Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday, 19th September, 2025
1. Tinubu Govt Shares ₦330 Billion To Poor Nigerians
The federal government has disbursed ₦330 billion in cash transfers to poor and vulnerable Nigerians through the National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO).
This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, during a meeting of the Special Presidential Panel on the Social Investment Programme.
He stated that the monetary support is to help the vulnerable Nigerians cope with the rising price levels in the economy.
Naija News understands that the cash transfers are funded from the 800-million-dollar World Bank facility.
Edun added that beneficiaries are verified through their National Identity Numbers (NIN) and payments are made digitally via bank accounts or mobile wallets.
He assured that those yet to benefit from the disbursement would get theirs before the end of the year.
2. “If We Don’t Want Rivers State Emergency To Be Lifted, We Would Have Done One Or Two Things” – Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that peace has fully returned to Rivers State and all stakeholders are ready to work together.
He assured that despite the fact that some people who are benefiting from the crisis which rocked Rivers State don’t want peace to return, other stakeholders have resolved to allow peace to reign in the oil-rich state.
Wike assured that he is fully in support of the peace process and full restoration of democracy in Rivers State, noting that if he didn’t want the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in the state to end, he could have done one or two things to ensure it continues.
Naija News reports that Wike made the submission on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television.
The FCT Minister revealed that he and Governor Siminalayi Fubara have spoken after President Tinubu lifted the emergency rule in Rivers State and peace has now fully returned.
3. Rivers: Fubara ‘Fails’ To Resume After Tinubu’s Directives
Thousands of supporters who thronged the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Thursday to celebrate the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara were left disappointed after the governor failed to make an appearance.
Naija News reports that residents, musicians, masquerades, and political leaders had converged from as early as 7:00 a.m., expecting Fubara’s triumphant return following President Bola Tinubu’s announcement lifting the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.
However, by 5:10 p.m., the Government House and adjoining roads had been deserted, with only skeletal activity observed.
Former Chief of Staff Edison Ehie, ex-local government chairmen Chijioke Ihunwo and Ezebunwo Itche-Mati, among others, who arrived early with their supporters, quietly departed.
Security operatives reportedly barred staff from accessing the Brick House, fueling uncertainty over the governor’s whereabouts.
Despite Fubara’s absence, government activities across the three arms of government resumed. The judiciary announced the end of its annual vacation, with courts reopening on September 17.
At the House of Assembly, Speaker Martins Amaewhule presided over a session that commended Tinubu for restoring democratic governance.
The lawmakers passed a motion mandating a probe into contracts and expenditures executed under the former Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), during emergency rule.
The Assembly also requested Fubara to forward commissioner nominees to constitute a new Executive Council and submit a supplementary appropriation bill for the remainder of 2025.
4. Tinubu To Attend Senator Son’s Wedding, Visit Aisha Buhari In Kaduna
President Bola Tinubu will be in Kaduna State on Friday where he is expected to combine a condolence visit with a social event.
Naija News reports that he will meet the family of the late former president, Muhammadu Buhari, and later attend a wedding in the state.
According to a statement from the presidency, Tinubu will stop at the residence of Aisha Buhari, widow of the late leader, to pay his respects before heading to the wedding ceremony.
The wedding will join Nasirudeen Yari, son of Zamfara West senator Abdul’aziz Yari, and Safiyya Shehu Idris.
After the event, Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on the same day.
5. Listen Very Carefully – Kukah Warns Goodluck Jonathan
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah, has warned former president Goodluck Jonathan to tread carefully in considering a political comeback.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Democracy Dialogue of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Accra, Ghana, Kukah applauded Jonathan’s 2015 decision to concede defeat.
He noted that Jonathan had the power and resources to resist the outcome of the election but instead chose peace.
Kukah, however, warned the former president to be cautious as he weighs calls to contest the 2027 presidential election.
He urged Jonathan to reflect deeply, pray, and make a decision guided by conscience and the national interest.
6. Rivers Assembly Resolves To Probe Ibas, Tells Fubara To Prepare Budget
The Rivers House of Assembly has resolved to probe the state’s finances during the six-month emergency rule of the Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas.
Naija News reports that the House passed the resolution during its first plenary session on Thursday, after President Bola Tinubu reinstated the lawmakers, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy.
The lawmakers also urged Fubara to prepare the budget and transmit the list of commissioners’ nominees for screening and confirmation.
President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule on September 17, with all democratic structures in the state restored.
Speaker of the House Martin Amaewhule presided over the plenary session in the conference hall, located within the legislative quarters.
The assembly is still under construction following its demolition months ago by the state government.
7. Many Are Praying For Your Downfall – 9ice Warns 2baba
Nigerian singer Abolore Akande, also known as 9ice, has joined in celebrating Innocent Idibia, popularly called 2Baba, as he clocked 50.
Naija News reports that the Gongo Aso crooner took to Instagram on Thursday to felicitate with the African Queen hitmaker on his new age.
While congratulating him, 9ice also issued a caution, stating that not everyone is pleased with 2Baba’s journey and achievements in the music industry.
He said that some people secretly wish for the veteran singer to stumble in his career, but he reassured him that he would always overcome challenges.
9ice said that envy and jealousy naturally come with greatness but affirmed that 2Baba’s name and talent will continue to endure.
8. Your Life Will Be Miserable – Eucharia Anunobi Warns Christians Against Marrying Unbelievers
Veteran actress Eucharia Anunobi has warned Christians going into marriage with partners who do not share the same faith.
Naija News reports that the preacher gave the advice in a video shared on her Instagram page, where she described such unions as a path to pain and destruction.
Anunobi asked why a believer would willingly choose to build a life with someone who does not value the same spiritual foundation.
She compared the decision to picking up a weapon that could eventually be used against oneself.
The actress explained that physical attraction, emotions, and romance are not enough to sustain marriage when faith is not shared.
According to her, choosing an unbelieving partner could bring misery and conflict into the life of a Christian.
She also cautioned that no level of physical affection can take the place of spirituality, and she urged Christians to avoid letting temporary desires lead them into choices that may later bring regret.
9. José Mourinho Officially Returns To Benfica, Faces Early Chelsea Reunion
Benfica have confirmed the appointment of José Mourinho as their new head coach, handing the 62-year-old a contract that runs until 2027, though a break clause allows either side to end the agreement at the close of this season.
The move brings Jose Mourinho back to Lisbon, a city where he had a brief spell in charge of Benfica in 2000 before resigning and building his reputation at Porto.
This time, he returns under far greater scrutiny, with his fourth game set to pit him against Chelsea in the Champions League on September 30. It will be a reunion rich in emotion, as the London club remains one of the defining stages of his career.
Mourinho replaces Bruno Lage, who was dismissed after Tuesday’s 3-2 loss to Qarabag in Europe. In a statement, Benfica explained that “a break clause which would allow the club or Mourinho to end his deal in the 10 days after their final game of this campaign” had been included in the agreement, ensuring flexibility on both sides.
The Portuguese coach has been out of work since leaving Fenerbahce in August, following an early European exit. In a twist of fate, it was Benfica who eliminated his former team from that competition.
10. Super Eagles Slip Again In FIFA Rankings As Spain Reclaims World No. 1 Spot
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have slipped further down the FIFA World Rankings, falling one place from 44th to 45th in the world.
The latest update, released on Thursday through FIFA’s official 𝕏 handle, also confirmed that the Super Eagles remain sixth in Africa despite their struggles in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The drop continues a worrying trend for Nigeria. In August, the Super Eagles fell from 43rd to 44th following a string of disappointing results. Coach Eric Chelle’s men are yet to find their rhythm, and the rankings reflect the pressure mounting on the side as key qualification matches loom.
Across Africa, rivals are showing greater consistency. Morocco held firm as the continent’s top-ranked team, sitting 11th in the world after winning eight of their last nine matches. Senegal, Egypt, Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire complete the African top five.
Nigeria’s upcoming opponents, the Benin Republic, climbed to 93rd, while South Africa, which frustrated the Eagles with a 1-1 draw earlier this month, moved up to 55th. Zimbabwe suffered the biggest setback on the continent, slipping nine places to 125th, while Lesotho dropped to 153rd.
On the women’s side, the Super Falcons held their position as the 36th best team in the world. Spain, however, stole the headlines after overtaking the USA to claim the number one spot in the latest FIFA women’s rankings.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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