By Sarah Sam Adda

The Lagos State Police Command has directed that all activities of the annual Egungun Masquerade Festival be restricted strictly to designated outing points and approved celebration venues.

The move follows escalating clashes among rival masquerade groups and reports of violence and property damage in parts of the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the directive prohibits public processions and street marches.

He explained that the restriction aims to protect lives and property while ensuring residents of other faiths are not subjected to harassment during the festivities.

Hundeyin stressed that the decision was taken to forestall further breaches of public peace, noting that rivalries between Egungun groups had intensified in recent days.

He warned that individuals or groups who defy the order or engage in activities that threaten security would face the full weight of the law.

By Onilede Titi Faith

The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to declare August 20 as a national public holiday in honour of Isese Day.

ICIR President, Fayemi Fakayode, made the call in Ibadan on Wednesday during the 2025 Isese Day celebration.

While states including Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, and Osun already recognise the day, Fakayode urged governors of Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, Edo, and Delta to follow suit.

He said national recognition would end what he described as “inequality among the three major religions” in Nigeria.

The council also asked the government to fund cultural festivals, protect shrines and sacred lands, and integrate traditional religion adherents into cultural councils.

Fakayode commended South-West governors for supporting the celebration, stressing that Isese embodies morality, unity, reverence for nature, and communal living.

By Adenike Lawal

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has reaffirmed her commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s tourism sector through dialogue and partnership with private stakeholders.

She gave the assurance while receiving the newly elected executive of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), led by its President, Dr. Aliyu Badaki, during a courtesy visit in Abuja.

Dr. Badaki raised concerns over the enforcement of the NIHOTOUR Act, urging the Minister’s intervention.

In response, Musawa pledged that reforms would be implemented collaboratively and that ambiguities in the Act could be resolved through consultations and legislative review.

“Our goal is to create a stable and enabling environment where tourism can thrive in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said, adding that FTAN and other private-sector players would be key beneficiaries of ongoing initiatives.

Musawa also hinted at plans to restructure the Presidential Council on Tourism for stronger political support and confirmed the Ministry’s participation in FTAN’s National Tourism Conference in November.

FTAN leaders, including Dr. Badaki, Alhaji Munzali Dantata, and Mrs. Susan Akporaye, urged greater government backing and consistent participation in global tourism fairs.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Nigeria’s cultural heritage and economic empowerment through tourism.