Adegunwa-Balogun Emerges Ogun APC Deputy Governorship Candidate

Alhaja Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun has been officially unveiled as the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, bringing decades of corporate leadership and financial management experience into the political arena.

Meanwhile, on Monday, the main opposition party, the PDP, named Dr. Lateefat Kolapo-Sowunmi as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu.

A respected finance professional and business executive, Adegunwa-Balogun currently serves as the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of Rite Foods Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous food and beverage companies. She has played a significant role in shaping the company’s financial strategy, corporate governance framework, and growth trajectory.

The daughter of prominent industrialist and philanthropist, Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa has built a distinguished career marked by professional excellence and leadership in the private sector.

Adegunwa-Balogun holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Lagos and later pursued professional accounting qualifications in the United Kingdom. She is a Fellow of both the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. She also earned a Master of Business Administration from Bayes Business School.

With more than 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, corporate governance, and strategic management, she has established herself as one of the leading female executives in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. Her expertise in financial planning, investment management, and organizational development has contributed significantly to the success and expansion of Rite Foods Limited.

Her emergence as the APC Deputy Governorship Candidate has been welcomed by party members and stakeholders who view her nomination as a blend of corporate competence and leadership experience.

Political observers note that her entry into public service could bring valuable private-sector insights to governance and policy implementation in Ogun State.

Supporters and well-wishers have since extended their congratulations, expressing confidence in her capacity to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development agenda.

Borno Farmer Jailed 15 Years for Failing to Report Boko Haram Activities

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a 55-year-old farmer, Ali Mustapha, to 15 years imprisonment for concealing information about the activities of Boko Haram insurgents in his community in Borno State.

Mustapha, a resident of Katara Village, was prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation after being held in custody since 2013.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge brought against him. Following his plea, Justice Binta Nyako convicted and sentenced him to 15 years in prison without the option of a fine.

In her ruling, the judge acknowledged the convict’s claim that there were no government officials or security agencies available in his remote community through whom he could have reported the insurgents’ activities.

Justice Nyako, however, held that the offence had been established and subsequently imposed the prison term. She further ordered that the sentence should take effect from 2013, the year Mustapha was arrested and remanded in custody.

Oyo Declares Tuesday Public Holiday

The Oyo State Government has declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, a work-free day to mark the commencement of the Islamic New Year, Hijrah 1448AH.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who noted that the state government recognises the significance of the Hijrah celebration to the Muslim community.

According to the commissioner, the public holiday is intended to enable Muslim faithful and other residents to reflect on the values and lessons associated with the historic migration of Prophet Muhammad.

Oyelade urged residents of the state to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace, unity and continued development in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

He also called on citizens to embrace the spirit of brotherhood, tolerance and mutual understanding while working together for the progress and prosperity of the state and the nation.

El-Rufai Appears in Court as ICPC Corruption Case Continues

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday appeared before the Federal High Court in Kaduna as hearing resumed in the corruption case filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

El-Rufai arrived at the court complex accompanied by officials of the anti-graft agency, as well as security personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.

The day’s proceedings are expected to centre on various applications and legal arguments submitted by both the prosecution and defence teams as the case advances to a new stage.

The ICPC has accused the former governor of alleged abuse of office, fraudulent practices, and financial irregularities connected to projects executed during his tenure in Kaduna State. According to investigators, public funds were approved for certain projects that were either not executed or were allegedly handled in breach of established procurement and due process procedures.

However, El-Rufai has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that all actions taken during his administration were lawful and in the best interest of the state.