Welcome to NowNowNaija! The death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu shines a harsh spotlight on the dangers facing Nigerian journalists today.

TOP STORY

Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a talented 29-year-old lawyer, beauty queen, and journalist, was fatally shot on the streets of Abuja. Her death underscores the growing risks Nigerian reporters face when exposing the truth amid hostile forces.

Every time a journalist is silenced, your right to open, honest information weakens. It’s like losing a vital lens that helps hold leaders accountable and protects democracy. When reporters fear for their safety, stories go untold, and abuses thrive in the shadows. This isn’t just about one life—it’s about the kind of society you want to live in and how much power you have to question those in charge. Protecting journalists means safeguarding your own voice and the future of Nigerian democracy.

Source: The News Chronicle
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Rates shown are as of 7:00 AM Lagos time.

On Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, Peter Obi sharply criticized the ruling APC party, blaming them for the country’s economic and social downturn. He highlighted rising national debt, growing poverty, and security failures as evidence of poor leadership diminishing Nigeria's promise.

This critique hits home for many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet as government spending seems focused on luxury while essentials like healthcare and security lag behind. If you feel the gap between everyday realities and national growth widening, Obi’s words echo your frustrations about leadership that sidelines ordinary citizens. His call for a change in governance offers hope that real reforms could improve your daily life, providing better services and opportunities where it matters most.

Source: The Nation Newspaper
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What else is happening:

Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) is hosting Tech Convergence 2.0 to boost digital innovation through strategic partnerships and strong policies. The conference will address issues like cybersecurity, infrastructure, and AI's role in accelerating Nigeria's digital economy growth.

This matters for you because strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure means more secure, reliable online experiences and opportunities for startups and small businesses to thrive locally. As the digital economy grows, expect better internet services and more Nigerian-owned platforms, helping you connect, work, and innovate in ways shaped by our own digital identity, not foreign systems.

Source: Leadership
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The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) launched the Tinubu Cares Initiative and an Entrepreneurial Development Fund for zero-interest loans to empower young entrepreneurs. This builds on President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria’s economic liberation.

If you’re a young Nigerian dreaming of a business, this could open doors to funding without high interest or hurdles. This initiative means more youth-led businesses will thrive, creating jobs and energizing communities, promising a future where young people are the main architects of Nigeria’s economic success.

Source: The Guardian
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What else is happening:

Cardi B and Nicki Minaj reignited their fierce rivalry with a fresh round of online attacks over album sales and personal insults. The feud escalated deeply as both stars involved family and threatened boycotts, revealing the intense emotions behind their public spat.

This showdown isn’t just celebrity drama; it taps into how public figures influence conversations about success, rivalry, and mental health in the music industry. As a fan, you see how pressures and past tensions can explode online, affecting your experience of favorite artists and the broader culture of female rap. It also highlights the power of social media where every comment can spiral into national headlines, shaping how we connect with the music and personalities we admire.

Source: Legit Nigeria
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The Social Feed:

After losing their opening match 1-0 to Norway, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles face Saudi Arabia tonight at midnight Nigerian time in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s team must secure a win to keep hopes alive for advancing to the knockout stages.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a casual follower, this match matters because it’s about pride and opportunity on the global stage. It’s a chance for young Nigerian talents to prove their grit after a tough start and remind us why U-20 football sparks so much excitement. Pulling off a win here doesn’t just boost the team’s chances—it reinvigorates national hope and community pride, inspiring the next generation to believe in their potential and the country’s future in football.

Source: Daily Post
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