Nigeria News (Standard)
United Nigeria Airlines Chairman Urges Urgent Reforms in Lagos as Operational Costs Rise
Minister Keyamo says government policies will support local airlines amid calls for industry-wide intervention
Minister Keyamo says government policies will support local airlines amid calls for industry-wide intervention
Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, has called on government to implement sweeping reforms in the aviation sector to safeguard the survival of domestic airlines. Speaking at the unveiling of two new Boeing 737-800NG aircraft at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, on Thursday, Okonkwo warned that escalating operational expenses and persistent aircraft shortages are pushing Nigerian carriers to the brink.
The ceremony saw the official naming of the new aircraft after late literary icon Prof. Chinua Achebe and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe. Okonkwo highlighted that many indigenous airlines are struggling due to inadequate funding and rising costs tied to naira depreciation and global aviation fuel prices. He stressed that unless swift policy interventions are enacted, several local operators may be forced out of business.
The Nigerian aviation sector has faced mounting challenges in recent years, with airlines citing a difficult economic environment, volatile exchange rates, and limited access to credit facilities as major hurdles. According to stakeholders, these issues have led to frequent flight delays and cancellations nationwide, affecting passenger confidence and threatening jobs in the industry.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), who was present at the event, reaffirmed that government is committed to policies that prioritise indigenous operators. “All our interventions are aimed at making Nigerian airlines more competitive,” Keyamo said. He noted ongoing efforts to address infrastructure gaps and improve regulatory oversight but acknowledged the concerns raised by airline executives regarding sustainability.
Industry observers say prompt action is needed from federal authorities to review existing frameworks governing taxes, charges, and funding support for airlines. While government maintains it is working closely with stakeholders on possible solutions, airline operators warn that without decisive measures, further job losses and service disruptions may occur across the aviation sector.
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.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Extends Lead as INEC Announces More 2026 Election Results
APC candidate maintains advantage in key Ekiti LGAs; opposition parties yet to concede as collation continues
APC candidate maintains advantage in key Ekiti LGAs; opposition parties yet to concede as collation continues
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has widened his lead in the ongoing collation of the 2026 governorship election results, according to figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday. The announcement, made at the state collation centre in Ado-Ekiti, shows Oyebanji, who is seeking re-election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of his main challengers in most local government areas declared so far.
INEC officials continued releasing results from various LGAs throughout Sunday, with Oyebanji securing majorities in several key constituencies. The process, which began on Saturday evening after voting ended across Ekiti’s 16 local government areas, has seen large turnouts and close monitoring by party agents and observers. As at Sunday afternoon, the APC candidate was reported to have maintained a significant margin over his closest rivals from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), though final figures are still being awaited from some remaining areas.
The governorship election is seen as a crucial test for both APC and PDP in Ekiti State, located in the South-West geopolitical zone. With voter interest high following recent political developments nationwide, stakeholders say the outcome could influence alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. The exercise has also drawn attention due to its largely peaceful conduct and improved logistics compared to previous polls in the state.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State urged all parties and supporters to remain calm as collation continues. “We appeal for patience while we complete this important process,” he said at the collation centre. Opposition party representatives present declined to comment on preliminary results but indicated they would await final tallies before making any official statement.
Final declaration of the winner is expected once all LGA results are collated and certified by INEC officials. Security personnel have maintained a visible presence around collation centres across Ekiti, with no major incidents reported as at press time.
Nigeria News (Standard)
APC Wins Ekiti Governorship Poll in PDP Candidate’s Stronghold
Victory in opposition base signals shifting political landscape ahead of 2026 general elections, analysts say
Victory in opposition base signals shifting political landscape ahead of 2026 general elections, analysts say
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clinched a significant victory in the Ekiti State governorship election, securing majority votes in a local government area previously regarded as a stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The result was announced on Sunday, 21 June 2026, by electoral officials at the collation centre in Ado-Ekiti.
The APC candidate outperformed the PDP challenger by a wide margin in the constituency, overturning past voting patterns that consistently favoured the opposition. Election observers noted that turnout was moderate, with security agencies maintaining a visible presence across polling units to ensure a peaceful process. Official figures for total votes cast and margin of victory are yet to be released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This outcome is seen as a major upset in Ekiti’s political landscape, as the constituency has historically delivered strong support for PDP candidates in previous governorship and general elections. Political analysts have attributed APC’s breakthrough to recent grassroots mobilisation efforts and what they describe as voter dissatisfaction with past PDP representation at both state and federal levels.
In his reaction, an APC chieftain described the win as “a clear endorsement of our party’s renewed commitment to good governance,” while promising to consolidate on recent gains. However, PDP officials expressed concern over alleged irregularities and said they would review available evidence before deciding on next steps. The opposition could not be immediately reached for an official statement regarding possible legal challenge or petition.
With this development, attention now turns to how the APC will build on its momentum ahead of the 2026 general elections, particularly as parties strategise for further contests across Ekiti State and other parts of the South-West zone.
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