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South-West States Declare Holiday For Isese Festival

Published

12 months ago

August 19, 2025

Governments across the South-West have declared today (Wednesday) a work-free day for public servants in commemoration of this year’s Isese Festival, set aside to celebrate Yoruba culture, spirituality, and indigenous traditions.

In Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through a circular signed by the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, announced that the holiday reaffirms the state’s cultural policy.

“In reaffirming the commitment of the State Government towards promoting our indigenous culture, tradition and preserving our heritage, while providing necessary support for traditional institutions in the state, Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared Wednesday, August 20, 2025, as work-free day for Lagos State public servants in commemoration of the day,” the circular stated.

The notice stated that work would resume on Thursday, August 21.

Ogun Recalls 2023 Declaration

The Ogun State Government also declared the holiday in a statement signed by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade.

He noted that the observance of Isese Day was formally declared in 2023 after a resolution of the State House of Assembly.

“Isese Day serves as an opportunity for adherents of the Yoruba religion to honour their ancestors, engage in traditional practices, and promote the values and teachings inherent in their spiritual beliefs. The celebration not only fosters a sense of community among practitioners but also invites the broader society to appreciate and respect the rich cultural tapestry that the Yoruba tradition contributes to Nigeria,” Akinmade said.

Oyo Urges Prayers For Peace

In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde also approved the holiday “to allow traditional religion worshippers and other residents of the state to mark the occasion,” according to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo.

Makinde urged residents to use the day for reflection and prayer. “His Excellency has therefore requested that the occasion be used to pray for the peace, unity and stability of the state in particular, and the country in general,” the statement read.

Adeleke Felicitates Osun Worshippers

Similarly, Osun State declared Wednesday a public holiday. The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Abdul Rasheed Aderibigbe, said in a statement that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s decision reflects his commitment to recognising and honouring the cultural heritage of the people.

“The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator (Dr.) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, felicitates with the faithfuls of traditional religion worshippers and extends his best wishes to them for a joyous and memorable Isese Festival,” Aderibigbe stated.

He urged celebrants to maintain peace and show respect for others during the festivities.

Isese Day, now officially recognised in several South-West states, has become an annual symbol of Yoruba cultural pride and inclusivity, with growing calls for wider adoption across Nigeria.

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News

Defence Headquarters Social Media Account Hacked

Published

1 day ago

August 16, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The official social media page of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), 𝕏 to be precise, has been attacked by suspected hackers.

Naija News reports that the DHQ confirmed the development in a statement made public on Saturday, August 15, by the Director of Defence Information, Maj. General Samaila Uba.

He said the body has hence treated the incident as a cybersecurity matter, with technical measures activated to secure the account.

“The Defence Headquarters wishes to inform members of the public, the media and all stakeholders that it has detected an attempted unauthorised compromise of its official X (formerly Twitter) account.

“The incident is currently being treated as a cybersecurity matter, and appropriate technical measures have been activated to secure the account and prevent further unauthorised access,” the statement noted.

The DHQ urged members of the public to disregard any publication from the account at the moment while ensuring that efforts were ongoing to fully restore control of the official account.

“The Defence Headquarters assures the public that efforts are ongoing to fully restore control of the official account.

“Consequently, members of the public are advised to disregard any suspicious, unauthorised or misleading content that may be posted from the account during this period,” he said.

Uba stressed the DHQ’s committment to maintaining high standards of information security and ensuring that Nigerians continued to receive accurate, timely and credible information on the activities and operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“We appreciate the understanding and vigilance of the public and will provide further updates as necessary,” he said.

He further urged Nigerians to henceforth check its verified accounts on other platforms, including Facebook under the name “Defence Headquarters Nigeria,” Instagram at @defenceheadquarters and its WhatsApp Channel, Defence Headquarters Nigeria for reliable information.

Source: naijanews.com

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Seven workers killed, 19 rescued in India tunnel accident

Published

3 days ago

August 14, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

At least seven workers were killed and 13 injured following a landslide that sent water and debris gushing into a tunnel under construction in north India, officials said Friday.

The incident occurred late Thursday in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, where workers were constructing a tunnel for a state-run hydropower project.

At least three workers are still missing, while 19 were rescued from the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation site, the State Disaster Management Authority said in a statement.

Videos shared by local authorities showed rescue workers equipped with head-mounted torches using makeshift rafts to reach the flooded section of the tunnel.

Uttarakhand has been battered by heavy monsoon rains in recent days.

Accidents on large construction sites are common in India, but ecologists say excessive development projects have led to more disasters in the fragile Himalayan areas.

Last month, 20 people working in a tunnel for another state-run hydroelectric project were killed in the remote northeastern state of Sikkim.

In 2023, 41 workers were rescued after being trapped for 17 days inside a tunnel that collapsed in Uttarakhand.

Hundreds of people have been killed in floods and landslides across the country since the start of the annual monsoon season in June.

Experts say climate change, coupled with poorly planned development, is increasing the frequency, severity, and impact of the disasters.

AFP

Source: punchng.com

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RATTAWU honours DSS DG for strategic intelligence, national security

Published

3 days ago

August 14, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union has honoured the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, with the ‘Golden Era Pillar of Critical and Strategic Intelligence for National Development Award’, as part of activities marking its 50th anniversary

RATTAWU conferred the award on Ajayi on Thursday at his office, when the National President of the group, Emeka Kalu, led members to a media/security-critical engagement and strategic partnership meeting for national development in Abuja.

Kalu praised the appointment of Ajayi in 2024 by President Bola Tinubu, describing it as putting “a round peg in a round hole.”

He added that the award was an initiative of the union designed to recognise individuals and institutions that had made outstanding contributions to national development, security, democracy, culture and the growth of Nigeria.

He said, “Your appointment by Mr President demonstrates the importance of placing capable Nigerians with integrity and professional competence in strategic positions of national responsibility.

“The role of the DSS in protecting Nigeria’s national interests, gathering critical intelligence and supporting national security cannot be overemphasised.

“Particularly now that this country is confronted with complex security and emerging technological challenges, appointments like yours are the best ever done by Mr President.

“That is why this union decided to honour you with the Golden Era Pillar of Critical and Strategic Intelligence for National Development Award.”

Responding, the DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, expressed appreciation to the leadership of RATTAWU for the honour.

Ajayi described the recognition as a significant gesture that would further encourage him and the service to remain committed to their responsibilities to the nation.

Source: punchng.com

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