Wike: Adeleke Is One of Us, But Tinubu Is Our Leader

by

  FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has described Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke as a member of his political camp, while stressing that both of them and their supporters ultimately belong to President Bola Tinubu. Wike made the statement on Friday while speaking with journalists during an inspection exercise in Abuja, as he commented on Adeleke’s recent visits to him and President Tinubu amid political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections. The FCT minister said the 2027 presidential election would be characterised by extensive political alliances, insisting that more politicians and groups would join the coalition supporting Tinubu. Wike said some members of the African Democratic Congress were attempting to claim credit for Adeleke’s electoral victory, but argued that the governor was now fully aligned with Tinubu. He said, “I told you that the 2027 election would be the most in-depth election. I have told ADC who are talking about, oh, they helped Adeleke to win, they just wanted to go ahead and harvest what they never planted, you know.” According to Wike, Adeleke’s decision to visit Tinubu and himself showed where the Osun governor’s political allegiance lay. He said, “So, Adeleke is fully supporting Mr President.” Wike added that the political realignment was still unfolding, saying Nigerians should expect more groups to join the alliance supporting the President. He said, “And so, we went to bed last night and encouraged ourselves to continue. And the next few weeks, watch what is going to happen. You will see a larger rainbow coalition in this country supporting Mr President.” The former Rivers State governor also dismissed suggestions that the 2027 political contest had already been settled. He said, “You will see more. And that’s why I said, the election is not concluded. It’s not concluded.” Wike then took a swipe at former presidential candidate and publisher, Dele Momodu, over his reported support for the ADC and Adeleke. He said, “I don’t know where Dele Momodu will be now. Every time you see him on television, he was born in Ife thinking that will make Adeleke come to your side.” Wike concluded by asserting Adeleke’s allegiance to his political camp and their collective loyalty to Tinubu. “Adeleke belongs to us, and we all belong to Mr President. Thank you, brother,” he said. Wike’s comments came a day after Adeleke visited him in Abuja and presented his Certificate of Return to the FCT minister. The visit followed Adeleke’s meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. The Independent National Electoral Commission had on Wednesday presented Adeleke with his Certificate of Return following his victory in the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election. Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes. ADC candidate Najeem Salaam came third with 17,180 votes. Adeleke’s victory has heightened political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties and political blocs seeking alliances and realignments. Wike had earlier said he would have been in Osun State during the election if Tinubu wanted the APC candidate, Oyebamiji, to win at all costs. The FCT minister’s latest remarks further fuelled speculation about the growing political realignment involving Adeleke, Wike and the Tinubu camp.

FG Declares Tuesday Public Holiday to Mark Eid-ul-Mawlid

by

  The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday in commemoration of this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holiday on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Friday by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani. Tunji-Ojo congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora on the occasion, urging Nigerians to reflect on the values of compassion, humility and service associated with the life of the Prophet Muhammad. “Every Eid ul Mawlid gives us reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility and service to others. “These are qualities our nation needs now more than ever, and I encourage every Nigerian, not just our Muslim brothers and sisters, to reflect on them,”he said. The minister also called on Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace and national cohesion, stressing that maintaining unity remained a collective responsibility. He urged citizens to celebrate the occasion with restraint and mutual respect, while wishing the Muslim community a joyous and peaceful Eid. Tunji-Ojo further reaffirmed the commitment of the present administration to protecting lives and property and ensuring the sustenance of peace across the country.

La Liga: Yamal a very Good Player, but I Won’t Sign Him — Mourinho

by

  Real Madrid coach José Mourinho has acknowledged Lamine Yamal’s exceptional talent but dismissed any possibility of bringing the Barcelona winger to the club. Asked about Yamal, Mourinho said the youngster is “a very good player” but made it clear that he would not pursue a move for him. Fabrizio Romano quoted the Portuguese on X on Thursday as saying: “I won’t sign him. We already have the best players.”Yamal has established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in world football, attracting widespread praise for his ability and performances despite his young age. However, Mourinho’s comments underline his confidence in the players already available to him. For the Portuguese coach, there appears to be no need to look elsewhere when he believes his current squad already has the quality required to compete at the highest level. Speaking about Diomande’s signing, Mourinho revealed that although he did not specifically request the signing of Yan Diomande, he was keen to have the young winger at his club.“No, I did not ask, but I wanted him. He’s a great player who can play on both sides,” he said. Mourinho’s comments highlight his admiration for Diomande’s versatility and attacking qualities. The ability to operate on either flank makes the player an attractive option for a coach looking for flexibility in his attacking setup. Madrid will play their opening league fixture away to Espanyol on Saturday, August 22, at the RCDE Stadium

Nigerian Dies After Being Detained at Indian Railway Station

by

  A Nigerian citizen has died following his detention and questioning by officials of the Railway Protection Force at Surat Railway Station in India, prompting the Government Railway Police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The man, whose identity was not disclosed, was travelling from Mumbai to Delhi on the Golden Temple Express when he was detained at Surat following an alleged altercation with fellow passengers, according to a report by The Indian Express on Thursday. Police said the incident began on August 17 after a passenger contacted the railway helpline, 139, to report that the Nigerian national and another passenger were allegedly fighting near one of the train’s gates. The Nigerian allegedly sprayed a fire extinguisher at co-passengers during the altercation while the train was travelling between Vapi and Surat stations, police sources said. He was subsequently detained at Surat and taken to the RPF office for questioning, where he reportedly collapsed. He was rushed to the Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research Hospital, “where doctors declared him dead on arrival.” The Surat GRP has registered a case of “accidental death”, while the post-mortem examination conducted on August 18 was awaiting its report as of Wednesday evening, according to the report. Western Railway Superintendent of Police, Abhay Soni, said preliminary findings indicated that the deceased was a Nigerian national who lived in Vasai, Mumbai. “After primary investigations, it is believed that the deceased was a Nigerian national. When Surat RPF caught him, he didn’t have any of his identity cards with him,” Soni told The Indian Express. Soni also disclosed that the man had previously been arrested twice by police in Mumbai in connection with cocaine trafficking cases. “He lived in Vasai (Mumbai) and was arrested twice by Malwani and Malad police in Mumbai for drug (cocaine) trafficking cases in 2018,” he said. The police officer said the purpose of the Nigerian’s trip to Delhi remained under investigation and confirmed that he had boarded the train from Borivali in Mumbai. Soni said the GRP had commenced an inquiry into the death, with statements expected from officers involved in the detention and those present at the RPF office. “We have started an inquiry. Statements from the police officials who caught him and those present at the police station will be taken. We are also waiting for the autopsy report,” he said. The investigation into the death is being conducted by Deputy Superintendent of Police D H Gaur.

BREAKING: Gunshots Reported in Osogbo as Hoodlums Allegedly Attack Adeleke’s Convoy

by

  Suspected hoodlums on Wednesday reportedly attacked the convoy of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke shortly after he left the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, resulting in an exchange of gunfire between the attackers and the governor’s security operatives. The shooting, which lasted for about 12 to 15 minutes, occurred shortly after Adeleke left the palace hall where he had met with the monarch. Adeleke had arrived at the Ataoja’s palace at about 3:15 pm in a motorcade of about 20 vehicles after leaving the Osun State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Osogbo, where he received his Certificate of Return following his re-election. An eyewitness, who spoke with our correspondent on the telephone on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said Adeleke and his entourage were received by Oyetunji, where the governor reportedly presented his Certificate of Return to the monarch. The eyewitness said trouble started as the meeting was winding down after the monarch had offered prayers. According to her, Adeleke had already left the hall through an exit reserved for the monarch and his wives when the shooting started. She said, “He was already in the bus that brought him and his close aides to the palace when we started hearing heavy gunshots. Those that attacked had come in an unregistered Sienna space bus through the Ita Olokan area of Osogbo. “The shooting lasted for about 12 to 15 minutes before the governor’s convoy eventually left the palace. The governor’s security men and those hoodlums exchanged gunshots. Those hoodlums later fled the scene.” A trader near the palace, identified simply as Munirat, said the assailants might have learnt of Adeleke’s visit and waited for his arrival. She said, “We suspected that those hoodlums heard about Adeleke’s visit and had been waiting for him. They came in a Sienna space bus. They even damaged the main gate to the palace. They shot at the palace main gate, but the security men pushed them back. “We all ran away and left our wares. They also engaged the governor near the Osogbo Central Mosque before they fled towards Ita Olokan along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road.” The incident caused panic in the area as traders and other residents reportedly fled their businesses and sought safety during the shooting. When contacted, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed the attack. Alimi said the governor’s security personnel successfully repelled the assailants and that no casualty was recorded They are hoodlums, and the governor’s security repelled them. They attacked the governor’s convoy at Ataoja’s palace. No casualty,” he said. As of 4:45 pm, when our correspondent left the scene, sporadic gunshots were still being heard around the area, while several business owners had hurriedly shut their shops for fear of being caught in the violence.

US Prisoner Who Survived Eight Execution Dates Dies at 101

by

  Francis Clifford Smith, a US inmate who spent more than seven decades in prison and survived eight scheduled execution dates, has died at the age of 101, the BBC reported on Wednesday. Smith was convicted of first-degree murder in Connecticut in 1950, when he was 25, but maintained his innocence throughout his imprisonment. He was accused of killing Grover Hart, a night watchman at a Connecticut yacht club, in 1949. Smith was one of two men arrested over the killing, but the other man accepted a plea deal and testified against him. Smith was subsequently convicted and sentenced to death. However, doubts about his conviction emerged over the years. Witnesses later recanted their statements, while another inmate confessed to the murder. One of the officers who interrogated Smith after his arrest also later told the Board of Pardons that he believed Smith was innocent. “I’m not even sure he was present at the murder,” Major Leo Carroll said, according to the Boston Globe. Smith was scheduled for execution eight times and was given a last meal on each occasion before his execution was ultimately spared. He spent more than seven decades in prison, apart from three brief periods of freedom. In 1967, Smith escaped from prison but was recaptured 12 days later. In 1974, he was allowed to leave prison for Christmas Eve and returned the following day. He was granted parole in 1975 but was arrested about 10 months later for petty larceny and possession of a weapon, in violation of his parole. Richard Sparaco, a former executive director of Connecticut’s Board of Pardons and Paroles, said Smith later rejected several attempts to return him to parole. In 2020, however, Smith was granted supervised parole and moved to a care facility for elderly people. Andrius Banevicius, public information officer for Connecticut’s Department of Correction, said Smith became known as “The Birdman of Osborn” because he regularly fed birds while in prison. “He would stuff as much bread as he could … in his clothing,” Banevicius said. “Everyone kind of turned a blind eye to it because they knew he was just feeding the birds.” Smith eventually moved to 60 West, a nursing facility providing care to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people. David Skoczulek, a spokesman for the facility, said Smith died in his sleep in June and was later cremated. “Essentially, he died of old age,” Skoczulek said. “He had very limited family involvement around his passing, but we assured it was appropriate, met his wishes and was dignified.” Researchers say Smith’s case also highlights the growing challenge of caring for an ageing prison population in the US. Dr Stephanie Prost, a researcher specialising in older adults and prison settings at the University of Louisville, said many prison systems face similar challenges. “We’re not the only jurisdiction that’s facing that ageing-related crisis, because similar issues are percolating in Australia and England,” she said. “It’s an international issue in terms of the population. Although, of course, we have a larger number of individuals in the US.” A 2025 study found that the number of people aged 55 and older in US prisons increased by nearly 400% between 1991 and 2021. Researchers have called for measures such as compassionate release and elderly or medical parole to help address the needs of ageing prisoners. Research has also found that imprisonment can contribute to “accelerated ageing”, with some health conditions developing earlier among people who have spent long periods in prison. Skoczulek said long-term incarceration can have a significant effect on a person’s health. “We frequently say that a person coming from a long period of incarceration can be 60 but have the health status of a 90-year-old,” he said. Smith reportedly experienced dementia towards the end of his life, although Banevicius did not confirm the condition. “He was 101 and a half,” Banevicius said. “He did pretty well as far as longevity is concerned.”

by

  The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting investors in the hospitality sector, assuring businesses of continued efforts to create a favourable environment for sustainable growth and development. The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, gave the assurance when he received the management team of Metro Tulip Apartment Hotel & Suites, Akobo, Ibadan, during a courtesy visit to the ministry. Olatubosun expressed satisfaction with the hotel’s interest in partnering with the state government to promote Oyo’s tourism potential. He said the increasing interest of investors in the sector was an indication that the culture and tourism policies of the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde were yielding positive results. The commissioner explained that the state’s tourism development was being driven by collaboration among government and industry stakeholders, noting that teamwork, commitment and passion remained essential to achieving sustainable growth. He assured hospitality investors of government’s support through improved infrastructure, enhanced security and other initiatives designed to strengthen the tourism ecosystem. Olatubosun also urged Metro Tulip to develop programmes in partnership with the ministry, particularly around major cultural and tourism events such as the World Egungun Festival, World Tourism Day, Sango Festival and Isese Day celebrations. He encouraged other investors in the hospitality industry to explore the opportunities available in Oyo State, assuring them of the ministry’s readiness to support initiatives that would contribute to the growth of the sector. The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, commended the Metro Tulip management for its hospitality initiative and encouraged the hotel to sustain its investment in the sector. Babalola urged the management to submit proposals for government consideration, particularly those capable of contributing to the development of the hotel industry and the broader hospitality sector. Similarly, the General Manager of the Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Adekunle Agboola, praised the hotel’s proposal to establish a cultural corridor for showcasing monuments and tourism attractions. He advised the management to collaborate with the Visual Arts Department of the council to complement the project with artworks showcasing Oyo State’s rich cultural heritage and tourism destinations. Earlier, the General Manager of Metro Tulip Apartment Hotel & Suites, Mr. Clifford Ndubuisi, commended the ministry’s leadership and Governor Seyi Makinde’s efforts to position Oyo State as a leading tourism destination in Nigeria. Ndubuisi highlighted some of the state’s tourism achievements, including the hosting of the International Tourism Summit and the recognition of the World Sango Festival as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. He noted that the expansion of tourism activities across the state was creating new opportunities for the hospitality industry, particularly with the growing number of visitors to attractions such as Idere Hills, the Iyake Suspended Lake in Ado-Awaye and the World Egungun Festival. According to him, Metro Tulip’s visit was aimed at transitioning from being a passive observer of the state’s tourism development to becoming an active partner. He said the hotel was prepared to align its operations with the ministry’s tourism calendar and agenda while contributing to the government’s efforts to grow the sector. Ndubuisi proposed several areas of collaboration, including the establishment of a cultural information hub within the hotel, curated heritage tour packages, partnerships around major festivals, and support for the proper structuring, registration and standardisation of the hospitality sector. He also pledged the hotel’s support for the actualisation of the state government’s tourism objectives. The Metro Tulip team appreciated the commissioner for his open-door policy and commitment to advancing culture and tourism in Oyo State, expressing optimism that the proposed partnership would attract more visitors, promote the state’s cultural heritage and boost its hospitality and tourism economy.

Oyo Strengthens HIV Prevention Efforts, Begins 2026 IBBSS Training

by

  The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening evidence-based HIV prevention through improved data collection and research as it commenced training for stakeholders ahead of the 2026 Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBSS). The training, held at the Development Support Centre (DSC), Iyaganku, Ibadan, is part of preparations for the nationwide survey designed to generate updated behavioural and biological data on HIV among key populations. Speaking at the flag-off, the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), Aare (Dr.) Gbola Adetunji, described the IBBSS as a critical public health initiative that would provide the evidence needed to track emerging HIV trends, identify service gaps and guide effective resource allocation. He said the 2026 survey would examine the socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, beliefs, risk behaviours, access to HIV prevention and treatment services, HIV status awareness and treatment uptake among key populations, including Female Sex Workers (FSW), Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) and People Who Inject Drugs (PWID). Adetunji noted that previous IBBSS rounds had revealed a significant HIV burden among key populations, stressing that updated data was necessary to measure the impact of interventions and guide future HIV programming. He also called for greater community participation, emphasising that key population communities should be treated as partners in the HIV response rather than merely as respondents. The OYSACA chairman charged field and technical teams to conduct a credible, ethical and high-quality exercise capable of translating into improved HIV policies, programmes and health outcomes. He further urged stakeholders and community representatives to support field teams and create an environment where participants could provide accurate information without fear of discrimination or stigma. Adetunji assured the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the West Africa Centre for Public Health and Development (WACPHD), development partners and other stakeholders of Oyo State’s continued support and collaboration throughout the exercise. Representing the Director-General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori, Mr. Joseph Terry described the IBBSS as a national government survey whose protocol had been reviewed by the IBBSS Technical Working Group and approved by the Federal Ministry of Health. He stressed the need for all stakeholders to treat the exercise as a national assignment by strictly adhering to the approved protocol and properly documenting all activities. Terry disclosed that the survey was supported by the Global Fund and therefore subject to strict financial and accountability requirements. He urged implementing teams to maintain comprehensive records, noting that proper documentation would be crucial to the release of funds tied to implementation milestones. He also commended the collaboration between OYSACA and WACPHD, urging both organisations to work closely to ensure the survey produces credible data capable of supporting sound health policies and decision-making. The WACPHD representative, Mr. Chukwebuka Ejeckam, said the organisation was providing technical support for the 2026 IBBSS, which is being conducted simultaneously across 12 states in Nigeria. According to him, the 2020 IBBSS recorded HIV prevalence rates of 15.5 per cent among female sex workers and 10.9 per cent among people who inject drugs, highlighting the need for fresh data to assess progress and determine whether HIV interventions are yielding the desired results. Ejeckam disclosed that about 40 field personnel had been recruited and were undergoing training in Oyo State. The team comprises approximately 31 personnel for the behavioural component and nine for the biological and serological component, including laboratory personnel and counsellors. He said the training would be followed by hotspot validation and the commencement of field activities, with the exercise expected to run for about two months, covering September and October. Data analysis, report writing and dissemination would follow thereafter. The Oyo State implementation coordinator, Mr. Aduluju Ayodeji, said the field team would work across the three selected key population groups and appealed for the cooperation of community members and eligible participants. He assured participants that confidentiality would be strictly maintained, adding that information collected during the survey would be handled responsibly and securely. Speaking on behalf of the Key Population Secretariat, Mr. Ajani Kayode commended OYSACA, under the leadership of Adetunji, for its continued support for key population communities in the state. He expressed confidence in the personnel selected for the exercise, describing them as capable hands, and pledged the Secretariat’s support towards the successful implementation of the survey. The Acting Coordinating Director of OYSACA, Mrs. Fausat Okanlawon, described the IBBSS as more than a routine survey, saying its findings would serve as a critical guide for Nigeria’s HIV response among key populations.

by

  Applicants found to have submitted fraudulent or altered documents or information in Canadian immigration applications may face severe penalties, including a minimum five-year ban from entering Canada, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. IRCC warned applicants on Wednesday on X that immigration fraud can involve a range of false or altered documents, including passports, travel documents, visas, language test results, employment records, educational documents, relationship certificates, police certificates and court documents. “Providing false or altered documents or information can have serious consequences,” IRCC said in a warning shared on X. The department said applicants must also provide truthful information during medical examinations. “Providing false medical documents or misleading a panel physician about existing or previous medical conditions is considered fraud,” IRCC warned. Applicants must also accurately disclose their physical presence in Canada when applying to renew permanent resident status or for citizenship. According to IRCC, where false information or documents are submitted by an applicant, representative or interpreter, the application could be refused. The person could also receive a permanent fraud record with IRCC, lose temporary or permanent resident status or Canadian citizenship, be barred from applying for citizenship for five years, or be removed from Canada. The department also warned applicants about so-called relationships of convenience, in which a marriage, common-law or conjugal relationship is entered into primarily to obtain Canadian immigration status. “Immigration officers may use document checks, interviews and home visits to determine whether a relationship is genuine,” IRCC said. Canadian citizens or permanent residents involved in a marriage of convenience for immigration purposes could also face criminal charges. IRCC further cautioned applicants about chargeback fraud, which occurs when a visa application fee paid by credit card is reversed by the applicant or someone acting on their behalf. “A reversed payment could result in your application being cancelled, delayed or refused,” the department said, adding that applicants could potentially face a ban from travelling to Canada for up to 10 years. IRCC said it works with the Canada Border Services Agency, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, foreign police services and document-issuing authorities to detect and investigate immigration fraud. The department said it contacts issuing authorities to verify documents, uses programme-integrity measures to deter fraud and pursues cases of misrepresentation involving people attempting to exploit Canada’s immigration system. IRCC urged applicants to ensure that all information and documents submitted as part of an immigration application are genuine and accurate.

JUST IN: Tinubu Presides over FEC Meeting

by

  President Bola Tinubu is currently chairing a Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House in Abuja, marking his first FEC session since June 29, 2026. The meeting began with the national anthem after Tinubu arrived at the Council Chamber at 2:30 pm to chair the session. The meeting is being attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Walson-Jack; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; ministers, presidential aides and heads of agencies. The council observed a minute’s silence in honour of Abubakar Alhaji, who served as Minister of Finance under the Ibrahim Babangida administration and died on July 30, 2026. It also honoured the former Minister of Science and Technology under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, Prof Turner Isoun, who died on July 15, 2026. At the last FEC meeting on June 29, convened after a break of more than two months, Tinubu swore in two new Federal Commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission: Amina Gamawa, representing Bauchi State, and Abdullahi Mukhtar, representing Kaduna State, shortly before the council session commenced. Details later…

Stay Informed. Stay Ahead

Get breaking news and top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

Get the Morning Briefing

Tops stories from Nigeria delivered free to your inbox every day.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

Your No 1 Trusted News Source 

Email info@citybuzz.com 

Web Citybuzznews.com

LEGAL

SECTIONS

©Copyright Citybuzz News. All rights reserved.