Good morning, Nigeria!
Welcome to Gossip News Now roundup of the top stories making headlines across the country today, Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
1. Emir Sanusi Reveals How Boko Haram Threats Forced Jonathan To Halt Fuel Subsidy Removal
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has revealed that former President Goodluck Jonathan suspended plans to remove fuel subsidy not because of public opposition, but due to fears of Boko Haram’s planned suicide attacks on protesters.
Speaking at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference, themed “Better Leader for a Better Nigeria,” Sanusi explained that national security concerns, rather than public demonstrations, prompted the decision.
The Emir, who served as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) during Jonathan’s administration and was one of the major advocates for subsidy removal, described the subsidy policy as “a hedge” — with the government paying to keep fuel prices stable.
2. “We Are Not Politicians” – Resident Doctors Appeal To President Tinubu For Urgent Intervention
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has written to President Bola Tinubu, appealing for his direct intervention in resolving the challenges facing the nation’s health sector, warning that the system is on the brink of collapse.
In a letter dated Monday and titled “A Passionate Appeal to the Commander-in-Chief of the Federation,” the association urged the President to personally ensure the fulfillment of their 19-point demands.
Signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammed Suleiman, the letter emphasized that the doctors are not making extravagant requests but simply asking for the government to honor its existing commitments — including the payment of outstanding salary arrears, full implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and better welfare for resident doctors across the country.
3. “They Invited People To Commit Crime” – NDLEA Explains Why Pretty Mike Was Arrested
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed why Lagos socialite and media personality, Pretty Mike, was arrested at a nightclub over the weekend.
In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the Agency stated that the arrest followed a raid on a “drug party” organized for the purpose of consuming and distributing illicit substances — an act described as criminal under Nigerian law.
According to the NDLEA, the operation took place on the night of Saturday, October 25, into the early hours of Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Proxy Night Club, located at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Over 100 individuals were arrested, including the club’s owner, Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike, and his manager, Joachin Millary.
Babafemi condemned the event, saying, “They had the audacity to invite people to come and commit crime.” He also warned nightclub operators and fun seekers nationwide that organizing, hosting, or attending drug parties is illegal and will attract severe consequences.
4. “Build Yourself Before Seeking A Rich Partner” – Actor Uzor Arukwe Advises Women
Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe has encouraged single women to focus on personal growth and self-development before aspiring to marry wealthy or supportive partners.
The actor gave the advice while reacting to the widespread admiration for his portrayal of Odogwu, a generous billionaire lover, in the movie Love In Every World 2.
Following the film’s release, many social media users described Odogwu as the ideal man they would like to marry. However, Arukwe took to X (formerly Twitter) to explain that in the movie, the female lead, Chioma (played by Bambam), was already hardworking, ambitious, and valuable before Odogwu began supporting her.
He noted that Odogwu respected her because her determination and industrious nature were already evident, making their relationship one of mutual value.
Arukwe urged women to invest in themselves, emphasizing that self-worth and personal achievement naturally attract men who appreciate strength, character, and substance.
5. Super Falcons Seal 2026 WAFCON Qualification After Beating Benin On Aggregate
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have booked their place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating the Amazons of Benin Republic 3-1 on aggregate.
The 10-time African champions took control of the tie with a 2-0 first-leg win in Lome, Togo, and wrapped up qualification with a 1-1 draw in the return leg on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Leicester City defender Ashleigh Plumptre opened the scoring in the 12th minute, netting her first-ever goal for Nigeria with a powerful header from Esther Okoronkwo’s cross.
The early goal energized the home crowd as the Falcons dominated play and maintained pressure on their opponents.
However, the Benin Amazons — featuring several foreign-based players — showed resilience and were eventually rewarded with an 80th-minute equalizer after Nigerian captain Rasheedat Ajibade missed a chance to extend the lead.
The match ended 1-1, but the Falcons’ two-goal advantage from the first leg was enough to see them through to the finals, where they will aim to defend their continental title.
6. Lionel Messi Hints At Possible 2026 FIFA World Cup Comeback
Football legend Lionel Messi has hinted that he may feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but says his final decision will depend on how his body responds in the upcoming season with Inter Miami.
The 38-year-old Argentine captain, who famously led his country to World Cup glory in Qatar two years ago, admitted that the idea of defending the title still excites him.
Speaking in an interview with NBC News aired on Monday, Messi said he would love to wear the Argentina jersey again if he feels physically capable.
The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Messi, who turns 39 next June, acknowledged that competing at that level would be demanding but emphasized that his decision will ultimately depend on his fitness during Inter Miami’s preseason preparations.
7. “I’ve Lost Many Movie Roles Because Of My Looks” – Emeka Okoye Opens Up
Nollywood actor Emeka Okoye has revealed that his physical appearance has cost him several roles in the movie industry.
In an interview with Saturday Sun, the veteran actor, who began his career in 1999, shared that film producers have often overlooked him for certain characters because of his chubby build.
Okoye explained that this isn’t the first time he’s faced rejection over his looks. When he was slimmer earlier in his career, some filmmakers considered him “too small” for the roles they envisioned.
Despite the repeated setbacks, Okoye expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has received and pride in how far he has come in Nollywood.
The To Kill A Monkey star also reflected on his humble beginnings, recalling that he started his journey with the film Prophet of Darkness in Asaba. He said his determination and faith have kept him grounded and focused through the challenges he has faced in the industry.
8. “He Lacked Conviction” – Fayemi Compares Jonathan And Tinubu’s Handling Of Fuel Subsidy Removal
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has drawn a sharp comparison between the leadership styles of former President Goodluck Jonathan and President Bola Tinubu regarding the controversial issue of fuel subsidy removal.
Speaking at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Fayemi reflected on Nigeria’s economic policies, leadership principles, and the political courage required to make difficult decisions.
He criticized Jonathan for lacking the conviction to proceed with subsidy removal during his administration, despite enjoying the backing of several governors and key stakeholders at the time.
According to Fayemi, contrary to public belief, many governors—including those from the then-opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)—supported Jonathan’s economic reforms but the former president succumbed to political pressure rather than standing by what was economically right.
In contrast, Fayemi commended President Tinubu for demonstrating bold and decisive leadership by eliminating the fuel subsidy on his first day in office, despite the economic and political challenges that followed the decision.
9. NSA Warns Politicians: Violence Will Not Be Tolerated Ahead of Anambra Governorship Election
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a strong warning to political actors and stakeholders ahead of the November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election, stressing that any form of violence will not be tolerated.
Speaking on Tuesday during the meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) at INEC Headquarters in Abuja, Ribadu — represented by the Director of Internal Security, Hassan Abdullahi — reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process.
He urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to prioritize peace, shun violence, and conduct their campaigns responsibly before, during, and after the election.
According to the NSA, the government is working closely with political leaders, security agencies, and local stakeholders to maintain law and order throughout the electoral period.
10. Terrorists Issue Threat To Bomb National Assembly – Lawmaker
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security, Hon. Garba Ibrahim Muhammad, has disclosed that terrorists have threatened to bomb the National Assembly Complex.
Muhammad made this known on Tuesday during a public hearing on a bill to establish a Legislative Security Directorate — a proposed agency aimed at improving security and protecting lawmakers, staff, and visitors within the Assembly premises.
“We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly Complex, as well as threats from protesters to shut it down,” the lawmaker said.
He further noted that Nigeria’s legislative complex, the symbol of its democracy, has increasingly faced security risks such as vehicle theft, vandalism, infiltration by unauthorized persons, and the use of fake identity cards.
Muhammad warned that if these lapses are not urgently addressed, they could disrupt legislative proceedings and pose serious dangers to governance and democracy.
That’s all for today’s top Nigerian newspaper headlines.
Stay informed by following Gossip News Now for the latest updates, breaking stories, and in-depth reports from across the country.
Join us again tomorrow for more headlines and developments shaping Nigeria and beyond.
