Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Targets Wider Maternal Health Coverage, Plans to Reduce Donor Dependence
Health ministry moves to expand maternal medical services for pregnant women nationwide, urges shift to sustainable local funding
Health ministry moves to expand maternal medical services for pregnant women nationwide, urges shift to sustainable local funding
The federal government has announced a new initiative aimed at expanding coverage of Maternal Medical Services (MMS) for pregnant women across Nigeria, with a renewed focus on reducing reliance on international donor funding. The policy drive was unveiled on Friday in Abuja by the Ministry of Health, as part of efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes nationwide.
According to officials from the health ministry, the expanded MMS programme seeks to increase the number of pregnant women who can access essential antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care at public health facilities. The ministry said this move is critical due to gaps in existing coverage, especially in rural and underserved areas where maternal mortality rates remain high.
The push for increased local funding comes amid concerns that excessive dependence on donor programmes exposes Nigeria’s health sector to sudden funding cuts and limits long-term sustainability. Health sector analysts have argued that while donor support has historically played a significant role in financing maternal health interventions, unpredictable external flows often leave gaps when international priorities shift.
A senior official at the Ministry of Health noted that the government is working closely with state ministries and development partners to ensure a smooth transition towards greater domestic financing. “Our goal is to ensure every pregnant woman can receive quality care regardless of her location or socioeconomic status,” he said. However, some stakeholders have expressed concern about how quickly government can mobilise adequate resources given current fiscal constraints.
The ministry stated that it will work with the National Assembly and relevant agencies to secure budgetary provisions for the expanded MMS scheme in upcoming appropriation cycles. Implementation guidelines are expected to be released later this year, with pilot programmes set to commence in select states before nationwide rollout.
Nigeria News (Standard)
APC’s Faduyile Wins Ondo South Senatorial By-Election, Consolidates Party Hold in South-West
Victory strengthens APC’s Senate majority as opposition parties pledge to challenge result in Ondo Tribunal
Victory strengthens APC’s Senate majority as opposition parties pledge to challenge result in Ondo Tribunal
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Faduyile, has emerged winner of the Ondo South Senatorial by-election conducted on Sunday, 21 June 2026. The election, which took place across the six local government areas of Ondo South Senatorial District, saw Faduyile secure a clear lead over his rivals from other major parties.
According to results announced by electoral officials at the senatorial collation centre in Ondo State, Faduyile polled the highest number of votes, beating his closest opponents from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP). The by-election was held following the declaration of vacancy for the seat earlier this year.
The Ondo South Senatorial seat is considered strategic due to its influence in both state and national politics. Political observers say the APC’s victory further cements the party’s dominance in the South-West geopolitical zone ahead of forthcoming general elections. The contest attracted attention from stakeholders across Nigeria, with observers noting a relatively high voter turnout compared to previous by-elections in the region.
Although official figures were yet to be released as at press time, INEC officials confirmed Faduyile’s victory was based on certified results from all local government areas. Leaders of the PDP and LP have rejected the outcome, alleging irregularities during collation. They announced plans to file petitions before the Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal to contest the declared result.
With this win, APC now controls two out of three senatorial seats in Ondo State. Political analysts expect heightened activity within opposition camps as preparations begin for next year’s governorship election. Meanwhile, Faduyile is expected to receive his certificate of return from INEC in Akure later this week.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti INEC IReV Uploads Stall as 66 Polling Unit Results Remain Missing After Governorship Election
Delayed transmission sparks concerns among stakeholders as electoral officials cite technical challenges on Sunday in Ekiti State
Delayed transmission sparks concerns among stakeholders as electoral officials cite technical challenges on Sunday in Ekiti State
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has experienced a setback in Ekiti State, with uploads of results from 66 polling units still missing on the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) as at Sunday, June 21, 2026. The delay follows Saturday’s governorship election across the South-West state.
According to data available on the IReV platform, several polling units are yet to have their results uploaded over 24 hours after voting ended. Election observers and party agents expressed worry about the transparency of the collation process, with some stakeholders demanding urgent clarification from INEC officials in Ado Ekiti.
The situation has heightened tension among voters and party supporters, who recall that prompt result uploads were a key promise by INEC following complaints from previous elections. The commission had earlier assured that its upgraded IReV system would guarantee real-time access to polling unit outcomes and foster public trust.
INEC officials attributed the disruption to technical glitches affecting network connectivity in some remote areas of Ekiti State. “Our teams are working round the clock to ensure all outstanding results are transmitted as soon as possible,” one official said on Sunday evening. Party representatives from both APC and PDP called for swift resolution, warning that prolonged delays could fuel suspicion and agitation among aggrieved supporters.
As at press time, INEC said efforts were ongoing to resolve outstanding issues and complete the upload of all polling unit results. Stakeholders have urged patience but insisted that full transparency is critical for acceptance of final outcomes and the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Oyebanji Set to Clinch Ekiti Governorship as APC Sweeps All 16 LGAs
INEC prepares to announce official results after APC’s dominant showing across Ekiti, opposition parties yet to react
INEC prepares to announce official results after APC’s dominant showing across Ekiti, opposition parties yet to react
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is on the verge of declaring Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, following a sweeping victory for the party across all 16 local government areas. The collation of results took place on Sunday, 21 June 2026, with INEC officials indicating that final figures would be announced shortly.
According to information available as at Sunday evening, the APC recorded a landslide in every LGA, positioning Oyebanji for a second term in office. The announcement is expected to be made at INEC’s state headquarters in Ado-Ekiti once collation is formally completed and certified by returning officers.
The apparent clean sweep by the APC marks a significant consolidation of power in Ekiti, South-West Nigeria, where opposition parties have previously contested results closely. This year’s exercise saw relatively high voter turnout and a peaceful voting process reported from most polling units across the state.
INEC officials present at the collation centre confirmed that final declaration procedures are underway. As at press time, leading opposition parties have not issued statements on the outcome. The commission has maintained that all protocols are being observed and has urged candidates and supporters to await the official pronouncement.
Once declared, Oyebanji’s victory will reinforce APC’s dominance in Ekiti politics and could shape political alignments ahead of the next general elections. Analysts say attention will now turn to how aggrieved parties respond and whether legal challenges may emerge in coming days.
APC’s Faduyile Wins Ondo South Senatorial By-Election, Consolidates Party Hold in South-West
Ekiti INEC IReV Uploads Stall as 66 Polling Unit Results Remain Missing After Governorship Election
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