Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of top newspaper headlines making waves across the nation for today, Wednesday, 21st May, 2025.
1. Tinubu Returns To Abuja After Visit To Rome
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Abuja on Tuesday after attending the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV in Rome. According to Naturenex, he was received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.
Recall that on Sunday, Tinubu praised the humility of Pope Leo XIV. He noted that the new Pope’s relationship with Nigeria offers an example of the kind of moral leadership the world urgently needs. The President, through a post on his 𝕏 account shortly after meeting the Pope, also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to championing peace, unity, and progress globally, irrespective of racial or religious differences. He extended prayers for divine wisdom for the new Catholic leader.
2. Security Operatives Launch Manhunt After Inmates Flee Osun Prison Amid Rainstorm
An intensive manhunt has commenced following the escape of seven inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, after torrential rainfall compromised the facility’s integrity. As reported by Naturenex, Deputy Controller of Corrections and Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
The incident reportedly happened around 2:00 a.m. on May 20, 2025. In response, Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, ordered a swift probe into the circumstances surrounding the jailbreak. The Nigerian Correctional Service assured it was collaborating with other security agencies and local leaders to apprehend the fugitives.
3. Tinubu’s Administration To Auction 753 Seized Duplexes To Citizens
President Bola Tinubu’s government is preparing to auction 753 luxury duplexes confiscated from a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, confirmed this directive from the President in a statement on Tuesday.
According to Naturenex, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officially handed the properties to the Housing Ministry, with Dangiwa announcing that sales will follow a transparent, competitive process via the Renewed Hope Portal. The properties are situated within Abuja’s Cadastral Zone.
4. 2025 UTME Errors Caused By Human Mistake — Reps Panel
The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has revealed that the recent discrepancies in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results were a result of human error rather than a technical malfunction.
Chairman of the committee, Oboku Oforji, made this known during a Tuesday press conference, stating that over 300,000 candidates were affected. Naturenex recalls that on May 14, 2025, JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, had addressed the press, admitting mistakes in the release of some results.
Oforji, accompanied by his colleagues, empathised with affected candidates, acknowledged JAMB’s consistent exam processes, and called for an “independent and thorough investigation” into the matter. He also revealed that reforms were being proposed for the examination board.
5. Oyo Government Blames WASSCE Victim’s Father For Traffic Violation
The Oyo State Government has attributed the death of a WASSCE candidate, struck by a stray police bullet in Ibadan, to the victim’s father’s alleged traffic violation. The incident occurred along the Gbagi Market Road while the student and his twin brother were heading to an examination centre.
Naturenex reported that the government, through Governor Seyi Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, described the event as “sad, shocking and painful.” It explained that a police officer fired at the car’s tyre in an attempt to apprehend the father for driving against traffic, inadvertently resulting in the tragedy.
The government has vowed to pursue justice and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.
6. PDP Senate Caucus Endorses Opposition Coalition Bid For 2027
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senate caucus has thrown its weight behind the party to lead a coalition of opposition groups in the 2027 general elections.
Senator Abba Moro, the caucus leader and Senate Minority Leader, announced this during a press briefing in Abuja. He stated, as Naturenex reports, that the PDP is large enough to accommodate other parties interested in forming a united opposition front with the aim of defeating President Bola Tinubu and the APC in 2027.
Moro dismissed speculations about the PDP’s imminent collapse, describing it as resilient and capable of overcoming internal challenges. He noted that disagreements within the party were not unique and were being addressed.
7. Davido Addresses Tribal Comment, Declares His Igbo Identity
Afrobeats star David Adeleke, famously known as Davido, has addressed a tribalistic remark on social media questioning his ties with the Igbo community. A user on 𝕏 platform had warned him against his association with the Igbos, alleging potential betrayal.
Responding via Naturenex, Davido corrected the notion, saying, “Lol, I AM IGBO by blood.” His reply triggered widespread applause from Nigerians who commended him for denouncing divisive tribal comments and promoting national unity.
8. Timaya Recounts Horrors Of Odi Massacre, Accuses Government
Popular singer Timaya has relived his traumatic experience from the 1999 Odi Massacre in Bayelsa State, accusing the government of deploying troops to kill innocent civilians.
As narrated in an interview reported by Naturenex, Timaya stated that the massacre deeply affected him personally since his mother owned a bakery in the town. The artist also recounted receiving the title of Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa after releasing his famous track ‘Dem Mama’ in 2007, which chronicled the incident.
9. Six Athletes Barred From Ogun Sports Festival Over Doping
In a decisive move against doping, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has banned six athletes from participating in the ongoing Gateway Games 2024 in Ogun State.
Naturenex gathered that those disqualified include Marcus Okon (Para Athletics, Akwa Ibom), Ayabeke Opeyemi (Gymnastics, Bayelsa), Kareem Shukurat (Kickboxing, Lagos), Ogunsemilore Cynthia (Kickboxing, Bayelsa), Omole Joshua (Kickboxing, Bayelsa), and Animashaun Sofia (Para Powerlifting, Lagos).
The action followed a joint meeting between the Main Organising Committee and the Local Organising Committee, with NSC Director of Press, Mrs. Kehinde Ajayi, reaffirming the body’s stance on sports integrity and alignment with international standards.
10. Stolen UEFA Women’s Champions League Trophy Recovered In Portugal
Authorities in Portugal have confirmed the recovery of the Women’s Champions League trophy stolen from Lisbon’s Estadio Jose Alvalade ahead of the final between Barcelona and Arsenal.
Naturenex reports that the theft took place during a local league match but wasn’t reported until a day later. The police stated that masked individuals forced open a stadium garage and made away with the trophy and other UEFA items.
According to a police spokesperson, the stolen items have since been retrieved and returned to UEFA. Thirteen suspects have been identified, although specifics on the recovery operation remain undisclosed.
