Nigeria News (Standard)
Enugu North By-Election Records Peaceful Voting Amid Low Turnout
INEC officials report calm conduct across polling units as residents cite apathy and economic hardship for poor participation
INEC officials report calm conduct across polling units as residents cite apathy and economic hardship for poor participation
The by-election in Enugu North Senatorial District, held on Saturday, was conducted peacefully with no reports of violence or disruptions, but saw a notably low turnout of registered voters across multiple polling units. Electoral officers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) supervised the process in various wards within Enugu North Local Government Area.
Polling began as scheduled in the morning, with INEC staff and security personnel present at each location. Despite the orderly atmosphere, observers noted that many ballot boxes remained largely empty by midday. Community leaders and election officials attributed the sparse attendance to voter apathy and prevailing economic challenges facing residents in the South-East state.
The by-election was called to fill a vacant seat in the Senate after the previous occupant’s tenure ended. Such elections are often seen as a test of democratic engagement at the grassroots level. However, many eligible voters stayed away from the polls, echoing a broader trend of declining participation in recent elections across Nigeria.
An INEC official at one of the polling centres confirmed that voting materials arrived on time and there were no technical issues reported. “We ensured all arrangements were made for a smooth process,” said the official, who declined to be named as he was not authorised to speak publicly. Local community representatives expressed disappointment over the turnout but commended both security agencies and electoral workers for maintaining order throughout the exercise.
Collation of results is expected to proceed overnight, with INEC set to announce official figures and declare a winner on Sunday. Stakeholders have urged political parties and civil society groups to intensify voter education campaigns ahead of future elections to address growing disengagement among citizens.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kaduna Governor Sani Hails Ekiti Governorship Election as Transparent Amid Vote-Buying Allegations
Governor Sani commends conduct of June 20 poll, while opposition and observers raise concerns over reported cash inducements
Governor Sani commends conduct of June 20 poll, while opposition and observers raise concerns over reported cash inducements
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has described the just-concluded Ekiti State governorship election as transparent, even as allegations of widespread vote-buying surfaced during the exercise on Saturday, June 20. The election, which attracted national attention, was held across polling units in Ekiti State (South-West), with both ruling and opposition parties trading accusations over electoral malpractice.
The poll saw a significant turnout of voters across Ado-Ekiti and other major local government areas, with reports indicating that voting proceeded largely without violence. However, multiple accounts from party agents and civil society observers highlighted incidents where voters were allegedly offered cash incentives in exchange for their ballots. Despite these claims, security operatives were visibly present at many polling centres to maintain order.
The integrity of the election is of particular importance given Ekiti’s political history and its role as a bellwether state in the South-West zone ahead of national polls. While authorities praised improvements in logistics and deployment by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), public debate has continued over persistent challenges such as voter inducement and the need for further electoral reforms.
Governor Sani, who monitored the process alongside other dignitaries, stated: “The conduct of the Ekiti governorship election demonstrates our democracy is maturing. The process was open for all to see,” he said after visiting several polling stations. However, opposition figures and some independent monitors criticised what they called institutional failures to curb financial inducements. “We witnessed politicians sharing money at certain locations; this undermines public trust,” one observer noted.
As collation continues at ward and state levels, INEC has urged citizens to remain patient while official results are tallied. The commission also reiterated its commitment to investigating all reported cases of electoral malpractice. Analysts say the outcome—and the way authorities handle these allegations—will influence public confidence ahead of future elections nationwide.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kiekie Wins Forbes Africa Top Content Creator Award, Expands Influence in Nigerian Media
Lagos-based entertainer also clinched AMVCA Online Content Creator of the Year in 2023, boosting her digital reach
Lagos-based entertainer also clinched AMVCA Online Content Creator of the Year in 2023, boosting her digital reach
Oluwabukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, popularly known as Kiekie, has been named Forbes Africa Top Content Creator of the Year for 2024, marking a significant milestone for the Lagos-based media personality. The award comes after Kiekie secured the AMVCA Online Content Creator of the Year title in 2023, consolidating her position among Nigeria’s leading digital influencers.
Kiekie, who started her professional journey in fashion while studying at Bowen University and launching Accost Collection, has built a vast following across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube. As at June 2026, her vibrant content and unique style have attracted millions of followers nationwide. She is recognised not just for her social media presence but also for her versatility as a host and actor.
Her recent roles include appearances in productions such as Gingerrr, The Housemaids Series and Ìlé Owó. She has also hosted major entertainment events like Vibes on the Beach with Wizkid, Burna Boy Live, and Timeless Night with Davido. Industry observers say Kiekie’s success reflects the growing influence of content creators in Nigeria’s entertainment sector, especially as brands and event organisers continue to seek out digital personalities with strong audience engagement.
The recognition from Forbes Africa highlights the rising profile of Nigerian creatives on the continental stage. Stakeholders within the entertainment industry have described her achievements as evidence of new opportunities opening up for young Nigerians willing to leverage digital platforms. “Her journey shows that talent combined with consistency can open doors,” one event organiser said.
With these recent honours, Kiekie is expected to expand her collaborations with top brands and feature in more film and television projects in coming months. Industry experts predict that other content creators will be inspired by her trajectory to pursue similar paths within Nigeria’s fast-growing creative economy.
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/kiekie-life-i-keep-off-camera/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Anambra Government Invests ₦80 Million in 80 Tech Startups, Graduates 400 ICT Professionals
State initiative aims to boost digital economy as officials celebrate milestone for local entrepreneurs and skilled youths
State initiative aims to boost digital economy as officials celebrate milestone for local entrepreneurs and skilled youths
The Anambra State Government has invested ₦80 million in 80 technology startups and graduated 400 information and communications technology (ICT) professionals as part of efforts to strengthen the digital economy in the South-East state. The announcement was made on Saturday, 20 June, during a ceremony marking the successful completion of the latest cohort of tech trainees in Awka.
According to state officials, each startup received ₦1 million in seed funding to support early-stage development and innovation. The 400 ICT professionals were trained under government-sponsored programmes targeting software development, digital marketing, and other high-demand tech skills relevant to both local and international markets.
The initiative is expected to address youth unemployment and encourage entrepreneurship by providing young people with practical skills and financial backing. Technology sector observers say such interventions are critical for positioning Anambra as a regional hub for innovation, especially amid Nigeria’s rising demand for digital services and the global shift towards remote work.
While details of the selection process were not immediately disclosed, the government said beneficiaries were chosen through a competitive application involving project pitches and aptitude tests. Officials expressed optimism that these investments will yield measurable economic benefits for the state. “This marks a new dawn for Anambra’s tech ecosystem,” an official said at the event.
Stakeholders have called on other states to adopt similar strategies to harness Nigeria’s youth potential. The government says it will monitor progress among startups and graduates over the coming year to assess impact and inform future interventions.
Kaduna Governor Sani Hails Ekiti Governorship Election as Transparent Amid Vote-Buying Allegations
Kiekie Wins Forbes Africa Top Content Creator Award, Expands Influence in Nigerian Media
Anambra Government Invests ₦80 Million in 80 Tech Startups, Graduates 400 ICT Professionals
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