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Osun@35: From a 1950 Autonomy Struggle to a State Rooted in History, Culture and Heritage

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  By Victor Olubiye Thirty-five years after Osun State emerged from the old Oyo State, the story of its existence remains closely tied to a much older struggle — one shaped by the quest for autonomy, the resilience of its people, the history of Yoruba civilisation and the enduring traditions surrounding Osogbo and the River Osun. Osun State was formally created on August 27, 1991, by the administration of the then Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, with Osogbo as its capital. The state was carved out of the old Oyo State as part of a wider state-creation exercise that produced 12 new states. But the story of Osun did not begin in 1991. The agitation that eventually culminated in the creation of the state can be traced to 1950, when traditional rulers and citizens in what is now Osun sought greater administrative autonomy from the Ibadan District Native Authority under the colonial administration. According to the Osun State Government's historical account, ...
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Before Cancer Reaches Stage 4: 10 Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore, According to WHO, NCI and ACS

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  Cancer Form By Victor Olubiye Different cancers affect the body in different ways, while some may produce no noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Health authorities therefore stress the importance of paying attention to unusual changes and seeking appropriate medical evaluation rather than trying to diagnose cancer from symptoms alone. The World Health Organization says cancers detected and treated early are more likely to respond to treatment, with a greater chance of survival. It also distinguishes early diagnosis from screening: early diagnosis involves investigating symptoms in people who already have them, while screening aims to identify certain cancers or precancerous changes before symptoms appear. The US National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society similarly identify several changes that can occur with cancer, while warning that most of these symptoms can also be caused by other illnesses or non-cancerous conditions. Here are 10 warning signs that should n...
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FULL LIST: Nigerian Celebrities Who Died Between January and August 2026

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  From veteran actors and filmmakers to musicians and media personalities, Nigeria’s entertainment industry has suffered a string of notable losses in 2026. By Victor Olubiye Nigeria’s entertainment industry has recorded several notable deaths in the first eight months of 2026, with veteran actors, musicians, filmmakers and media personalities among those who have passed away. The losses have cut across different parts of the creative industry, including Yoruba-language Nollywood, indigenous music, television production and the wider media space. Among the latest was veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, whose death on August 23 came just days after the industry mourned several other personalities. From Hassan to Juju musician Saint Janet and filmmakers Dimbo Atiya and Temitope Osoba, the deaths have left colleagues, fans and families mourning across the country. Here are 10 notable Nigerian entertainment personalities whose deaths were reported between January and ...
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Ogogo: 10 Things to Know About the Nollywood Veteran Before His Final Farewell

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  Late Actor Ogogo By Victor Olubiye V eteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died at the age of 66 after a prolonged battle with cancer. His death was confirmed on Sunday, August 23, 2026, with his daughter, Kira Taiwo, announcing the development during a live video. The actor’s passing came days after his family appealed for medical assistance, revealing that he was battling stage-four cancer. As tributes continue to pour in from colleagues, fans and admirers of his work, here are 10 things to know about the late actor. 1. His full name was Taiwo Hassan The actor was widely known by his stage name, Ogogo, but his full name was Taiwo Hassan. He was born in Ilaro, Ogun State, where he also maintained strong ties to his community. 2. He was 66 when he died Ogogo died on Sunday at the age of 66. His death came after what was described by his family and reports as a prolonged battle with cancer. 3. He began acting decades ago Ogogo was part of the generatio...
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Ogogo’s Final Journey: Veteran Nollywood Actor Set for Burial Monday in Ilaro

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  Late Actor Ogogo By Victor Olubiye Veteran Nollywood actor and screenwriter Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, will be laid to rest on Monday, August 24, 2026, in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State. Hassan, aged 66, died at about 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, according to a burial announcement made public by fellow veteran actor Jide Kosoko. According to the announcement, the late actor’s remains will be taken to Ilaro, where a lying-in-state ceremony is scheduled to hold ahead of his burial. The ceremony is expected to take place at the Pavillon in Ilaro, with the announcement putting the time at 11 a.m. on Monday. The Ilaro Muslim Community also announced burial prayers for the late actor at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground, with the Chief Imam of Ilaro listed as the officiating authority. Ogogo’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief across the Nigerian entertainment industry. His passing came shortly after members of his family publicly sought medical assistance for...
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101-Year-Old Grandma Explains Why She Turned to Drug Sales in Ogun

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  The arrested 101 year-old woman By Victor Olubiye A 101-year-old woman, identified as Esther Ogunmabo, has told operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) that she began selling cannabis after a fire destroyed her provisions business in Ilisan, Ogun State. Ogunmabo was arrested by NDLEA operatives on Saturday, August 15, after she was allegedly found with 90 grammes of skunk, a strain of cannabis, packaged in small sachets for sale. The centenarian reportedly admitted that she sold the substance to people within the community in small quantities. She explained that the loss of her provisions shop left her without a source of income, prompting her to resort to the illegal trade. According to the NDLEA, Ogunmabo told investigators that one of her daughters, who lives in Lagos, supplied her with the cannabis every four days. The woman allegedly sold the drugs in smaller quantities to customers in the area. Following the arrest, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive ...
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BREAKING: Veteran Nollywood Actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ Dies After Cancer Battle

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  Veteran Actor Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo) By Victor Olubiye Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died at the age of 66. The actor’s death was announced on Sunday, August 23, 2026, by his daughter, Kira Taiwo, during an Instagram Live session. Multiple Nigerian media outlets have since reported the development. Hassan’s death comes days after his family disclosed that he was battling stage-four cancer and appealed for urgent medical assistance. Earlier in August, his daughters, Lima and Kira Taiwo, had raised concerns over his deteriorating condition and sought help from medical professionals and facilities capable of providing specialised cancer treatment. At the time, the family clarified that it was seeking medical assistance rather than financial donations. The development had generated widespread concern among colleagues, fans and other well-wishers, with several people rallying support for the veteran actor. Ogogo was one of the promine...
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Ronke Oshodi-Oke Reveals She Spent ₦800,000 Monthly on Medication During Health Crisis

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  Ronke Oshodi-Oke By Victor Olubiye Nollywood actress Ronke Oshodi-Oke has opened up about a difficult period in her life when she reportedly spent as much as ₦800,000 every month on medication while battling a serious health challenge. The actress made the disclosure during an interview on African A List, where she reflected on the financial strain of her treatment and the support she received from friends and colleagues. Oshodi-Oke expressed gratitude to Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, and members of the entertainment industry whom she credited with helping her through the difficult period. She described the cost of her medication as overwhelming, noting that maintaining her treatment required hundreds of thousands of naira every month. The actress also recounted an unexpected gesture from fellow actress Sotayo Gaga. According to her, the two had not spoken for about five or six years following a disagreement, but Gaga sent her ₦150,000 after learning that she w...
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Umahi’s Son Rejects Salary, Allowances After Winning Ebonyi Council Chairmanship

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  Osborn Nweze Umahi By Victor Olubiye Osborn Nweze Umahi, the 28-year-old chairman-elect of Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has announced that he will not collect any salary or allowances throughout his tenure, saying his decision is driven by a desire to serve the people rather than make personal financial gains. Umahi, who contested the local government election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), emerged victorious in Saturday’s council poll. Speaking after his victory, the chairman-elect said he intended to donate what would have been his official remuneration to the people of Ohaozara. “I will neither accept any salary nor allowance as Ohaozara LGA chairman,” he said, stressing that his purpose in office was to serve rather than enrich himself. The 28-year-old also outlined plans to prioritise infrastructure development, youth empowerment, economic opportunities and improved public service delivery across the local government. Osborn is the...
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101-Year-Old Woman Arrested in Ogun Over Alleged Cannabis Sales

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  Mrs. Esther,the arrested woman By Victor Olubiye A 101-year-old woman, Esther Ogunmabo, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ilisan, Ogun State, for allegedly selling cannabis, while the agency also intercepted cocaine concealed in cassava flour, popularly known as fufu. The centenarian was arrested on Saturday, August 15, after NDLEA operatives allegedly found 90 grammes of skunk, a strain of cannabis, packaged in small sachets in her possession. According to the agency, Ogunmabo admitted selling the substance to residents in the community, explaining that she turned to the illicit trade after a fire destroyed her provisions shop. She reportedly told investigators that one of her daughters, who lives in Lagos, supplied the cannabis to her every four days, which she then sold in small quantities. Following her arrest, the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), directed that the 101-year-...
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Explainer: Steps Candidates Can Follow to Get Their 2026 WAEC Certificates Digitally

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  By Victor Olubiye The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that certificates for candidates who sat the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates are now available through its Digital Certificate Platform. The development means successful candidates can access, download and share their certificates digitally without waiting solely for the physical copies. WAEC announced the availability of the certificates on Friday through its official social media channel, urging candidates to make use of the digital platform.  The digital certificate service is part of WAEC's broader move towards electronic access and verification of academic credentials. The Council launched its WAEC DigiCert service across Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone in February 2026.  Through the platform, candidates can access their original digital certificates, while institutions and other authorised users can confirm the au...
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Ero-Arike Workers Appeal to Nigerians as Political Backlash Threatens Brand Patronage

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  Ero Arike Founder/C.E.O By Victor Olubiye Workers and beneficiaries of Ero-Arike herbal balm have moved to defend the business from the political fallout surrounding its owner, Alhaja Falilat Oyetunji, popularly known as Ero-Arike. In a video circulating online, the women appealed to Nigerians not to boycott the product over Oyetunji's political involvement, arguing that the business supports workers and families across different communities. The intervention comes days after the conclusion of the 2026 Osun State governorship election, in which Oyetunji openly campaigned for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. Oyetunji had attracted considerable attention during the election period after appearing in a video distributing rice packaged with APC branding while urging beneficiaries to support Oyebamiji. Another portion of the video generated criticism after she appeared to issue spiritual warnings to people who accepted the food but voted for another candi...
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Ossai Ovie Offers ₦500,000, Others to Viral UBA Graduate Trainee

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  By Victor Olubiye  The Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Media, Ossai Ovie Success, has offered ₦500,000 in cash support, an all-expenses-paid trip to Asaba and an ambassadorial role to the young UBA graduate trainee who recently became the subject of widespread online attention after an exchange with UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu. Ossai made the offer in a Facebook post on Friday, saying the gesture was aimed at supporting the young woman following the intense backlash generated by the incident. Under the proposed package, the young woman would receive ₦500,000 cash support, flight tickets to Asaba, five-star hotel accommodation and a guided tour of developmental projects in Delta State. She would also receive VIP access to the fourth edition of the Delta Social Media Summit, scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Mariam Babangida Leisure Park, opposite Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba. Ossai further offered her a brand ambassador role for the De...
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FULL LIST: Tinubu, Shettima to Lead APC 2027 Presidential Campaign Council as Yari Emerges DG

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  By Victor Olubiye President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the January 2027 elections, with former Zamfara State governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, appointed Director-General. The campaign council, whose membership was released on Saturday, will have Tinubu as chairman and Shettima as vice chairman, while APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, will also serve as a vice chairman. Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has been named secretary of the council. APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, and Hadiza Bala-Usman will serve as deputy and assistant secretaries respectively. The council brings together senior party figures, elected officials and members of the administration across various campaign directorates. The chairman will be supported by an advisory team comprising Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Segun Osoba, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Senator Abdullahi Adamu a...
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Osun APC Urges Members to Stop Blaming Leaders Over Guber Election Loss

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  By Victor Olubiye  The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has cautioned its members against blaming party leaders for the outcome of the August 15 governorship election, saying internal recriminations could further weaken the party ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The party, in a statement issued on Friday by its Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Kola Olabisi, said it had observed what it described as sponsored newspaper articles, video messages and activities by “faceless organisations” accusing some APC leaders of responsibility for the party’s defeat. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Ademola Adeleke the winner of the election. The APC candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), was defeated in the poll. The APC said it understood the disappointment among members and supporters who worked for the party during the election but were dissatisfied with the declared result. “We understand...
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Beyond Degrees: The Workplace Lessons Young Graduates May Not Learn in the Classroom

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  Tony Elumelu and a UBA graduate trainee during the viral exchange that has sparked debate over workplace etiquette, cultural respect and first-name corporate culture By Victor Olubiye A university certificate may open the door to a workplace, but it does not necessarily teach a young graduate how to navigate every situation that comes after entering one. That distinction has become part of the conversation following the viral exchange between UBA Group Chairman Tony Elumelu and a young graduate trainee during the bank's Graduate Management Accelerated Programme event. The trainee addressed Elumelu as “Tony” while greeting him. Elumelu interrupted her and asked that she address him as “Mr Elumelu” or “TOE”, before she continued with the interaction. The exchange has since generated a debate over workplace etiquette, respect and the expectations placed on young professionals. But beneath the argument over one greeting is a broader question for students and fresh graduates: what hap...
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BREAKING: OSPOLY Announces CBT, Post-UTME Screening Dates for HND1, ND1 Candidates

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  Osun State Polytechnic, Iree By Victor Olubiye The Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, has announced dates for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) screening for prospective HND1 candidates and the Post-UTME screening exercise for prospective ND1 candidates seeking admission into the institution. The announcement was contained in an internal memorandum dated August 19, 2026, and signed by the institution’s Registrar, Abiodun O. Oloyede. According to the memorandum, the CBT screening for prospective HND1 candidates will hold between Wednesday, August 26 and Thursday, August 27, 2026, at designated centres within the institution. The institution advised concerned HND1 candidates to log on to the official OSPOLY portal, ospoly.edu.ng, to register appropriately for the examination and ascertain their respective CBT dates and venues. Kindly Click on the Graphic for Enquiries and Bookings  For prospective ND1 candidates, the Polytechnic said the Post-UTME screening exercise would take place be...
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