AfroNation announces headliners ahead of 2026 festival

The annual three-day music festival, AfroNation, has announced its headlining artists for the 2026 edition of the festival.

AfroNation, on Instagram, revealed that Nigerian artists Asake, Olamide and Wizkid will be headlining the event alongside South Africa’s Tyla.

This announcement stirred excitement amongst fans as previous editions have proved to be memorable experiences for fans with performances from Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Megan Thee Stallion and so many others.

The festival is set to unite the African diaspora with a celebration of dance, food, fashion, music, in Portugal in 2026.

TMC Oyo West inaugurates patrons, honours past leaders for service to Islam

THE Muslim Congress (TMC), Oyo West Local Government chapter, has inaugurated its newly appointed patrons, conferring certificates of recognition on eight distinguished members, with Alhaji Saheed Ishola Sodem named as grand patron.

The investiture ceremony was held on Sunday at the Anwarul Islam Central Mosque, Gedu Scheme, Oyo.

The new patrons include Alhaji Saheed Ishola Sodem (grand patron), Alhaji AbdulGaniy Asimiyu Alawo, Alhaji Dhikrulah Olalekan Ojombo, Alhaji Faruq Doyin Asaye, Alhaji Kabir Oyeleye Omo Oye, Alhaji Tijani Ridwanullah, Alhaji AbdulQuodri Ayantunji Ayanyemi and Alhaji Abdul Azeez Abdul Rasaq.

In an address, the Wakil (Local Government Coordinator) of TMC Oyo West, Ustadh Abdur Razaq Olayiwola, commended the honorees for their commitment to the propagation and development of Islam in the community.

‘We appreciate your immense contributions to the growth of Islam within and outside Oyo town. Your numerous meritorious deeds have convinced us that you are truly deserving of this honour,’ he said.

Delivering the inaugural lecture, the Waali (State Coordinator) of The Muslim Congress, Oyo State, Alhaji Daud Oladosu, described TMC as one of the most credible and impactful Islamic organisations in Nigeria.

He stressed that the mission and vision of the organisation are firmly rooted in the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah, covering all aspects of human and societal development.

He urged the patrons to support TMC’s initiatives both morally and financially, stating: ‘Those who have partnered with The Muslim Congress can testify that we are not only trustworthy but also transparent in our accountability before God and man.’

Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated patrons, Alhaji Saheed Ishola Sodem expressed appreciation, describing TMC as a trustworthy and value-driven organisation reflective of the broader Islamic Ummah.

‘TMC is the only organisation with a genuine Islamic framework for addressing societal challenges. I have known this organisation for a long time and I have never heard anything negative about it. Associating with TMC is not only safe but also a step toward earning Allah’s pleasure,’ he remarked.

The event also featured an awards presentation to past leaders of TMC, Oyo West chapter.

The honorees included Professor Miftaudeen Rauf, Alhaji Waliyullah Abdulkareem, Ustadh Abdurrasheed Abdurraheem Aseke and Ustadh Abdulhakeem Adeyanju, recognised for their notable service and leadership.

Dame Sarah Mullally named 1st female spiritual head of Global Anglican Church, C of E

Dame Sarah Mullally has been appointed the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman in history to hold the Church of England’s most senior position.

The former Chief Nursing Officer for England, who was ordained in 2001, will formally assume office at a legal ceremony in Canterbury Cathedral in January 2026, followed by her enthronement service.

She succeeds Justin Welby, who resigned last year after criticism of his handling of the Church’s biggest child abuse scandal.

Accepting the role on Friday, Dame Sarah said she felt the ‘huge responsibility’ of leading the Church but added she had a ‘sense of peace and trust in God’ to carry her.

‘At every stage of my journey, through nursing and ministry, I have learned to listen deeply – to people and to God’s gentle prompting – to bring hope and healing,’ she said.

The new archbishop takes charge at a time of safeguarding crises, divisions over same-sex marriage, and falling church attendance. She has previously described the Church’s approval of same-sex blessings as ‘a moment of hope,’ while recognising deep divisions remain.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed her appointment, calling her ‘a safe pair of hands’ and praising the Church’s role in national life. Bishop Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, urged Anglicans worldwide to pray for her as she prepares to take up the post.

Dame Sarah, who was made a Dame in 2005 for her contribution to nursing, also sits in the House of Lords, where she has strongly opposed assisted dying legislation, warning it ‘fails in its central plank, that it delivers choice.’

She will now be the spiritual leader of the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion, in which the Archbishop of Canterbury plays a central unifying role.

Prince William opens up on plans for monarchy when crowned

Prince William, the Prince of Wales, has opened up on his plans for monarchy after his coronation.

While speaking with Eugene Levy for the Apple TV+ show, The Reluctant Traveler, Prince William revealed his agenda for when he is crowned King.

He stated that he plans to bring a much needed change to the monarchical system.

‘I think it’s safe to say that change is on my agenda. Change for good, and I embrace that, I enjoy that change. I don’t fear it, that’s the bit that excites me, the idea of being able to bring some change. Not overly radical, but changes that I think need to happen,’ he said.

William also spoke on the impact and role of history, while emphasising the need for people to live in the present.

‘I think if you’re not careful, history can be a real weight and an anchor around you, and you can feel suffocated by it, and restricted by it too much. And I think it’s important to live for the here and now. There are points when you look at tradition and go, is that still fit for purpose today? Is that still the right thing to do? Are we still doing and having the most impact we could be having?. So I like to question things, is what I’m really getting at,’ he added.

NAPAIS felicitates Tinubu, Nigerians, urges dialogue in oil sector dispute

THE National Association of Proprietors of Arabic and Islamic Schools (NAPAIS) has congratulated President Bola Tinubu and all Nigerians on the occasion of the nation’s 65th independence anniversary, expressing optimism that Nigeria is on the path to the greatness envisioned by its founding fathers.

In a statement signed by the NAPAIS president, Sheikh Muhammad-Jamiu Abdulgafar, and Secretary, Sheikh Muftau Salaudeen, the association urged citizens to embrace the country’s diversity as a source of strength for unity and progress.

Addressing the recent unrest in the oil and gas sector, NAPAIS appealed to the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and other relevant stakeholder, to engage in constructive dialogue in resolving ongoing disputes involving tanker drivers.

According to the association, the appeal became necessary in light of the disruptions caused by the standoff between the Dangote Refinery and NUPENG, which reportedly led to the shutdown of refineries and the blockade of fuel tankers, resulting in temporary hardship for ordinary Nigerians.

‘Petrol remains a lifeline for Nigerians, for mobility, daily activities and businesses,’ said Sheikh Abdulgafar, who called on all parties involved to sheathe their swords in the interest of lasting peace and industrial harmony.

NAPAIS commended the efforts of the Federal Government, particularly the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the House of Representatives Committee on Downstream Petroleum, chaired by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, for their timely intervention in averting further fuel supply disruptions.

On matters of traditional leadership, Sheikh Abdulgafar commented on the ongoing supremacy dispute between two prominent Yoruba monarchs, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.

He urged both royal fathers to set aside rivalry and prioritise the development of their respective domains, especially now that the President of the Federal Republic is from the South West.

‘My advice to our revered monarchs is to compete in the area of development. Let them use their influence to attract projects and initiatives that will uplift their people and reduce poverty,’ he said.

In another development, the NAPAIS president condemned reports of female students being barred from attending schools for wearing the hijab, particularly in Ilorin, a predominantly Muslim city.

Sheikh Abdulgafar described such actions as an affront to Islam and a violation of the constitutional right to education.

‘Efforts are ongoing to engage the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to foster religious tolerance and mutual respect. Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, education is a right for all Nigerian children. Any act that undermines this policy amounts to opposing government objectives,’ he stated.

On international affairs, the NAPAIS president praised countries such as Australia, Brazil, China, India, Canada and the United Kingdom for their recognition of the State of Palestine.

He called on the National Assembly to follow suit by supporting justice and global peace.

He urged Nigerian lawmakers to condemn the ongoing occupation and alleged annexation of Palestinian territories by the Israeli government, describing it as a path to ending genocide and promoting international justice.

No Going Back Yet: NULGE holds firm on Osun LG workers’ stay-at-home

The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Osun says it has not issued any directive to local government staff in the state to resume work.

The Chairman of NULGE in the state, Dr Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, said this while addressing a news conference on Friday in Osogbo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that local government areas in the state had been in crisis following the February 10 judgment by the Court of Appeal, Akure.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claimed that the judgment did not reinstate the sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors elected in 2022, while APC insisted on their return to office.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and NULGE, thereafter, directed local government workers to withdraw their services from February 17, citing security concerns.

However, local government staff under the aegis of Association of Concerned Local Government Workers on Thursday called on their colleagues to resume work at their various councils to avoid possible job loss.

The coordinator of the association, Mr Adedayo Adekunle, made the call while addressing a news conference in Osogbo.

Adekunle said that the stay-at-home order by NULGE for local government staff in the state over the last seven months was unnecessary.

Ogungbangbe, however, said that the directive by a factional member of the union that local government workers should resume on Monday should be disregarded.

He also said that factional members of the union, who were calling on workers to resume, had been suspended indefinitely from the union for anti-union activities.

The chairman said that the stand of the leadership of NULGE on the matter was in defense of democracy and the rule of law.

‘It is highly consequential to note that the state NULGE Executives have not directed our members to resume work.

‘It is also important to note that no screening can be done in the Local Government Service without the supervision of the Osun State Local Government Service Commission.

‘Therefore, the leadership of the union is appealing to all our educative and well-informed esteemed members not to hearken to the call for resumption,’ he said.

Tinubu’s minister Lokpobiri bags award at Africa Energy Week

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, has been named ‘Reformer of the Year’ at the African Energy Week (AEW), in recognition of his strategic leadership and transformative reforms in Nigeria’s oil industry.

The prestigious award acknowledges the Minister’s dedication to reviving Nigeria’s upstream sector, restoring investor confidence, and laying a sustainable foundation for growth in the nation’s energy landscape.

A statement signed by Nneamaka Okafor, Special Adviser on Media to the minister, noted that ‘Since assuming office, Sen. Lokpobiri has led critical reforms across the petroleum value chain, resulting in a significant increase in Nigeria’s crude oil production from a low of 1 million barrels per day (mbpd) to 1.8mbpd.’

‘This production boost has been driven by targeted interventions in security, operational transparency, regulatory efficiency, and community engagement.’

‘Investor confidence, once at its lowest ebb, has been rekindled through consistent policy direction and sectoral stability. Under his leadership, Nigeria has recorded new Final Investment Decisions (FIDs), project re-entries, and the signing of fresh investment deals and joint ventures. Notably, the reactivation of dormant fields and the streamlining of regulatory processes have played a key role in attracting both local and international partners.’

‘The reforms have also strengthened stakeholder inclusiveness, particularly with the implementation of the Host Communities Development Trusts as prescribed under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). This has deepened the participation of local communities, enhanced social license for operations, and fostered sustainable development in oil-producing regions.’

In his remarks following the award presentation, Sen. Lokpobiri expressed deep appreciation for the honour, describing it as both ‘humbling and motivating.’

‘This award is a testament to the collective efforts of the entire team at the Ministry and across the sector who have worked tirelessly to turn things around,’ he said. ‘It is a recognition that reform is not just possible, but impactful when it is intentional, inclusive, and transparent.’

The Minister, however, stressed that the work is far from over.

‘This is not the final destination. It is merely a stepping stone. The Nigerian energy sector is not yet where we want it to be. Yes, we have made progress, but we are focused on achieving a fully optimized, globally competitive, and environmentally responsible oil and gas industry,’ he noted.

Sen. Lokpobiri also took a moment to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and leadership, which he described as critical to the progress recorded so far.

‘I want to sincerely thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting me with this responsibility. His Excellency’s fatherly role, visionary guidance, and political will have been critical to the milestones we’ve achieved,’ the Minister stated. ‘I wholeheartedly dedicate this award to him.’

The Reformer of the Year award further reinforces the global recognition of Nigeria’s energy sector reforms and highlights the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering a more resilient, investor-friendly, and forward-looking petroleum industry under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Katsina govt to spend N19bn on renewable energy projects

In a bold move to transform Katsina State’s energy future, the State Executive Council (SEC), under the leadership of Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, has approved N19.89 billion for the procurement and installation of 20.1MWp of Solar PV capacity with 10.1MWh Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) across 11 key public facilities, with additional 10MWp of solar power at Lambar Rimi.

This approval followed the presentation of a comprehensive memorandum by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Power and Energy, Dr. Hafiz Ahmed, during the SEC meeting.

The proposal, backed by the Committee on Alternative Sources of Energy, underscores the administration’s strategic commitment to renewable energy as a sustainable pathway to reducing dependence on fossil fuels, easing the burden on the national grid and achieving long-term fiscal efficiency.

Governor Radda’s administration is determined to lead from the front in the transition to clean energy, setting an example for other states by creating a replicable model for decentralised power generation.

‘This initiative is not just an infrastructure upgrade, it is a deliberate, future-focused investment in energy security, economic competitiveness, environmental stewardship and improved quality of life for the people of Katsina State.

‘The approved deployment will bring solar + BESS systems to critical institutions, including Ajiwa, Zobe and Funtua Water Works; Umaru Musa Yar’adua University; General Amadi Rimi Orthopedic Hospital; Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic; Katsina State House of Assembly; Turai Yar’adua Maternity Hospital; State High Court; Isah Kaita College of Education and the Booster station.

‘These facilities will benefit from uninterrupted, clean and cost-effective electricity, ensuring that essential services such as water supply, healthcare, education and governance operate with efficiency and reliability,’ said Ahmed.

The 19.89 billion investment will be implemented using globally competitive pricing for solar panels, hybrid inverters, and battery storage systems-ensuring the best value for the state’s resources while maintaining high performance and durability.

The project will commence immediately with phased installations, allowing priority institutions to benefit early.

Kaduna petrol station manager arrested for criminal diversion of N500m

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested one Abdulazeez Gbadebo, the station manager of Emadeb Energy Service Limited for alleged criminal breach of trust and diversion of funds to the tune of N500 million (Five Hundred Million Naira).

He was arrested by operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency followed a petition by Emadeb Energy Service Ltd.

The company had alleged that it discovered through external audit that the suspect illegally diverted and sold bulk petrol to customers by manipulating the pump meters and diverting N500 million that accrued from the fraud to his personal bank account.

EFCC said its investigations revealed that the suspect sold bulk petrol and diesel to different individuals and received payments through his private bank accounts.

Items recovered from him include: An ash-coloured Mercedes Benz, an ash-coloured mini cooper, a green-coloured mini cooper, an ash-coloured mini cooper and a white Mercedes Benz GLK. Others are, one original authorization letter from Kaduna Geographical Information System, KADGIS, a certificate of occupancy with file number, KDL 328159, one three bedroom fully detached bungalow and three landed properties.

He will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

’Why I said yes to Mr Eazi,’ Temi Ajibade opens up

Nigerian fashion influencer and media personality Temi Ajibade, has opened up on why she said yes to Mr Eazi’s marriage proposal.

While speaking during an interview, Temi opened up on her bond with her husband, revealing that he is her best friend.

Temi also stated that their relationship is built on shared dreams and desire to face life’s challenges together.

‘There’s too many. How will I choose one, there’s too many first and foremost he is my best friend. That is my person and I think when you meet your person you know. I can’t imagine spending the rest of my life with anybody else,’ she stated.

The daughter of one of Nigeria’s top billionaires, also expressed her excitement to spend the rest of her life with Mr Eazi. She added that he is her person.

‘He is the person I’m excited and can’t wait to spend everyday with and you know build our lives together and work through our ups and downs together. Celebrate together, solve problems together. He is simply my person,’ she added.