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Osun 2026: Oyetola Drops Governorship Ambition; Says APC’s Return To Power ‘Not Negotiable’

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Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has opted out of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State.

He, however, said the return of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to power in the state next year is not negotiable.

Oyetola, who governed the state between 2018 and 2022 and lost his re-election bid to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ademola Adeleke, broke the news of his non-participation in the APC governorship primaries at a meeting of party stakeholders in Osogbo on Friday.

He said the APC has enough qualified, competent and people of outstanding track records who could aspire to the office.

He said this was “a unique selling proposition to feast on, and we will continue to complement the federal government’s efforts on all fronts.”

Oyetola tasked the governorship aspirants of the APC in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Osun State to embrace peace and be each others’ keepers by avoiding a campaign of calumny, bitterness and politics of acrimony.

He said the party would not spare any legitimate effort to return to power, describing it as strong and able to unseat Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Commenting on the coalition moves by some politicians against President Bola Tinubu, Oyetola said the coalition poses no threat to APC.

“It is crystal clear that the coalition is drifting to collapse,” he said.

“This has no iota of effect on us, particularly in Osun.

“We knew this since it is the same TOP that metamorphosed to Omoluabi and later ADC.

“We are resolute to come victorious in the future elections, and this is incontestable.”

He applauded the leadership and members of the party for their continuous commitment to the growth and development of the party since 2022, assuring them of his avowed commitment to lead the party to victory come 2026.

Speaking on the need for members of the party to mobilise massively for the Continuous Voter Registration and collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVC), Oyetola described the move as a prerequisite for victory.

Prominent members of the APC seeking the governorship ticket include the National Secretary of APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru; Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji; Prince Dotun Babayemi; Senator Jide Omoworare; Chairman of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi; Kunle Adegoke, SAN, and a Professor of Mathematics in the US, Rafiu Durodoye.

The Osogbo meeting was co-presided over by the APC state chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, and Chairman of the Elders’ Caucus, Chief Sola Akinwumi.

Also in attendance were APC State Secretary, Alhaji Kamorudeen Alao; Treasurer, Hon. Femi Kujembola; former Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole; Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Protocol, Ambassador Issah Niniola; former Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, Adejare Bello; member House of Reps representing Ilesa North Federal Constituency, Hon. Wole Oke; former Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye; Hon. Wale Afolabi; former Deputy Speaker, Hon. Akintunde Adegboye, and former national and state assembly lawmakers.

Governorship aspirants Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly called AMBO; Babajide Omoworare; Prince Dotun Babayemi; Barrister Kunle Adegoke and Senator Mudashiru Hussein were also there as were local government chairmen and councillors, APC local government chairmen, APC state and local government EXCOs, stakeholders at wards, local government areas and state, among others.

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FULL LIST: Major Shake Up In Nigeria Police As IGP Deploys Commissioners Of Police

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The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the deployment of Commissioners of Police to State Commands and strategic formations across the country.

The deployment follows the approval of his recommendations by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

According to a statement on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the deployment is aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness, enhancing leadership across Commands and formations, and consolidating the ongoing reform and repositioning of the Nigeria Police Force.

Naija News reports that the Inspector-General of Police charged the affected senior officers to bring their wealth of experience to bear in their new assignments by strengthening intelligence-led policing, enhancing operational effectiveness, promoting professionalism, and deepening community engagement in line with the vision of the Force.

He also urged them to remain steadfast in safeguarding lives and property while upholding the highest standards of discipline, accountability, and service delivery.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strategic personnel deployments as a key component of its ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening internal capacity, and delivering more effective policing services to all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.

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Shettima Steps Aside from Official Duties After Three Years

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Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday commenced a two-week leave — his first since assuming office over three years ago.

According to a statement issued by the media aide to the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha, during the leave, the vice-president will devote time to study, reflect and do intellectual renewal as part of efforts to strengthen his capacity for continued service to the nation.

The leave offers Shettima an opportunity to review the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the responsibilities ahead as the Federal Government intensifies the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, the vice-president, the release stated, has remained actively engaged in the coordination and supervision of several strategic government initiatives, particularly in economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.

He has consistently chaired the monthly National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, which brings together the governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant public officials to deliberate on policies affecting the economy and the welfare of Nigerians.

Beyond his responsibilities within the country, Shettima has represented President Bola Tinubu at major international and regional engagements, advancing Nigeria’s position on economic integration, peace and security, climate action, investment and sustainable development. ExecutiveBranch

He remains deeply committed to the ideals of loyalty, duty and service that have defined his role in the administration, as well as to supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to build a more secure, productive and prosperous Nigeria.

The vice-president will return to office at the end of the two-week leave period and resume his official responsibilities with renewed energy and dedication to the service of the nation.

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Friday, August 7, Declared Public Holiday, Government Announces Reason

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Rwanda has declared Friday, August 7, 2026, a public holiday to mark Umuganura Day, a national harvest festival with roots stretching back to pre-colonial times.

Legit.ng reports that the announcement came from the Ministry of Public Service and Labour on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, and applies to workers across all sectors, both public and private.

The ministry said in its official statement:

“The Ministry of Public Service and Labour informs all employers and employees in both public and private sectors that Friday, August 7, 2026, will be a public holiday in celebration of Umuganura Day.” 

What is Umuganura Day?

Umuganura is one of Rwanda’s most significant cultural observances. The festival gives thanks to God and ancestors for the bounty of the land and marks the collective effort of communities in cultivating it. Despite being called a harvest festival, it is observed before the harvest begins, a tradition rooted in the practice of elders tasting the fruits of the new season before any family member is permitted to do so.

The celebration starts within individual families and then expands into wider community gatherings where traditional foods, crafts, and performances are shared. Rwandan restaurants and cultural centres, both at home and abroad, typically mark the occasion with special offerings tied to the country’s culinary heritage.

Agriculture sits at the heart of why the day carries such weight. About 80% of Rwanda’s labour force is engaged in farming activities, which contribute roughly 40% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Tea and coffee are the country’s most important cash crops, making up around 80% of its agricultural exports.

History of Umuganura festival

Umuganura has survived considerable upheaval. Germany colonised Rwanda in 1899 as part of German East Africa, and Belgium took control in 1916 during World War I. The prolonged period of colonial rule disrupted the festival, and it went uncelebrated for many years. Rwanda gained independence in July 1962, and the country gradually rebuilt its national identity in the decades that followed.

Despite its ancient origins, Umuganura was only formally recognised as a public holiday in 2011. Beyond its cultural significance, the day also serves as an occasion to reflect on the country’s yearly achievements across the sectors that drive national development.

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