Macron to Visit Nigeria — French Ambassador
French President Emmanuel Macron will make a State visit to Nigeria later this fall, French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, has announced.
Speaking at France’s National Day celebration in Abuja on Tuesday, Fonbaustier described the visit as an opportunity for both countries to review their growing strategic partnership and outline future areas of cooperation.
He noted that the trip would take place two years after President Bola Tinubu’s State visit to Paris.
“Together, our two Presidents will assess the progress of our roadmap and outline the key elements of our relationship for the years to come,” the ambassador said.
Fonbaustier emphasised that relations between Nigeria and France are based on equality, mutual respect and non-interference, adding that both nations share common goals, including economic growth, job creation, improved living standards and environmental protection.
AIKIDO Agency Founder Returns as CEO
AIKIDO Agency has announced the return of its founder, Dr. Tayo Oyedeji, as Chief Executive Officer as the company seeks to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s leading independent integrated marketing communications agencies.
According to a company statement, Oyedeji resumed the role on July 1, 2026, after serving in an advisory capacity for three months.
Before returning, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Insight Redefini/Publicis Groupe Nigeria and previously held the position of Managing Director of Publicis Media Africa, overseeing media operations across the continent.
He will work alongside AIKIDO Agency’s Co-founder and Managing Director, Dolapo Ogunbambo, to deepen client relationships, strengthen the agency’s capabilities and expand its operations across Africa.
Oyedeji said independent agencies combining strategy, creativity, technology and speed would shape the future of the communications industry, while Ogunbambo described his return as a defining moment for the company.
Sultan Declares Thursday First Day of Safar 1448AH
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the first day of Safar 1448AH.
The announcement followed the non-sighting of the new crescent moon across Nigeria on Tuesday, July 14, corresponding to the 29th of Muharram 1448AH.
A statement signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, said Wednesday, July 15, would complete the 30th day of Muharram, with Safar commencing the following day.
The declaration serves as the official guide for Muslims across Nigeria in observing religious activities linked to the Islamic calendar.
2027 Race: INEC Recognises Mark-Led ADC, Receives 471 Candidate Nominations
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will recognise only the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), confirming that the faction has submitted candidates for 471 elective positions ahead of the 2027 general election.
INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna said the commission granted the Mark-led faction access to its nomination portal following a Supreme Court judgment affirming its leadership.
According to Haruna, the submissions include two presidential candidates, 109 senatorial candidates and 360 House of Representatives candidates. He added that the rival faction had no legal authority to submit nominations.
The ADC welcomed INEC’s clarification and called for the investigation and prosecution of its factional leader, Nafiu Bala Gombe, over claims that he uploaded candidates through the commission’s restricted nomination portal.
The party described the claim as false and alleged it was an attempt to mislead the public, urging security agencies to investigate and prosecute anyone connected to the alleged forgery.
