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South-West States Declare Holiday For Isese Festival

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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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Every Nigerian should learn combat skills for self-defence – CDS Gen Musa

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The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has urged all Nigerians to learn combat skills to protect themselves in the face of danger.

General Musa gave this advice on Thursday when he appeared as a guest on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

He likened the acquisition of combat skills to driving, swimming, and other essential survival skills.

When asked whether he would advise Nigerians to learn combat skills for self-defence, General Musa said, “That one should be taken as learning driving, learning how to swim. Whether we have war or not, it is a survival instinct.

“In Europe, swimming is compulsory; [so is] Learning and teaching about security because you have to learn what security is.”

According to him, the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, should train Nigerian graduates in unarmed combat skills for day-to-day survival against dark-hearted men.

The defence chief further explained that security is the responsibility of all Nigerians, even as he urged citizens to remain situationally aware of their surroundings to identify strange and suspicious individuals.

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Uganda reaches agreement with US Govt to take in migrants

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Uganda has entered an agreement with the United States to take in nationals from third countries who may not get asylum in the U.S. but are reluctant to return to their countries of origin, the foreign affairs ministry said on Thursday, August 21.

President Donald Trump aims to deport millions of immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally, and his administration has sought to increase removals to third countries, including by sending convicted criminals to South Sudan and Eswatini.

“This is a temporary arrangement with conditions including that individuals with criminal records and unaccompanied minors will not be accepted,” Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, the ministry’s permanent secretary, said in a statement.

Waiswa added that Uganda would prefer to receive people from African nationalities under the agreement.

“The two parties are working out the detailed modalities on how the agreement shall be implemented,” he said.

On Wednesday, another Ugandan foreign affairs official had denied a U.S. media report that the East African country had agreed to take in people deported from the United States, saying it lacked the facilities to accommodate them.

Uganda, a U.S. ally in East Africa, also hosts nearly two million refugees and asylum-seekers, who mostly hail from countries in the region such as Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Sudan.

In July, five immigrants from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Yemen and Cuba, who Washington said had been convicted of serious crimes, were flown to Eswatini, where they are now in a high-security prison. The deportations are being challenged by a group of Swazi and southern African NGOs, with a high court hearing scheduled for Friday.

Also in July, eight men from various countries were deported by the US to South Sudan, via Djibouti, where they were held for weeks in a shipping container. Meanwhile, more than 250 Venezuelans were repatriated to Venezuela after being sent to a notorious El Salvador prison in March without due process.

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FRSC rewards officer for rejecting 104 bribes in one month

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The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has honoured Assistant Route Commander Babatunde Owoeye of the Osun State Sector Command for his exemplary integrity in July 2025.

The commendation was held during a ceremony on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at the Osun State Command headquarters.

Records show that Owoeye rejected bribes from traffic offenders on 104 separate occasions.

He also turned down bribe attempts 18 times in May and 38 times in June, reflecting a consistent commitment to ethical conduct in service.

Speaking during the ceremony, Sector Commander Leye Adegboyega lauded Owoeye, stating that his conduct mirrors the FRSC’s long-standing policy against corruption and extortion among its personnel.

Adegboyega added that the recognition aligns with the anti-corruption agenda of the Corps Marshal, Sheu Mohammed, as well as the commission’s broader efforts to promote professionalism and accountability.

“For his exceptional integrity, Assistant Route Commander Babatunde J. Owoeye has been awarded a commendation and a cash gift of N250,000. He recorded 104 ‘Attempt to Corrupt Marshal on Duty’ (ACS) cases in July alone — a feat that is unprecedented in the command’s history,” Adegboyega said.

The FRSC reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on bribery and assured the public that honesty and discipline within its ranks would continue to be recognised and rewarded.

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