Nigeria News (Standard)
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Honours Aare (Prof) Lai Labode with Special Father’s Day Toast in Lagos
Whisky brand presents engraved Blue Label bottle to Cash Token Africa chairman, highlighting his legacy in fashion and fatherhood
Whisky brand presents engraved Blue Label bottle to Cash Token Africa chairman, highlighting his legacy in fashion and fatherhood
Johnnie Walker Blue Label has recognised Aare (Prof) Lai Labode, founder and chairman of Cash Token Africa, with a specially engraved bottle to mark Father’s Day at an event held in Lagos on Friday. The gesture celebrates Labode’s multifaceted contributions as a business leader, fashion icon, and dedicated father.
Labode, who also serves as chairman of African Fashion Week Nigeria and is the mind behind the Egbaliganza fashion initiative, received the commemorative bottle as a tribute to the enduring values he represents both publicly and privately. The event underscored the importance of honouring not just professional achievements but also the personal sacrifices fathers make within their families.
According to Ifeoma Agu, Group Head of Culture, Influencer & Advocacy for Diageo South, West & Central Africa, Johnnie Walker chose to celebrate Labode because his approach to life aligns with the brand’s philosophy. “At Johnnie Walker, we believe that the finest things in life are never rushed, and in Aare Lai Labode, we found a man whose life proves exactly that,” Agu said in a statement at the event.
Labode’s influence extends beyond business into literature; he is a published author with three volumes under the “Constellation of Thoughts” series. His role as a mentor and his quiet commitment to family were highlighted by organisers as qualities worthy of recognition on Father’s Day. While official opposition or additional reactions were not recorded during the event, attendees acknowledged that such gestures encourage public figures to model positive values.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label is distributed nationwide by Celebr8-Lyfe PVT and is available at premium retail outlets across Nigeria. The company stated it will continue using such platforms to spotlight individuals whose personal journeys inspire progress and ambition among Nigerians.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Declares Victory, Calls for Unity After Governorship Election
APC candidate extends olive branch to Oluyede, Bejide and other rivals in post-election speech in Ado-Ekiti
APC candidate extends olive branch to Oluyede, Bejide and other rivals in post-election speech in Ado-Ekiti
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State delivered his victory speech on Sunday, following the conclusion of the 2026 governorship election in the state. Speaking in Ado-Ekiti, Oyebanji, who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), extended what he described as ‘hands of fellowship’ to his main opponents — Oluyede, Bejide and others — urging them to join him in moving the state forward.
The governor’s remarks came shortly after electoral officials announced the final results, confirming his return to office for a second term. Addressing supporters and stakeholders at the government house, Oyebanji expressed appreciation to residents of Ekiti for their peaceful conduct during the polls and reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance. He specifically called on opposition candidates to set aside political differences for the benefit of all citizens.
The election, which drew attention across South-West Nigeria, was closely watched by political observers given Ekiti’s history of fiercely contested polls. In previous cycles, aggrieved parties have often challenged outcomes in court or staged parallel celebrations. This year’s poll was seen as a test of APC’s influence in the region ahead of national elections.
In his statement, Governor Oyebanji acknowledged the contributions of his rivals and invited them to work together towards development goals. “We must put politics aside now that the people have spoken,” he said. There was no immediate response from Oluyede or Bejide at press time.
Observers say attention will now shift to how opposition parties respond and whether any legal petitions will be filed. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to issue certificates of return later this week.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Police Confirm Death of Twin Infants Abandoned in Drainage by Parents
Authorities say tragic incident occurred in Warri South LGA; investigation ongoing, community expresses shock over loss
Authorities say tragic incident occurred in Warri South LGA; investigation ongoing, community expresses shock over loss
Police in Delta State have confirmed the death of twin infants who were discovered lifeless in a drainage channel after allegedly being dumped by their parents. The incident took place in Warri South Local Government Area on Sunday, 21 June 2026, according to the state police command.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer stated that the infants were found by residents who immediately alerted law enforcement. Preliminary findings suggest that the babies had been abandoned in the drainage, leading to their eventual death. The police have launched an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the act and to identify those responsible.
This development has drawn concern from many residents and child rights advocates within Delta State, as similar incidents have been reported in parts of the South-South zone. Community members expressed sadness at the loss of innocent lives and called for increased vigilance and social support to prevent such occurrences.
While speaking on the matter, the Delta State Police Command assured that efforts are ongoing to bring any culprits to justice and urged members of the public to report suspicious behaviour around their neighbourhoods. As at press time, no arrests had been announced, but police said investigations are progressing.
Authorities emphasised that cases involving child abandonment or endangerment will be prosecuted under Nigerian law. The police also appealed to families facing hardship to seek help from appropriate government agencies rather than resorting to actions that could endanger lives.
Nigeria News (Standard)
APC Hails Oyebanji’s Re-Election, Says Victory Reflects Ekiti People’s Confidence
Party leadership describes result as endorsement of Governor Oyebanji’s performance; opposition parties yet to issue formal response
Party leadership describes result as endorsement of Governor Oyebanji’s performance; opposition parties yet to issue formal response
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his re-election in Ekiti State, stating that the outcome of the poll demonstrates the confidence and trust the people have in his leadership. The party made this known in a statement released on Sunday, 21 June 2026.
According to APC officials, Oyebanji’s victory at the polls is a clear indication of the electorate’s satisfaction with his administration’s achievements over the past term. The party leadership commended voters across Ekiti for what it described as peaceful conduct and active participation during the governorship election.
The re-election comes at a time when political observers had raised concerns about voter apathy and heightened competition from opposition parties in the South-West state. However, APC argued that the result is an affirmation of its policies and the Governor’s performance in areas such as infrastructure, education, and social welfare programmes.
While congratulating Oyebanji and all APC supporters in Ekiti, party leaders urged him to continue prioritising good governance and inclusive development. The statement read: “Governor Oyebanji’s re-election shows that our people believe in his vision for Ekiti State.” As at Sunday evening, no official statement had been released by major opposition parties regarding the outcome of the election.
With Oyebanji set for another term, attention is now turning to how his administration will consolidate on existing projects and address key challenges facing residents. Political analysts expect heightened scrutiny on policy implementation as Ekiti remains a critical state in South-West politics.
