FG vows no Nigerian left behind in South Africa evacuation
The Federal Government has assured that no Nigerian who has indicated interest in leaving South Africa will be left behind. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the assurance in a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr Magnus Eze, on Thursday in Abuja. The minister’s promise comes as concerns mount over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa amid ongoing attacks on foreign nationals. The government said it remains committed to ensuring the welfare and safe return of all citizens who wish to leave the country.
Retired officers say insecurity not a Northern problem
Retired military officers and associates of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar have cautioned Nigerians against blaming the North for the country’s worsening insecurity. The group, speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna on Thursday, insisted that terrorism, banditry and kidnapping have become a national challenge affecting every region of the country. They urged Nigerians to resist narratives that paint insecurity as a regional issue, stressing that the crisis cuts across all parts of the country and requires a unified national response rather than ethnic or regional finger-pointing.
NEC approves N83.21bn for flood, climate disaster preparedness
The National Economic Council has approved the release of N83.21 billion for flood preparedness and climate-related disaster mitigation across Nigeria. The approval was granted at the 158th NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday. The move forms part of the Federal Government’s intensified efforts to shift from emergency response to preventive action in managing Nigeria’s recurring environmental crises. The funding is expected to support states in strengthening early-warning systems and flood control infrastructure ahead of the rainy season.
INEC begins distribution of materials for Ondo South by-election
The Independent National Electoral Commission has commenced the distribution of sensitive election materials for the Ondo South Senatorial District by-election. The exercise, supervised by electoral officials, security agencies and political party representatives, involved deploying ballot papers, result sheets and other sensitive materials to designated locations ahead of Saturday’s election. INEC said the distribution was carried out under tight security to ensure materials reach all collation points safely and on schedule, as preparations for the keenly contested by-election intensify across the senatorial district.
Governors renew call for state police, demand constitutional backing
Governors of the 36 states have renewed their call for the establishment of state police, insisting that any new policing structure must be firmly rooted in the Constitution and respect citizens’ rights. The position was reached after a meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in Abuja, which ran from Wednesday into early Thursday. In a communiqué signed by NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governors said the decision followed a presentation from the Forum’s secretariat and the Attorneys-General of the states on frameworks for establishing state police.
Naira depreciates to N1,410/$ in parallel market
The Naira depreciated to N1,410 per dollar in the parallel market on Thursday, from N1,405 per dollar the previous day. Similarly, the local currency weakened to N1,365.5 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM). The slide reflects continued pressure on the naira amid demand for the dollar across both official and unofficial trading windows, as analysts continue to monitor liquidity conditions in the foreign exchange market.
APC condemns opposition parties over “lead or leave” endorsement
The All Progressives Congress has condemned the African Democratic Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Social Democratic Party, Nigeria Democratic Congress and others for endorsing the House of Representatives minority caucus’s “lead or leave” call on President Bola Tinubu over worsening insecurity. The ruling party described the position as politically motivated and unfair, accusing the opposition parties of exploiting the security situation for political gain rather than offering constructive solutions to the challenges confronting the country.
Lagos firefighters douse blaze at Polaris Bank building
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has extinguished a fire outbreak on the third floor of the Polaris Bank building on Broad Street, Lagos Island. The incident occurred at about 11:33 a.m. on Thursday and involved a stationary saloon car parked on the third floor of the 17-storey building, which also serves as a parking facility. Firefighters responded promptly to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading further within the building.
EFCC probes self-acclaimed prophet over N70.39m fraud claims
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has commenced an investigation into a self-acclaimed prophet, Godwin Sunday Ajuluchukwucheya, popularly known as Prophet Sunday Koboko, over allegations that he defrauded members of his ministry of N70.39 million. The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement on its official X handle on Thursday. The EFCC said it is gathering evidence to determine the extent of the alleged fraud and would ensure appropriate action is taken against the cleric if found culpable.
ADC leaders berate APC over Ekiti’s “dismal” performance
The African Democratic Congress National Chairman, David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, on Thursday berated the All Progressives Congress government in Ekiti State over an alleged dismal performance in office in the last three and a half years. The ADC leaders spoke in Ado Ekiti during a mega rally for the party’s governorship candidate, Dare Bejide, ahead of Saturday’s election. They described the ADC as the credible alternative to give Ekiti people a better life.
FG weighing action against South African firms like MTN, MultiChoice
The Federal Government has hinted at possible measures against South African companies operating in Nigeria, including telecommunications giant MTN, as outrage mounts over continued attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this on Thursday while addressing the worsening anti-migrant attacks and the ongoing evacuation of Nigerians. She said Nigeria had exercised restraint and pursued diplomacy but warned the government may consider other options if attacks persist, noting that over 120 South African firms operate freely in Nigeria.
Appeal Court affirms Oyebanji as APC’s Ekiti governorship candidate
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the forthcoming governorship election. The appellate court, in a unanimous judgment on Thursday, dismissed an appeal by APC member Mrs Abimbola Olawumi, who had challenged the party’s primary outcome. A three-member panel led by Justice Adebukola Banjoko held the appeal incompetent over a breach of filing rules, and also allowed Oyebanji’s cross-appeal, clearing his path to remain APC’s candidate.
Electoral Act amendment must wait till after 2027 polls — Bamidele
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has ruled out any amendment to the 2026 Electoral Act before the 2027 general elections. Speaking in an interview with ThisDay, Bamidele said amending the law just months before a major election could deepen distrust and confusion. The Ekiti lawmaker noted that some colleagues had pushed for fresh amendments following certain court rulings, but he declined to support such moves, stressing that INEC is already under pressure ahead of 2027 and further changes must come after the elections.
2027 may be my last shot at presidency — Peter Obi
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has said he may not contest for president again after the 2027 election. He made this known during an interview on Nevon HQ, responding to a secondary school student’s question. Obi explained that Nigeria’s zoning arrangement, which rotates power between North and South, shapes his thinking. He said if he loses in 2027, the presidency may shift North in 2031, and by the time power returns South, he would be about 78 — making 2027 likely his final attempt.
National Assembly a “cooperating arm” of Executive — Kingibe
Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, has accused the National Assembly of operating as a rubber stamp rather than an independent oversight institution. Speaking on Arise Television, she claimed the legislature has become a “cooperating arm” of the Executive instead of holding it accountable. On political tensions ahead of 2027, the senator said public frustration stems from hardship rather than opposition activity, urging government to focus on addressing citizens’ challenges instead of restricting political competition.
Tears as Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo laid to rest
The body of Nollywood actor, Alexx Ekubo, has been laid to rest amid tears, tributes and prayers from friends and family. He was buried in his hometown of Arochukwu, Abia State, on Thursday, June 18. The burial drew a large turnout of mourners, including Nollywood colleagues, who gathered to honour the late actor’s decade-long career. Family, friends and loved ones stood together in an emotional farewell as Ekubo was committed to mother earth, his final resting place becoming a symbol of a life remembered.
Why I kept my marriage private — Baba Ijesha’s wife
Abiodun Folashade Tokunbo, wife of Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has explained why she chose to keep her marriage private. Tokunbo, CEO of Lagos-based fashion brand House of Luminee, said privacy remained important to her peace and well-being. She disclosed this in an Instagram post sharing photos chronicling her journey with her husband over the years, expressing gratitude despite challenges faced, and noting that discretion in personal matters had helped her protect her peace.
World Cup: Ivory Coast’s Wahi arrested over alleged match-fixing
Ivory Coast international, Elye Wahi, was arrested by French police less than two weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup as part of a spot-fixing investigation. The 23-year-old striker is being probed over allegations he deliberately sought a yellow card while playing for Nice against Metz in Ligue 1 on May 17, amid suspicious betting patterns. A Marseille prosecutor’s spokesperson confirmed the player was arrested on May 29 as part of a wider probe into organised fraud, sports corruption, handling proceeds of crime and money laundering.
FIFA extends South Africa’s Themba Zwane’s World Cup ban
South Africa have suffered a setback at the 2026 World Cup after midfielder Themba Zwane was suspended for three matches following his red card in the Group A loss to Mexico. Zwane was sent off in the 84th minute of the 2-0 defeat after a VAR review found he illegally raised his arm against Mexico’s Roberto Alvarado. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee classified the incident as serious foul play, adding two games to the standard one-match ban. Head coach Hugo Broos disagreed with the decision, though the suspension remains subject to appeal.
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