Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos, Kano Top List for Maternal Supplement Rollout Readiness, New Study Finds
Survey highlights urban health infrastructure as key factor; experts urge expanded support to rural and underserved states
Survey highlights urban health infrastructure as key factor; experts urge expanded support to rural and underserved states
A recent study has identified Lagos and Kano as the most prepared states in Nigeria for the rollout of maternal nutritional supplements, citing robust health systems and higher capacity for large-scale distribution. The findings were made public on Friday, 12 June 2026, following an assessment conducted by researchers who examined states’ readiness across multiple health indicators.
According to the report, Lagos (South-West) and Kano (North-West) recorded the highest scores in infrastructure, trained personnel, and supply chain management. The study also considered factors such as antenatal clinic coverage and local government engagement in maternal health initiatives. Researchers noted that these two states benefitted from previous investments in primary healthcare delivery and ongoing public health programmes targeting women and children.
The assessment comes at a time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to reduce maternal mortality rates, which remain among the highest globally. The federal government has prioritised scaling up access to essential supplements like iron and folic acid as part of its broader Safe Motherhood Programme. Public health experts say effective rollout in leading states could serve as a model for nationwide adoption but warn that disparities persist between urban centres and rural communities.
Dr. Binta Ahmed, a maternal health specialist based in Abuja, commended the progress in Lagos and Kano but stressed the need for targeted support elsewhere. “We must ensure that rural areas are not left behind. Adequate resources should be channelled to underserved regions so all pregnant women benefit equally,” she said during a phone interview on Friday.
The study’s authors called on state governments to leverage existing partnerships with NGOs and donor agencies to bridge capacity gaps. They recommended enhanced data collection at local government level to track supplement coverage more accurately. The federal health ministry is expected to issue new guidelines for supplement distribution later this quarter.
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC Declares Final Results for Ekiti Governorship Election Amid High Voter Turnout
Electoral commission announces official figures after Saturday poll as stakeholders await reactions from parties and candidates
Electoral commission announces official figures after Saturday poll as stakeholders await reactions from parties and candidates
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final results for the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, following voting and collation that concluded on Saturday, 20 June. The announcement marks the official end of the electoral process, with the commission declaring figures from all local government areas.
According to INEC, results from across Ekiti’s 16 local government areas were collated at the state headquarters in Ado-Ekiti under tight security. The process began shortly after polls closed on Saturday evening and continued into the early hours of Sunday, with party agents and observers present throughout. High voter turnout was recorded in several constituencies, with many residents expressing hope for improved governance.
The Ekiti governorship race is widely seen as a significant test for both ruling and opposition parties in the South-West geopolitical zone. Observers noted that this year’s contest featured heightened political activity, following recent reforms to Nigeria’s Electoral Act and a push for greater transparency by INEC. The outcome is expected to shape political alignments ahead of the next general elections.
As at press time, INEC officials were yet to issue detailed statements on any complaints or petitions received from aggrieved parties. However, both major political parties have called on their supporters to remain calm while awaiting further pronouncements. Security agencies deployed across Ekiti maintained a visible presence at collation centres and major roads to forestall any disruptions.
With the final results now declared, attention will shift to possible legal challenges from candidates or parties dissatisfied with the outcome. Analysts say how INEC manages post-election processes in Ekiti could influence public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system going forward.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti State Collation Centres Release Early Ward Results in 2026 Governorship Polls
INEC officials begin announcing figures from across Ekiti’s 16 LGAs as parties monitor tight race
INEC officials begin announcing figures from across Ekiti’s 16 LGAs as parties monitor tight race
Early results from the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election began trickling in from various collation centres across the state’s wards and local government areas on Saturday, 20 June 2026. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commenced release of vote counts after polls closed in all 16 local government areas.
According to updates from polling units, collation officers started tallying votes immediately after ballot boxes were sealed and transported to designated centres. Party agents, election observers and security personnel maintained a presence at each location to ensure transparency during the process. No major incident was reported as at press time.
The governorship contest in Ekiti State (South-West) is closely watched by political stakeholders and voters given its significance ahead of the next general elections. Both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are fielding high-profile candidates, with observers noting that the outcome could influence party momentum nationwide.
INEC officials overseeing the exercise said results would be announced progressively at ward, local government, and state collation centres before final declaration. The commission urged residents to remain calm and patient while the collation continues. As at Saturday evening, neither major party had issued a formal statement about early returns.
Official state-wide results are expected to be announced by INEC once verification is completed at the state collation centre in Ado-Ekiti. The commission has reiterated its commitment to fairness and transparency throughout the process.
Nigeria News (Standard)
PDP’s Oluyede Wins Polling Unit in Ekiti State Local Election
Victory marks significant boost for PDP ahead of wider results; APC yet to issue official reaction
Victory marks significant boost for PDP ahead of wider results; APC yet to issue official reaction
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Oluyede has emerged victorious at his polling unit in the Ekiti State local elections conducted on Saturday, 20 June 2026. The win, recorded within his ward, signals early momentum for the PDP as collation of results continues across the state.
The voting exercise at Oluyede’s polling unit was concluded under the supervision of electoral officials, with voters turning out early to participate. After counting, Oluyede was announced as the winner at the unit, giving his party a lead in that locality. No incident of violence or disruption was reported during the process at this location.
This development is seen as significant for the PDP, which is seeking to regain ground from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, South-West Nigeria. Local observers say that victories at polling units can boost morale for party agents and influence turnout in subsequent elections within the area. The overall contest remains closely watched, especially as other results are yet to be declared.
As at press time, APC officials had not released any statement reacting to Oluyede’s win. Electoral officers confirmed that collation would continue through the night and final results will be announced by the State Independent Electoral Commission. Both parties have deployed agents to monitor proceedings at various centres.
The outcome at Oluyede’s polling unit is expected to set the tone for PDP supporters as they await official state-wide results. The electoral commission has called for calm among supporters and assured that all votes will be properly counted before winners are formally announced.
Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889447-pdps-oluyede-wins-in-polling-unit.html
