Breaking Stories from Nigeria and Beyond | March 14, 2025
From power moves in politics to cultural celebrations and economic shifts, these are the top stories making waves today. Stay informed with the latest headlines shaping the nation and beyond!
1. Tompolo Leads Three-Day Biniebi Madinorbo Festival in Ogulagha
The Biniebi Madinorbo Festival, a revered spiritual and cultural event, has commenced in Ogulagha, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, attracting dignitaries, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders from across Nigeria.
The three-day festival, which began on Thursday, March 13, will continue until Saturday, March 15, featuring traditional rites, prayers, and cultural displays.
At the forefront of the event is High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, the High Priest of the Biniebi Madinorbo goddess, who is leading the sacred rituals. The festival serves as a time for deep spiritual reflection, with prayers offered for the peace, prosperity, and unity of the Ijaw nation and Nigeria.
The Biniebi Madinorbo Festival is not just a religious observance but also a significant cultural gathering that reinforces the Ijaw people’s spiritual heritage and communal strength. The presence of dignitaries from different parts of the country highlights its importance in fostering regional unity and cultural preservation.
As the festival progresses, attendees will witness traditional rites performed by Tompolo and other spiritual leaders, symbolizing a connection between the past and the present, ensuring that the values and traditions of the Ijaw people remain strong.
2. Egbesu Threatens Shock Over Wike’s Impeachment Remarks
Following remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, that if Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State is impeached, “heaven would not fall,” the Supreme Egbesu Assembly (SEA), an ancestral traditional institution of the Ijaw people, has threatened to “shock” President Bola Tinubu if the governor is removed.
SEA Chairman, Werinipre Digifa, accused Wike of arrogance and recklessness against the Ijaw nation and criticized President Tinubu for allegedly lacking the capacity to control the FCT Minister.
3. Transmission Company of Nigeria Reports Vandalism of Power Towers
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced on Thursday that vandals destroyed four of its towers along the Owerri-Ahoada 132kV double circuit line, leading to supply outages in parts of Rivers and Bayelsa states.
A statement from TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, confirmed that engineers were working to restore power. The incident has disrupted power supply to Ahoda, Gbarain, and Yenagoa transmission substations.
4. House of Representatives Retains VAT at 7.5%
The House of Representatives has rejected a proposed staggered increase of Value Added Tax (VAT) to 15% by 2030 as suggested in the Tax Reform Bills under debate at the National Assembly. The VAT rate remains at 7.5%.
5. Tinubu Says Nigeria Would Have Gone Bankrupt Without Economic Reforms
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday stated that Nigeria would have faced bankruptcy if his administration had not implemented its ongoing economic reforms. He emphasized that the reforms were necessary to protect future generations.
6. Presidential Amnesty Boss, Otuaro, Pledges Sustainable Peace in Niger Delta
High Chief Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring sustainable peace, security, and economic empowerment in the Niger Delta.
He made this pledge during a courtesy visit from the Niger Delta Peace and Stability Forum, led by Tantita Security Services’ Group General Manager, Godfrey Pondi.
Otuaro clarified that PAP has shifted its focus beyond monthly stipends to ex-agitators and is now prioritizing reintegration and rehabilitation initiatives.
7. Rivers Governor Fubara Resubmits Budget Presentation Request
Less than eight hours after Rivers State Chief Judge was placed under investigation for alleged age falsification, Governor Siminalayi Fubara formally wrote to the State House of Assembly, requesting a new date for the presentation of the 2025 budget.
The governor’s previous attempt to present the budget on March 12 was obstructed when he was locked out of the Assembly Complex.
8. Peter Obi Meets Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed
The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, met with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed on Thursday at Ramat House in Bauchi. The purpose of their meeting was not disclosed.
9. Edo Governor Okpebholo Launches NELFUND Scheme
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, officially launched the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) in the state.
Represented by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to making education accessible for all Edo State indigenes.
10. Kaduna Court Orders Remand of Four Over N197m Fraud Case
A Kaduna State High Court has ordered the remand of a husband, wife, and two others for allegedly impersonating the Katsina State Governor’s wife and defrauding a Bureau De Change operator of N197 million.
The suspects were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
11. Osun Police Arrest Cultist for Shooting Grocery Seller
A suspected cultist, Segun Ogunfunmilayo, has been arrested by Osun State Police Command for shooting a grocery seller in Ede on March 8.
Ogunfunmilayo had allegedly bought an energy drink but failed to pay, leading to a dispute before he shot the vendor.
12. Nigeria Customs Intercepts $1.154m Undeclared Cash at Kano Airport
The Nigeria Customs Service seized $1.154 million and 135,900 Saudi Riyals in undeclared foreign currency at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
Customs National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed the seizure in a statement on Thursday.
13. Two-Year-Old Killed in Edo Following Clash Between Driver and Security Agents
A commercial driver attempting to evade officers of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team (PSR) ran over a two-year-old girl at Ring Road, Benin, on Wednesday.
Eyewitnesses said the PSR operatives attempted to seize the vehicle’s steering wheel, leading the driver to lose control and crash into a PoS kiosk where the child and her mother stood. The enraged crowd reportedly attacked the PSR agents before handing them over to the police.
14. Former Kaduna Governor El-Rufai Raises Alarm Over Ex-Commissioner’s Kidnap
Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has raised an alarm over the abduction of Jafaru Sani, a former commissioner in his government.
El-Rufai disclosed this in a post on his verified Facebook page on Thursday.
15. Former President Buhari Reaffirms Commitment to APC
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His statement was released on Thursday by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu.
16. Renaissance Africa Energy Completes Acquisition of Shell’s Nigerian Onshore Assets
Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings has successfully completed the acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC).
The consortium—comprising ND Western, Aradel Energy, First Exploration & Production, Waltersmith, and Petrolin—confirmed the deal in a statement on Thursday.
The acquisition, valued at over $1.3 billion, marks Shell’s exit from Nigeria’s onshore oil sector. SPDC will now be renamed Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.
17. PDP National Chairman Rejects South-South Zonal Congress Outcome
Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, has insisted that a recent zonal congress conducted by some party members in the South-South region “cannot stand.”
