Welcome to NowNowNaija — A tragic hospital death ignites nationwide outrage, deep flaws in Nigeria’s healthcare are exposed, reform demands grow louder, markets wobble, and politics, tech, culture, and football collide in a tense moment for the nation.

TOP STORY

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s 21-month-old son died after a sedative overdose at a Lagos hospital, leading to public outcry and plans for legal action against the facility. The incident highlights long-standing issues of medical negligence and poor conditions in Nigeria’s healthcare system, including understaffing, lack of equipment, and minimal regulatory oversight.

This tragic event affects you by exposing the real risks within Nigeria’s healthcare sector, where shortages and negligence are common. Families face uncertainty about quality care, with many patients forced to seek treatment abroad or rely on under-resourced local hospitals. The death underscores the urgent need for accountability and improvements that could save lives, reduce medical errors, and restore trust in healthcare services nationwide.

Source: The Guardian
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Rates shown are as of 6:00 AM Lagos time.

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Sixty years after the aborted January 15, 1966 coup, Nigerian leaders reflected on how military interventions disrupted the country’s socio-economic and political progress. At a Lagos event marking the occasion, they called for a true federal constitution that reflects Nigeria’s diverse makeup to restore growth and unity.

This history of military rule explains many of the challenges Nigeria faces today, affecting your community’s development and governance. Prolonged military control diverted resources and stalled regional growth that once thrived on agriculture and commerce. A new federal constitution could empower regions and promote fairness in resource distribution, shaping a more stable and prosperous future for you and your family. Understanding this past helps you grasp the urgency behind current calls for political reform and stronger democratic institutions.

Source: Vanguard News
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What else is happening:

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria has partnered with Huawei Technologies Nigeria to overhaul its ICT infrastructure and introduce the Huawei Smart Campus Project. The upgrade will replace outdated network equipment and enhance digital learning capabilities, allowing students and international lecturers to connect more easily. ABU’s Distance Learning Centre will also expand to reach more students who miss out on regular admissions.

This upgrade means you could experience more seamless digital education at one of Nigeria’s largest universities. With improved connectivity, remote learning becomes more accessible, opening opportunities for students who can’t attend campus in person. The project also boosts research and development capabilities, potentially raising the quality of education and innovation. For prospective Distance Learning candidates, this expansion could increase their chances of admission through online programs.

Source: Daily Trust
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Finance Minister Wale Edun announced Nigeria’s federal government reached 85 percent execution of capital expenditure in 2024, marking improved budget discipline and public finance management. The IMF urged the government to maintain fiscal reforms to avoid reversing gains. This progress comes as Nigeria aims to boost competitiveness and consolidate macroeconomic stability.

This high level of capital spending means ongoing projects critical to Nigeria’s growth will be completed, helping improve infrastructure, electricity supply, and access to finance. For you, this could translate into better roads, more reliable power, and increased credit availability for businesses and homes. The government meeting all its financial obligations despite tight resources signals steadier economic management, but continuing reforms are essential to sustain growth and reduce poverty. These measures could help position Nigeria as a stronger player regionally and globally in the coming years.

Source: This Day Live
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What else is happening:

Close colleague Lanre Alewilese has revealed intimate details about the last weeks of gospel singer Bunmi "Omije Ojumi" Akinnaanu before her death. He shared how her health rapidly declined, leading to her being unresponsive in her final days at a Lagos hospital.

For fans and the Nigerian gospel community, this sheds light on the painful reality behind Omije Ojumi’s passing and the silence surrounding her condition. It highlights the emotional toll on those close to her, who chose to protect the public from grim updates. This story also invites reflection on how public figures' struggles are handled and the support networks needed during such difficult times.

Source: Legit Nigeria
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The Social Feed:

Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea addressed criticisms following Nigeria’s penalty shootout loss to Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final. The match ended 0-0 after extra time, but Laryea faced backlash, especially over the booking of Calvin Bassey which ruled him out of the tournament’s remaining matches.

This match and the referee’s decisions have stirred passionate reactions across Nigeria, affecting fans and players alike. The booking of key defender Bassey means the Super Eagles will miss a crucial player in upcoming games, impacting team strategy and morale. The public criticism highlights the emotional stakes Nigerian football holds for communities and underscores the pressure on referees in high-profile matches. As debates continue, the focus will shift to how the team regroups and looks ahead in continental competitions.

Source: Daily Post
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Sports Spotlight:

Quote of the Day

“When trust builds between citizen and guardian, a community no longer fears its future—it protects it.”

— Chinasa Umeh