Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Monday, 17th March, 2025

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the IDOMA VOICE News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Monday, 17th March 2025

1. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has summoned Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a corps member serving in Lagos, over a viral TikTok video where she criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Rita, who posted the emotional outcry about Nigeria’s economic situation under the username @talktoraye, has been asked to report to the NYSC office in Eti-Osa.

2. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has raised concerns about the Nigerian traditional institution, claiming that some royal thrones are now occupied by criminals, drug addicts, bandits, and kidnappers. In his new book Nigeria: Past and Future, he warns that the country risks violent political change if governance issues are not addressed.

3. The Rivers State House of Assembly has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of failing to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill, as directed by the Supreme Court. Lawmakers insist that Fubara must follow due process instead of manipulating public opinion against them.

4. Former Labour Party (LP) spokesman Kenneth Okonkwo is calling for a strong coalition of opposition parties to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. He believes that a fresh candidate from either the North or South, willing to serve a single term, is the best path forward for Nigeria.

5. Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has revealed that she personally funded her trip to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York. She clarified that she registered independently and attended using a regular passport, dismissing rumors that she traveled with official government backing.

6. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended suspects attempting to smuggle cocaine into the Holy Land, hidden inside prayer beads and handmade footwear. The agency reiterated its commitment to fighting drug trafficking through continuous surveillance and enforcement.

7. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has debunked reports that its Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun, has resigned. The party described the reports as false and aimed at causing internal instability, reaffirming Damagun’s position and leadership.

8. Nigerian actress Annie Idibia has reportedly left the rehabilitation center where she was receiving treatment following the breakdown of her marriage to singer 2Baba. Sources say she has chosen a different approach to recovery, though her healing journey is still ongoing.

9. A first-half header from Mikel Merino secured a crucial 1-0 victory for Arsenal against Chelsea. The win strengthens Arsenal’s grip on second place, while Chelsea’s hopes of securing a Champions League spot suffered a setback, especially in the absence of key player Cole Palmer.

10. Newcastle United clinched the 2025 Carabao Cup title after defeating Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley. Dan Burn and Alexander Isak scored for Newcastle, while Federico Chiesa’s late goal for Liverpool wasn’t enough to prevent their defeat.