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The Federal Character Commission (FCC), under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Ayo Omidiran, in conjunction with the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), is set to convene representatives of all 774 Local Government Areas across Nigeria at a landmark national workshop scheduled to be held on 24 and 25 August 2026 in Abuja.

The workshop, themed ‘Deepening national unity through grassroots implementation of the Federal Character principle,’ is designed to deepen discussions on equitable development, strengthen grassroots governance and promote a fairer distribution of socio-economic amenities and infrastructure across the country.

Speaking on the significance of the workshop, the Oyo State Federal Commissioner of the Federal Character Commission, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, who is also the Chairman of the planning committee, noted that the success of the workshop would not be measured merely by the quality of discussions in Abuja, but by the extent to which its outcomes and benefits trickle down to the grassroots, where the majority of Nigerians reside.

According to him, the participation of local government chairmen is crucial because they remain the closest tier of government to the people and are strategically positioned to identify grassroots needs, implement development initiatives and ensure that socio-economic amenities and infrastructure reach communities in a fair and equitable manner.

He further stressed that the workshop provides an important platform for local government leaders to share experiences, exchange ideas and develop practical strategies for improving grassroots governance, infrastructure delivery and equitable development.

The Oyo State Federal Commissioner commended the leadership of the Federal Character Commission under Omidiran for championing initiatives that promote fairness, equity and inclusive development across Nigeria.

He therefore urged all local government executive chairmen to seize the opportunity presented by the national workshop and contribute meaningfully to the deliberations, stressing that ‘the real impact of governance is felt at the grassroots.’

The Federal Character Commission remains committed to advancing its constitutional mandate of promoting fairness, equity and inclusiveness in the distribution of socio-economic opportunities and development across Nigeria.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth leaders have described the appointment of Minister of Youth Development, Hon Ayodele Olawande, as Director- General of Youth Mobilisation of the Presidential Campaign Council as a strategic move to strengthen grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The Youth leaders, spanning the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja, also said Mr Olawande’s appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was well deserved and would enhance mobilisation and participation of young Nigerians in the electoral process.

The APC released the complete membership list of its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council over the weekend, with Mr Olawande serving as Director- General of Youth Mobilisation for the council.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Chairman, Comrade Zaka Nehemiah, the forum also congratulated Senator Abdul’ Aziz Yari, CON, on his appointment as Director- General of the Presidential Campaign Council.

The Youth leaders particularly welcomed Olawande’s appointment, citing his experience as a former youth leader in Ondo and his understanding of grassroots mobilisation, youth engagement, and political coordination.

According to them, the appointment underscores the growing importance of young people in Nigeria’s political process and demonstrates the administration’s commitment to giving youth leaders a meaningful role in coordinating and mobilising the 2027 campaign.

They explained that they have a structure comprising more than 19,533 youth leaders across 17,802 wards, 1,154 local government areas, 109 senatorial districts, the 36 States and the FCT.

The Youth leaders also pledged to deploy their grassroots structures and networks in support of Olawande’s responsibilities and the broader objectives of the Presidential Campaign Council.

They expressed confidence that the combination of Senator Yari’s leadership and Olawande’s experience in youth mobilisation would contribute to a coordinated and inclusive campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.

‘Renewed Hope is assured,’ they added.

The APC Youth leaders assured the minister of their cooperation and support as he takes up his new responsibility, while reaffirming their readiness to work with him to achieve the campaign’s objectives.

Alimat Omidina, a daughter of late veteran Yoruba actor, Babatunde Omidina, popularly known as Baba Suwe, has recounted the emotional final conversation she had with her father before his death.

The model and content creator shared the memory on her X handle, @superstarrlimaa, on Saturday as she marked her father’s posthumous birthday.

Baba Suwe would have turned 68 on August 22.

‘Happy posthumous birthday, Daddy. Today feels so different, no crowd, no jollof rice, no you in your new shirt,’ she wrote.

Alimat said she wished she had created more memories with him.

‘I wish I made more memories with you and hugged you tighter when you told me you’d die. May Allah have mercy on you and grant you Jannatul Firdaus,’ she added.

In another post, she revealed that Baba Suwe told her about his impending death two days before he passed, but she dismissed it.

‘This could’ve been my mood today. Someone asked if Daddy ever told me he was going to die. Yes, he did. Two days before, he told me, but I laughed it off. I thought he was joking,’ she wrote.

She said she was later called home after his condition deteriorated.

‘The next day, I got a call to come home. He couldn’t talk anymore, and an hour later, he passed,’ she stated.

Baba Suwe died on November 22, 2021, at 63.

He was celebrated for his comic roles in Yoruba films such as Iru Esin, Baba Londoner, Oju Oloju and Baba Jaiye Jaiye.

Alimat is the daughter of Baba Suwe and late actress Omoladun Omidina, also known as Moladun, who died in 2009.

Her tribute drew emotional reactions online, with many sympathising with her over the loss of both parents.

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi has called on Nigerians to make the 2027 general election a contest of competence, capacity, character, compassion and commitment rather than ethnicity or religion.

He also called for issue-based campaigns devoid of hatred and violence, saying the outcome of the election should be respected by all sides.

Speaking at a world press conference on Friday in Onitsha, Anambra State, to mark the commencement of the presidential and National Assembly campaigns, he said his central conviction was that ‘Nigeria can work, and Nigeria must work.’

The former Anambra State governor, who is seeking the presidency alongside Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, said he and his running mate would personally take their campaign to Nigerians across the country.

He said genuine leadership required physical presence and empathy, arguing that a presidential candidate could not effectively lead communities without understanding their circumstances.

He said, ‘Today, I make this clear commitment: my running mate and I will take our message directly to Nigerians. We will listen to them, understand their concerns, and engage them openly. We will not delegate this duty to proxies.

‘Our campaign will focus on the urgent concerns of Nigerians and not on ethnicity or religion.

‘Nigerians must reject and disregard any campaign driven by propaganda, ethnicity, religion, elitism, or cronyism.’

Obi said the 2027 election presented Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the records, ideas and programmes of those seeking to lead the country amid what he described as grave economic and security challenges.

He described Kwankwaso as bringing ‘different but complementary governing experience’ from Kano State, where the former governor focused on education, technical training, scholarships and infrastructure.

‘Our experiences are different, but our conclusion is the same: Nigeria must invest in its people and manage public resources with discipline. Public office is not a reward; it is a responsibility to the people.

Obi listed the key proposals of his NDC- led federal government if elected to include: agriculture, which he said would be achieved by securing farming communities, expanding irrigation, improving rural roads and storage, and linking farmers to finance and markets.

‘Another key sector will be industry, which will be pursued through strengthening of manufacturing and agro-processing to export finished goods and capture more value.

‘Business climate would also be prioritised by removing unnecessary regulatory and infrastructure barriers for entrepreneurs.

‘Public finance would be strengthened by cutting wasteful spending, ensuring every naira has a clear purpose, and raising revenue without stifling businesses.

‘The goal is not growth for its own sake, but an economy that produces more, employs more people, creates wealth, and improves living standards.

‘Nigeria cannot import its way to prosperity. We will produce more of what we consume, process more of what we produce, and compete more effectively in global markets,’ he disclosed.

Over 200 key stakeholders including investors, government officials, hoteliers, transport operators, academics and media practitioners are to chart a new pathway for the tourism sector in Akwa Ibom state.

They are expected to participate in a roundtable discussion which will help usher in an integrated tourism ecosystem and track implementation beyond the event in Akwa ibom State.

This was made known on Saturday in a press statement jointly signed by Daniel Udoh, Chairman Nigeria Hotels Association (NHA), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Joseph Umoh, Chairman, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter and A Usen Udoh.

Chairman/CEO, Legacy Tourism Development Services Ltd.

According to the statement, they are mobilizing stakeholders to reposition the state as Nigeria’s leading tourism and hospitality destination through a high-level dialogue scheduled for Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at CEEDAPEG Hotels, Uyo.

They highlighted that the Roundtable is a bold step aimed at complimenting the enormous tourism and hospitality investment being implemented under the ARISE Agenda of the administration of Pastor Umo Eno, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

With the theme ‘Repositioning Akwa Ibom State as Nigeria’s Preferred Tourism and Hospitality Destination’ and tagline ‘Unlocking Destination Akwa Ibom,’ the event aims to shift focus from the state’s tourism potential to measurable performance, investment attraction, and economic impact.

Former Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, will deliver the keynote address while Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, former Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government (SSG) and former President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), will serve as the Chairman of the event while veteran journalist and Media Consultant, Mr. Etim Etim will moderate proceedings.

The organisers maintained that Akwa Ibom is blessed with hospitality infrastructure, cultural heritage, cuisine, and improved aviation connectivity, but the challenge remains organisation, marketing, and monetisation.

Key areas for discussion at the one-day confab include destination branding, tourism investment, hospitality standards, business and events tourism, community participation, youth and women entrepreneurship, and sustainable tourism.

The organisers averred that the initiative is designed to produce practical outcomes and partnerships. The time has come to transition ‘Destination Akwa Ibom from potential to performance.’ Tourism must be developed as a viable economic sector capable of attracting visitors, investment, and events, increasing visitor expenditure, creating employment, and generating sustainable opportunities for local businesses and communities.

Panelists expected at the event include tourism strategist and delivery advisor to the Governor, Sir Charles Sebastian Udoh; Professor of Marketing, University of Calabar, Prof. Bassey B. Esu; Historian, Dr. Nkereuwem David Edemekong of the University of Uyo; Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, Chairman/ CEO RemLord Tours Ltd /Chairman, Board of Trustees, Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and SSA on Tourism to Akwa Ibom State Governor and Mrs. Faith Esohe Essien, Vice President, FTAN South-South.

Lucy Ikpesu-Ewhubare, a UK-based engineer and the founder of ScholarWaka, has opened up on her passion for making global education accessible to Nigerian students following a personal experience.

In a recent chat, Ikpesu-Ewhubare opened up on why she’s passionate about advancing girls’ education in STEM, expanding access to scholarships and global opportunities, and supporting sustainable development through education.

Reminiscing on her story as a young Nigerian with hope and determination, Ikpesu-Ewhubare noted that she loves to make an impact.

‘I’m just a girl who loves to be different and make an impact. I grew up in a low-income family in Nigeria and know first-hand how hard it is to access opportunities abroad without financial means. I held onto a dream, worked smart and hard, and after several scholarship applications and rejections, I secured a fully funded Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship to study Advanced Chemical Engineering with Energy at the University of Birmingham, after earning my BEng in Chemical Engineering from Delta State University, Nigeria, where I was also a three-year Agbami Chevron Scholar.

Today, I work as an Engineer in the UK, supporting the delivery of the UK’s national electricity network plan.’

Continuing, the engineer said, ‘I bring insight from both sides of the scholarship process. With over four years’ experience as a Scholarship Programme Manager, I led the recruitment, selection, and awarding of scholarships to African university students across more than 23 institutions in Africa. That journey, from applying to over 25+ scholarships and reaching out directly to professors, to finally winning my own fully funded place, shaped my belief that everyone deserves access to quality education, regardless of financial background. That’s exactly why I founded ScholarWaka: to help others navigate the path I once had to find largely on my own.

‘My purpose is simple: I don’t want people from the background I came from to limit themselves. We can be more. We can do more. Wherever you’re from, whatever you’re dreaming of, it’s valid, and it’s achievable. That’s the message I share through ScholarWaka and my YouTube channel: practical, insider guidance on what selection committees look for, and how to approach scholarship applications strategically.’

Correcting the notion on students that can apply for scholarships, Ikpesu-Ewhubare said, ‘That’s not always the case. Scholarships aren’t reserved only for first-class students. 2:1 or 2:2 graduates can apply and win scholarships, or maybe third class if the scholarship didn’t have a specific minimum grade requirement and they had an exceptional professional record. That said, some scholarships do have specific academic grade requirements, and in those cases, you do need to meet the minimum criteria to be eligible. But outside of that, it’s really not just about grades, there are other ways to strengthen and complement your academic profile.

‘For instance, if someone with a first-class degree applies but has no professional experience, community impact, or volunteering to show, a selection committee may actually favour someone with a 2:1 or 2:2 who’s stronger in those areas. It’s not just about how well you did academically. It’s also about your interpersonal skills and what you bring to the table beyond the classroom. It’s about how well-rounded and strong your overall profile is. That’s why I always encourage people: whatever grade you have, keep developing yourself. Build your profile. Build your work experience, volunteer, lead, take initiatives. Give back to your community – whether that’s through your church, your street, or anywhere else you can make a difference. Every bit of that contributes to a stronger, more compelling profile for scholarship applications.’

Ikpesu-Ewhubare also took time to explain how her ScholarWaka is helping intending students from falling into scholarship scams.

In her words, ‘First, be careful where you source your information. Only get scholarship details from credible websites like ScholarWaka. We research, verify, and simplify the process for you, but it’s important to understand what platforms like ours actually are. Third-party websites like ScholarWaka do not award scholarships unless they’re listing their own scholarship or programme that they directly own and run. Beyond that, third-party scholarship sites like ours don’t own the scholarships we share information on, and we can never guarantee you’ll receive one just because you saw it on our website. Another key sign: you should never be able to fully apply for a scholarship directly on a third-party website. A credible platform will always redirect you to the official scholarship or university website, where you can confirm the details you’ve read and apply through the verified, official channel – not through us or any other third party. Always verify, always go to the official source, and never pay to receive a scholarship.’

Housemate Cassi has been evicted from Big Brother Naija Season 11, ‘Show Ya Sef’, becoming the fifth housemate to leave the house this season.

Host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced the eviction during the live eviction show on Sunday night.

Cassi was up for possible eviction alongside other housemates in week four.

He follows Kamsy, who was evicted last Sunday, and Neche, who took a voluntary exit.

The 2026 edition of Big Brother Naija premiered on July 26 with 24 housemates competing for the N160 million grand prize.

With Cassi’s departure, 19 housemates remain in the house as the show heads into week five.

Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has launched the state’s Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, calling for collective action to build a more environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient Taraba.

Unveiling the document in Jalingo, Kefas said the policy was a decision about the future of the state’s natural resources.

‘We are taking the decision about the future of Taraba. We are deciding whether our forests will still be standing and whether our rivers will still be flowing,’ the governor said.

The Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Hajiya Aishat B. Barde, said climate action was not the government’s duty alone.

She urged ministries, departments and agencies, local government councils, traditional institutions, communities, youth and women’s groups, the private sector and development partners to take ownership of their roles in implementation.

‘This marks the beginning of a new phase of coordinated and measurable climate action in the state.

‘The policy will help Taraba build a state that is environmentally sustainable, economically prosperous and resilient to the challenges of a changing climate,’ Barde said.

She acknowledged the support of Natural Eco Capital, Society for Planet and Prosperity, and the African Climate Foundation for their financial and technical contributions to the policy’s development.

Kefas noted that climate change was already affecting agriculture through unpredictable rainfall and drying rivers, with serious consequences for farmers.

He stressed that any climate policy that ignores farmers ‘will not succeed’ and directed that environmental considerations be mainstreamed into health, infrastructure and education planning.

The governor charged local governments with a central role in implementation, noting that issues such as flooding and bush burning occur mainly at the community level.

He also called for improved waste management, saying, ‘Climate action cannot be effectively pursued while our streets and drainages are clogged with waste.’

Residents were urged to protect forests, discourage bush burning, and plant trees.

Kefas said the success of the policy would no longer be measured by workshops, but by ‘tangible changes in communities.’

He called on the Federal Government, the National Council on Climate Change, international partners and other stakeholders to support Taraba in implementing the plan.

Describing Taraba as richly endowed with mountains, rivers and forests, the governor declared that ‘the state’s Climate Change Policy has come to stay and will form part of Taraba’s development agenda.’

More than 5,000 students from 250 Islamic schools across Zamfara State participated in a mass Qur’anic recitation and special prayers for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid and the political appointment of Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari.

The programme was organised by the United Youth Scholars for Preaching and Guidance in Zamfara, with Islamic scholars and students from the state’s 14 local government areas taking part.

The organisers said the gathering also aimed to pray for peace and peaceful coexistence in Zamfara State.

Speaking at the event, the state chairman of the association, Malam Nasiru Buda, said more than 250 Islamiyyah schools were mobilised for the Qur’anic recitation and prayers.

Buda said the programme was part of the association’s longstanding religious activities and was not organised solely because of recent political developments.

‘We invited Islamic scholars across the 14 local government areas and more than 250 Islamiyyah schools to pray for success.

‘We did not initiate this forum now. It has been our longstanding tradition to conduct this kind of Islamic activity, seeking God’s intervention, which we usually organise every two months,’ he said.

He said the association decided to intensify prayers for the Tinubu administration and Yari after the President appointed the former Zamfara governor as Director-General of the Tinubu/Shettima 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.

According to Buda, members had resolved to set aside previous grievances and support the campaign council.

‘We have decided to put aside all our grievances and unite to pursue the success of the movement.

‘We want our members to continue praying in their schools for the success of Abdul’aziz Yari and the campaign council,’ he said.

Buda said Yari maintained strong relationships with Islamic organisations and scholars across the country and described him as a philanthropist who supported religious and humanitarian causes.

He commended the member representing Maru/Bungudu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abdulmalik Zubairu Zannah, for his contribution to the gathering’s success.

Also speaking, the association’s vice chairman, Malam Hadi Aminu, said the event was organised to pray for peace in Zamfara and the success of Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Aminu urged Governor Dauda Lawal to appoint Zannah as the head of the Zamfara State campaign team, saying the group was confident in Yari’s ability to deliver the state for Tinubu.

‘We have confidence in Senator Yari, and we are confident that he will deliver,’ he said.

About 10 Islamic scholars took turns leading special prayers for Yari’s success in his new political assignment and for peace in Nigeria.

A former state Director of Tajweed, Malam Hadi Suleiman, commended Yari for his contributions to Qur’anic education and support for Qur’anic reciters and vulnerable people.

Suleiman said Yari supported Qur’anic competitions and pilgrims, among other philanthropic interventions.

He claimed that Yari had provided 70 cars and 70 Hajj seats to winners of Qur’anic competitions, and supported orphans and other vulnerable people.

Yari, who was represented by Hon. Aminu Adamu Dankwangila, thanked the United Youth Scholars for Preaching and Guidance for organising the Qur’anic recitation and prayers.

He urged the scholars and students to sustain their prayers for peace and stability in Zamfara and Nigeria and for the success of the Tinubu/Shettima 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.

Chief Frank Ozue has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Isoko North II Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly election scheduled for February 6, 2027.

Ozue, adopted as the party’s consensus candidate, secured the APC ticket after polling 6,846 votes at the party’s primary election on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

At the Executive Council Chambers of the Isoko North Local Government Council in Ozoro, the Presiding Officer of the primary, Hon. James Augoye, declared the result, stating that Ozue had satisfied the requirements of the APC Constitution and guidelines and had scored the highest number of votes.

Augoye consequently declared Ozue the winner of the primary and the party’s duly nominated candidate for the Isoko North II Constituency election.

Ozue’s emergence further consolidates his political career and grassroots experience.

Prior to securing the APC ticket, he served as Vice Chairman of the Isoko North Local Government Council and as Executive Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters, where he gained considerable experience in local government administration and political mobilisation.

His emergence followed his earlier endorsement by the APC leadership in Isoko North at a meeting held on Friday at the country home of the member representing Isoko Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko, in Erawha-Owhe.

Prominent APC leaders and stakeholders witnessed the primary election declaration, including Ukodhiko; Chairman of the Isoko North Local Government Council, Prince Godwin Ogorugba; Executive Director, Finance and Administration, DESOPADEC, Chief Kome Okpobor; and Chairman of the Isoko North APC, Mr Sunday Omonakome, among others.

Speaking after his declaration, Ozue expressed appreciation to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, as well as the leadership and stakeholders of the APC in Isoko North, for their confidence and support.

He pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him, assuring the constituents that he would work assiduously with party leaders and stakeholders to advance the growth and development of the constituency if elected on February 6, 2027.

Ozue also called for unity and continued cooperation among party members, stressing that collective efforts would be required to secure victory for the APC and provide effective representation for the people of the Isoko North II Constituency.