Dr. Kunle Samson Adegbite, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, and Oriire Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 House of Representatives election, has officially partnered with the 49th Annual Conference of the Ogbomoso Baptist Conference. The high-profile gathering is currently deliberating on the timely theme: “Entering into Newness Through Building a Righteous and Prosperous Nation.” Demonstrating political willpower and a strong commitment to grassroots development, Dr. Adegbite committed significant resources to the event. He made a strategic intervention of ₦2,000,000 (Two Million Naira) to support the conference objectives and church development. Due to pressing state engagements, the leading political figure was unable to attend the summit in person. However, he deployed a powerful delegation led by his Director-General, Rotn. Surv. Oladepo John Oladejo, to represent his office. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the campaign team successfully delivered Dr. Adegbite’s solidarity message directly to the top hierarchy of the Baptist ministry. The delegation engaged with key regional ministers, voting delegates, and thousands of influential faith-based constituents at the venue. In his official address, Dr. Adegbite argued that true national prosperity cannot be achieved through executive governance alone. He insisted that sustainable state-building requires a deliberate coalition of purposeful leadership, civic responsibility, and strong moral ethics. The political stakeholder emphasized that the welfare of the electorate must remain the primary benchmark for public service. He called on leaders across all tiers of government to prioritize human capital development and institutional transparency. Dr. Adegbite described faith-based organizations as vital structures for mobilizing public cooperation and maintaining regional peace. He noted that religious institutions are essential allies in driving community-level development and cultivating patriotic citizens. The event also served as a political platform to commend the leadership of the Ogbomoso Baptist Conference. The team praised their administrative dedication to societal progress and their consistent advancement of public peace. Reaffirming his long-term governance blueprint, Dr. Adegbite pledged to keep backing grassroots empowerment projects across the region. He emphasized that his campaign remains dedicated to progressive policies that guarantee economic growth and a secure future.

Renowned broadcast journalist, playwright, and politician Hon. Sayo Alagbe has issued a powerful call to action, urging individuals never to allow human ingratitude to extinguish their commitment to kindness. In a poignant statement released via his official Facebook handle today, August 26, 2026, the veteran media practitioner declared that human forgetfulness can never invalidate the truth of a sincere sacrifice. Alagbe fiercely criticized the growing cultural trend of beneficiaries denying the very hands that lifted them, noting that many modern success stories are actively rewritten to exclude key benefactors. THENEWSCREDIT reports that he strongly maintained that such historical revisionism fails to erase reality, asserting that true goodness must be driven by intrinsic value rather than the pursuit of public applause. Using a striking literary metaphor, the celebrated poet noted that a lamp never loses its light simply because a blind or stubborn observer refuses to acknowledge its radiance. He reminded the public that the ultimate reward for benevolence is deep inner peace and the unshakeable divine assurance that God meticulously records and rewards every noble deed. Concluding his address, the statesman challenged citizens to keep lifting others, charging that personal character must always remain far superior to the toxic ingratitude of those they help.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has declared that the upcoming 2026 Oyo Empire Day celebration is not designed to diminish, overshadow, or rewrite the rich histories of other tribes within Yorubaland and Nigeria. The traditional ruler clarified that the historic initiative is meant to build bridges, foster national cohesion, and celebrate the shared cultural evolution of the West African sub-region rather than promote ethnic supremacy. THENEWSCREDIT reports that Oba Owoade made these remarks on Tuesday at the royal palace in Oyo town during the official inauguration of the Central Working Committee for the global event. Addressing journalists and cultural stakeholders, the monarch stated that the three-day festival, scheduled to run from December 17 to December 19, 2026, will be anchored on the theme: “Celebrating Our Heritage, Preserving Our Legacy, Building Our Future.” According to THENEWSCREDIT the royal father said, the landmark celebration was conceptualised as an annual, inclusive platform to showcase the vibrant arts, enduring governance systems, and historical milestones of the ancient Oyo Empire. He maintained that the history of the empire belongs to the entire Black race, noting that its civilisational footprints extend far beyond the geographical boundaries of modern Oyo State. The monarch stressed that the historical influence of the empire spans across West Africa, binding communities that interacted with, formed part of, or were heavily influenced by its administrative and military structures. To highlight this sprawling ancestral network, he listed several interconnected towns across Kwara, Osun, Ogun, and Ondo states, as well as historic Oyo diaspora settlements in the neighboring Republic of Benin. "We must preserve our legacy because people who lose their history gradually lose an important part of their identity," the Alaafin admonished the gathering. "We must build our future because history should not become a museum of dead memories; it must serve as the active foundation upon which future generations can confidently stand and build." Oba Owoade further explained that the festival will serve as a strategic vehicle for deep intellectual engagement, youth empowerment, and international tourism development. He noted that the gathering will unite traditional rulers, world-class scholars, cultural practitioners, corporate bodies, and global friends of Nigeria to explore how ancient heritage can drive modern economic opportunities. The proposed itinerary for the December event features a robust blend of academic and cultural activities designed to capture global attention. Among the listed programmes are an official heritage opening ceremony, historical book presentations, multi-state cultural exhibitions, guided tourism excursions, and the high-profile Oyo Empire Colloquium for rigorous historical debate. To ensure a seamless execution of the project, the monarch inaugurated a high-powered, 37-member Central Working Committee consisting of seasoned professionals, community leaders, and academic experts. The committee is headed by former INEC National Commissioner Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola as Chairman, with Prof. Soji Adejumo serving as Vice Chairman, alongside renowned cleric Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu and 34 others. In his acceptance speech, the committee chairman, Dr. Ogunmola, expressed profound gratitude to the monarch for the confidence reposed in the team and vowed to deliver a world-class celebration. He called on all descendants of the empire, state governments, and cultural enthusiasts worldwide to provide maximum cooperation and logistical support to ensure the historic outing achieves its global objectives.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has revealed how he successfully engineered massive protests in Ogun State against former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s plan to remove fuel subsidy, citing deep-seated fears that the savings would be swallowed by corruption. Oshiomhole, who currently represents Edo North in the Senate, made the disclosure at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) during the 7th National Discourse hosted by The Companion, an organization of Muslim businessmen and professionals. The event, themed "Nigeria’s Political Landscape and The Ethno-Religious Divides," featured former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau as the lead speaker and Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the special guest of honour. Reflecting on his tenure as the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) during the Obasanjo administration (1999–2007), Oshiomhole explained that his stiff resistance to the policy stemmed from a total lack of institutional mechanisms to protect the poor. The former labour leader recounted storming Abeokuta, the capital of Obasanjo`s home state, to convince locals and key figures—including Senator Afolabi Salisu, the current Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security—to revolt against the federal government`s policy. "When I was the NLC President, I went to Abeokuta and told the people that this subsidy `Baba` wants to remove, he can take it, but he cannot give the proceeds back to the poor," Oshiomhole said. "He had the capacity to take, but the government lacked the capacity to distribute the gains fairly because the necessary social safety nets were non-existent." Oshiomhole noted that the strike action rapidly gained momentum, drawing in massive support from both students and staff at UNILAG. He added that while university authorities maintained a formal stance of neutrality, they secretly backed the industrial action. "When we organised those protests, even the workers and students of UNILAG joined us. Only the Vice-Chancellor and heads of departments pretended to be neutral. In private, they completely agreed with us, knowing that if our fight succeeded, they would also benefit from it," Oshiomhole concluded.

The Adamawa State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has issued a stern warning to judicial officers, court staff, and law enforcement agents against extorting money from citizens seeking bail. In a circular signed by the state Chief Judge and JSC Chairman, Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman, the commission declared that bail remains completely free. The judicial body warned that any official caught demanding or receiving money as a condition for bail will face immediate disciplinary actions. The directive, dated August 24, 2026, explicitly forbids judges, magistrates, and registry staff from imposing direct monetary requirements on those seeking bail. Alongside the anti-corruption directive, the JSC announced the promotion of 458 judicial workers across various courts in the state. The decision was finalized during the commission’s 187th meeting. A breakdown of the promotions shows that 42 magistrates, 114 Area Court judges, and 59 registrars were elevated. Additionally, the promotions covered dozens of administrative officers, secretaries, and registrars within the Magistrates’ Division, Area Court Division, Sharia Court of Appeal, and the Customary Court of Appeal.

Prominent Nigerian filmmaker and actress, Funke Akindele, has come under intense public scrutiny following her decision to celebrate her 49th birthday on social media just hours after the tragic passing of veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo. The timing of the celebration has sparked a wave of condemnation from fans and industry observers alike, who view the move as insensitive during a period of national mourning for the movie icon. The Nigerian entertainment industry was thrown into deep mourning on Sunday, August 23, 2026, following the announcement that Ogogo had passed away after a brave and prolonged battle with cancer. In accordance with Islamic rites, the legendary actor was swiftly laid to rest on Monday, August 24, 2026, drawing tears and tributes from millions of movie lovers across the West African sub-region. While Akindele had initially joined the rest of the country to mourn the late veteran by posting a solemn condolence message on her Instagram story on Sunday, her subsequent actions on Monday morning blindsided many followers. The box-office queen uploaded a series of glamorous, vibrant new photoshoot pictures to mark her 49th birthday, shifting the tone of her page from mourning to celebration. The sudden transition from tribute to festivity did not sit well with the public, triggering immediate and fierce backlash in her comments section. Disappointed fans wasted no time in reminding the actress of Ogogo’s monumental impact on her early career, pointing out his role as one of her bosses and mentors during her foundational years at the famous Odunfa Caucus. Many commentators accused Akindele of demonstrating a lack of empathy, arguing that she should have postponed her birthday photoshoot or forgone the public celebration entirely out of respect for the deceased icon. Social media users expressed heartbreak that a senior colleague who contributed immensely to the growth of the Yoruba film industry was being buried while a peer chose to focus on online engagement and trends. The incident has also reignited a long-standing conversation about the lack of genuine solidarity within Nollywood. Several critics openly lamented the situation, claiming it exposes a culture of superficial relationships and "fake love" among top celebrities who prioritize personal brands and social media optics over deep-rooted professional respect and collective grief. Some aggrieved fans have gone as far as issuing ultimatums, demanding that the multi-award-winning filmmaker take down the joyful photos and issue a formal apology to the grieving family and the public within 48 hours. They argued that while a birthday is an annual milestone, a legendary figure’s final burial demands absolute sobriety and undivided honor from the industry he helped build. As the controversy continues to trend across major social media platforms, Akindele has yet to pull down the birthday posts or address the growing public outrage. National commentators and industry stakeholders remain divided on the matter, as the public waits to see if the actress will respond to the heavy criticism trailing her special day.

A former Secretary-General of the Anglican Communion Worldwide, Bishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon, has challenged the Federal Government to stop denying the severe hardship confronting Nigerians. Speaking to journalists in Kaduna on Monday, the cleric stressed that millions of citizens are currently struggling to afford food, transportation, and other basic necessities due to recent economic reforms. He urged the government to openly acknowledge this reality and clearly explain its specific plans to address the ongoing economic crisis. The bishop noted that his regular interactions with ordinary citizens have exposed him to the devastating severity of the current economic climate. He criticized official rhetoric that downplays the situation, stating that denying the citizens` pain amounts to being "economical with the truth." According to Idowu-Fearon, the reality on the ground is stark, with many Nigerians unable to afford balanced meals and some forced to survive on just a single meal per day. The economic downturn is also reshaping social and religious life, with the bishop revealing that high transportation costs are now affecting church attendance. Many worshippers can no longer afford basic transport fares for motorcycles, taxis, or buses to attend services. Adding a personal note on the collapse of public infrastructure, the cleric lamented that his own residence had been completely without electricity supply for several consecutive days. Expressing deep skepticism over national revenue distribution, Idowu-Fearon questioned the direct impact of the trillions of Naira reportedly allocated to state and local governments. He pointed to hyperinflation as a core driver of the crisis, sharing a shocking example of household items that previously cost ₦500 skyrocketing to ₦5,000. He demanded that the Minister of Finance and other authorities provide transparency on where these public funds are actually being spent. Turning his attention to the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, the bishop cautioned religious leaders against getting too close to politicians. He warned that financial dependency on political figures corrupts spiritual leaders and compromises their ability to speak truth to power. He also advised traditional and religious leaders to encourage open democratic debates rather than dictating to their followers how they should vote. On governance and national unity, Idowu-Fearon urged Nigerians to look beyond the religious labels of political candidates in future elections. He argued that the country does not simply need a leader who uses Islam or Christianity as a political tool, but rather individuals who genuinely practice the core values of their faith. He emphasized that neither major religion condones deep-seated corruption, tribalism, theft, or the exploitation of vulnerable people. Finally, the cleric touched on regional politics and security, commending Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for restoring a inclusive Muslim-Christian political arrangement that reflects the state`s diverse reality. While acknowledging noticeable security improvements in volatile areas like Birnin Gwari, the former peace commission chairman urged security agencies not to relent. He called on the government to maintain relentless pressure on criminal elements to ensure lasting peace across the region.

The festive aromas of freshly cooked delicacies, the lively bleating of rams, and the excitement of children clad in new clothes are noticeably absent in many households this year as Muslims across Nigeria prepare to mark Eid-ul-Mawlid. While the Federal Government has declared Tuesday a public holiday to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the occasion arrives at a time when nationwide economic hardship has turned putting food on the table into a grueling daily battle. For many families, decades-old traditions are being cast aside in a forced compromise with reality. Musa Ibrahim, a resident of Kano and a father of several children, typifies the struggles of the ordinary citizen. In previous years, purchasing chickens to share festive meals with his family and neighbors was an unquestioned routine. This year, his pockets are empty. "At the moment, I only have N1,000 to my name, and I have a family to take care of," Ibrahim lamented. "You can see that buying a chicken is no longer possible." Faced with a bleak holiday, Ibrahim is preparing to have a difficult conversation with his children. "We have not given up hope, but if we cannot afford it, I will tell them to be patient. We have celebrated it in abundance before," he added. The economic chokehold is equally evident in local commodity markets, where traders are counting heavy losses due to low patronage. Sagir Ya’u, a popular poultry vendor known locally as "Slow," revealed that festive sales have hit an all-time low. According to him, the few customers who visit are strictly looking for the smallest, cheapest birds available. By Monday evening—traditionally the peak of Mawlid shopping—Ya’u had only managed to sell 15 out of the 100 chickens he stocked. "In previous years, on the eve of Mawlid, I would easily sell over 50 chickens. Now, people just walk away the moment they hear the price of the bigger birds. On top of the high cost of goods, civil servants are yet to receive their salaries, compounding the financial misery," Ya`u stated. Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Kano State Council of Ulama, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, noted that while Northern Nigeria historically experiences seasonal financial pressures during the rainy season, the current economic climate is unprecedentedly severe. "This is not entirely new; there is usually financial pressure in the North during this period. However, this year’s situation is entirely different because the hardship is profound and widespread," Sheikh Khalil observed. The Islamic cleric, however, admonished the Muslim faithful not to lose sight of the spiritual essence of the day, urging them to avoid unnecessary competition. "Mawlid is observed for the sake of Allah. A lack of funds should not diminish its spiritual value because it is not a contest. Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity. Celebrate strictly according to your means," the Sheikh advised. As the crescent moon ushers in this year`s holiday, families across the country are adjusting to the bittersweet reality. For many, there will be no new clothes, no elaborate feasts, and no poultry on the menu. Yet, bound by resilience and faith, they maintain that the quietness of their homes will not stop them from honoring the occasion in the most modest ways their pockets allow.

An overwhelming wave of grief swept through the ancient town of Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday as the remains of veteran Nollywood actor, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, affectionately known as Ogogo, were laid to rest. The quiet community transformed into a gathering of heavy hearts as family members, close friends, industry colleagues, and thousands of sympathisers converged to bid a final farewell to the 66-year-old cinema titan. A deeply sombre atmosphere enveloped the funeral procession as mourners carried Ogogo’s remains to his final resting place, where he was interred in strict accordance with Islamic rites. The depth of the industry`s loss was starkly visible on the faces of his lifelong contemporaries. His close friend and longtime screen partner, Yinka Quadri, broke down completely during the procession, weeping uncontrollably as fellow mourners attempted to console him. A large contingent of Nollywood stars arrived early in Ilaro to honor the late actor and support the grieving family. Among the prominent industry figures spotted at the burial rites were Prince Jide Kosoko, Faithia Balogun, Femi Adebayo, Bolaji Amusan (popularly known as Mr. Latin), and Toyosi Adesanya. Also present to pay their final respects were actresses Ireti Osayemi and Bisi Omo Logbalogba, alongside dozens of other professional colleagues and well-wishers. Speaking to journalists ahead of the interment, veteran actor Bola Oyin-Adejobi paid a glowing tribute to the deceased, describing him as a man of peace and immense professional integrity. Oyin-Adejobi led the gathering in solemn prayers for the departed soul, asking the Almighty to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus (the highest paradise). The rapid sequence of events followed the tragic passing of the veteran actor on Sunday afternoon at exactly 3:00 PM. His death was officially confirmed to the public by Prince Jide Kosoko via a statement on his verified social media page. Kosoko’s announcement detailed the urgent timeline for the transition, which included moving the body to his hometown for a lying-in-state ceremony on Monday morning. The local religious leadership also played a pivotal role in ensuring the actor received a dignified send-off. The Ilaro Muslim Community took charge of coordinating the final funeral prayers, ensuring that all rites complied with Islamic traditions. This communal mobilization allowed thousands of local residents to safely assemble and pay their respects alongside the visiting Lagos-based entertainment delegation. Ogogo’s demise came just days after his daughters, Kaira and Lima Taiwo, made an emotional public appeal for financial and medical assistance for their father. The family had recently revealed that the actor was battling stage-four cancer. In a heart-wrenching disclosure, Kaira had noted that medical professionals advised against further chemotherapy due to his weakened condition, forcing the family to desperately seek alternative treatments just before he succumbed to the illness. With a career spanning more than four decades, Taiwo Hassan was a foundational pillar of the Nigerian film industry, particularly within Yoruba-language cinema. Featuring in hundreds of home videos and celluloid productions, his disciplined screen presence, distinctive baritone voice, and masterful storytelling made him one of the most recognizable and beloved faces across generations of African viewers.

The Nigerian entertainment industry has been plunged into deep mourning following the passing of veteran Nollywood actor, producer, and cultural icon, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo. The screen legend died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66. His demise marks the end of an era for African cinema, particularly the Yoruba film genre, where he reigned as a towering pillar of talent, discipline, and cultural preservation for over four decades. The tragic news was broken to a devastated global audience by his daughter, Kira Taiwo, during an emotional, tear-filled live broadcast on her Instagram page. The announcement sent immediate shockwaves across social media platforms, triggering an outpouring of grief from millions of fans, cinematic colleagues, and well-wishers worldwide. The atmospheric gloom within the creative industry reflects the profound loss of a man who was widely considered the moral anchor of modern Nigerian television. This heartbreaking development follows a tense, week-long public vigil over the actor`s rapidly declining health. Just days prior to his passing, his daughters had made an urgent public appeal, revealing that the veteran was battling advanced stage-four cancer that had spread aggressively within a three-week window. In a rare display of family dignity, they explicitly declined financial donations, requesting instead only specialized medical expertise and global prayers after conventional chemotherapy options had been exhausted. Born on October 31, 1959, in the historic town of Ilaro, Ogun State, Taiwo Hassan’s path to theatrical greatness was both unconventional and inspiring. He initially trained as an automobile mechanic and dedicated over a decade of his early life working with the Lagos State Water Corporation. However, his burning passion for the performing arts eventually led him to the legendary Awoyinfa Ben Actor group in 1981, where he began honing the craft that would eventually make him a household name. In 1994, Ogogo took a definitive leap of faith by retiring completely from his secure civil service job to embrace full-time filmmaking. His transition sparked a golden era in Nollywood, during which he became celebrated for his peerless interpretation of deeply moral, highly principled characters. Whether portraying a just king, an unyielding father, or a traditional chief, his deep voice, commanding presence, and masterful deployment of rich Yoruba proverbs earned him permanent legendary status. Throughout his illustrious career, Hassan anchored over 150 movies and stage productions, seamlessly bridging the gap between the old celluloid era and modern global streaming platforms. His indelible footprint includes defining classics such as Omin, Abobaku, Omo Olokun, Oko Irese, and his internationally acclaimed performance in Kunle Afolayan’s Netflix original masterpiece, Aníkúlápó. His artistry not only entertained generations but also served as an educational repository for Yoruba heritage. Beyond his glittering on-screen persona, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan was a devout family man, a pillar of faith, and an invaluable mentor within the creative ecosystem. Alongside his lifelong creative brother, Yinka Quadri, he co-founded the influential Odunfa Caucus, a legendary training ground responsible for discovering, grooming, and launching the careers of hundreds of modern Nollywood stars who now dominate the contemporary African movie landscape. Tributes have already begun pouring in from presidency officials, state governors, industry guilds, and grief-stricken colleagues, all testifying to the vacuum his departure has created. In their formal statement, the Hassan family expressed profound grief while thanking the public for their overwhelming support and praying for the fortitude to bear the monumental loss. Burial arrangements, in accordance with Islamic rites, are expected to be announced by the family in due course.