Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Friday, 17th October, 2025

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Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday, 17th October, 2025

1. FG Reviewing Tinubu’s Presidential Pardon

The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has clarified that no inmate approved for clemency under the latest exercise has been released from custody, saying that the process was subject change.

Naija News reports that this is following the backlash that trailed the exercise of power of prerogative of mercy by President Bola Tinubu on certain categories of inmates.

In a statement personally signed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Thursday, the AGF Office said the process remained at the final administrative stage, which includes a standard review to ensure that all names and recommendations fully comply with established legal and procedural requirements before any instrument of release is issued.

Fagbemi noted that the verification process was part of the standard protocol and reflected the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence.

2. Senate Confirms Amupitan As INEC Chairman

The Senate has confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s nominee, Joash Amupitan, as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Naija News reports that the upper chamber confirmed Amupitan after his screening on Thursday.

Amupitan, in his submission, vowed to ensure INEC’s independence and suggested deploying drones to monitor elections and safeguard sensitive electoral materials.

During the screening, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) expressed concern about the worsening security situation and asked how INEC, under his leadership, would ensure that election materials are safely transported to polling units across the country.

In his response, Amupitan acknowledged that insecurity remained one of the biggest threats to credible polls but assured lawmakers that the Commission would explore technology and strategic partnerships to address the challenge.

3. FG Denies Abolishing JAMB For Admissions In Nigeria

The federal government has affirmed that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) remains the statutory body responsible for conducting entrance examinations and coordinating admissions into all tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

This assertion was made in a statement issued on Thursday by the spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, on behalf of the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.

The statement clarified that there is no truth in certain reports suggesting that JAMB is no longer required for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Naija News reports that the Minister noted that the publications with such claims are peddling false and misleading information, stressing that the Ministry never issued or authorized any such announcement.

The Minister emphasized that JAMB continues to play its statutory and legal role and urged students, parents, and tertiary institutions to rely solely on official communication channels of the Ministry and JAMB for accurate information regarding admission policies and education-related matters.

The statement affirmed the commitment of the government to upholding transparency, fairness, and merit in Nigeria’s tertiary education admission system and the overall education sector.

4. Nnamdi Kanu Fit To Stand Trial – NMA

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has declared that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is fit to stand trial on alleged terrorism.

Informing the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, the NMA said Kanu’s illness is not life-threatening.

The medical panel set up by the NMA President said it had concluded the health assessment ordered by the court on the IPOB leader.

Naija News recalls that Justice James Omotosho had two weeks ago directed the NMA to independently assess Kanu’s health status following conflicting medical reports presented by the defence and the prosecution.

According to the panel’s report, which was submitted to the court on October 13, by the prosecution team led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) and partly read in open court during Thursday’s proceedings, the medical body stated that the defendant’s ailment does not pose any immediate danger to his life and confirmed that he is fit to stand trial.

Relying on the medical findings and in the absence of any objection from counsel to the parties, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court was satisfied that the defendant could proceed with his trial.

The judge consequently granted Kanu six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, to open and close his defence.

5. DHQ Explains Why Some Soldiers Fighting Terrorists Have Not Gotten Their Feeding Allowance

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has explained that a system glitch could be blamed for the delay in the payment of Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) to some soldiers.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Magnus Kangye, who made the clarification, added that the delay can’t be blamed on field commanders or the military high command.

The RCA is an allowance meant to support soldiers’ feeding and welfare while on active field operations.

He assured that the military authorities have approved the necessary payments and the commanders are not withholding funds meant for the soldiers under their supervision who are active in various operations across the country.

According to him, the issue of personnel welfare remains a priority, and the soldiers would not be made to go out on empty stomachs.

Naija News reports that Kangye made the clarification on Thursday in Abuja while fielding questions from newsmen during a press briefing at the DHQ in Abuja.

6. Gov. Fubara Cancels ₦134 Billion Contract Awarded By Ibas In Rivers State

The contract awarded for the reconstruction of the ageing State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt has been cancelled by the Rivers State Executive Council.

The ₦134 billion, which was awarded by Vice Admiral Ikot Ete Ibas (rtd) during his time in charge as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, was cancelled during the State Executive Council meeting on Thursday under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The council also directed CCECC, the company awarded the project by Ibas, to refund the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee it has already received.

Similarly, a 6-man committee headed by the Deputy Governor of the State, Prof. Ngozi Odu, was set up by the Council to evaluate and make recommendations for the construction of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the state to facilitate the conduct of external examinations.

The Council further directed the flood committee, headed by the Deputy Governor, to take immediate action to address flooding in the state and cautioned residents against blocking drainage channels.

7. Most Of The Celebrities You Envy Are Living Fake Lives – Ayo Makun Warns Against Social Media Pressure

Nigerian comedian Ayo Makun has warned fans about the pressures that come with social media comparisons.

In a video shared on his Instagram page on Thursday morning, he discussed how platforms like Instagram often show a polished version of life where luxury trips, designer clothes, and expensive cars make success look effortless.

AY pointed out that much of what people admire online is not real.

He explained that some individuals borrow outfits, props, or locations to create the illusion of wealth and success, while others take photos in places like hotel lobbies and present them as their homes or pose with cars that are not theirs.

He described social media as similar to a movie set, where what is shown is carefully staged.

He encouraged people to focus on their own growth, remain authentic, and avoid comparing themselves to these illusions.

AY advised that living a simple and genuine life is more fulfilling than chasing a fake image of success.

He concluded by inviting viewers to reflect on their own social media habits and prioritize self-contentment over constant comparison.

8. Go For BBL After Having Kids, Else Your Husband Might Dump You For A Baddie – Uche Ogbodo’s Husband

Bobby Maris, husband to Nollywood actress, Uche Ogbodo has shared his views on cosmetic surgery for women.

Maris, who is also an actor, said that women who can afford body enhancements should not hesitate to undergo them, claiming it can boost confidence.

The singer in a post on Instagram spoke about procedures like Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL), tummy tucks, and liposuction, saying that financial ability should remove any fear or shame associated with altering one’s body.

He said: “If you know you can afford a BBL, tummy tuck, liposuction, go and do it, especially after having kids. Because if you don’t, your husband might eventually leave you for a baddie. If you have money, fix your body oo. No fear. You only live once.”

His comments come shortly after his wife asked her fans to pray for her as she prepares for another cosmetic procedure, six months after undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL).

9. Semi Ajayi Suspended For Gabon Clash, Ideye Warns Super Eagles Against ‘Osimhen Problem’

Hull City centre-back Semi Ajayi will sit out Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon after picking up a suspension in the last qualifying match.

Semi Ajayi received his second yellow card of the campaign during Tuesday’s 4-0 win over the Benin Republic.

He was booked in the 55th minute for a foul on goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbe. Ajayi had earlier been cautioned in Nigeria’s opening qualifier against Lesotho on November 16, 2023.

His absence is a setback for the Eagles’ backline, as the experienced defender has been a consistent performer throughout the qualifiers.

Meanwhile, former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has sounded a warning about the team’s overreliance on Victor Osimhen for goals.

Naija News reports that Osimhen netted a hat-trick in the demolition of Benin Republic, taking his tally to 29 goals in 42 international games. That haul puts him just eight goals behind Nigeria’s all-time top scorer, the late Rashidi Yekini.

Osimhen has been the standout performer in the qualifiers, scoring six times, while other squad members such as Kelechi Iheanacho, Semi Ajayi, and Tolu Arokodare have managed only one each.

Ideye expressed concern about the lack of support up front.

10. India Beats Nigeria To Host 2030 Commonwealth Games

India has been confirmed as the host of the 2030 Commonwealth Games, winning the rights ahead of Nigeria’s Abuja after a closely contested bid process.

The Commonwealth Sport Executive Board announced on Wednesday that Ahmedabad, in the western state of Gujarat, has been chosen as the host city. The decision will be officially ratified at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly scheduled to take place in Glasgow on November 26.

The 2030 edition will mark a return of the Games to India for the first time since Delhi 2010, making it a symbolic homecoming as the Commonwealth celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Ahmedabad’s victory was anchored on its impressive modern infrastructure, including the Narendra Modi Stadium, the largest sports arena in the world with a capacity of 132,000. The city, with over five million residents, has developed a reputation for hosting major international sporting events and has even been tipped as a potential Olympic host in the future.

Reacting to the announcement, the president of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, Dr P. T. Usha, said the Games would serve as a unifying symbol for the country and a source of inspiration for young people.