Nigeria News (Standard)
Oyo, Kwara, Borno Approve Tuesday Public Holiday for Islamic New Year Observance
Sultan of Sokoto urges Muslims nationwide to sight crescent moon; states call for prayers and spiritual reflection
Sultan of Sokoto urges Muslims nationwide to sight crescent moon; states call for prayers and spiritual reflection
Governments in Oyo, Kwara, Borno and Kebbi States have declared Tuesday a public holiday to mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year, known as Hijrah 1448 AH. The announcement, made on Monday, comes after the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, directed Muslims across Nigeria to look out for the new crescent moon signalling the start of Muharram.
In separate statements from state authorities, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State (PDP), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara (APC), and Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno (APC) approved the work-free day in recognition of the religious significance of the occasion. The new year is determined by the lunar calendar and begins with confirmation of the new moon’s sighting.
The Islamic New Year marks the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) from Mecca to Medina—an event considered pivotal in Islamic history. As at this year, Muharram is expected to commence following the Sultan’s directive for moon-sighting on Monday evening. The Hijrah calendar is widely observed by Muslim communities worldwide and shifts each year due to its lunar cycle being about eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
State governments encouraged Muslim faithful to use this period for prayers, reflection and spiritual renewal. In his earlier message, Sultan Abubakar III reminded Nigerians that sighting of the new moon is a core aspect of Islamic tradition marking monthly transitions. He said: “Muslims are enjoined to intensify prayers for peace and stability in our country.”
No major opposition statements had been issued as at press time regarding the holiday declaration. The work-free day is expected to be observed peacefully across Oyo, Kwara, Borno and Kebbi States with mosques organising special prayers and families gathering for reflection. Authorities emphasised that residents should use the opportunity for spiritual growth while observing all civic responsibilities.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Hosts Inaugural Africa International Christian Film Festival, Organisers Urge Creatives to Reclaim Storytelling
Festival concludes after four days of screenings and masterclasses, with call for excellence and cultural identity in film
Festival concludes after four days of screenings and masterclasses, with call for excellence and cultural identity in film
The maiden edition of the Africa International Christian Film Festival (AICFF 2026) ended in Abuja on Saturday, with organisers urging Nigerian and African creatives to reclaim storytelling through excellence, strong identity and kingdom influence. The four-day event, which took place between June 3 and June 6 at a venue in the Federal Capital Territory, featured film screenings, panel discussions, masterclasses and networking sessions for stakeholders across the industry.
According to festival organisers, the initiative was designed to promote values-driven content and inspire filmmakers to tell stories that reflect authentic African experiences. Attendees participated in strategic industry conversations aimed at addressing challenges facing local creatives in a global market increasingly dominated by foreign narratives.
Organisers emphasised the need for excellence and innovation among Nigerian filmmakers to help position the country as a leader in Christian-themed cinema on the continent. They called on participants to harness their unique identities and cultural backgrounds as tools for impactful storytelling that can resonate both locally and internationally.
While the festival primarily targeted Christian filmmakers, organisers said the lessons shared were relevant for all storytellers seeking to make meaningful contributions to society. “We believe African creatives have a responsibility to shape narratives that align with our values and realities,” an official stated during one of the closing sessions.
The successful hosting of AICFF 2026 has been described as a step towards building a sustainable platform for faith-based content creators in Nigeria. Organisers hinted at plans to expand future editions, with calls for greater collaboration among industry professionals.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Aviation Minister Keyamo Reaffirms Nigeria’s Backing for SAATM, AfCFTA at Lomé Summit
Federal government pledges stronger air transport policies to boost trade and integration across Africa at Togo convention
Federal government pledges stronger air transport policies to boost trade and integration across Africa at Togo convention
Nigeria has renewed its commitment to the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), promising deeper cooperation to drive economic growth and regional integration through improved aviation links. This assurance came from Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during the ongoing African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 in Lomé, Republic of Togo, on Monday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, Keyamo said government is determined to work with other African countries and aviation bodies to promote policies that will strengthen air transport infrastructure, attract investment, and enable seamless movement of goods and people across the continent. His Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, conveyed this in a statement issued on Sunday.
Nigeria’s renewed focus on implementing SAATM and AfCFTA comes as African leaders push for greater intra-African trade and economic integration. Enhanced air connectivity is widely seen as critical to unlocking new markets, facilitating business travel, and improving logistics for goods between member states. With Nigeria being Africa’s largest economy by GDP (according to World Bank data), stakeholders say its leadership in aviation reforms could set a benchmark for the region.
“Nigeria remains committed to working closely with our African partners towards policies that will open up our skies and foster economic opportunities,” Keyamo said via his adviser. He emphasised that robust partnerships are needed to address infrastructure gaps, encourage private sector investment, and harmonise regulations for mutual benefit across Africa.
The convention in Lomé brings together policymakers, airline executives, investors and regulators from across Africa to discuss strategies for overcoming persistent challenges in air transport. As implementation of SAATM and AfCFTA continues to gain momentum, industry observers expect further announcements on regulatory harmonisation and bilateral agreements in coming months.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Judy Austin’s Ex-Husband Accuses Her of Declaring Love for Yul Edochie Before Marriage Collapse
Emmanuel Obasi alleges on Lagos podcast that Judy Austin openly admired Yul Edochie before their separation; parties yet to respond
Emmanuel Obasi alleges on Lagos podcast that Judy Austin openly admired Yul Edochie before their separation; parties yet to respond
Fresh controversy has emerged in Lagos as Emmanuel Obasi, the former husband of Nollywood actress Judy Austin, accused her of openly professing love for actor Yul Edochie while they were still married. Obasi made these allegations on Saturday during a live session of the Honest Bunch podcast, which was ongoing as at press time.
According to Obasi, who said he was married to Judy Austin for several years and had two children with her, the problems in their union began when Judy repeatedly expressed admiration for Yul Edochie. He claimed that whenever the actor appeared on television, Judy would praise him and tell Obasi directly that she loved Edochie. “She would be telling me to my face that she loves Yul and be praising him,” Obasi stated during the podcast, adding that Judy attributed her attraction to Edochie’s distinctive voice.
Obasi further alleged that matters escalated when Judy met Yul Edochie during her university days. He said that after their meeting, Edochie offered financial assistance to the couple, presenting himself as a family friend. Obasi claimed he declined this offer but did not suspect any ulterior motive at the time. He recounted several incidents he later interpreted as signs of infidelity, including unexplained late nights and absences from home. According to him, Judy once failed to return home from school but gave excuses he initially accepted due to trust.
The situation ultimately led to the breakdown of their marriage, with Obasi alleging that Judy left without formal resolution and also took his property. During the podcast appearance, he displayed photographs from their traditional wedding and said he had invested heavily in the ceremony, including providing outfits for 18 bridesmaids.
As at Sunday evening, neither Judy Austin nor Yul Edochie had issued any statement in response to these claims. The podcast episode has sparked significant discussion online among Nollywood followers and Lagos residents. Industry observers note that issues around marital fidelity and public disclosures by celebrities continue to attract widespread attention in Nigeria’s entertainment sector.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/judy-austin-ex-husband-yul-edochie-marriage-claims-2026061518212666843
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