President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Abel Enitan as the head of the civil service of the federation, effective August 27, 2026.

In a statement on Wednesday, Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, said Enitan succeeds Didi Walson-Jack, who is due to retire from the federal civil service upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.

According to the statement, Enitan, from Osun, is the most senior permanent secretary in the federal civil service.

“He has served as Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months, working at the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office of the Vice President,” the statement reads.

“He is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.”

Onanuga said Enitan brings considerable institutional experience and a deep understanding of how the federal civil service works to his new responsibility.

He said Tinubu commended Walson-Jack for her distinguished service to the nation and for the reforms, impact and innovations witnessed in the civil service during her tenure.

“The President wishes her a fulfilling and successful life after service and conveys the nation’s gratitude for her years of dedicated and impactful public service,” Onanuga said.

“President Tinubu charges the incoming Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to consolidate on the reforms and innovations already underway, deepen professionalism and efficiency across the service, and build a more effective and responsive Civil Service capable of delivering on the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Tinubu further urged Enitan to lead a civil service that is professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative, and responsive to Nigerians’ needs and aspirations.

Born on December 12, 1966, Enitan had his secondary education at Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife.

He later attended the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and graduated in 1988 with a BSc in finance and banking.

In 2015, Enitan obtained an MSc in public policy analysis from Nasarawa State University, Lafia.

Following his victory in last Saturday’s governorship election, Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, has received the Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Adeleke defeated his closest rival, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, polling 511,067 to 444,815.

The governor arrived at the INEC office in Osogbo, Osun State, with his cabinet members, National and State Assembly lawmakers, friends and supporters for the certificate presentation.

The National Commissioner of INEC for the South-West, Professor Kunle Ajayi, presented the certificate.

After the presentation, Adeleke, who tagged his address as ‘A time to heal, unite and build’, thanked the people of Osun State for firmly standing for democracy.

According to him, “This certificate does not belong to Ademola Adeleke alone. It belongs to the people of Osun State: our workers, market men and women, youths, traditional and religious leaders, and every citizen who participated in this democratic process. I am deeply humbled by the confidence you have renewed in me.

“But even in victory, we must be sober in reflection. Citizens were injured, properties and livelihoods were destroyed and, most painfully, precious lives were lost.”

He noted, “We remember Ezekiel Olapade, Aderogba Ajayi, Remi Abass, Kolade Eluyera, and every other victim of electoral violence. Regardless of  political affiliation, they were first our brothers, sisters and fellow citizens. To their families, your pain is our pain, and your loved ones will never be reduced to mere statistics.

“The Adeleke family, through the Springtime Development Foundation, will provide full scholarships up to university level for the children and dependants of those who lost their lives.”

He disclosed, “The Osun State Government will also establish a ₦500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund to support verified victims and affected families. A Verification and Relief Committee, chaired by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Olumide Egbedun, will oversee the transparent identification of victims and the equitable distribution of support.

“This is not a political intervention. It is a humanitarian responsibility. No eligible victim will be excluded because of political affiliation, religion, ethnicity, gender or social status. In grief, there is no political party. In our common humanity, we are one people.”

He stressed that, “I receive this Certificate of Return not as a trophy or a weapon against anyone, but as a renewed contract with you. The election is over. The campaign is over. The contest is over. Now is the time to govern, unite, heal and build.”

He promised to continue advancing infrastructure, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment, and economic development, with accountability, inclusion, and transparency.

The state governments of Ogun and Lagos have declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, as work free day to celebrate the 2026 Isese Day.

The announcements were conveyed in separate statements issued by officials of Lagos and Ogun governments.

Idris Aregbe, the special adviser to Lagos governor on tourism, arts, and culture, announced the public holiday in a statement released on Wednesday.

Aregbe said the Isese Day is more than a public holiday but a “living expression” of Yoruba spirituality.

According to him, the public holiday will allow residents to fully participate in the traditional celebration.

“Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a relic. It is a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape,” he said.

“When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain. Fifty-five million people and counting. Lagos is not observing a local holiday. Lagos is standing at the centre of a global heritage.

“Whether you worship in a mosque, a church or a grove, Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day belongs to you, because heritage has no denomination. Lagos remains the city where every heritage finds its place.”

Aregbe said Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, has ensured that the practice continues as part of indigenous values and religious inclusiveness under the THEMES+ Agenda.

In a statement, Kayode Akinmade, special adviser on information and strategy to Ogun governor, said Isese Day provides an opportunity for adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion to honour their ancestors, and observe traditional rites.

Akinmade urged residents to celebrate the day peacefully and responsibly, while respecting the beliefs, rights and practices of others.

“It would be recalled that August 20 was formally declared a public holiday in Ogun State in 2023, following a resolution of the Ogun State House of Assembly and the approval of Governor Dapo Abiodun,” the statement reads.

“The government said Isese Day provides an opportunity for adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion to honour their ancestors, observe traditional rites and promote the values and teachings embedded in their spiritual and cultural practices.

“It noted that the celebration also promotes a sense of community among practitioners, while providing an opportunity for the wider society to appreciate and respect the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.”

The Isese festival, marked annually on August 20, is celebrated by adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion.

The day is commemorated by several processions and worships of the multitude of gods that make up the Yoruba traditional religion pantheon.