The Creativity Site

  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...

  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 ...

  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...

  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...

  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...

  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-...

  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...

  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...

  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...

  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...

  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...

  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...

  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...

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo By Victor Olubiye The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, the Islamic observance marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Friday, August 21, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, according to EduTimes Africa. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who announced the holiday on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Muslim faithful in Nigeria and across the diaspora on the occasion. He urged Nigerians to use the celebration as an opportunity to reflect on values associated with the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, including compassion, humility, service and peaceful coexistence. “Every Eid ul Mawlid gives us reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility and service to others,” Tunji-Ojo said. The mi...

  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 brief exchange at a UBA event has become one of the latest social-media debates in Nigeria after a young female graduate trainee addressed Group Chairman Tony Elumelu simply as “Tony”. The trainee was speaking during an interactive session at the bank's Graduate Management Accelerated Programme when she greeted Elumelu. “Good morning, Tony,” she said. Elumelu stopped her and clarified how he wanted to be addressed. “No, you won't call me Tony. You'll call me Mr Elumelu or TOE,” he told her, adding that he did not subscribe to that kind of “Oyinbo life”. The exchange was brief, but the reaction online has been anything but. For some Nigerians, the matter is straightforward: a young person addressing an older and more senior figure by his first name in a formal setting was inappropriate. Fo...

  Babalawo Okewole Ifalore A.K.A Ijebu Ifa By Victor Olubiye An Ifa practitioner, Babalawo Okewole Ifalore, has called for greater recognition of Yoruba traditional institutions, arguing that Isese should not be remembered only during its annual celebration or when government and individuals need the intervention of traditionalists. Ifalore, popularly known as Ijebu Ifa, made the call in an exclusive WhatsApp interview with Victor Olubiye. An indigene of Ibarapa, Oyo State, who currently resides in Osogbo, Osun State, he said Isese should be understood as more than an annual observance. According to him, Isese is an everyday practice which he believes has relevance to people's lives irrespective of their tribe or language. He explained that the annual Isese Day celebration provides traditionalists with an opportunity to devote special attention to deities and figures central to Yoruba traditional spirituality, including Ogun, associated with iron; Osun, associated with water; Orunm...

  Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo By Victor Olubiye A Nigerian oncology nurse, Dr. Mutiat Sunshine, has urged the public to seek accurate information about stage 4 cancer amid concerns surrounding reports about veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo. Sunshine, who said she has more than 20 years of nursing experience and holds a doctorate in Nursing, addressed the issue in a post on her Facebook account. She said her comments were intended to educate the public about stage 4 cancer and not to offer medical advice to Ogogo or his family, adding that she did not know the details of the actor's diagnosis. “Stage 4 does NOT mean someone is going to die tomorrow,” she wrote. Dr. Mutiat Sunshine, an oncology nurse who explained what a stage 4 cancer diagnosis generally means According to her, stage 4 cancer generally means that cancer has spread from its original or primary site to another part of the body. She explained that although meta...

  A look at the 19 presidential candidates listed for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election and the political parties they represent. Image Source: LJE News By Victor Olubiye Nineteen presidential candidates and their running mates are listed for the 2027 general elections, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Omoyele Sowore, Donald Duke and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde among the better-known names in the race. The candidates are drawn from 19 political parties, according to the list provided. Tinubu is seeking another term on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Atiku is the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the Labour Party platform, is listed as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), with former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate. The list also includes former Cross River State governor Don...

  2027 Campaigns Begin Today: Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, Sowore, Makinde, Others Take Battle for Presidency to Nigerians By Victor Olubiye Campaigns for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections officially begin across Nigeria today, August 19, with political parties and candidates set to take their messages to voters amid renewed calls for issue-based politics and peaceful competition. The commencement of the campaigns follows Tuesday's signing of the National Peace Accord in Abuja by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Peter Obi, Omoyele Sowore, Donald Duke and other political actors. The accord committed political parties and candidates to peaceful campaigns and rejected violence, hate speech, incitement and other actions capable of undermining the electoral process. With the campaign period now open, civil society organisations and political scientists are urging the contestants to focus on the issues confronting Nigerians rather than personality attacks, ethnic and religious sen...