Good morning, Nigeria. Here is the Foreign And Naija News roundup on Gossip News Now of the major headlines across the country today, Sunday, 30th November 2025.
1. Jonathan Meets Tinubu, Briefs Him on Guinea-Bissau Coup Situation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday hosted former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the meeting in a statement.
Jonathan had just returned from Guinea-Bissau, where he led an election monitoring mission. His visit came amid concerns over his safety following a military takeover in the country.
Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting, Jonathan explained that the election process in Guinea-Bissau had been completed and urged ECOWAS to intervene to ensure stability.
He said:
“The election has been concluded, the results are known, and the winner must be announced. ECOWAS leadership should engage the military authorities to release the opposition leader and announce the result.”
2. ‘Nigeria’s Diversity Is a Gift, Not a Burden’ – Marwa
Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd.), has reminded Nigerians that the nation’s diversity remains a blessing that must be preserved, not a burden to be endured.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, Marwa made the comment while delivering the keynote address at the public presentation of Buni Boy, a book authored by the late legal icon Niyi Ayoola-Daniels, in Abuja.
Marwa noted that he has long championed unity in diversity, stressing that Nigeria’s strength lies in the collective contributions of its many cultures.
He recalled his tenure as the Military Administrator of Lagos State, saying the Yoruba community showed him overwhelming support and cooperation despite their strained relationship with the federal government at the time. That goodwill, he said, motivated him to conduct a free and fair election that produced his successor.
Marwa acknowledged that Nigeria’s diversity has sometimes been poorly managed, contributing to national challenges, but insisted that unity remains the most powerful tool for progress.
3. ‘Show Proof That I Undermined Security’ — Senator Barau Challenges Gov Yusuf
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has dared Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to provide evidence backing claims that the lawmaker made statements capable of undermining security in the state.
The allegation surfaced after the Kano State Executive Council’s 34th meeting, during which the government accused Barau of making comments that could weaken ongoing security operations.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau dismissed the accusation, calling on the governor to stop politicising issues of security.
He argued that insecurity—including recent banditry incidents in parts of Kano—requires collective effort and cooperation from all stakeholders, not political point-scoring.
4. Veteran Actor Lere Paimo Is Alive — ANTP Debunks Death Rumour
The Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) has dismissed widespread rumours claiming that legendary Nollywood actor Olalere Paimo is dead.
Earlier on Saturday, celebrity journalist and BON Awards Chairman, Seun Oleketuyi, posted on Instagram that the 86-year-old actor—fondly known as Baba Eda Onile Ola—had passed away after previously surviving two strokes.
However, the ANTP, in a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Prince Adejonwo Oluwafemi Femson, confirmed that the veteran thespian is alive and well.
“We wish to inform the public that reports circulating about the passing of Chief Olalere OsunPaimo (MFR) are false,” the statement said.
“We have confirmed from his wife that he is alive and in good health. Please disregard these false reports.”The association cautioned the public against spreading misinformation and urged Nigerians to verify news before sharing it, noting that the false claims were being circulated by “unscrupulous individuals.”
5. Finidi George Devastated as Rivers United Suffer Last-Minute Collapse Against RS Berkane
Rivers United suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Morocco’s RS Berkane in their second CAF Champions League group-stage match, leaving head coach Finidi George visibly disappointed and under pressure.
Having lost their opening game 3-0 to Pyramids FC, the Nigerian side desperately needed a win at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium to revive their campaign.
Rivers United looked the better team for most of the first half, capitalising on an own goal by RS Berkane defender Mamadou Camara in the 37th minute to take a 1–0 lead. Despite dominating, they failed to extend their advantage.
The momentum shifted after the break as RS Berkane mounted sustained pressure. Rivers United defended resolutely until stoppage time, when the match unraveled disastrously.
In the 97th minute, Youness El Kaabi headed in the equaliser from a set piece. Moments later, a deflected clearance fell kindly for Mounir Chouair, who fired home the winner in the 98th minute, stunning the home crowd.
Finidi George admitted the dramatic collapse was difficult to take.
“To concede two in two minutes is heartbreaking. The boys showed character, but we have to learn from this,” the former Super Eagles coach said.The defeat leaves Rivers United bottom of Group A with zero points. Their upcoming away game against Power Dynamos in Zambia has now become crucial—any further setback could effectively end their Champions League hopes before the January return fixtures.
6. ‘It Is Witchcraft’ — I Go Save Slams Nigerians Celebrating Burna Boy’s Cancelled Shows
Comedian I Go Save has criticised Nigerians who are celebrating the recent cancellation of some of Burna Boy’s shows, describing their reactions as nothing short of “witchcraft.”
The backlash against Burna Boy began weeks ago after he halted a performance to eject a female fan he spotted sleeping during his set—a move that triggered outrage among some Nigerian communities in the U.S., with calls for his concerts to be boycotted.
The pressure intensified this week when the singer’s shows in Chicago and Minneapolis were cancelled due to poor ticket sales.
During a recent show in Dallas, the Grammy winner addressed the situation publicly, apologising to fans and acknowledging the impact of the controversy.“I know my ticket sales are suffering since that incident. Even the coffee I introduced, no one is buying. So please, I am sorry to everyone. It was a slip of the tongue,” he said.
Some social media users celebrated the cancellations, expressing satisfaction over the decline in ticket sales.
Reacting via Instagram Stories, I Go Save condemned those rejoicing over another man’s setback, arguing that such attitudes reflect envy and malice.
He added that God’s blessings cannot be stopped by human hatred, insisting Burna Boy will continue to thrive regardless of critics.
7. ‘You’re Looking for Scapegoats to Hide Your Failures’ – Ganduje Hits Back at Gov Yusuf
Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has condemned the call for his arrest by the Kano State Government, describing it as irresponsible and politically motivated.
The state government had linked Ganduje’s recent remarks about forming a militia group to renewed bandit attacks in some Kano communities, where several residents were reportedly abducted within 48 hours of his comments.
Responding through his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was diverting attention from the insecurity plaguing the state by attempting to blame him.
“It is deeply unfortunate that instead of confronting the worsening insecurity ravaging Kano, Governor Yusuf is chasing shadows and searching for scapegoats to conceal his glaring failures,” the statement read.
Ganduje criticised the governor for failing to sympathise with communities in Bagwai, Shanono, Tsanyawa, and other affected areas, despite repeated attacks and rising tensions.
8. Northern Governors’ Meeting Postponed as North-West Leaders Hold Emergency Security Talks
The meeting of all 19 northern state governors, scheduled for November 29 in Kaduna, has been postponed following the decision of governors from the North-West to hold a separate emergency security session with federal authorities.
The postponed summit, originally convened by the Northern Governors Forum, was meant to address the renewed wave of terrorist attacks across northern communities—particularly in mining corridors, rural highways, and areas experiencing a rise in school abductions.
Governors from the seven North-West states are currently participating in a high-level security meeting with the Senate Committee on Army and senior military commanders from the region.
According to TheCable, discussions are centred on the “persistent threats confronting the zone,” marking a significant moment of coordinated action between state and federal security bodies.
In recent weeks, communities in Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara States have suffered fresh attacks, including kidnappings from schools, farms, and major highways—an escalation that has heightened public concern.
Peter Ahemba, Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, had earlier confirmed that traditional rulers were expected to participate in the now-postponed November 29 meeting.
9. Nigeria Rejoins IMO Council as Tinubu Celebrates ‘Major Global Endorsement’
President Bola Tinubu has applauded Nigeria’s successful return to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 term, describing the victory as “a strong global endorsement of Nigeria’s rising maritime stature and responsible leadership in international shipping.”
Nigeria regained its position in Category C of the IMO Council during the General Assembly held in London on Friday, November 28—marking the country’s comeback after a 14-year absence from the key global maritime decision-making body.
In a statement issued Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the outcome demonstrates the international community’s renewed confidence in Nigeria’s commitment to maritime safety, security, environmental responsibility, and adherence to global standards.
The President commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the ministry’s staff, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and Nigeria’s diplomats for their “dedication, professionalism, and strategic engagement” during the election campaign.
Highlighting the significance of the victory, Tinubu said Nigeria’s new mandate aligns with his administration’s vision to unlock the potential of the blue economy, expand maritime infrastructure, strengthen anti-piracy measures, and position the country as a leading shipping hub in Africa.
He assured the global maritime community that Nigeria is ready to play an active role in collective maritime priorities, promising to support “safer seas, cleaner oceans, efficient maritime transport systems, and fairness in global maritime governance.”
Tinubu also extended gratitude to member states for their support, pledging that Nigeria will “justify the confidence shown through responsible leadership and meaningful contributions to international maritime goals.”
With the win, Nigeria joins 19 other countries in Category C—reserved for nations with significant interests in maritime transport and navigation—further cementing its growing profile as an emerging naval and shipping powerhouse on the continent.
10. Tinubu Names Fani-Kayode, Omokri, Yakubu, Others as New Ambassadors (Full List)
President Bola Tinubu has appointed a fresh batch of non-career ambassadors, days after forwarding several nominations to the National Assembly for confirmation.
Among the newly selected nominees are former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, ex-presidential aide Reno Omokri, former INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu, former Enugu State governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Ekiti First Lady Erelu Angela Adebayo, former Oyo First Lady Fatima Florence Ajimobi, and former Abia governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
According to Gossip News Now, President Tinubu nominated a total of 32 new envoys, consisting of 15 career ambassadors, 17 non-career ambassadors, and 10 women spread across the groups.
The diplomats are expected to be posted to countries and institutions such as China, India, the UAE, Canada, South Africa, the UN, the AU, and UNESCO.The Presidency added that additional names will be released soon.
This latest list follows an earlier batch of three nominees designated for postings to the UK, US, and France.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed via X on Wednesday that the president had nominated non-career ambassadors for the United States, United Kingdom, and France.
The final postings will be confirmed after Senate screening.That wraps up today’s top Nigerian newspaper headlines. For more updates and breaking news, stay tuned to Gossip News Now for various Foreign and Naija News. Join us again tomorrow for another roundup.
