News August 21, 2026 Don Jazzy reveals how Ayra Starr transformed his life

Nigerian music executive and producer Michael Ajereh, better known as Don Jazzy, has revealed that Afrobeats singer Ayra Starr has had a profound impact on his life.

The Mavin Records founder made the disclosure on X while responding to a fan who praised his contribution to the singer’s career.

Don Jazzy wrote: “She has most definitely changed my own life too. I bless the day I was shown her Instagram freestyle o. And she has been nothing but a dream Starrgirl.”

Don Jazzy discovered Ayra Starr after coming across her freestyle performances on Instagram and subsequently signed her to Mavin Records.

Since joining the label, Ayra Starr has risen to become one of Nigeria’s prominent Afrobeats acts, attracting an international audience with her music.

The singer released her third studio album, Starrgirl, on Aug. 14.

The 16-track album features collaborations with Nigerian stars Wizkid and Rema, alongside international artistes including ZAYN, Leon Thomas, kwn, Theodora and Danny Ocean.

Wizkid appears on the track “Gimme Dat”, while Rema features on “Who’s Dat Girl”.

News August 21, 2026 Woman remanded for reportedly stabbing husband to death over party dispute

A Kano Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand of a newlywed woman, Khadija Sa’idu, following her arraignment over the alleged killing of her husband, Auwal Adam.

Sa’idu, who resides in Hayin Lawal, Rimin Kebe, in Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, was reportedly taken before the court by the police on a charge of culpable homicide.

Presided over by Magistrate Haulatu Magaji Kankarofi, the court directed that the accused be kept in a correctional facility over allegations that she stabbed her husband in the chest and neck at their residence.

The incident was said to have occurred after a disagreement between the couple concerning the woman’s request to attend a social gathering.

According to the facts presented to the court, Sa’idu had asked her husband for permission to attend a party, but he allegedly declined her request.

The prosecution alleged that the disagreement later escalated, with the accused allegedly stabbing Auwal in the chest while he was asleep on a couch.

Following the incident, Auwal was reportedly taken to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital for treatment, but medical personnel were said to have confirmed his death from injuries allegedly sustained in the attack.

At Thursday’s court session, the prosecutor informed the magistrate that the case file had been forwarded for legal advice from the state counsel before further action could be determined.

Magistrate Kankarofi subsequently adjourned the matter until September 8 for further mention.

The allegation against Sa’idu is yet to be determined by the court.

(DAILY TRUST)

News August 21, 2026 UK issues fresh travel warning on 11 states in Nigeria

The United Kingdom has issued a fresh travel advisory to its citizens, warning against all travel to parts of 11 Nigerian states while recommending that trips to several other states and the Federal Capital Territory be undertaken only when essential.

The advisory was contained in an updated travel guidance released by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Under its highest-risk category, the FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe states in the North-East, as well as Katsina and Zamfara in the North-West.

The warning also applies to riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states in the South-South.

The FCDO described the affected riverine locations as “the river and swamp locations accessible by boat, but not by road.”

The latest advisory cited security concerns in the affected regions and divided its recommendations into areas where travellers are advised against all travel and locations where only essential journeys are recommended.

The UK government further placed Bauchi State under the “all but essential travel” category in the North-East.

In the North-West, the same warning applies to Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto states.

Several states in the North-Central region were also listed, including Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara and Benue.

In the South-East, the advisory covers Abia, Anambra and Imo states, while travellers were advised to limit journeys to essential ones in non-riverine parts of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states.

The Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja, is also among the areas where the UK recommends against all but essential travel.

The FCDO cautioned British nationals and other travellers that “No travel can be guaranteed safe” and advised anyone planning to visit Nigeria to review the latest travel guidance before departure.

It also urged prospective travellers to “research your destinations” and “get appropriate travel insurance” before embarking on their trips.

The UK government warned that “Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).”

According to the advisory, travellers should confirm that their insurance policies cover their complete itinerary, intended activities and any emergency-related expenses that may arise during their stay.

The updated guidance also contains information on other issues affecting travellers, including entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health concerns, IVF and fertility treatment scams, overseas adoption and procedures for British nationals seeking assistance in Nigeria.

The FCDO’s strongest warning applies to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina and Zamfara states, alongside the riverine portions of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

The “all but essential travel” category covers Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara, Benue, Abia, Anambra and Imo states.

It also includes the non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja.

Education News August 21, 2026 Nigerian girl emerges overall winner of international Qur’anic contest in Saudi Arabia

A young Qur’anic scholar from Gombe State, Maryam Ibrahim Dan’azumi, has emerged the overall winner of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Maryam, a student of Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation in Herwagana Quarters, Gombe, represented Nigeria at the international contest, where she competed in the category involving memorisation of the entire Holy Qur’an, recitation, Tajweed and interpretation.

The competition covered all 60 Hizb of the Qur’an with Tafsir and attracted participants from different countries.

Her outstanding performance earned her the overall first position, bringing international recognition to both Gombe State and Nigeria.

The achievement was particularly significant because the 46th edition marked the first time women participated in the competition since its establishment 46 years ago, making Maryam’s victory a landmark accomplishment.

Reacting to the development, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, congratulated Maryam, her family, teachers and the Muslim community in the state, describing the feat as a major source of pride for Gombe and Nigeria.

The governor’s reaction was contained in a statement signed by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, and made available to journalists.

Yahaya said Maryam’s success demonstrated the impact of discipline, dedication and commitment to education, while also highlighting the potential of young people in the state.

“I am deeply proud of our daughter’s exceptional achievement on the global stage. Maryam’s triumph exemplifies the excellence and rich educational heritage of Gombe State.

“Her victory brings pride not only to Gombe but to Nigeria as a whole.

“I am particularly confident that this feat will inspire numerous young people, especially our girls, to pursue excellence and distinguish themselves in their chosen fields.”

The governor also restated his administration’s commitment to supporting the education of young people, including Qur’anic and religious studies, which he said play an important role in character formation and responsible citizenship.

He said the state government would continue to recognise and celebrate residents whose accomplishments project Gombe positively within Nigeria and internationally.

“Our commitment to promoting the educational journey of young people, particularly in the realm of religious studies, remains unwavering. We recognise its role in moulding character and contributing to societal development.

“Gombe is known for excellence, and we shall continue to identify with those who promote the good image of Gombe to the world. Maryam is one of such people, and we are proud to celebrate her.”

Yahaya said Maryam’s achievement was even more remarkable because she had progressed through several stages of the competition, emerging first at the Gombe Local Government Area level, then at the state and national levels before representing Nigeria in Saudi Arabia.

He disclosed that he looked forward to receiving Maryam and personally honouring her when she returns to the country, noting that such recognition would encourage her to maintain her pursuit of excellence and inspire other young Nigerians.

The governor urged parents, teachers, religious institutions and other stakeholders to invest in young talents and provide them with the necessary support and opportunities to develop their abilities.

He also commended Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation for its contribution to Maryam’s development and success.

Yahaya has a longstanding connection with the institution, having served as its pioneer Chairman of the Board before becoming governor. He later relinquished the position to Architect Yunusa Yakubu after assuming office as governor. 

News Politics August 21, 2026 Kwara senator dumps APC ahead of 2027

The senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress.

Mustapha announced his exit from the ruling party in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Thursday night, alongside a resignation letter dated August 14, 2026, which was addressed to the APC Chairman of Gambari Ward 1 in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The lawmaker explained that his decision came after several weeks of consultations with political stakeholders, supporters, constituents and other prominent indigenes of the state.

He said recent developments within the Kwara chapter of the APC influenced his decision, adding that leaving the party was not a decision he made hastily.

“Following careful consideration of the recent developments in the All Progressives Congress in Kwara State, I have formally resigned my membership of the party in the state,” he stated.

Mustapha said his consultations covered stakeholders and residents across his senatorial district before he reached the decision to quit the party.

“This is not a decision I have taken lightly. It follows weeks of extensive consultations and engagements with relevant stakeholders, my supporters, constituents across Kwara Central Senatorial District, and well-meaning Kwarans,” he added.

The senator, who secured his seat in the National Assembly on the APC platform, said his political career had been shaped by his conviction that public service should prioritise the interests of the people and remain anchored on clear principles.

“As a politician, I have always believed that politics must be about people, principles and purpose.

“Where the path of a political platform no longer sufficiently aligns with these convictions and the aspirations of the people one represents, the honourable thing to do is to chart a new course,” he said.

Despite his departure, Mustapha expressed appreciation to the leadership of the APC, particularly President Bola Tinubu, for the relationships and experiences he said he acquired while in the party.

“To the leadership of the APC ably led by H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I express my deepest gratitude for the relationships and experiences I have been afforded over the years,” he stated.

He also assured his constituents and political supporters that quitting the APC would not diminish his commitment to representing their interests.

“To my constituents, supporters, political associates and stakeholders in Kwara State and beyond, I assure you that while my political platform may change, my principles, my purpose and my commitment to the people remain unchanged,” Mustapha said.

He added, “I remain steadfast in my service to the people of Kwara Central, Kwara State and Nigeria at large.”

The senator’s resignation comes as political activity intensifies in Kwara ahead of the 2027 general elections, amid reported disagreements among members of the APC in the state.

Mustapha had previously been identified with the G15/TOP, a group comprising aggrieved stakeholders within the Kwara APC.

News August 21, 2026 Nigerian gov reveals his salary, says Permanent Secretaries earn more than him

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has disclosed that he earns a monthly salary of N503,000, revealing that Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service receive significantly higher pay.

Oborevwori made the disclosure on Thursday in Asaba, while inaugurating 12 four-bedroom terraced duplexes built for Permanent Secretaries and handing over 12 official vehicles to newly appointed Permanent Secretaries.

Speaking at the event, the governor explained that the state government increased the remuneration of Permanent Secretaries after some of them complained that directors in the civil service were earning almost as much as they were.

“When the Permanent Secretaries said most of the Directors are receiving almost the same thing with them, we increased their money. Today, Permanent Secretaries… Your salary is 900, my salary is 503,000, Governor’s salary.

“Head of Service is one million. It’s clear. So, you know some of them don’t want their husbands to know how much they are receiving,” he said.

The governor said his administration had continued to prioritise the welfare of civil servants, adding that the provision of official vehicles was aimed at improving the efficiency of Permanent Secretaries in the discharge of their duties.

“To enhance their mobility and operational efficiency, we provided official vehicles to serving Permanent Secretaries. And today, it is my pleasure to present another 12 vehicles to the Permanent Secretaries that were recently sworn in,” he said.

According to him, 302 public officers had benefited from the state’s Public Officers’ Vehicle Loan Scheme, while another 119 beneficiaries had accessed the Public Officers’ Housing Loan Scheme.

Oborevwori also disclosed that civil servants interested in agriculture had been provided with farm inputs to enable them to generate additional income while contributing to food production in the state.

He added that 450 senior management officers had been supported to participate in a seven-weekend training programme organised in partnership with the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria.

The governor noted that the appointment of 12 Permanent Secretaries in May had ensured that all 25 local government areas in Delta State were represented at the Permanent Secretary level in the state civil service.

He said the appointments were based strictly on merit and were not influenced by political recommendations.

“The process was properly done. Not by saying, even the one that was appointed in my place, I don’t even know the person. All the Permanent Secretaries appointed, no one was recommended by anybody, but by merit,” he said.

Oborevwori further said Delta was among the states that implemented the new national minimum wage, noting that the decision followed consultations with relevant stakeholders, including the Head of Service, Commissioner for Information and the Nigeria Labour Congress.

The governor also reiterated his administration’s decision to introduce a 13th-month salary for state civil servants from December this year.

“Not to forget that recently we approved the payment of 13th month salary for civil servants, beginning from December this year.

“It might interest you to know that we are in the process of sending an executive bill to the Delta State House of Assembly to give this gesture legal backing.

“So, it is something that is compulsory. By the time it has legal backing, even when I leave office in 2031, they will still be paying you your 13th month salary,” he added.

He urged civil servants and political appointees to uphold discipline and professionalism, particularly by avoiding absenteeism, nepotism, waste, inefficiency, bribery and corruption.

Oborevwori assured that his administration would sustain investments in infrastructure and other initiatives designed to improve resource management, efficiency and public service delivery.

He also charged the beneficiaries of the newly inaugurated residential facilities and other occupants of the quarters to protect and maintain the buildings, while ensuring that the environment remained secure and clean.

News Politics August 21, 2026 Adeleke visits Tinubu days after Osun re-election victory

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday received Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, days after the governor secured re-election in the state governorship poll.

Adeleke arrived at the presidential residence at about 5:25pm for the meeting with the President.

The Osun governor emerged victorious in the August 15 election, defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

According to the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Adeleke polled 511,067 votes, while Oyebamiji garnered 444,815 votes, giving the incumbent a winning margin of 66,252 votes.

Following the declaration of the result, President Tinubu personally contacted Adeleke to congratulate him on his electoral victory. 

The President described the outcome as “a fitting assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in our country” and urged the governor to work towards uniting the people of Osun State irrespective of their political affiliations during the election.

Adeleke secured victory in 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won in 11 councils, in an election that generated considerable political interest.

The governor contested the election on the platform of the Accord Party after the Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) adopted his candidacy and instructed its structures to support his re-election campaign.

Also seen at the State House were the Director-General of Adeleke’s Campaign Council, Senator Lere Oyewumi; a member of the council, Sunday Bisi; the governor’s Chief of Staff, Akinleye Kazeem; and Bamidele Salam, who represents Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The meeting between Tinubu and Adeleke comes amid growing political activities and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It also follows a series of engagements by the President with political figures and senior government officials as preparations for the next electoral cycle gradually intensify.