Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti INEC Clears 14 Candidates for 2026 Governorship Election Amid Intense Party Jostling
Electoral body releases final list as major parties field contenders, but ballot features no women candidates for top seat
Electoral body releases final list as major parties field contenders, but ballot features no women candidates for top seat
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of 14 candidates cleared to contest the Ekiti State governorship election, scheduled for June 2026. The announcement, made at INEC’s state headquarters in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, sets the stage for a fiercely contested poll among Nigeria’s leading political parties and several smaller platforms.
According to INEC officials, the cleared aspirants represent a cross-section of major and minor parties, with the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) among those fielding candidates. The full names and party affiliations of all aspirants were displayed at the commission’s office and distributed to stakeholders.
The release of the candidate list comes after weeks of intensive party primaries and internal screening processes that saw political heavyweights emerge from both APC and PDP. Political observers say this year’s ballot is notable for having no female candidates in the race for Governor, a development that has drawn concern from gender rights advocates and civil society groups in Ekiti State. Advocacy organisations have urged political parties to address what they describe as persistent barriers to women’s participation in high-level politics.
INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti, who spoke during a press briefing, assured residents of the state that preparations were on course for a free and credible election. He emphasised that all qualified parties had been given a fair opportunity to present their best aspirants. “We call on all stakeholders to support a peaceful process,” he said.
With campaigns set to intensify across Ekiti’s sixteen local government areas, attention will now turn to how each candidate plans to address critical issues facing the state—including youth unemployment, education quality, health services, and infrastructure gaps. The next few weeks are expected to see increased mobilisation by party supporters as well as monitoring by independent observers.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Paul Adefarasin Unveils Theme, Line-Up for Africa Praise Experience 2026 in Lagos
TAPE 2026 to feature top gospel ministers including Nathaniel Bassey, Frank Edwards as House On The Rock opens doors to all worshippers
TAPE 2026 to feature top gospel ministers including Nathaniel Bassey, Frank Edwards as House On The Rock opens doors to all worshippers
House On The Rock has formally announced the theme and details for the 2026 edition of The Africa Praise Experience (TAPE), with Founder and Metropolitan Paul Adefarasin set to host the event on Friday, July 10, at The Rock Cathedral in Lekki, Lagos. Organisers disclosed that this year’s theme is ‘One Altar. One Sound. One God.’
The annual praise concert, regarded as one of the continent’s largest gospel gatherings, will unite worshippers, gospel artists, and faith-based creatives from across Nigeria and Africa for a night of music and spiritual renewal. According to House On The Rock, TAPE 2026 will run from 7:00pm until dawn and is open to the public free of charge.
Adefarasin said the event aims to celebrate unity in worship while spotlighting Africa’s diverse musical expressions. “With ‘One Altar. One Sound. One God.’ we are coming together as one family to lift our voices in gratitude,” he stated during the announcement.
The line-up features some of Africa’s most renowned gospel ministers and groups including Nathaniel Bassey, Frank Edwards, Beejay Sax, Bidemi Olaoba, Kaestrings, Mr M & Revelation, Onos Ariyo, Prinx Emmanuel, Emma OMG, Blessing Lopez, Sunmisola Agbebi, Sonnie Badu, Mercy Chinwo, Moses Bliss, Pastor Tolu Odukoya, IB Quake, Lagos Metropolitan Gospel Choir and The Rock Cathedral Gospel Choir.
Organisers said TAPE 2026 will deliver a blend of contemporary gospel sounds with indigenous African praise traditions. They added that moments of prayer and reflection are designed to inspire hope and renewed faith among attendees. With free admission at the Lekki venue and an impressive roster of artists confirmed, stakeholders expect thousands of worshippers from within Lagos State and beyond to attend.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Residents Embrace Perfume as Status Symbol, Redefining Everyday Luxury
Fragrance sales surge in Lagos as consumers seek scents that match lifestyle needs and withstand city conditions
Fragrance sales surge in Lagos as consumers seek scents that match lifestyle needs and withstand city conditions
Perfume shopping in Lagos has taken on new significance, with residents now viewing fragrance as an essential part of daily self-expression and status. On a recent busy weekend in the city, shoppers could be seen searching for scents tailored to different needs—softer fragrances suitable for office environments, bolder options for social events like weddings, and long-lasting products designed to endure Lagos traffic and heat.
The shift highlights a growing trend where fragrance has moved beyond its traditional role of personal hygiene to become a marker of sophistication and individual taste. Retailers report that customers are no longer satisfied with generic products; instead, they are demanding perfumes that reflect their personality and can stand up to the challenges of the Nigerian climate.
Industry observers note that this trend speaks to broader changes in how Nigerians perceive luxury. With increasing awareness about global brands and local alternatives alike, perfume is now seen not just as an accessory but as a daily essential—one that signals class and attention to detail. The demand cuts across age groups and income brackets, showing that personal grooming is now intertwined with self-worth and public perception.
While official sales figures were not disclosed, store owners in Lagos say demand continues to rise, especially among young professionals and socialites who value both quality and presentation. As fragrance becomes more embedded in Nigerian culture, experts predict further growth in the sector, with local entrepreneurs also entering the market alongside established international brands.
The evolving fragrance market underscores how Nigerians are redefining luxury on their own terms—prioritising practicality, resilience, and personal identity over conspicuous consumption. As these preferences take root, industry stakeholders expect continued innovation to meet the complex expectations of Nigeria’s increasingly discerning consumers.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Set to Host Black African History Awards as Sports Icons Take Spotlight
Event organisers urge government and private sector support to honour global Black excellence and inspire Nigerian youth
Event organisers urge government and private sector support to honour global Black excellence and inspire Nigerian youth
Lagos State will host the maiden edition of the Black African History Global Iconic Awards (BAHGIA) on July 5, 2026, with organisers highlighting sports, youth empowerment, and the celebration of African achievement as central themes. The announcement was made by Ambassador Lovethpatra Ekufu, President of BAHGIA and a former Nigerian kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) champion.
The awards ceremony, scheduled for Lagos, is designed to recognise outstanding Africans and people of African descent who have made significant contributions in sports and other fields but remain under-celebrated on the global stage. Organisers have called on government agencies, corporate organisations, and development partners to support the initiative, describing it as a unique platform to spotlight African excellence.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Ekufu explained that the vision behind BAHGIA is to showcase stories of successful Africans whose achievements can inspire the next generation. “We discovered that Black people across the world are under-celebrated despite their outstanding contributions. This award is designed to…” she said.
The event comes at a time when calls for greater recognition of African achievements in sports and beyond have gained momentum both locally and internationally. Organisers believe that celebrating these icons will not only boost national pride but also encourage young Nigerians to pursue excellence in their chosen fields.
With preparations underway for the July ceremony, stakeholders are expected to rally around the project to ensure its success. Organisers say they will continue engaging relevant authorities and potential sponsors in the lead-up to the awards night.
Paul Adefarasin Unveils Theme, Line-Up for Africa Praise Experience 2026 in Lagos
Gernot Rohr Laments: Super Eagles’ World Cup Absence Means No Osimhen, No Lookman on Global Stage
Lagos Residents Embrace Perfume as Status Symbol, Redefining Everyday Luxury
Lagos Set to Host Black African History Awards as Sports Icons Take Spotlight
Nigerian Legend Casts Doubt on Victor Osimhen’s Credentials to Lead Super Eagles
Viera Warns Portugal: Ronaldo’s Legacy at Risk Ahead of Key Decision
Nnamdi Kanu, Former Ally Announce Rival Leadership in IPOB Amidst Fresh Dispute
Arsenal to Face Coventry City in Premier League Opener as 2026/27 Fixtures Released
Zamfara Council of Imams Condoles Police Command After Bomb Attack Kills Officers in Gusau
Oyo Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists, Recover Locally Made Pistol and Cartridges in Oke-Apo
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Why More Nigerians Are Searching for Casino Bonuses—and What You Should Know Before Claiming
Ụlọ Ọrụ Nigeria Kwupụtara Nsogbu Nchekwa na Ụtụ Isi N’agbanyeghị Ịrị Elu Obi Ike Ahịa
Federal Government Launches Mining Grants for Research and Exploration Across Nigeria
Somali Referee Omar Artan Blocked From US World Cup Over Visa Row, Misses Dream Debut
