Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of today’s major headlines from across Nigerian newspapers for Wednesday, 11th June, 2025.
1. Wike Renames Abuja International Conference Centre After Tinubu
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has officially renamed the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC) in honour of President Bola Tinubu. The facility, originally built in 1991 under former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, was recently refurbished to global standards under Wike’s supervision.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Wike emphasized that the newly christened Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre will require all users to pay for access, irrespective of status.
2. ‘If Fubara Joins Our Party His Sins Cannot Be Forgiven’ – Rivers APC
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected any suggestion of welcoming suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara into its ranks. Caretaker Committee Chairman Tony Okocha declared on Tuesday in Abuja that the APC is “not a dumping ground for political sinners.”
Responding to speculations about Fubara’s recent Sallah visit to President Tinubu and its political implications, Okocha clarified that the state’s crisis was rooted in governance, not partisan politics.
3. Some People Are Dancing While The Ship Is Sinking – Obi
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described Nigeria as “a crime scene” requiring urgent rescue. Speaking at the presentation of a book titled Obi: The Political Change Agent in Abuja, the former Anambra governor lamented Nigeria’s security and socio-economic woes.
Obi criticized the nation’s misplaced priorities, warning that while government buildings are renovated and parties held, women continue to die in childbirth and millions of children remain out of school.
4. Nigerian Army Denies Alleged Islamization Plot
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to religious neutrality, dismissing claims made in a viral video suggesting that the creation of the Nigerian Army School of Islamic Affairs is a move to Islamize the military.
In an official response, the Army clarified that it operates additional religious institutions, including the Nigerian Army Protestant Training School in Yaba and the Nigerian Army Chaplain Catholic Training School in Ojo, all within its secular and professional framework.
5. Appeal Court Dismisses Akpabio’s Motions, Orders ₦100,000 Payment To Natasha
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed two motions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio seeking to appeal a judgment barring a Senate committee from investigating Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Akpabio’s legal team applied to withdraw the motions, which were subsequently struck out by a three-man panel led by Justice Hamma Barka. The panel also ordered Akpabio to pay ₦100,000 in costs to Akpoti-Uduaghan and directed the deletion of the related appeal from court records.
6. ICC: You Must Obey What Wike Says – Tinubu
During the commissioning of the refurbished International Conference Centre in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu ordered that the facility must only be used by those willing to pay its fees. He instructed that all bookings should comply with directives from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
“Today, I say once again to all of you, Barka Da Sallah. You must obey what the landlord (Wike) says: if you want to use this place, you got to pay for it,” the president declared.
7. I Gave My First Music Earnings To The Church – Ruger
Afrobeats artist Michael Adebayo Olayinka, popularly known as Ruger, has revealed that he donated his first income from music to his church. Speaking in an interview with VJ Adams, Ruger explained that within a year of this gesture, he made millions.
He also admitted that wealth had impacted his lifestyle in various ways.
8. ‘They Want To Kill Me Like Mohbad’ – Portable Alleges
Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, has claimed there was an attempt on his life following a recent performance in Ikorodu, Lagos. In an Instagram video, Portable alleged that someone in the audience tried to inject him, referencing the mysterious death of fellow artist Mohbad.
He added that although there was chaos, no fight occurred, and he suffered a leg injury while trying to escape. Portable suggested that the attack might have been orchestrated by those envious of his success.
9. Tems Set To Headline FIFA Club World Cup Halftime Show
Award-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, will lead the halftime performance at the FIFA Club World Cup final on July 13, 2025, at New York’s MetLife Stadium.
Joining Tems on the star-studded stage are Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin and American pop icon Doja Cat. The performance, organized by Global Citizen, will stream live and free worldwide via DAZN.com.
Tems described the opportunity as more than a musical event, highlighting its role in uniting people and promoting global causes.
10. Supercomputer Predicts Club World Cup Champion
Ahead of this year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, a supercomputer from BoyleSports has predicted a surprise victory for Portuguese side Benfica over English champions Manchester City in the final.
Despite Benfica’s underwhelming recent domestic and European record, the AI-driven analysis forecasts an upset, with the team emerging from a group featuring Boca Juniors, Bayern Munich, and Auckland City to claim the trophy.
That concludes today’s Nigerian newspaper headlines. For more stories and updates, visit Naturenex. See you tomorrow.
