Headline Politics June 25, 2026 Lagos Deputy Governor, APC Chairman Ojelabi, Others Attend Baales Forum, Offer Prayers for President Tinubu, Hamzat

Lagos Deputy Governor, APC Chairman Ojelabi, Others Attend Baales Forum, Offer Prayers for President Tinubu, Hamzat

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, alongside other prominent personalities on Tuesday, attended the Lagos Baales Forum. 

The event featured special prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Dr. Hamzat, while discussions centred on strengthening collaboration between traditional institutions and the state government.Speaking at the gathering, Dr. Hamzat, who was represented by the immediate past Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Bolaji Kayode Robert, commended the traditional rulers for serving as a vital link between the government and citizens at the grassroots level.He reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to creating an enabling environment for traditional rulers to effectively discharge their responsibilities, noting that they remain critical ambassadors of the government within their respective communities.

"The traditional institution plays a critical role in maintaining peace, promoting development, and fostering unity across our communities. 

The government will continue to support and promote the welfare of our royal fathers," Dr. Hamzat stated.

In his remarks, Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Ojelabi, praised members of the Baales Forum for their consistent contributions to community development and grassroots mobilisation.

He assured the forum that the ruling party would continue to incorporate their views and recommendations when shaping its governance agenda for the state.Also speaking, the Convener of the Lagos Baales Forum, Dr. Seyi Bamigbade, urged community leaders to sustain their leadership roles by mobilising residents to participate actively in the ongoing voter registration exercises ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

He stressed the importance of active civic participation and called on residents to support the APC at all levels to ensure continuity in governance and the consolidation of ongoing developmental programmes.Responding on behalf of the traditional leaders, High Chief Abu Jelili Ododo (the Oba-Elect of Ijeododo Kingdom and Chairman of the Baales Forum) pledged the forum's unwavering support for the party and its leadership.

High Chief Ododo assured that the extensive grassroots network of the Baales across Lagos would be fully deployed to mobilise millions of voters in the forthcoming elections, describing the traditional institution as a indispensable partner in sustaining peace, unity, and progress in the state.

The forum successfully brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, and key stakeholders heavily committed to deepening cooperation between the government and grassroots communities in Lagos State.

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Headline June 24, 2026 Celebrating the Dead, Crucifying the Living: Paradox of Social Media Judges

Celebrating the Dead, Crucifying the Living: Paradox of Social Media Judges

By Alex Enemanna

An Igbo proverb says the world is like a marketplace where you come, transact and go home. For my dear namesake, Alex Ikenna Ekubo, a talented actor and filmmaker, who incidentally is from my God's Own State, Abia, the world is no longer his home. He has completed his earthly journey and transited. What is left of him is the footprint he created in the minds of those he came in contact with and of course his big name in the creative industry. 

But beyond his exit, we have read torrents of tributes from social media users and his fans who have expressed grief, sadness and deep pain over the unforeseen departure of the young and handsome entertainer who easily grabs attention. Like the Biblical Rachel, their eyes are overflowing with tears of anguish and their heart bleeds profusely and they have refused to be comforted, for their favourite movie start is no more. Interesting isn't it? 

The paradox of this love in the casket can easily be seen on the flip, as recent as 2022 when this same social media served as the courtroom to trial, judge and convict Ekubo of whatever it is that was levelled against him by his erstwhile fiancée, a US-based model, Fancy Acholonu when their relationship hit the rock. Like a pride of lion hungry for flesh, the social media served as a slaughter slab, descended on him vociferously, devoured him with utter viciousness and made a mincemeat of his reputation, then move on, looking for the next matter to judge. Even before Ekubo could alter a single word to tell his own side of the story, the world had already passed and executed judgement. It is the way of a generation with a fixation for inflicting injury, then come back to weep for their victim. 

Those who gave him war with their keypads are now masquerading as angels of peace. Those who tore him to shreds with their tongues of sword today have every soothing words to say of him. Those who condemned him to death are now asking death 'oh why'? What is it with social media and love in the casket? 

Today, two full-grown adults are struggling to explain to this same social media, a street of toxicity why they decided to be with each other as husband and wife when they clearly could not find fulfillment in their first unions. Judith Austin and Yul Edochie are arguably the most vilified and bullied personalities in Nigeria's social media space today. 

We grab our keypads, carefully craft awful and hurtful messages about people we barely know their stories, people on whose shoes we can't step into and people whose inner battle we have no scintilla knowledge of. We mock and laugh them to scorn, same way Ekubo's failed relationship became a thing of entertainment for everyone, not knowing he was fighting a battle for survival — cancer, which was later said to have taken him to his creator. 

Today, if anything goes wrong, same social media that says Edochie and his darling wife, Judith should live in perpetual sadness and regret will flood everywhere with pretentious love and tears of hypocrisy. Paradoxical isn't it? We easily forget that somehow, what we wish others have a way of coming back into our lives. You can't be wishing others endless sadness and expect everlasting joy. Mbanu! Is Judith Austin the first woman to have left a relationship she no more finds love and respect in? How often, my cherished reader have you walked out of someone's life? Is Yul Edochie the first man to marry a second wife? Why are we silently praying praying for evil to befall them? Do you own the universe?

We commit so much energy, time and resources analysing the lifestyle of people we hardly know, even plan a life for them, yet we pay a deaf ear to the litany of personal issues staring at us brazenly. Since you pontificate in sainthood, as the keeper of gate of morals, why not lift your hand to cast the first stone oh ye without sin? If two individuals, adults for that matter have decided to be with each other, the best society owes them is to wish them luck. If for any reason a party feels aggrieved, the courts are open to seek redress. Unleashing avalanche of curses on them, as if you are Jehovah, the Creator of universe, from whom all good things flow is both nonsensical and of no effect.

If it takes 6 feet to activate the humanity in us, if the living cannot enjoy the peace within us, if media liberalisation only serves as conduit to spew venom over words of peace, love and calm, then there is something fundamentally wrong and it calls for a holistic change and there never a better time to be a new person than now.

𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙄 𝙜𝙤...

It is indeed very troubling that a month after, relevant authorities are yet to secure the release of the dozens of schoolchildren and their teachers abducted from Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area for Oyo State. More worrisome is the report of serial torture and dehumanisation of the victims by the clearly wicked kidnappers. 

The trauma, agony and the psychological disturbances their parents and loved ones have gone through at this moment is better imagined. Our hearts are indeed with them.

This is a passionate appeal to the relevant agencies of government, particularly the security and intelligence organisations to fast-track efforts to secure the safe release of these patriots and indeed every other Nigerian held captive within the shores of this country. We want an end to the reign of terror on innocent citizens. That is leadership.

Enemanna, an Abuja-based journalist writes from [email protected]

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Headline June 22, 2026 Pennyswift Ltd Chairman Urges Nigerian Youths to Embrace Forex Trading, Launches Its Copy Trading

Pennyswift Ltd Chairman Urges Nigerian Youths to Embrace Forex Trading, Launches Its Copy Trading Launch

The Chairman of Pennyswift Ltd, Mr. Benjamin Israel Ebenezer has called on Nigerian youths to embrace Forex trading as a valuable skill capable of creating economic opportunities and promoting financial independence.

Speaking in a statement made available to journalists, Mr. Ebenezer popularly known as Mr. Blue Of Wall Street said the country's current economic realities and rising unemployment rates make it imperative for young people to acquire high-income skills that can position them for success in the global economy.

According to him, the foreign exchange market remains the largest financial market in the world, with trillions of dollars exchanged daily, providing opportunities for disciplined and well-trained individuals to participate from virtually anywhere.

He stressed that Forex trading should not be viewed as a get-rich-quick scheme, but rather as a profession that demands proper education, patience, consistency, emotional control and sound risk management.

"Forex trading teaches discipline, financial management, analytical thinking and decision-making. These are essential skills that are useful not only in trading but also in business and everyday life. Young Nigerians must begin to look beyond traditional employment and embrace opportunities offered by the digital economy," he said.

Mr. Ebenezer noted that Nigeria possesses one of the largest and most energetic youth populations in the world, adding that equipping young people with knowledge of the financial markets would help raise a new generation of informed investors, traders and entrepreneurs.

He further announced that Pennyswift Ltd has officially launched its copy trading service on June 14, 2026, describing the initiative as part of the company's efforts to make Forex trading more accessible to individuals seeking to learn and participate in the market.

According to him, the copy trading platform will provide users with the opportunity to follow and replicate the strategies of experienced traders while gaining practical insights into market operations.

"The future belongs to those who develop valuable skills. Forex trading deserves a place among the skills every ambitious Nigerian youth should learn. Through our copy trading platform, we intend to provide a pathway for more Nigerians to participate responsibly in the global financial market," he added.

He encouraged aspiring traders to focus on continuous learning and responsible risk management, emphasizing that long-term success in the Forex market is built on knowledge, discipline and consistency.

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Headline June 21, 2026 Queen Esther Inducted as Accredited Mediator, Pledges to Foster Harmony and Understanding*

*Queen Esther Inducted as Accredited Mediator, Pledges to Foster Harmony and Understanding*

Renowned Business Development Manager and real estate professional, Queen Esther Ajuzie, has been officially inducted as an Accredited Mediator and welcomed into the membership of the Mediation Training Institute (MTI), marking a significant milestone in her professional journey . 

The induction ceremony, which recently took place in Abuja, attracted notable personalities and stakeholders in the mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) community, highlighting the increasing role of mediation as a preferred  mechanism for resolving conflicts. 

Following her successful induction, the Institute issued her certificate of membership, duly signed by its President and Registrar, heralding what many describe as a new chapter in her commitment to promoting peaceful conflict resolution and building enduring legacies in the mediation profession. Queen Esther  who possesses a strong academic background in Gender Studies and is widely recognised for combining analytical insight with a people-centred approach to gender management issues, took to social media to express gratitude over the professional achievement.

"To God be the glory. I am thrilled to announce that I have been officially inducted as an Accredited Mediator," she wrote.

Reflecting on the significance of the development, she added: "I was an Apostle without a Pulpit, but now I have a pulpit and a platform. I look forward to helping individuals, organisations, communities and nations to find common ground and bridge gaps. This indeed is a new chapter of fostering harmony and understanding."

Beyond her accomplishments in mediation, Queen Esther has built a reputation over the past decade as a specialist in business development, strategic partnerships and growth management within the real estate sector, while consistently placing purpose, sustainable development, inclusion and equity at the centre of her work.

Widely admired for her compassion, drive and collaborative spirit, she remains deeply committed to creating sustainable impact and supporting the growth and wellbeing of communities.

Since news of her induction became public, friends, associates and professional colleagues have continued to send congratulatory messages, expressing confidence in her capacity to make meaningful contributions to the mediation landscape and to help resolve disputes through dialogue, understanding consensus-building and principled engagement.

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News June 20, 2026 HallowMace Africa And Partners Unveil Final Shortlisted Nominees For The July 2026 National Legislative Awards Conferments

Theme: Celebrating Distinguished Leadership, Parliamentary Excellence, and Public Service

ABUJA, NIGERIA. In anticipation of the prestigious National Legislative Award ceremony scheduled for  9th of July 2026 at the NAF Conference Center, Abuja, the HallowMace Africa and its partners have officially released the final shortlisted lists of awardees (Voting Category).

Following a rigorous and transparent process that combined public online voting with extensive consultations with key parliamentary stakeholder groups, including the NASS Press Corps, the Nigerian Conference of Speakers, the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), and the National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum (NASLAF). The Foundation and it's partners are proud to present the outstanding individuals whose legislative impact and service to the nation have earned them this recognition.

These finalists represent the pinnacle of legislative diligence across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.

1. NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: Most Outstanding Lawmakers

Selected via public voting & NASS Press Corps consultations

South East

Senate: Sen. Enyinnaya Abariba

House of Representatives: Hon. Chike Okafor

South South

Senate: Sen. Adams Oshiomole

House of Representatives: Hon. Inombek Awaji-Abiante

South West

Senate: Sen. Solomon Olamilekan and Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele (tie)

House of Representatives: Hon. Bamidele Salam

North Central

Senate: Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduanghan

House of Representatives: Hon. Jonathan G. Gaza

North East

Senate: Sen. Muhammed Monguno

House Of Representatives: Hon. Ahmadu Usman Jaha

North West

Senate: Sen. Sunday Katung

House of Representatives: Hon. Sada Soli

2. STATE HOUSES OF ASSEMBLY: Most Outstanding Speakers

Selected via extensive consultations with the Nigerian Conference of Speakers

South East

· Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly

South South

· Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly

South West

· Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly

North Central

· Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly

North East

· Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly

North West

· Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu, Speaker, Jigawa State House of Assembly

Special Recognition /Long Service Achievement Awards

· Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly

3. Most Outstanding Parliamentary Staff

Selected via consultations with the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN)

· Dr. Cornelius Ikalumhe (Senate) 

· Mr. Paul Adara Adiwu – (House of Representatives) 

4. Most Outstanding Legislative Aides

Selected via consultations with the National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum (NASLAF)

· Hajia Hauwa M. Lamin (Senate) 

· Mr. Agwunobi Peter Anochie (House of Representatives) 

5. Most Outstanding Parliamentary Reporters

Selected via consultations with the National Assembly Press Corps

· Oyediya Agwu Nancy Urum (AIT) - Senate

· Joke Adisa (TVC) – House of Representatives

· Comrade Babalola Lukman Laleye (Emporium) - New Media

Event Details

Event: National Legislative Awards 2026

Date: 9th July 2026

Venue: NAF Conference Center, Abuja

Time: 4pm

Chairman of the Occasion:

His Excellency,  Senator Ameh Ebute

President of the Senate

Third Republic. 

Special Guests of Honour:

His Excellency,  Senator Godswill Akpabio 

President of the Senate

His Excellency,  Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas 

Speaker,  House of Representatives 

His Excellency, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki 

President of the Senate 

9th National Assembly 

Host: HallowMace Africa, in partnership with ERGAF Africa, International Goodwill Ambassador Club and IsabellaAyukFoundation (Also in partnership with key legislative support groups)

A Word From HallowMace Africa And Partners

"These finalists have demonstrated uncommon dedication to legislative due process, constituency representation, and the advancement of democratic values. We thank the Nigerian public and our media/Parliamentary partners for ensuring a credible selection process. 9th Of July 2026 will be a night of pure legislative honour."

Media Accreditation & Inquiries

Members of the press seeking accreditation for coverage of the July 2026 event should contact the HallowMace Africa public Communications Desk. 

Signed

Amb. Oguh Hyginus John

Head, Public Communications Desk

HallowMace Africa

08055414610

08036786790

News June 20, 2026 Democratic Youth Assembly Of Nigeria Pledges Support For Armed Forces, Seeks Strategic Partnership With Defence Headquarters

The Democratic Youth Assembly of Nigeria has reaffirmed its support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria and pledged to partner with Defence Headquarters in promoting peace, national unity and public awareness on security issues across the country.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the leadership and members of the Assembly to Defence Headquarters, Abuja. 

Speaking during the visit, the Chief of Defence Staff, General OO Oluyede who was represented by the Chief of Civil Military Relations, Rear Admiral SA Lawal expressed appreciation to the Assembly for the honour and commended Nigerian youths for their growing interest in national development and security. He emphasized that meaningful engagement with youth groups remains vital to strengthening national cohesion and fostering collective action towards lasting peace and stability.

The CDS noted that insecurity continues to pose significant challenges to the nation, with the activities of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, separatist elements and other criminal groups adversely affecting lives, livelihoods and socio-economic development. He, however, assured the youths that the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, remains committed to providing strategic direction and support to security agencies in addressing the nation's security concerns.

General Oluyede stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, working closely with other security and intelligence agencies, remain resolute in conducting operations across various theatres to protect citizens, restore peace and preserve the nation's territorial integrity. He further urged Nigerian youths to reject violence, extremism, misinformation and all forms of criminality, while embracing dialogue, peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement as tools for national development. He called on youths to support ongoing government efforts by providing credible information to security agencies, promoting responsible use of social media and serving as ambassadors of peace within their communities.

Earlier in his remarks, the National Coordinator, Democratic Youth Assembly of Nigeria Amb. Bashir Nasiru Garki commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their sacrifices and sustained efforts in combating insecurity across the country. He observed that the achievements of the military are often overshadowed by misinformation disinformation and propaganda despite the significant progress being recorded in various operational theatres.

The National Coordinator also called for a formal partnership between the Assembly and Defence Headquarters to promote peace, national unity and greater public understanding of security-related issues. He pledged the support of Nigerian youths in countering misinformation and disinformation targeted at the Armed Forces.

The Assembly further expressed confidence in the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, praising his frontline leadership style, frequent visits to operational theatres, commitment to troop welfare and dedication to national security.

The visit concluded with the presentation of a souvenir to the Chief of Defence Staff in recognition of his outstanding service, leadership and contributions to the defence and security of Nigeria.

Comr. Sadik SK Zango, CCS, CNS

Director of Information, Media and Strategic Communications 

On Behalf of the National Coordinator and National Executive Council 

Democratic Youth Assembly of Nigeria 

19th June, 2026

News Politics June 20, 2026 BREAKING!!! INEC Declares Oyebanji Winner As APC Dominates All 16 LGAs

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the winner of the Ekiti State governorship election held on Saturday.

STATEPRESS reports that the governor was re-elected after polling 319,224 votes over his closest rivals in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olumayokun Oluyede and African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dare Bejide, across the state’s 16 local governments.

The Returning Officer for the election, Prof Adenike Oladiji, who is the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Akure, announced the results in the early hours of Sunday at the INEC’s headquarters on Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

Oladiji said, “Therefore, I, Adenike, am the returning officer for the 2026 Ekiti governorship election…Oyebanji Abiodun Abayomi, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and stands re-elected.”

While the APC polled 319,224 votes, the PDP candidate polled 40, 533 votes, and the ADC candidate amassed 12,872 votes.

There are 988,251 registered voters, and 384,940 are accredited.

Out of the 382,109 votes cast, the total valid votes in the election were 375, 777.

According to INEC’s results, the PDP candidate, who hails from Efon-Alaaye in Efon LGA, lost in his local government area.

While the APC and its candidate, Oyebanji, scored 8,742 votes, the PDP, which came second in the LGA, garnered 2,051 votes.

Below are the full results of the governorship election as collated at the State Collation Centre from the 16 LGAs on Sunday.

Efon Local Govt

Collation officer: Prof. Joseph Ojo

ADC – 201

APC – 8742

PDP – 2051

Ijero LG

Collation Officer: Prof. Olaniran Akanni

ADC – 2026

APC – 25506

PDP – 2479

Ikere LG

Collation Officer: Prof. Kehinde Jayeoba

ADC – 245

APC – 11116

PDP – 9872

Emure LG

Collation Officer: Prof Emmanuel Oluwafemi

ADC -732

APC – 14325

PDP – 851

Ekiti South West

Collation Officer: Prof. Kola Oladunmoye

ADC – 1076

APC – 14705

PDP – 1800

Ido/Osi

Collation Officer: Prof. Otalobi Akintunde

ADC – 561

APC – 17901

PDP – 1449

Ekiti West

Collation Officer: Prof Bolaji Stephen

ADC – 674

APC – 28258

PDP – 3644

Ado LG

Collation Officer: Prof. Toye Fasinmirin

ADC – 1054

APC – 38026

PDP – 3817

Ilejemeje LG

Collation Officer: Prof. Kehinde Mogaji

ADC – 579

APC – 8984

PDP – 1243

Ise/Orun LG

Collation Officer: Dr John Isa

ADC – 365

APC – 12907

PDP – 1627

Oye LG

Collation Officer: Prof. Jide Popoola

ADC – 998

APC – 18975

PDP – 2891

 

Moba LG

Collation Officer: Prof. Suleiman Adegboyega

ADC – 994

APC – 20500

PDP – 1572

 

Ayekire/Gbonyin LG

Collation Officer: Prof. Oso Bamidele

ADC – 314

APC – 17133

PDP – 1563

 

Ikole LG

Collation Officer: Prof. Sadiat Adifala

ADC – 812

APC – 26508

PDP – 750

 

Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA

Collation Officer: Prof. Michael Adeyemi

ADC – 511

APC – 29278

PDP – 2119

 

Ekiti East LGA

Collation Officer: Prof. Olabode Olatunbosun

ADC – 1730

APC – 26359

PDP – 2795

The collation and counting of results which started around midnight ended by 4:00am today with one of the INEC accredited foreign election observer,  Nouvelle Perspective Internationale present to witness the exercise and declaration.