Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Thursday, 19th March, 2026
Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Thursday, 19th March, 2026.
by Oladipo Abiola · Naija News1. Shettima Visits Bomb Blast Victims In Borno
The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday, visited the victims of the recent bomb blasts in Maiduguri who are receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) in Borno.
Naija News reports that the Vice President was accompanied on the visit by the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hajiya Zubaida Umar.
Speaking to journalists after visiting the victims, Shettima commiserated with the Borno State Government, the people of the North-East, and families of those who lost loved ones in the attacks. He also prayed for the repose of the deceased and the quick recovery of the injured.
He condemned the attack and its perpetrators, stressing that no religion supports the killing of innocent people.
The Vice President reassured Nigerians that the government is committed to ensuring peace across the country.
He disclosed that NEMA, in collaboration with other agencies, would commence the distribution of medical supplies and relief materials to victims and affected families.
2. Eid-El-Fitr: Moon Not Sighted In Nigeria, Sultan Declares Fasting Continues
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced that the Shawwal moon has not been sighted in Nigeria on Wednesday.
He has therefore declared Friday, 20th March 2026, as the day of Eid-El-Fitr.
The announcement was conveyed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Sultanate Council of Sokoto’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee.
According to the statement signed by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Sambo Wali Junaidu, no credible reports were received from any part of the country confirming the sighting of the Shawwal crescent on Wednesday, March 18, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan.
Based on the Sultan’s declaration, Muslims in the country would observe the Ramadan fast on Thursday, 19th March, 2026.
Acting on the report, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, approved the declaration of Friday as Eid-el-Fitr day.
3. ‘Terrorists Attacking Borno, Yobe Are Our Brothers, Sisters’ – CDS Oluyede
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede, has said that ending the Boko Haram insurgency requires active participation and cooperation from residents of Borno and Yobe states.
Naija News reports that Oluyede made the call on Wednesday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, during his operational visit alongside the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu.
The visit followed a directive by President Bola Tinubu, who ordered the military chiefs to relocate to the North-East to take direct control of the worsening security situation.
The directive came in the wake of multiple explosions that rocked parts of Borno State, leaving several persons dead and others injured.
Addressing residents of the North-East, Oluyede stressed that the insurgency could not be defeated without local involvement, noting that many perpetrators are known within their communities.
4. PDP: Bala Mohammed Breaks Silence Amid Rumoured Defection To APC
The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has dismissed speculations that he had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting that he remains a member of the opposition party.
Naija News reports that the governor’s reaction followed widespread rumours that he was considering a move to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking briefly with journalists on Wednesday (today), shortly after the swearing-in of 17 newly appointed permanent secretaries at the Government House, Mohammed downplayed the reports but declined to grant a full interview immediately.
The governor also described himself as “an international figure in politics,” noting that he would provide further clarification later in the day.
5. Gov. Yusuf Announces Sanusi Will Lead Sallah Durbar In Kano
The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced that the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, will lead the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr Durbar in the state.
Naija News reports that the latest development was made known in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya.
The statement disclosed that the decision to allow Sanusi to lead the Sallah Durbar was made following credible intelligence reports indicating attempts by some individuals to create unrest during the Sallah period.
It also stated that the Kano government remained committed to preserving Kano’s cultural heritage, and strict guidelines have been unveiled to prevent a breakdown of law and order during the celebrations.
According to the statement, Hawan Idi (Eid Durbar) will be conducted by Emir Sanusi from the Kofar Mata Eid Ground through designated routes to Gidan Shettima, terminating at Kofar Fatalwa of the emir’s palace.
The Kano government further stated that Hawan Nasarawa would be held in a modified form without horseback displays, while Hawan Daushe, Hawan Fanisau and Hawan Dorayi have been suspended for the time being in the interest of public safety.
6. 2027: Nenadi Usman-Led Labour Party To Conduct Presidential Primary May 23
The Labour Party led by Esther Nenadi Usman has fixed May 23, 2026, for its presidential primary ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Naija News reports that the decision was reached during a National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday, with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission present.
Details of the meeting were released in a communique on Wednesday.
According to the timetable approved by the party, it will submit its membership register to INEC on April 15, 2026.
Primaries for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly are scheduled for May 15, 2026.
The council also backed the steps taken by the party’s leadership under Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwochocha regarding upcoming internal activities.
These include ward congresses on March 26, local government congresses on March 28, and state congresses on March 31.
The party’s national convention is expected to hold on April 11, 2026.
7. We Gave You A Car – Wale Adenuga Fires Back At Papa Ajasco
Veteran filmmaker and Chief Executive Officer of Wale Adenuga Productions, Wale Adenuga, has denied allegations made by veteran Nollywood actor, Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known as Papa Ajasco.
The thespian had earlier claimed that he was broke despite his long-running role in the popular television series Papa Ajasco and Company.
He had alleged that he did not have the right to use the Papa Ajasco brand without Wale Adenuga’s permission.
However, speaking in a statement on Wednesday, Adenuga stated that Ayoyinka has not been barred from taking up advertising jobs, noting that he is only required to seek official approval in line with brand protection policies for the Papa Ajasco and Company franchise.
He described Ayoyinka as a versatile actor who bears a striking resemblance to the original Papa Ajasco character he created in 1976, noting that there has been no serious disagreement between them.
Providing background, Adenuga explained that Ayoyinka had a long career as a civil servant with the Lagos State Government, where he served for over three decades and was part of the state’s cultural troupe.
8. Everyone Who Leaves Your Label Loses Prominence – Portable Calls Out Don Jazzy
Nigerian singer Portable has stirred controversy by questioning the career trajectories of artistes who leave Mavin Records.
Naija News reports that in a video that quickly went viral, he suggested a partnership with music executive Don Jazzy and raised doubts about why some former signees no longer dominate the music scene.
Portable singled out popular artistes linked to the label, claiming that even rising star Rema has lost prominence while noting that Tiwa Savage remains successful.
He directly called on Don Jazzy to collaborate with him, implying that proper guidance from the label could boost his career.
9. Sadio Mane Blasts CAF After Senegal Stripped Of AFCON Title
Senegal forward Sadio Mané has hit out at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following its controversial ruling on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Naija News reports that CAF on Tuesday stripped Senegal of the AFCON title and awarded it to Morocco after a dramatic review of the tournament’s final.
The decision, delivered by the CAF Appeal Board, effectively rewrites the outcome of the January AFCON final.
According to the verdict, Senegal forfeited the match after abandoning the pitch during a chaotic final. The board subsequently nullified the original result and handed Morocco a 3-0 walkover victory, crowning them African champions.
Mané, reacting on Instagram, voiced strong frustration at the development, accusing football authorities of allowing corruption to shape outcomes.
10. Super Eagles: NFF Invites Ndidi, Iwobi, Lookman, 20 Others For Iran, Jordan Friendlies
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle confirmed the selection on Wednesday, March 18, naming a blend of regulars and fresh faces for the two fixtures now scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkey.
Naija News reports that the Super Eagles will face Iran on 27 March before taking on Jordan on 31 March, both matches shifted from Amman following the outbreak of military conflict in the Middle East.
Also included are goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defender Semi Ajayi and midfielder Frank Onyeka, alongside attacking options Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu.
There are first-time invitations for defender Emmanuel Fernandez, forward Philip Otele and winger Collins Yira Sor, while Greece-based goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye returns to the squad.