Nigeria News (Standard)
Kwankwaso’s Son Named Running Mate for Kano NDC Governorship Ticket
Selection signals strategic move by NDC ahead of 2027 Kano polls, as party seeks to boost youth support
Selection signals strategic move by NDC ahead of 2027 Kano polls, as party seeks to boost youth support
The New Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State has picked the son of former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as its deputy governorship candidate for the upcoming election. The announcement was made on Monday, 15 June, positioning the younger Kwankwaso alongside the party’s flagbearer in a bid to strengthen the party’s ticket ahead of the crucial contest.
Party officials in Kano confirmed that the decision was taken after extensive consultations among stakeholders within the NDC. The move is seen as an effort to attract support from younger voters and leverage the influence of the Kwankwaso political family, which has played a major role in Kano politics over the past decade.
Kano State remains one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states, given its large population and history as a battleground for major parties including APC, PDP, and NNPP. The emergence of Kwankwaso’s son on the NDC ticket is expected to reshape alliances and intensify competition ahead of the governorship poll. Political observers note that such a choice could sway undecided voters and energise grassroots supporters who identify with the Kwankwasiyya movement championed by his father.
The NDC leadership described their running mate pick as a demonstration of their commitment to youth inclusion and fresh ideas. A senior party official stated that “the selection process was transparent and aimed at presenting a credible alternative for Kano people.” There has been no immediate public reaction from rival parties or electoral officials regarding the development.
With campaigns set to begin in earnest, all eyes are now on how this new pairing will perform against established political structures in Kano. Analysts predict that voter turnout and alliances among key blocs may be affected by this latest decision. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to release an official timetable for party primaries and electioneering activities.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Aviation Minister Keyamo Reaffirms Nigeria’s Backing for SAATM, AfCFTA at Lomé Summit
Federal government pledges stronger air transport policies to boost trade and integration across Africa at Togo convention
Federal government pledges stronger air transport policies to boost trade and integration across Africa at Togo convention
Nigeria has renewed its commitment to the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), promising deeper cooperation to drive economic growth and regional integration through improved aviation links. This assurance came from Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during the ongoing African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 in Lomé, Republic of Togo, on Monday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, Keyamo said government is determined to work with other African countries and aviation bodies to promote policies that will strengthen air transport infrastructure, attract investment, and enable seamless movement of goods and people across the continent. His Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, conveyed this in a statement issued on Sunday.
Nigeria’s renewed focus on implementing SAATM and AfCFTA comes as African leaders push for greater intra-African trade and economic integration. Enhanced air connectivity is widely seen as critical to unlocking new markets, facilitating business travel, and improving logistics for goods between member states. With Nigeria being Africa’s largest economy by GDP (according to World Bank data), stakeholders say its leadership in aviation reforms could set a benchmark for the region.
“Nigeria remains committed to working closely with our African partners towards policies that will open up our skies and foster economic opportunities,” Keyamo said via his adviser. He emphasised that robust partnerships are needed to address infrastructure gaps, encourage private sector investment, and harmonise regulations for mutual benefit across Africa.
The convention in Lomé brings together policymakers, airline executives, investors and regulators from across Africa to discuss strategies for overcoming persistent challenges in air transport. As implementation of SAATM and AfCFTA continues to gain momentum, industry observers expect further announcements on regulatory harmonisation and bilateral agreements in coming months.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Judy Austin’s Ex-Husband Accuses Her of Declaring Love for Yul Edochie Before Marriage Collapse
Emmanuel Obasi alleges on Lagos podcast that Judy Austin openly admired Yul Edochie before their separation; parties yet to respond
Emmanuel Obasi alleges on Lagos podcast that Judy Austin openly admired Yul Edochie before their separation; parties yet to respond
Fresh controversy has emerged in Lagos as Emmanuel Obasi, the former husband of Nollywood actress Judy Austin, accused her of openly professing love for actor Yul Edochie while they were still married. Obasi made these allegations on Saturday during a live session of the Honest Bunch podcast, which was ongoing as at press time.
According to Obasi, who said he was married to Judy Austin for several years and had two children with her, the problems in their union began when Judy repeatedly expressed admiration for Yul Edochie. He claimed that whenever the actor appeared on television, Judy would praise him and tell Obasi directly that she loved Edochie. “She would be telling me to my face that she loves Yul and be praising him,” Obasi stated during the podcast, adding that Judy attributed her attraction to Edochie’s distinctive voice.
Obasi further alleged that matters escalated when Judy met Yul Edochie during her university days. He said that after their meeting, Edochie offered financial assistance to the couple, presenting himself as a family friend. Obasi claimed he declined this offer but did not suspect any ulterior motive at the time. He recounted several incidents he later interpreted as signs of infidelity, including unexplained late nights and absences from home. According to him, Judy once failed to return home from school but gave excuses he initially accepted due to trust.
The situation ultimately led to the breakdown of their marriage, with Obasi alleging that Judy left without formal resolution and also took his property. During the podcast appearance, he displayed photographs from their traditional wedding and said he had invested heavily in the ceremony, including providing outfits for 18 bridesmaids.
As at Sunday evening, neither Judy Austin nor Yul Edochie had issued any statement in response to these claims. The podcast episode has sparked significant discussion online among Nollywood followers and Lagos residents. Industry observers note that issues around marital fidelity and public disclosures by celebrities continue to attract widespread attention in Nigeria’s entertainment sector.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/judy-austin-ex-husband-yul-edochie-marriage-claims-2026061518212666843
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kaduna Government Deepens Partnership With LGAs to Boost Primary Healthcare Delivery
State authorities say collaboration with local councils will strengthen immunisation, maternal care and rural health infrastructure
State authorities say collaboration with local councils will strengthen immunisation, maternal care and rural health infrastructure
Kaduna State government has announced a renewed partnership with local government areas (LGAs) aimed at improving primary healthcare services across the state. The initiative, unveiled on Monday, 15 June, seeks to enhance the delivery of essential health services, especially in rural communities where access remains a challenge.
Officials revealed that the state is working closely with LGAs to coordinate resources and expertise towards strengthening immunisation campaigns, maternal and child health programmes, and infrastructural upgrades at primary health centres. The collaboration forms part of Kaduna’s broader strategy to address persistent gaps in grassroots healthcare delivery.
The push for stronger state-LGA cooperation comes as Kaduna continues to record challenges in healthcare access for millions of residents. Primary healthcare centres are often the first point of contact for rural dwellers but suffer from inadequate funding, staff shortages and dilapidated facilities. State officials believe that joint planning and resource mobilisation with LGAs will help mitigate these bottlenecks and ensure more effective service provision.
A senior official in the Kaduna State Ministry of Health said the move demonstrates government’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage targets. “By working hand-in-hand with our local governments, we can better reach underserved populations and improve outcomes,” he stated. While no formal reaction has been received from LGA chairpersons as at press time, sources within the councils indicate broad support for the initiative.
The government plans to roll out capacity-building workshops for local healthcare workers and conduct needs assessments in each LGA over the coming months. Stakeholders say sustained collaboration will be crucial for meeting Kaduna’s public health objectives and ensuring that vulnerable groups have access to quality care.
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