Nigeria News (Standard)
Senate Leader Bamidele Says Oyebanji’s Re-Election Heralds Brighter Prospects for Ekiti
APC chieftain links Governor’s victory to public trust in party’s agenda; opposition yet to comment on poll outcome
APC chieftain links Governor’s victory to public trust in party’s agenda; opposition yet to comment on poll outcome
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has described the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji as a sign that Ekiti State is on course for a more prosperous future. Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central in the Senate, made this known while reacting to the governorship election results announced in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday.
According to Bamidele, Oyebanji’s victory at the polls reflects widespread confidence in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its development agenda for the South-West state. He stated that the outcome was a result of consistent efforts by the governor to prioritise good governance and inclusive policies since assuming office.
The senator noted that the people of Ekiti had carefully weighed their options before returning Oyebanji for another term. “Our people have seen the difference and are ready to consolidate on the gains recorded so far. This victory is not just for APC but for all well-meaning sons and daughters of Ekiti,” Bamidele said.
While opposition parties are yet to formally respond to the election outcome, APC supporters across various local government areas have started celebrating what they call a mandate for continuity. Political observers believe Oyebanji’s return will help sustain ongoing infrastructure projects and social intervention programmes initiated under his administration.
With this result, attention is expected to shift towards policy implementation and further engagement between government and citizens. Analysts say the governor now faces renewed expectations to deliver on campaign promises across education, healthcare, and job creation sectors.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Katsina Government Moves to Halt Live Animal Exports, Targets Local Processing
Governor Radda says ban aims to boost local meat industry and create jobs for residents in North-West state
Governor Radda says ban aims to boost local meat industry and create jobs for residents in North-West state
The Katsina State Government has announced plans to stop the export of live animals from the state, as part of a new policy to promote local processing and job creation. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda made this known in Katsina on Sunday, 21 June 2026, during a meeting with stakeholders in the agriculture sector.
Governor Radda explained that the decision was informed by the need to add value within Katsina State rather than sending livestock out for processing elsewhere. According to him, the government will soon roll out measures restricting the movement of live animals across state borders, with priority given to establishing meat processing facilities locally.
The move is expected to have significant economic impact for Katsina residents. By encouraging local slaughter and processing, officials believe more jobs will be created along the value chain and revenue will increase for both farmers and government. This marks a shift from previous years when large numbers of cattle, sheep, and goats were transported out of state—mainly to southern Nigeria—without additional value being retained locally.
Governor Radda stated that his administration is already engaging with investors interested in setting up modern abattoirs and packaging plants in Katsina. He urged livestock traders and herders to cooperate with the new policy, saying it would ultimately benefit them through better prices and opportunities. “We want our people to benefit directly from our resources instead of sending them away unprocessed,” he said.
Stakeholders at the meeting expressed cautious optimism about the plan but requested clarity on how implementation would affect existing trade routes. The governor assured them that there would be consultations before enforcement begins. The government is expected to release full guidelines on the live animal export restriction in coming weeks.
Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/889558-katsina-to-stop-live-animal-exports-radda.html
Nigeria News (Standard)
APC Secures Victory in Kano House of Representatives Bye-Election
Ruling party retains seat in North-West state as opposition yet to issue official response on poll outcome
Ruling party retains seat in North-West state as opposition yet to issue official response on poll outcome
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won the recently concluded House of Representatives bye-election in Kano State, consolidating its influence in the North-West region. The election, which took place on Sunday, 21 June 2026, saw APC candidates claim victory amid keen interest from both ruling and opposition parties.
The bye-election was conducted to fill a vacant seat in the Kano federal constituency. Polling units across the affected area opened early, with voters turning out under the supervision of electoral officials and security agencies. Counting was completed by evening, and results announced by the relevant authorities confirmed APC as the winning party.
This victory is significant for APC as it comes at a time when political competition remains intense in Kano, a state known for its strategic importance in national politics. The outcome is expected to further strengthen APC’s presence in the federal legislature and may influence alignments ahead of future general elections.
As at the time of this report, opposition parties had not released any official statements regarding the conduct or outcome of the bye-election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to present certificates of return to the winning candidate after completing all formalities.
Political analysts believe this result could impact party strategies going forward, especially with Kano often seen as a bellwether for voter sentiment in Northern Nigeria. Stakeholders will be watching closely for any post-election petitions or reactions from aggrieved parties.
Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889555-apc-wins-kano-reps-bye-election.html
Nigeria News (Standard)
Oba of Benin Summons Native Doctors, Priests Over Rising Insecurity in Edo State
Monarch convenes emergency meeting at Benin City palace as kidnappings and violent crime escalate across Edo communities
Monarch convenes emergency meeting at Benin City palace as kidnappings and violent crime escalate across Edo communities
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has called an urgent gathering of native doctors, traditional priests, priestesses and other indigenous religious practitioners in Edo State to address the recent surge in insecurity. The emergency meeting is scheduled for June 23 at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City, following increasing reports of kidnapping and violent crime across the state.
According to a statement released by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), the invitation was issued under the direct instruction of the monarch and is considered a matter of urgency for all invitees. Chief Victor Nosakhare, who signed on behalf of BTC secretary Frank Irabor, stated that discussions will centre on how traditional institutions can support efforts to curb criminal activities including kidnapping, cult-related violence and armed robbery.
Edo State has seen a worrying rise in abductions and attacks in both urban centres and rural communities, sparking widespread concern among residents. Many citizens have expressed fears about safety on major highways and within their localities. The latest move by the palace follows recent interventions by Governor Monday Okpebholo, who has vowed to sign death warrants for convicted kidnappers and proposed establishing a special court to fast-track cases related to kidnapping and cultism in the state.
“The situation has reached a level that requires every stakeholder to contribute towards restoring peace,” Chief Nosakhare said in the statement. The council also indicated that the meeting will explore ways traditional leaders can work alongside government authorities, security agencies and community groups to reinforce security measures across Edo. Youth leaders known as Okaighele have been invited to a separate meeting at the palace on June 24 as part of wider consultations aimed at mobilising grassroots support.
The involvement of traditional religious figures is expected to spark discussions on how indigenous knowledge systems and community-based approaches can complement government policing efforts. While details of specific strategies remain undisclosed, stakeholders anticipate that closer collaboration between traditional institutions and formal authorities could help address security challenges confronting Edo State.
