President Bola Tinubu has announced the appointed of Rotimi Pedro as the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority.
The presidency announced the appointment in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Pedro, a Lagos indigene, has over 20 years of experience in broadcasting, sports rights, and media consulting, including leadership stints at Bloomberg Television Africa.
Tinubu also appointed Karimah Bello, who hails from Katsina and represents the north-west, as the executive director of marketing.
The president appointed Stella Din from Plateau state as executive director of news, and Sophia Mohammed from Adamawa state as managing director of NTA Enterprises Limited.
According to the presidency, the appointments take immediate effect.
The president added that the appointments reaffirm Tinubu’s “commitment to strengthening national broadcasting as a platform for unity, cohesion, and soft diplomacy”. (Punch)
A US judge who amassed a huge online fan base via clips of his compassion in the courtroom has died.
Frank Caprio was on the bench at a court in Providence, Rhode Island, for almost four decades.
He became affectionately known as the “nicest judge in the world”, NBC Boston reported, after viral videos of him handing out justice with a smile were viewed more than a billion times on social media.
The latter years of his career, which ended in 2023, were documented in the TV show Caught In Providence.
A statement on Wednesday on his Instagram page, which had 3.2 million followers, said he had died aged 88 “after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer”.
It said he was “beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people”.
He had posted a message from his hospital bed the day before, saying: “Unfortunately I’ve had a setback, I’m back in the hospital now, and I’m coming to you again asking you to remember me in your prayers once more.”
Caprio’s persona was at odds with fellow TV judges, who were less sympathetic and more confrontational.
In one popular clip, he dismissed a traffic ticket handed to a bartender who skipped a red light, as they were only earning less than $4 (£2.97) an hour.
Another saw him listening sympathetically to a woman whose son had been killed, before dismissing her tickets and fines which had totalled $400 (£297).
Caprio also used his fame to speak out about inequality in the justice system.
“Almost 90% of low-income Americans are forced to battle civil issues like health care, unjust evictions, veterans benefits and, yes, even traffic violations, alone,” he said in one video.
After his death was announced, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee paid tribute to his “warmth and compassion”.
“He was more than a jurist – he was a symbol of empathy on the bench, showing us what is possible when justice is tempered with humanity,” he said. (SkyNews)
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)
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)
The rise of TikTok trends and social media slang has prompted Cambridge Dictionary to update its online edition with 6,000 fresh entries in the past year, including buzzwords like “skibidi,” “delulu,” and “tradwife.”
For those less immersed in digital culture, some of the sample sentences the UK-based dictionary provides may sound baffling. The term skibidi was popularised through Skibidi Toilet, a surreal YouTube animation series featuring human heads popping out of toilets.
Phrases such as “that wasn’t very skibidi rizz of you” or “As Gen Z say, I’ve entered my ‘delulu era?’” can appear like another language entirely.
According to Cambridge, skibidi is defined as “a word that can have different meanings, such as ‘cool’ or ‘bad,’ or can be used with no real meaning as a joke.” (Punch)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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