Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti INEC Clears 14 Candidates for 2026 Governorship Election Amid Intense Party Jostling
Electoral body releases final list as major parties field contenders, but ballot features no women candidates for top seat
Electoral body releases final list as major parties field contenders, but ballot features no women candidates for top seat
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of 14 candidates cleared to contest the Ekiti State governorship election, scheduled for June 2026. The announcement, made at INEC’s state headquarters in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, sets the stage for a fiercely contested poll among Nigeria’s leading political parties and several smaller platforms.
According to INEC officials, the cleared aspirants represent a cross-section of major and minor parties, with the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) among those fielding candidates. The full names and party affiliations of all aspirants were displayed at the commission’s office and distributed to stakeholders.
The release of the candidate list comes after weeks of intensive party primaries and internal screening processes that saw political heavyweights emerge from both APC and PDP. Political observers say this year’s ballot is notable for having no female candidates in the race for Governor, a development that has drawn concern from gender rights advocates and civil society groups in Ekiti State. Advocacy organisations have urged political parties to address what they describe as persistent barriers to women’s participation in high-level politics.
INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti, who spoke during a press briefing, assured residents of the state that preparations were on course for a free and credible election. He emphasised that all qualified parties had been given a fair opportunity to present their best aspirants. “We call on all stakeholders to support a peaceful process,” he said.
With campaigns set to intensify across Ekiti’s sixteen local government areas, attention will now turn to how each candidate plans to address critical issues facing the state—including youth unemployment, education quality, health services, and infrastructure gaps. The next few weeks are expected to see increased mobilisation by party supporters as well as monitoring by independent observers.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Fidson PLC Donates Theatre Pharmacy to FMC Asaba, Boosts Health Infrastructure in Delta
Donation aims to improve surgical care at Federal Medical Centre Asaba, as hospital management commends pharmaceutical firm’s gesture
Donation aims to improve surgical care at Federal Medical Centre Asaba, as hospital management commends pharmaceutical firm’s gesture
Fidson Healthcare PLC has donated a fully equipped theatre pharmacy to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Asaba, Delta State, on Friday, 19 June 2026. The pharmaceutical company’s intervention is expected to enhance the hospital’s capacity for efficient drug dispensation and patient care during surgeries.
The handover ceremony took place at the FMC Asaba complex, where representatives of Fidson PLC officially presented the facility to hospital management. According to officials present at the event, the new pharmacy is designed to provide immediate access to essential drugs and medical supplies within the surgical theatre environment.
The donation comes as hospitals across Nigeria continue to grapple with shortages of critical medical infrastructure and supplies. The new theatre pharmacy is expected to address bottlenecks that have previously delayed surgeries due to unavailability of drugs within the operating suite. Hospital administrators noted that such interventions from private sector partners are vital for improving service delivery in federal health institutions.
Speaking at the occasion, representatives of FMC Asaba expressed gratitude for Fidson’s support. They said the facility would go a long way in boosting operational efficiency and patient outcomes during surgical procedures. “This gesture from Fidson PLC will significantly reduce turnaround time for surgeries and help save lives,” one official remarked.
The management of FMC Asaba said it looks forward to further collaborations with private organisations aimed at bridging healthcare gaps in Delta State and beyond. Stakeholders urged other corporate bodies to emulate Fidson’s example by supporting public health facilities with similar initiatives.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Education Minister Commends UNIBEN’s ₦100bn Sustainable Funding Drive in Edo State
Federal government says initiative will boost university autonomy and research as sector faces funding shortfalls nationwide
Federal government says initiative will boost university autonomy and research as sector faces funding shortfalls nationwide
The Minister of Education has praised the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Edo State for launching a ₦100 billion sustainable funding initiative aimed at strengthening the institution’s financial base. The minister gave the commendation on Friday, describing the move as a significant step towards ensuring long-term stability and academic excellence at one of Nigeria’s foremost universities.
According to details released by UNIBEN management, the funding drive is designed to attract resources from alumni, private sector partners, and other stakeholders to address infrastructural needs and support research activities. The university said this approach is intended to reduce over-reliance on federal allocations, which have been shrinking due to competing national priorities and economic challenges.
Nigeria’s public universities have faced repeated disruptions caused by underfunding, often resulting in strikes and delayed academic calendars. Experts in the education sector say innovative funding models like UNIBEN’s could set an example for other institutions struggling with budgetary constraints. The government has repeatedly called for universities to seek alternative revenue sources as part of broader reforms.
The education minister noted that such efforts are key to achieving greater institutional autonomy and improved standards across Nigeria’s higher education landscape. “This initiative shows the commitment of UNIBEN leadership to finding homegrown solutions,” he said during an official visit. The university administration also urged its alumni network and corporate organisations to support the fund for lasting impact.
Stakeholders expect that if successful, UNIBEN’s ₦100 billion project could encourage similar drives at other federal and state universities. Government said it will continue working with institutions seeking creative pathways out of persistent funding shortfalls.
Nigeria News (Standard)
UniCal Set to Host 50,000 Athletes for 2026 NUGA Games, Says Vice-Chancellor
University of Calabar targets record turnout as preparations begin; stakeholders emphasise infrastructure and security needs
University of Calabar targets record turnout as preparations begin; stakeholders emphasise infrastructure and security needs
The University of Calabar (UniCal), Cross River State, has announced plans to host an estimated 50,000 athletes and officials during the 2026 edition of the Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) Games. The Vice-Chancellor disclosed this in Calabar on Friday, stating that the institution is gearing up for what is expected to be one of the largest gatherings in the history of university sports in Nigeria.
According to UniCal management, preparations are already underway to ensure that facilities meet national standards ahead of the event. The Vice-Chancellor noted that the university will collaborate with state authorities and key stakeholders to upgrade hostels, sporting arenas, and other essential infrastructure required to accommodate thousands of participants from tertiary institutions across the country.
This development is significant for both UniCal and Cross River State, as hosting NUGA typically brings substantial economic activity and national attention. Past editions of the games have spurred local business growth and created temporary job opportunities within host communities. With a projected attendance surpassing previous records, there are heightened expectations regarding logistics, athlete welfare, and security arrangements.
University authorities have emphasised their commitment to delivering a successful tournament. The Vice-Chancellor said efforts would focus on improving security measures on campus and providing adequate medical facilities for athletes. He called on government agencies and corporate partners to support the university in its preparations, noting that such collaboration is essential for a smooth event.
As preparations intensify, UniCal is expected to unveil further details about schedules, participating universities, and volunteer opportunities in coming months. Stakeholders hope that successful hosting will reinforce Nigeria’s reputation for collegiate sports excellence while boosting economic prospects in Cross River’s South-South region.
Fidson PLC Donates Theatre Pharmacy to FMC Asaba, Boosts Health Infrastructure in Delta
Education Minister Commends UNIBEN’s ₦100bn Sustainable Funding Drive in Edo State
UniCal Set to Host 50,000 Athletes for 2026 NUGA Games, Says Vice-Chancellor
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