Good Morning Nigeria: Your Daily Dose Of News For Saturday, 29th March, 2025

First Lady Speaks Out: Students’ Mocking Incident in Delta State

Alright, let’s dive right in. First Lady Remi Tinubu is speaking up about a viral video showing nursing students allegedly mocking her during her visit to Delta State. Naija News reported that these students rejected the song introduced by the Master of Ceremony (MC) at the event, calling the wife of the President the "mother of the nation." The students made it clear that Mrs. Tinubu was the MC’s mother—not theirs or the nation's. That’s quite a bold move, right?

Reacting to the incident, Busola Kukoyi, the SSA Media to the First Lady, issued a statement on Friday emphasizing the importance of fostering an environment where students feel safe to express themselves while maintaining respect. According to her, the First Lady’s visit was meant to inspire and uplift healthcare professionals. It seems like this situation has sparked a conversation about how public figures are treated during official engagements.

New Appointments by President Tinubu: Who’s Stepping Up?

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making some key appointments to strengthen leadership within the River Basin Development Authorities under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources. In a statement released on Friday evening by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President announced several changes. Let’s break it down:

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At the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority in Abeokuta, Sowade Oluwakayode Adebayo will step into the role of Executive Director of Engineering Services, replacing Engr. Julius Oloro. Over at the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Chucks Erhire takes over as the Executive Director of Engineering Services, succeeding Dr. Austin Nonyelim Izagbo. Meanwhile, Sunday Kubba Hassan has been appointed as the Executive Director of Planning at the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, replacing Chief Chris Tarka.

Notably, Engr. Okibe Timothy will continue in his current position as the Executive Director of Engineering at the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority. These changes signal a shift in leadership and a focus on improving water resources management across the country.

EFCC Probe Controversy: Presidency Fires Back at Atiku Abubakar

Now, here’s a bit of political drama. The presidency has hit back at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over claims that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating him for financial transactions linked to the Lagos State government. Atiku had alleged that the EFCC was probing him concerning financial activities involving Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

However, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, strongly dismissed these claims in a statement on Friday, March 28, 2025. He labeled Atiku’s allegations as baseless and misleading, accusing him of trying to stay politically relevant through unfounded accusations and social media gossip. The presidency also criticized Atiku for failing to embrace the role of a statesman since his defeat in the 2023 election, instead choosing to stir up controversy with unsubstantiated claims.

Onanuga emphasized that the EFCC operates independently within its statutory mandate, free from external influence. President Tinubu, he added, remains focused on addressing critical national challenges and advancing his administration's agenda for Nigeria’s growth and stability. This exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the ruling party and the opposition.

Fayose Joins the Race: Ekiti Governorship Battle Heats Up

Emmanuel Fayose, the younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, is stepping into the political arena. He has officially declared his intention to contest in the 2026 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State. During a media briefing in Ado-Ekiti, Fayose expressed confidence in securing the PDP ticket and defeating the incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the APC.

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Fayose explained that his decision to join the race stems from a desire to rebuild the state and restore public trust in governance. He outlined his campaign focus areas, including economic development, infrastructure renewal, and youth empowerment. He stressed that his administration would prioritize the welfare of the people, contrasting it with what he perceives as the current government's neglect of public needs.

Fayose also called for internal unity within the PDP, urging members to unite and present a formidable front as the party prepares for the 2026 polls. His entry into the race adds another layer of excitement to what promises to be a competitive gubernatorial contest in Ekiti State.

Akpabio’s Confidence: Tinubu’s Key Men in Kano

Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, is confident about the APC’s chances in Kano State during the 2027 general elections. He stated that with key party figures such as Senator Basheer Lado, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, and APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje leading the efforts, President Tinubu is set for victory. Akpabio emphasized the APC’s strong position, saying, “Ahead of 2027, we are confident that with Senator Barau, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and your strategic self, Kano is already in the kitty of APC.”

Akpabio addressed rumors regarding the alleged leakage of sensitive information between the presidency and the Senate during Senator Lado’s time as Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Senate matters. He strongly denied these allegations, praising Lado’s exemplary performance. He noted, “Let me put on record that since Senator Lado assumed office as Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on National Assembly (Senate Matters), we have not had a single leakage of private communication between the Presidency and the Senate.”

He added, “In government, that’s what we call the right to know. Where government business is done on the pages of newspapers and on social media through leakages of information, it negatively impacts national security.” Akpabio’s statement underscores the importance of confidentiality in governance.

Tinubu Celebrates Birthday: Promises Hard Work and Prayer

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked his 73rd birthday with a message of gratitude and commitment to Nigerians. Speaking to reporters after a special Juma’ah prayer session held at the National Mosque in Abuja, President Tinubu expressed gratitude to God for life and the opportunity to serve. “I feel good. I feel happy. I thank the Almighty Allah, who has protected us and continues to answer our prayers,” he said.

Tinubu emphasized that the safety and welfare of Nigerians remain his top priorities, both in his leadership and in his prayers. “We have prayed for our country. We prayed for the stability and peace of the nation. We prayed that Almighty Allah will safeguard our people and all citizens,” he added. Reflecting on the day’s sermon, the President noted that both hard work and prayers are essential to national progress.

Bandits Convene Emergency Meeting: Fallout Over Kingpin’s Killing

In a dramatic turn of events, infamous bandit leader Ado Aleru has called for an urgent meeting with his fighters and supporters following the murder of his nephew, Isuhu Yellow, by a rival faction aligned with Dogo Gide. This information was shared by counter-insurgency specialist Zagazola Makama on his 𝕏 account. Intelligence sources indicate the meeting took place on Thursday at one of Aleru’s camps located in the Munhaye forest within the Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

A local source, who wished to remain anonymous, reported seeing dozens of motorcycles carrying bandits heading toward Munhaye. This gathering suggests that the bandits are strategizing their next moves in response to the recent escalation in violence. The situation in Zamfara State remains tense as rival factions vie for control, with potential implications for regional security.

EFCC Declares Sanwo-Olu Ally, Aisha Achimugu, Wanted

The EFCC has declared businesswoman Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu wanted over allegations of money laundering and investment fraud. Achimugu, an associate of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was named by the anti-graft agency on Friday. In a statement by EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the public was notified that Achimugu is wanted in connection with an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering. The EFCC urged anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact the Commission.

Achimugu’s name previously surfaced in reports involving Governor Sanwo-Olu. Interestingly, on January 24, the governor left his official duties in Lagos to attend her 50th birthday celebration in Grenada, a Caribbean island. This development raises questions about her connections and the implications for ongoing investigations.

Panam Percy Paul: Rejecting a £24 Million Deal for His Faith

Veteran gospel singer Dr. Panam Percy Paul has revealed a remarkable story of faith and integrity. He turned down a lucrative international record deal worth £24 million (approximately ₦7 billion in 1995) because it required him to compromise his faith. Speaking with Pastor Emmanuel Iren, Paul recounted how he was offered a three-year contract under the condition that he reduce the number of times he mentioned "Jesus" in his songs.

He recalled, “The catch was ‘can you reduce the number of times you call the name Jesus in your songs?’ They even suggested, ‘You actually don’t need to mention the name Jesus. You can call Him other names like Righteous One, Greatest Lover.’” Shocked by the proposal, Paul firmly rejected the deal, stating that no amount of money could make him alter his message. “I told them, you can keep the money, while I keep the name,” he added.

Paul lamented the current state of the music industry, where marketers and record labels often dictate how artists create their music. His story serves as a powerful reminder of staying true to one’s principles, even in the face of tempting offers.

Pep Guardiola Stands Firm: No Bonuses for Manchester City

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has made it clear that his players will not receive bonuses, even if they win the upcoming Club World Cup. As Guardiola and his team prepare to face Bournemouth on Sunday, with hopes of advancing to a seventh consecutive FA Cup semi-final, the manager acknowledges the challenges his squad faces in securing a spot in the Champions League for the next season.

Despite the potential prize pool of £97 million for the victorious team, Guardiola emphasized that financial rewards are secondary to the team’s performance ethos this season. He stated, “We don’t deserve it this season. If we win, the bonus is for the club. Managers, staff, players—we don’t deserve it. Not even a watch.” Guardiola’s comments reflect his belief that success should not only be measured in monetary terms but also by the commitment and results delivered on the pitch.

That’s All for Today: Stay Tuned for More Updates

That wraps up your daily roundup of the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today, Saturday, 29th March, 2025. For more updates, keep checking Naija News. See you again tomorrow!