- INEC reveals state with highest number of voters
- Messi bids emotional farewell to Argentina after 21 years
- Peter Obi promises to bring back petrol subsidy if elected
- BBNaija 11 winner Temi Nkem collects ₦90m prize and new SUV
- Femi Adebayo unveils new film studio in Lagos
Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.
INEC reveals state with highest number of voters
With 100 days to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, INEC says it has completed nine of 14 key preparations ahead of the polls scheduled for January 16 and February 6.
INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan said 103,428,715 voters are registered nationwide, with Lagos having the highest number at 7,488,633, followed by Kano with 6,570,276 and Kaduna with 4,662,640.
The North-West has the largest voter population among the six geopolitical zones, with 25,083,411 registered voters. Amupitan said INEC has also developed an operational plan covering its headquarters, 36 states, the FCT, and all 774 local government areas.
Messi bids emotional farewell to Argentina after 21 years
Lionel Messi has called his retirement from international football the “saddest day” of his career after Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium. The match marked his final appearance for the national team.
Messi scored once and provided two assists before addressing fans and teammates after the game. He said representing Argentina for more than 20 years had been a huge source of pride, adding that he never stopped fighting, even during difficult periods.
The 39-year-old admitted that saying goodbye would be painful, wishing he could play for Argentina for the rest of his life.
Peter Obi promises to bring back petrol subsidy if elected
Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, has promised to restore petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027, reversing his previous position on the policy.
Speaking to the BBC, Obi said corruption, rather than the subsidy itself, was the major problem. He said his administration would first tackle corruption surrounding the scheme before bringing it back.
Obi had campaigned in 2023 on removing the subsidy and redirecting the funds to education, healthcare and infrastructure. His latest position follows similar comments from his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso. President Bola Tinubu removed the subsidy in May 2023, describing the move as necessary for Nigeria’s economy.
BBNaija 11 winner Temi Nkem collects ₦90m prize and new SUV
Temi Nkem, winner of Big Brother Naija Season 11, has officially received her ₦90 million cash prize and a brand-new SUV. The 21-year-old won the reality show on Sunday after beating Aikou and Sheba.
Nkem was declared winner after viewers voted for their favourite housemates. The season’s grand prize is worth ₦160 million and includes cash, a car, and other sponsored rewards.
After receiving her prize, Nkem thanked fans for their support and said she plans to invest the money and return to school. “I didn’t come in here to be the winner, but I am happy to win,” she said.
Femi Adebayo unveils new film studio in Lagos
Nollywood actor and producer Femi Adebayo has opened Euphoria 360 Hub, a new film and media production studio in Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. The facility was commissioned by Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.
Sharing the news on Instagram, Adebayo described the launch as a major milestone and “a moment of becoming”. He said the project showed how faith, courage, persistence and having the right people can turn dreams into reality.
The actor expressed gratitude to his family, friends, colleagues and supporters for helping him reach the milestone. He also said the new studio marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with bigger dreams and greater impact.
