The Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under Emomotimi Agama has revealed its plans to issue licenses to crypto exchanges in the country to complement the growing adoption of cryptocurrencies in the country.
In June the Nigerian SEC launched a new program aimed at speeding up the registration process of Virtual Assets Providers (VASPS).
SEC also announced amendments to its rules on Digital Assets Issuance, offering platforms, Exchanges, and Custody.
In an interview today on Bloomberg, Nigerian SEC Chief Emomotimi Agama reiterated his commitment to regulating cryptocurrency in Nigeria for the sake of young Nigerians who are neck deep into the industry.
“Being a crypto enthusiast and fintech enthusiast, I can tell you without doubt that this is going to happen sooner than you think.”
“We must support the youths of this country to be able to achieve the benefit that is accruable in fintech. The market size is huge and it is growing,”
Fast-growing crypto economy
Nigeria has one of the fastest-growing crypto economies in the world with a very high demand for crypto assets. This statistic has forced the hand of the Central Bank of Nigeria to lift restrictions on Nigerian banks facilitating cryptocurrency transactions after a ban that lasted for two years.
The Apex bank stated that it was improper to continue upholding stringent measures in a sector that is growing so fast and has massive potential.
Nigeria was named the second biggest economy in terms of crypto adoption last year and in August 2022 was named the most crypto-crazy country by volume of Google searches.
Crypto entities delist Naira peer-to-peer
Following the crackdown on crypto entities earlier this year, top exchanges have closed down Naira P2P and Naira withdrawals on their platforms.
Big crypto exchanges like OKX and Binance have delisted their Naira p2p trading following accusations of currency manipulation and money laundering from Nigerian Authorities.
The Nigerian SEC in its latest move to issue licenses to crypto exchanges is a 360-turnaround in policy following earlier crackdowns on crypto entities.
The SEC chief explained in his Bloomberg interview that the regulatory body wants to provide a platform where crypto dealings will be transparent and devoid of bad actors.
“The SEC wants to provide a platform where people can formally do these things and we are able to get all of the information that we need,”
“What we will not encourage is the use of cryptocurrency to manipulate our currency,” Agama said.
What to know : The Nigerian authorities are still locked in a spat with Binance Ltd over claims of money laundering and tax evasion. Tigran Gambaryan a Binance executive is still been detained by Nigerian authorities at the time of the report.
[Nairametrics]
An Islamic cleric, Sheik Abdulrahaman Azzamfari, has weighed in on the persistent threats by bandits in Zamfara state.
In a video seen by Daily Trust, Azzamfari delivered a message to the government of Zamfara, expressing deep concerns about the escalating insecurity and banditry in the region.
According to him, the current administration’s approach had not effectively tackled the wave of violence, allowing bandits to sense a vacuum and intensify their attacks.
He said: “The Zamfara state government must know that we are in a horrible state. Residents have farmed but they are not getting anything from it.
“The situation is worse now. Hunger and high cost of things are forcing people to migrate and abandon farming, while some to join criminal activities.
“The deployment of soldiers alone cannot solve the issue. Mediation and reconciliation with the affected communities are crucial.
“The state government must take steps towards reconciliation, as the situation is beyond mere imagination and requires a collective effort to resolve.”
[DailyTrust]
In a recent interview on the “In My Opinion” Podcast, Flavour shared his journey to fame.
He recalled his first collaboration with rapper Nigga Raw (now known as Mr. Raw), where he played the piano for him in the studio.
Flavour revealed how he sought out Nigga Raw’s producer to learn music production, paying a weekly fee of ₦1,000.
He said that once he acquired the skills, he began charging ₦5,000 per beat for his services.
“From learning studio production to becoming a producer. From there, I started doing jobs as a producer, and I charged 5,000 per beat,” Flavour narrated.
He also revealed how he started accompanying Nigga Raw, who at the time, was one of the most famous artists in Eastern Nigeria to shows.
He said he later recorded the chorus to a Nigga Raw song that blew up in the East and gave his first glimpse of success.
The singer credited Nigga Raw with opening his eyes to what it means to be an artist.
“Nigga Raw was the guy that opened my eyes to what being an artist is about,” Flavour explained on the lessons he picked up from being a backup and spending time in the studio with Nigga Raw.
During the interview, Flavour shared how he contemplated what type of music he wanted to make between RnB and Highlife before deciding that RnB isn’t a profitable route, so he settled for Highlife Fusion.
Oil producers, under the aegis of the Independent Petroleum Producers Group, have warned against being forced to sell crude oil to the Dangote Refinery and other local ones in Nigeria.
The IPPG also called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to re-direct its allocated crude oil volumes to Dangote Refinery and other local refineries to mitigate the current crude supply shortage being experienced by the local refiners that is impacting local product availability in many parts of Nigeria.
The Chairman of IPPG, Abdulrazak Isa, in a letter dated August 16, 2024, and addressed to the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, said the NNPC should utilise its allocated 445,000 barrels per day intervention crude oil volume to salvage the current situation as it did in many instances in the past.
Isa said some IPPG members already owned and or were supplying crude oil to local refineries but insisted that the NNPC was in a good position to mitigate the current crude supply shortfall faced by local refiners by leveraging its statutory crude allocation for meeting local domestic consumption.
“Historically, NNPC has always had an intervention crude oil volume (445kbopd) meant to satisfy the nation’s domestic consumption. This volume has always been used, under various swap mechanisms, to import refined products for domestic consumption.
“Since there is now domestic refining capacity to meet consumption, this dedicated volume should be reserved for all domestic refineries under a price hedge mechanism that can be provided by a suitable financial institution such as Afrexim Bank,’’ he stated.
Isa, however, maintained that, “Any national production above this allocated volume should be treated strictly as export volumes, adhering to the willing buyer, willing seller framework of the international market especially since the refiners will need to export excess products that surpass domestic demand thus boosting FX earnings.’’
The group expressed concerns over certain recent developments including the domestic crude oil refining requirements and crude oil production forecast for the second half of 2024, announced by NUPRC, as well as the request to all producing companies for their monthly quotations for crude oil supply to licensed refineries in Nigeria.
Specifically, IPPG said some of its members had received letters from the Dangote Refinery for crude supply nominations for October, and faulted the approach as bringing them under an obligation, saying it conflicted with the spirit of the willing-buyer, willing-seller framework prescribed by the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.
He asserted that the objective of enhancing the country’s petroleum value chain should be done within the confines of the law and existing obligations, expressing the confidence that an amicable solution could be reached by all stakeholders without jeopardising the existing commercial agreements, economic interests and business models of each segment of the oil and gas sector.
“While we fully support and commend the efforts of Nigerian entrepreneurs to enhance domestic refining capacity, it is important that no private sector business is unduly pressured into arrangements that may effectively subsidise another within the oil and gas value chain under any guise whatsoever.
“Under this willing-buyer, willing-seller framework, it is essential for refiners to negotiate and execute long-term crude oil Sales and Purchase Agreements with producers and their marketing agents. These agreements should follow industry best practices, with typical tenures ranging from one to five years,’’ the IPPG chairman said.
He added that some of them had also received allocation letters from NUPRC for the supply of specific volumes of crude oil to the domestic market for the second half of 2024, expressing concerns about its potential implications for the economy, especially the foreign exchange earnings through royalties and taxes.
The group noted, “We understand that the current allocation methodology appears to be based on a matrix of production forecasts by producers, issued technical allowable rates as well as crude oil requirements of domestic refineries, rather than actual local consumption needs. This raises significant concerns as it suggests that allocations are being determined based on the demands of refiners, which may exceed what is needed for domestic consumption.
“Such an approach could lead to inefficiencies and unfairly disadvantage producers. Therefore, it is crucial that refineries with excess capacity beyond local consumption do not exploit the Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligations to the detriment of oil producers and other stakeholders, including the Government.’’
Isa called for transparency in how the allocations to oil producers were determined and requested NUPRC to provide clear details on the allocation criteria and methodology, while he sought an opportunity for IPPG to make input into the production forecast to ensure it accurately reflects operational realities.
The PUNCH recalls that Dangote and other local refineries have repeatedly accused international oil companies of not selling crude to them.
President Bola Tinubu later directed the NNPC to sell feedstock to the local refineries in naira
On Monday, the Federal Government announced that the deal would commence in October
The Publicity Secretary of the Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria, Eche Idoko, told our correspondent last week that a meeting was held to that effect.
He disclosed that CORAN is asking for a crude supply contract with refineries that are operating and a conditional crude supply contract with those who are currently at ATC (Authority To Construct) and construction stages to enable the close out on their final investment decisions and bring their refineries to full operation.
The CORAN spokesperson has earlier stated that the supply of crude to local refineries in naira would bring down the cost of petrol and strengthen the naira against the dollar.
Recently, the management of Dangote Group insisted that the IOCs were still frustrating crude supply to the 650,000-capacity refinery.
In a statement, the group alleged that the IOCs insisted on selling crude oil to its refinery through their foreign agents, saying the local price of crude will continue to increase because the trading arms offer cargoes at $2 to $4 per barrel, above NUPRC official price.
The group also alleged that the foreign oil producers seem to be prioritising Asian countries in selling the crude they produce in Nigeria.
The PUNCH also reported two weeks ago that the Dangote refinery engaged in an exchange of words with the NUPRC over the alleged supply of 29 million barrels of crude oil to the refinery.
The Dangote Group had accused the NUPRC of failing to effectively enforce the Domestic Crude Supply Obligations regulations, saying the refinery had yet to get enough crude locally.
Reacting, the NUPRC debunked the claim, stating that it facilitated the supply of over 29 million barrels of crude oil to Dangote from January to June 2024.
The NUPRC argued that it had facilitated the domestic supply of crude oil to Dangote refinery and other refineries using the monthly production curtailment platform.
But in a swift response, the Dangote Group also denied receiving 29 million barrels of crude from any source.
Spokesperson for the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, said, “We received NUPRC’s statement that they have facilitated the allocation of 29 million barrels of crude oil to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, we would like to thank them for this allocation but at the same time, we wish to let them know that we are yet to receive these cargoes.
“Aside from the term supply we bilaterally negotiated with NNPCL, so far NUPRC has only facilitated the purchase of one crude cargo from a domestic producer. The rest of the cargoes we have processed were purchased from international traders.”
Chiejina added that all the refinery was asking for was for refineries in Nigeria to buy crude directly from the companies that produce it in Nigeria rather than from international middlemen
[Punch]
TikTok trends often capture the humor in everyday life, and the “Very Demure, Very Mindful” trend is a perfect example created by a beauty influencer, known as Jools LeBron.
LeBron, in a viral audio clip, humorously contrasted the idea of being “demure” and “mindful”.
In the forty-second TikTok video she shared, she flaunted a polished makeup look and described herself as “very demure, very mindful.”
To Jools, being “demure” means being mindful, modest, and considerate of both oneself and others, presenting herself in a refined and thoughtful way.
The trend quickly caught on as users showcased their clumsy or chaotic moments while the refined voiceover played in the background.
The irony and self-deprecating humor of the trend resonate with many, offering a refreshing break from the often curated perfection on social media.
This trend highlights TikTok’s unique ability to turn simple ideas into viral sensations, encouraging everyone to embrace their imperfections and laugh at life’s less graceful moments.
Who is Jools LeBron, creator of ‘very demure, very mindful trend?
Lebron is a prominent social media influencer renowned for her makeup and beauty tutorials, as well as her popular ‘Get Ready With Me’ videos.
Since 2021, she has also gained attention for her extensive collection of Bratz dolls and her passion for creating wigs.
According to Variety, Lebron has shared that the success of her ‘very demure very mindful’ videos has allowed her to travel internationally for event hosting and to support her transition financially. Lebron identifies as a transgender woman.
Waiziri Adio, former Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), has asked the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to be transparent in its dealing.
He said this while reacting to the national oil company’s response to reports that President Bola Tinubu had approved payment for subsidy.
Tinubu had directed NNPC to utilise the 2023 final dividends due the federation to pay for subsidy.
But denying the report on subsidy, Umar Ajiya, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the NNPCL, said the oil firm is only bearing what he called the “shortfall” and not subsidy.
In a series of tweets on Tuesday, Adio, who is the Executive Director of Agora Policy think-tanka, wondered why NNPC was playing with words.
“NNPCL’s waffling on petrol subsidy is so disingenuous. Oh, it is not subsidy, but a shortfall/PMS fx differential. Same difference. No subsidy was paid to any marketer. Has anyone said NNPCL paid subsidy to marketers and is it even within their remit to pay subsidy to marketers?”
“Former PPPRA was charged with approving subsidy for marketers and NNPC. Ministry of Finance was paying marketers after verification of claims. Only difference with NNPC was that it deducted its subsidy and other claims from money for crude given to it for domestic use (DCA).
“It is not NNPCL’s responsibility, by practice or by law, to pay subsidy to marketers. That answer to a question not asked is at best a hollow attempt at deflection.
“Saying there is no subsidy because selling PMS below landing cost is a transaction between the company and the Federation (repaid or netted off) is a lame play with words that take everyone for a moron. NNPCL can use this free advice: when in a hole, stop digging,” he tweeted.
[DailyTrust]
Nations like Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria are among the top 5 countries in Africa that have lost the most people to emigration
Across Africa, millions of people are leaving their home countries due to a mix of factors such as economic hardship, political instability, conflict, and a lack of opportunities. The continent has seen a significant outflow of its population, with some countries experiencing particularly high rates of emigration.
Nations like Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria are among the top 5 African countries that have lost the most people to emigration, per ranking via UN’s World Population Prospects 2024.
5 countries in Africa with most emigration
1. Sudan
Sudan ranks first among African nations experiencing the highest levels of emigration, with approximately 1.35 million citizens having left the country. This places Sudan in a growing crisis as political instability, economic hardship, and conflict continue to drive people out in search of better living conditions abroad.
Recent statistics highlight the ongoing trend of migration, with many Sudanese seeking refuge in neighboring countries, Europe, and beyond. The loss of this large portion of its population not only strains families but also contributes to a significant brain drain, as skilled workers leave the country. Sudan’s position in this ranking underscores the broader migration challenges facing the African continent.
2. Uganda
Uganda ranks second in African countries experiencing significant emigration, with over 126,000 Ugandans leaving the country in recent years. This wave of migration is attributed to various factors, including economic challenges, political instability, and limited opportunities for growth within the nation.
Many Ugandans have sought refuge and better prospects in countries across Europe, the Middle East, and North America. The continued emigration presents concerns over the loss of talent and labor, which has led to calls for more robust policies aimed at retaining skilled professionals and fostering better economic conditions at home.
3. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe ranks third among African countries most affected by emigration, with an estimated 97,000 citizens having left the country in recent years. The primary drivers behind this exodus are ongoing economic difficulties, high unemployment rates, and political instability.
Many Zimbabweans are migrating to neighbouring countries like South Africa, as well as further afield to Europe, the UK, and North America, in search of better opportunities. The large-scale emigration is contributing to a significant brain drain, impacting critical sectors such as healthcare and education.
4. Nigeria
Nigeria ranks fourth among African countries experiencing a high rate of emigration, with an estimated 58,000 Nigerians leaving the country in recent years. The trend is driven by a combination of economic challenges, security concerns, and a desire for better educational and employment opportunities abroad.
A significant portion of Nigerian emigrants are heading to Europe, North America, and the Middle East, seeking stable environments and improved living conditions. The outflow has raised concerns over a “brain drain,” particularly in sectors like healthcare and technology, where skilled professionals are increasingly leaving the country.
5. Mali
Mali ranks fifth among African countries experiencing the most significant levels of emigration, with approximately 40,000 Malians having left the country in recent years. This migration is largely driven by persistent insecurity, economic instability, and limited opportunities for advancement.
A considerable number of Malians have migrated to Europe and neighboring West African countries, often risking dangerous journeys in search of better livelihoods. The outflow of people has raised concerns over the loss of talent and labor, particularly among the youth, who are seeking opportunities that are scarce at home.
In Osun State, an Osogbo-based cleric, identified as Femi has raped and impregnated his stepdaughter.
The 16-year-old stepdaughter, name (withheld), who levelled the allegation against Femi, disclosed that she was raped when she was 13 year-old.
The victim, aged 16, had approached a Non-Governmental Organisation, the World Institute for Peace, to seek Alternative Dispute Resolution.
The teenager had in an affidavit, sworn to at the Osun State Ministry of Justice, claimed that after her stepfather put her in family way, the pregnancy was terminated.
Narrating her ordeal to the officials of the NGO, she disclosed that she first reported the matter to her teacher in school, after about four years of constant abuse by her stepfather.
Speaking at an alternative dispute resolution meeting organised by WIP, the victim explained that her stepfather started having sexual intercourse with her when she was 12 years old.
She said, “When I was 13 years old, I got pregnant and he took me to a hospital for an abortion.
“He asked me to lie to the doctor that my classmate impregnated me and ran away. The first time he had intercourse with me was on my mother’s bed and he has been doing it continuously.
“I decided not to take the matter to court because my mother had four children for him, although two were dead.”
She also said she did not take legal action because of her step-siblings.
“I don’t want a situation whereby when the children grow up, it would be as if I am the one who sent their father to prison.
“I decided not to take legal action because of his children who are my younger siblings,” she said.
Also at the meeting, Femi, who is a commercial motorcyclist, as well as a pastor in a church he established, confessed to committing the crime.
Femi, who stated that he lost count of the number of times he slept with her, said it was God that instructed him to have carnal knowledge of the victim.
“It is true I slept with her although I don’t remember the number of times I did it with her.
“I’m a pastor and it was God who told me to sleep with her. God also told me to abort the pregnancy,” he confessed.
The affidavit, sworn to by the mother of the victim on her behalf, partly read, “My daughter went to the human rights organisation, World Institute for Peace, and reported a case of defilement and abortion levelled against her stepfather, Femi, early in August 2024.
“That, I have the consent of all the members of the family to swear to the affidavit that on August 11, 2024, we met with the human rights organisation, World Institute for Peace and agreed to settle amicably within the family.
“That, she (victim) agreed to resolve the dispute through alternative dispute resolution and has engaged in negotiation.
“That the family is not ready to pursue any case whatsoever with Mr Femi any longer.
“That the purpose of withdrawing was as a result of a settlement between the families, which was the sole proposition of the settlement.”
In his admonition for the parties involved in the matter, the Executive Director of the NGO, Lamina Omotoyosi, called on parents to ensure the safety of their children, especially from close family members and relations.
Lamina also bemoaned the increasing cases of incest in the state.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ogun State, Barrister ‘Niyi Ijalaye, is dead.
The Ogun REC slumped and died in Abuja on Monday evening after a meeting of RECs at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
A source at the Ogun State INEC headquarters, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that Barrister Ijalaye had returned to his hotel room after the meeting before the incident happened.
The source further revealed that the Ondo-born administrator, who was lively throughout the commission’s meeting, retired to a hotel in the Federal Capital Territory, where the incident happened.
The meeting, according to the remarks of the Chairman of INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, which was posted on the verified timeline of the Commission on Facebook, focused on two off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, and seven vacant positions in the National and State Assemblies.
During the meeting, Barrister Ijalaye dressed in blue striped Kaftan with a red cap, was seen in one of the pictures posted by the Commission on its timeline.
Barrister Ijalaye was posted to Ogun State in March 2022, following the transfer of Olusegun Agbaje to Lagos State.
The commission is yet to issue a confirmation statement on the reported death.
Nollywood actor cum politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has slammed President Bola Tinubu, over the acquisition of a new president jet amidst the economic challenges bedevilling the country.
Recall that Tinubu’s administration, on Monday, unveiled the new Airbus A330 purchased under his leadership.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who released the pictures, said it replaced the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) bought under the Presidency of former president, Olusegun Obasanjo.
Onanuga, however, did not reveal the amount spent by the Nigerian goverment to acquire the new presidential jet.
He said it saved Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly.
Reacting via a post on his X handle, Kenneth Okonkwo stated that it was insensitive for Tinubu to acquire the jet when Nigerians were dying of hunger.
He wrote: “People are dying of hunger, and President Tinubu is buying a presidential jet. This is the height of insensitivity.”
Responding to a follower who rebuked him over the criticism, Kenneth said his loyalty does not belong to any political party or politician but to Nigeria.
He added, “I picked a side from the first day I joined politics. The side of Nigerians. The most powerful office in a democracy is the office of the citizen. My loyalty is not to any political party or any politician, but to Nigeria”
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Popular Nigerian gospel singer, Yinka Alaseyori has cried out over alleged death threats.
Speaking during an Instagram live session, Alaseyori begged Nigerians to support her with prayers.
She disclosed that she has been experiencing online attacks for the past six months.
The singer warned that those wishing her death, are counting the days of death for themselves.
She said, “I am supposed to fear human beings. I will not die untimely. It has become a taboo. You need to check my DMs. I see people’s comments, curses and I smile. I see people wishing me a lot of things. I will just laugh at you. Because whoever wishes me death is counting the days of death for him or herself.
“If you think what I deserve is to die, you also want to die. If you are calling for death, do not come to my DM. Do not tell anybody about me for evil. If anybody gathers to wish me death, no matter how much they are, even if they are prophets, the angel of death will go after them. This world is wicked. It is so painful and sad. A whole lot of things are going on behind the scenes
“Please pray for me. I need your help. If you see me on stage, pray for me. And pray for me when you don’t see me or hear from me.”
“Even if we can’t do Psquare, can’t we be brothers?” – Paul Okoye quizzes twin brother, Peter
AFOLABI
Famous singer, Paul Okoye, aka Rudeboy, poured his heart out in a recent Instagram live session where he made a heartfelt plea.
The emotional appeal came as a response to the lingering feud between him and his twin brother, Peter Okoye, aka Mr P.
Paul’s question, “Even if we don’t do P-Square, can’t we be brothers? Even if we can’t do music, can’t we be brothers?” to his brother, Peter resonated deeply with fans and followers, who have been witnessing the public fallout between the twins.
The brothers’ relationship has been marred by claims and counterclaims, with Paul initially accusing Peter of getting him arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Peter, however, vehemently denied the allegations, shifting the focus to their elder brother, Jude Okoye, who he claimed was being investigated for embezzling P-Square’s funds. The back-and-forth exchange on social media has left fans divided, with many struggling to comprehend the depth of the issues plaguing the Okoye brothers.
Paul’s heartfelt plea for a brotherly relationship, despite their musical differences, underscores the complexity of their situation as he calls for peace even though they aren’t collaborating musically anymore.
Famous Afrobeat musician Davido has reacted to his father’s N1 billion donation to a church.
The singer’s father, Adedeji Adeleke, on Sunday, August 18 donated N1 billion to the Centenary Endowment Fund of the Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) Church.
He made the donation in memory of his mother, Esther Adeleke, during her remembrance service at the church’s headquarters in Lagos.
Reacting to the trending video of the event on Tunde Ednut’s comment section, Davido revealed that his father loves to donate to the church and towards education. He wrote:
“Anything Church or education, no worry, you don cash out.”
Also taking to his Instagram story, the singer wrote,
“My dear father inspires me every day! Love this man right here.”
The viral video showed Davido in attendance with his father, Adedeji Adeleke; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; wives of Governor Adeleke, Titilayo Adeleke and Ngozi Adeleke; Chief of Staff to Governor Adeleke, Kazeem Akinleye; House Speaker, Adewale Egbedun; members of the Osun House of Assembly; Head of Service, Ayanleye Aina; members of the State Executive Council; and media entrepreneur, Dele Momodu.
See screenshots of post below:
The governments of Lagos, Osun, Oyo and Ogun have declared Tuesday, 20 August, a public holiday to commemorate the Isese Day celebration.
The announcements were contained in separate circulars released by the state governments on Monday.
Lagos State
The State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, declared Tuesday, 20 August 2024, a work-free day to mark this year’s Isese Day celebration.
The declaration is contained in a circular titled “Commemoration of Year 2024 Isese Day – Declaration of Work Free Day”, which was issued on Monday by the state’s Head of Service, Bode Agoro.
The circular reads, “It is hereby notified for general information that this Year’s Isese Day Celebration will be held on Tuesday, 20th August 2024.
“In emphasising commitment to give necessary support to traditional institutions, as well as enhance the promotion of Indigenous tradition by preserving cultural heritage, Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has approved that Tuesday, 20th August 2024, be declared a Work-Free Day for Public Servants in the State.
“Consequently, work resumes on Wednesday, 21st August, 2024 at 8:00 a.m.
“Accordingly, all Accounting Officers are enjoined to note the contents of this Circular and give it the deserved Service wide publicity.”
Oyo State
The Oyo State Government, on Friday declared Monday as a maiden public holiday to celebrate Isese Day.
The announcement was contained in a circular titled, “Declaration of holiday to mark traditional religious festivity in Oyo State” and signed by the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo.
It read, “The Oyo State Governor, Governor Seyi Makinde has graciously approved August 20, 2023 of every year as “Isese day” in Oyo State, to commemorate the celebration of Traditional Religious festivity.
“Towards this end, Monday, August 21, 2023, has been declared as the maiden Public Holiday to commemorate this year’s festivity in the state.
“His Excellency has therefore requested that the occasion be used to pray for the peace, unity and stability of the State in particular, and the Country in general.
“Kindly give His Excellency’s approval, as conveyed, the widest publicity it deserves.”
Osun State
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has declared Tuesday, August 20, public holiday in the State for celebration of traditional religion (Isese) Day.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Abdul-Rasheed Aderibigbe, he stated that Adeleke approved the holiday to allow traditionalists to enjoy the special day.
It reads, “This is to inform the General Public that the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has declared Tuesday, 20th August, 2024 as a Public Holiday to celebrate ISESE DAY.”
Ogun State
The Ogun State Government has declared Tuesday, August 20, a public holiday to celebrate this year’s Isese Day, in line with the Dapo Abiodun-led administration’s commitment to religious inclusivity.
According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the work-free day will allow traditional worshippers across the state to commemorate their special day.