Newspaper headlines in Nigeria today, 1st January 2025

Newspaper headlines in Nigeria today, 1st January 2025, cutting across different tabloids in the country

1. The Bayelsa State government has announced the passing of Mrs. Elizabeth Bidei, Commissioner for Women Affairs and a member of the State Executive Council. In a statement, Commissioner for Information, Hon. Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, expressed condolences to her family, especially her husband, Chief Jackson Bidei, and their children.

2. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has revealed plans to approach former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to convince him to return to the party. Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagun, shared this during an interview with the BBC, emphasizing the party’s role in shaping Kwankwaso’s political career.

3. The Federal Government has launched the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), valued at N250 billion. At the event, Finance Minister Mr. Wale Edun highlighted the fund’s potential to transform Nigeria’s housing sector.

4. The Naira gained slightly in the currency market on Tuesday, trading at N1,650 per dollar in the parallel market compared to Monday’s N1,655. In the official market, it appreciated to N1,535 per dollar.

5. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the withdrawal of the Tax Reform Bills submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu. NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized the need for inclusive stakeholder involvement in his New Year message.

6. A Kaduna magistrate court has ordered the remand of Shehu Mahdi, a public commentator, in the Nigerian Correctional Centre. Mahdi was arrested by the DSS over videos alleging President Tinubu granted France permission to establish a military base in northern Nigeria.

7. The FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has promised improved services for Abuja residents in 2025. After inspecting major projects, including the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) and Saburi-Dei Dei Road, Wike assured residents of continued development.

8. The Katsina State Police Command has neutralized 40 suspected bandits in 2024, according to Commissioner of Police Aliyu Abubakar-Musa. The announcement was made during the command’s end-of-year celebration and awards ceremony.

9. Five motorists narrowly escaped death in three accidents on the Lagos-Abeokuta and Sagamu-Benin expressways. According to the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, the incidents resulted from speeding and reckless driving.

10. The Federal Government has received the first batch of locally assembled Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses. These buses will initially serve as airport shuttles, marking a significant step in the government’s push for sustainable transportation.