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.

IJEBULAND SET FOR 2026 AGEMO FESTIVAL

Preparations are in top gear for the 2026 Agemo Festival in Ijebuland, with organisers announcing that this year’s celebrations will commence on July 4 and continue on July 5, 2026.

The opening phase of the revered cultural event will feature the traditional movement of Agemo masquerades from various Ijebu communities to Imosan-Ijebu, the historic meeting point where key festival rites are observed.

As part of the annual procession, the masquerades are expected to pass through several towns and major roads across Ogun State, including the Epe/Oke-Owa, Isiwo, Omu/Ala/Egbe/Ejinrin, Erunwon/Oke-Aje, and Ijebu-Imushin/Ilese/Army Barracks routes, as well as sections of the Lagos-Benin Expressway.

Festival authorities identified the recognised procession corridors as Epe-Ijebu-Ode, Isiwo-Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Imushin-Ijebu-Ode, Ago-Iwoye-Ijebu-Ode, Odogbolu-Ijebu-Ode, Lagos Garage-Ijebu-Ode, Ibadan Road/Ibadan Garage-Ijebu-Ode, and Okun-Owa-Ijebu-Ode routes.

The Erinlu Roundabout in Ijebu-Ode has been designated as the central convergence point before the masquerades proceed to Imosan-Ijebu.

Motorists and residents have been advised to anticipate temporary traffic disruptions and diversions along affected routes during the procession. Members of the public are urged to cooperate with security personnel and festival officials to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration.

Organisers also reminded residents to observe established cultural traditions associated with the festival. Women, in particular, have been advised to take note of customary guidelines and plan their movements accordingly from noon on the festival days.

Widely regarded as one of the most important cultural festivals in Yorubaland, the Agemo Festival continues to showcase the rich heritage, customs, and unity of the Ijebu people while attracting widespread attention from visitors and cultural enthusiasts.

7th Synod: Prof Ogunye, Jumlar, Others Awarded as Fellows of Diocese

Diocese of Ijebu-North Church of Nigeria, Anglican communion, on Thursday, honoured Chief(Mrs) Ibiilola Aduke Banjo Solaja, popularly known as Jumlar, with Fellow of the Diocese Award at the 7th Synod of the Diocese.

The award ceremony took place at the Cathedral of St.Mathew, Ojowo Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun-State.

Other Awardees include Prof. Francis Ayodele Ogunye (Dsc FAEng), Chief Engr.Adebayo Dayo, Secretary to Ogun State Govt, Chief Tokunbo Talabi, Dr.Akinwumi Adesina CON.

Also awarded were Engr.Oludayo Oluyemi, Very Rev. Ademola Adedayo(RTD), Prince Dr.Feyisayo Soyewo MFR, Evangelist (Chief) Mrs.Tejumade Olabisi Rowaiye.

The dignitaries who graced the occasion are, the Secretary of Ijebu-Igbo Council of Elders, Otunba Remi Ogunbanjo and Kegbo of Atikori, Oba Ibitoye Solaja.

2027 Candidate nomination portal access codes to be released June 26, says INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that access codes that will allow political parties to begin uploading candidates’ details for the 2027 general elections through its nomination portal will be released June 26, 2026.

The Commission’s Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, made the announcement in Abuja on Tuesday, during a quarterly meeting with leaders of registered political parties.

According to him, the step follows the completion of party primaries on May 30, 2026, adding that the access codes will be issued to authorised national officers of each political party, who will be responsible for uploading nominees’ biodata and other required information into the system.

Amupitan cautioned that the process must be taken seriously. He therefore urged parties to ensure their ICT personnel are fully prepared ahead of the exercise, as deadlines would be strictly followed.

Protesters storm National Assembly over level of Insecurity

Nigerians staged a protest in Abuja, calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to take urgent steps to address the worsening insecurity across the country.

The protesters, operating under the banner ‘Nigerians Unite Against Terror’, on Tuesday, marched peacefully from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to the National Assembly, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs as they demanded stronger action against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.

The convener of the protest, Isah Abubakar, while addressing journalists at the National Assembly complex, stated that bandits do not care about party or faith.

He emphasized that the government’s first duty is to protect its people, but lasting security will require everyone’s involvement.

Abubakar, therefore, called on service chiefs and lawmakers to act with urgency and sincerity, and urged citizens to join with the government in restoring peace and security across the country.

Witness Says Emefiele’s Case Suspects Confessed to Fraud

The 14th prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, on Tuesday told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory that some suspects confessed to the fraudulent withdrawal of $6.23m from the apex bank.

Emefiele is standing trial before Justice Hamza Muazu at the Maitama Division of the court on an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of $6,230,000.

The money was said to be meant for international election observers during the 2023 general election.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had accused the former CBN governor of conferring corrupt advantages on two firms, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

UN chief asks South Africa to end xenophobia

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has urged South Africa to end xenophobic attacks and the intimidation of foreign nationals in the country.

Guterres, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr Stéphane Dujarric, expressed deep concern over the situation and strongly condemned criminal acts and incitement to violence against migrants in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape Province.

He reminded the international community that South Africa’s struggle against apartheid was built on a foundation of global and African solidarity.

“Violence, vigilantism and all forms of incitement to hatred have no place in an inclusive, democratic society,” he said.

The UN chief noted that South Africa’s development has long been shaped by the contributions of people from across the continent.