The arrival of the new station officially establishes the university-backed broadcaster as the fifth radio house to operate within the Ogbomoso axis. This institutional expansion significantly strengthens the city’s capacity for community development, offering fresh opportunities to amplify grassroots voices, promote local commerce, and broadcast specialized educational content. Industry experts view this milestone as a catalyst that will redefine how the unique stories, traditions, and innovations of Ogbomoso are shared with the global community. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the arrival of the new station officially establishes the university-backed broadcaster as the fifth radio house to operate within the Ogbomoso axis. This institutional expansion significantly strengthens the city’s capacity for community development, offering fresh opportunities to amplify grassroots voices, promote local commerce, and broadcast specialized educational content. Industry experts view this milestone as a catalyst that will redefine how the unique stories, traditions, and innovations of Ogbomoso are shared with the global community. The roots of modern broadcasting in the ancient city trace back to the mid-1980s with the birth of Ajilete 92.1 FM, a station owned by the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS). It originally commenced operations strictly as a strategic relay and transmission station under the administration of the then-Military Governor, Colonel Oladayo Popoola. The station’s true transformation occurred years later in 2009, when it was fully resuscitated and upgraded into a complete, standalone radio house by the former Governor of Oyo State, the late Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala. Building on the success of the state-owned platform, the region’s commercial airwaves expanded significantly on Independence Day, October 1, 2014, with the inauguration of Parrot FM 101.1. The commercial station was also established and birthed through the vision of Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, who sought to break the monopoly on local news. The station solidified its operational footing shortly after, securing its full commercial broadcasting license from the NBC on April 27, 2015, to offer premium entertainment and independent journalism. The federal government’s presence in the local media ecosystem was officially actualized on December 5, 2020, with the commissioning of Radio Nigeria Ogo Ilu FM (89.3 MHz). Situated in Oko, within the Surulere Local Government Area along the busy Ogbomoso–Osogbo Road, the station brought federal broadcasting standards directly to the grassroots. The strategic establishment of this federal station was heavily facilitated by the three-time member of the House of Representatives for the Ogo-Oluwa/Surulere Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Segun Dokun Odebunmi (BUNVIC). Driven by a continuous demand for localized content, the airwaves grew even more competitive in mid-2022 with the arrival of Brave 91.1 FM in Igbo-Ile, Ogbomoso. The station commenced its initial test transmissions on a 90.3 MHz frequency before permanently switching to its optimized 91.1 MHz dial. Officially launched in July 2022, Brave FM stands as another major media institution established by the visionary lawmaker, Otunba Segun Dokun Odebunmi (BUNVIC), to bridge communication gaps in rural communities. The latest entry into this rich lineage, LAUTECH FM, brings a specialized academic and institutional flavor to the metropolitan media landscape. Powered by the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, the station is uniquely positioned to blend student journalism, scientific research communication, and urban entertainment. Its presence creates a healthy competitive environment among existing stations, promising listeners higher production qualities and a more diverse range of daily programming. THENEWSCREDIT gathered that,With five fully operational radio houses now gracing the airwaves alongside the historic NTA Ogbomoso Channel 5, the city stands tall as a premier broadcasting hub in the Nigerian hinterland. The synergy between government-owned, privately established, and institutionally backed media houses ensures that Ogbomoso possesses the robust infrastructure necessary to drive public enlightenment and economic growth. As LAUTECH FM prepares to kick off its official transmissions, residents and corporate investors alike look forward to a vibrant, interconnected future.

The global leadership and members of Ogbomoso Parapo Agbaye have extended their warmest felicitations to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, on the auspicious occasion of his birthday. The birthday tribute reflects the deep reverence, loyalty, and admiration the people of the kingdom hold for their monarch. Conveying the goodwill message on behalf of the association, the Acting President of Ogbomoso Parapo Agbaye, Engr. (Dr.) Lanre Victor Ogunwole, described the birthday as a momentous milestone. He noted that the day deserves great celebration, given the positive impact the traditional ruler continues to make in the ancient kingdom. THENEWSCREDIT reports that,In a formal statement, Dr. Ogunwole prayed that this special birthday would mark the beginning of another glorious chapter in the life of the revered monarch. He expressed optimism that the new year would be filled with divine wisdom, sound health, abundant grace, and historic accomplishments. The socio-cultural leader implored the Almighty God to continuously strengthen, guide, and protect His Imperial Majesty as he pilots the affairs of the great Ogbomoso kingdom. He emphasized that divine guidance remains essential for navigating the responsibilities of the exalted throne. Dr. Ogunwole further noted that the monarch`s reign has been a beacon of hope for the domain. He expressed a strong desire that the Soun’s era will permanently promote unbreakable unity, enduring peace, rapid development, and shared prosperity across all communities in Ogbomosoland. The statement also contained heartfelt prayers for longevity and fulfillment for Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye. The association wished the traditional ruler many more fruitful and healthy years on the throne of his ancestors, to the admiration of his subjects. THENEWSCREDIT gathered that the Acting President highlighted that the Soun`s visionary leadership style and commitment to community advancement remain a profound source of pride to indigenous sons and daughters. He added that the monarch`s presence on the throne continues to be an immense blessing to the people. The birthday message concluded with traditional royal cheers and declarations of loyalty to the crown. "Happy Birthday, Your Imperial Majesty! Kabiyesi o! Long live the Soun of Ogbomosoland! Long live Ogbomosoland!" the statement read.

Popular cleric Sheikh Nuruddeen Khalid, widely known as the “Digital Imam,” has charged Nigerians to shift the core of the 2027 political campaigns away from religious sentiment and square it firmly on the country`s worsening security crisis. Reacting to the recent abduction of over 60 worshippers during Friday prayers in Dekara, Niger State, Khalid expressed deep worry over unceasing nationwide killings and mass kidnappings. He questioned how many more lives must be sacrificed before both citizens and leaders demand real accountability. The cleric sharply criticized the public`s "selective outrage," noting that national anger often surfaces only when a victim`s religious identity triggers a regional narrative. "The only time you hear noises is when a Muslim is killed in the South, or a Christian in the North," Khalid observed. "Now we are all silent because it is us killing each other." With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, Khalid insisted that voters must use their democratic power to enforce change. He urged citizens to reject candidates based on religious or political affiliations, and instead focus entirely on a candidate’s proven capacity to protect human lives. “Anyone who cannot stop the killings should step away; we won’t vote for him,” Khalid stated flatly. He emphasized that considerations like a candidate`s birthplace or a "Muslim-Muslim ticket" mean nothing if the leadership cannot deliver basic safety to the Nigerian people.

The Osun State Police Command has strongly urged Nigerian youths to reject political and digital thuggery, declaring that their future is far greater than violence, manipulation, and exploitation. The call was made during a high-level stakeholders’ summit held to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day. Security chiefs and community leaders warned young people against being used as tools for destruction by the political class. Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, revealed that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, had approved the nationwide launch of a new security campaign. Titled "My Future is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery," the initiative operates under the National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative. It aligns with the United Nations theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” aiming to curb both physical and online electoral vices. Represented by the Area Commander for Osogbo, ACP Temitope Adewumi, the CP explained that the anti-thuggery campaign is built on five core pillars. These include leadership, security, innovation and enterprise, responsible citizenship, and digital responsibility. He emphasized that these pillars serve as practical tools to steer young Nigerians away from destructive paths, targeting both physical election violence and online hate speech. The police boss cautioned the youths against accepting temporary financial hand-outs to perpetrate violence or using social media platforms to destroy reputations. He assured them that the Nigeria Police Force remains fully committed to protecting and partnering with the youth. He noted that the institution’s role extends beyond basic law enforcement to actively nurturing the next generation of responsible leaders. Adding his voice to the call, the Chairman of the Osun Civil Societies Coalition, Comrade Waheed Lawal, blamed the ruling class for intentionally manufacturing hardships to make the youth vulnerable. Lawal charged the younger generation to recognize that their lives and futures carry more weight than the selfish ambitions of politicians. He stressed that they must fiercely resist any attempts by the political elite to divide or exploit them. On educational development, ACP Temitope Adewumi spoke in his capacity as Area Commander, identifying education as the most critical foundation for youth empowerment. He urged the participants to passionately pursue both formal academic knowledge and informal skill acquisition to remain competitive. He noted that a well-informed youth population is significantly less susceptible to criminal manipulation. Representing the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Bajulaye Victor warned that while political thuggery destroys physical destinies, digital thuggery damages character. He affirmed CAN’s readiness to partner with the police in re-orienting young minds across the nation. In a powerful charge to the audience, the cleric declared, "Your future is bigger than ballots, and your destiny is greater than data." In their respective remarks, the State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Olakolupo Segun, and the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Adesoji Oladapo, praised the police for the timely intervention. While Segun demanded strict police neutrality to maintain public confidence and called for the rehabilitation of unorganized youths, Oba Oladapo commended Osun youths for their peaceful conduct during the August 15 election, urging them to stay focused on becoming useful societal leaders.

In a major strategic move to tackle rising security challenges, top traditional rulers from the South-West region, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, have convened a high-level meeting with Yoruba nation activist and founder of the Iru Ekun Security Network, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho. The critical stakeholders` session, held on Friday, was hosted by the Owa Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adewole, at his palace in Ekiti State. The gathering brought together first-class traditional rulers from Oyo, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, and parts of Kwara State. Presided over by Oba Ogunwusi, who serves as the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, the meeting aimed to establish a unified front against criminal elements threatening the peace of the region. According to an official statement released to THENEWSCREDIT by Igboho’s media office in Ibadan, the primary objective of the summit was to evaluate the security architecture of Yorubaland. The leaders focused extensively on sustaining the prevailing peace and communal stability while designing proactive measures to neutralize emerging security threats across the South-West zone. A central point of discussion was the creation of a formal synergy between conventional security agencies and local initiatives, particularly the Iru Ekun Security Network. The monarchs emphasized the urgent need to fortify rural communities and border towns, which remain highly vulnerable to breaches, kidnappings, and agricultural disruptions. The traditional rulers underscored their own indispensable role in grassroots intelligence gathering and conflict resolution. They argued that their proximity to the people positions them uniquely to detect early warning signs of crime, prevent communal crises, and manage disputes between host communities and other ethnic nationalities. Furthermore, the statement highly commended the ongoing cooperation and enormous support received from federal security forces. The leadership of the Iru Ekun Security Network expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force for their collaborative efforts in keeping local communities safe. In closing, the stakeholders extended special gratitude to top national security chiefs, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), for their visible commitment to regional safety. They restated their unwavering resolve to continue working hand-in-hand with all state actors to guarantee a crime-free South-West.

Workers and marketers of the popular herbal balm, Ero-Arike, have made an emotional public appeal to Nigerians, begging consumers not to boycott the product over the political activities of its owner, Alhaja Falilat Oyetunji. The plea follows a severe public backlash trailing Oyetunji’s controversial role in the recently concluded August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election. Oyetunji, the Chief Executive Officer of Olokemeji Nigeria Limited, is a prominent grassroots mobiliser for the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a viral video circulating on social media, a large group of women—holding containers of the famous traditional balm—were seen weeping, singing, and pleading with the public to separate the business from its owner’s political leanings. The women, who identified themselves as direct beneficiaries and marketers of the brand, stated that a total boycott would ruin their source of income and destroy families. Speaking in Yoruba, a widowed staff member shared her ordeal: "My husband died five years ago. This woman helped me build a house, stock my business, and educate my children. Please do not ruin our mother’s work. Do you want to take away our livelihoods?" Another representative, speaking in Hausa, appealed directly to the northern and Muslim communities, noting that the company employs a diverse workforce. "We are Hausa people and we have a place with Ero-Arike. We eat and drink here. She caters to many of our needs," she said. The boycott campaign gained momentum after the outcome of the Osun gubernatorial race, where the incumbent Governor, Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defeated the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. Oyetunji had fiercely campaigned for the APC, distributing branded bags of rice to voters. However, public anger flared after a video emerged showing her issuing stern spiritual warnings against individuals who accepted her rice but failed to vote for the APC candidate. Although Oyetunji later released a video conceding that politics is unpredictable and urging APC supporters to remain resilient, the damage to her corporate brand had already triggered a heavy consumer revolt online. The latest video by the workers represents a desperate damage-control strategy to insulate the traditional medicine brand from the ongoing political fallout. At the time of filing this report, media outlets could not independently verify if all the women in the video were genuine employees of the firm. The firm`s management has yet to release an official corporate statement regarding the boycott.

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday across the nation to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Mawlid. The holiday is set aside to commemorate the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, bringing citizens together in celebration. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the official announcement on behalf of the Federal Government on Friday. The declaration was contained in a formal statement signed and issued by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani. In his message, Tunji-Ojo extended warm congratulations to the Muslim faithful both within Nigeria and across the diaspora. He noted that the occasion serves as a significant milestone for spiritual renewal and communal joy. The Minister urged Nigerians to deeply reflect on the foundational values associated with the life of the Prophet Muhammad. He specifically highlighted the virtues of compassion, humility, and dedicated service to humanity as essential guides for daily living. According to Tunji-Ojo, these noble qualities are vital for the nation`s progress and are needed now more than ever before. He explicitly encouraged all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs, to adopt these principles to foster a better society. Furthermore, the Minister challenged the public to utilize the festive period to pray fervently for peace and national cohesion. He emphasized that building and sustaining a united front remains a collective responsibility for every Nigerian. Rounding off the directive, Tunji-Ojo urged citizens to celebrate the holiday with utmost restraint and mutual respect for one another. He closed by reaffirming the current administration`s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, protecting property, and ensuring lasting peace nationwide.

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has declared that advanced age should not shield former military leader Ibrahim Babangida from legal accountability. Sowore made the demand on Thursday via his verified X handle, coinciding with Babangida’s 85th birthday anniversary. The human rights activist argued that the former military dictator must still face justice for actions taken during his regime. To back his claim, Sowore cited the historical precedent of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. Pinochet faced high-profile arrests and rigorous legal trials well into his 80s, proving that age does not grant immunity from past atrocities. To back his claim, Sowore cited the historical precedent of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. Pinochet faced high-profile arrests and rigorous legal trials well into his 80s, proving that age does not grant immunity from past atrocities. "It is not too late to arrest and prosecute IBB," Sowore stated. "He is 85. His age should not confer immunity from justice. The unresolved killings, abuses, corruption, and other grave violations associated with his regime deserve proper investigation and, where the evidence supports it, prosecution."

The proliferation of illegal small arms and light weapons remains the primary driver of terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes across Nigeria. National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed this during a specialized security workshop in Abuja on Thursday. He warned that the unchecked flow of these weapons continues to undermine national security and destroy local economies. Ribadu stated that illicit firearms directly sustain the violent crimes plaguing different regions of the country. He specifically linked the weapons influx to North-West banditry, North-Central farmer-herder conflicts, and North-East insurgency. The NSA emphasized that illegal arms circulation is a direct, deadly threat to human lives rather than a mere policy issue. The security chief stressed that Nigeria cannot successfully combat this menace by relying on outdated statistics or vague estimates. He noted that the country requires precise, verified data to map out effective counter-terrorism strategies. According to Ribadu, accurate data is the most critical weapon needed to dismantle trafficking networks permanently. Reviewing past initiatives, Ribadu credited Nigeria’s 2016 National Baseline Survey with shaping vital security updates. The previous data led to the creation of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons. However, he insisted that a strict, honest review of past failures must happen before launching a new survey. A updated, credible baseline survey will allow security forces to track illicit arms across national borders. The upcoming data collection aims to improve disarmament strategies and strengthen border surveillance systems. Ribadu called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society groups to actively support the exercise. Corroborating the NSA`s stance, the Director-General of the arms control centre, DIG Johnson Kokumo (retd), noted major security shifts since 2016. Kokumo explained that criminal networks have developed new trafficking routes and sophisticated operational methods over the decade. He stated that the upcoming survey must pinpoint the exact sources and distribution networks of these illegal arms. International experts also backed the federal government`s decision to overhaul its national security data infrastructure. UNODA Director, Dr. Adedeji Ebo, warned that designing security interventions with obsolete 2016 data is highly risky. Ebo stated that outdated information forces law enforcement to deploy resources blindly to the wrong regions. The United Nations representative urged the Nigerian government to make the new survey highly inclusive. He recommended gathering firsthand intelligence from local farmers, artisans, women groups, and survivors of gun violence. This grassroots approach ensures that the resulting national security policy addresses the actual realities on the ground.

As political activities gather momentum across the country, no fewer than 146 candidates contesting the upcoming presidential and governorship elections could collectively deploy up to ₦571bn under campaign spending thresholds established by Section 92 of the Electoral Act 2026. The total permissible figure includes 19 presidential candidates permitted to spend up to ₦10bn each, representing a combined limit of ₦190bn. At the state level, 127 governorship candidates across 28 states are permitted to spend up to ₦3bn each, bringing their potential total spending limit to ₦381bn. The official publishing of personal credentials and particulars for candidates by electoral authorities has set the stage for official campaign activities. Electoral administrators emphasized that the ₦571bn combined sum reflects a statutory statutory upper limit rather than funds provided to or guaranteed for any political candidate. Section 92 of the Electoral Act 2026 establishes expenditure limits across all elective categories: ​Presidential: ₦10bn ceiling per candidate ​Governorship: ₦3bn ceiling per candidate ​Senatorial: ₦500m ceiling per candidate ​House of Representatives: ₦250m ceiling per candidate ​State House of Assembly / Area Council Chairmanship: ₦100m ceiling per candidate ​Area Council Councillorship: ₦10m ceiling per candidate. The statute also limits single individual donations to any single candidate at ₦500m. Candidates who knowingly exceed these limits face potential statutory penalties, including fines set at one percent of the permitted threshold, up to 12 months imprisonment, or both. The published presidential candidate list features 19 contenders, including incumbent President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside candidates representing 16 other political parties. At the state level, 127 governorship candidates represent 18 political parties across 28 states holding elections. Party representation includes 28 candidates each for the APC and PDP, 21 for the ADC, 16 for the Labour Party, nine for the NDC, six for the SDP, and various numbers across remaining registered parties. Civil society groups and anti-corruption organizations have highlighted that monitoring candidate spending will require close cooperation between electoral officials, media outlets, and civil society observers. Concurrently, media regulators have issued guidelines directing broadcasting organizations and digital media publishers to maintain balanced coverage, verify political assertions before publication, and strictly observe broadcasting regulations throughout the election period. For official details regarding political parties, election guidelines, and statutory announcements, voters and stakeholders can visit the official Independent National Electoral Commission portal or review regulatory standards issued by the National Broadcasting Commission.