Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Friday, 21st February, 2025

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the IDOMA VOICE News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday, 21st February 2025

1. Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB), has affirmed in his autobiography that Chief Moshood Abiola won the 1993 presidential election. IBB described the annulment as one of the toughest decisions of his career and commended President Buhari for posthumously recognizing Abiola as Nigeria’s rightful leader.

2. The Tinubu-led government has terminated the 98km Oyo-Ogbomoso road contract due to delays and non-performance by Reynolds Construction Company (RCC). Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, stated that a new contractor will be appointed soon as the road’s poor condition has caused accidents and financial losses for traders.

3. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has retained the interest rate at 27.5%. CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso emphasized the need for monetary stability, stating that the move comes after six consecutive rate hikes in 2024.

4. The Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, protested an unauthorized alteration of her seat in the Senate chamber. Senate President Godswill Akpabio tried to restore order, but Natasha stood her ground, leading to a brief disruption of plenary proceedings.

5. Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to tracking and neutralizing notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji. Speaking during an operational visit to Zamfara, he assured that troops were closing in on the fugitive and revealed that several bandit leaders have been eliminated in recent military operations.

6. Controversial singer Habeeb ‘Portable’ Okikiola was arraigned in Abeokuta for allegedly attacking government officials. He appeared in court wearing a mask on his head and pleaded not guilty. He was granted ₦2m bail, with a surety in like sum, and the case was adjourned till March 5.

7. Babangida claimed that the annulment of the June 12 election was necessary to protect Nigeria’s stability. He expressed regret that he couldn’t oversee a democratic transition but believes the nation’s resilience has since proven its strength.

8. President Tinubu acknowledged that Babangida played a key role in inspiring his political career. He described IBB as a leader and mentor who encouraged young politicians, making the remarks at the launch of IBB’s autobiography.

9. President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of Dr. Saviour Enyiekere as Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) for a renewable five-year term. Enyiekere previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President, and Tinubu also appointed 12 members, with two from each geopolitical zone.

10. A Spanish court found former football chief Luis Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for kissing footballer Jenni Hermoso without her consent. He was fined €10,800 but escaped a prison sentence. The incident occurred after Spain’s 2023 Women’s World Cup victory.