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Posted on August 22, 2025August 21, 2025 by Tona.Today — Leave a comment

Makinde receives UNESCO cultural heritage certificate for Sango festival

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has received the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Certificate for the Sango Festival in Oyo.

The Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The certificate presentation was a sequel to the festival, making it to the representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity upon the proposal made by Nigeria.

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa had presented the certificate to the Oyo State Government on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the grand finale of the 2025 World Sango Festival in Oyo town.

Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, who received the certificate on behalf of the state, presented it to the state governor during the Oyo State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

While presenting the certificate to the governor, Dr Olatubosun lauded him for his commitment and unwavering support to all cultural and tourism activities in the state, which eventually paid off and turned the Sango Festival into an international event.

“After the inscription dated 5th December, 2023, Oyo State and Oyo town had the maiden edition of the World Sango Festival in August, 2024 in a grand style with attendance of people from all walks of life as well as envoys from various countries and embassies, and the just concluded 2025 World Sango festival was not an exemption, as there was an improvement on the year 2024 edition,” the Olatunbosun said.

Responding, Governor Makinde expressed his appreciation to the commissioner and his team, saying that their efforts culminated in the recognition of the festival by UNESCO. (Punch)

Posted on August 20, 2025August 19, 2025 by Tona.Today — Leave a comment

Kogi gov father, Alhaji Ododo, dies at 83

The father of Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, is dead.

His death was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo.

Fanwo described the 83-year-old Momohsani as a devout Muslim who would be buried in line with Islamic traditions.

The statement reads: “The Kogi State Government regrets to announce the passing of the father of the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Late Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani Ododo, who returned to his Creator a few hours ago at the age of 83.

“His Janazah (funeral) will be conducted and he will be laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.

“We pray to Allah (SWT) to forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.

“We also pray that Almighty Allah grants the Governor, his family, and the entire Ododo family the strength to bear this great loss with fortitude.”

Although details of the circumstances surrounding his death were not disclosed, government officials and political leaders in Kogi are expected to pay tributes to the governor’s late father, who was widely respected in his community.

The late Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani is survived by children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, including Governor Usman Ododo, who assumed office in January 2024. (Punch)

Posted on August 19, 2025August 18, 2025 by Tona.Today — Leave a comment

Emir of Zuru’s passing significant loss, Tinubu mourns

President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the government and people of Kebbi State over the death of the Emir of Zuru, Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami (retd.), Gomo II.

The traditional ruler, who was also a former military governor of Bauchi State, passed away on Sunday.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late emir’s death as a huge blow to the nation.

“The President described the death early today of the retired general and onetime military governor of Bauchi State as a significant loss for the country,” the statement read.

Tinubu noted that Nigeria would “long remember the late emir’s contributions as an administrator and revered traditional ruler.”

He recalled that as a young military officer, the emir also served Nigeria during the Civil War between 1967 and 1970.

Acknowledging the monarch’s impact in Kebbi, the President said the royal father provided “sterling leadership, which helped bring stability and development to the Zuru Emirate and Kebbi State.”

Tinubu prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the emir eternal rest and give his family and subjects the fortitude to bear the loss. (Punch)

Posted on August 19, 2025August 18, 2025 by Tona.Today — Leave a comment

UNESCO recognises Sango festival as world heritage

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation has formally recognised the Sango Festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, presented UNESCO’s certificate of inscription to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presentation took place at the grand finale of the 2025 World Sango Festival, held over the weekend in Oyo State.

Musawa described the achievement as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s cultural landscape.

She said the feat demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s rich cultural heritage and promoting it as a tool for international diplomacy and sustainable tourism.

The minister commended the collaborative efforts between her ministry and the Oyo community, noting that the recognition aligns with the Federal Government’s broader goals of cultural promotion, employment generation, wealth creation, and community empowerment.

She said, “I heartily congratulate Your Imperial Majesty, the new Sango Chief Priest, the Oyo community, and indeed the entire Yoruba nation on the grand finale of the 2025 World Sango Festival.

“The Sango Festival has now attained global recognition with its inscription by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

“This is made possible by effective collaboration between the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and the Oyo community.

“This milestone firmly places Sango’s rich heritage on the world stage and underscores its importance as a shared global heritage.

“This achievement is a shining gain of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, through our ministry’s commitment to safeguarding our rich cultural heritage as a powerful tool for international diplomacy and sustainable tourism.

“The foregoing further strengthens the foundation of our strong cultural identity, geared towards employment generation and wealth creation for sustainable development, empowerment of the host community, and Nigeria.”

In his remarks, the Alaafin of Oyo expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the ministry for their renewed commitment to expanding Nigeria’s culture and heritage, which he said made this recognition possible.

The monarch also reaffirmed the Oyo Kingdom’s cooperation with the federal government and the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy to further promote Nigeria’s cultural identity globally.

The 2025 Sango Festival, which drew dignitaries from within and outside the country, provided the backdrop for the certificate presentation, highlighting the festival’s significance as a cultural treasure and symbol of Nigeria’s rich heritage. (Punch)

Posted on August 19, 2025August 19, 2025 by Tona.Today — Leave a comment

CHAN: Uganda draw 3-3 with South Africa, Algeria qualify

Co-hosts Uganda fought back from 3-1 down to salvage a 3-3 draw with South Africa on Monday to qualify from Group C for their first-ever African Nations Championship quarter-finals.

At the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, the 2023 losing finalists Algeria were held to a goalless draw by a 10-man Niger, but the result was enough to take them to the last eight for the second successive tournament.

The stakes were high for Uganda, which needed to beat South Africa at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala to be certain of qualifying for the first time.

The Cranes, who had never beaten South Africa, dominated the first half, and Jude Ssemugabi broke the deadlock just after the half hour with a powerful strike.

But South Africa fought back with two quick goals after resumption.

Veteran Amazulu defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele grabbed the equaliser in the 52nd minute, with Thabiso Kutumela putting South Africa ahead six minutes later.

But South Africa fought back with two quick goals after resumption.

Veteran Amazulu defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele grabbed the equaliser in the 52nd minute, with Thabiso Kutumela putting South Africa ahead six minutes later.

Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo appeared to wrap up the game when he put Bafana Bafana into a 3-1 lead in the 83rd minute, but Uganda struck back in dramatic style with two late goals.

Skipper Allen Okello fired home from the penalty spot two minutes from time after Ivan Ahimbisibwe had been fouled in the box.

Uganda were then awarded another penalty deep in injury time after VAR picked up a handball. Rogers Torach blasted home to level the scores and send Uganda into the quarter-finals, with South Africa tumbling out.

Uganda topped Group C with seven points while Algeria and South Africa tied on six, the Desert Foxes qualifying with a superior goal difference.

Uganda’s qualification means all three co-hosts – Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania – have progressed into the quarter-finals. (Punch)

Posted on August 19, 2025August 19, 2025 by Tona.Today — Leave a comment

LASG diverts traffic for Ogudu-Ifako Bridge repair

The Lagos State Government has announced the commencement of the second phase of the rehabilitation works on the Ogudu–Ifako Bridge in the Kosofe Local Government Area, following the completion of the first phase.

The second phase entails the restoration of the bridge’s expansion joints inbound Lagos Island, and is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, till October 1, 2025.

The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said in a Sunday statement that motorists commuting along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway/Lagos Toll Gate axis inbound Oshodi and Victoria Island would be subjected to a controlled diversion at the Ogudu–Ifako Bridge.

“In this regard, vehicular traffic will be streamlined into a single lane approximately 50 metres before the designated work zone, with full access restored 50 metres beyond the construction site,” the statement signed by LASTMA’s spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, said.

He noted that motorists heading to Oshodi may use the Ojota Slip Road, linking to Ikorodu Road inbound Anthony (by Taxi Park).

“Motorists bound for Victoria Island may conveniently divert through Ojota Slip Road, merging onto Ikorodu Road inbound Anthony (by Town Planning Way), then connecting to Gbagada and accessing the Third Mainland Bridge inbound Lagos Island. An additional alternative exists via Ikorodu Road inbound Funsho Williams Avenue, affording direct ingress to Eko Bridge en route to Lagos Island.”

The GM advised motorists coming from Ikeja and adjoining areas to traverse through Maryland, connect with Ikorodu Road/Funsho Williams Avenue, and proceed via Eko Bridge to Outer Marina and adjoining corridors.

“Alternatively, they may link Ikorodu Road inbound Anthony (by Taxi Park) to Oshodi and pursue their onward destinations,” he said.

Oki emphasised that LASTMA officers had been strategically deployed across the affected corridors to ensure vehicular fluidity, enforce lane discipline, and guarantee swift operational response to emergencies.

“Motorists are profoundly enjoined to exercise patience, prudence, and civic obligation, as the partial closure of the bridge represents a vital component of the state’s overarching traffic management architecture designed to deliver enduring infrastructural dividends for the collective well-being of Lagosians,” he added. (Punch)

Posted on August 18, 2025August 18, 2025 by Tona.Today — Leave a comment

Tinubu mourns founder of Mighty Jets FC, Isyaku Ibrahim

President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the family, associates, and the people of Nasarawa State over the death of elder statesman and founder of Mighty Jets Football Club, Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim, who passed on Saturday in Abuja at the age of 88.

In a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late Ibrahim as a businessman, politician, and sports promoter whose life was dedicated to the service of the nation.

“President Bola Tinubu has sent a message of condolence to the family and associates of business leader, politician, and sports promoter Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim, who died on Saturday at 88 in Abuja,” the statement partly read.

The late Ibrahim, a native of Wamba in Nasarawa State, was a prominent chieftain of the defunct National Party of Nigeria, NPN, in the Second Republic, and later played a role in the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during the transition to civil rule in 1998.

Tinubu praised his lifelong contributions to Nigeria through business ventures, political involvement, and community leadership, recalling in particular his founding of the Jos-based Mighty Jets FC, which flourished for decades as one of the country’s most prominent football clubs.

The President extended his condolences to the government and people of Nasarawa State and prayed for the repose of the soul of the late politician. (Vanguard)

Posted on August 18, 2025August 18, 2025 by Tona.Today — Leave a comment

Terence Stamp, Superman villain and star of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, has died

British actor Terence Stamp – who famously played General Zod in Superman and Superman II – has died at the age of 87.

The Oscar-nominated actor, who was born in London’s East End, also starred in hits such as Theorem, A Season in Hell, and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

He formed one of Britain’s most glamorous couples with Julie Christie, with whom he starred in Far From the Madding Crowd in 1967.

In a statement, his family said he died on Sunday morning, adding: “He leaves behind an extraordinary body of work, both as an actor and as a writer that will continue to touch and inspire people for years to come.”

Stamp was born on 22 July 1938 and was the son of a tugboat stoker.

Growing up in London during the Second World War, he endured the Blitz as a child and left school to work initially in advertising before later securing a scholarship to go to drama school.

Stamp received various accolades during his career, including a Golden Globe in 1962 for most promising newcomer for Billy Budd and a Cannes Film Festival best actor award in 1965 for The Collector.

He also received Academy Award and BAFTA nominations for his performance in Billy Budd, as well as a second BAFTA nod in 1994 for his role in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – which co-starred Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce.

His most high-profile role was that of General Zod, the villainous leader of three Kryptonian criminals in the 1978 movie Superman and its 1980 sequel Superman II – which starred Christopher Reeve in the lead role.

His other films also include Young Guns, The Limey and Valkyrie with Tom Cruise.

Most recently, Stamp starred in director Edgar Wright’s Last Night in Soho. The 2021 psychological horror film also featured Diana Rigg, Anya Taylor-Joy and Matt Smith.

As well as appearing on television and on stage, Stamp additionally lent his voice for video games – appearing in the likes of Halo 3 and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

Stamp liked to recall how he was on the verge of becoming a tantric sex teacher at an ashram in India when, in 1977, he received a telegram from his London agent with news that he was being considered for the Superman film.

“I was on the night flight the next day,” Stamp said in an interview with his publisher Watkins Books in 2015.

After eight years largely out of work, landing the role of villain General Zod – the megalomaniacal leader of the Kryptonians – the full glare of Hollywood’s limelight fell on the London-born star.

Buoyed by his new role, Stamp said he would respond to curious looks from passers-by with a command of: “Kneel before Zod, you b***ards,” which was said to have gone down a storm. (SkyNews)

Posted on August 18, 2025August 18, 2025 by Tona.Today — Leave a comment

By-elections: Tinubu hails APC’s dominance, commends INEC

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the winners of the by-elections held on Saturday, August 16, across 16 constituencies in 12 states, in which the All Progressives Congress secured victory in 12 of those constituencies.

The announcement was made in a press release issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday afternoon.

Announcing the results of the elections, Onanuga said APC won in 12 constituencies, the All Progressives Grand Alliance won in two, the Peoples Democratic Party won in one, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party won in one.

The statement noted that the president commends INEC “for the hitch-free elections, mostly devoid of violence,” and lauded the newly appointed APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, for steering the party to its first major triumph under his leadership.

Tinubu also congratulates the APC governors and other leaders on the success of the by-elections.

“Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has shown leadership capacity and demonstrated what is achievable when popular candidates are fielded and with unity of purpose among party leaders,” the statement quoted the president.

“To all APC faithful and the electorate, thank you for the confidence reposed in our party. Be assured that our Renewed Hope slogan is not a mere slogan. Our destination is a better, more secure and prosperous Nigeria. We shall take you there, by the Grace of God,” he said.

“President Tinubu commends all the political parties and candidates who participated in the election and enjoins them to continue to be guided by the spirit of sportsmanship, fair contest and magnanimity, which are enablers of enduring democracy,” the statement concluded. (Punch)