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.

ICPC uncovers two more fake agencies in PFIPC investigation

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered two additional fake government agencies allegedly linked to Adeniyi Matthew Adeyemi, the self-acclaimed Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), as its investigation into the alleged fraud expands.

ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, disclosed this on Thursday while presenting the commission’s interim investigation report to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

According to Aliyu, investigations confirmed that Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government and that the PFIPC had no legal status, having neither been established by an Act of the National Assembly nor through an executive order.

The commission found that the appointment letter used by Adeyemi was forged and that the fake council unlawfully occupied offices and used official materials belonging to the defunct Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC).

Aliyu said the group operated from the former PEAC office, allegedly engaging in impersonation, false representation and other fraudulent activities by exploiting weaknesses in government verification and coordination systems.

Further investigations also uncovered two other non-existent agencies — the FCT Investment Promotion Agency and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency.

The ICPC chairman revealed that Adeyemi later changed the organisation’s name from the Foreign Investment Promotion Council to the Foreign Intervention Promotion Council in a bid to widen its activities to include revenue generation.

Based on its findings, the commission recommended Adeyemi’s prosecution, disciplinary action against public officials suspected of aiding the operation, and institutional reforms to strengthen internal controls across government agencies.

The interim report also identified officials from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) as alleged collaborators in the scheme.

Aliyu noted that investigations are still ongoing and said President Tinubu has been fully briefed on the findings, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the prosecution of those found culpable.

Military salaries hit N924bn as Tinubu approves pay rise

President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for about 250,000 personnel of the Armed Forces, raising the military’s annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.

The new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, grants the highest increase to junior personnel. Soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent pay rise, while Warrant Officers to Colonels will get a 50 per cent increase. Senior officers from Brigadier-General to General will receive a 30 per cent salary adjustment.

The Presidency said the review is aimed at recognising the sacrifices of military personnel in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to improving troop welfare and equipping the Armed Forces with modern weapons and technology.

The salary review will increase the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill by ₦264 billion, from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, making it the largest military pay increase under the Tinubu administration.

The development has been welcomed by retired military officers, who described it as a major morale booster capable of improving troop motivation, recruitment and operational effectiveness. They, however, urged the Federal Government to ensure prompt implementation and complement the salary review with improved logistics, accommodation, healthcare, modern equipment and other welfare packages.

Serving military personnel also welcomed the announcement but said they would reserve judgment until the new salaries are reflected in their bank accounts, stressing that effective implementation would be the true test of the government’s commitment to troop welfare.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the salary structure was deliberately designed to favour junior personnel, with the highest percentage increases going to the lowest ranks.

Senate Clears Bamidele, Adaramodu Over Commercial Bus Preaching Bill

The Senate has denied reports linking the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, to the controversial proposal seeking penalties for preaching, hawking and trading inside commercial vehicles.

Reacting to the growing public backlash over the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Amendment Bill, 2026, Adaramodu clarified that neither he nor Bamidele sponsored or introduced the legislation.

The controversy followed the Senate’s consideration of the amendment bill, which retains a provision prescribing a ₦50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.

The provision has attracted criticism from religious groups, civil society organisations, opposition parties and many Nigerians, who argue that it is insensitive amid the country’s economic challenges and rising unemployment.

However, the Senate maintained that the provision is not a new attempt to ban religious preaching or evangelism in public transport. According to the upper chamber, the clause has existed in the FRSC Act since 2007 and was merely retained in the amendment bill.

The Senate also clarified that the bill originated from the House of Representatives and was not sponsored by Senator Bamidele.

Adaramodu urged Nigerians not to assume that every debate or proposal in the National Assembly automatically becomes law. He explained that after a bill is considered by the Committee of the Whole, it may be adopted or rejected.

If adopted, the bill is forwarded to the other chamber of the National Assembly for concurrence, where it undergoes another round of legislative scrutiny. Any differences between both chambers are resolved by a joint conference committee before the harmonised version is transmitted to the executive.

He added that the bill is subsequently reviewed by the Federal Ministry of Justice and other relevant agencies before being presented to the President for assent.

According to the senator, only after completing all constitutional and legislative procedures can any bill become law.

Adaramodu also dismissed claims circulating on social media that he and Bamidele were responsible for the controversial provision, describing the reports as false and misleading.