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Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has canvassed support for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede, describing him as a competent, experienced and people-oriented leader who possesses the vision needed to move the state forward.

The senator made the remarks during the grand finale of the PDP governorship campaign held opposite Eagle Hall, Ikere Road, Ado-Ekiti, on Saturday, June 13, 2026, ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

Addressing thousands of party supporters, women groups, youths and members of the Ebira community, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she had spent several days across different towns and settlements in Ekiti State mobilizing support for the PDP candidate.

According to her, Oluyede deserves the mandate of Ekiti people because of his commitment to good governance, youth empowerment, women inclusion, educational development and economic growth.

She stated that the PDP candidate has consistently demonstrated genuine concern for the welfare of ordinary people and has remained accessible to the grassroots.

“Dr. Oluwole Oluyede is a leader who understands the needs of the people. He is not disconnected from the grassroots. He has listened to the cries of market women, youths, civil servants and community leaders across the state,” she said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan further described Oluyede as a unifying figure who believes every resident of Ekiti State deserves equal opportunities irrespective of tribe or background.

She noted that one of the major reasons she decided to campaign vigorously for the PDP candidate was his promise to run an inclusive government where all ethnic groups residing in Ekiti State, including the Ebira community, would be fairly represented.

“He has assured our people that his administration will carry everyone along. He believes in unity, fairness and equal representation. That is the kind of leadership Ekiti needs at this critical time,” she added.

The senator also praised the educational standard and political consciousness of Ekiti people, expressing confidence that voters would make wise decisions during the election.

“Ekiti people are proudly educated and politically enlightened people. I believe they know who truly has the capacity, compassion and experience to govern the state effectively,” she stated.

Speaking on her mobilisation efforts, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan disclosed that she had visited several communities including Ikole-Ekiti, Ilasa and other settlements with large populations of Ebira residents to canvass support for the PDP candidate.

She said her mission in Ekiti was to encourage women and the Ebira community across the state to come out massively on June 20 and vote for Oluyede.

“We have moved from settlement to settlement speaking to our people. We are encouraging them to support a candidate that will prioritize development, inclusion, peace and prosperity for all,” she said.

The campaign grand finale attracted party leaders, traditional supporters, youth organizations and women groups from across the state, all expressing optimism that the PDP would emerge victorious in the June 20 governorship election.

Ekiki Guber Poll: Sen Natasha rallies support for PDP candidate, Oluyede

American tennis player Robin Montgomery emerged as the champion at the WTA tournament in ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Libéma Open), capturing her first-ever WTA-level title.

The 21-year-old was set to face the defending champion, Barbora Krejcikova, in the final, but the Czech player withdrew from the match due to an upper respiratory illness. As a result, Montgomery was awarded the title without having to step onto the court.

Though much of the attention this week has been on the HSBC Championship, quality tennis has been played at the WTA 250 Libema Open.

At the time of the tournament, she was ranked just 484th in the world, making her one of the lowest-ranked players ever to win a WTA title.

The talented left-hander , a native of Washington DC, turned pro in 2019. Montgomery has long been considered a rising star in the sport particularly after winning the girls’ singles and doubles’ titles at the 2021 US Open.

She defeated Australians Daria Kasatkina and Ajla Tomljanovic in the earlier rounds. Kasatkina is the 2018 Wimbledon quarterfinalist and former Top Ten player. Tomljanovic is a two-time Wimbledon quarterfinalist and a former US Open quarterfinalist.

Montgomery was also a recent doubles partner for Coco Gauff at the 2026 Mutua Madrid Open. The duo advanced to the Round of 16.

Montgomery Clinches Prestigious WTA 250 Title is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has demanded allowance parity with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in ongoing renegotiations with the Federal Government.

Mr Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, made the position of the union known while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Geneva, Switzerland.

Adeyemi who spoke on the sidelines of the just concluded 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) insisted that non-academic workers deserve equal welfare benefits. Specifically, he said the union was seeking parity in allowances following the Federal Government’s approval of a 40 per cent increase in allowances for ASUU members.

According to him, NASU members perform critical roles in universities and should not be treated differently in the allocation of welfare benefits and negotiated entitlements.

“We are demanding that whatever is given to ASUU should also be given to us because we face the same economic realities,” Adeyemi said.

He added that the union had rejected an earlier offer of 30 per cent increase in allowances, insisting that it fell short of what was granted to ASUU.

“Government offered us 30 per cent and we said no. Though they are our senior colleagues, but, we all go to the same market and buy the same fuel,” he said.

Adeyemi said landlords and service providers do not discriminate between academic and non-academic workers when determining rents and charges.

“The cost of living affects all workers equally. We cannot accept a situation where one group receives significantly better allowances than another,” he said.

The NASU general secretary said that negotiations with the federal government had progressed substantially and were nearing conclusion at the university sector level. He said that the outcome of the university negotiations would influence discussions covering polytechnics and colleges of education where NASU also represents workers.

“We are almost reaching the end of the renegotiation process for universities. Once we conclude that, the other sectors may not be as difficult,” he said.

Adeyemi said that the government was delaying the implementation of agreements reached with unions, saying such actions often fuel industrial disputes across tertiary institutions. He noted that sincere collective bargaining remained essential to industrial harmony and urged government representatives to negotiate in good faith.

“When agreements are freely entered into, they should be implemented. Failure to do so only creates avoidable crises in the education sector,” he said.

Adeyemi expressed hope that the ongoing discussions would yield positive outcomes capable of improving the welfare of non-academic staff across federal tertiary institutions.

He said NASU was commitment to dialogue but stressed that workers expected fair treatment and equitable compensation in line with prevailing economic realities.

‘We Buy The Same Fuel’ — NASU Demands Equal Pay With ASUU is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has admitted an additional 303,059 units of the Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund (NIDF) to its Daily Official List, increasing the fund’s total outstanding units to approximately 1.197 billion.

The listing followed the implementation of the fund’s first-quarter 2026 scrip dividend programme, according to a market bulletin issued by the Exchange.

With the admission of the new units, the total number of issued units in the infrastructure-focused fund increased from 1,196,654,417 units to 1,196,957,476 units, further strengthening the fund’s presence on the Nigerian capital market.

NGX notified Trading Licence Holders of the development, stating that the additional units arose from the distribution of scrip dividends to eligible investors who elected to receive additional units in lieu of cash dividend payments.

The NIDF, managed by Chapel Hill Denham Management Limited, is Nigeria’s first and largest listed infrastructure debt fund. The fund was established to mobilise long-term capital for financing critical infrastructure projects across sectors including power, transportation, energy, and industrial development, while providing investors with stable income and capital preservation opportunities.

Market analysts note that scrip dividend issuances are increasingly being utilised by collective investment schemes and listed entities as a means of rewarding investors while preserving cash resources for future investment and portfolio expansion.

The latest listing is expected to enhance liquidity in the fund’s units on the Exchange and reflects continued investor participation in infrastructure-linked investment vehicles amid growing interest in alternative asset classes.

As one of the flagship infrastructure investment products in Nigeria’s capital market, the NIDF has continued to attract institutional and retail investors seeking exposure to long-term infrastructure assets backed by predictable cash flows and relatively stable returns.

The increase in the fund’s outstanding units also underscores the growing role of the capital market in mobilising domestic savings for infrastructure development, a key priority in Nigeria’s efforts to bridge its significant infrastructure financing gap.

The Nigerian Exchange said the newly listed units are now available for trading, enabling investors to buy and sell the additional units through the secondary market alongside existing holdings.

NIDF: NGX Lists Additional 303,059 Units, Holdings Hit 1.197 Billion is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Oyo State Government and stakeholders in the education sector have called for stronger collaboration between government, alumni bodies, and

The post Oyo govt, stakeholders seek stronger partnership to improve education appeared first on Tribune Online.

Israel has struck a building in Beirut’s southern suburbs, killing at least one person and injuring four others, after accusing Hezbollah of launching three projectiles towards northern Israel in what it described as a blatant ceasefire violation.

The Israeli military said Hezbollah’s projectiles violated the ceasefire, coming hours after Israel issued forced displacement orders for residents of more than two dozen towns in southern Lebanon.

Israel said it was responding to Hezbollah missiles and drones.

The Israeli military carried out the strike on Beirut after three Hezbollah drones hit northern Israel earlier in the day.

The strike targeted an apartment that the Israel Defense Forces said served as a Hezbollah command centre. Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that at least one person was killed and four were injured in the strike.

A senior Iranian parliament member reacted sharply to the strike, with Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the parliament’s foreign policy and national security committee, writing on social media: “If you seek an agreement or understanding, you must discipline the Zionist regime. If this rabid dog is not controlled, it will bite your leg before the ink is dry on the agreement.”

Tehran has said that any Israeli attack on Beirut would violate its ceasefire with the U.S. and could trigger an Iranian response.

Israel continues to attack Lebanon despite Iran saying the country is included in a proposed memorandum of understanding with the U.S. to end the war in the region.

The escalation follows Hezbollah’s rejection last week of a ceasefire proposal agreed between Israel and Lebanon after U.S.-led negotiations.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said the group was “concerned only with a comprehensive cessation of aggression, a ceasefire, and the withdrawal of Israel,” rejecting the proposal as fulfilling “the enemy’s objectives.”

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said the Israeli military would continue “its fire and activity in the area at this stage” and would “remain in the security zone in Lebanon… without the return of the Lebanese population.”

The latest exchange comes amid a broader pattern of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in recent days.

Hezbollah said it repelled two Israeli ground incursions and carried out 19 attacks targeting Israeli troops in southern Lebanon on Friday and Saturday.

Israel Accuses Hezbollah Of Ceasefire Violation, Strikes Beirut is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Sunday announced the suspension of the 2026 Batch B Stream I Orientation Course for prospective corps members deployed to Niger State.

NYSC disclosed this on its official X handle, stating that the suspension was due to ongoing renovation work at the orientation camp.

It further stated that affected prospective corps members would be informed later of new arrangements for the exercise.

“This is to notify the General Public and Prospective Corps Members (PCMs) deployed to Niger State for the 2026 Batch B Stream I Orientation Course that their Orientation Course Exercise is suspended for now due to ongoing renovation work at the Orientation Camp,” the statement on X read.

It added, “PCMs affected should note that they will be contacted at a short notice on where and when to report for their Orientation Course.

“The Management regrets all inconveniences to the affected PCMs and their parents.”

This makes it the second time this year. The scheme’s suspension of orientation activities in Niger is linked to infrastructure challenges.

Earlier in 2026, a severe windstorm damaged key facilities at the State camp in Paiko, Paikoro Local Government Area, including male hostels, the multi-purpose hall, kitchen, and staff quarters.

Reacting, Governor Mohammed Bago directed immediate repairs.

The 2026 Batch B Stream I orientation exercise which commenced on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, was scheduled to run through Tuesday, June 30, 2026, nationwide.

NYSC Halts 2026 Batch B Stream I Orientation In Niger is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Barely four months after its formation, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is facing what many consider its first major test of

The post 2027: How NDC leaders are fighting to keep coalition together appeared first on Tribune Online.

Brazil winger Vinicius has vowed that Carlo Ancelotti’s side will improve in their next match after failing to beat Morocco in Saturday’s World Cup encounter.

Vinicius scored Brazil’s only goal of the match after Ismael Saibari had put Morocco in front.

The World Cup opener ended in a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes as both Brazil and Morocco got a point each.

In a post on Instagram after the game, the Real Madrid star wrote, “Thank you God, we want more and will improve. Let’s go together, Brazil.”

Brazil’s next World Cup tie is against Haiti on Saturday, June 19.

They will face Scotland in their final game of the group stage on June 24.

World Cup 2026: Vinicius makes promise after Brazil fail to beat Morocco

An Islamic cleric and the first Muqaddamul Wai’zeen of Oyo State, Fadeelatus-Sheikh Abdul-Mu’min Shehu Usman,, has enjoined the Chief Imam of Ilorin designate, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani, to try his best to promote unity and peace among the Muslim Ummah. 

Usman made the call in a statement congratulating the Chief Imam-designate. 

The Ogbomoso-based Islamic cleric in the congratulatory letter explained that the selection of the Chief Imam designate is a testimony of his deep-rooted knowledge, humility, and lifelong dedication to Qur’an and Sunnah.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to make the new Chief Imam a man of guidance and a lamp in darkness and urged him to promote unity among the Ummah, champion progress and development. 

Usman, in the statement, said, “It is with a heart brimming with joy and gratitude to Allah that I, Fadeelatus-Sheikh Abdul-Mu’min Shehu Usman, Muqaddamul Wai’zeen of Oyo State, write to rejoice with you, your esteemed family, the Ulama Council of Ilorin, and the entire Muslim Ummah on your appointment as the Grand Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate by the Emir of Ilọrin.

“I humbly implore you to use this blessed position to promote Unity Among the Ummah. Champion progress and development. Encourage education, skills, entrepreneurship, and service to humanity. Let our mosques be centers of knowledge, welfare, and solutions for our people’s challenges.  

“Speak with wisdom and mercy. O Allah, make him an Imam of guidance and a lamp in darkness. Unite the Muslims through him, soften their hearts, make his opinion sound, and bless his knowledge, deeds, life and offspring. Make him a key to good for the Ummah and a lock against evil. Ameen.

“The eyes of Nigeria and beyond are on Ilorin. With your leadership, I am confident the Emirate will shine brighter as a beacon of scholarship, peace, and progress. The bond between other Cities and Ilorin Ulamā’ remains strong, and I pledge my sincere du’as and cooperation for the sake of Islam”. 

Promote unity among Muslims – Islamic cleric charges Chief Imam of Ilorin designate