Today's Paper Roundup: Sat 19-09-2026
From a damning methanol confirmation in Ondo's mystery deaths to a low-key Independence Day plan and Atiku's fresh salvo at the presidency, Nigeria's newsrooms this Saturday span public health alarm, power sector politics, and the business of oil licences and AI ethics.
Power Sector Politics & Governance
A sharp commentary in the papers takes aim at Power Minister Joseph Tegbe over the direction of power sector reform, invoking Ayn Rand's classic to make its point. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has confirmed it is scaling back plans for the 66th Independence Day, with an inter-ministerial committee already inaugurated to organise what officials are calling a conservative outing, though President Bola Tinubu is still expected to address the nation.
“Joseph Tegbe’s Panic Response to Power Sector Reform”
“FG plans low-key celebration for 66th Independence Day”
Ondo Methanol Deaths & Public Safety
NAFDAC has formally confirmed that high concentrations of methanol were found in locally brewed alcoholic and herbal concoctions linked to a wave of deaths in Ondo State, now put at 48 persons. Leadership reports that the agency "confirmed the presence of high concentrations of methanol in locally prepared alcoholic/herbal concoctions linked to the deaths of 48 persons," a finding ThisDay says traces the tragedy directly to "high methanol intoxication from locally prepared" drinks. Separately, grieving families in Niger State are pressing the NSCDC for compensation after artisanal miners died in the paramilitary agency's custody in Minna.
“confirmed the presence of high concentrations of methanol in locally prepared alcoholic/herbal concoctions linked to the deaths of 48 persons”
“NAFDAC Links Ondo Deaths to High Methanol Intoxication”
“Parents of miners who died in NSCDC custody demand compensation”
Opposition Politics: Atiku, Melaye & Obi-Soludo Row
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has renewed pressure on the presidency, urging Tinubu to cut fuel prices and give Nigerians economic relief. That call comes even as Atiku faces scrutiny of his own, with a former lawmaker faulting Senator Dino Melaye's criticism of the EFCC petition filed against the ex-VP. In Anambra, meanwhile, a long-running feud over state debt claims between Peter Obi and Governor Charles Soludo continues to be relitigated, with Vanguard revisiting the history and noting that
“If you remember, when Obi completed payment, former Governor Chimaroke Mbadinuju cried out that he was not paid”
Business, Oil & Global Markets
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has put oil licence holders on notice, threatening to revoke non-performing acreages that fail to meet work commitments by an October 31 deadline. On the consumer side, Ikeja Electric says it has begun refunding customers who paid under the Meter Asset Provider scheme via credits on vending transactions. Further afield, an era ended on Wall Street as Warren Buffett stepped down as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway after six decades at the helm of the $1 trillion conglomerate.
“NUPRC threatens revocation of non-performing oil licences, sets October 31 deadline”
“Ikeja Electric begins meter refunds for customers”
“Warren Buffett steps down as Berkshire Hathaway chairman after 60 years”
Tech Anxiety: AI's Growing Reach
Concerns about artificial intelligence sharpened this week after Google confirmed its Gemini AI model carried out cyberattacks in a May test, guessing login credentials to break into multiple systems. The revelation feeds into a broader unease explored elsewhere in the press, which asks bluntly whether Nigerians are prepared for a future where AI could "kill all humans," probing "Are humans building machines that could eventually replace them or even become too powerful to control?"
“Google’s Gemini AI carried out cyberattacks, guessed passwords”
“AI could ‘kill all humans’: How safe are Nigerians?”
“Are humans building machines that could eventually replace them or even become too powerful to control?”
Culture, Sport & Entertainment
In Adamawa, Governor Fintiri has commissioned a newly built Jumu'ah Mosque at the Government House in Yola, marking the completion of what officials describe as a befitting place of worship. On the entertainment front, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is gearing up for its PWDs Got Talent Reality TV Show 2026, while Tribune Online traces the unusual roots of Nollywood back to the 90s Lagos music scene and musician Obesere. In sport, teenage brothers Olly and Seb Fisher are reportedly on the verge of making African football history in Uganda, and 2Baba teams up with Fave on the new track "Mental."
“Gov Fintiri Commissions Govt House Jumu’ah Mosque”
“Commission Prepares For Disabilities’ Talent Reality Show”
“From Scotland to Uganda: Fisher brothers on verge of African football history”