Breaking News: Top Nigeria Newspaper Headlines You Can’t Miss – January 29, 2025

1. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially expelled Rauf Aregbesola, the former Minister of Interior, from the party due to allegations of engaging in activities deemed detrimental to the party’s interests. Aregbesola, who previously served as the Governor of Osun State for two consecutive terms, is said to have played a key role in the formation of a faction within the APC known as The Osun Progressives (TOP). This faction, which has now undergone a rebranding, is currently operating under the name Omoluabi Caucus. The party’s leadership took this decision after considering the disruptive nature of Aregbesola’s actions, which were viewed as contrary to the unity and direction of the APC.

2. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has officially announced its plans to hold a nationwide protest on February 4, in response to the recent hikes in telecom tariffs. This decision was made following deliberations at the ongoing National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting of the NLC. The protest is intended to voice the concerns of workers and Nigerians at large about the rising cost of communication services, which have significantly impacted the economic well-being of many citizens. The NLC aims to mobilize a large number of participants across the country to demand a reversal of the tariff increases.

3. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that it is suspending the operations of Max Air following a troubling incident that occurred on the night of Tuesday, January 28, 2025. A Max Air Boeing 737-400 aircraft, with the registration number 5N-MBD, experienced a tyre burst upon landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano. The incident, which took place at approximately 10:51 PM, prompted an immediate investigation by the NCAA. The suspension of the airline’s operations is a precautionary measure until a thorough review of the airline’s safety protocols can be conducted.

4. Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raided the residence of Prof. Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), in Abuja. The operation took place on Wednesday, and the EFCC agents, armed with rifles, apprehended Professor Yusuf in the presence of his family. The professor, a distinguished expert in haematology-oncology and bone marrow transplantation, was arrested under suspicion of involvement in financial misconduct. The EFCC’s actions were part of an ongoing investigation into corruption within the NHIS during his tenure.

5. Following a bitter dispute between Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye over who holds the legitimate position of National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), security agencies have taken control of the party’s secretariat in Abuja. The disagreement between the two individuals, who each claim to be the rightful holder of the position, escalated to a point where security forces, including soldiers, police officers, and personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, were deployed to prevent further violence and restore order at the party’s headquarters.

6. The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully secured a $1.1 billion loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to fund an ambitious electricity project aimed at bringing power to five million people by the end of 2026. The announcement was made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, who shared the details during a statement. The loan will be used to implement infrastructure projects across the country, with the goal of expanding access to electricity, which is seen as a crucial step toward improving the overall quality of life for Nigerians. President Tinubu revealed this development during the recent Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

7. In the latest exchange rate developments, the Naira appreciated against the US Dollar on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, reaching N1,630 per dollar in the parallel market, an improvement from N1,640 per dollar the previous day. Additionally, the official foreign exchange market also witnessed a slight recovery, with the Naira trading at N1,507 per dollar. This appreciation is seen as a positive sign for the Nigerian economy, which has been facing challenges related to foreign currency fluctuations.

8. In response to the growing challenges facing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party’s elected governors have called for an emergency meeting to be held on Friday in Asaba, Delta State. The purpose of this meeting is to address internal conflicts, management issues, and strategic concerns that have been affecting the party’s cohesion and electoral success. Sources reveal that the gathering will focus on formulating solutions to restore unity and strengthen the party’s position ahead of upcoming elections and political challenges.

9. Late on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, unidentified gunmen launched a violent attack on the residence of Maharazu Dayi, the Chairman of Malumfashi Local Government Area in Katsina State. The assailants shot and killed Police Corporal Shamsudeen Lawal, who had been stationed at Dayi’s home for security purposes. The officer was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later confirmed dead due to his injuries. The attack has raised concerns about security in the region, as local authorities launch an investigation into the motives behind the assault.

10. Tensions erupted in the Umunede and Mbiri communities in the Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State on Wednesday, following the tragic killing of two farmers by suspected herders. The violent incident, which occurred on Tuesday in the Mbiri community, led to a retaliatory attack by the local population, who set fire to a settlement believed to belong to the herders in the nearby Umunede community. The situation has sparked fear and unrest in both communities, as security forces work to restore peace and prevent further escalation of the violence.