Good morning, Nigeria. Here is your Gossip News Now summary of the leading stories making headlines across the country today, Tuesday, 18th November 2025.
1. Federal Government Reacts to Kidnapping of Kebbi Schoolgirls
The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians that all efforts are underway to secure the safe return of the girls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Earlier reports by Gossip News Now confirmed that armed men invaded the school early Monday morning, killing a staff member and taking several students away.
In a message shared on his verified 𝕏 account on Monday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the government stands with the grieving families affected by the tragedy.
Describing the incident as “appalling,” Idris revealed that security and intelligence agencies have been instructed to track down the kidnappers and recover the girls unharmed.
He added that the government is maintaining close coordination with all security units involved in the rescue effort.
The minister also highlighted that strengthening security to prevent similar attacks is central to the government’s current reform agenda.
2. Makarfi Steps Down as PDP BoT Secretary
Former Kaduna State Governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has officially resigned from his position as Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, citing zoning considerations and the selection of a new National Chairman from his region.
His departure comes after former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki, emerged as the PDP’s new National Chairman following the party’s national convention in Ibadan over the weekend.
In a resignation letter dated November 17, 2025, and directed to BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, Makarfi said his decision was rooted in long-standing beliefs about equity and proper representation within the party’s hierarchy.
He explained that stepping down would prevent any sense of lopsidedness and help foster unity within the PDP.
Makarfi also disclosed that this was not the first time he attempted to resign. He said he had previously announced his intention to step aside on the PDP BoT WhatsApp platform two months earlier but was persuaded to remain in office.
3. Wike Urged PDP to Skip 2027 Presidential Race – Umar Sani
A senior member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Sani, has alleged that Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike advised the party not to field a presidential candidate in 2027 as a condition for resolving the party’s internal dispute.
Gossip News Now reports that Sani made the disclosure on Monday during an interview with Arise News.
He explained that Wike presented this demand during discussions with the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) reconciliation committee.
According to Sani, Wike maintained that peace within the party would only be achievable if the PDP agreed not to participate in the 2027 presidential contest.
He further alleged that Wike warned that rejecting the condition would lead to an all-out confrontation with the party’s leadership.
4. Make Peace With Your Mother, She’s a Blessing to You – Ijebu Tells Imisi
Nollywood actor Olatayo Amokade, popularly called Ijebu, has urged Big Brother Naija Season 10 winner, Imisi, to reconcile with her mother and end their ongoing conflict.
Gossip News Now reports that the actor made the plea in a video shared on Instagram on Sunday evening.
The misunderstanding between Imisi and her mother started shortly after she emerged winner of the N150 million prize.
Their family tensions became public when Imisi’s mother released a viral video accusing her daughter of neglect.
Before her win, Imisi had spoken openly on the reality show about her troubled past, including struggles growing up, a separated home, and the emotional baggage she carried into adulthood.
She later expressed confusion over her mother’s sudden outburst, noting that they had been estranged for years and that she had financially supported her even before the show ended.
Responding to the drama, Ijebu appealed to Imisi to reach out, visit her mother, and settle the issue peacefully.
He advised her to apologise, reconnect with her, and restore harmony to the family.
He also cautioned that once peace is made, both sides should stop the public exchange on social media.
5. Barcelona Set to Return to New Camp Nou Against Athletic Bilbao
FC Barcelona have announced that the club will return to Camp Nou on 22 November, when they host Athletic Bilbao in a La Liga fixture.
This match will be Barcelona’s first official game at their legendary stadium in two and a half years, concluding their extended spell away while the massive redevelopment project took place.
Renovation work, which started in 2022, aims to transform Camp Nou into a world-class football venue. The upgrades feature increased seating capacity, a revamped pitch, stronger internal structures, and several fan-focused improvements for a smoother matchday experience.
Barcelona last played at Camp Nou on 29 May 2023, defeating Mallorca 3–0. That match became the symbolic farewell before construction crews took over and the team shifted to temporary grounds.
Meanwhile in France, another major storyline is emerging: PSG manager Luis Enrique is showing serious interest in Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez. According to Swiss Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Enrique “rates Alvarez very highly,” and PSG are exploring a possible deal. Atlético, however, are maintaining their €120 million valuation.
6. NFF Apologises to Tinubu and Nigerians After Super Eagles’ World Cup Exit
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has tendered an apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government, and Nigerians following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Gossip News Now reports that Nigeria’s loss to DR Congo in Sunday’s Africa Play-off Final in Rabat stunned the nation, marking the team’s second consecutive failure to reach the tournament. The NFF described the disappointment as deeply felt by everyone associated with the national squad.
The Federation also acknowledged the massive support provided throughout the qualifiers. It extended appreciation to the National Sports Commission, the National Assembly, key ministries and agencies, diplomatic partners, the media, and the millions of supporters who stood behind the Eagles through every challenge.
Shifting focus to the future, the NFF said preparations will now intensify ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The tournament, it noted, presents an opportunity to regain momentum and restore the trust of fans. A comprehensive review of technical and administrative lapses will be carried out in the coming days.
7. Jollof Could Have Hurt Me If I Didn’t Fight Back – VeryDarkMan Speaks Out
Social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has revealed that he acted in self-defense during an altercation with media personality Freedom Okpetoritse Atsepoyi, popularly called Mr Jollof.
According to Gossip News Now , the confrontation occurred aboard a commercial airline.
VDM explained that he walked up to Mr Jollof mid-flight to address their ongoing dispute.
He alleged that the situation escalated only after Mr Jollof landed the first blow, saying he had no choice but to defend himself.
VDM added that he sustained a bite during the scuffle, joking that it almost damaged his tattoo.
Passengers on board were said to have intervened, separating the two men and restoring order.
8. Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Declines to 16.05%
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported on Monday, November 17, that Nigeria’s headline inflation slowed to 16.05 percent in October 2025, dropping from the 18.02 percent recorded in September.
The October Consumer Price Index (CPI) released by the NBS shows that this is the lowest yearly inflation figure the nation has seen since 2017.
“The Headline inflation rate dipped to 16.05% in October 2025, compared to 18.02% in September 2025,” the statement reads.
The bureau added that, on a year-on-year basis, the current figure is 17.82 percentage points below the 33.88 percent recorded in October 2024.
According to Gossip News Now , the decline continues a consistent downward trend. Inflation dropped to 18.02 percent in September after standing at 20.12 percent in August.
October’s fall to 16.05 percent represents an additional 1.97 percentage-point reduction month-to-month.
The persistent easing offers some hope for households and policymakers after months of intense inflationary strain.
9. ‘Fayose Brands Obasanjo Irresponsible Shortly After Public Reconciliation’
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has launched another harsh criticism against former President Olusegun Obasanjo, barely 48 hours after the pair appeared to settle their long-standing rift.
According to Gossip News Now, this fresh confrontation comes despite Obasanjo openly announcing that he had forgiven Fayose during the latter’s 65th birthday celebration held in Lagos on Saturday.
During the ceremony, which drew a large audience, Obasanjo had mocked Fayose for previous insults but said he decided to let go of the past following persistent appeals from mediators.
“You may not be my most outstanding political protégé, but your accomplishments cannot be dismissed,” Obasanjo remarked.
He recounted how Fayose first sent former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka to gauge his mood before later reaching out personally to invite him.
Obasanjo noted that Fayose had asked for forgiveness and that, in his words, “you are pardoned, but the necessary lessons must be taken to heart.”
He also encouraged Fayose to reconcile with others he may have wronged along the way.
While Obasanjo spoke, Fayose remained silent, giving the impression that tensions had eased. However, the peace fell apart within 48 hours.
A statement issued by Obasanjo’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Monday in Abeokuta, revealed that Fayose sent a ‘Thank You’ message that reportedly included fresh insults and “unprintable references.”
10. Justice Must Never Be Commercialized – Tinubu Addresses 2025 Judges Conference
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday participated in the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of Superior Courts.
According to Gossip News Now , the gathering took place at the Andrews Otutu Obaseki Auditorium within the National Judicial Institute in Abuja.
Delivering his remarks, Tinubu noted: “A ruling may satisfy legal requirements and be presented with precision, but if citizens do not believe it is fair, neutral, and genuine, its moral weight is reduced.”
He stressed that no reform can thrive where integrity is lacking, insisting that justice must remain beyond monetary influence.
Tinubu further warned that corruption in any branch of government weakens the country, but corruption within the judiciary undermines it at its foundation.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Gossip News Now. See you again tomorrow.
