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Nigeria News (Standard)

‘Illegitimately Blessed’ Author Ricky Weir Launches Grassroots Football Initiative in Lagos

Weir says memoir’s success has inspired renewed push for Walking Football, youth engagement across Nigeria

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Weir says memoir’s success has inspired renewed push for Walking Football, youth engagement across Nigeria

Ricky Weir, author of the acclaimed memoir ‘Illegitimately Blessed’, unveiled a grassroots football development drive in Lagos on Tuesday, marking his return to Nigeria after more than two decades. The former Jersey FA president stated that his visit aims to promote his award-winning book, support local football talent, and strengthen the fast-growing Walking Football movement nationwide.

Weir explained that the journey behind ‘Illegitimately Blessed’ began as a personal quest to reconnect with his Nigerian roots, which involved years of research and emotional discovery. The memoir, self-published in September 2024 before being picked up by a European publisher, recently won a literary award in Italy. “When I finished the book, my goal was simply to complete it and hopefully inspire one person. Everything after that has been a bonus,” Weir told reporters in Lagos.

He stressed that while football forms part of the narrative, the book covers broader themes such as identity, family bonds and overcoming discrimination. According to Weir, these issues resonate strongly with young Nigerians facing similar challenges today. He believes the memoir can inspire readers across Africa to embrace their heritage and pursue their dreams despite obstacles.

Weir also highlighted his commitment to developing grassroots football and popularising Walking Football—a modified version of the game suitable for older players and those with limited mobility. He said ongoing partnerships with local sports bodies would help identify talent at community level and offer more inclusive opportunities for participation.

Stakeholders welcomed Weir’s initiative, noting its potential to promote social inclusion and youth empowerment through sport. Further programmes are expected in other states as part of a nationwide tour aimed at nurturing both physical activity and personal development among Nigerians.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/illegitimately-blessed-author-explains-foray-into-grassroots-football/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Ekiti State Records High Deployment of Voting Materials, Security Ahead of 2026 Polls — Yiaga Africa

Yiaga Africa observes increased presence of electoral materials and security operatives across major Ekiti local governments ahead of governorship election.

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June 20, 2026

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Yiaga Africa observes increased presence of electoral materials and security operatives across major Ekiti local governments ahead of governorship election.

Yiaga Africa, an election monitoring group, has reported a significant deployment of voting materials and security personnel across various local government areas in Ekiti State on Saturday, 20 June 2026, as preparations intensify for the forthcoming governorship election. The group stated that this increased deployment was observed in several parts of the state as at the weekend.

According to Yiaga Africa, the distribution process for sensitive and non-sensitive election materials commenced early, with most polling units in Ado-Ekiti, Ikere, Oye, and other LGAs receiving their allocations before midday. Security operatives—including police officers and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel—were also stationed at key distribution centres to ensure safe passage and prevent disruptions.

The high level of preparation comes amid heightened public interest in the Ekiti governorship contest, which observers say is a litmus test for Nigeria’s South-West zone ahead of the 2027 general elections. Yiaga Africa noted that timely deployment is critical to minimising delays that have previously marred voting processes in the region.

In its preliminary assessment, Yiaga Africa described the logistics so far as “commendable” but urged authorities to sustain momentum through to election day. “Early arrival of materials will boost voter confidence and help INEC maintain credibility,” the group said in its report released on Saturday. No major opposition party statement had been issued regarding logistics as at press time.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to continue monitoring logistics while security agencies maintain patrols across Ekiti State. Stakeholders are hopeful that improved deployment will translate into a smooth and credible electoral process.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889387-ekitidecides2026-yiaga-africa-reports-high-level-of-voting-materials-security-personnel-deployment.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

BVAS Device Fails to Verify Some Voters in Ikere, Delays Accreditation Process

Technical hitches reported at several polling units as voters in Ikere, Ekiti State, face verification setbacks

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June 20, 2026

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Technical hitches reported at several polling units as voters in Ikere, Ekiti State, face verification setbacks

The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) experienced technical issues in Ikere, Ekiti State, on Saturday, leading to difficulties in verifying the faces of some voters during the accreditation process. The incident occurred as residents arrived at various polling units to participate in ongoing electoral activities.

According to reports from the scene, electoral officers struggled with the BVAS device as it failed to recognise the facial features of several eligible voters. Some affected individuals were forced to wait for extended periods while officials attempted multiple scans or explored alternative verification methods.

The BVAS device is a key component of Nigeria’s electoral reforms, designed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve transparency and reduce incidents of impersonation and multiple voting. Its failure at polling units in Ikere raises fresh concerns about the readiness and reliability of election technology ahead of major polls.

While INEC officials onsite assured voters that efforts were being made to resolve the glitches, some residents expressed frustration over delays caused by the malfunctioning equipment. As at press time, there was no official statement from INEC headquarters regarding the scope or cause of the technical fault.

Election observers are expected to issue further updates on how these BVAS challenges may affect voter turnout and the overall credibility of results from Ikere. The situation underscores ongoing logistical hurdles faced in deploying digital accreditation tools across Nigeria’s diverse electoral landscape.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889391-bvas-fails-to-verify-some-voters-faces-in-ikere.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Yiaga Africa Reports Adequate Voting Materials, Security Presence in Ekiti Governorship Polls

Observer group notes smooth logistics as Ekiti State conducts key election; stakeholders urge continued vigilance

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10 minutes ago

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June 20, 2026

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Observer group notes smooth logistics as Ekiti State conducts key election; stakeholders urge continued vigilance

Yiaga Africa has observed a high level of availability of voting materials and presence of security personnel across polling units in Ekiti State during the governorship election held on Saturday, 20 June 2026. The organisation, which deployed monitors to various locations, said initial reports indicated that most polling centres received essential materials and security support on time.

According to Yiaga Africa’s field assessment, the distribution of sensitive electoral materials commenced early in several local government areas, with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials arriving at many polling units before the scheduled opening time. Security agencies including the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were visibly present, providing orderliness and responding to incidents where necessary.

The group’s preliminary findings come amid heightened public interest in the credibility and fairness of the Ekiti governorship polls, seen as a litmus test ahead of upcoming elections in the South-West region. In previous cycles, late deployment of materials and inadequate security arrangements have been sources of tension and voter frustration.

Yiaga Africa stated that its observers would continue to monitor the process throughout voting and collation stages. “We commend INEC for improvements in logistics and call on all stakeholders to maintain vigilance until results are concluded,” an official from the group said in a statement. As at press time, no major incidents had been reported by Yiaga Africa.

The election is expected to set a precedent for subsequent polls nationwide. Stakeholders are urging INEC and security agencies to sustain best practices through final collation and announcement of results.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889387-ekitidecides2026-yiaga-africa-reports-high-level-of-voting-materials-security-personnel.html

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