Ogun and Oyo states have joined Lagos in declaring Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day to mark this year’s Isese Day celebration.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde announced the decision in a memo signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde. The governor said the day would allow residents to fully participate in celebrating Yoruba cultural and traditional heritage while praying for peace and unity in the state and the country.

In Ogun State, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Kayode Akinmade confirmed that the government had declared the day a public holiday. He noted that the move reflects the administration’s commitment to preserving Yoruba culture, heritage and traditional values. August 20 has been observed as a public holiday in Ogun since 2023.

Lagos State earlier declared the day work-free for public servants, political appointees and others. Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture Idris Aregbe described Isese as “a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality.”

The three southwestern states are among those recognising Isese Day, which celebrates indigenous Yoruba religion, culture and ancestral practices. Residents have been urged to celebrate peacefully and responsibly.

Another batch of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa has arrived in Lagos.

Eighty-three distressed citizens — comprising 58 adults and 25 children — returned aboard South African Airways flight SA060.

The returnees are currently undergoing biometric clearance under the supervision of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM). This marks the first repatriation exercise conducted by commercial flight, following seven earlier batches that arrived on chartered aircraft.

Authorities say the returnees will complete the necessary documentation before reuniting with their families.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, with effect from August 27, 2026.

Mr. Enitan succeeds Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is due to retire from the Federal Civil Service upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.

A native of Osun State, Mr. Enitan is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service. He has served as Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months, with postings at the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office of the Vice President. He is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.

He brings considerable institutional experience and a deep understanding of the workings of the Federal Civil Service to his new role.

President Tinubu expressed profound appreciation to Mrs. Walson-Jack for her distinguished service to the nation and for the reforms, impact, and innovations recorded in the Civil Service during her tenure. The President wished her a fulfilling and successful life in retirement and conveyed the nation’s gratitude for her years of dedicated and impactful public service.

The President charged the incoming Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to consolidate the reforms and innovations already underway, deepen professionalism and efficiency across the service, and build a more effective and responsive Civil Service capable of delivering on the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

President Tinubu further urged Mr. Enitan to lead a Civil Service that is professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.

Born on December 12, 1966, Mr. Enitan had his secondary education at Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife. He graduated from the University of Lagos in 1988 with a B.Sc. in Finance and Banking. In 2015, he obtained an M.Sc. in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Lafia.