Heavy rainfall on June 28 and 29, 2025, triggered severe flooding in Niger State, displacing over 5,000 families across several communities. The state emergency management agency reported that homes, farmlands, and infrastructure have been destroyed, with many residents taking refuge in temporary shelters. Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has appealed for federal assistance and urged residents to relocate to safer areas. Humanitarian organizations are mobilizing relief materials, but access to some affected areas remains challenging due to damaged roads. The disaster adds to Nigeria's growing climate-related crises this year.
Nollywood actress Chioma Akpotha was honored with the Best Actress award at the African Film Festival in London on June 28, 2025, for her role in the critically acclaimed movie 'Silent Tears.' The film, which addresses domestic violence, has been praised for its powerful storytelling and Akpotha's compelling performance. In her acceptance speech, she dedicated the award to survivors of abuse and called for more investment in African cinema. Fans and colleagues took to social media to celebrate her achievement, with many describing her as a trailblazer for Nigerian entertainment on the global stage.
Nigeria's Super Eagles secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Ghana in a qualifying match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 29, 2025. Goals from Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Iheanacho sealed the win in a packed stadium in Abuja. Coach Jose Peseiro praised the team's resilience despite early challenges in the campaign. Fans across the country celebrated the win, with hopes high for a strong performance in the playoffs. This victory marks a significant step toward Nigeria's return to the global stage.
In a nationwide broadcast on June 29, 2025, President Bola Tinubu addressed the ongoing protests over the removal of fuel subsidies, which have led to skyrocketing fuel prices and inflation. The President defended the policy, stating that subsidies were unsustainable and drained national resources. He announced palliative measures, including a N50,000 grant for low-income families and subsidized transport for workers. However, protest leaders have called the measures insufficient, demanding a full reversal of the subsidy removal. The protests, which began last week, have seen clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Lagos and Abuja, with reports of injuries on both sides. The government has urged calm while deploying additional security to hotspot areas.
Lagos-based tech startup, InnovateNG, announced on June 28, 2025, that it has secured $10 million in Series A funding from international investors to expand its AI-driven agricultural solutions. The platform, which helps farmers optimize crop yields using machine learning, aims to address food security challenges in Nigeria. CEO Amina Ibrahim stated that the funding will enable the company to scale operations across West Africa and onboard 50,000 new farmers by 2026. Industry experts have hailed the development as a significant boost to Nigeria's tech ecosystem, which continues to attract global attention despite economic challenges.
A sophisticated cyberattack on June 28, 2025, disrupted operations at several major European banks, halting online transactions and exposing vulnerabilities in global financial systems. Cybersecurity experts suspect state-sponsored actors, though no group has claimed responsibility. The attack has raised concerns about the safety of digital banking, with ripple effects felt in African markets, including Nigeria, where cross-border transactions were delayed. Authorities are working to restore systems, while the incident has reignited calls for stronger international cybersecurity frameworks.
World leaders reached a historic agreement on June 29, 2025, at the UN Climate Summit in Geneva to cut global emissions by 50% by 2035. The deal includes binding commitments from major polluters and a $200 billion fund to support vulnerable nations like Nigeria in transitioning to renewable energy. While hailed as a step forward, some activists criticized the agreement for lacking enforcement mechanisms. Nigerian delegates welcomed the fund but stressed the need for technology transfers to combat local climate challenges like flooding and desertification.
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia on June 28, 2025, causing widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. At least 50 deaths have been confirmed, with hundreds injured and many still missing. A tsunami warning was issued for coastal areas, prompting mass evacuations. International aid organizations are coordinating with local authorities to provide relief. The disaster has drawn global attention, with several countries, including Nigeria, pledging support. Experts warn of potential aftershocks, urging residents to remain vigilant.
Trade negotiations between the United States and China broke down on June 29, 2025, after both sides failed to reach an agreement on tariff reductions and intellectual property rights. The collapse raises fears of a renewed trade war, with potential impacts on global markets, including Nigeria, which relies heavily on imported goods from both countries. US officials accused China of unfair trade practices, while Beijing countered that the US demands were unreasonable. Economists warn that escalating tensions could lead to higher consumer prices and supply chain disruptions worldwide. Markets in Asia and Europe have already reacted with significant drops.
Armed bandits kidnapped 20 students from a secondary school in Kaduna State on June 28, 2025, during a late-night raid. The attackers also injured two teachers who attempted to resist. Security forces have launched a manhunt for the kidnappers, while parents and community leaders demand urgent action from the government. This incident is the latest in a series of abductions in northern Nigeria, where banditry and insecurity continue to threaten lives and education. The state government has promised to strengthen school security, but critics argue that more comprehensive measures are needed.