2025, as it ends, was a year we won’t forget anytime soon. From explosive political drama, to unforgettable moments in entertainment, the year was packed with headlines. We saw historic events. It was also a year of ‘gbas gbos,’ surprises, and milestones. But among all the chaos and celebrations, which moment truly defined 2025 for you? In this PACESETTER exclusive, we take a look at some of the trends that defined 2025, from politics to the economy, insecurity, entertainment, lifestyle, etc.
Supreme Court Okays Local Government Autonomy
In July 2025, the Supreme Court affirmed greater financial and administrative independence for the 774 local governments in the country. The ruling reduced state interference, bolstering grassroots democracy while creating tensions with state governors. Subsequently, the verdict necessitated Senate bills for reforms in a move that reshaped power distribution at the subnational level.
The Launch of Enugu Air
Enugu Air was officially launched and began operations on July 7, 2025. The airline’s first commercial flights took off on that day from Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu State. The inauguration was marked by a formal ceremony attended by key dignitaries including: Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State. Enugu Air started operations with three Embraer regional jets (E170/E190), initially serving domestic routes. It operates in partnership with XEJet, which holds the regulatory certification and is operating flights on behalf of Enugu Air while its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) process continues.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan vs. Senator Godswill Akpabio
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, publicly accused Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Nigerian Senate, of sexual harassment. These allegations first gained public attention after she spoke in media interviews and later submitted petitions in the Senate. She said that Akpabio made unwanted sexual advances toward her. According to her, the unwanted conduct included inappropriate remarks and attempts to solicit sexual favors in exchange for parliamentary support. Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed the harassment started around December 2023, during interactions that included social and official settings. Akpabio denied all allegations of sexual harassment and publicly refuted the claims, insisting he never acted improperly. In December 2025, Akpabio filed a ₦200 billion defamation lawsuit against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan over the sexual harassment allegations. She said this gives her a chance to prove her version of events in court.
Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State
President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State under Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, citing a breakdown in governance, constitutional breaches, political crisis, and rising security threats in the state. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers State House of Assembly members were suspended for six months. A retired Vice Admiral, Ibok Ekwe Ibas, was appointed as sole administrator to run the state during the emergency period which lasted six months. Tinubu said the emergency was necessary due to political paralysis, including a legislature–executive standoff, and security concerns such as pipeline vandalism and threats that, in his view, had gone unmanaged by the state government. Supporters of Tinubu’s action argue the Constitution empowers the President to take such measures where governance has effectively broken down. Recent Supreme Court decisions upheld the president’s power to declare emergency rule and suspend elected officials within legal bounds. After the six-month period, Tinubu formally lifted the state of emergency. Governor Fubara and others were reinstated.
Coalition adopts ADC as platform
The coalition integration happens to be a broad opposition alliance of politicians and parties adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 Nigerian general elections. Opposition leaders, including figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), decided to adopt AD. As part of this integration, new interim leadership was appointed for ADC: David Mark as Interim National Chairman, Rauf Aregbesola as Interim National Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi as Interim Spokesperson. These appointments were agreed upon by coalition members to steer ADC into the 2027 elections.
Gov. Peter Mbah Defects to APC
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State formally left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in October 2025. He announced his decision publicly during a press briefing/statewide broadcast. The Deputy governor, commissioners, lawmakers, local government chairmen, political appointees, and the entirety of the state political structure also defected with him, effectively shifting Enugu’s entire political leadership to the APC. Mbah stated the move was aimed at aligning Enugu State with the federal government to better serve the people and accelerate development, believing the APC platform offers stronger support for his agenda. He argued that the Peoples Democratic Party had marginalised the South-East region, especially during internal party power-sharing disputes, and that joining the APC was a strategic choice for fairness, respect and better representation for his constituents. Mbah also spoke of shared leadership values with President Bola Tinubu and his reform agenda.
Comfort Emmanson vs. Ibom Air
On 10 August 2025, Comfort Emmanson was involved in a serious incident aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos. According to the airline, she initially refused to comply with standard safety instructions to switch off her mobile phone before take-off. Ibom Air says the issue was eventually resolved and the flight departed. After arriving in Lagos, Emmanson allegedly confronted and assaulted flight crew members, physically engaging with a purser and other cabin staff as she tried to disembark. This confrontation which left her bare upper body exposed, was caught on video and went viral. Security and police were involved, and she was arrested and charged with unruly behaviour and assault. Authorities remanded her in custody pending court proceedings. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) launched an investigation into the incident, reviewing actions by Emmanson and the airline crew. Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) initially placed Emmanson on a lifetime no-fly list due to what they described as one of the most severe unruly passenger cases of the year. In mid-August 2025, an Ikeja Magistrate Court discharged Comfort Emmanson after police withdrew the prosecution’s case against her. The lifetime ban was also lifted following interventions by the Minister of Aviation and AON’s reconsideration.
Nnamdi Kanu’s Conviction and Sentencing
On 20 November 2025, a Federal High Court in Abuja sitting delivered a verdict in the terrorism case against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Justice James Omotosho convicted him on all seven terrorism-related counts brought by the Federal Government. The judge sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment, opting not to impose the death penalty, citing broader considerations including global trends. The conviction followed a decade-long legal battle that had seen the case move between different courts and judicial challenges. The judgment day featured dramatic scenes, with reports of Kanu being asked to leave the courtroom after disruptions and resisting proceedings. After sentencing, his family and supporters reacted strongly, expressing concern and frustration over the outcome. Kanu was transferred to the Sokoto Correctional Centre to serve his life term. Defense lawyers and legal analysts continue to publicly challenge the validity of the conviction, claiming issues with jurisdiction and the law used in prosecution, and signal intentions to appeal or seek relief in higher courts.
5th Frontier Discourse Public Lecture and Awards
The 5th Edition of the Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture and Awards, organized by Pacesetter Frontier Magazine, was held on November 11, 2025, at the Nigerian National Merit House, Maitama, Abuja. The annual public lecture convenes political stakeholders, business leaders, and officials from diverse institutions to engage in constructive national discourse on critical issues confronting the nation and articulating informed policy-oriented solutions. Previous editions of the Frontier Discourse were hosted in Enugu, with the exception of the 2024 edition, which was conducted virtually. The decision to host the 2025 edition in the nation’s capital was informed by the organization’s strategic expansion and the formal establishment of its Northern Bureau. The theme for this year’s discourse, “Politics of Convergence and Collisions: Navigating Power Struggles in Shaping Democracy,” was critically examined by two distinguished keynote speakers: Dr. Udenta O. Udenta, Founding National Secretary of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), and Dr. Ahmed Sajoh, Executive Director of the FutureNow Initiative. The panel discussion featured notable public commentators and civil society leaders, including Mr. Laolu Akande, Ms. Aisha Yesufu, Ademola Oshodi, and Rev. Fr. John Chinyere. Deliberations focused on the dynamics of power struggles in democratic governance, as well as strategies for meaningful youth engagement and integration into the political process. The Chairman of the Day, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, Senator representing the Abia South Senatorial District, underscored the imperative for government to discontinue the appeasement of criminal elements, observing that such actions inadvertently embolden criminal activities. The event also featured an awards ceremony, during which individuals were recognized across various categories for their outstanding contributions and impact within their respective fields.
Face-off between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Naval Officer Lt. A.M. Yerima
On November 11, 2025, a highly publicized and viral confrontation occurred in Gaduwa District, Abuja, during an FCT Administration enforcement visit to a disputed plot of land (Plot 1946). Minister Nyesom Wike, leading officials to issue a stop-work or demolition order over alleged lack of proper title documents, was blocked by armed personnel led by Navy Lieutenant A.M. Yerima. The land was reportedly linked to retired Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (former Chief of Naval Staff), who had instructed the deployment for security. In the widely circulated video, an enraged Wike accused the former CNS of illegal land grabbing and verbally insulted Yerima (calling him “a very big fool” and questioning military intimidation tactics). Yerima remained composed, repeatedly stating he was “acting on superior orders,” “an officer with integrity,” and refusing commands to “shut up.” The standoff de-escalated after Wike contacted higher military authorities, but not before sparking national debate.
Ezra Olubi of PayStack Accused of Sexual Misconduct
In mid-November 2025, social media posts began circulating accusing Ezra Olubi of sexual misconduct involving a subordinate employee. Some individuals who knew him shared claims about his behavior and relationships with junior staff. At the same time, old tweets from 2009–2013 attributed to Olubi were widely shared online. These posts contained sexually explicit content, including comments that many described as disturbing and inappropriate, with references to sexual activity, minors, and other offensive themes. Paystack confirmed the allegations publicly and stated it took them very seriously. The company suspended Olubi from all duties on November 13–14, 2025, and launched a formal internal investigation, promising an independent review of the claims. Less than two weeks later, in late November 2025, Paystack’s Board terminated Olubi’s employment. Reports said this was due not just to the ongoing allegations but also because the resurfaced tweets caused significant reputational damage to the company. Olubi published a personal statement saying he was fired before the investigation concluded and that he was not given a hearing, or chance to respond to the allegations, which he said violated internal policy. He denied that the resurfaced posts reflected his conduct in real life and said his legal team was reviewing the process.
Sommie Maduagwu’s Death
Somtochukwu Christelle “Sommie” Maduagwu was a Nigerian lawyer-turned-journalist, model, and news anchor with Arise News Channel. She was 29 at the time of her death. Early September 29, 2025, at her apartment in Katampe, Abuja. Around 15 armed robbers reportedly attacked the residential compound where she lived. In panic, she jumped from the third floor of the building trying to flee the intruders. Police found her unconscious and rushed her to Maitama General Hospital, where efforts to save her were unsuccessful and she later died. Police confirmed the robbery and have set up a special investigative team. Authorities have detained at least 12 suspects linked to the attack. Her death sparked widespread grief across Nigeria’s media industry, with colleagues, public figures (including President Tinubu and prominent leaders), and civil society condemning the violence and calling for justice. There were also criticism and allegations from some colleagues regarding delays or issues in emergency response and hospital care after she was taken there, although police reports focus on the robbery and fall as the cause of death. In 2023, Sommie Maduagwu made it to page 4 of the Independence Edition of our magazine, Pacesetter Frontier, as the ‘Frontier Girl’.
Enugu Tech Festival
In the annals of Enugu’s history, May 2025 will be remembered as the moment the city reimagined its destiny. From May 7 to 9, the Enugu Tech Festival (ETF), under the visionary banner “Coal to Code”, drew tens of thousands of innovators, entrepreneurs, students, investors, and leaders to the Enugu International Conference Centre, marking the largest technology gathering ever seen in Nigeria. Over 28,000 participants, from local youths to seasoned tech founders and federal ministers, converged on Enugu to share knowledge, forge partnerships, and chart a new economic course. The festival wasn’t just a conference; it was a manifestation of a strategic pivot, a declaration that Enugu would no longer be defined solely by its past, but by its role in shaping Africa’s digital future.
Hilda Baci and the World’s Largest Pot of Jollof Rice
On September 12, 2025, in the bustling heart of Lagos, Nigeria, a culinary marvel unfolded that would be remembered for generations. Nigerian chef and cultural ambassador Hilda Baci etched her name into the annals of history by cooking the world’s largest pot of jollof rice, a dish celebrated across West Africa for its vibrant flavors and communal spirit. The event was no mere spectacle, it was a testament to ingenuity, endurance, and national pride. In a vessel nearly 6 meters wide, Hilda and her team stirred a staggering 8,780 kilograms of rice infused with tomatoes, spices, and tradition, a quantity enough to feed thousands. The labor, meticulous and unrelenting, stretched over nine hours, showcasing not just culinary skill but the sheer perseverance required to transform a beloved dish into a world-record phenomenon. As cranes lifted the colossal pot and crowds gathered in awe, Hilda’s feat transcended cooking. It became a cultural celebration, a moment when the communal joy of sharing food intertwined with the global recognition of human creativity. The rice, once cooked, was distributed to the people, ensuring that the record honored both spectacle and service. The Guinness World Records officially confirmed the achievement, cementing Hilda Baci’s legacy not only as a chef but as a historical figure in the story of African gastronomy. Her monumental pot of jollof rice stands as a symbol: of Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage, of the boundless possibilities when passion meets perseverance, and of a single meal capable of uniting thousands in awe and celebration. History will remember September 12, 2025, not just as the day a record was broken, but as the day jollof rice became larger than life itself.
Rumors of a coup plot in October-November 2025
In mid-October 2025, widespread rumors emerged alleging that Nigerian military intelligence had foiled a coup plot against President Bola Tinubu. Sources claimed that 16-20 senior officers (ranks from Captain to Brigadier-General, including some attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser) were detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in late September after secret meetings. The alleged plan reportedly involved overthrowing the government, with some reports specifying a violent takeover timed for October 1 (Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day), including potential assassinations of Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during the parade. This was cited as the reason for abruptly canceling the traditional Independence Day military parade. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) swiftly denied any coup attempt on October 18-19, describing the detentions as a “routine internal process” for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations”), and called the reports “false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension.” Reports of further arrests (up to over 40 officers and some civilians) and raids (e.g., on former Petroleum Minister Timipre Sylva’s residence) persisted into late October and November, with claims of impending trials in military and civil courts. On October 24, President Tinubu announced a major reshuffle of military leadership—sacking the Chief of Defence Staff (Gen. Christopher Musa), Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, and Chief of Air Staff, while retaining the Chief of Defence Intelligence.
November Mass Abductions
In a dramatic surge of violence during mid-to-late November 2025, armed criminal gangs (locally known as bandits) carried out multiple large-scale kidnappings across northwestern and north-central Nigeria, abducting over 500 people in a short period. The most prominent incident was the attack on St Mary’s Catholic School (a primary and secondary boarding institution) in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, on November 21. Gunmen stormed the school around 2 a.m., abducting 303 students (aged 5–18, both boys and girls) and 12 teachers, making it one of the largest school abductions since the 2014 Chibok incident. The school had reportedly ignored a state directive to close boarding facilities due to heightened security risks. About 50 students later escaped, and by late December, many (including the final groups) were released, allowing most to reunite with families before Christmas. Other November abductions included 64 people (mostly women and children) in Zamfara, 24 female students in Kebbi, at least 20 farmers in Niger, and dozens more in various attacks. On November 18, 2025, gunmen attacked the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku (or Oke Isegun community), Kwara State, during an evening service. The assailants killed at least two worshippers (some reports said three) and abducted 38 others, including the pastor and several congregants.
Kidnapping and Execution of Brigadier General Musa Uba
On November 14–15, 2025, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants ambushed a military convoy in the Lake Chad region near Damboa, Borno State. The attack killed several soldiers and led to the capture of Brigadier General Musa Uba, commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade. ISWAP later released footage claiming they interrogated and executed him, marking a rare and unprecedented escalation where a high-ranking officer (one-star general) was captured and killed. The Nigerian Army initially denied the kidnapping but President Tinubu later confirmed the death. This incident exposed vulnerabilities in military operations, boosted insurgent morale, and underscored ongoing challenges in the northeast insurgency.
US Re-designates Nigeria as ‘Country of Particular Concern’
In late October 2025, US President Donald Trump re-designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for alleged severe violations of religious freedom, reversing a prior removal and echoing claims from US lawmakers and evangelical groups about an “existential threat” to Christianity. Trump accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians from “radical Islamists,” claiming thousands were being killed in what he later termed a “genocide.” Trump escalated rhetoric in early November via social media posts, threatening to cut all US aid, order Pentagon planning for military action (including potential troop deployment or airstrikes), and intervene “guns-a-blazing” to “wipe out Islamic terrorists” if Nigeria did not act swiftly. Nigerian officials, including President Bola Tinubu, strongly rejected the “Christian genocide” narrative as unfounded, emphasizing that violence from bandits, Boko Haram/ISWAP, and communal clashes affects Muslims and Christians alike.
Sudden Deaths of Two Kano State Lawmakers Same Day
On December 24, 2025 (Christmas Eve), the Kano State House of Assembly was plunged into deep mourning following the near-simultaneous deaths of two serving lawmakers from the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). Hon. Aminu Sa’adu (also known as Aminu Saad Ungogo), representing Ungogo Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, reportedly collapsed after a brief illness while at the Assembly complex attending duties; he was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Barely an hour later, news emerged of the death of Hon. Sarki Aliyu Daneji (also referred to as Aliyu Sarki Daneji), representing Kano Municipal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Pilgrims Welfare.
US Airstrikes Against ISIS-linked Militants
On December 25, 2025 (Christmas Day), the United States conducted precision airstrikes targeting Islamic State (ISIS)-affiliated camps in northwestern Nigeria, specifically in Sokoto State’s Bauni forest (Tangaza area) and surrounding regions bordering Niger. President Donald Trump announced the operation on Truth Social, describing it as a “powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum” who he accused of “targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.” The strikes involved multiple munitions—reports vary between Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from a US Navy vessel in the Gulf of Guinea, MQ-9 Reaper drones deploying 16 GPS-guided weapons, or a combination—hitting two known ISIS enclaves used as staging grounds for potential large-scale attacks. U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the strikes were carried out “at the request of” and “in coordination with” Nigerian authorities, with initial assessments indicating “multiple ISIS terrorists” killed and no civilian casualties reported. Nigerian officials, including the Information Ministry and Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, framed it as a joint operation based on shared intelligence, part of ongoing bilateral security cooperation to counter foreign ISIS elements infiltrating from the Sahel (e.g., linked to Islamic State Sahel Province/ISSP or the emerging Lakurawa group). They emphasized the targets were terrorists planning attacks, unrelated to religion, and rejected Trump’s narrative of targeted Christian persecution.