Nigeria News (Standard)
NFSP Awards ₦3.2m Research Grants to 25 UniAbuja Students for Food Security Projects
Vice-Chancellor Fawehinmi hails initiative as boost for agriculture research; scholars to tackle post-harvest losses, climate resilience
Vice-Chancellor Fawehinmi hails initiative as boost for agriculture research; scholars to tackle post-harvest losses, climate resilience
The Nigerian Food Security Project (NFSP), through its Nigeria Food Security Scholars Programme (NFSSP), has disbursed research grants worth ₦3,211,500 to 25 final-year students of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja. The awards were presented at a ceremony held in Abuja on Thursday, with top university officials and project representatives in attendance.
According to organisers, the grants are aimed at supporting research efforts focused on critical issues such as food security, sustainable agricultural supply chains, climate resilience strategies, reduction of post-harvest losses, and the development of sustainable food systems. Each beneficiary received funding for project-based work intended to address Nigeria’s ongoing food challenges.
Speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi described the programme as a timely intervention that would empower young researchers to develop practical solutions for the country’s agricultural sector. He said the university remained committed to supporting innovation and research that can have positive impacts on national food production and security.
The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Akeem Oyerinde, also commended NFSP for the initiative, noting that it aligns with government efforts to improve food self-sufficiency and reduce dependency on imports. “Our students are already developing proposals that target real problems faced by farmers and stakeholders across Nigeria,” Oyerinde stated at the presentation.
With this funding support, beneficiaries are expected to undertake fieldwork and analysis on topics ranging from improved storage technologies to climate-smart agriculture practices. University officials expressed optimism that outcomes from these projects will contribute meaningfully towards reducing hunger and improving livelihoods in communities nationwide.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Police Dismiss Link Between Isan Unrest and 2026 Governorship Election
Command says reported fracas in Isan-Ekiti was unrelated to political activities, cites personal dispute as cause
Command says reported fracas in Isan-Ekiti was unrelated to political activities, cites personal dispute as cause
The Ekiti State Police Command has clarified that the recent unrest reported in Isan-Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area, was not connected to the forthcoming 2026 governorship election. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, June 20, sparked concerns among residents about possible political violence ahead of the polls.
According to the police, preliminary investigations showed that the disturbance stemmed from a personal disagreement between individuals in the community rather than any election-related activity. Officers were deployed to the area following reports of a fracas, and normalcy was restored shortly after their intervention.
With heightened attention on Ekiti State as political parties intensify mobilisation for the 2026 governorship race, any outbreak of violence is closely scrutinised by both stakeholders and security agencies. The clarification by police aims to allay fears of an escalation of political tensions in Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s home zone (APC, South-West), where Isan-Ekiti is located.
In a statement issued on Saturday evening, the Ekiti Police Public Relations Officer urged residents to disregard rumours linking the unrest to partisan activities. “Our findings indicate that this incident was purely a local matter. We have taken steps to ensure peace and will continue to monitor the situation,” the statement said.
The police further appealed for calm and assured that security patrols would be intensified across Oye LGA and other parts of Ekiti State as preparations for the governorship election continue. No arrests or injuries were reported from Saturday’s incident.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NUJ Demands Sanctions as Magistrate Ejects Journalists from Akwa Ibom Court
Union condemns removal of reporters during court session, urges judiciary to uphold press freedom in Akwa Ibom State
Union condemns removal of reporters during court session, urges judiciary to uphold press freedom in Akwa Ibom State
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for disciplinary action against a magistrate in Akwa Ibom State following the ejection of journalists from a courtroom on Saturday. The incident occurred at a magistrate court sitting in Uyo, the state capital, where reporters were reportedly ordered out during ongoing proceedings.
According to the NUJ, its members were carrying out their legitimate duties when they were asked to leave by the presiding magistrate. The union described the action as a direct affront to press freedom and demanded immediate sanctions against the judicial officer involved. “Journalists have a constitutional role to inform the public and must not be hindered while covering court activities,” the NUJ stated.
This development has sparked concern among media professionals in Akwa Ibom, with many warning that such actions undermine transparency and public confidence in the judicial process. The NUJ noted that this is not the first time journalists have faced obstacles in accessing courtrooms in the state, raising questions about commitment to openness by some judicial officers.
In its reaction, the NUJ leadership urged the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State to investigate the incident and ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent recurrence. The union also called on all magistrates and judges to respect journalists’ rights under Nigerian law. “We expect an unreserved apology from those involved and clear assurances that such incidents will not happen again,” the union added.
The judiciary is yet to issue an official statement on the matter as at press time. Media rights advocates say they will continue to monitor developments and push for reforms that guarantee unhindered access for journalists covering court proceedings across Nigeria.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti INEC Begins Collation of 2026 Governorship Election Results Across State LGAs
Electoral commission commences official announcement of results as parties and observers monitor voting outcomes in Ado-Ekiti
Electoral commission commences official announcement of results as parties and observers monitor voting outcomes in Ado-Ekiti
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the collation of results for the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, with officials gathering figures from polling units across the state’s sixteen local government areas on Saturday. The exercise is taking place at the state collation centre in Ado-Ekiti under tight security.
According to INEC officials, results from most polling units began arriving at the various local government collation centres shortly after voting ended earlier in the day. Party agents, election observers, and journalists are present at the collation venues to monitor proceedings as electoral officers announce unit-by-unit vote tallies. As at press time, results from several local governments have been forwarded to the state headquarters for final collation.
The Ekiti governorship poll is seen as a critical test of electoral credibility in the South-West region ahead of national elections. The major political parties—All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and others—fielded candidates amid heightened anticipation among residents. The outcome will determine who succeeds the incumbent and shape political alignments ahead of 2027 general elections.
INEC officials said they are committed to transparency in the collation process, urging all stakeholders to maintain peace. Security agencies were deployed across key locations to forestall any disruption. The APC and PDP expressed optimism about their prospects, while some civil society groups called for calm as counting continued.
The commission is expected to announce official results for each LGA before declaring a winner at the state level. As at Saturday evening, collation was ongoing with final figures yet to be released. Stakeholders have been advised to await INEC’s declaration for credible outcomes.
Ekiti Police Dismiss Link Between Isan Unrest and 2026 Governorship Election
Manchester United Target 24-Year-Old Relegated Star Ahead of Summer Transfer Window
NUJ Demands Sanctions as Magistrate Ejects Journalists from Akwa Ibom Court
Ekiti INEC Begins Collation of 2026 Governorship Election Results Across State LGAs
Shock Return: Ronaldinho Signs for New Club at 46 After Retirement U-turn
Ekiti ADC Governorship Candidate Hails High Turnout, Alleges Malpractices in 2026 Polls
Ekiti 98-Year-Old Voter Says Awolowo Inspired Political Participation During Governorship Election
Ụlọ Akụ Isi Nigeria Kwupụtara Na Ego Nchekwa Mba Ruru Ebumnuche $51.04bn Ka Naira Dara n’ahịa Izuka
Italian Club Ravenna Signs Ronaldinho at 46, Sparks Debate Over Return to Competitive Football
Ekiti Party Agents Deploy Tactics to Induce Voters at Polling Units During Governorship Election
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
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
Peter Obi Demands ₦5bn and Public Apology From Kenneth Okonkwo Over Defamation in Lagos
Ụlọ Ọrụ Nigeria Kwupụtara Nsogbu Nchekwa na Ụtụ Isi N’agbanyeghị Ịrị Elu Obi Ike Ahịa
Senate Disowns Arrest Warrant for Ex-NNPC Boss Kyari, Rebukes Oshiomhole Over ₦210trn Probe Comments
