimamanda, she was standing outside the theatre when she suddenly saw people rushing in and immediately sensed that something was wrong.

Moments later, a doctor reportedly informed her that her son had been given too much propofol by the anaesthesiologist, causing him to become unresponsive and requiring urgent resuscitation.

She said Nkanu was later placed on a ventilator, intubated, and admitted into the ICU. A few hours later, he developed seizures and suffered a cardiac arrest. Sadly, he was later pronounced dead.

In the post, the writer was said to have alleged that her son was not properly monitored after being given an excessive dose of propofol. She also claimed that the anaesthesiologist casually carried him on his shoulder into the theatre and later switched off his oxygen after the central line procedure before again carrying him to the ICU.

The heartbreaking account has continued to stir deep emotions and outrage across social media.

Here is the Instagram post about Chimamanda’s son below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DTU2D7NjUz5/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=7b3a8bd2-870b-4003-946b-48ea4ab6865a

 

 

 

 

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Fusengbuwa Ruling House Fixes Monday To Fill Awujale Vacant Stool

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The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode has fixed Monday, January 12, 2026, for the commencement of the selection process to fill the vacant stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.

This followed a letter of clearance from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs through the Executive Chairman, Ijebu Ode Local Government, Ogun State, Hon. Dare Alebiosu.

Recall that the Ogun State government had, about three weeks ago, advised the Fusengbuwa ruling house to halt the selection process of the new paramount ruler of Ijebuland, having identified a procedural error that could encourage a floodgate of litigation

The cancellation of the earlier selection process was announced at a meeting the state government held with the ruling house and the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee in Abeokuta

The stool became vacant following the death of 91-year-old Oba Sikiru Adetona in July after reigning for 65 years.
However, in a letter dated January 6th and signed by the Secretary of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Oke Adebanjo, the local government said that, having received clearance from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Fusengbuwa ruling house should commence the process to fill the vacant stool of Awujale.

The statement partly reads, “Following clearance from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, I am directed to convey the approval of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, for the commencement of the process to fill the vacant stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.

“The Fusengbuwa Ruling House is hereby authorised to begin its internal selection process in accordance with the Customary Laws of Ijebuland and the Chieftaincy Regulations of Ogun State.

“To ensure proper administrative documentation, please you are to formally notify the local government of the date, time, and venue of the nomination exercise. which must be within 14 days from the receipt of this notification, while representatives of the local government will attend strictly as observers.

“This approval is issued to facilitate due process and remains without prejudice to the traditional rights and internal procedures of the Ruling House.”

Similarly, the ruling house has equally fixed Monday, January 12, for the nomination meeting for the vacant stool of Awujale at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu Ode

This was contained in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday and signed by Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, the chairman of the ruling house.

The letter partly reads “We wish to thank you for your letter dated 6th January, 2026, Ref No IOLG.584/11/34, and confirm to you, that our Ruling House Family Nomination Meeting for the vacant position of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of ljebuland, has, by the Grace of Almighty God, been fixed to take place on Monday, 12th of January, 2026 at The BISROD HALL, GRA, Off Igbeba Road, Ijebu Ode by 12 Noon.

“We also hereby invite the Secretary of the Local Government and his officials, to please join us for the meeting, to observe and monitor our Ruling House Family Nomination meeting process, in accordance with the Law”.

Recall that the selection of the new Awujale, which has reportedly attracted over 60 contestants, has for some time generated significant interest, with the popular Fuji musician, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde, popularly called KWAM1, also declaring his interest in the throne.

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