• Presidency, Peter Obi clash over one-term pledge
• Chimamanda Adichie laments rising hardship in Nigeria
• Keyamo criticised over ₦712bn Lagos Airport renovation plan
• Dangote Group appoints David Bird as Dangote Refinery CEO
• D’Tigress clinch historic fifth straight Women’s Afrobasket title

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.

Presidency, Peter Obi clash over one-term pledge

The Presidency has criticized former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following his renewed pledge to serve only one term if elected president in 2027.

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, called Obi politically dishonest, accusing him of inconsistency and recalling his time as governor of Anambra State.

Obi defended the idea of a one-term presidency, referencing notable global leaders who made significant impacts within limited time in office, insisting that effectiveness is not measured by duration.

In response, Onanuga dismissed the pledge as a convenient lie, labeling Obi “a liar” in a post on X.

Chimamanda Adichie laments rising hardship in Nigeria

Award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has expressed deep concern over the worsening economic situation in Nigeria, stating that it has pushed many formerly middle-class citizens into poverty.

In an interview, Adichie said the rising cost of food and basic household items has made life unbearable for many Nigerians. She noted that the country’s economic challenges have eroded the dignity of once self-sufficient citizens.

“People who were securely middle class, who used to get by, are now in need and begging. That worries me greatly,” she said, stressing that a nation’s progress should be measured by the well-being of its people.

Keyamo criticised over ₦712bn Lagos Airport renovation plan

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is facing criticism following the Federal Executive Council’s approval of ₦712 billion for the renovation of the E and D wings of the old Murtala Muhammed Airport terminal in Lagos.

Keyamo revealed that the project, awarded to Chinese firm CCECC, would give the terminal its first full-scale rehabilitation since inception. The plan includes terminal upgrades, apron expansion, and the construction of access roads and bridges within the airport.

However, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly opposed the decision, questioning the justification for such a massive expenditure on renovation amid the country’s economic challenges.

Dangote Group appoints David Bird as Dangote Refinery CEO

Dangote Group has appointed David Bird, former CEO of Oman’s Duqm refinery, as the new head of Dangote Refinery, its petroleum and petrochemicals division.

Bird assumed office in July 2025 and is expected to steer the business through its next growth phase, particularly following the launch of the world’s largest single-train refinery last year.

Aliko Dangote remains the group’s overall CEO and chairman of the refining arm. The appointment is seen as a strategic step to tackle operational challenges and expand the company’s reach beyond Nigeria. Bird previously led the successful expansion and crude diversification of the Duqm refinery.

D’Tigress clinch historic fifth straight Women’s Afrobasket title

Nigeria’s D’Tigress have emerged champions of the 2025 Women’s Afrobasket after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Led by coach Rena Wakama, the team delivered a dominant performance to secure the win on Sunday.

With this victory, Nigeria became the only nation to win the Women’s Afrobasket title five consecutive times. The win also earned them an automatic qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin, Germany.

D’Tigress now hold a total of seven Afrobasket titles and have remained unbeaten in the competition for a decade. Their last defeat was in 2015 against Cameroon, highlighting their impressive run and dominance in African women’s basketball.