Today's Paper Roundup: Fri 25-09-2026
Big-ticket investment news out of Ogun State dominates the morning, alongside fresh SSCE results, a court win against fake drug peddlers, and the Super Eagles' build-up to a crucial AFCON qualifier in Uyo.
Business & Investment
Ogun State has landed a landmark port deal, with the state government and DP World signing an agreement to develop the Gateway Deep Sea Port and an accompanying special economic zone. Punch reports the pact is worth "$7bn" in investment, while ThisDay adds that the project is expected to deliver "50,000 jobs" and ease pressure on Lagos ports, with Governor Abiodun saying the "Deep seaport will open new gateway for Ogun" and a "10,000-hectare zone to drive manufacturing, processing, non-oil exports." Ogun's industrial momentum continues with Dangote Cement, as Punch notes the company's new Itori plant is "100% export-oriented" and will anchor its export push into African markets. Elsewhere, Vice President Shettima was in New York courting investment, telling diaspora Nigerians he wants their "Support" in "Transforming Nation's Economic Fortunes."
“$7bn”
“50,000 jobs”
“Deep seaport will open new gateway for Ogun”
“10,000-hectare zone to drive manufacturing, processing, non-oil exports”
“100% export-oriented”
Education & Justice
NECO has released the 2026 SSCE Internal results, with both Punch and ThisDay reporting a "58.67%" pass rate for candidates obtaining credits in English and Maths. In the courts, a Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted trader Elijah Chigbogu and two linked companies over fake and unregistered drugs, with Punch reporting a fine of "N1.5m" over the offence.
“58.67%”
“N1.5m”
Politics
In Benue, the PDP has pushed back against Governor Hyacinth Alia's directive requiring local government workers to sign daily attendance registers, with Punch reporting the party called the move "anti-worker." On the 2027 election front, ThisDay reports that Accord Party's Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim and APM's presidential candidate have found common ground, with the two figures agreeing on a "Govt of National Unity Post-2027 National Elections." Meanwhile, INEC chairman Amupitan used an editors' conference to flag the risks new technology poses to democracy, warning that "deepfakes may erode confidence in polls" even as the commission works with Microsoft and Google on cybersecurity resilience ahead of 2027.
“anti-worker”
“Govt of National Unity Post-2027 National Elections”
“deepfakes may erode confidence in polls”
Africa & Regional
Dangote's continental footprint is drawing praise beyond Nigeria's borders, as ThisDay reports Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Djibouti's president have hailed the conglomerate's "$660 Million Oil Terminal, Pipeline Project," describing it as a "game-changer for regional trade, energy security."
“$660 Million Oil Terminal, Pipeline Project”
“game-changer for regional trade, energy security”
Sports
Football fever is building in Uyo ahead of the Super Eagles' AFCON qualifier against Madagascar, with ThisDay reporting that Paris FC forward Moses Simon is set to win his "100th cap" for Nigeria, while injured striker Victor Osimhen has flown in to Nigeria to cheer on his teammates despite being unavailable for selection. In European football, ThisDay reports Erling Haaland was in inspired form as "Norway Beat Denmark" 3-2 in their opening UEFA Nations League match, with the Manchester City striker scoring a brace.
“100th cap”
“Norway Beat Denmark”
Society & Culture
In Ibadan, Tribune Online reports that at 82, Olubadan Ladoja has continued to deliver for his people, having secured a "N300bn Ibadan-Ijebu Ode dualisation" project along with Kudeti canalisation works from President Tinubu.
“N300bn Ibadan-Ijebu Ode dualisation”