Latest Headlines in Major Nigerian Newspapers, Day Off: Friday, 2nd May, 2025

Morning Nigeria! Here's a rundown of today's top headlines, Friday, 2nd May, 2025

1. Tinubu Acknowledges Economic Struggles, Pledges Solutions

President Bola Tinubu has admitted to the economic hardships affecting Nigerians, including soaring costs, hunger, insecurity, unemployment, and family financial pressures. At a May Day celebration event, he recognized these challenges as genuine issues requiring swift resolutions. Our website reports that the President remains committed to addressing these problems by implementing policies focusing on job creation, poverty alleviation, economic growth, and support for the most vulnerable citizens[1].

2. NLC Pushes for Nationwide Retirement Age Extension

During the 2025 May Day celebrations, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) urged the federal government to harmonize retirement policies across all public service sectors. NLC President, Joe Ajaero, emphasized the need for a uniform retirement age, which is currently benefiting teachers following policy changes signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari[2].

3. FG Student Loan: ₦71 Billion Diverted, ICPC Alleges

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has revealed that only ₦28.8 billion was allocated to students nationwide, despite ₦100 billion being released to schools by the Federal Government. Preliminary investigations suggest that at least ₦71.2 billion has been misappropriated[3].

4. Dele Momodu's Alleged ₦500 Million from Atiku Campaign Reported

Senior Special Assistant On Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, has dared Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dele Momodu, to deny receiving over ₦500 million from former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, during his 2023 campaign[4].

5. Maiduguri Barracks Explosion: No Terrorist Attack – Army

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that an explosion at Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri was caused by excessive heat and not a terrorist attack. The incident, which sparked concern, was promptly contained by emergency services and cooperative efforts among firefighting teams from various security agencies[5].

6. TUC: Proposed Tax Bills 'Anti-Worker'

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has criticized the proposed tax bills for imposing excessive burdens on workers while sparing the wealthy and corporate elites. TUC President, Festus Osifo, condemned the bills during the 2025 May Day celebration[6].

7. Ejiro Denies Disappearance Rumors

Nigerian stylist, Ejiro, has addressed speculation surrounding her sudden disappearance from social media and public life. She confirmed that she had intentionally stepped back from contact with family, friends, and the public, citing the need for personal space[7].

8. Falz: Never Been Heartbroken

Popular Nigerian rapper, Falz, has revealed that he has never been heartbroken because he has yet to fall in love. During an interview on the 'WithChude' podcast, he expressed that he has not told anyone "I love you"[8].

9. Bovi on His Difficult Relationship with Late Father

Comedian Bovi has stated that negativity is the only thing he inherited from his late father. During the 'WithChude' podcast, he shared his challenging relationship with his late father and how he seemed to have passed on a pattern of negative energy within the family[9].

10. Flying Eagles Kick Off U-20 AFCON with 1-0 Win over Tunisia

Nigeria's U-20 national football team, the Flying Eagles, began their 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tunisia in the opening Group B match at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo[10].

Bonus Articles:

FBI and DEA Seek 90-Day Extension to Release Reports in Drug Case Involving Tinubu
Adeleke Meets Ex-Gov Oyinlola, Osun Stakeholders, Discusses Leaving PDP for APC

[1] Tinubu-Economic Challenges[2] NLC-Retirement Age Extension[3] ICPC-Student Loan Maladministration[4] Dele Momodu's Alleged Payment from Atiku Campaign[5] Maiduguri-Barracks Explosion-Heatwave Cause[6] TUC-Proposed Tax Bills Opposition[7] Ejiro Denies Being Missing[8] Falz-Never-Been-Heartbroken[9] Bovi-Difficult-Relationship-with-Late-Father[10] Flying-Eagles-AFCON-Win-over-Tunisia

The Super Eagles are set to face off against a tough opponent in the 2025 AFCON quarterfinals, as politics take a backseat in Nigeria's general news for a moment, with the focus turning to education, self-development, and sports.
Despite the victory at the AFCON, President Tinubu acknowledges that there's more to be done for the country, as he vows to continue focusing on the benefits of poverty alleviation, job creation, and support for the most vulnerable citizens.
On the crime and justice front, the Nigerian Police Force has announced a successful roundup of several crime syndicates operating within Lagos and other states, as temperatures continue to rise across the country.
In Abuja, the election tribunal hearing continues, with some heated debates and disagreements between the APC and PDP representatives concerning the legitimacy of the 2025 presidential election results.
As tension builds around the election dispute, Tinubu and Tinubu's APC continue to address concerns raised by the opposition PDP, including allegations of electoral malpractice and fraud.
The Nigerian Army, meanwhile, has called for calm and restraint, assuring citizens that the military is dedicated to maintaining peace and order following recent unrest and insecurity in some regions.
In Lagos, the debate over increasing the retirement age continues, with the trade unions and employers urging differing viewpoints, while the temperature rises with growing tension between stakeholders.
In a shocking turn of events, it has been reported that President Tinubu's 2023 election campaign funding may be under investigation by the FBI and DEA for potential illegal activities, adding to the ongoing political drama.
With opponents eyeing his 2025 re-election bid, former Governor Adeleke has reportedly met with ex-Governor Oyinlola and several Osun stakeholders, discussing the possibility of leaving the PDP for the APC.
As the nation grapples with these challenges, the people of Nigeria continue to yearn for a better future, as the presidency and the future of the country hang in the balance following the 2025 elections.