Author: Daily Post Nigeria

An international think tank of African professionals, ‘The Pan-African Dialogue Institute’ TPADI has appealed to the federal government and to formally declare May 25, Africa Day, as a National Public Holiday in Nigeria.

It noted that such a declaration will be in recognition of the collective struggle of African people against colonialism, apartheid, racial oppression, cultural dominance and a reminder that Africans share a common history, wounds, aspirations, and ultimately, a common destiny.

Addressing a world press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital in commemoration of the 2026 Africa Day, President of TPADI, Effiong Joseph Udo, an associate professor, regretted that despite Nigeria’s enormous sacrifices for African liberation and continental solidarity in the past, Africa Day remains unrecognised officially within its national life.

He noted that the omission has become increasingly disturbing in a period when Africa faces rising internal fragmentation, Afro-phobia, xenophobic hostility, cultural alienation, and growing disrespect among themselves.

He said if Africa Day is institutionalized in Nigeria, it can provide annual opportunities for celebrating indigenous African languages, oral traditions, local philosophies, and encourage younger generations to embrace their heritage with confidence rather than shame.

Udo noted that countries such as South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mali, Guinea, and Lesotho had already formally recognized Africa Day because they understand the importance of symbols in nation-building and continental identity, urging the Nigerian government not to be left out.

The statement in parts, ‘Today, we gather to renew our call upon the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, to formally recognize May 25 (Africa Day) as a National Public Holiday in Nigeria. This appeal is not symbolic rhetoric. It is a strategic, urgent, and of national and continental necessity.

“An official recognition of May 25 as a public holiday would provide annual opportunities for civic education, cultural diplomacy, historical reflection, and continental engagement. It would create space for schools, universities, media institutions, civil society groups, traditional institutions, and government agencies to educate younger generations about African history, civilizations, liberation struggles, and contemporary challenges. 

“Africa Day in Nigeria can become a platform for confronting xenophobia and Afro-phobia; promoting African cultural literacy and historical consciousness; strengthening continental diplomacy and African cooperation; and a forum for discussing trade, migration, peace building, unity and development in Africa.’’

He also called on the Akwa Ibom state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, the senate president, Godswill Akpabio and other political leaders to intentionally reflect and promote Akwa Ibom cultural identity in their public appearances and dress patterns from time to time.  

The president further made other demands to Nigerian government including, Integration of Pan-African studies and African history into educational curricula; Supporting national Africa Day festivals, lectures, exhibitions, and cultural activities; Leading continental conversations against xenophobia, Afro-phobia, and anti-African hostility even as he urged the media, civil society organizations, religious communities, and the African diaspora to join the campaign.

Africa Day: Declare May 25 national day, public holiday – Group to FG

The Arujale-Ojima of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II, has described combining royal duties with academic activities as a difficult task after successfully defending his final year project at Afe Babalola University. The monarch disclosed this in a Facebook post on Tuesday while sharing photographs from the project defence held at […]

The post Balancing kingship, studies not easy — Ondo monarch says after project defence appeared first on Tribune Online.

FCMB Group Plc is deepening cultural engagement at Nigeria’s Ojude Oba festival by collaborating with finance professional and cultural figure Farooq Oreagba, whose appearances have helped propel the centuries-old celebration into global social-media and fashion conversations.

The partnership comes as Ojude Oba, a Yoruba cultural festival held annually in southwestern Nigeria, gains international visibility.
 Fashion platforms, diaspora communities, tourism stakeholders, and global media are paying increased attention to the festival.

FCMB has supported the festival for over two decades, noting that the initiative reflects its ongoing investment in cultural institutions that shape identity, foster enterprise, and boost local economic activity.

“Ojude Oba represents continuity, enterprise and community,” the financial services group said in a statement. 
“The festival has, for generations, connected people and created value across tourism, hospitality, fashion, media and commerce.”

Held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, the festival draws thousands each year, including regberegbe age groups, horse-riding families, business leaders, and visitors from Nigeria and the diaspora.

In recent years, the event has grown from a regional gathering into one of Africa’s most recognisable festivals, driven in part by the viral spread of photographs and videos online.

Oreagba became a prominent festival figure after images of him in layered traditional attire, coral beads, and sunglasses, riding through the grounds, spread widely on social media and in style publications.

This imagery amplified global interest in Ojude Oba’s visual culture—horse processions, elaborate Yoruba fashion, and multigenerational displays of status and identity.

Despite this recent digital attention, FCMB said both the festival and Oreagba’s association with it have a much longer history.

“What the world is witnessing now is increased visibility around a longstanding cultural institution,” the Group said. 
“Ojude Oba has always carried cultural depth, sophistication and economic significance.”

This year’s festival, themed “Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona,” honours the late Awujale of Ijebuland, credited with making Ojude Oba one of Nigeria’s leading cultural events.

The festival has become an economic driver for Ogun State. It generates activity across hospitality, transportation, fashion, photography, media, and tourism.

FCMB said rising international interest in Ojude Oba shows how cultural institutions can serve as platforms for economic visibility, community engagement, and global cultural influence.

FCMB, Farooq Oreagba Align for Ojude Oba 2026

Tyson Fury has confirmed his plans to return to the ring in Dublin on August 1, a week after fellow former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua makes his comeback.

The pair are heading for a long-awaited “Battle of Britain”, probably in November, as it looks as though the two boxers will first have a warm-up fight.

Joshua will face Unknown Albanian Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on July 25 in his first bout since being involved in a car crash in Nigeria in December that killed two of his close friends.

Fury posted a video in an Instagram story showing him back in training in Thailand alongside the caption: “Let’s go August 1, Dublin, Ireland.”

The fight could take a place on a card being put together by veteran promoter Frank Warren in Dublin on that date.

No opponent has been named but Warren has ruled out Fury fighting Andy Ruiz Jr, who dethroned Joshua as world champion in 2019 before losing the rematch later that year.

Fury marked his return from a 16-month retirement with a dominant points win over Russia’s Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, after which he immediately called out Joshua, who was present at ringside.

Rather than face off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a verbal exchange followed in which Joshua taunted Fury by declaring: “I’m the landlord. Remember that. You work for me.”

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has since stated: “Signed, sealed, delivered! AJ v Fury is on.”

Fury Vs Joshua Nears As Gypsy King Confirms August Return. is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

West Ham United have confirmed that Nuno Espirito Santo will stay on as manager to lead their fight to get back to the Premier League next season.

The 52-year-old Portuguese gaffer who met with the West Ham’s senior officials on Monday following the confirmation of their relegation from the English top flight was handed a charge to lead the team back in first attempt.

Though both parties could have severed ties without compensation, they decided to stick together in the hope that Nuno will repeat his promotion campaign with Wolves in 2018.

“We are pleased to confirm he has expressed his continued commitment to the club – as we have to him,” the club wrote in an open letter to fans.

“Nuno made it very clear that he is highly motivated for the challenge of guiding West Ham United back to the top flight at the first time of asking. That must be the unquestionable goal for next season.

“Nuno has spent one previous year in the Championship and it was an outstanding success as he secured 99 points to win the title with Wolverhampton Wanderers.”

West Ham’s statement accepts the club “cannot shy away from the fact our season has not been good enough”.

The Hammers have been relegated to the Championship for the first time since 2012.

However, club sources estimate it will cost the London side about £200m in lost revenue, which means, after a hefty loss of more than £100m in their latest accounts and more losses expected this season, player sales from a squad including stars like skipper Jarrod Bowen and Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes are inevitable.

Nuno’s promotion push at Wolves was led by Ruben Neves and loan signings including Diogo Jota. But it remains to be seen whether he will have the same calibre of players this time at West Ham.

Nuno To Stay As West Ham Manager Despite Relegation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, has called on Muslims to intensify prayers for the country’s leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abubakar, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, made the call in his Eid-el-Kabir message delivered on Wednesday.

The sultan urged citizens to hold on to spiritual virtues, support the government, and pray for divine guidance for leaders at all levels.

According to him, prayers remain essential in guiding the nation toward choosing responsible and capable leaders.

“Our prayers are always the guiding light toward the choice of our leaders; therefore, we should sustain more prayers in our quest for the best country we desire,” he said.

He also urged Muslims to sustain the spirit of worship, sacrifice and devotion demonstrated during the Eid-El-Kabir celebrations.

The Sultan described Eid-el-Kabir as a historic period of sacrifice, love and celebration, while praying for Muslims to witness many more celebrations in peace and prosperity.

He commended Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto for his continued commitment to the welfare of the people of Sokoto State, particularly in addressing security challenges across the state.

Abubakar also appreciated the governor’s efforts in ensuring a smooth transportation arrangement for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise and prayed for their safe return.

Eid-el-Kabir: Pray for Nigerian leaders ahead of 2027 elections – Sultan of Sokoto to Muslims

African Democratic Congress, Ekiti state Chapter  strongly condemns the illegal arrest, unlawful detention, and hurried arraignment of Mr Ayodele Babatola, the House of Assembly Candidate of ADC in Ado Constituency 1,  on allegations of rape.

We view these actions as a gross violation of the constitutional rights of Mr Babatola and a dangerous abuse of state power. Every Nigerian, regardless of status or political affiliation, is entitled to the presumption of innocence, due process, and protection from arbitrary detention under Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

From the available facts, the arrest and detention were carried out without adherence to due process.  Babatola was neither properly invited nor granted the opportunity to respond to the allegations before being detained and arraigned. Such conduct undermines the integrity of our justice system and erodes public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

While we do not condone any form of sexual violence and affirm that rape is a heinous crime that must be investigated and prosecuted thoroughly, we insist that justice must never be sacrificed on the altar of political persecution or mob sentiment. The law must take its course, but it must do so lawfully, fairly, and without malice.

*We therefore demand the Immediate investigation* into the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention to determine if due process was followed.

The party,  demand the *release of  Ayodele Babatola* on bail pending the conclusion of any lawful investigation and trial, in line with his constitutional right.

 

We call on the Nigeria Police Force, the Ekiti state Attorney General,  National Human Rights Commission, and the National judicial Commission to intervene and ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done.

The ADC stands for the rule of law, human rights, and due process. We will not remain silent while citizens are subjected to illegal persecution under the guise of criminal allegations.

E- Signed

Rt. Hon. Gboyega Aribisogan

Director, Communications, Media and Publicity,

Dare Bejide Campaign Organisations

Ado- Ekiti

26- 05- 2026

Governors, political leaders, and public office holders across the country have called on Nigerians, particularly Muslim faithful, to

The post Eid-el-Kabir: Governors, lawmakers, others preach peace, sacrifice appeared first on Tribune Online.

Israeli military officials have announced the elimination of Mohammed Odeh, the head of Hamas’ military wing in Gaza, in a precision airstrike carried out in the Rimal neighbourhood of Gaza City on Tuesday.

In a joint statement, the Israel Defence Forces, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Odeh was killed in an operation in northern Gaza on May 26, 2026.

The IDF described him as a key figure who served as Hamas’ intelligence chief before assuming overall command of the Qassam Brigades and said he played a central role in planning and coordinating aspects of the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.

“Odeh served as the Head of Hamas’ military wing’s intelligence headquarters following the elimination of Izz al-Din al-Haddad,” the military said, adding that he directed infiltration and attack targets during the October 7 massacre.

Odeh had assumed command of the Qassam Brigades only days or weeks before his death, following the killing of al-Haddad in a mid-May Israeli strike. Netanyahu praised the operation and vowed continued action against those involved in the 2023 attacks.

Hamas-affiliated media confirmed Odeh’s death, reporting that he was killed alongside his wife and sons.

Palestinian hospital and civil defence officials reported at least three people killed and around a dozen injured in the strike, which hit a residential building.

Israel Kills Hamas Military Wing Chief In Gaza Airstrike is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The United States of America has provided reasons that led to another strike on Iran on Monday 

The US disclosed that Monday strikes in Iran were prompted by its detection of a pattern of increasing and potentially threatening Iranian activity over 24 hours.

The US Central Command, CENTCOM, on Monday reported that its forces conducted self-defence strikes in southern Iran to protect troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.

“Our forces conducted self-defence strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.

“Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines,” CENTCOM said.

The hostility between the United States and Iran started in late February when the US, in collaboration with its ally, Israel, launched an offensive attack on the Islamic Republic, leading to the death of its Supreme Leader and others.

US govt gives reason for Monday’s strike on Iran