Top Headlines From Major Nigerian Newspapers For Monday, November 17, 2025

According to Ireporter Online, major national developments unfolded across Nigeria on Monday, 17th November 2025, as fresh political, religious, security and social issues dominated public discourse.

The Presidency has indicated that President Bola Tinubu is on the verge of announcing a new list of ambassadorial nominees to strengthen Nigeria’s representation across its 109 foreign missions. The confirmation, shared by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, came amid growing concerns over the prolonged absence of substantive envoys since Tinubu recalled all ambassadors in September 2023 as part of a broad review. Diplomatic experts argue that Nigeria’s reliance on chargés d’affaires for over a year has weakened the country’s global presence, contributing to strained relations with foreign partners, including recent tensions linked to controversial comments attributed to former U.S. President Donald Trump.

In a separate development, Ireporter Online gathered that Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. A.M. Yarima—who recently made headlines following a confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike—reportedly survived an assassination attempt on Sunday evening. Security sources said he was trailed by unidentified men in two unmarked Hilux vans from the NIPCO Filling Station toward Gado Nasco Way before he managed to evade the suspected assailants through a tactical maneuver. Investigators are said to be probing the incident with utmost seriousness.

On the global stage, Pope Leo XIV has drawn attention to growing persecution of Christians, listing Nigeria, Mozambique, Bangladesh and Sudan among countries where believers face violent attacks. In a message shared on social media, the Pope decried rising intolerance and offered prayers for families in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kivu region, where civilians were recently massacred. He urged international stakeholders to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable religious groups worldwide.

Meanwhile, the Department of State Services announced a breakthrough in its fight against terrorism with the arrest of a suspected weapons manufacturer, Musa Abubakar, believed to be a key figure in an arms supply network linked to violent attacks in Plateau State and neighbouring regions. According to intelligence reports, the suspect operated an illicit fabrication centre in the Mista Ali area of Bassa LGA, where components for high-calibre weapons and IED materials were discovered.

Human rights advocate and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore also stirred national debate after demanding the arrest and suspension of Senator Ned Nwoko. In a video message, Sowore accused the lawmaker of engaging in serial human rights violations, including alleged cross-border exploitation of minors and the misuse of state security operatives. He alleged that several incidents, including the controversial detention of Regina Daniels’ brother, reflect a troubling pattern that demands urgent prosecution.

Elsewhere, the Presidency intensified peace-building efforts in Plateau State as Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement, met Christian leaders, traditional rulers, Fulani representatives and community stakeholders in Barkin Ladi. The peace shuttle, ordered by President Tinubu, focused on restoring trust among warring groups and providing support to widows affected by recurrent conflicts.

In entertainment, singer D’Banj revealed that the breakup of the iconic Mo’Hits Records was entirely initiated by producer Don Jazzy. He explained that the separation allowed both of them to preserve mutual respect, noting that Don Jazzy transferred ownership of his music catalogue—including unreleased works—to him after the split. Their final global hit, Oliver Twist, was described as a deliberate farewell project.

BBNaija Season 10 winner Imisi Ayanwale also responded publicly to her mother’s accusations of abandonment, questioning the timing of the claims which surfaced after her N150 million win. According to her, their relationship had long been strained and she had been supportive even before the controversy. She added that managing expectations from extended family members had made it impossible to focus solely on one individual.

In sports, the Round of 16 fixtures for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar have been finalized, with giant clashes such as Brazil vs France and England vs Austria generating excitement. Uganda and Burkina Faso stunned Senegal and Germany, respectively, to secure historic qualification.

However, Nigeria endured heartbreak on the senior stage as the Super Eagles were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in Rabat. The match ended 1-1 after extra time before DR Congo triumphed 4-3 in the shootout. Despite heroic saves by goalkeeper Nwabali, Nigeria’s early misses and a decisive stop against Semi Ajayi allowed Congolese captain Mbemba to strike the winning penalty, sealing the Eagles’ exit for a second consecutive World Cup cycle.