Good morning, Nigeria. Here is the Gossip News Now roundup of the major newspaper headlines making waves today, Tuesday, 25th November 2025.
1. What Nigerians Should Expect From the Tinubu Administration in 2026 – Presidency
The presidency has reassured citizens that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains deeply committed to improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Presidential aide on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, gave the assurance on Monday while highlighting several major programmes the government plans to introduce in 2026.
He noted that 2026 will be a defining year for Nigeria, with multiple landmark initiatives scheduled to begin under Tinubu’s leadership—initiatives he believes will shape the nation’s future for decades.
Olusegun urged citizens to continue supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that the administration is determined to deliver transformative reforms.
According to him, some of the key policies expected in 2026 include the rollout of new tax reforms, recapitalisation of commercial banks, the long-awaited national census, and other significant government programmes.
2. ‘Why Did Soldiers Leave 45 Minutes Before Attack?’ – Kebbi Governor Demands Probe
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has called for a thorough investigation into the actions of the Nigerian Military following the bandits’ attack on Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasago Local Government Area.
Idris questioned why military personnel reportedly withdrew from the area 45 minutes before the armed bandits stormed the school last week.
The governor made the call on Monday while hosting the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, who visited Birnin Kebbi on a sympathy mission.
Idris demanded clarity on who ordered the withdrawal and why it occurred so close to the time of the attack. He urged the federal and state governments to intensify security operations against banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities, warning that the situation is becoming increasingly alarming.
He further expressed concern that some individuals may be deliberately working to destabilize Nigeria’s democratic system, noting that bandits continue to move in large numbers across long distances without interception before retreating into the bush.
3. UK Rejects Nigeria’s Request for Ekweremadu to Complete Sentence at Home
The United Kingdom has turned down the Federal Government’s request to allow former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, to serve the remainder of his prison term in Nigeria.
Ekweremadu is currently imprisoned in the UK after being convicted in 2023 for organ trafficking and sentenced to nine years and eight months for conspiring to exploit a young man’s kidney.
Earlier in November 2025, the Nigerian government began discussions with British authorities on the possibility of transferring his case. The delegation included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
However, according to a report by the UK Guardian, citing an unnamed Ministry of Justice official, the British government has rejected Nigeria’s request for Ekweremadu’s transfer.
4. ‘Are You Normal?’ – Charly Boy Slams Sheikh Gumi Over Bandit Comments
Veteran entertainer Charles Oputa, widely known as Charly Boy, has criticised Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmed Gumi over his recent remark that attacking bandits is not the solution to Nigeria’s insecurity crisis.
Gumi argued that military offensives would only escalate the situation and insisted that bandits should be engaged in dialogue instead.
Reacting on Instagram, Charly Boy condemned the cleric’s stance, listing the violent crimes committed by bandits and questioning why such groups deserved negotiation.
He cautioned Gumi to stop defending wrongdoing, lamenting that such statements make Nigeria appear like a haven for criminals.
5. Maresca Calls for Calm as Chelsea’s Estevao Draws Comparisons to Barcelona’s Yamal
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has urged fans and pundits to tone down growing comparisons between teenage winger Estevao and Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge.
Estevao, 18, has hit the ground running since joining Chelsea in July, already tallying nine goals for club and country. With Yamal only months younger, both teenagers have become popular subjects of debate in football circles.
At his pre-match press conference on Monday, Maresca was asked whether Yamal could be used as a benchmark for Estevao’s development. The Italian dismissed the notion, insisting the Brazilian’s performances already speak loudly enough.
Maresca also provided an injury update on forward Cole Palmer, who has been sidelined with a toe issue. While Palmer is making progress, the Chelsea boss said he is unlikely to feature against Barcelona or Arsenal.
6. Bukayo Saka Says Nigerian Values Continue to Guide His Life and Career
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has opened up about the deep influence of his Nigerian heritage, saying the values he was raised with remain central to his character and success despite growing up in London.
In an interview with the BBC, the 23-year-old reflected on how his family shaped his outlook on life. Saka, born in England to Nigerian parents, said his identity is rooted as much in his cultural background as in the city he calls home.
He noted that the discipline, respect, and sense of responsibility he displays today were instilled long before he became one of Arsenal’s standout players.
Saka’s family origins lie in Yoruba-speaking regions of Nigeria: his mother, Adenike, is from Ijomu-Oro in Kwara State, while his father, Yomi, hails from Ogun State. He has visited relatives in Kwara, experiences he says strengthened his emotional connection to the country.
The footballer also carries his name with pride — Bukayo, which means “adds to happiness” in Yoruba.
Although he plays for England internationally, Saka often speaks about his ability to balance both identities, embracing his English upbringing while staying closely connected to his Nigerian roots.
7. Don Jazzy Explains Why He Left His Car With UK Police After Early-Career Accident
Mavin Records founder, Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, has debunked claims that he fled from police in the United Kingdom after a road accident during his early years abroad.
The rumour resurfaced after his former associate, Bankulli, alleged at a recent event that Don Jazzy removed his car’s number plate and ran off when police arrived at an accident scene.
A concerned 𝕏 user reacted to the claim, warning that the matter could be reopened if Don Jazzy ever travels to the UK again.
Responding, Don Jazzy urged fans not to worry, clarifying that he did not flee. According to him, he stayed at the scene, took a breathalyser test, and was cleared of being under the influence.
Despite confirming he wasn’t drunk, police impounded his vehicle. Don Jazzy said he eventually chose to abandon the car because the retrieval fine was more expensive than the car itself.
8. Fayose: ‘I Felt Like Hitting the Mic on Obasanjo’s Head — He’s Suffering From Dementia’
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has clarified that he never intended to extend a personal invitation to former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his 65th birthday—contrary to claims that their public encounter signaled a reconciliation.
In an interview with AF24NEWS, Fayose refuted suggestions that he sought Obasanjo’s forgiveness, saying his outreach was merely part of a broad courtesy effort to mark his milestone celebration.
According to him, he had no idea Obasanjo would publicly declare, “You have asked for forgiveness, and as far as I’m concerned, you are forgiven. But the right lessons must be learnt.”
Fayose said he was shocked by the statement. “I was not aware Obasanjo would make such a remark,” he said.
He explained that, two weeks before his birthday, he resolved to invite individuals he had previously clashed with. Fayose said he obtained Obasanjo’s phone number from a mutual acquaintance, Osita, but insisted he never called to apologise.
9. Atiku Breaks Silence After Joining ADC Ahead of 2027 Elections
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring that “the real opposition has begun” as he positions himself for the 2027 presidential race.
Atiku made the announcement on Monday after receiving his ADC membership card at his Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State, ending months of speculation following his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“Now I have picked up my membership card of the ADC. Now, the real opposition has begun. We will chase the APC out of government,” he said.
He urged supporters across the country to immediately register with the ADC, describing it as a fresh political platform capable of reshaping Nigeria’s democratic direction.
Adamawa ADC Chairman, Shehu Yohanna, who supervised the registration, said Atiku’s entry marks the official commencement of statewide party enrollment across all local governments and wards. He appealed to Nigerians—especially women and youths—to join the ADC ahead of the 2027 elections.
10. Tinubu Administration Declares Open Grazing No Longer Viable
The federal government has officially deemed open grazing unsustainable, announcing a nationwide plan to rehabilitate 417 grazing reserves as part of a major livestock sector reform.
The initiative is central to a new livestock transformation agenda aimed at modernizing production and curbing the persistent farmer–herder conflicts across the country.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, revealed the development during the inaugural meeting of the National Council on Livestock Development (NCLD) held on Monday, November 24, at the Government House Banquet Hall in Yola, Adamawa State.
Maiha described the meeting as a landmark moment for Nigeria’s livestock industry, noting that the government’s strategy focuses on phasing out open grazing, which he labelled outdated and a primary driver of recurring clashes.
That’s all for today’s top Nigerian news headlines. For more updates, visit Gossip News Now . Join us again tomorrow for the latest stories.
