Public health experts have issued a strong warning to Nigerians against using domestic cooking oils, including palm oil and vegetable oil, as sexual lubricants. A Senior Manager for Prevention Programmes at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Taofeek Adeleye, gave the warning during a national media training on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). He emphasized that oil-based substances degrade condoms rapidly, making water-based lubricants the only safe option for sexual health. The crucial health advisory was delivered in Lagos at a specialized workshop organized for media personnel by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO). The initiative aims to equip journalists with accurate knowledge to combat misinformation regarding HIV transmission. Organizers stressed that the media plays a pivotal role in educating the public on safe sexual practices and modern prevention methods. Beyond the dangers of oil-based lubricants, the AHF official urged citizens to prioritize proper condom sizing to ensure maximum protection. Adeleye explained that mismatched condom sizes frequently lead to breakage or slippage during intercourse, thereby increasing exposure to infections. He advised individuals to experiment safely with different options to discover the specific fit that guarantees their personal safety before engaging in sexual activity. In his address, Adeleye also touched upon the common practice of using saliva as an alternative lubricant when commercial options are unavailable. He strictly cautioned against using saliva from a sexual partner due to the potential risk of transmitting oral infections or pathogens. Instead, he recommended that if saliva must be used, women should use their own fluid to eliminate the introduction of foreign biological risks into their bodies. The expert further admonished men to remain highly conscious of their immediate sexual environments and avoid taking spontaneous, unnecessary risks. Drawing a comparison to surveying a room before entering it, Adeleye stated that individuals must always evaluate their circumstances and prepare protection beforehand. This proactive mindset, he noted, is essential for reducing the high rate of unplanned exposures to sexually transmitted infections across the country. This intensive training comes at a time when Nigeria is actively scaling up its combination HIV prevention interventions to reduce national infection statistics. These comprehensive strategies combine the distribution of condoms, widespread HIV testing, immediate retroviral treatment, and the expanding deployment of PrEP. Public health agencies are working together to ensure these preventive resources are easily accessible to vulnerable populations nationwide. Medical experts at the event highlighted that PrEP is a highly effective prevention method involving daily antiretroviral medications for HIV-negative individuals at high risk of exposure. When taken consistently as prescribed by a doctor, PrEP significantly lowers the chances of contracting the virus. However, health officials reminded the public that PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, meaning condom use remains indispensable. Nigeria currently carries one of the largest HIV burdens globally, making expanded prevention services an urgent national priority. Through joint efforts by NACA, the Federal Government, and international partners like the WHO, the country is striving to dismantle the stigma surrounding HIV. By driving accurate information through national newspapers, stakeholders hope to foster a healthier, more informed society.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day across the state to commemorate Isese Day, a annual celebration dedicated to honoring the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the Yoruba people. The declaration was officially communicated through a memo signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde. The directive was made public on Wednesday via a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in Ibadan, the state capital. In the official memo, Governor Makinde extended his warmest felicitations to all adherents of African Traditional Religion within Oyo State, throughout Nigeria, and across the globe, wishing them a spiritually rewarding and successful celebration. Reaffirming his administration`s unwavering commitment to fairness and inclusivity among all religious groups, Makinde expressed deep gratitude to traditional worshippers for their steadfast support of his government over the last seven years. "The work-free day will enable workers and residents to fully participate in the celebration of the state’s cultural heritage and pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the state in particular, and the country in general," the statement read. The Isese Day holiday was originally institutionalized by Governor Makinde as part of a visionary effort to formally recognize traditional religion practitioners. Beyond its religious significance, the administration has consistently highlighted the festival as a strategic tool to boost cultural tourism, positioning it as an economic growth driver and one of Oyo State`s most prominent institutional strengths.

Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has made a passionate appeal to fans, colleagues, and well-wishers to sustain their prayers for ailing movie icon Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo. Speaking on behalf of the family, Kosoko clarified the critical logistical and medical reasons why the actor cannot be moved from his current facility, despite hundreds of urgent offers for alternative, traditional, and spiritual treatments. The statement, which was shared via Kosoko’s official Instagram page, expressed profound gratitude to the global community for the overwhelming outpour of solidarity. The veteran actor emphasized that while the family deeply values every gesture of support, Ogogo’s fragile medical state makes it highly dangerous and practically impossible to relocate him from the hospital where he is currently undergoing specialized care. According to Kosoko, the family has been inundated with well over 500 distinct offers from individuals who sincerely believe they possess spiritual or traditional remedies capable of restoring the actor’s health. He noted that the sheer volume of these requests created an impossible dilemma regarding how to safely transport a critically ill patient to multiple alternative locations without disrupting his ongoing clinical treatment. Addressing traditional healers, religious leaders, and specialists who have extended invitations, Kosoko urged them not to feel offended or slighted by the family’s inability to bring Ogogo to their locations. He clarified that the decision is born out of strict medical necessity rather than a lack of respect or a rejection of their good intentions, reiterating that the family is deeply moved by the love shown to them. Instead of physical visits and alternative relocations, the veteran filmmaker urged the public to channel their faith and support through remote prayers and positive energy. He encouraged well-wishers to continue interceding for the actor from their respective comfort zones, emphasizing that unified spiritual support from afar is what the family needs most during this trying period. Public anxiety regarding the actor`s health escalated rapidly after an emotional video surfaced online, featuring Ogogo’s daughters, Shakira and Haleemah Hassan. In the viral footage, the distraught sisters broke down as they disclosed that their father is currently battling stage-four cancer, sparking a massive wave of concern across the Nigerian entertainment landscape. The public outcry immediately mobilized the film industry, with prominent Nollywood stars such as Femi Adebayo and Toyin Abraham leading aggressive fundraising and advocacy campaigns to secure adequate care. However, the revelation of a stage-four diagnosis has also prompted medical professionals to warn the public against recommending unverified herbal concoctions, which could severely complicate his existing treatment. Medical experts have noted that management at this advanced stage centers heavily on rigorous palliative care aimed at minimizing pain and maintaining the highest possible quality of life. Kosoko’s latest update confirms that Ogogo remains under the direct supervision of qualified medical doctors, ensuring that his treatment aligns strictly with standard healthcare protocols.

The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration has officially unveiled the fiscal scorecard of its economic overhauls, revealing that Nigeria saved a staggering ₦15.8 trillion following the termination of the petrol subsidy regime over the last three years. The disclosure marks the first comprehensive account provided by the administration regarding the financial windfall generated from its toughest economic policies. Speaking at an Abuja press conference monitored on Wednesday, the Minister of Finance presented a detailed breakdown of the revenue accruals. According to the treasury chief, the massive savings did not remain trapped at the centre but were directly funneled into the Federation Account to boost the financial capacities of all tiers of public administration. A further breakdown of the ₦15.8 trillion pool showed that State Governments emerged as the highest beneficiaries, pocketing ₦6.52 trillion to fund localized development. The Federal Government received the second-highest share at ₦5.43 trillion, while the 774 Local Government Areas collectively walked away with ₦3.88 trillion to improve grassroots governance. Beyond the baseline subsidy savings, the Finance Ministry noted that the administration’s wider economic adjustments yielded an extra ₦3.12 trillion in incremental revenues. However, to stay afloat amid severe macroeconomic headwinds, the government was also forced to source an additional ₦11.85 trillion through incremental borrowings during the period under review. Consequently, the Federal Government amassed a total of ₦20.4 trillion in incremental resources over the three-year timeline. Despite this substantial inflow, officials quickly dispelled public misconceptions that the government is sitting on an idle hoard of cash, clarifying that national expenses heavily outweighed the newly generated funds. The Ministry revealed that additional expenditures incurred during the same period reached ₦30.64 trillion, outstripping the reform gains by over ₦10 trillion. Officials argued that the subsidy removal did not create a surplus pool of cash, but rather acted as a crucial buffer that prevented the country from plunging into a catastrophic debt crisis. To justify the heavy spending, the government detailed that ₦9.39 trillion went into civil service wage adjustments and welfare palliatives, while ₦9.37 trillion was gulped by external debt servicing. Furthermore, ₦6.47 trillion was injected into critical infrastructure projects, and another ₦3.14 trillion was spent on cushioning electricity tariff subsidies. It will be recalled that upon assuming office in mid-2023, President Tinubu executed the immediate deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector and the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market. While these twin policies sparked unprecedented inflation and sharp hikes in domestic pump prices, the government insists they remain the only pathway to saving Nigeria from total fiscal collapse.

The Ogun State Government has declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a public holiday to mark this year’s Isese Day celebration. According to an official statement from the government, the holiday reflects the administration’s continuous commitment to preserving, honoring, and promoting Yoruba cultural heritage and traditional values. The annual holiday was officially institutionalized in 2023 following a resolution by the Ogun State House of Assembly and subsequent assent by Governor Dapo Abiodun. The government emphasized that Isese Day offers traditional religion adherents a dedicated time to honor their ancestors, conduct spiritual rites, and uphold the core teachings of their faith. Furthermore, the administration noted that the celebration fosters community bonding among practitioners while encouraging the public to appreciate the depth of Yoruba history. Residents across the state have been urged to observe the day peacefully, responsibly, and with mutual respect for all religious practices.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to mobilize an unprecedented workforce of approximately 1.4 million ad-hoc personnel. The nationwide deployment will span over 176,000 polling units to manage the massive logistical demands of the upcoming polls. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made this disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja during a high-profile meeting with the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) Pre-Election Assessment Mission. The delegation was led by Ambassador Jendayi Frazier, former United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. Prof. Amupitan revealed that the commission is executing a strict operational roadmap. This strategy includes an upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and a thorough audit of the national voter database. To eliminate duplicate registrations and maintain an authentic database, INEC will deploy its Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS). Reflecting on recent off-cycle elections, the INEC boss expressed absolute confidence in the commission`s technological infrastructure. He noted that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal both achieved over 98 percent successful upload rates in recent outings. "Technology has permanently closed the door on legacy voting vulnerabilities, ensuring that the ballot box alone determines electoral outcomes," Amupitan stated. To prevent late openings of polling stations, INEC is reworking its logistics framework through early deployment strategies and new partnerships with national transport unions. Furthermore, the commission is introducing specialized assistive devices to ensure seamless voting access for vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities (PWDs), pregnant women, nursing mothers, and elderly citizens. Despite these advancements, the Chairman acknowledged persistent threats to Nigeria`s democracy, citing electoral violence, vote-buying, hate speech, disinformation, and foreign information manipulation. To counter these vulnerabilities, INEC is actively collaborating with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). The IRI delegation`s visit, spanning August 11 to August 21, coincides directly with the official launch of public political campaigns scheduled to commence on Wednesday. In tandem with the campaign kickoff, Prof. Amupitan confirmed that the commission would participate later on Tuesday in the signing of the First National Peace Accord on Issue-Based Campaigns by presidential candidates, organized by the National Peace Committee (NPC). Reiterating INEC’s dedication to transparency, Amupitan welcomed international observers as vital institutional partners. He concluded with a firm promise to the international delegation: "Our sole mandate is to serve as an uncompromising, impartial umpire dedicated to delivering a free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive election that reflects the sovereign will of the Nigerian people."

A United States District Judge has clamped down on compliance delays, ordering a Trump-appointed US Attorney to hand over highly sensitive law enforcement records regarding Nigerian President Bola Tinubu within four days. District Judge Beryl Howell flatly rejected a lengthier extension request submitted by US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, granting just four additional days instead of the requested ten. The federal court established a strict, final deadline of Friday, August 21, 2026, citing that the legal battle for public disclosure has already dragged on for over three years. The sweeping mandate compels the immediate processing and release of investigative files held across three major American law enforcement bodies. These include the US Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The case stems from prolonged legal efforts to unseal archival records concerning past investigations into the Nigerian leader`s financial and associative history in the United States. Observers note that the sudden acceleration by the Washington D.C. district court signals an end to the multi-year bureaucratic gridlock. Public disclosure advocate Dr. Von Batten-Montague-York revealed the development in an online statement, praising the court`s refusal to grant further institutional delays. He noted that the decision underscores a renewed, strict compliance motivation within the American justice system to make these files accessible to the public. "We deeply appreciate US Attorney Pirro and the DOJ’s renewed motivation to release these documents, and we agree with Judge Howell," Von Batten stated. He emphasized that after three years of litigation, further stalling tactics from the defense would no longer be tolerated by the judiciary. The advocacy group further argued that geopolitical partnerships and strategic bilateral interests must not be used as a shield to suppress transparency. Von Batten insisted that America’s deep economic and security ties with Nigeria should have no bearing on the public`s right to know the truth. To conclude his statement, Von Batten aligned the firm`s position with broader foreign policy principles, indicating that shared international interests do not equate to shielding individuals from accountability. The international community now watches closely as the Friday deadline approaches.

The Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has issued a stern warning to Nigerian youths against risking their lives or being exploited by politicians ahead of the upcoming 2027 general elections. In a video broadcast obtained from social media platform X, the prominent cleric fiercely criticized the political class, labeling them as "evil" actors who weaponize poverty to manipulate vulnerable citizens. He cautioned young Nigerians against selling their safety and future for temporary financial inducements, emphasizing that the political elite systematically dump their supporters once their ambitions are achieved. "Nigerian politicians run a use-and-dump system," Primate Ayodele stated. "They are evil; they even attempt to use people like us. As the 2027 elections approach, do not let them compromise your future with ₦500,000 or any monetary handouts. If anything happens to you in the process, you are completely on your own." The cleric further challenged the youth to evaluate the sincerity of these politicians by looking at their own families. He noted that political figures never deploy their own children to carry out dangerous electoral assignments or thuggery on the streets. "Keep praising them if you want, but ask yourself: can they send any of their own children to do the dangerous tasks they ask of you? They will not help you. Their loyalty is reserved strictly for those who are already entrenched within their elite system," Ayodele concluded.

President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Governor Ademola Adeleke following his re-election victory in the Saturday, August 15 Osun State governorship poll, describing the outcome as a testament to the growth of democracy in Nigeria. In a statement released on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu confirmed he personally telephoned Adeleke to felicitate with him. The President noted that the election results clearly mirror the deep confidence and trust the people of Osun State place in the governor`s leadership. "His victory once again confirmed the confidence the people of Osun State have in him," President Tinubu stated. "Now that he has won, Governor Adeleke must unite the people of Osun State and rally them for growth, stability, and social and economic progress, regardless of the political choices they made at the election." The President also commended the other contestants for their courage and discipline, noting that their participation enriched the nation`s democratic culture. He praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and national security agencies for delivering a peaceful, transparent, and credible election. Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party secured a second term, polling 511,067 votes and winning 19 of the 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the final election results declared by State Returning Officer Prof. Joshua Ogunwole. Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) placed second with 444,815 votes and 11 LGAs, while Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) finished third with 17,180 votes. Adeleke’s victory marks a historic second term. He originally won the state leadership in 2022 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) banner before defecting to the Accord Party for the 2026 race. Responding to the presidential phone call, Governor Adeleke expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu. In a notable political development, Adeleke reaffirmed his firm endorsement of President Tinubu’s 2027 second-term presidential ambition, warmly describing the President as a true "son of Osun State."

Popular Islamic singer, AbdulKabir Alayande, widely known as Ere Asalatu, has broken his silence regarding his controversial performance at a church, clarifying that singing a Christian hymn does not contradict his Islamic faith. The musician recently sparked a massive social media debate after videos surfaced online showing him leading a congregation in the Christian hymn, “Jesus is the only true friend.” Responding to heavy criticism from sections of the Muslim community, Alayande explained that Islam fully recognizes and honors Jesus Christ. Speaking during a recent interview on actress Biola Adebayo’s podcast, Talk to B, the singer stressed that the Jesus mentioned in the hymn is the same historical and spiritual figure revered as Prophet Issa in the Holy Quran. “This Jesus we are talking about is Prophet Issa in the Quran, the child of Mariam,” Alayande stated. “Is he no longer your friend? He is your friend, he is my friend. Prophet Muhammad didn’t deny Jesus Christ. Was he not sent to you? Islam didn’t tell us to go against Jesus. I don’t know where they found their own version of Islam.” The controversy took a dark turn online when a critic allegedly suggested that the artist deserved to be executed for his actions. Alayande dismissed the extreme rhetoric with irony, stating that he is actively trying to contact the individual to invite them to his home to carry out the threat in front of his children. He added humorously, "You can’t go to heaven if you are not dead. Do you want to kill me?" Addressing his detractors, the Islamic singer criticized what he described as religious overzealousness and rigid dogmatism, noting that some interpretations drive people away from faith rather than drawing them closer. He cited an example of a man who abandoned Islam after being told that using the Yoruba word for God, "Eledumare," instead of "Allah" made him an infidel. "You didn’t force me to make it in life or eat from your source of income," Alayande argued, questioning the motives of his critics. "You didn`t force me to make money, but you want to force me to make heaven. Does that even make sense? Which heaven? Your own or which one?" He also tackled arguments claiming music and photography are fundamentally forbidden in Islam. Alayande pointed to Hadiths indicating that "there is knowledge in songs" and noted that Quranic verses criticizing musicians explicitly exempt those who sing with the fear of God. He defended his discography, asking if any of his records have ever promoted disbelief or insulted anyone. Despite the intense digital backlash, Alayande revealed that high-profile Islamic scholars and leaders who possess deep, intelligent understandings of the Quran have contacted him privately to express solidarity and encourage him to disregard social media trolls. Reaffirming his lifelong commitment to propagation, the musician concluded by calling for cross-faith harmony and stating that the backlash has only helped him reflect and grow. "Islam is a good religion, and I will continue to preach it until my old age. Islam is not a troublesome religion. It is not a religion that kills; it is a religion of unity, love, and peace," he said.