Sultan Declares Friday as Eid-el-Fitr After Moon Not Sighted
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the day for the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr in Nigeria.
The announcement followed the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon across the country on Wednesday, the 29th day of Ramadan. The Sultan said no credible reports were received confirming the sighting of the moon from any part of Nigeria.
According to the declaration, Muslims in the country are to observe the Ramadan fast on Thursday before celebrating Eid-el-Fitr on Friday.
CDS Oluyede Calls for Local Support to End Boko Haram Insurgency
Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has said that ending the Boko Haram insurgency requires the involvement and cooperation of residents of Borno and Yobe states.
Oluyede made the remark in Maiduguri during a visit alongside the Chief of Army Staff, General Waidi Shaibu, following a directive by President Bola Tinubu for military chiefs to relocate to the North-East and take direct control of the security situation.
He stressed that many insurgents are known within their communities and urged residents to provide information that would help security forces defeat terrorism in the region.
Soludo Orders Political Appointees to Hand Over After Second-Term Inauguration
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has directed all political appointees in the state to hand over their duties with immediate effect.
The directive came barely 24 hours after the governor was sworn in for a second term and was contained in a circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
Officials said the move was aimed at reorganising the administration and allowing the governor to reconstitute his cabinet for the new term.
Sanusi to Lead Kano Eid Durbar as Government Tightens Security
The Kano State Government has announced that the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, will lead the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr Durbar in the state.
The decision, approved by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, followed intelligence reports suggesting attempts by some individuals to cause unrest during the Sallah celebrations.
Authorities said strict guidelines have been introduced to maintain law and order, with some traditional Durbar activities modified or temporarily suspended in the interest of public safety.
ADC Condemns Detention of El-Rufai, Threatens Petition to Rights Groups
The African Democratic Congress has condemned the continued detention of former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, describing it as a grave violation of fundamental human rights.
The party said El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and chieftain of the ADC, has remained in custody for more than 30 days.
ADC leaders vowed to petition Amnesty International and other human rights organisations, insisting that the former governor’s rights must be protected.
Tinubu Receives Ceremonial Welcome at Windsor Castle
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday received a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle as he began his state visit to the United Kingdom.
The visit marks the first by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years. Tinubu was accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The Nigerian leader was honoured with a 42-gun salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, marking the start of engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
Bala Mohammed Denies Defection Rumours, Reaffirms Loyalty to PDP
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has dismissed rumours suggesting he has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
Speaking with journalists after swearing in newly appointed permanent secretaries at the Government House in Bauchi, the governor insisted he remains a member of the opposition party.
Mohammed also described himself as an “international figure in politics,” adding that he would provide further clarification on the issue later.
Wike Says Abuja Projects Will Secure Tinubu Victory in FCT
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said ongoing infrastructure projects across Abuja’s satellite towns will make it difficult for opposition parties to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the territory in 2027.
Wike made the remark during a post-project inspection tour of road corridors in Karu, the Apo-Karshi axis, Bearing and Kubwa.
He stated that the “Renewed Hope” administration has restored confidence among residents by delivering critical infrastructure in the FCT.
Oluremi Tinubu to Preach at Lambeth Palace During UK Visit
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is scheduled to preach at Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, on Thursday.
The event forms part of the historic state visit by President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady to the United Kingdom at the invitation of King Charles III.
Officials described the engagement as a significant diplomatic moment aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
NSCDC Uncovers Warehouse for Stolen Crude Oil in Rivers
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has uncovered a warehouse used for storing stolen crude oil in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to the Corps, the crude oil was stored in GP tanks after being siphoned from vandalised pipelines in the region.
Authorities said the discovery is part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.
Shettima Visits Maiduguri Bomb Blast Victims in Hospital
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday visited victims of recent bomb blasts in Maiduguri who are receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
He was accompanied by the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Hajiya Zubaida Umar.
Shettima commiserated with affected families, condemned the attack and assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to restoring peace and supporting victims.
Labour Party Fixes May 23 for 2027 Presidential Primary
The Labour Party leadership under Esther Nenadi Usman has fixed May 23, 2026, for its presidential primary ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decision was taken during a National Executive Council meeting in Abuja attended by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The party also scheduled ward congresses for March 26, local government congresses for March 28, state congresses for March 31, and its national convention for April 11.
Wale Adenuga Denies Claims by Papa Ajasco Actor
Veteran filmmaker and Chief Executive Officer of Wale Adenuga Productions, Wale Adenuga, has rejected claims made by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known as Papa Ajasco.
Ayoyinka had earlier alleged that he was financially struggling despite his long association with the popular television series Papa Ajasco and Company.
Adenuga said the actor had not been barred from taking advertising jobs but must seek approval when using the Papa Ajasco brand to protect the franchise.
Portable Questions Careers of Former Mavin Records Artistes
Controversial Nigerian singer Portable has sparked debate after questioning the career trajectories of artistes who left Mavin Records.
In a viral video, the singer suggested that several former label signees lost prominence after leaving the music company headed by Don Jazzy.
Portable also called for a collaboration with the music executive, claiming the label’s guidance could help advance his career.
Sadio Mané Criticises CAF Over AFCON Title Decision
Senegal forward Sadio Mané has criticised the Confederation of African Football following its decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.
CAF ruled that Senegal forfeited the final after abandoning the pitch during a chaotic match, awarding Morocco a 3–0 walkover victory.
Reacting on Instagram, Mané accused football authorities of allowing corruption to influence the outcome of the tournament.
NFF Invites Ndidi, Iwobi, Lookman for Iran, Jordan Friendlies
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has invited Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and 20 other players for upcoming international friendlies against Iran and Jordan.
The matches will take place in Antalya, Turkey, on March 27 and March 31 after they were moved from Amman due to conflict in the Middle East.
The squad includes regular stars and new invitees such as Emmanuel Fernandez, Philip Otele and Collins Yira Sor.
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