Welcome to Naija Blog’s roundup of the top newspaper headlines making waves across Nigeria today, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

1. Tinubu Returns To Abuja After Work Vacation In Paris

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja from Paris after concluding his work vacation.

Naija Blog reports that the President arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday evening, where he was received by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, among others.

The President cut short his planned 10-day vacation in France and the UK to resume official duties in Abuja.

2. We Are Not Borrowing Enough – Presidency Tells Nigerians

The presidency has dismissed concerns about mounting debts, insisting that Nigeria is actually under-borrowing.

Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Tope Fasua, made the remarks on Channels Television, explaining that national debts have reduced under Tinubu and currently stand at 39% of GDP.

He stressed that loans are being channeled into developmental projects, not wastage, and assured Nigerians that both the federal and state governments remain capable of servicing debts.

3. Rivers Emergency Rule Was A Necessity – Ibas

Outgoing Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has defended the emergency rule imposed in the state, describing it as the only option to restore peace.

Speaking during a lecture in Port Harcourt, Ibas said the intervention helped rebuild confidence and ensure the peaceful conduct of the August 30 local government elections.

4. DSS Files Five Charges Against Sowore

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a five-count charge against activist Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Naija Blog gathered that social media platforms 𝕏 (Twitter) and Meta (Facebook) were also listed as defendants over posts where Sowore allegedly labeled President Tinubu a “criminal.”

The DSS accused him of spreading false and defamatory statements capable of inciting public disorder, in violation of the Cybercrimes Act and Criminal Code.

5. Nigerian Army Arrests Notorious IPOB/ESN Commander, Gentle de Yahoo

Troops of the Nigerian Army have captured a wanted commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), identified as Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, alias Gentle de Yahoo.

The arrest took place in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe LGA of Imo State. A cache of arms, ammunition, uniforms, and motorcycles was recovered, along with a workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles.

6. PDP Clarifies Zoning, Says All Aspirants Free To Contest In 2027

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has clarified that its zoning formula will not stop aspirants from any part of Nigeria from contesting the 2027 presidential ticket.

PDP’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, said zoning is for equity but cannot override the Nigerian Constitution, which permits any citizen to run for office.

7. Hilda Baci’s Mother Speaks On Jollof Record

The mother of celebrity chef Hilda Baci has revealed her fears during her daughter’s Guinness World Record attempt for the largest pot of Jollof rice.

Speaking during an online service, she admitted she was afraid the six-metre-wide pot might collapse under the weight of food but credited prayers and fasting for her daughter’s success.

8. ‘I Want More Children’ – Tiwa Savage

Nigerian superstar Tiwa Savage has expressed her desire to have more children.

In an interview with US podcaster Joe Budden, she revealed she had undergone egg freezing, with hopes of having more boys in the future.

9. Super Eagles’ World Cup Dreams Get Major Boost

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have received a boost in their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes after CAS upheld FIFA’s decision to dock six points from Equatorial Guinea for fielding an ineligible player.

The ruling reshaped the qualification table, keeping Nigeria’s chances of advancing to the inter-confederation play-offs alive.

10. Arsenal, Union Saint-Gilloise Begin Champions League With Wins

In the UEFA Champions League, Arsenal secured a 2-0 away victory at Athletic Club, while Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise stunned PSV Eindhoven with a 3-1 win.

Nigerian striker Peter Akinpelu was among the scorers in Union’s big win.

That’s all for today’s headlines. Stay tuned to Naija Blog for the latest news updates across Nigeria.