Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Shifts to Domestic Funding for Nutrition Programmes as Donor Support Drops
Authorities say new model aims to sustain child health initiatives amid declining international aid and rising malnutrition cases
Authorities say new model aims to sustain child health initiatives amid declining international aid and rising malnutrition cases
The federal government has adopted a domestic funding approach for nutrition programmes across Nigeria, moving to address rising malnutrition rates as foreign donor support continues to dwindle. The policy shift was confirmed on Thursday, 18 June, by officials who highlighted the urgent need for sustainable financing given the current decline in external assistance.
According to government sources, the decision follows years of reliance on international partners to bankroll critical nutrition interventions targeting children and vulnerable groups nationwide. With recent reductions in donor contributions, authorities say the country must now rely more heavily on internal resources to sustain these essential services.
The move comes at a time when Nigeria faces persistent challenges with child malnutrition, especially in rural communities and conflict-affected areas. Analysts have warned that the withdrawal of international support could further strain health outcomes if not properly addressed. Officials noted that the new funding model is expected to enhance accountability and ensure better alignment with national priorities.
Although details of the domestic funding mechanism were not fully disclosed, authorities stressed their commitment to maintaining momentum in nutrition programming. “We are putting structures in place so our children do not suffer because of reduced donor support,” an official said during a briefing. No opposition or civil society reactions were immediately available as at press time.
With this development, Nigeria joins other African countries rethinking reliance on foreign aid for critical health sectors. Stakeholders are expected to monitor implementation closely in the coming months, as the government works to mobilise public funds and safeguard gains made in reducing childhood malnutrition.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Faces 13 Challengers as INEC Releases 2026 Governorship Ballot
No female candidates make final list as political parties prepare for high-stakes contest in South-West state
No female candidates make final list as political parties prepare for high-stakes contest in South-West state
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State will contest for re-election against 13 other candidates in the 2026 governorship election, according to the official ballot published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday. The race, which has drawn interest across the South-West, is set for intense competition with no women among the listed contenders.
INEC’s release of the final list marks a significant milestone in preparations for the poll, confirming Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the incumbent and main contender. The ballot also features candidates from major opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), alongside others aiming to unseat the APC-led administration.
The absence of female candidates has drawn attention from civil society groups and political observers, who note that Ekiti—despite its history of progressive advocacy—will again hold a governorship election without gender representation on the ballot. Analysts say this highlights ongoing barriers to women’s participation in top political offices in Nigeria.
INEC officials stated that all nominated candidates met constitutional and party requirements for inclusion. “Our processes remain transparent and open to public scrutiny,” an INEC spokesperson said. Opposition parties have urged voters to scrutinise candidate manifestoes closely, while APC chieftains maintain Oyebanji’s performance will give him an edge at the polls.
With campaigns expected to intensify in coming weeks, stakeholders say the outcome will shape Ekiti’s developmental trajectory and could influence party dynamics ahead of national elections. The electoral commission has assured residents that security arrangements and logistics are being finalised to ensure a credible exercise.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Katsina Police Launch Crackdown on Unregistered Vehicles, Concealed Number Plates Across State
Enforcement follows Inspector-General Disu’s directive; motorists risk vehicle impoundment and prosecution for violations
Enforcement follows Inspector-General Disu’s directive; motorists risk vehicle impoundment and prosecution for violations
The Katsina State Police Command has commenced a statewide operation targeting unregistered vehicles and those with concealed or improperly displayed number plates. The exercise, which began on Tuesday, is in line with a directive issued by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at enhancing internal security and aiding crime detection efforts across the North-West state.
According to a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, police officers have been deployed to enforce compliance with vehicle registration laws. He explained that the operation would focus on vehicles operating with covered, defaced, fake, forged, duplicated or incorrectly affixed number plates. Any vehicle found violating these regulations will be impounded on the spot for investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with existing laws.
Aliyu stated that the intensified enforcement became necessary as criminals have increasingly resorted to using unregistered or disguised vehicles to evade law enforcement and perpetrate offences. He said, “The Katsina State Police Command wishes to notify the general public of immediate enforcement against vehicles operating with unregistered, covered, concealed, defaced, mutilated, fake, forged, duplicated or improperly affixed number plates.”
He further cautioned motorists to regularise their documentation and ensure that number plates are clearly visible and compliant with statutory requirements. The police also called on members of the public to cooperate fully with security agencies during this exercise.
The command emphasised that this crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security across Katsina State. While no opposition party or independent expert had responded at press time, the police said they would continue sensitisation campaigns alongside enforcement to ensure residents understand the importance of proper vehicle registration.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ogun State Bans Graduation and End-of-Session Parties in All Schools
Education ministry directs public and private schools to halt celebrations, citing safety and discipline concerns
Education ministry directs public and private schools to halt celebrations, citing safety and discipline concerns
Ogun State government has ordered an immediate ban on graduation and end-of-session parties across all public and private schools within the state. The directive, which takes effect from Thursday, 18 June 2026, was issued by the state’s education authorities as part of efforts to maintain discipline and ensure student safety during school activities.
According to the Ogun State Ministry of Education, the prohibition covers all forms of ceremonial gatherings marking the completion of academic sessions or graduation in both primary and secondary institutions. School heads were instructed to comply with the new guideline without exception, as any violation will attract sanctions from the government.
The move comes amid growing concerns over incidents that have occurred at such events in recent years, with authorities citing security risks and disruptions to academic activities. Ogun State officials noted that some celebrations in the past had escalated into unruly behaviour among students or attracted unwanted attention from outside groups.
While no specific incident prompted this latest action, education stakeholders in the state have repeatedly called for stricter controls around school-organised events. Parents and teachers are expected to work with government to ensure a smooth transition as schools adjust their end-of-session programmes.
The Ogun State Ministry of Education emphasised that academic excellence and student welfare remain top priorities. The ministry also assured that it would continue to monitor compliance closely, while engaging with school administrators on alternative ways to mark significant milestones within approved guidelines.
Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Faces 13 Challengers as INEC Releases 2026 Governorship Ballot
Katsina Police Launch Crackdown on Unregistered Vehicles, Concealed Number Plates Across State
Ogun State Bans Graduation and End-of-Session Parties in All Schools
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