Nigeria News (Standard)
Yiaga Africa Confirms INEC Ekiti Poll Results, Flags Widespread Vote Buying
Observer group validates official outcome but urges authorities to tackle electoral malpractice as vote trading persists in South-West state
Observer group validates official outcome but urges authorities to tackle electoral malpractice as vote trading persists in South-West state
Yiaga Africa has confirmed the official results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the recent governorship election in Ekiti State, South-West Nigeria, but raised alarm over widespread incidents of vote buying during the exercise. The group made this known on Sunday, following its independent observation of the poll.
According to Yiaga Africa, its Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) data matched the final figures released by INEC, indicating that the official results reflect votes cast at polling units across Ekiti. However, the organisation expressed serious concern about patterns of financial inducement observed at various locations during voting.
The confirmation from Yiaga Africa comes amid growing scrutiny of Nigeria’s electoral process and repeated calls for reforms to curb malpractice. Vote buying has remained a persistent challenge in recent elections across the country, with stakeholders warning it undermines the credibility of democratic institutions and disenfranchises voters who refuse inducements.
While commending INEC for improvements in logistics and result transmission, Yiaga Africa said urgent action is needed from law enforcement agencies and political parties to address vote trading and ensure future elections are free from undue influence. The group also called on citizens to resist attempts to sway their votes through monetary offers.
INEC has yet to respond publicly to Yiaga Africa’s findings on vote buying. Political observers say the latest reports could increase pressure on both federal and state authorities to prosecute offenders and strengthen safeguards ahead of upcoming elections.
Nigeria News (Standard)
TikTok Influencer Peller Pays Bride Price to Jarvis in Lagos Traditional Ceremony
Video shared on Instagram shows families of both content creators witnessing marriage rites and cultural attire in Lagos
Video shared on Instagram shows families of both content creators witnessing marriage rites and cultural attire in Lagos
Popular TikTok personality Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, has completed the payment of bride price for his partner and fellow social media influencer, Elizabeth Aminata, also called Jarvis, during a traditional marriage ceremony held in Lagos on Sunday. The event marked a significant step in the couple’s relationship, drawing attention from fans across Nigeria’s digital community.
Peller made the announcement through a video posted on his Instagram page, displaying highlights from both the family introduction and the formal bride price payment. In the footage, Peller was seen dressed in a white shirt paired with George wrapper and red coral beads, while Jarvis adorned a red wrapper with matching coral jewellery and a beaded crown—both outfits reflecting their cultural heritage.
The ceremony featured both families actively participating in customary rites. According to the video shared by Peller, he expressed gratitude for the support received from relatives on both sides. “Today, I proudly paid the bride price of the woman I love,” he stated in his caption. “A beautiful journey has officially begun, and I’m grateful to both families for their blessings. She said ‘yes’ to forever, and now it’s time to build our future together.”
This union comes after months of speculation about the couple’s status following previous reports concerning their relationship. Their public display of tradition has sparked positive reactions among followers on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, where both have significant presence.
The successful completion of traditional marriage rites is regarded as an important milestone in many Nigerian cultures, often preceding other wedding celebrations or legal formalities. While neither party has commented further on plans for a white wedding or court registry event, well-wishers continue to congratulate Peller and Jarvis online as they begin this new chapter.
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/video-peller-pays-jarvis-bride-price/
Nigeria News (Standard)
NADF Distributes 100,800 Bags of Fertiliser to Farmers in Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Others
Each beneficiary to receive four subsidised bags as government targets lower production costs under Renewed Hope Agenda
Each beneficiary to receive four subsidised bags as government targets lower production costs under Renewed Hope Agenda
The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has commenced distribution of 100,800 bags of fertiliser to smallholder farmers across Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Jigawa states. The flag-off ceremony was held in Katsina State at the weekend, with the initiative forming part of the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP) aimed at boosting food production and reducing input costs nationwide.
Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, said during the launch that a total of 25,200 farmers would benefit from the exercise. According to him, each farmer identified by the state chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) will receive four fully subsidised bags of fertiliser. Each participating state is slated to get 20,160 bags for onward distribution to 5,040 selected farmers.
Ibrahim explained that all fertilisers being distributed are locally produced and traceable. He emphasised that the move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to improve agricultural output and ensure food security amid rising production costs and economic pressures faced by Nigerian farmers.
“The programme is designed to support smallholder farmers by increasing their access to quality farm inputs while reducing their overall production expenses,” Ibrahim stated at the event. He added that government’s intervention was necessary to address challenges affecting farmers in the North-West and other regions. Opposition figures were not immediately available for comment on the initiative as at press time.
With this intervention, NADF aims to strengthen food systems in key agricultural states ahead of the next planting season. The agency said further distributions are planned as part of ongoing efforts under FISP to reach more farming communities across Nigeria.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Senate Moves to Resolve NMDPRA, OGFZA Dispute at Bayelsa Retreat
Lawmakers warn unresolved regulatory overlap may threaten oil and gas investments as committee seeks practical solutions
Lawmakers warn unresolved regulatory overlap may threaten oil and gas investments as committee seeks practical solutions
The Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum Sector has commenced a major intervention to end the ongoing dispute between the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA). The committee began its effort during a five-day stakeholders’ retreat held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, starting Monday.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Sulaiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila (NNPP, Kano South), told attendees that the Senate is determined to address the regulatory overlap that has caused uncertainty for investors in Nigeria’s petroleum sector. He described the retreat as a strategic move to bring all relevant parties together and resolve grey areas within the mandates of both agencies.
The conflict between NMDPRA and OGFZA over jurisdiction in oil and gas free zones has lingered for years, creating confusion among local and foreign investors. Lawmakers raised concerns that failure to resolve these issues could undermine investor confidence, threaten ongoing projects, and slow down economic growth within the vital oil and gas sector. Nigeria relies heavily on petroleum exports for government revenue and foreign exchange earnings.
“Our aim is to develop practical recommendations that will promote institutional harmony, strengthen energy security, attract more investment, and support Nigeria’s economic ambitions,” Senator Sumaila said in his opening address at the retreat. He noted that stakeholders from government agencies, private companies, and civil society were present to contribute their perspectives. As at press time, no official statement had been released by OGFZA or NMDPRA on their response to the Senate initiative.
The Senate committee is expected to submit its findings along with actionable policy recommendations at the conclusion of the retreat. Industry observers say resolving this regulatory turf war could improve Nigeria’s business environment and help unlock new investments in downstream petroleum infrastructure across all six geopolitical zones.
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