Nigeria News (Standard)
Elohor Aiboni Appointed Shell Nigeria’s First Nigerian Executive Vice President, Succeeds Marno de Jong
Aiboni’s historic rise marks first time a Nigerian will lead Shell’s combined top office, as company shifts focus to deepwater operations
Aiboni’s historic rise marks first time a Nigerian will lead Shell’s combined top office, as company shifts focus to deepwater operations
Shell has appointed Elohor Aiboni as its new Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, the first time a Nigerian has held the combined leadership role at the multinational oil and gas giant. The appointment was confirmed by Shell on Wednesday, with Aiboni set to assume office on 1 August 2026, succeeding Marno de Jong who retires after 34 years with the company.
Aiboni, a Lagos-born engineer and experienced oil executive, previously broke ground as the first female Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) in 2021. During her tenure at SNEPCo, she oversaw deepwater operations that delivered the landmark production of Bonga field’s one-billionth barrel of oil in 2023—an unprecedented achievement for Nigeria’s offshore sector.
Her elevation comes as Shell undertakes major restructuring within Nigeria, including renewed investments in deepwater assets and the transition of some onshore operations. Industry stakeholders say her appointment underscores a growing recognition of local talent in the sector and could inspire more women to pursue leadership roles in oil and gas.
Reacting to her appointment, Aiboni expressed optimism about steering Shell’s business through its next phase. “I’m excited at the opportunity to continue contributing to the efficient delivery of Shell’s business in Nigeria and thereby power progress in a country we’ve been part of for more than 60 years,” she said in an official statement.
Aiboni brings over 24 years’ experience spanning onshore, offshore and international assignments—including stints in Brunei and Kazakhstan—most recently serving as Asset Director at Brunei Shell Petroleum. Her leadership is expected to shape Shell’s future strategy in Nigeria, strengthen engagement with local stakeholders, and reinforce the company’s commitment to the country’s oil and gas sector during a period of significant operational change.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Nollywood Celebrities, Soludo Attend Alexx Ekubo’s Burial in Arochukwu, Abia State
Hundreds gather as top actors, Anambra Governor, and business leaders pay tribute to late star who died of kidney cancer
Hundreds gather as top actors, Anambra Governor, and business leaders pay tribute to late star who died of kidney cancer
The final burial ceremony of popular Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo took place on Thursday in Arochukwu, Abia State, drawing a large crowd of celebrities, politicians, business figures and fans from across Nigeria. Ekubo, who died on May 11, 2026 at the age of 40 after battling advanced metastatic kidney cancer, was laid to rest in his hometown amid an outpouring of emotion and tributes.
The streets of Arochukwu witnessed heavy vehicular traffic and increased activity as mourners arrived for the funeral service. Notable personalities present included Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, businessman Obi Cubana, and a host of Nollywood stars such as Stan Nze, Bimbo Ademoye, IK Ogbonna, Ini Edo, Nancy Isime, Omoni Oboli, Kate Henshaw and Mbong Amata. Family members and friends were also joined by hundreds of fans who came to pay their last respects.
Ekubo’s death has been widely mourned within the Nigerian entertainment industry. His career spanned more than a decade with roles in major films that earned him numerous awards and recognition as one of Nollywood’s most beloved actors. His passing at a relatively young age has sparked renewed discussion about access to quality healthcare for entertainers and the need for increased support structures for those facing critical illnesses.
Speaking at the event, several attendees described Ekubo as a positive influence in the film industry. “He was always supportive of his colleagues and had a passion for helping others,” one actor said during the service. Governor Soludo commiserated with the family and called for unity among creative professionals during trying times. Businessman Obi Cubana was also seen consoling relatives at the graveside.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) sent a delegation to represent industry colleagues unable to attend in person. Many Nigerians took to social media to share memories and pay tribute to Ekubo’s legacy. As the funeral concluded late Thursday afternoon, community leaders in Arochukwu expressed gratitude for the peaceful conduct of proceedings despite the influx of visitors from outside Abia State.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ogun State Bans Graduation Ceremonies, End-of-Session Parties in All Schools Over Parent Fee Concerns
Education ministry warns that schools flouting the directive risk sanctions as state moves to curb extra financial burden
Education ministry warns that schools flouting the directive risk sanctions as state moves to curb extra financial burden
Ogun State Government has banned graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties across all public and private schools with immediate effect, following reports that some school administrators were allegedly imposing extra charges on parents in the guise of organising such events. The directive, issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology on 17 June, was circulated to all school heads statewide.
According to a circular signed by A.A. Bisiriyu, Director of Education (Private Schools), the government said it had received multiple complaints from parents about being pressured to pay additional fees for graduation and end-of-session celebrations. The government stressed that any school found violating the new order would face sanctions as stipulated under existing education regulations.
The Ministry stated: “It has been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some administrators of both public and non-state (private) schools have started extorting parents/guardians under the disguise of organising graduation/end-of-session parties for learners. Therefore, it is pertinent to state that, the State Government frowns at organising Graduation/End of Session Party ceremony in all classes in both Public and Non-State (Private) schools in the State. Hence, no school owner should organise such gatherings forthwith.”
The policy requires all school administrators to immediately inform parents, guardians and other stakeholders about the ban to ensure full compliance across Ogun State. Officials emphasised that basic and secondary schools must focus on academic excellence instead of costly social events which place unnecessary financial pressure on families.
This move follows similar actions in other states such as Kogi, Benue, Ondo, Osun and Imo, where authorities have also restricted or banned elaborate graduation-related celebrations in a bid to control rising educational costs for families. In Kogi State earlier this week, officials warned that erring schools could face closure if they continued with excessive graduation activities. Ogun State Government reiterated its commitment to enforcing this new directive to protect parents from sudden levies linked to non-academic gatherings.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti INEC Confirms Over One Million Registered Voters Ahead of 2026 Governorship Election
Electoral commission says voter roll remains steady as political parties prepare for high-stakes South-West contest
Electoral commission says voter roll remains steady as political parties prepare for high-stakes South-West contest
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that Ekiti State now boasts over one million registered voters as preparations intensify for the 2026 governorship election. The announcement was made on Friday, 19 June, as political parties and stakeholders in the South-West state began strategising for the upcoming poll.
According to INEC officials, the latest figures show only a marginal increase in the number of eligible voters compared to previous elections. Despite the rising voter population, analysts say the outcome of the next governorship race may not differ significantly from past results, citing entrenched party structures and voting patterns across Ekiti’s local government areas.
The significance of the voter register has been heightened by recent calls from civil society groups urging INEC to ensure that all eligible citizens are able to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before the poll. Some political observers argue that increasing voter turnout, rather than just registration figures, will be critical if any party hopes to upset the dominance of established players like the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti.
An INEC spokesperson stated, “We have maintained a transparent process in updating the register and urge residents to participate actively during Continuous Voter Registration exercises.” Meanwhile, opposition parties have called for closer monitoring of electoral processes to guard against malpractice. “The integrity of this election depends on full transparency at every stage,” an official from one leading opposition party added.
With Ekiti’s political landscape largely unchanged since the last cycle, experts believe that alliances among local leaders and grassroots mobilisation will play major roles in determining who emerges as Governor. The coming months are expected to see intensified campaigns and coalition-building as contenders vie for support ahead of what many describe as a crucial test for democracy in the state.
NICASA Kwupụtara Na Ndị Naijiria Nari Nari Agbagburu N’ụsọ Afrịka Amaghị Ebe Ha Ga Ebi
Nollywood Celebrities, Soludo Attend Alexx Ekubo’s Burial in Arochukwu, Abia State
Ogun State Bans Graduation Ceremonies, End-of-Session Parties in All Schools Over Parent Fee Concerns
Ex-Super Eagles Star Urges NFF to Back Eric Chelle Amid World Cup Struggles
Ekiti INEC Confirms Over One Million Registered Voters Ahead of 2026 Governorship Election
Infinix Launches HOT 70 Series Nationwide, Highlights Personal Expression Through Colour in Lagos Event
Ancelotti Holds Firm on Real Madrid Star Despite Brazil Pressure Over Selection
COCEFAAA Urges $6,000 Cocoa Price Floor at Abidjan Summit, Demands End to Africa’s 6% Value Trap
Super Eagles Legend Finidi George Opens Up on Iconic World Cup Goal Celebration
Police Arrest Suspects in Kano, Katsina and Zamfara Over ₦7.7bn Telecom Data Fraud
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Why More Nigerians Are Searching for Casino Bonuses—and What You Should Know Before Claiming
Ụlọ Ọrụ Nigeria Kwupụtara Nsogbu Nchekwa na Ụtụ Isi N’agbanyeghị Ịrị Elu Obi Ike Ahịa
Federal Government Launches Mining Grants for Research and Exploration Across Nigeria
Somali Referee Omar Artan Blocked From US World Cup Over Visa Row, Misses Dream Debut
