Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC Declares Oyebanji Winner of Ekiti Governorship Election With 319,224 Votes
APC incumbent secures second term as PDP’s Wole Oluyede trails with over 278,000 votes in South-West state
APC incumbent secures second term as PDP’s Wole Oluyede trails with over 278,000 votes in South-West state
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the Ekiti State governorship election held on Saturday, June 19th. The announcement was made in Ado-Ekiti by INEC’s Chief Returning Officer, Professor Adenike Oladiji, after collation of results from all sixteen local government areas.
According to Professor Oladiji, Oyebanji polled a total of 319,224 votes to defeat his closest rival, Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who secured 40,543 votes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Oluwadare Bejide, came third with 12,872 votes. The Returning Officer stated that Oyebanji satisfied all constitutional and electoral requirements and was therefore returned elected for a second term in office.
Oyebanji’s victory reaffirms APC’s hold on Ekiti State and signals continuity in governance for the South-West region. The election was closely monitored by stakeholders amid expectations of improved service delivery and development initiatives in the state. With a margin of over 278,000 votes separating APC and PDP candidates, observers noted the wide voter support for the incumbent.
Speaking shortly after being declared winner, Governor Oyebanji described his re-election as a renewed mandate to serve Ekiti people. “I have a proper understanding of the responsibility that this victory has placed on my shoulders. It is a responsibility of service to the people of Ekiti State,” he said in his post-election statement. He pledged that his administration would continue to pursue its development agenda with courage and compassion, while remaining open to new ideas and emerging priorities.
Oyebanji further assured residents that government would prioritise programmes aimed at ending poverty and inequality across the state. “We have a development guide, and we will continue to faithfully implement that plan. At the same time, if there are new issues or areas that require attention, we will review them and ensure they are accommodated,” he said.
With INEC’s declaration now official, attention shifts to how Governor Oyebanji will consolidate on existing projects and address fresh challenges facing Ekiti State during his second term. As at Sunday evening, there had been no formal response from opposition PDP leadership regarding the outcome.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Police Foil Suspected Child Trafficking Attempt Involving Newborn Baby
Officers intercept suspected traffickers in Warri, rescue infant as state authorities urge vigilance against child exploitation
Officers intercept suspected traffickers in Warri, rescue infant as state authorities urge vigilance against child exploitation
Police operatives in Warri, Delta State, on Sunday, 21 June, thwarted a suspected child trafficking attempt involving a newborn baby. Security sources confirmed that officers acted on intelligence to intercept individuals believed to be transporting the infant for illegal adoption or sale within the Warri metropolis.
The operation unfolded after police received a tip-off about suspicious movement involving a woman carrying a newborn under unclear circumstances. Officers swiftly moved to the scene, apprehending the suspects and taking both the baby and those involved into protective custody for further investigation.
Child trafficking remains a serious concern in Delta State and across Nigeria, with authorities warning about rising cases targeting infants and young children. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has previously listed Nigeria as one of the countries most affected by child trafficking in West Africa. Such incidents often involve criminal syndicates exploiting vulnerable families or operating illegal adoption networks.
A senior officer at the Delta State Police Command, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to ongoing investigations, said: “We are committed to dismantling any network involved in this heinous crime. The rescued baby is now safe and receiving proper care.” State authorities have called on residents to report any suspicious activity related to child movement or suspected trafficking in their communities.
The suspects are expected to face prosecution upon conclusion of investigations. Meanwhile, social welfare officials are working to identify the biological parents of the rescued baby and provide necessary support. Delta State Government has reiterated its commitment to collaborate with security agencies to combat child trafficking and protect vulnerable children from exploitation.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Hosts Ajebo Unleashed as Josh2funny, Kenny Blaq Lead Comedy Lineup
House of Ajebo announces 13th edition with ‘Love and Laughs’ theme, event to hold at Eko Hotel on June 28
House of Ajebo announces 13th edition with ‘Love and Laughs’ theme, event to hold at Eko Hotel on June 28
Top Nigerian comedians Josh2funny and Kenny Blaq are among the headline acts expected at the 13th edition of ‘Ajebo Unleashed’, a flagship comedy and entertainment event hosted by Emeka Erem, popularly known as Ajebo. The organisers, House of Ajebo, confirmed that the show will take place at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on June 28, 2026, from 6pm.
This year’s edition is themed ‘Love and Laughs’, focusing on relatable stories of love’s ups and downs, heartbreaks, surprises and the humorous realities faced by many Nigerians in their search for companionship. The event is powered by Vitel Wireless and Landmark Corporate Realty Limited.
Ajebo stated that the show promises premium entertainment for all attendees. “We want to create an evening where people can truly relax, enjoy themselves and connect with others through laughter. Our theme this year speaks to everyone who has ever experienced love or searched for it,” he said.
Now in its thirteenth year, ‘Ajebo Unleashed’ has become a fixture in Lagos’ entertainment calendar, attracting some of Nigeria’s most celebrated stand-up comedians and storytellers. Past editions have featured established acts as well as emerging talents, making it a platform for both seasoned performers and new voices in the industry.
With Lagos’ reputation as Nigeria’s entertainment capital, industry observers say this year’s edition is expected to draw a large crowd and set the tone for other comedy shows lined up across the country in 2026. Ticket information and further details are available via official event channels.
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/events/josh2funny-kenny-blaq-expected-at-ajebo-unleashed/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos-Based Zedcrest Securities Named Joint Stockbroker for Dangote Refinery IPO on Nigerian Exchange
Move expected to deepen capital market as Dangote Refinery prepares for public listing, attracting local and foreign investors
Move expected to deepen capital market as Dangote Refinery prepares for public listing, attracting local and foreign investors
Zedcrest Securities, a financial services firm headquartered in Lagos, has been appointed as a joint stockbroker for the proposed Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Refinery, one of the most anticipated transactions in Nigeria’s capital markets. The announcement was made on Friday, positioning Zedcrest among select operators to facilitate the refinery’s planned listing on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).
The Dangote Refinery, located in Lagos State, is recognised as the world’s largest single-train facility and has drawn significant interest from both domestic and international investors. With ongoing plans to offer a portion of its shares to the public through the NGX, industry watchers say this IPO could mark a turning point for investor participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Market analysts note that Zedcrest Securities’ appointment underscores its rising profile within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem. The development follows Zedcrest Group’s acquisition of RMB Nigeria Stockbrokers less than two years ago—an expansion that strengthened its capacity to handle large-scale transactions and institutional mandates. “This milestone highlights our commitment to supporting high-impact deals that will shape Nigeria’s capital market,” a senior executive at Zedcrest said in a statement issued after the announcement.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, describing it as a signal of growing confidence in local intermediaries’ ability to manage major listings. Financial experts believe that Dangote Refinery’s entry into the stock market could attract billions of naira in new investments and increase liquidity across sectors. No official timeline has been given for the IPO, but expectations remain high amid ongoing reforms aimed at boosting transparency and investor protection on the NGX.
As preparations continue, attention is focused on regulatory approvals and final structuring of the share offering. The Nigerian capital market community will be watching closely as details unfold in what is set to be one of the largest public offerings in recent history.
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