Pen Blog Media

By: Pen Blog Media. Date Published: Saturday, 12th September, 2026 | 30th Rabī’ul Awwal, 1448 AH. The World's Map FOR generations, millions of people have learned geography from world maps on classroom walls, in textbooks and increasingly on digital screens. But one of the world's most familiar map projections gives a misleading impression of the relative size of different regions — particularly Africa. That issue has now reached the United Nations. On September 4, 2026, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution supporting a more accurate and equitable representation of the world's landmasses. The resolution, led by Togo and backed by African countries, received 164 votes in favour, six abstentions and one vote against from the United States. The development has been widely described as a move to “correct the map” and show Africa at its true scale. But what exactly was wrong with the familiar map — and what is actually changing? THE MAP AT THE CENTRE OF THE DEBATE The m...

By: Pen Blog Media. Date: Saturday, 12th September, 2026 | 30th Rabī’ul Awwal, 1448 AH. Rabī'u at-Thānī Cresent Moon THE Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Sunday, September 13, 2026, as the first day of Rabi’ al-Thānī 1448 AH in Nigeria. The declaration follows the outcome of the nationwide search for the crescent marking the beginning of the Islamic month. The National Moonsighting Committee of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) announced the commencement of Rabi’ al-Thānī 1448 AH in a statement issued on Saturday. The committee had earlier called on Muslims across the country to look for the new crescent after sunset on Friday, September 11, corresponding to 29 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH. The Sultanate had directed Muslims who sighted the crescent to report their observations through the appropriate traditional authorities for verification before an official declaration was made. Following the conclusion of the sighting process, the...

By: Pen Blog Media. Date: Thursday, 10th September, 2026 | 28th Rabī’ul Awwal, 1448 AH. Federal Government to Provide 100MB data for Students THE Federal Government has announced plans to provide eligible Nigerian students with 100 megabytes (MB) of free, zero-rated data daily from October 1, 2026, as part of efforts to expand access to digital learning. The initiative was announced on Thursday, September 10, during an education and digital-learning programme in Abuja involving the Federal Ministry of Education and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Under the scheme, the daily data allocation is intended specifically for access to approved educational websites and digital learning platforms, rather than unrestricted internet use. The government said the initiative will initially target students in public senior secondary schools and public tertiary institutions, with plans to extend the programme to other categories of learners. HOW THE FREE DATA WILL WORK The 100MB allocat...

By: Pen Blog Media. Date: Wednesday, 9th September, 2026 | 27th Rabī’ul Awwal, 1448 AH. AKURE, Nigeria — At least 24 people have died in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State following a suspected poisoning incident, while several others are receiving treatment in hospitals as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The fatalities were recorded in Araromi Obu and Odigbo town, with eight deaths reported in Araromi Obu and 16 in Odigbo town, according to the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye. The incident reportedly occurred over the weekend after some residents consumed locally produced herbal and alcoholic drinks. Some of those affected reportedly became unconscious before their conditions deteriorated, while others were said to have died at home or in their sleep. Several other people who consumed the substances were taken to hospitals for treatment. However, authorities have cautioned against drawing a definite conclusion about t...

By: Pen Blog Media. Date: Wednesday, 2nd September, 2026 | 20th Rabī’ul Awwal, 1448 AH. Uber ends Nigeria Operation after 12 Years GLOBAL ride-hailing company Uber has announced the end of its operations in Nigeria, bringing its 12-year presence in the country to a close. The company said its Nigerian operations would be wound down effective Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following a review of its business operations and investment priorities. Uber launched its ride-hailing service in Lagos in 2014, subsequently expanding its presence and connecting passengers with independent drivers across the country. In a statement on the decision, the company described the move as difficult and thanked the riders, drivers and other stakeholders who had been part of its journey in Nigeria. WHY IS UBER LEAVING NIGERIA? Uber said the decision followed a review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus across the continent. The company stressed that the decision is limited to Nigeria an...

By: Pen Blog Media. Date Published: Monday, 31st August, 2026 | 18th Rabī’ul Awwal, 1448 AH. LAGOS, Nigeria — OPay Digital Services has dismissed as false a viral notice claiming that the fintech company will suspend its operations and begin an indefinite break from September 1, 2026. The notice, which circulated on social media and messaging platforms, reportedly advised OPay customers to withdraw or transfer their funds ahead of the alleged shutdown, while claiming that the company would stop handling transactions and account-related services. OPay, however, has rejected the publication and assured customers that it has no plan to suspend its operations from September 1. In a statement shared through its verified communication channels, the company said: “OPay is not going on break by September. We’re here, and we’re going nowhere!” The fintech also urged members of the public to examine the circulating publication carefully, saying the fake material contains identifiable inconsisten...

By: Pen Blog Media. Published: Thursday, 27th August, 2026 | 14th Rabī’ul Awwal, 1448 AB. THE death of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has brought renewed attention to the remarkable journey of one of the familiar faces of Nigeria’s indigenous-language film industry. Ogogo died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, after battling stage-four cancer. His daughter, Kira Taiwo, confirmed his death during an emotional live video, while tributes have continued to come from colleagues, public figures and admirers. But beyond the headlines surrounding his death is the story of a man whose career represented several decades of change in Yoruba cinema. FROM ILARO TO THE SCREEN Taiwo Hassan was born in Ilaro, Ogun State, on October 31, 1959. Before becoming a full-time actor, he trained and worked as an automobile mechanic and was employed by the Lagos State Water Corporation. His journey into entertainment began in the early 1980s, when he became involved in...

By: Pen Blog Media. Date: Monday, 24th August, 2026 | 11th Rabī’ul Awwal, 1448 AH. Ogogo and Adebayo Salami at a movie concert THE Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Yoruba actor and filmmaker, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, at the age of 66. Since news of his passing emerged on Sunday, colleagues, friends and admirers have continued to pay tribute to the actor, remembering him for his decades-long contribution to Yoruba-language cinema and the wider Nigerian film industry. Among those who have publicly mourned Ogogo is veteran actor Jide Kosoko, who announced his death and described the development as a painful loss to the entertainment community. Actor Femi Adebayo Salami also described Ogogo as a pillar of Yoruba cinema, while other entertainers have shared messages celebrating his career, influence and the memories he created through his work. The actor's passing has also attracted reactions beyond the film ind...

By: Pen Blog Media. Date: Sunday, 23rd August, 2026 | 10th Rabī’ul Awwal, 1448 AH. Nollywood Nigerian VETERAN Yoruba Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died at the age of 66. The actor’s death was announced on Sunday, August 23, 2026, with reports indicating that his daughter, Kira Taiwo, confirmed the development during a live session. Multiple Nigerian media outlets have since reported his death. Ogogo’s death comes days after his family publicly appealed for medical assistance, revealing that the veteran actor had been battling stage-four cancer. His daughters, Lima and Kira, had sought help from medical professionals and healthcare facilities as his condition deteriorated. Earlier reports claiming that Ogogo had died were dismissed by his family on August 18, when his daughter Lima described the reports as false. At the time, the family confirmed that the actor was seriously ill and appealed for urgent medical intervention. The latest announ...

Why one narrow waterway has become a major pressure point in the US–Iran war By: Pen Blog Media | August 22, 2026 | 9th Rabī’ul Awwal, 1448 AH. Strait of Hormuz THE Strait of Hormuz may be only a narrow stretch of water, but it has become one of the most important pressure points in the ongoing US–Iran conflict. Here are five things everyone should know about it. 1. Where is the Strait of Hormuz? The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the wider Arabian Sea. It is a major gateway for ships carrying oil and other energy products from Gulf countries to international markets. 2. Why is it so important? Because a huge amount of the world's energy passes through it.  Before the current disruption, roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows moved through the strait. That means trouble in Hormuz can quickly become a problem for countries thousands of kilometres away. 3. What is happening there now? Shippi...

By: Pen Blog Media. Date: Saturday, 22nd August, 2026 | 9th Rabī’ul Awwal, 1448 AH. Strait of Hormuz TEHRAN/BAGHDAD — Iran has granted permission for a number of Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz following repeated requests from Baghdad, Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported on Saturday. According to IRNA, Baghdad had sought special permission for Iraqi tankers through several channels, with the issue reportedly among the main requests raised during Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf’s recent visit to Iraq. The development comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains under heightened restrictions amid the ongoing regional conflict. The strategic waterway is a major route for global energy shipments, while recent ship-tracking data indicate that commercial traffic through the strait has remained at very low levels. Iraq has been particularly affected by disruptions to the waterway because of its heavy reliance on oil exports. Baghdad has also been explori...

A Pen Blog Media Explainer By— Pen Blog Media | August 21, 2026 | 8th Rabī’ul Awwal, 1448 AH. US’ and Iran’s national flags THE war involving the United States, Israel and Iran has entered another tense phase, nearly six months after fighting began. While the United States and Israel have maintained a significant military advantage, Iran remains capable of resisting and disrupting regional trade. So, who is actually winning—and where is the conflict heading? 1. Who has the military advantage? The United States and Israel currently have the upper hand militarily. Their advanced air power, intelligence, missile capabilities and military technology have allowed them to inflict significant damage on Iranian military and strategic infrastructure. However, military advantage does not automatically mean victory. Iran has not surrendered and continues to retain capabilities that can threaten U.S. interests and regional security. 2. Is Iran under serious pressure? Yes. Particularly economicall...

By: Pen Blog Media. Date: Friday, 21st August, 2026 | 8th Rabī’ul Awwal, 1448 AH. Muslim performing prayer THE Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate Eid ul Mawlid, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani. The minister congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora on the occasion and urged Nigerians to reflect on the values associated with the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, particularly compassion, humility and service to others. “Every Eid ul Mawlid gives us reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility and service to others,” Tunji-Ojo said. He encouraged Nigerians, regardless of religious affiliation, to reflect on these values and use the o...

By: Pen Blog Media. Date: Tuesday, 18th August, 2026 | 5th Rabī’ul Awwal, 1448 AH. Health Workers at new Ebola outbreak KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo — The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has become the deadliest recorded in the country’s history, after the official death toll rose to 2,325. Figures released by the country’s public health authorities show that the outbreak has also produced 4,945 confirmed cases, with 101 new cases recorded in the latest 24-hour reporting period. The latest death toll has surpassed the 2,299 deaths recorded during the 2018–2020 Ebola outbreak, previously the deadliest Ebola outbreak in the DRC. The current outbreak was officially declared on May 15, 2026, after Ebola was confirmed in Ituri Province in northeastern DRC. Health authorities identified the virus as the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, a relatively rare strain. RAPIDLY EXPANDING HEALTH CRISIS The outbreak has spread across several provinces, with Ituri ...

By— Pen Blog Media. Date: Friday, 14th August, 2026 | 1st Rabī’ul Awwal, 1448 AH. Crescent Moon for Islamic Month— Rabī’ul Awwal SOKOTO, Nigeria — The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Friday, August 14, 2026, as the first day of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448 AH, following confirmed reports of the sighting of the new crescent across Nigeria. The declaration followed moon-sighting activities conducted on Thursday, August 13, which corresponded to the 29th day of Safar 1448 AH. According to a statement issued on behalf of the Sultanate, the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, working with the National Moon-Sighting Committee, received reports from authorised moon-sighting committees confirming the sighting of the new crescent of Rabi’ul Awwal. The reports were subjected to the necessary verification before being presented to the Sultan. After conside...

By: Pen Blog Media. Date: Wednesday, 5th August, 2026 | 21st Safar, 1448 AH. WAEC released 2026 results THE West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the results of the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates in Nigeria. The results were announced on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Council's National Office in Yaba, Lagos, by the Head of WAEC's Nigeria National Office, Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut. • Related Story:  August 3 Release Date Remains Unconfirmed According to WAEC, 1,950,726 candidates sat for the 2026 WASSCE. Of this number, 1,200,514 candidates, representing 61.54 percent, obtained a minimum of five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, the benchmark commonly required for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The examination body also disclosed that the results of 167,486 candidates (8.59%) have been withheld over alleged examination malpractice. WAEC stated that the...

By: Pen Blog Media. Date: Tuesday, 4th August, 2026 | 20th Safar, 1448 AH. Sample of WAEC result checker portal THE release date for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates remains unconfirmed by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), despite earlier reports suggesting that the results could be released on Monday, August 3, 2026. The August 3 date had been widely circulated following reports in July that the examination body was nearing the completion of the processes required to release the results. However, as of Monday, August 3, there has been no publicly verifiable official announcement from WAEC confirming that the 2026 WASSCE results would be released on that date. Similarly, there is currently no publicly verified official statement from WAEC confirming that the release has been formally postponed. The development has generated uncertainty among candidates, parents, schools and other stakeholders who have been awaiting ...