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Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Monday, 4th August, 2025
1. Allocate ₦5 Trillion For Social Investment Programmes, Don’t Just Tell Governors To Wet The Grass – Falana Tells Tinubu
Popular human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has called on President Bola Tinubu to allocate more resources to the National Social Investment Programmes towards alleviating poverty among Nigerians.
Falana, in a statement on Sunday, said the amount allocated by the government in addressing the social needs of the people pales in comparison to what the federal government allocates to projects that may not have a direct bearing on the well-being of the citizens.
Naija News reports that the lawyer spoke against the backdrop of the recent call by President Tinubu, who urged governors elected on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform to ensure they work hard to deliver development at the grassroots.
He warned that Nigerians were dissatisfied with the pace of governance and the tangible benefits of democracy.
Speaking at the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the APC at the State House Centre, he called on the governors to “wet the grass more” for greater impact in communities across Nigeria.
However, Falana submitted that President Tinubu needs to do more than just issue instructions to the Governors. He called on the federal government to instead demonstrate leadership by fully funding existing welfare programmes.
2. ‘We Have Been Hearing Rumour About A Frosty Relationship Between Shettima, Tinubu’ – Ajomale
The election of Nentawe Yilwatda as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress has alleviated growing speculation about a rift between President Bola Tinubu and Vice President, Kashim Shettima, particularly concerns over Tinubu dropping his deputy as his running mate in 2027.
Before Yilwatda’s emergence, Naija News understands that rumours of a strained relationship between the President and his Vice intensified following the appointment of Ali Bukar Dalori from Borno State as acting chairman after Abdullahi Ganduje’s resignation.
According to Sunday Sun, party insiders believe the choice of a substantive chairman from the North Central zone signals a stabilising move for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket ahead of the next general elections.
Observers say Yilwatda’s election strengthens APC’s zoning balance, which traditionally avoids concentrating power in one or two regions.
With Tinubu from the South-West, Shettima from the North-East, and now Yilwatda from the North Central, the arrangement is seen as equitable. Analysts argue this boosts Shettima’s chances of retaining the vice-presidential slot and consolidating his influence as the undisputed leader of the North-East zone.
Yilwatda, a Christian from North Central, is expected to help the party project inclusivity and address criticisms over its Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
With Tinubu and Shettima as Muslims, Yilwatda’s emergence as APC chairman introduces a Christian leader into the party’s top hierarchy, potentially making the ruling party more appealing to Christian voters, especially in North Central states with significant Christian populations.
Reacting to the speculations, a close associate of the President and former APC Chairman in Lagos State, Henry Ajomale, dismissed claims of a frosty relationship between Tinubu and Shettima.
3. ‘I’ll Serve For One-term’ – Peter Obi Insists, Fires Gov Soludo
Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has maintained that he would only govern for one-term if elected as President in 2027.
Naija News recalls that Peter Obi had come under attack for vowing to govern for four years if he is backed by the opposition coalition to succeed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking on Saturday during a political rally held in Anambra South in support of his second-term ambition, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State slammed politicians promising to serve only one term in office.
The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria said any politician pledging to serve only one term in office needs to undergo a psychiatric test.
The governor questioned the logic behind such a promise, insisting that the Nigerian Constitution allows elected public officials to serve two terms, not just one.
Reacting in a statement on Sunday, Peter Obi insisted that he will serve only one term of four years if elected President, stressing that his vow is sacrosanct.
According to the former Labour Party presidential candidate, the decay in our society has made trust one of the scarcest and most sceptically viewed commodities.
4. ‘It Is Hard To Understand Why You Want To Spend ₦712 Billion On Lagos Airport Renovation’ – ADC Slams President Tinubu
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has questioned the plans by the government of President Bola Tinubu to spend ₦712 billion on the renovation of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The ADC, in a statement on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the planned expenses as reckless and insensitive.
It also questioned whether the National Assembly approved the planned expenditure, which it described as a brazen act of fiscal recklessness.
Abdullahi, in the statement, questioned why the government wants to spend such vast amounts on an airport that has recently undergone significant upgrades while Nigerians struggle with poverty.
Naija News reports that the Airport terminal upgrade was part of the decisions reached during the last Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
However, the ADC argued that the Muhammed International Airport in Lagos remains functional and serviceable, and the funds could be better utilised in other areas that have a direct impact on citizen welfare.
5. ‘The President Sees This As A Stab In The Back’ – Source Speaks On Tinubu Sacking NNPC GCEO, Ojulari
The tenure of Bayo Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) may soon come to an end as fresh allegations of money laundering and political funding controversies rock the state oil firm.
Although unconfirmed reports claimed Ojulari had resigned, insiders told The Cable that while no official resignation has been tendered, “only a miracle will keep him in office at this stage.”
According to sources, President Bola Tinubu, who appointed Ojulari just four months ago to replace Mele Kyari, is reportedly “livid” over damning security reports detailing questionable financial dealings linked to the NNPC boss.
Ojulari is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged multimillion-dollar transfers to AA&R Investment Group, a company involved in energy, agribusiness, logistics, and ICT.
Abdullahi Bashir-Haske, founder of AA&R and son-in-law of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has been accused of orchestrating “large-scale money laundering through sophisticated financial structures.”
6. ‘There Are More Aggrieved People In The APC’ – Dele Momodu
Former presidential candidate and media mogul, Dele Momodu, has stated that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) harbours more aggrieved politicians than the newly formed opposition coalition.
Naija News reports that Momodu, a known supporter of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, made the remark in an interview shared on his official Facebook page on Sunday.
Speaking on criticisms from APC members who labelled the opposition coalition as a gathering of disgruntled politicians, Momodu dismissed the claim as “dishonest and misleading.”
7. Nigeria’s D’Tigress Win Fifth Consecutive AfroBasket Title, Extend 10-Year Unbeaten Run
Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have claimed their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final match of the 2025 tournament held in Kigali, Rwanda.
Naija News reports that the D’Tigress defeated Senegal 75-68 in the semifinals to book their place in the final.
Nigeria’s win over Mali in the final earlier today, August 3, marks D’Tigress’ seventh AfroBasket title overall and extends their remarkable unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games, a streak that began in 2015.
They are now the first African team, male or female, to win the continental title five times in a row.
The tightly contested game saw D’Tigress hold a narrow 61-56 lead at the end of the third quarter, but the defending champions dominated the final quarter, outscoring Mali 17-8 to seal the win.
Head coach Rena Wakama, who was appointed in 2023, continues to make history with the team. She became the first woman to lead a team to an AfroBasket title in 2023 and has now secured back-to-back championships.
8. Ademola Lookman Submits Transfer Request, Alleges Broken Promises By Atalanta
Super Eagles forward and Atalanta star, Ademola Lookman, has officially confirmed that he has handed in a transfer request, citing what he describes as broken promises and poor treatment from the Italian club.
In a statement released on Sunday the Nigerian international, who played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League triumph last season, expressed his frustration with the club’s management, saying he has no choice but to seek an exit after months of failed assurances.
Lookman, 26, reflected on his journey at Atalanta since joining the club in 2022, saying he had poured his heart into representing the team and the city of Bergamo.
The winger added that lifting the Europa League trophy in Dublin remains one of the proudest moments of his career.
9. ‘Why Female Singers Are Barred From Getting Pregnant During Contract’ – Ubi Franklin
Music executive Ubi Franklin, has explained why he includes a clause in contracts preventing female artistes from getting pregnant during the agreement period.
Naija News reports that, speaking on the Culture Sonic podcast, the talent manager stated that the entertainment business is capital-intensive.
He explained that sometimes investors spend up to ₦300 million to develop an artist who has not yet attained stardom.
According to him, if a female artist gets pregnant before building a strong and stable career, it could ruin the investment and disrupt their progress.
He stressed that while he is not against women having children, they must establish themselves first.
He argued that it is difficult for an up-and-coming female artist in the Nigerian music industry to bounce back after childbirth if her career was not already solid before the pregnancy.
Franklin said the music industry is serious business and should not be mistaken for mere social media entertainment.
10. ‘I Love My Baby More Than Myself’ – Taaooma Speaks On Motherhood
Nigerian skit maker, Mariam Apaokagi popularly known as Taaooma, has shared how motherhood has changed her life in unexpected ways.
In an interview with Pulse Nigeria, the content creator said becoming a mother has taught her that nothing is truly impossible.
Naija News reports that she explained that motherhood pushes one beyond their limits and helps them discover strength they never knew they had.
Taaooma also revealed that she now experiences a kind of love she never imagined was possible.
According to her, she did not think she could ever love someone more than herself, but that has changed since she became a mother.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
The post Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Monday, 4th August, 2025 appeared first on Naija News.
