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Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos Firm Awards ₦500,000 Each to Recyclers, Seeks National Policy on Plastic Collection

Polysmart Packaging urges federal government action as experts warn inconsistent state policies hinder recycling sector growth

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Polysmart Packaging urges federal government action as experts warn inconsistent state policies hinder recycling sector growth

Polysmart Packaging Limited has called for the establishment of a national framework to regulate plastic collection and recycling in Nigeria, warning that the absence of unified policy is fuelling indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste. The announcement was made during the company’s Capacity Development Seminar held recently in Lagos, where participants included Switch Recycling Innovations Ltd. and the Lagos State Recyclers Association.

During the seminar, Polysmart Packaging awarded ₦500,000 each to outstanding recyclers as part of efforts to promote youth participation in the recycling business. Group Head of Quality Assurance & Control at Polysmart Group, Ernest Ubasineke, said fragmented policies across states were hampering progress in tackling plastic pollution. “Currently, a lot of plastics are just disposed of indiscriminately. We don’t have a national framework for collecting plastics. So, different governments across the states have their own plastic waste policy,” Ubasineke explained at the event.

He further noted that with a harmonised national policy and increased public awareness, more collection points such as PET bottle boxes could be established on streets nationwide, encouraging wider participation. “If we have a national framework around it and build more awareness… it will encourage a lot of people to come into the business,” Ubasineke added.

Stakeholders at the seminar highlighted how inconsistent approaches to plastic waste management undermine both environmental protection and economic opportunities for young Nigerians interested in recycling. They called on policymakers to collaborate with industry players to create standardised regulations and drive investment into the sector.

Industry experts said that without federal intervention and harmonised guidelines, Nigeria risks missing out on economic benefits from recycling as well as failing to curb mounting environmental challenges linked to plastic pollution. Participants urged government agencies to prioritise nationwide sensitisation campaigns alongside policy development.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/firm-calls-for-national-framework-to-guide-plastic-collection/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos Contestant Loye Sacked from MasterChef Nigeria After Black Apron Jollof Rice Challenge

Judges faulted Loye’s dish for not making jollof rice the star; Top 5 now set for next round

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60 minutes ago

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June 20, 2026

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Judges faulted Loye’s dish for not making jollof rice the star; Top 5 now set for next round

The MasterChef Nigeria competition took a dramatic turn in Lagos on Thursday as contestant Loye was sacked from the show after struggling in the high-stakes Jollof Rice Feast challenge. The episode, which aired on 20 June 2026, saw the remaining six contestants compete under intense scrutiny from the judges during Black Apron Day.

Contestants were instructed to prepare a feast inspired by two regions of Nigeria, with jollof rice required to be the centrepiece of their plate. The judges assessed each entry based on flavour, regional identity, execution and how well the signature Nigerian dish was highlighted. Loye, who had previously shown promise in earlier rounds, admitted dissatisfaction with his final presentation before the panel delivered their verdict.

After tasting all six entries, the judges observed that while Loye’s meal showed some potential, it failed to meet the challenge’s core requirement of making jollof rice the hero of the dish. This shortcoming ultimately cost him his place among the Top 5 contestants. The exit marks another milestone in a season that has kept Nigerian viewers engaged with regional culinary creativity and fierce competition.

MasterChef Nigeria has continued to grow in popularity since its launch, offering a platform for talented home cooks to showcase their skills and celebrate Nigerian cuisine. The show’s focus on regional inspiration has resonated with audiences across various states, reinforcing jollof rice as a unifying dish in national food culture.

With Loye’s departure, five contestants now remain in contention for this year’s title and its lucrative prize package. The next episode will see them tackle another regional food challenge as they vie for a place in the finals.

Source: https://guardian.ng/life/loye-exits-masterchef-nigeria-after-tough-jollof-rice-challenge/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

SDP Denies Isaac Alade’s Withdrawal, Affirms Candidacy for Ekiti Governorship Poll

Party insists Alade remains in race as speculation of withdrawal spreads ahead of 2026 Ekiti election

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1 hour ago

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June 20, 2026

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Party insists Alade remains in race as speculation of withdrawal spreads ahead of 2026 Ekiti election

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has dismissed reports suggesting that its candidate, Isaac Alade, has withdrawn from the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election. The party made this clarification on Saturday, 20 June 2026, amid rising rumours across the South-West state about Alade’s participation.

According to the SDP, Isaac Alade remains its flagbearer for the crucial poll scheduled later this year. The party stated that recent claims of his withdrawal were unfounded and aimed at misleading voters and supporters. Party officials maintained that Alade has not stepped down or decamped to any other party.

The clarification comes as political activities intensify in Ekiti State ahead of the governorship election, with multiple parties seeking to consolidate their chances. Observers note that such rumours are common during pre-election periods in Nigeria, often used to destabilise rival camps or confuse the electorate.

A statement from SDP leadership urged members and supporters to disregard the withdrawal reports and continue mobilisation efforts across all local government areas. The party emphasised its confidence in Alade’s candidacy and readiness to present a credible alternative in Ekiti’s political landscape.

With this development, attention remains on how parties will navigate last-minute alignments and propaganda as election day approaches. The SDP called on security agencies and electoral bodies to monitor misinformation closely, warning that such tactics could affect the credibility of the process.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889183-sdp-denies-withdrawal-rumours-confirms-isaac-alade-still-in-ekiti-governorship-race.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Iranian Court Sentences Singer Parastoo Ahmadi to 74 Lashes for Performing Without Hijab

Human rights groups condemn Qom Province ruling as crackdown on women’s rights intensifies after viral concert

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1 hour ago

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June 20, 2026

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Human rights groups condemn Qom Province ruling as crackdown on women’s rights intensifies after viral concert

An Iranian criminal court in Qom Province has sentenced singer Parastoo Ahmadi to 74 strokes of cane, a two-year travel ban, and a two-year prohibition from artistic activities for performing without a hijab during a livestreamed concert in December 2024. The verdict, delivered this week, also affects eight members of her production team, all of whom received similar penalties after their performance went viral online.

The case centres on Ahmadi’s performance of the patriotic song ‘Az Khoone Javanane Vatan’ during an audience-free event later dubbed the ‘Caravanserai Concert.’ The concert was broadcast on Ahmadi’s YouTube channel and quickly attracted millions of views. Iranian authorities charged the artist and her colleagues with producing and publishing what they described as ‘vulgar and immoral content.’ Shortly after the concert, Ahmadi and several musicians were reportedly arrested before being released on bail, leading to formal legal proceedings.

The sentence has drawn strong reactions from international human rights advocates, who describe it as part of a wider campaign by Iranian authorities against cultural expression and women’s rights. According to Bahar Ghandehari, Director of Advocacy at the Center for Human Rights in Iran, the punishment highlights that conditions for artists and women in Iran remain largely unchanged. “Ahmadi’s punishment of 74 lashes for merely singing and appearing without a hijab is yet another reminder that human rights conditions in Iran have not changed,” Ghandehari said.

Legal experts have also raised concerns about the legitimacy of the charges. Human rights lawyer Moein Khazaeli argued that Iranian criminal law does not criminalise women singing or producing musical works. Khazaeli added that corporal punishment like flogging raises serious issues under international human rights standards, with many organisations considering it a form of torture.

The ruling comes amid ongoing tension over compulsory hijab laws in Iran, especially following nationwide protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022. Exiled Iranian figures such as actress Nazanin Boniadi have condemned the verdict as evidence that repression remains entrenched. Setareh Maleki, another exiled actress, praised Ahmadi’s courage in performing despite knowing the risks involved. Rights groups say prosecutions like Ahmadi’s are designed to deter dissent and enforce strict social restrictions on cultural expression.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/iranian-singer-sentenced-to-74-strokes-of-cane-and-other-penalties-for-performing-without-hijab-2026062007211385817

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