Today's Paper Roundup: Wed 09-09-2026
From early 2027 campaign moves in Lagos to budget reviews in Ondo, education milestones, an NDLEA chief's milestone birthday, and a fresh electoral date from INEC, Wednesday's papers span politics, business and culture in equal measure.
2027 Politics Heats Up
The Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress has officially flagged off its 2027 campaign, throwing its weight behind President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid. The party framed the endorsement not merely as state politics but as a national imperative, with prayers marking the launch. Meanwhile, in Benue, tension flared as youths blocked NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi from proceeding to Yelwata during a visit.
“Lagos APC kicks off campaign, backs Tinubu’s re-election”
“Tinubu’s re-election in national interest”
“Benue and Obi”
State Budgets and Elections
Ondo State has revised its 2026 budget upward, adding roughly N245bn to push total spending to N769bn, with the extra funds earmarked for roads, water and healthcare projects, including plans for 90km of new roads. On the electoral front, INEC has fixed September 19 for by-elections spanning Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states.
“Ondo reviews 2026 budget upward by N245bn to N769bn”
“Ondo Raises 2026 Budget to N769bn, Targets 90km Roads”
“INEC fixes Sept 19 for by-elections in 4 states”
Education Gains and Governance Scrutiny
The federal government reported that more than one million out-of-school children have returned to classrooms over the past 20 months, with the Education Minister also pushing for deeper partnership with UNESCO while cautioning against neglecting boys in reform efforts. Elsewhere, scrutiny continues over how state governors have handled post-subsidy funds, with critics questioning the sincerity of their responses on the matter, even as commentary in Kano frames the state's ambitious "Kano First Agenda" as a blueprint for economic transformation.
“One million out-of-school children return to classrooms in 20 months —FG”
“Warns against leaving boys behind”
“Post-subsidy funds: Governors’ questionable assessment”
“Kano First Agenda: A blueprint for building the next economic giant”
Business & Markets
FirstHoldCo Plc has joined the FTSE Frontier 50 Index, a move the company says strengthens global investor access, with Femi Otedola describing it as affirmation of the transformation the group is driving. Debate also continues over the Dangote Refinery's SEC-approved plan to float a share of its capital, with commentators weighing whether Northern Nigerians should have a dedicated stake in the arrangement.
“It affirms the transformation we are driving”
“strengthening global investor access and market visibility”
“securing the North’s stake in the Dangote Refinery”
Culture, Sport & Technology
Onitsha Kingdom is preparing to mark over 500 years of unbroken monarchy with a special logo unveiled for the Ofala 2026 festival, scheduled for October. In sport, Lagos hosted Nigeria's first Wheelchair American Football exhibition to promote inclusion, while golf enthusiasts look ahead to the 29th Nigeria Cup mini-festival at Ikoyi Club from September 19-27. On the tech front, a Nigerian AI innovation that cuts MRI scan time by up to 90 percent has won recognition, with its creator becoming the first woman and millennial to claim the honour, even as telecom stakeholders push for more time to implement new device manufacturing rules. Separately, NDLEA chief Buba Marwa was celebrated as he turned 73, described as a leader who "ages backward."
“Onitsha marks 500yrs unbroken monarchy with special logo for Ofala 2026”
“Wheelchair American Football promotes inclusion in Nigeria”
“Golf: Nigeria Cup set for mini-festival at Ikoyi Club”
“Nigerian AI Innovation Cuts MRI Scan Time By 90%, Wins NPSI”
“Marwa @73: A general who ages backward”