Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Friday, August 22, 2025
Good morning, Nigeria and readers across the diaspora. Welcome to your comprehensive news roundup of the top stories making headlines nationwide today, Friday, August 22, 2025. From politics and governance to security, education, entertainment, and sports, here are the key developments shaping Nigeria and Africa today.
1. Tinubu Departs Japan for Brazil, Stopover in Los Angeles
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has left Yokohama, Japan, after participating in the Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9). His next destination is Brazil, with a brief stopover in Los Angeles, USA.
According to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president is scheduled to begin his state visit to Brazil on August 24. Tinubu had earlier met with top Japanese officials, held bilateral talks, and engaged with the Nigerian community in Japan.
📷 Suggested image: Tinubu with Japanese or Brazilian officials (from government press release).
2. CDS: Nigerians Should Be Grateful for Progress in Security
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged Nigerians to acknowledge improvements in the country’s security landscape. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Musa noted that no country in the world enjoys “100% peace,” but emphasized significant progress against insurgent groups.
He highlighted the capture of the son of Boko Haram’s founder and top Ansaru commanders as evidence of progress. His comments echo global debates on national security where governments balance terrorism, banditry, and cybercrime.
📷 Suggested image: Nigerian Army patrol or CDS in a press briefing.
3. Makinde Speaks After PDP Zoning Meeting
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has responded to post-meeting controversies within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Speaking after the South-West zoning consultative summit in Lagos, Makinde dismissed political bickering, saying:
“When people go into the gutters, I don’t go with them.”
He stressed unity and rebuilding as the party eyes 2027 elections, but dismissed claims that PDP has zoned its presidential ticket to the South.
4. EFCC Declares Atiku’s Son-in-Law Wanted
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Abdullahi Bashir Haske, a businessman and son-in-law to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, wanted.
Haske faces allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering, according to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale. Nigerians with information on his whereabouts have been urged to contact authorities.
🌍 Global link: This development adds to Nigeria’s long battle with corruption, a theme frequently highlighted by Transparency International in its annual corruption perception index.
5. ASUU Threatens Nationwide Strike
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is threatening another nationwide strike if the federal government fails to meet its demands.
ASUU president Prof. Christopher Piwuna listed unresolved issues including:
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The 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement
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Unpaid salary arrears
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Welfare of retired lecturers
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Poor funding of universities
He criticized the government’s loan scheme for tertiary staff as “a trap.” A final decision on industrial action may follow the August 28 government meeting.
📊 Suggested embed: Infographic showing ASUU strikes timeline (1999–2025).
6. CDS Advocates Combat Training for Nigerians
General Musa also recommended that Nigerians acquire basic combat skills, comparing it to learning how to drive or swim. He proposed that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) incorporate unarmed combat training into its orientation programme.
This reflects a global trend where citizens are increasingly being urged to learn self-defense and emergency preparedness, especially in countries facing insecurity.
7. Singer Lil Kesh Survives Robbery Attack
Popular Nigerian musician Lil Kesh (Keshinro Ololade) narrowly escaped death in Lagos after a robbery attack left him stabbed in the neck. The robbers made away with his jewelry worth millions.
In a social media post, Lil Kesh said he is recovering and grateful for the love and prayers of fans. The incident raises renewed concerns over rising urban crime rates in Nigeria.
📷 Suggested image: Lil Kesh performing or from his verified Instagram.
8. Shatta Wale Detained Over Lamborghini Tax Scandal
Ghanaian superstar Shatta Wale has been detained by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Ghana over a tax probe linked to his yellow Lamborghini.
The luxury car was reportedly connected to a US fraud case, though Wale denied direct involvement. His management insists it’s a tax matter, not criminal fraud.
This incident mirrors wider scrutiny of African celebrities acquiring luxury vehicles, with questions about transparency and taxation.
9. Arsenal Push to Register Eberechi Eze Before Leeds Clash
English Premier League club Arsenal is rushing paperwork to register new signing Eberechi Eze before Friday’s deadline so he can feature against Leeds United.
The 27-year-old, signed from Crystal Palace, is expected to bring creativity to Mikel Arteta’s squad. Arsenal fans in Nigeria—among the team’s largest international supporter bases—are following the story closely.
⚽ Suggested embed: Eberechi Eze highlight video from YouTube.
10. Emmanuel Bamidele Switches Allegiance to UAE
Sprinter Emmanuel Bamidele has officially switched nationality from Nigeria to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The 26-year-old will debut under his new flag at the Brussels Diamond League finale, competing in the men’s 400m. Bamidele’s career has been marked by controversy, including his earlier switch to Qatar in 2019 before returning to the US college circuit.
🌍 Global link: This adds to a growing list of Nigerian athletes leaving to represent other nations, often citing better funding and support structures abroad.
Final Word
These headlines underscore Nigeria’s dynamic mix of politics, security, economy, sports, and entertainment. From Tinubu’s international diplomacy to ASUU’s threats, Lil Kesh’s survival story, and Shatta Wale’s tax troubles—today’s news reflects both the challenges and resilience shaping Africa’s largest democracy.