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 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.

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.