Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday, 18th April, 2025
1. Presidency Replies Nigerians Requesting Tinubu’s Return Amid Security Threats In North
The presidency has assured Nigerians that, despite President Bola Tinubu‘s absence from the country, he remains fully engaged in Nigeria’s governance while in France.
Naija News reports that this comes a few days after the former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, and other concerned Nigerians requested the return of Tinubu, over the spate of insecurity in Northern Nigeria.
However, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Thursday, April 17, 2025, stated that Tinubu’s absence remains temporary and is in line with the communicated timeframe of approximately two weeks.
He stated that Tinubu has maintained constant communication with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country.
Onanuga added that Tinubu’s return to Abuja and the resumption of duties at Aso Villa will follow the conclusion of the Easter holiday.
2. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Confirms Attack On Family Residence, Blames Akpabio
The lawmaker representing Kogi Central in the State, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has confirmed that gunmen attacked her family residence.
Naija News had reported that gunmen on Tuesday attacked the family home of the Kogi State lawmaker.
Confirming the attack in a statement to Naija News on Thursday, Natasha’s Chief Press Secretary, Arogbonlo Israel, condemned the attack on the Senator’s family house in Obeiba-Ihima.
He stated that it appears to be a calculated assault in direct response to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s courageous stance against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
3. National Assembly Underfunded – Reps Speaker, Abbas Asserts
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has asserted that the National Assembly is the least funded branch of the Nigerian government.
He expressed this viewpoint in Abuja on Wednesday during the unveiling of three legislative digital platforms created by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, with assistance from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Abbas, who was represented by Amadi Victor Obuzor, a member of the Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Federal Constituency, emphasised that, contrary to popular opinion, the legislature faces significant financial constraints.
4. Tinubu’s Ambassadorial List Contains More Political Appointees Than Career Diplomats – Tuggar
Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, has provided a fresh update on the delay in appointing ambassadors, revealing that the list submitted to President Bola Tinubu includes a higher number of political appointees compared to career diplomats.
In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Tuggar explained that while the names of ambassadorial nominees were forwarded to the president over a year ago, delays have occurred due to the president’s focus on economic reforms and other critical state matters.
He further clarified that the list was submitted shortly after Tinubu’s inauguration, a time when macroeconomic reforms, which the president deemed more urgent, took precedence.
These reforms, such as the removal of the petrol subsidy and the flotation of the naira, have been pivotal in shaping the early stages of the Tinubu administration. However, despite the initial submission of the list, the appointments have not yet been made.
Despite these setbacks, Tuggar assured that the appointment of ambassadors would be finalized soon.
Providing more insight into the submitted list, Tuggar shared that it consists of both career diplomats and political appointees, with the latter outnumbering the former.
5. Over 80 Million Nigerians Having Power Supply Issue – Adelabu Reveals
The Minister of Power, Adedayo Adelabu, announced that around 150 million Nigerians are currently enjoying sufficient electricity, while 80 million continue to experience unreliable power supply.
Naija News reports that Adelabu shared this information on Thursday, April 17, during the 2025 Ministerial Sectoral Update Conference in Abuja, where he was joined by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi Idris, along with other significant stakeholders.
Adelabu attributed this advancement to Nigeria’s involvement in the “Mission 300” initiative, a collaborative effort between the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) aimed at ensuring electricity access for 300 million Africans by the year 2030.
He emphasized that the initiative sets ambitious targets to improve electricity access, promote the use of renewable energy, and enhance clean cooking solutions for millions of Nigerians.
According to Adelabu, Nigeria, with a population of over 240 million, currently provides adequate electricity access to 150 million people. However, he emphasised that the issue is not merely access but the ‘reliability’ of that access.
6. Lagos Court Discharges, Acquits Young Boy Who Stood Before Peter Obi’s Convoy In Viral Photo
The Apapa Magistrate Court, Court 9, sitting at Orege, Ajegunle—Sikiru Adagun Courthouse, has acquitted and discharged Alabi Quadri, the young Nigerian who became a national symbol of courage during the 2023 general elections.
Naija News reports that Quadri, who had boldly stood in front of Peter Obi’s campaign convoy, was cleared of conspiracy to commit felony and armed robbery.
The court ruled that Quadri had no case to answer, marking a significant legal victory for him after spending several months in Kirikiri Prison, Lagos.
His case had originally been scheduled for a hearing on April 28, 2025, but the court expedited the proceedings following requests from human rights lawyer and activist Inibehe Effiong, along with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which the court granted.
Quadri first gained widespread attention during the tense period of the 2023 presidential elections when a viral video showed him, a teenage boy at the time, fearlessly standing in front of Peter Obi’s campaign convoy. His act was interpreted by many Nigerians as a symbol of youthful defiance and hope amidst a charged political environment.
7. Manchester United Survive Lyon Scare, Crawl Into Europa League Semis
In a heart-stopping encounter at Old Trafford, Manchester United secured their place in the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League semi-finals, overcoming a fierce challenge from Lyon.
The second leg ended 5-4 in favour of Manchester United, resulting in a nail-biting 7-6 aggregate victory for the Premier League giants.
After drawing 2-2 in the first leg, Manchester United approached the second leg with determination and urgency.
With penalties looming, the scene turned euphoric for United fans. In stoppage time (120+1’), Harry Maguire emerged as an unexpected hero, heading home a last-minute winner that completed a thrilling 5-4 victory on the night and sealed a 7-6 aggregate triumph.
8. Coach Zubairu Unveils Flying Eagles Of Nigeria Squad For Under-20 AFCON
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria Head Coach, Aliyu Zubairu, has released a 24-man squad for the upcoming under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Flying Eagles squad include captain Daniel Bameyi, goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt, and forward Kparobo Arierhi. Other notable inclusions are: German-based forward Precious Benjamin, Emmanuel Chukwu of TSG Hoffenheim and Caleb Ochedikwu of Croatian side NK Uljanik Pula.
Zubairu’s selection, which balances local and international talent, aims to secure an eighth continental title when the tournament kicks off in Egypt in 10 days.
The Flying Eagles, seven-time African champions and two-time FIFA Under-20 World Cup runners-up will depart Nigeria on Sunday.
They are scheduled to play a series of warm-up matches in Egypt before their group opener against Tunisia on Thursday, May 1, in Cairo. Nigeria will then face Morocco on May 4, followed by a final group-stage clash against Kenya on May 7.
9. Iyabo Ojo, Ex-husband Reunite To Celebrate Priscilla’s Traditional Wedding With Tanzanian Singer, Juma Jux
Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo and her ex-husband, Ademidun Ojo, have set aside their differences to celebrate their daughter, Priscilla Ojo’s traditional wedding to Tanzanian singer, Juma Jux.
Naija News reports that the former couple appeared in matching traditional outfits, honouring Yoruba customs and presenting a strong front for their daughter’s big day.
In a video circulating on social media, Priscilla’s father, dressed in Agbada, was spotted standing next to Iyabo as they showed off their dance moves together.
The event, which is being held in Lagos State, has many Nigerian celebrities, friends and family of the couple in attendance.
10. ‘Damaged Man’ – Nollywood Actress, Angela Okorie Fumes Over Failed Romantic Relationship
Nollywood Actress, Angela Okorie, has vowed never to show off her man on social media until she gets married.
Naija News reports that the movie star made this known while ranting over her failed romantic relationship in a post via Instagram on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Angela revealed she recently broke up with her boyfriend due to his alleged cheating with other Nollywood girls.
The thespian said she was dating an ‘enemy’ because the man is not what he claims to be.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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