Pen Blog Media

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...