Good morning Nigeria, and welcome to the latest Naturenex roundup of top newspaper stories making waves across the country this Tuesday, 29th April 2025.
1. Tinubu Government Commits To Paying ₦35,000 Wage Award Arrears
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has pledged to settle outstanding wage award arrears owed to federal workers, amounting to ₦35,000 monthly.
This assurance was contained in a statement released by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) on Monday, signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Bawa Mokwa.
The release indicated that while five months’ arrears had been paid earlier, the remaining five would be disbursed in instalments. Mokwa also clarified that the first instalment of these arrears wouldn’t accompany the April 2025 salaries but would follow shortly after.
2. Okowa Discloses Why He And Oborevwori Left PDP For APC
Former Delta State Governor and PDP vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, has explained the rationale behind his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside incumbent Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Speaking at the official defection ceremony, Okowa stated the decision was made in the interest of Delta State’s development. He pointed out that “despite the good works Oborevwori was doing, he was not getting enough goodwill and resources,” adding that connecting with “what is lacking” influenced their move.
Okowa, reflecting on his eight years as an opposition governor, noted the difficulties of operating in that position and confirmed consultations were made with stakeholders before the defection.
3. El-Rufai: ‘I Could Retire Peacefully, But Nigeria Faces An Existential Crisis’
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has revealed that his political decisions are driven by loyalty to Nigeria, not to individuals or political groups.
During a visit to Kano where he met with the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and Social Democratic Party (SDP) leaders, El-Rufai reiterated his aim of building a credible alternative to the APC and PDP, both of which he said suffer from internal dysfunction and godfatherism.
At 65, he emphasized he has “nothing left to prove politically” and insisted Nigeria’s current crises require leadership chosen based on competence rather than ethnic or regional bias.
4. CBEX Suspect Adefowora Abiodun Turns Himself In To EFCC
Adefowora Abiodun, one of the alleged promoters of the controversial Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX), voluntarily reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to aid investigations into a billion-dollar cryptocurrency scam.
Arriving at EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday afternoon with his legal representatives and family, his surrender followed a prior declaration of him as wanted by the anti-graft agency.
The development forms part of ongoing efforts to unravel the fraudulent operation which has caused significant financial losses to numerous investors.
5. WAEC, NECO Directed To Fully Switch To CBT By 2026
The Federal Government has instructed WAEC and NECO to fully transition to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by 2026.
Announcing this directive during a visit to JAMB exam centers in Bwari, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa confirmed that objective questions would start CBT rollout by November, while essay sections would join by May/June 2026.
Over two million candidates are participating in this year’s exams across more than 800 accredited centers nationwide.
6. Kenneth Okonkwo Labels PDP ‘Servant of Servants’, LP ‘APC’s Housemaid’
Labour Party’s former chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo has asserted that only a political alliance can successfully challenge President Tinubu in 2027.
During a chat with Arise News, he argued that neither the PDP nor LP could singlehandedly defeat the APC. Okonkwo described PDP as “servant of servants” and LP under Julius Abure as “APC’s housemaid.”
He urged the opposition to unite and hold open primaries, recommending that whoever emerges — whether from the North or South — should agree to serve a single four-year term to complete Tinubu’s tenure.
7. Tinubu Salutes Remo Stars For NPFL Title Win
President Tinubu has commended Remo Stars FC for clinching the 2024–2025 Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) title, calling it a “remarkable achievement” that spotlighted Ogun State and Ikenne town nationally.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the team’s “hard work, discipline, and unyielding spirit,” and encouraged them to aspire towards continental success.
8. Shade Okoya: ‘I Didn’t Miss Out On Anything’
Shade Okoya, wife of billionaire industrialist Razak Okoya, has disclosed that she never felt deprived in any aspect of life for marrying an older man.
In a BBC Yoruba interview, she said, “I didn’t miss out on anything,” despite tying the knot with Okoya in 1999 at the age of 21.
The mother of four added she’s immensely happy in her marriage and dismissed critics of their age gap.
9. Carter Efe Criticizes Headies For Posthumous Mohbad Nomination
Skit maker and musician Carter Efe has faulted the organizers of the Headies Awards for nominating late singer Mohbad, alleging it was a publicity stunt.
Reacting via social media, Efe accused them of chasing clout by awarding posthumous recognition. Mohbad was posthumously honored in two categories during the 17th Headies held in Lagos, with his widow and son receiving the award.
10. Christopher Nkunku Asks Chelsea For Exit
Chelsea striker Christopher Nkunku has reportedly requested to leave Stamford Bridge at season’s end, according to Goal.
Frustrated over limited playing time and persistent injuries since joining in 2023, Nkunku has appeared in just 27 matches this season, accumulating 910 minutes.
After a knee and hamstring injury, he’s struggled to regain form, prompting his decision to seek a new opportunity elsewhere.
