Welcome to NowNowNaija! Nigeria’s Senate takes a bold step to clamp down on kidnapping by extending the death penalty to all involved, from kidnappers to their financiers and informants.

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The Nigerian Senate voted to widen the death penalty to not just kidnappers, but also those financing, informing, or aiding these crimes. This amendment treats kidnapping like terrorism, giving security agencies more power to disrupt criminal networks and track ransom funds. The Senate also began probing the Safe School Initiative amid continuing school attacks.

This means wherever you live in Nigeria, there’s now a stronger legal force aiming to break the vicious cycle of kidnapping and ransom payments. Families plagued by fear and financial strain might finally see some relief, as the government targets not just kidnappers but the entire support system fueling these crimes. If you or someone close has been touched by abductions or ransom demands, this law could usher in a new era of security and accountability. Bringing kidnappers and their backers to justice aims to restore community safety and confidence, helping everyday Nigerians feel safer going about their business and sending children to school without worry.

Source: This Day Live
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Nigeria’s Senate is backing a strict new bill that introduces the death penalty for terrorists, kidnappers, and their supporters, aiming to curb rising insecurity. Defence Minister Christopher Musa supports intelligence-led tactics and vows no negotiation with criminals, pushing for deeper reforms in security operations and recruitment.

This crackdown means your safety and community stability might improve as the government boosts its fight against kidnappers and terrorists with tougher laws and smarter strategies. Your everyday life could see fewer disruptions—from safer schools to steadier markets—because this approach targets not just attackers but those quietly funding and aiding them. While it’s a heavy-handed move, it reflects how seriously the crisis affects everyone’s ability to live without fear and keep their families and livelihoods secure.

Source: Business News Nigeria
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What else is happening:

Nigeria stands to miss out on a massive $15 billion AI opportunity by 2030 because a large digital skills gap exists among its young population. Despite having a youthful workforce and growing labor market, unemployment and lack of adequate digital education threaten this economic boom. Efforts like Lagos State’s integration of AI education point to solutions but urgent national reforms are needed.

This story hits home because it means the digital tools and jobs that could transform your future might never reach you if skills training doesn't improve. Millions of Nigerian youths, especially girls in regions with restricted tech access, risk being left behind as AI shapes the region’s next decade. That $15 billion boost could translate into more job opportunities, better wages, and stronger tech industries—making Nigeria a major player globally. Without these changes, you or someone you know could face fewer economic options and miss out on the digital revolution.

Source: Business News Nigeria
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The National Economic Council has approved ₦100 billion to fix and upgrade police and security training schools across Nigeria, with final approval pending from President Tinubu. This move comes after a detailed assessment showed many training facilities are in poor condition and aims to enhance the readiness of security personnel nationwide.

This investment means you'll likely see better-trained security forces working to keep communities safer where you live and work. Improved training facilities can lead to more effective policing and quicker responses to crime, helping to reduce daily worries about safety. Beyond just stronger security, the funds also signal government focus on transforming policies into real improvements you can feel, from your neighborhood to local markets, fostering greater peace and economic stability for everyone.

Source: This Day Live
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What else is happening:

A Nigerian woman shared a tearful video on TikTok revealing why she canceled her wedding just a day before the big event. She caught her fiancé with one of her bridesmaids during his bachelor party, which led her to end the relationship and seek medical help.

This story hits close to home for anyone who’s faced trust issues in relationships, showing the courage it takes to prioritize personal well-being over societal expectations. It challenges the idea that marriage must happen at all costs and opens the conversation about self-respect and healing in the face of heartbreak. It’s a reminder that protecting your peace can sometimes mean walking away from what seems like a perfect plan.

Source: Legit Nigeria
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The Social Feed:

Nigeria's Yellow Greens cricket team opens the 2025 West Africa Trophy against Zambia, aiming to defend their unbeaten title won last year. With a mix of experienced players and new talent led by wicketkeeper Sulaimon Runsewe, they face stiff competition from regional rivals in Abuja.

As the Yellow Greens start their title defence, you’re witnessing a pivotal moment for Nigerian cricket, where young and seasoned players unite to raise the sport’s profile regionally. This tournament fuels national pride and offers a chance for local communities to rally behind homegrown heroes. Watching these matches connects you to a broader effort to grow cricket in West Africa, inspiring aspiring players and reinforcing sports as a source of unity, identity, and celebration across neighborhoods.

Source: Punch
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Quote of the Day

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

— Chinasa Umeh