Friday Briefing: 10 Must-Know News Stories in Nigeria (May 9, 2025)
Good morning, Nigeria! A lot happened while you were sleeping. From political shake-ups to health concerns and papal headlines, here’s a quick and insightful breakdown of 10 big stories you should know this morning:
INEC Takes Neutral Stand on PDP, Labour Party Drama
The electoral umpire, INEC, says it hasn’t picked sides in the internal crises rocking both the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP). Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made this clear on Thursday. Translation? INEC is watching but not acting at least not yet.
Food Safety Woes: 200,000 Nigerians Die Annually Minister Reveals
Shocking but true: The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, says 200,000 Nigerians many of them children die yearly from food-related illnesses. He made this claim during the launch of a food safety guide in Abuja. Street food vendors, take note.
Three PDP Lawmakers Defect to APC as Katsina Governor Storms Reps Chamber
Drama unfolded in the National Assembly on Thursday when Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina showed up to witness three PDP lawmakers from his state cross over to APC. The Governor entered the chamber with style at 11:10 am possibly to make a political statement.4. Goodluck Jonathan Warns Against One-Party State in Nigeria
Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has a warning: Nigeria must not become a one-party state. He cautioned that forcing political dominance through manipulation is a dangerous game that could harm the nation’s future.
Tinubu: Our Harsh Policies Are to Save the Economy, Not Hurt You
President Bola Tinubu defended his administration’s tough economic decisions on Thursday. Speaking at a real estate event in Abuja, he said the policies are necessary to avoid total economic collapse not to punish ordinary citizens. Nigerians, however, remain divided on that.
18 Passengers Allegedly Kidnapped in Kogi, Police Silent
Confusion surrounds the abduction of 18 bus passengers in Kogi State. Reports claim they were kidnapped along the Itobe/Ochadamu road. But as of now, the Kogi Police Command hasn’t confirmed or denied the incident. Families wait for answers.
Mystery in Osun: Missing Man Found Dead in River
A disturbing mystery is unfolding in Osun State. A man named Kehinde Ijebu went missing on Tuesday. By Wednesday, his body was found floating in Oyile River. The police have launched an investigation but the cause of death remains unknown.
Gunmen Kill Police Inspector in Rivers State Ambush
Terror on the road: Gunmen ambushed police officers along the Port Harcourt Aba Road on Tuesday night, killing Inspector Christian Gbaratee. According to reports, the officers were returning from an assignment. Nigeria’s security crisis continues.
Pope Leo XIV to Hold First Major Mass Today in Sistine Chapel
The newly elected Pope Leo XIV will lead his first big Mass today inside the iconic Sistine Chapel. He’ll also appear on St. Peter’s Basilica’s balcony this Sunday for his first public prayer. Catholics worldwide are watching closely.
World Leaders Congratulate New Pope
World leaders, including President Bola Tinubu and former U.S. President Donald Trump, have congratulated Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Pontiff. They’re expressing hopes that his reign will bring peace and renewed unity to a troubled world.
From troubling death stats to political realignments and international spiritual shifts, today’s headlines reflect a Nigeria and a world in flux. Stay informed, stay alert, and most importantly, stay safe.
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Friday Briefing: 10 Must-Know News Stories in Nigeria (May 9, 2025)