News
Tinubu Makes Fresh Appointment; Creates New Agency
President Bola Tinubu has announced the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO), aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s healthcare sector through digital innovation. Dr. Obi Adigwe has been appointed as the inaugural National Coordinator for this newly formed agency.
According to a press release from the presidency, signed by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the NHTDAO will operate under the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
The presidency clarified that this new office will not assume any existing responsibilities but will instead serve as a high-level coordinating platform. Its purpose is to unify various health components across the country, enhancing collaboration and efficiency within the healthcare system.
“It will reinforce, not replace, the existing statutory functions of relevant departments and agencies,” the statement read. “It will also harmonise and empower the public and private institutions across the health system, set the standards that connect them, and operationalise the National Digital Health Architecture, approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.”
The pioneer National Coordinator, Dr. Adigwe, transitions into this role with a background in health innovation, having previously served as the Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development.
During his tenure, he led major technological interventions, including managing a ¥300 million Nanotechnology grant and an AFREXIMBank grant for the continent’s first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Training Facility.
He also spearheaded the roadmap for an €18 million European Union grant and gained global attention during the last pandemic by conducting the world’s first scientific analysis that disproved claims surrounding the Covid Organics preparation.
To ensure proper guidance and policy compliance, a steering committee has been set up to provide strategic oversight for the new office. The committee will be co-chaired by Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf, the Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.
Other prominent members include the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, the Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy, and executive heads from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the National Health Insurance Authority, and the National Information Technology Development Agency, alongside six representatives of State Commissioners of Health from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“The President expects NHTDAO to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable and data-driven health system that improves outcomes for all citizens, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration,” the statement added.
The Kano State Government has declared Tuesday, September 1, 2026, a work-free day for civil servants across the state to observe Takutaha, the annual religious and traditional procession.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf approved the announcement, which was formally addressed to senior government officials including commissioners, permanent secretaries, and heads of state agencies.
As reported by Daily Trust, the directive was published in Circular No. 7/2026, signed by Abba A. Danguguwa, Permanent Secretary of the Establishment Directorate in the Office of the Head of Civil Service.
Danguguwa issued the statement on behalf of the Head of Service. The circular noted that the holiday falls on the 19th of Rabi’ul Awwal, 1448AH.
What Is Takutaha?
Takutaha is a centuries-old celebration held on the 19th of Rabi’ul Awwal each year. It commemorates the seventh-day naming ceremony following the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and carries deep spiritual and cultural significance for residents of Kano.
Many make their way to Twin Dala and Goron Dutse hills, where they climb to share meals, feast, and enjoy religious performances while overlooking Kano
Kano government’s message to civil servants
In its declaration, the Kano State Government described Takutaha as an occasion of deep communal and spiritual importance. Officials urged civil servants to use the day for prayers and reflection, seeking divine blessings for peace and prosperity in Kano and Nigeria as a whole.
The government also confirmed that essential services will continue to operate normally throughout the holiday.
2 public holidays in August 2026
Recall that Nigeria has two public holidays scheduled for August 2026, covering both religious and cultural observances.
Isese Day falls on Thursday, August 20, and four Southwest states are set to observe it as a work-free day.
Eid ul-Mawlid comes up later in August, with its date depending on moon sighting and authorities’ confirmation.
The Federal Government has appointed a Professor at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Emmanuel Olukemi Rotimi, as a member of the Policy Advisory Committee supporting the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill.
Daily Voice reports that Rotimi was selected because of his academic work on the history and development of policing in Nigeria, especially his research into the country’s former decentralised police systems.
According to Nigerian Tribune, the proposed National Policing Bill is being prepared to create a legal framework for the operation of both Federal and State Police Services.
The Presidential Working Group is chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The group has been given seven weeks to prepare a draft of the proposed legislation that can be implemented and submit it to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The Policy Advisory Committee is headed by retired Justice Mohammed Abdullahi Liman.
Its duties include providing policy guidance, giving instructions for the drafting process and reviewing the contents of the proposed Bill before it is finalised.
Rotimi is a professor in the Department of History at Obafemi Awolowo University and has spent many years studying Nigeria’s policing system.
His academic work has focused on how policing developed under colonial and post-colonial administrations and the challenges faced by earlier local police institutions.
His master’s research examined the Native Administration Police Forces in Western Nigeria between 1905 and 1951.
He later conducted doctoral research on Native Administration Police Forces across Nigeria from 1900 to 1970.
He also authored The Police in a Federal State: The Nigerian Experience, published in 2001. The book examined the origin, organization, and development of Native Authority and Local Government police forces before those institutions were eventually abolished
World Bank Approves $500m for Ghana
Charge Me to court, VeryDarkMan challenges police over checkpoint kidnapping claims
Transfers: Man City Ready Enzo Fernandez Bid, Chelsea Eye Martinez, Coventry Sign Pinnock
Former Super Eagles Star Loses Life Savings, Duped By A Pastor of ₦1.2 Billion
I’m A Married Man, I Can Never Get Myself Involved With Such A Thing, Delta Gov Aide Reveals Why He Offered Comfort ₦500,000 Job
Lagos Imposes ₦250,000 Fine For Illegal Waste Disposal
-
Politics12 hours agoAPM Presidential Candidate Makinde Appoints New Special Adviser
-
Entertainment12 hours agoI Did A Song For Wizkid, He Snubbed Me – Carter Efe
-
Entertainment12 hours agoFunke Akindele, Ex-husband, JJC Skillz ‘Reunite’ In France
-
News1 day agoNigerian Gov Declares Work Free Day
-
Entertainment12 hours agoNot True – Ogogo’s Family Denies Reports Of Daughter Giving Birth
-
News1 day agoBREAKING: FG Makes New Appointment
-
Entertainment12 hours ago2026-27 Carabao Cup Third-Round Fixtures Confirmed: Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool Get Foes
-
Sports12 hours agoTransfers: Man City Ready Enzo Fernandez Bid, Chelsea Eye Martinez, Coventry Sign Pinnock