Nigeria News (Standard)
PFI NPK Says Early Fertiliser Procurement Cushioned Middle East Supply Disruptions
Company reports proactive import strategy reduced impact of global tension on Nigerian farmers ahead of planting season
Company reports proactive import strategy reduced impact of global tension on Nigerian farmers ahead of planting season
Early procurement of fertiliser by the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) NPK helped Nigeria avoid severe shortages caused by rising tensions in the Middle East, the company has said. The initiative, which oversees large-scale fertiliser blending and supply, revealed this in a statement issued on Saturday, 20 June.
According to PFI NPK, management anticipated possible disruptions in international supply chains due to escalating conflicts in the Middle East region, a key source of raw materials for fertiliser production. As a result, the company prioritised early importation and local blending efforts to ensure Nigerian farmers could access essential inputs ahead of the current planting season.
The move comes at a time when global fertiliser prices have spiked and some countries have experienced acute shortages following restricted exports from major producers. Nigerian agriculture is heavily reliant on timely and affordable access to fertiliser, especially as smallholder farmers make up a significant portion of the sector. The PFI NPK said its strategy was designed to protect farmers from these global shocks.
While specific figures were not disclosed, PFI NPK noted that its early action helped stabilise domestic supply and maintain price levels for end-users. The company stated: “By securing raw materials ahead of time, we were able to mitigate potential delays and ensure that blending plants across the country remained operational.” No comments from opposition groups or independent agriculture analysts were immediately available as at press time.
The fertiliser initiative said it would continue monitoring international developments and adjust its procurement strategy as necessary. Stakeholders expect ongoing vigilance will be needed given continued volatility in global commodity markets affecting Nigeria’s agriculture sector.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Police Dismiss Link Between Isan-Ekiti Violence and 2026 Governorship Election
Command says recent unrest in Oye Local Government not connected to upcoming poll, urges residents to remain calm
Command says recent unrest in Oye Local Government not connected to upcoming poll, urges residents to remain calm
Ekiti State Police Command has denied reports linking the recent violence in Isan-Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area, to the forthcoming 2026 governorship election. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has raised concerns among residents about possible political motivations behind the unrest.
According to the police, preliminary investigations show that the disturbance in Isan-Ekiti was not related to any electoral activity or political gathering. Officers were deployed swiftly to restore order, and normalcy has since returned to the area. The command emphasised that no evidence currently suggests any connection with political parties or candidates preparing for the EkitiDecides2026 poll.
The situation comes at a time when tensions are high across Ekiti State as politicians and supporters begin early mobilisation ahead of next year’s governorship race. Security agencies have previously warned against attempts by any group to cause unrest or disrupt public peace during the pre-election period.
In a statement issued on Saturday, police authorities urged community members not to spread unverified claims or panic over isolated incidents. “We want to assure the good people of Ekiti that our officers are committed to maintaining law and order before, during and after the election,” the command stated.
The police called on residents of Oye LGA and other parts of Ekiti North Senatorial District to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities. With electioneering expected to intensify in coming months, stakeholders have been advised to prioritise peaceful engagement and avoid inflammatory rhetoric.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Security Agencies Deploy Personnel to Ikere-Ekiti Ahead of 2026 Governorship Election
Heavy presence of police and civil defence officers as authorities intensify efforts to maintain peace during election period
Heavy presence of police and civil defence officers as authorities intensify efforts to maintain peace during election period
Security agencies have deployed a significant number of personnel to Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, as at Saturday, June 20, 2026, in preparation for the forthcoming governorship election. The move is aimed at deterring any potential disturbances and ensuring a peaceful electoral process in the South-West state.
Residents of Ikere-Ekiti reported increased sightings of armed police officers and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operatives stationed at major junctions and strategic locations across the town. Patrol vehicles were seen moving through key areas, with some security posts set up near popular polling units. The deployment follows directives from state authorities to prevent any breakdown of law and order before, during, and after the poll.
The development comes amid heightened political activities in Ekiti State as parties prepare for the 2026 governorship race. Past elections in the state have witnessed isolated incidents of violence and voter intimidation, prompting calls from stakeholders for improved security measures this year. Observers say the current deployment is part of efforts to reassure residents and encourage voter turnout.
Police authorities in Ekiti State have repeatedly assured members of the public that all necessary arrangements are being put in place to safeguard lives and property throughout the election period. While no official statement has been released regarding the specific number of personnel deployed, security agencies have urged residents to cooperate fully with law enforcement officers on duty. Attempts to reach opposition party representatives for comment were not immediately successful.
As preparations continue ahead of the crucial poll, attention remains focused on Ikere-Ekiti and other key towns across Ekiti State, with security expected to be a major factor in determining both voter confidence and overall turnout.
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
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/
Yassine Bounou Claims Morocco Earned Win Over Scotland but Score Not Confirmed
Ekiti Police Dismiss Link Between Isan-Ekiti Violence and 2026 Governorship Election
Security Agencies Deploy Personnel to Ikere-Ekiti Ahead of 2026 Governorship Election
Maduka Okoye Backs African Teams at World Cup Despite Super Eagles Snub
Maduka Okoye Surprised as His Social Media Fame Explodes With Over 700,000 New Followers
Super Falcons Captain Rasheedat Ajibade Throws Her Support Behind Morocco’s Atlas Lions at World Cup
Brahim Díaz Makes African World Cup History as Cunha Dance Grabs Headlines
Morocco Coach Throws Support Behind Achraf Hakimi Amid Rape Allegation Trial
Lagos Contestant Loye Sacked from MasterChef Nigeria After Black Apron Jollof Rice Challenge
Ndị Nollywood Nwetara Ogo Ego Kachasị Elu n’Ahịa 2026, Ndị Ise Kasị Mma Kwupụtara
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
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
Peter Obi Demands ₦5bn and Public Apology From Kenneth Okonkwo Over Defamation in Lagos
Federal Government Launches Mining Grants for Research and Exploration Across Nigeria
