Lagos declares Thursday work-free for 2026 Isese Day celebration

The Lagos State Government has declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day to allow residents, visitors and traditional worshippers participate in activities marking the 2026 Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day celebration.

The annual observance, which celebrates Yoruba indigenous culture, spirituality and heritage, is expected to attract more than three million participants, according to the state government.

The declaration was announced on Wednesday by Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Aregbe described Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day as more than a public holiday, saying the celebration provides an opportunity to promote and preserve Yoruba traditions while showcasing Lagos as a destination for cultural tourism.

“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,” Aregbe said.

He said the celebration would allow Lagos residents and visitors to experience various aspects of indigenous culture through traditional prayers, rituals, processions, drumming and cultural displays dedicated to the Òrìṣà.

The 2026 celebration is the culmination of a week-long programme of traditional activities being coordinated by the Association of African Traditional Religion Nigeria and Overseas (AATREN).

Aregbe said the continued observance of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe demonstrates the resilience of Yoruba culture and its ability to remain relevant across generations.

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He estimated the global Yoruba population at more than 55 million and noted that Yoruba cultural and spiritual traditions have also survived among diaspora communities in countries such as Cuba, Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago.

“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,” he said.

The Lagos Government has designated Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day as a work-free day since 2023, following a request from the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

The policy has continued under the Sanwo-Olu administration as part of its stated commitment to promoting indigenous values, cultural preservation and religious inclusiveness under the THEMES+ development agenda.

Aregbe commended the governor for maintaining the annual declaration and recognised the contribution of traditional rulers and other custodians of Yoruba heritage.

He specifically acknowledged the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, royal fathers, White Cap Chiefs, Babaláwo, Ìyánífá, Olóòrìṣà and other cultural practitioners involved in preserving indigenous traditions.

The large-scale celebration is expected to feature activities across different parts of Lagos, with participants observing traditional rites and cultural programmes associated with Yoruba indigenous religion.

The state government urged participants to celebrate peacefully and respectfully, particularly given the expected turnout.

Aregbe said the celebration also reflects Lagos’ reputation as a diverse society where people from different cultural and religious backgrounds live and participate in public life.

“Three million voices rising in honour of tradition is not noise. It is history, faith and cultural pride in harmony,” he said.

He added that the celebration should not be viewed as an event reserved only for traditional worshippers.

“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.

The August 20 work-free declaration means public servants and government institutions covered by the directive will not conduct normal official business on Thursday. Government activities are expected to resume on Friday, August 21.

The development comes as Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day continues to receive official recognition in parts of southwestern Nigeria, where traditional institutions and cultural organisations have advocated greater recognition of indigenous festivals and heritage.

Beyond its religious significance, supporters say the annual celebration provides an avenue to preserve indigenous knowledge, music, language, traditional arts and cultural practices while creating opportunities for cultural tourism.

For Lagos, the 2026 celebration is also expected to reinforce the state’s efforts to position its cultural heritage as part of its tourism offering.

With millions expected to participate, the state government has called on residents and visitors to observe the celebration peacefully and respect the different religious and cultural traditions represented in Lagos.

Lagos declares Thursday work-free for 2026 Isese Day celebration

South African Consulate Denies Visa Restrictions on Nigerians

Consul General confirms visa services continue as normal and introduces new digital travel system

The South African Consulate in Lagos has officially debunked reports that it has stopped issuing visas to Nigerians due to ongoing anti-migrant protests in South Africa. Consul General of South Africa, Prof. Bobby Moroe, made the clarification during a round-table organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) themed “South Africa’s Xenophobia in Comparative Perspective”. He assured that no Nigerian applicant who qualifies for a visa will be denied entry into the country, offering a firm rebuttal to widespread speculation that visa services had been suspended amid rising tensions.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Moroe emphasised that visa issuance remains ongoing despite heightened concerns over xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa. He stated, “Visas continue to be issued in spite of the ongoing protests and Nigerians are still visiting the country for tourism and other legitimate purposes. We wish to make it clear again that Nigerians under these circumstances faced today will never be discriminated against. No basis will justify why your visa is rejected except that you, for one reason or another may not have qualified with the requirements of the visa.” The Consul General stressed that visa applications would be considered on their individual merits and in accordance with established immigration requirements, drawing a clear distinction between domestic protests and South Africa’s official visa policy, which remains unchanged and non-discriminatory toward Nigerian nationals.

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Prof. Moroe also announced the recent introduction of South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), describing it as a digital system designed to simplify and accelerate travel authorisation for prospective visitors. The new system reduces documentation requirements and replaces aspects of the traditional visa application process, allowing travellers to apply through their mobile devices, which makes the process faster, safer and more convenient. However, it is important to note that Nigeria is not currently among the four countries covered by the initial ETA rollout, as the system remains a future expansion priority for South Africa, meaning Nigerian travellers will still follow the existing visa application procedure for now.

The reassurance comes amid data showing that visa applications from Nigerians have nearly doubled in recent months, reflecting sustained interest in travel to South Africa for business, tourism and education. Despite persistent safety concerns and the repatriation of over 1,400 Nigerians affected by previous xenophobic violence, Prof. Moroe insisted that “South Africa is open for business, South Africa is open for tourism, and South Africa is open for any other form of visit,” signalling that the country remains welcoming to legitimate travellers from Nigeria.

South African missions in Nigeria have confirmed that their visa sections in Lagos and Abuja remain accessible and are actively receiving applications. Key requirements for Nigerian applicants include a completed visa application form with two passport-size photographs, a valid Nigerian passport that must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your return date, and a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, which is mandatory for travellers from Nigeria and is the most commonly mishandled requirement—it must be presented as the original International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), not a photocopy or photo. Applicants are also required to provide bank statements showing six months of financial history, along with proof of accommodation and return flight booking. Processing takes a minimum of 15 working days, so early application is strongly advised. The Consul General urged Nigerian travellers to familiarise themselves with South African laws, understand their rights, and know the locations of law enforcement agencies in case of emergencies, ensuring they are well-prepared for their stay.

The clarification comes against the backdrop of persistent xenophobic tensions in South Africa, where foreign nationals have periodically faced protests, hostility and attacks over claims surrounding unemployment and economic competition. Nigerians have been among the foreign nationals affected by previous episodes of xenophobic violence, making reports of any possible restriction on their entry into South Africa particularly sensitive. The Consul-General’s intervention aims to reassure the Nigerian public that no blanket restrictions have been imposed and that eligible travellers will continue to be granted travel authorisation, reinforcing the message that diplomatic ties remain strong and that South Africa values its relationship with Nigeria.

South African Consulate Denies Visa Restrictions on Nigerians

LAWMA, Police Move to Crack Down on Illegal Waste Dumping in Lagos

The Lagos State Government is stepping up efforts to tackle indiscriminate waste dumping and illegal activities at dumpsites, with the Lagos Waste Management Authority and the state Police Command agreeing to strengthen enforcement and security measures across the state.

The two agencies also agreed to improve the protection of waste management facilities and personnel following concerns over attacks and resistance faced by some LAWMA officials while carrying out their duties.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, made the call on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, at the Lagos State Police Command, GRA, Ikeja.

A statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, LAWMA, Mukaila Sanusi, said Gbadegesin sought stronger police support for the authority’s enforcement and operational activities.

Gbadegesin said Lagos’ rapidly growing population had continued to put pressure on its waste management infrastructure, with the state generating between 13,000 and 16,000 tonnes of waste daily.

He said the huge volume required sustained waste collection, infrastructure development, recycling and resource recovery, alongside effective enforcement and inter-agency cooperation.

The LAWMA boss also raised concerns over the safety of enforcement officers, street sweepers and other personnel deployed to evacuate indiscriminately dumped waste.

According to him, some officials had encountered resistance and attacks from unauthorised persons, including armed scavengers, while performing their statutory duties.

He therefore called for enhanced security around critical LAWMA facilities, operational locations and areas identified as prone to illegal activities.

“We are committed to working closely with the Police and other relevant security agencies to restore order around waste management facilities, protect our personnel and infrastructure, and ensure that anyone who assaults or obstructs our officers while performing their lawful duties is made to face the consequences of such actions,” he said.

Responding, Fatai acknowledged LAWMA’s role in maintaining a clean, healthy and sustainable environment in Lagos, commending the authority for its efforts to improve waste management and environmental sanitation.

The police commissioner said indiscriminate dumping and other environmental violations continued to undermine gains recorded in waste management, stressing the need for stronger enforcement, public awareness and responsible behaviour by residents.

Fatai assured LAWMA of the command’s full support in tackling illegal dumping, unauthorised occupation and encroachment of dumpsites, as well as attacks on LAWMA personnel.

He said the police would work with the authority to ensure that environmental offenders faced the consequences of their actions while supporting efforts to protect LAWMA’s facilities, personnel and operational assets.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both agencies to sustained collaboration and stronger enforcement as part of efforts to achieve a cleaner, safer and more sustainable Lagos.