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Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Saturday, 22nd August, 2026.
1. Tinubu Govt Declares Nationwide Public Holiday
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 25th August 2026, a public holiday.
Naija News reports that the holiday was declared to mark this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, which commemorates the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The Minister extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora.
He added that the period should also serve as a time for collective prayer for the peace and cohesion of the country, noting that national unity remains a shared responsibility.
Tunji-Ojo further charged citizens to observe the celebration with restraint and mutual respect, wishing the Muslim community a joyous and peaceful Eid.
He restated the resolve of the present administration to safeguard lives and property across the country and to ensure that peace is maintained at all times.
2. Tinubu Suspends Three Permanent Secretaries As ICPC Uncovers Fresh Fake Agency
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the arrest of one Prince George Buchi Nwabueze and directed the suspension of three Permanent Secretaries after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) uncovered a fresh fake agency in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
Naija News reports that the ICPC uncovered the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office operating inside the SGF office without presidential authorization.
The exposure came during probes into the earlier fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and weak government checks.
This was disclosed on Friday by the ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, while speaking to State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He said the fake agency was allegedly allocated office space within the SGF complex without presidential authorization.
The ICPC identified Prince George Buchi Nwabueze as the alleged promoter of the office and said suspected collaborators within the SGF’s office may have facilitated its operation.
3. Disclosing Tinubu’s Records Could Endanger Lives’ – FBI To US Court
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has asked a federal court for permission to privately explain why it withheld some records linked to investigations involving President Bola Tinubu.
Naija News reports that the request was contained in an application filed on August 20 before the US District Court for the District of Columbia.
The records are being sought in connection with allegations of drug trafficking involving Tinubu. The President has not been found guilty of drug trafficking in connection with the records described in the filing.
The FBI is seeking leave to submit an ex parte in camera declaration, meaning a written explanation that would be presented privately to the judge and not placed on the public record.
The agency said it could not disclose publicly all the reasons behind its decision to withhold portions of the records.
A copy of the application was shared on 𝕏 by Von Batten-Montague-York, a Washington-based lobbying firm recently engaged by former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 election.
The FBI said it had relied on several exemptions under the US Freedom of Information Act in responding to requests for records relating to Tinubu.
4. 2027: Adeleke Belongs To Us, Watch What Is Going To Happen – Wike Boasts
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has applauded the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, for his visit to him and President Bola Tinubu.
Wike boasted that Adeleke belongs to his political camp, while declaring that they all belong to President Bola Tinubu.
Naija News reports that the FCT Minister stated this on Friday during an inspection exercise in Abuja.
He said, “I told you that the 2027 election would be the most in-depth election. I have told ADC who are talking about, oh, they helped Adeleke to win, they just wanted to go ahead and harvest what they never planted, you know.”
According to Wike, Adeleke’s decision to visit Tinubu and him showed where the Osun governor’s political allegiance lay.
He said, “So, Adeleke is fully supporting Mr President.”
Wike added that the political realignment was still unfolding, saying Nigerians should expect more groups to join the alliance supporting the President.
5. You Think Being Born In Ife Will Make Adeleke Come To Your Side? – Wike Taunts Dele Momodu
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed suggestions that the 2027 election has already been settled.
Naija News reports that Wike made the statement on Friday while speaking with journalists during an inspection exercise in Abuja.
Wike added that the political realignment was still unfolding, saying Nigerians should expect more groups to join the alliance supporting the President.
He said, “You will see more. And that’s why I said, the election is not concluded. It’s not concluded.”
Wike also took a swipe at former presidential candidate and publisher, Dele Momodu, over his reported support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Osun governor Ademola Adeleke.
Wike concluded by asserting Adeleke’s allegiance to his political camp and their collective loyalty to Tinubu.
6. ‘An Imposter, A Fraud’ – Edo Govt Denies Banning Davido From State
The Edo State Government has dismissed reports that Afrobeats sensation and international artist David Adeleke, also known as Davido, has been banned from the state.
Naija News reports that the Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Apostle Kassy Chukwu said Davido had been banned from performing in Edo State.
Chukwu, in a viral video, said Edo youths would allegedly deal with him if he came to the state.
Addressing Davido, the aide said, “You have been banned from coming to Edo State to perform. We don’t want to see you in Edo again.”
According to Chukwu, “Edo youths are angry. They said if they catch you again, nobody should bring Davido to come and perform in any place again in Edo State.”
Reacting in a statement on Friday evening, Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, maintained that, like all other Nigerians, Davido is loved and welcome to the state.
According to Afegbua, should Davido intend to perform in Edo State in future, the state will be willing to collaborate and partner with him.
7. ‘Ayra Starr Has Definitely Changed My Life’ – Don Jazzy
Nigerian music executive, Michael Collins Ajereh, better known as Don Jazzy, has said Nigerian singer, Ayra Starr, made a significant impact on his life.
Naija News recalls that Don Jazzy signed Ayra Starr to his label, Mavin Records, in 2020 after her viral freestyles and song covers on Instagram.
A social media user with the 𝕏 handle, @_Fabianszn, shared Ayra Starr’s old picture and commended Don Jazzy for helping her career.
The post read, “Don Jazzy really saved Ayra Starr if not she for still dey teach kindergarten children.”
Reacting to the post, Don Jazzy recalled how they met through an Instagram freestyle, adding that the singer had also changed his life.
8. What I Do When A Child Calls Me By Name – Shaffy Bello
Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has shared her thoughts on the viral exchange between UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu and a young woman who addressed him as “Tony” during a recent event.
The thespian submitted that she does not appreciate being referred to as Shaffy by people she is older than.
She argued that it is only fair for younger people to use titles when referring to their elders.
Naija News reports that the veteran spoke about her own experiences in a recent podcast.
“When a child calls me by my name, Shaffy, I pull them closer and tell them, ‘You haven’t earned the right, and you never will,’” she said.
The actress explained that having children around the same age as those addressing her makes the practice particularly uncomfortable for her.
9. ‘Fake News’ – NFF Dismisses 24 Hours Ultimatum To Resign
A Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board member, Nse Essien, has denied claims that the Federal Government is asking the NFF leadership to resign.
“It’s a fake news”, Essien reportedly told Vanguard.
He insisted that there was no such directive from the Federal Government.
There were speculations in some quarters that the Ibrahim Gusau-led body was asked to step down within the next 24 hours.
Naija News reported earlier that the NFF is currently being investigated over the Federal Government’s ₦12 billion intervention fund released to the body to pay players’ wages and bonuses.
The investigation is being carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC).
The investigation started after the NFF reportedly declined a request for access to documents detailing the management and expenditure of the funds, saying it had handed the records over to the two anti-corruption agencies.
Amid the development, among others, a directive was reportedly issued by the National Sports Commission (NSC), asking the NFF’s executive committee to step down.
The action, according to the report, is in response to significant concerns expressed by Nigerians regarding the management of football in the nation.
However, Essien has described it as all fake.
10. Tyson Fury Casts Fresh Doubt On Anthony Joshua Fight Over Venue Dispute
Tyson Fury has cast fresh doubt over his long-awaited fight against fellow British heavyweight Anthony Joshua, saying the bout “doesn’t look like it’s going to happen” amid an unresolved dispute over where it should take place.
The two British boxing stars had been expected to meet in November in one of the biggest fights in British boxing history, but talks have run into fresh difficulty over the proposed venue.
Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, want the bout staged in the United Kingdom, in line with an earlier agreement between the parties.
Saudi organisers and other stakeholders, however, are pushing for Madison Square Garden in New York.
Fury, speaking on Instagram earlier today, August 21, blamed Hearn and Joshua’s camp for the latest uncertainty surrounding the proposed showdown.
“Doesn’t look like they’re going to sign the fight and it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen all because Eddie Hearn and Anthony Joshua want more money,” Fury said.
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