Nigerian Newspapers
Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Thursday, 21st August, 2025
Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Thursday, 21st August, 2025
1. TICAD 9: Nigeria Is Busy With Strategic Engagements, Not Trade Expos – Presidency Replies Critics
The presidency has reacted to claims that the Nigerian delegation is not actively engaging at the ongoing 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9).
This follows social media posts showing an empty and unmanned booth labelled ‘NIGERIA’ at the ongoing conference.
However, a statement made available to Naija News on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the trending narrative about the empty booth is a total misrepresentation of Nigeria’s mission and activities at the conference.
He said many people, particularly on social media, have been sharing the trending picture out of ignorance.
According to Onanuga, while the original author may have acted out of patriotic concern, the concern was born out of ignorance about Nigeria’s mission at the triennial conference.
The statement noted that the Nigerian delegation to the summit, led by President Bola Tinubu, is laser-focused on its core objectives of achieving tangible outcomes from the scheduled lineup of bilateral and multilateral engagements, which are targeted at driving optimum performance in key sectors of the economy, especially in power, industry, and agriculture.
It added that the Nigerian official delegation, working with Corporate Nigeria and represented by some of the leading business leaders, didn’t come to Yokohama and Tokyo to attend the Trade Expo, which was designed as an open forum for participating nations.
2. President Tinubu Abolishes 5% Telecoms Tax For Nigerians
President Bola Tinubu has approved the scrapping of the controversial 5% excise duty, which applied to mobile voice and data services in the nation’s telecommunications services.
This development was disclosed by the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida, during a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.
He confirmed that the excise levy, which was initially suspended in 2023, has now been officially removed under revised national tax laws.
Naija News understands that the total removal of the tax is aimed at easing financial pressures on consumers and businesses in Nigeria’s digital economy.
3. Governor Makinde Visits Ladoja, Confirms Him As Next Olubadan Of Ibadan
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has confirmed that Oba Rasidi Ladoja is set to be installed as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Governor Makinde also confirmed that Ladoja will be installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, September 26, 2025.
Naija News reports that the approval of Ladoja’s nomination and coronation date was disclosed during Makinde’s visit to Oba Ladoja at his Bodija residence on Wednesday.
Ladoja had previously, while addressing his well-wishers and the newsmen shortly after his arrival in Ibadan, hinted that he would be meeting with the state governor, Oluwo and Araba to facilitate his installation process, which, according to him, is coincidental.
The former Governor stated that it was coincidental that he was born in 1944 and would be enthroned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
4. ‘This Is A Recipe For Crisis’ – PDP Exposes Tinubu, APC’s ‘Plot’ To Muzzle Zamfara Constituency Bye-Election
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised an alarm over the alleged emasculation of the Nigerian democratic space by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said this is currently playing out in the conduct of the bye-elections in various states of the country with particular reference to that of Kaura Namoda South State Constituency of in Zamfara State.
The opposition party claimed that available reports reveal that the Kaura Namoda South State Constituency Bye Election held on Saturday, 16th August 2025 was marred by massive intimidation, threat and harassment of the voters by APC controlled security agencies.
According to the PDP, photographs/video evidence reveal the brutalization of voters and carting away of ballot boxes by heavily armed security personnel who boasted that they were acting on orders from above.
5. FG Shuts Down Over 13 Million Social Media Accounts
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government has confirmed the closure of about 13,597,057 social media accounts belonging to users of platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
Naija News reports that the various social media platforms were shut down because of offensive content and violations of the Code of Practice.
The action against the platforms was disclosed in the Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report submitted by promoters of interactive computer service platforms, including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok.
The Code of Practice, jointly issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), was designed to regulate online activities and curb harmful content.
The 2024 report, titled “Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report Highlights Social Media Platforms’ Efforts on Online Harm Protection,” outlined how platforms have implemented content moderation measures in Nigeria.
According to the report, a total of 58,909,112 offensive contents were pulled down across multiple platforms within the year under review.
6. ADC Rejects Increase In Political Office Holders’ Salaries
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised strong objections to the proposed salary increases for Nigeria’s political office holders, describing the move as tone-deaf and an affront to the struggling Nigerian people.
Naija News reports that the proposed review by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), would see the President, Vice President, governors, and other top officials receive substantial pay increases.
The ADC lamented that this is coming at a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with the effects of inflation, rising fuel costs, and an inadequate minimum wage.
In a statement by the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party notes the constitutional mandate of the RMAFC to review salaries of political office holders, but considering such at this time further underlines how far this government is disconnected from the reality of Nigerian people.
7. ‘It Was Premeditated’ – Naira Marley Breaks Silence On Mohbad’s Death
Nigerian singer, Azeez Adeshina Fashola (Naira Marley), has finally made a public statement on the controversies surrounding the death of his former signee, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known professionally as Mohbad, and the alleged involvement of music promoter Sam Larry.
In a viral video making the rounds online, Naira Marley appeared emotional as he spoke about the tragic loss.
He described Mohbad’s death as ‘premeditated,’ hinting at deeper motives behind the incident rather than it being just an unfortunate accident.
Naija News recalls that Mohbad died on September 12, 2023. His death sparked nationwide outrage, street protests, and the trending #Justice4Mohbad campaign.
His body was later exhumed for autopsy as police investigations intensified.
During that period, both Marley and Sam Larry faced heavy scrutiny amid allegations of bullying and events believed to have contributed to the singer’s untimely demise.
Although he has always maintained his innocence, this new video stands out as Marley’s most direct and heartfelt attempt to clear his name since the saga began.
8. Stop Remixing Songs Of New Artistes – Brymo Warns Davido, Burna Boy, Others
Nigerian singer Brymo has urged established music stars, including Burna Boy and Davido, to stop remaking or remixing songs from newer artistes.
The Adedotun crooner said the practice makes it harder for upcoming musicians to establish themselves, suggesting that big names should let others grow on their own, Naija News reports.
Brymo in a post on his Instagram story pointed out that some mainstream artistes often jump on trending tracks, claiming to support the originals, but he described this as unnecessary and unfair.
He argued that seeking attention through the work of emerging musicians undermines the creativity of those trying to build a career in the industry.
He appealed to influential figures to allow newer talents to navigate their path without interference.
He stressed that such actions could affect how young artistes learn about the business and establish their place in the Nigerian music scene.
9. Kai Havertz Injured As Arsenal’s Attacking Options Dwindle
Arsenal’s attacking plans have taken another hit after Kai Havertz was ruled out with a knee injury, leaving Mikel Arteta short of forward options just one week into the new Premier League season.
According to The Athletic, Kai Havertz will spend a spell on the sidelines after sustaining the setback, though the club’s medical team has yet to provide a timeline for his return.
The 26-year-old German international was absent from Wednesday’s open training session, fueling concerns about the seriousness of the injury.
Havertz came off the bench during Arsenal’s opening-day victory against Manchester United, replacing new £72 million signing Viktor Gyökeres. The same switch had paid off in the preseason when Havertz netted in the Emirates Cup clash with Athletic Bilbao.
But with Gabriel Jesus still recovering from an ACL injury suffered at the start of the year, Arsenal’s striking depth is again being tested.
Havertz already missed large parts of last season with a hamstring problem, forcing Arteta into makeshift solutions. Midfield addition Mikel Merino enjoyed a stint up front earlier this year, while Leandro Trossard has also been used as a false nine when required.
Gyökeres, signed from Sporting Lisbon to ease the burden, now carries the weight of expectation as he adapts to life in England.
10. Fabio Breaks All-Time Appearance Record In Men’s Football
Fluminense’s veteran goalkeeper, Fabio, has written his name into football history after becoming the player with the most competitive appearances in men’s football.
The 44-year-old set the milestone on Tuesday night at the iconic Maracanã, where he featured in Fluminense’s 2-0 Copa Sudamericana victory over Colombia’s América de Cali.
The outing marked his 1,391st competitive match, moving him past England legend Peter Shilton’s long-standing record.
Fabio had equalled Shilton’s tally of 1,390 on Saturday, but with Tuesday’s appearance, the Brazilian officially pulled clear.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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