
Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Tuesday, 2nd September, 2025
1. Not Lagos – FG Reveals Region That Gets Lion’s Share Of Tinubu’s Projects
The Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu, has disclosed the region that gets the lion’s share of federal government projects.
Yakubu explained that, contrary to popular opinion, Lagos does not receive the largest share of the country’s projects.
He disclosed that the North West region is the largest beneficiary of President Tinubu’s federal project approvals.
Yakubu dismissed the narrative that Lagos received ₦3.9 trillion worth of projects, describing it as misleading and politically motivated.
In a statement titled “Northwest: The Lion’s Share of Tinubu’s Projects,” the DG explained that only ₦1.2 trillion were Lagos-specific projects, such as airport fencing, Carter Bridge rehabilitation, and other localised upgrades.
The remaining ₦2.7 trillion, he explained, are national infrastructure projects, particularly highways and transport corridors that pass through Lagos but serve the entire federation.
Yakubu noted that the figures leave no doubt that the North West, and not Lagos, holds the lion’s share of projects under the Tinubu administration.
2. Finland Court Sentences Simon Ekpa To Prison
Pro-Biafran agitator, Simon Ekpa, has been sentenced to six years in prison by a district Court in Finland for terrorism-related crimes.
Naija News learnt that official court documents obtained by BBC News Pidgin on Monday disclosed that the 40-year-old former municipal politician from Lahti was convicted on multiple charges, including participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act.
The court ordered that Ekpa remain in custody.
According to the judgment, between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa attempted to promote the independence of the so-called Biafra region in southeastern Nigeria through illegal means.
The court also found that Ekpa was instrumental in founding and developing the separatist movement into a more organised structure, working alongside others.
3. 2027: If You Want To Destroy PDP, Field Peter Obi For 2027 Presidency – Wike
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against allowing former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, to return to the party and claim the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Speaking on Monday during a media chat with journalists, Wike stated that if the PDP dares to nominate Obi as its candidate for the 2027 elections, the party would be destroyed.
He added that as a matter of principle, Peter Obi should not consider returning to a party he once described as rotten just because he wants to fulfil his ambition of becoming Nigeria’s president.
The former Rivers State Governor also insisted that he has no regret about working against the PDP in the 2023 elections, maintaining that what he warned the party against, eventually happened.
According to him, the PDP leaders resolved to zone the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to the south because they had realised the error of the 2023 polls, where both the National Chairman and presidential candidate were from the North.
4. Resident Doctors Hand FG 10-Day Ultimatum, Threaten Nationwide Strike
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government and other relevant agencies a 10-day ultimatum to meet its outstanding demands or face a nationwide strike.
The ultimatum, issued on Monday, followed an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Sunday.
A communiqué signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity/Social Secretary, Omoha Amobi, warned that failure to act before September 10, 2025, would leave the union with no option but to down tools.
The doctors accused the government of reneging on promises made during previous negotiations.
5. ‘Your Unsolicited Advice Not Needed’ – Jonathan Knocks Keyamo Over 2027 Presidency Eligibility Debate
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has criticised Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), and legal scholar, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, over their opposition to his speculated 2027 presidential ambition.
Jonathan, through his cousin, Azibaola Robert, warned the duo to stay away from his political decisions, stressing that his eligibility to contest was not in doubt.
Naija News reports that Keyamo and Odinkalu had advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against offering Jonathan its ticket, arguing that he had already been sworn in twice as president and could face constitutional hurdles.
They contended that any return bid might not withstand legal scrutiny.
Responding in a statement on Monday, Robert dismissed their concerns, insisting Jonathan does not need unsolicited legal opinions.
Robert further suggested that existing court rulings had already settled the matter of Jonathan’s eligibility.
6. Ex-AGF Malami’s Convoy Attacked In Kebbi
A convoy belonging to the former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, came under attack on Monday in Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi State.
Eyewitnesses told Punch that the attack occurred shortly after Malami, who now leads the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi, returned to the state on a condolence visit.
About 10 vehicles in his convoy were reportedly vandalised, while several supporters sustained injuries.
Malami, who served as AGF between 2015 and 2023, condemned the incident as a politically motivated assault.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi, however, denied orchestrating the attack.
7. Bayer Leverkusen Sack Erik Ten Hag After Two Matches
Bayer Leverkusen have sensationally parted ways with Erik ten Hag after just two Bundesliga matches, bringing an abrupt end to his short-lived tenure in Germany.
Naija News reports that Bayer Leverkusen appointed Erik ten Hag, 55, in May after Xabi Alonso’s departure to Real Madrid.
Ten Hag parted ways with the German club earlier today, September 1, after recording only one point from his opening fixtures.
A 2-1 home defeat to Hoffenheim on the opening weekend was followed by a dramatic 3-3 draw at Werder Bremen, where Leverkusen twice surrendered a commanding lead against ten men.
The performance appears to have sealed Ten Hag’s fate, with the club’s hierarchy moving swiftly to end his tenure.
“This decision has not been easy for us. No one wanted this step,” sporting director Simon Rolfes said. “However, the past weeks have shown that building a new and successful team in this lineup cannot be designed in a goal-oriented manner.”
Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro admitted it was a painful call but insisted it was necessary for the team’s ambitions.
8. Transfer Deadline: Antony Seals Betis Return, Chukwueze Moves To Fulham, Højlund Joins Napoli, Gündogan Unites With Osimhen
Real Betis have officially announced the signing of Antony from Manchester United on the 2025 summer transfer window deadline day.
The Brazilian winger, who first joined the Spanish side on loan last winter, has now penned a long-term transfer deal running until 2030.
During his initial spell in Seville, Antony impressed with 9 goals and 6 assists in 26 appearances, guiding Betis to European qualification and a UEFA Conference League final.
Samuel Chukwueze is closing in on a move to Fulham from AC Milan. The transfer deal is structured as a loan with a buy option, potentially rising to €26m.
Italian transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano confirmed the Nigerian winger has already completed his medical and was spotted at Fulham’s training ground.
The 25-year-old previously impressed at Villarreal, becoming one of La Liga’s most dangerous wide players before moving to Milan.
9. ‘We Built Nollywood Industry With Tears, Sweat, And Blood’ – Kanayo O. Kanayo
Veteran Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, has lauded the pioneers of the movie industry for their contributions to the Nigerian entertainment sector.
Naija News reports that the thespian, in a post via Instagram on Monday, September 1, 2025, reflected on the struggles of early Nigerian filmmakers, stating that the industry was built through their tears, sweat, and blood.
Giving a dramatic comparison to Hollywood, Kanayo said the skin colour of American star, Denzel Washington, would turn charcoal if he put in the number of hours that many Nollywood stars put into movie production.
The film star added that despite the hard work and physical strain their passion for acting put them through, some of them are still hale and hearty.
10. How Beverly Osu’s Assault Allegations Ruined My Life – Rapper 2Shotz
Nigerian rapper William Orioha, professionally known as 2Shotz, has revealed how his life and music career were heavily affected after actress Beverly Osu accused him of assault.
Naija News reports that the veteran artiste, while appearing as a guest on the Teju Babyface show, explained that the allegation came long before his marriage and that he was unaware of how it would escalate.
He said the situation began when Beverly Osu, who had appeared in one of his music videos, visited his home several times.
Conflicts arose between them, and during one disagreement, he accidentally brushed her face, which she labelled as assault.
2Shotz said the accusations spread widely and caused him to lose not only professional opportunities but also personal stability.
According to him, he was cut off from shows, deals, and even lost his home.
He also revealed that the controversy affected his family life, leading to the end of his marriage and separating him from his daughter.
He described the emotional toll as overwhelming and admitted that he had even contemplated ending his life at one point before being rescued by friends.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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