FG Declares Tuesday Public Holiday for Eid ul Mawlid

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the minister conveyed warm greetings to Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora.

Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to reflect on the virtues and teachings exemplified by the life of Prophet Muhammad during the celebration.

He also called on citizens to pray for peace and national unity, noting that building and sustaining cohesion remains a shared responsibility.

The minister appealed to Nigerians to celebrate peacefully and with moderation, while encouraging mutual respect among citizens and wishing the Muslim faithful a joyful and peaceful Eid.

Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and maintaining peace across the country.

The declaration means workers nationwide will observe Tuesday, August 25, as a public holiday in commemoration of Eid ul Mawlid.

FG Stops Payments for Unapproved Foreign Trips by Appointees

The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to suspend the processing of payments for official foreign trips undertaken by government appointees without prior approval from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

The directive was contained in a circular dated August 13, 2026, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and addressed to the Chief of Staff to the President, ministers, Heads of the Civil Service, service chiefs, heads of federal agencies, as well as chief executives of parastatals and government-owned companies.

The circular, referenced PRS59648/S.13/TI/335, stated that despite existing regulations governing official foreign travel, “some Federal Government appointees continue to embark on official foreign trips without obtaining prior approval from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, contrary to extant government directives and established administrative procedures.”

The government noted that it had issued no fewer than five circulars since 2012 aimed at regulating foreign travels by cabinet members and other public officials. However, the circular observed that cases of non-compliance have persisted, describing the development as one that undermines efforts to promote effective coordination, accountability, transparency and prudent management of public funds.

Under the new directive, accounting officers, permanent secretaries, chief executive officers and heads of Federal Government agencies are required to ensure that no expenditure connected to official foreign trips by government appointees is processed without evidence that the necessary approval has been obtained from the OSGF.

The circular also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make the presentation of valid OSGF approval a mandatory condition for processing Notes Verbales, diplomatic facilitation and visa applications for government appointees travelling outside the country on official assignments.

In addition, foreign missions and embassies accredited to Nigeria are to be formally informed that applications for official, diplomatic or service visas submitted by government appointees must be accompanied by valid approval for the proposed foreign trip from the OSGF.

FG Demands End to Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians in South Africa

The Federal Government has urged the South African government to take urgent and decisive steps to bring an end to xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals living in the country.

It also called for stronger migration governance, responsible political leadership and deeper people-to-people relations among African countries as part of efforts to prevent renewed violence and protect migrants from attacks.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, made the call on Tuesday during a virtual roundtable titled “South Africa’s Xenophobia in Comparative Perspective,” organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Digital Media and Public Diplomacy, Raphael Oni, the minister said Nigeria considered the situation a serious challenge that must be confronted without either denying its existence or exaggerating its scale. He maintained that the term Afrophobia more accurately described the nature of the attacks.

Enikanolaiye described the violence as having “a particularly African, post-colonial and post-apartheid character,” stressing that the attacks should be viewed within the broader historical and political context of the continent.

The minister expressed concern over what he described as the irony of citizens from countries that stood firmly with South Africa during its struggle against apartheid now being treated as “unwanted outsiders” in the country.

To ensure that Nigeria’s historical contributions to South Africa’s liberation struggle are properly documented and preserved, Enikanolaiye said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had directed the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs to conduct a comprehensive study of the country’s role in supporting the anti-apartheid struggle.

He said Nigeria’s financial contribution to the liberation struggle was estimated at more than $60 billion, while the country also supported the cause through the nationalisation of British Petroleum, provision of scholarships and the extension of hospitality to South African leaders who sought refuge or support in Nigeria.

“The relationship between Nigeria and South Africa is not reducible to trade statistics or diplomatic communiqués. There is history in that relationship. There is blood, sacrifice and solidarity in that history,” the minister said.

Enikanolaiye said Nigeria remained particularly concerned about the loss of lives associated with Afrophobic violence, revealing that approximately 90 Nigerians had been killed in such attacks since June 2022.

He further disclosed that incidents of fresh attacks and displacement had continued to occur in 2026, raising renewed concerns over the safety and security of Nigerians and other African nationals residing in South Africa.

According to the minister, the continued violence could damage South Africa’s international image, undermine investor confidence and weaken efforts towards deeper regional integration across the continent.

He also warned that the attacks could diminish the moral authority and goodwill South Africa gained from its historic liberation struggle, particularly among African countries that played significant roles in supporting the country’s fight against apartheid.

To tackle the problem, Enikanolaiye called on South African authorities to establish more transparent, effective and humane migration systems, while ensuring that the enforcement of immigration laws remained the exclusive responsibility of the government and its authorised institutions.

He cautioned against vigilantism and appealed to political leaders to exercise greater restraint in their public statements, noting that portraying migrants as “criminals” or “job thieves” could fuel resentment and create conditions that encourage violence against foreign nationals.

The minister also advocated greater reliance on verified facts and credible data in public discussions about migration, rather than misinformation, rumours and inflammatory claims that continue to circulate widely on social media platforms.

Enikanolaiye called for the full activation of existing Nigeria-South Africa early-warning and rapid-response mechanisms, stressing that such mechanisms could help both countries identify emerging tensions early and take appropriate measures to prevent them from escalating into violence.

Ogun Declares August 20 Public Holiday to Celebrate Isese Day

The Ogun State Government has declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a public holiday to mark this year’s Isese Day celebration.

In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, said the declaration demonstrates the administration’s commitment to preserving and promoting Yoruba culture, heritage and traditional values.

The government noted that August 20 was officially recognised as a public holiday in Ogun State in 2023, following a resolution by the Ogun State House of Assembly and the approval of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

It said Isese Day offers adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion an opportunity to honour their ancestors, perform traditional rites and uphold the values and teachings associated with their spiritual and cultural practices.

According to the government, the celebration also strengthens the bond among practitioners and creates an avenue for members of the wider society to understand, appreciate and respect the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.

The statement added that the observance of Isese Day demonstrates the administration’s recognition of the role of culture and traditional institutions in preserving Ogun State’s identity and promoting social cohesion.

The government consequently called on residents to mark the celebration peacefully and responsibly, while respecting the beliefs, rights and practices of others.

INEC Declares Adeleke Winner of Osun Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, the winner of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

Adeleke won in 19 of the 30 local government areas, securing a total of 511,067 votes to defeat his closest challenger, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, who polled 444,815 votes.

The State Returning Officer and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Professor Joshua Ogunwole, announced the final results at about 7:24 a.m. on Sunday. He said a total of 1,005,800 votes were cast, with 985,079 declared valid and 20,721 rejected.

Following the signing of the results by agents of the participating political parties, Professor Ogunwole formally declared Adeleke the winner and returned him as Governor of Osun State for another term.

Osun Decides: INEC Begins Uploading Election Results

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the uploading of results from the Osun State governorship election to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

As of 4:12 p.m. on Saturday, 437 of the 3,763 expected polling unit results had been uploaded, representing about 11.6 per cent of the total.

The figures displayed on the IReV portal showed that 3,326 polling unit results were still awaiting upload, with the process expected to continue as results are transmitted from polling units.

INEC had earlier announced that results from all 3,763 polling units across the state would be uploaded to the IReV portal after voting to promote transparency in the electoral process. The polling units are spread across 30 Local Government Areas and 332 Registration Areas/Wards.

The commission also said the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices deployed for the election would facilitate the electronic transmission of polling unit results to the public portal.

The Osun governorship election is being contested by 15 political parties.

Oyo kidnap: Panel Probes Abduction, Seeks Public Input

The Oyo State Government has called for public memoranda to assist the Judicial Commission of Inquiry investigating the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The commission is probing the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Esinele and Yawota communities, as well as the security response before, during and after the incident.

In a statement posted on the state government’s official handle on Tuesday, residents and other members of the public with relevant information were urged to come forward and assist the commission with its investigation.

The government said memoranda submitted to the commission should contain the contributor’s full name and contact details, alongside any supporting documents or evidence relevant to the case.

The deadline for submission of memoranda is Friday, August 14, 2026. The government said information provided could help the commission establish the circumstances surrounding the abduction and assess the security response to the incident…///

Dancing Doesn’t Affect My Performance as Governor, Says Adeleke

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has defended his love for dancing, insisting that the hobby has not affected his performance in office.

Adeleke made the remarks on Tuesday during a town hall meeting organised for candidates contesting the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

The governor described himself as a “prudent worker” and said dancing was simply part of his personality and a hobby he enjoyed.

He maintained that despite his public displays of dancing, his administration had delivered projects across various sectors of the state.

Adeleke’s comments followed criticism from Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who recently mocked his dancing during an APC campaign rally in Osun State and referred to him as the “dancing governor.”

The Osun governor said those who were offended by his dancing should learn to dance, stressing that the hobby had never interfered with his responsibilities.

He added that his personality was appreciated by his people and that dancing remained nothing more than a hobby.

ASUU Gives FG, States 14-Day Ultimatum Over 21 Universities

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has given the Federal and state governments 14 days to address unresolved issues affecting 21 universities or face possible industrial action.

The decision was reached at the union’s National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Abuja on August 8 and 9, 2026.

In a statement signed by ASUU President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, the union directed affected university branches to issue a 14-day ultimatum before commencing processes for strike action.

ASUU accused the Federal and state governments of failing to implement the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement.

The union also announced plans to convene an emergency NEC meeting by the end of August or early September to review developments and determine further action.

Among the affected institutions are Nasarawa State University, Keffi; Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai; University of Medical Sciences, Ondo; Gombe State University; Plateau State University, Bokkos; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba; Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Abia State University, Uturu; and University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa.

FG Highlights Six Youth Empowerment Programmes, Urges Nigerians to Take Advantage

The Federal Government has highlighted several youth empowerment and employment programmes designed to provide Nigerian youths with access to jobs, digital skills, education funding and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The programmes, which are being implemented through various government agencies, include digital work opportunities, student loans, paid work placements, technical training and support for young people in the creative sector.

Among them is the NiYA Gig Digital Work Platform, a government-backed platform designed to connect Nigerians with freelance and digital work opportunities locally and internationally, with payments made in naira.

Another initiative is the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, which provides interest-free student loans to eligible Nigerians. The scheme covers tuition payments and provides upkeep support, while repayment begins two years after the completion of NYSC, subject to the beneficiary securing employment.

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, NJFP, offers young graduates a 12-month paid work placement with participating organisations, with beneficiaries receiving a monthly stipend.

The government also listed the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme, LEEP, which targets the creation of millions of jobs through employment opportunities, digital training, vocational education and access to global remote work.

The 3 Million Technical Talent Programme, 3MTT, provides free training in technology-related fields, including artificial intelligence, data science and software development, for Nigerians seeking to develop careers in the digital economy.

Also highlighted is the SMEDAN Creative and Garment Studios, which provides training and resources for young designers, tailors and other creatives within Nigeria’s fashion and creative economy.

The government is encouraging young Nigerians to explore these programmes and make use of available opportunities, stressing that access to many of the initiatives does not require political connections.

Eligible Nigerians are advised to verify the official programme websites and application requirements before submitting their applications.