Welcome to NowNowNaija! Tensions have risen in Delta State after a high-ranking army officer was forcefully taken from his lodging late at night.
TOP STORY
Gunmen Kidnap Army Lt Colonel In Delta State
An urgent security crisis unfolds as an army officer is abducted in Delta State.
Lt Colonel Josiah was abducted from his lodge in Bomadi after attending a wedding nearby. Armed attackers raided the hotel in the early hours, seized phones, and fled with the officer, causing alarm in the community.
The presence of armed kidnappers and military patrols means security concerns are heightened around you if you're in or near the Bomadi area, shaping local safety and trust. It shows a serious challenge to public peace in Delta State.
Source: Naija News
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Quick Pulse
🏛 Politics: Former President Goodluck Jonathan reportedly starts planning to contest the 2027 presidential election despite opposition from his wife and internal party challenges.
💰 Business: Nigeria’s intra-African trade share declines even as total trade grows, raising questions about the country’s ability to benefit fully from the AfCFTA agreement.
💻 Technology: Experts urge Nigeria to enhance satellite defence capabilities to improve intelligence and security measures against banditry and insurgency.
🎲 Entertainment: Afrobeats singer Fola reveals he was arrested and spent his first night in Lagos police custody amid struggles adjusting to city life.
🌳 Environment: Rising heat and pollution threaten women bakers in Northern Nigeria, with calls for climate-friendly methods to protect their health and livelihoods.
Politics and Economy
Jonathan Moves Quietly to Enter 2027 Presidential Race
Jonathan’s strategic campaign meetings abroad hint at a high-stakes race ahead
Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly planning to run for president in 2027 despite public skepticism and opposition from key figures, including his wife. His supporters are meeting abroad to build a strong campaign and counter opposition from influential party members.
This could reshape the 2027 election dynamics and influence your vote, as new alliances and rivalries could drive policy priorities that affect your everyday life in areas like governance and public services.
Source: Legit Nigeria
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What else is happening:
Opposition criticizes National Assembly over N149 trillion debt amid government defense.
Over 3.5 million Nigerians have pre-registered for elections in three weeks, says INEC.
Governor Sani launches voter registration drive in Kaduna, pledges inclusive governance.
Tech and Business
Nigeria Must Boost Satellite Defence To Curb Banditry
Satellite technology is set to redefine Nigeria's fight against insecurity.
Nigeria's current satellite defence capabilities are weak, limiting efforts to combat rising banditry and terrorism. Enhanced satellite technology combined with AI can provide real-time tracking and improve security forces' response in hard-to-reach areas.
You will benefit from improved safety and security as better satellite surveillance helps intercept criminal activities and coordinates military operations more effectively, reducing threats to communities and economic zones.
Source: Business News Nigeria
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Nigeria’s AfCFTA Trade Struggles Threaten Economic Growth
Nigeria’s role in AfCFTA challenges offers a chance to reshape its economic future.
Despite Nigeria's role in launching AfCFTA, its trade with African nations is shrinking while overall trade grows, mainly due to overdependence on oil exports and poor infrastructure. Nigeria risks missing out on the continent’s expanding unified market.
This means you might see slower job creation and fewer affordable goods from African markets unless trade policies improve, infrastructure upgrades happen, and the country diversifies exports away from crude oil.
Source: Business News Nigeria
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What else is happening:
First Lady pushes for digital empowerment of women, youth, and disadvantaged groups.
Telecom sector faces hurdles from investor reluctance and security issues impacting service.
Government pledges backing for Nigerian tech startups to expand globally..
Entertainment and Culture
Fola Overcame Arrest To Break Through Lagos Music Scene
Fola’s story proves Lagos tests every dreamer’s resolve.
Afrobeats singer Fola shared how his first night in Lagos was spent in a police cell after being arrested. Despite the tough start, he adapted to the city's demanding music hustle and signed with Bella Shmurda’s label in 2024, gaining wider recognition.
You’ll see how Lagos can challenge but also shape artists, showing that persistence here matters if you want to make it big in music.
Source: Legit Nigeria
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Nigerian Baptist Convention Eyes 50,000 Youths for Congress
Arise Congress gearing up to unite tens of thousands of Nigerian youths
Building on huge success from the previous year, the Nigerian Baptist Convention aims to gather 50,000 young people for the next Arise Congress. This event has grown from an expected 5,000 attendees to becoming one of the largest youth worship gatherings in Nigeria.
If you’re a young Christian or engaged in community activities, this means a bigger platform for fellowship and growth near you. It signals strong youth engagement in spiritual and social leadership across Nigeria’s future.
Source: The Nation Newspaper
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The Social Feed:
Rooboy’s surprising eviction from BBNaija 2025 after red phone twist changes game.
Segun Ogungbe publicly responds to infidelity allegations in Nollywood drama.
Annie Macaulay shares a personal message hoping her daughters avoid her past struggles.
Miller Williams takes on new role as Head of Publishing at emPawa Africa.
☘ Environment and Community
Heat and Pollution Threaten Northern Nigeria’s Gurasa Bakers
Northern Nigeria’s bakers face a climate fight heating up every day
Women baking Gurasa bread in Northern Nigeria face rising risks from extreme heat and pollution, which harm their health and livelihoods. A new documentary highlights these challenges and calls for climate-friendly baking methods and policy support.
If you buy or rely on locally baked bread like Gurasa, these challenges mean women bakers could struggle to keep their businesses going under harsher climate conditions. Cleaner baking methods can protect their health and ensure this local tradition survives.
Source: The Guardian
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Community Spotlight:
Lagos officials remove illegal roadside traders at Mile 2 to improve environmental cleanliness.
NiMet issues warnings on extreme rainfalls leading to displacement and waterborne illnesses in Niger, Kwara, and Kogi.
African leaders devise a new climate investment strategy after the US withdraws from the Paris Agreement.
💰 MoneyMoves Naija
Sade’s Market Arbitrage in Isolo
Sade, a young trader in Isolo Market Lagos, noticed that certain wholesale goods like cellphone accessories were cheaper in Alaba International Market. With just ₦10,000, she bought phone cases and sold them in her district at a ₦300 profit each. Within 2 weeks, she doubled her small capital and built a regular customer base using local WhatsApp groups for orders. This overlay of local arbitrage leveraged cheap bulk buying and low transport costs.
💡 Key Lesson: Local market arbitrage with small capital can build a profitable side hustle quickly.
How to Start
Identify common goods cheaper in bigger markets near you.
Use ₦10,000–₦20,000 to buy small batches from wholesalers.
Sell through local community WhatsApp groups or roadside stalls.
Reinvest profits by increasing stock gradually.
Track expenses and profits with a simple notebook or app.
Starting Capital | ₦10,000 |
|---|---|
Potential Return | ₦250–₦400 profit per item |
Timeframe | Within 2 weeks to double capital |
Success Rate | Around 60% with consistent reinvestment and local marketing |
🔍 Smart tool of the day
Smart Tool of the Day Scenario: Customer messages pile up on WhatsApp business
Solution: Use Tidio chatbot to automate WhatsApp replies
Tidio
Tidio combines AI-powered chatbots and live chat support to help small businesses automate customer service on WhatsApp and websites easily from any smartphone.
Nigerian Use Case:
Lagos e-commerce sellers use Tidio to reply instantly to queries about product availability and delivery times, reducing phone fatigue.
Try it now →Get Started in 5 Minutes
Download Tidio app from Google Play or App Store.
Connect your WhatsApp Business number in the Tidio dashboard.
Set up automated greetings and FAQs for common questions.
Test chatbot replies by sending inquiry messages.
Monitor conversations and adjust bot scripts as needed.
❤️ Naija Life Saver
Charge Your Phone Using a Solar-Powered Power Bank
Situation: Unexpected power outage at home
Many Lagos residents face sudden power cuts lasting several hours, especially in bad weather.
💡 Solution:
Keep a solar-powered power bank charged during daylight. When power goes off, plug your phone into the power bank to maintain communication and access to prepaid meter apps.
Why it works
Solar banks recharge during sunlight and provide uninterrupted phone power without relying on grid electricity.
Nigerian Context
A ₦6,000 solar power bank can reliably charge phones during outages common in Surulere and Ikeja.
Preferred way to pay bills during network outages?
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