The Federal Government has declared Friday, September 5, 2025, a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Mawlid, the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

The announcement was contained in a statement on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani.

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the federal government, extended warm greetings to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world.

He urged the Muslim Ummah to emulate the Prophet’s virtues of peace, love, humility, tolerance, and compassion, stressing that these values are essential to building a united and progressive nation.

The minister further called on Nigerians of all faiths to use the occasion to pray for peace, security, and stability in the country, while supporting government efforts toward national harmony and sustainable development.

“The celebration of Eid-ul-Mawlid offers us yet another opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, promote peaceful coexistence, and imbibe the Prophet’s teachings of mutual respect and selfless service to humanity,” the statement quoted Tunji-Ojo as saying.

He also urged citizens to remain law-abiding, security-conscious, and supportive of policies aimed at improving the well-being of all Nigerians, while wishing Muslims a joyous and peaceful celebration.

The unveiling of Making Movies the Nollywood Way, the latest work by filmmaker and Best of Nollywood Awards founder, Seun Oloketuyi, is set to attract some of Lagos’ most respected figures when it holds on September 7, 2025, at the University of Lagos.

Among the dignitaries confirmed for the event are Muiz Banire, SAN, respected lawyer and former Lagos State commissioner; Honourable Moji Ojora Meranda, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly; Honourable Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State,Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources; and Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Abisoye Fagade Dg NIHOTOUR and immediate past Bariga Local Government chairman
Mr Kola Alabi

Their attendance signals not only support for Oloketuyi’s literary effort but also an endorsement of Nollywood’s cultural and economic importance.

Making Movies the Nollywood Way is a coffee-table style book that offers a deep dive into the workings of Nigeria’s film industry. It combines the author’s reflections with the voices of 21 leading Nollywood figures, including Ọpa Williams, Wale Adenuga, and Emem Isong, who share their professional experiences, triumphs, and challenges.

Speaking on the forthcoming unveiling, Oloketuyi described the project as a labour of love aimed at educating, inspiring, and preserving the unique Nollywood filmmaking process. “This book is not just about film; it’s about telling our stories, our struggles, and our successes in a way that resonates with both practitioners and lovers of cinema,” he said.

The event will feature a public reading, a discussion session, and interactions with Nollywood veterans as well as students of the University of Lagos. It is expected to provide an engaging platform for knowledge exchange between industry insiders and aspiring filmmakers.

With the presence of prominent personalities such as Banire, Ojora, Wahab, and Benson-Awoyinka, the unveiling is projected to be both a cultural milestone and a high-profile gathering that underscores Nollywood’s standing as one of the world’s most dynamic film industries.

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has hailed the return of former Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, to the All Progressives Congress, describing it as a positive development and a major boost for the ruling party in Lagos.

Speaker Obasa, who hosted Jandor on Tuesday at his official residence in Ikeja GRA, expressed excitement over his return to the APC, describing it as the only political platform that truly reflects the aspirations of Lagosians, and indeed, Nigerians.

“We are happy to have you back. This is a very good move,” Obasa said, assuring Jandor of full reintegration and collaboration in the party’s collective pursuit of good governance. The Speaker further praised Jandor for his courage and conviction, stressing that the APC’s inclusive structure provides the right platform for unity and development.

Responding, Jandor, who returned officially to the APC fold in March, thanked Obasa for the warm reception and pledged his commitment to working with the APC for the benefit of Lagos State and Nigeria because, “It is only through unity of purpose, shared sacrifice, and responsible leadership that we can secure a brighter and more prosperous future for every Nigerian.

He also lauded President Bola Tinubu’s recent tax reforms, saying, “Though demanding, the President’s reforms are courageous steps toward re-engineering our economy and laying a firm foundation for progress and prosperity.”