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Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos Receives 268 Nigerians Evacuated From South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks

Federal Government says more than 1,000 Nigerians seek evacuation as returnees land at Murtala Muhammed Airport

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Federal Government says more than 1,000 Nigerians seek evacuation as returnees land at Murtala Muhammed Airport

No fewer than 268 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following a recent surge in xenophobic attacks arrived in Lagos on Thursday. The returnees touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport aboard an Air Peace flight arranged under the Federal Government’s emergency repatriation programme.

The evacuation flight, initially scheduled for Monday, was delayed by documentation and processing challenges before departing on Wednesday. Upon arrival in Lagos, the returnees were received by government officials tasked with coordinating their reintegration into Nigerian society.

The mass repatriation comes against the backdrop of mounting fears for the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa after renewed violence targeting foreign nationals. According to the Federal Government, more than 1,000 Nigerians have so far indicated their willingness to leave South Africa, with further evacuation flights planned in the coming days.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed that requests for evacuation have continued to rise since the onset of the attacks. She explained that the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria has been working with South African authorities to facilitate safe passage for citizens facing both security threats and immigration difficulties. “Arrangements are being made to ensure that those with unresolved immigration matters can join the evacuation flights rather than face detention,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said in a written statement issued Wednesday.

To manage the process, the Nigerian Mission commenced screening and documentation of intending returnees last week. The exercise, which was meant to end over the weekend, was extended due to growing demand. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said this extension underscored government’s commitment to protecting citizens abroad amid rising insecurity. Additional flights are expected as authorities continue processing new applications from affected Nigerians.

Source: https://punchng.com/xenophobia-268-nigerian-returnees-arrive-in-lagos-from-south-africa/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Federal Government Declares Friday Public Holiday for Democracy Day Celebration

Move aims to mark annual Democracy Day on June 12; civil service and schools nationwide to observe work-free day

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June 11, 2026

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Move aims to mark annual Democracy Day on June 12; civil service and schools nationwide to observe work-free day

The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 12, a public holiday across Nigeria to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day. The announcement means all government offices, schools, and many private sector establishments nationwide will observe a work-free day in honour of the occasion.

The declaration was made on Thursday in Abuja by the relevant federal authorities, following established tradition of marking Democracy Day every June 12. The day is set aside annually to celebrate the country’s return to civilian rule and the restoration of democratic governance in 1999.

Democracy Day holds significant historical importance for many Nigerians, as it marks the anniversary of the country’s transition from military to civilian leadership. Over the years, it has become a symbol of national unity and an opportunity for both government and citizens to reflect on the progress and challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy.

Although no new statement from opposition parties was available as at press time, previous years have seen various political groups use the occasion to call for deeper reforms and improved governance. In recent times, civil society organisations have also marked Democracy Day with rallies and public discussions highlighting issues around electoral transparency and good governance.

Government has urged Nigerians to use the public holiday as an opportunity to participate in events commemorating Democracy Day, either by joining official ceremonies or engaging in civic activities. Normal work is expected to resume nationwide after Friday.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/886895-democracy-day-nigerian-govt-declares-friday-public-holiday.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Ex-NNPCL Boss Kyari Challenges Senate Arrest Warrant Over Absence at Abuja Hearing

Former GMD says he notified lawmakers of overseas medical treatment, pledges to appear before Senate panel once back in Nigeria

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16 minutes ago

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June 11, 2026

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Former GMD says he notified lawmakers of overseas medical treatment, pledges to appear before Senate panel once back in Nigeria

Former Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has expressed dismay over the Senate Committee on Public Accounts’ decision to issue a warrant for his arrest in Abuja on Tuesday, 11 June 2026. The former NNPCL boss said his absence from the committee’s hearing was due to ongoing medical treatment abroad, and that he had formally communicated this to lawmakers.

Kyari, in a letter dated 10 June 2026, stated that he wrote to the committee on 8 May and that his correspondence was acknowledged on 11 May. According to him, the letter explained he was out of the country for health reasons and unable to attend the hearing in person. He also maintained that he had offered to answer any questions from the committee in writing so as not to delay their work.

The Senate panel’s move follows its investigation into NNPCL’s accounts during Kyari’s tenure. The probe comes at a time when transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector are under renewed scrutiny, especially given recent debates over alleged mismanagement and revenue shortfalls affecting government finances.

“I am deeply shocked by the issuance of the warrant, especially as I had earlier communicated with your committee via a letter dated and received on 11th May, 2026,” Kyari wrote. He added: “I wish to reiterate that I remain very willing and ready to honour the invitation of the Committee and to appear before it once I return to the country and at the convenience of the committee.” Kyari also noted he had not seen any formal invitation prior to learning of the summons but affirmed his willingness to cooperate fully with lawmakers.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has not issued an official response regarding Kyari’s explanation or indicated if it will suspend enforcement of the arrest warrant. The matter is expected to remain in focus as Nigerians demand greater accountability from public officials overseeing critical sectors like oil and gas.

Source: https://punchng.com/im-deeply-shocked-ex-nnpcl-boss-kyari-faults-senate-arrest-warrant/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Osun Governor Adeleke Escapes Injury as Podium Collapses During Ijebu-Jesa Rally

State officials say event continued after brief scare; incident highlights concerns over crowd management at political gatherings

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21 minutes ago

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June 11, 2026

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State officials say event continued after brief scare; incident highlights concerns over crowd management at political gatherings

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State narrowly avoided injury on Wednesday when a podium collapsed during a political rally in Ijebu-Jesa, Obokun Local Government Area. The incident occurred as the governor, his deputy, and other top officials were present for the inauguration of Imole canvassers for the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency. No casualties were reported, and the event later resumed.

Eyewitnesses said the collapse happened shortly after musical performances ended, just as the anchor was set to introduce the next item on the programme. Video footage widely circulated online showed dignitaries seated on the platform when it suddenly gave way, prompting security personnel and aides to swiftly evacuate those affected. Among those on stage were Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly Adewale Egbedun, and Imole Campaign Council spokesperson Pelumi Olajengbesi.

The incident temporarily disrupted proceedings and triggered panic among attendees. A source familiar with the arrangements suggested that the large turnout at the venue may have contributed to the structural failure. Despite initial fears, neither Governor Adeleke nor any official sustained injuries. The rally continued after a short delay, with Adeleke addressing supporters before proceeding to another engagement in Odo-Otin Local Government Area.

Reacting to concerns raised by supporters and opposition figures about safety at public events, Osun State government officials played down the incident. They maintained that there was no cause for alarm as no one was hurt. Stage collapses have previously occurred at political rallies and entertainment shows across Nigeria, often prompting debate over crowd control and construction standards for temporary installations.

Adeleke, elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2022, has intensified grassroots mobilisation ahead of future polls in Osun’s South-West zone. The inauguration of Imole canvassers forms part of ongoing efforts by PDP stakeholders to consolidate support at constituency level. While Wednesday’s event ended without casualties, observers say it underscores the need for improved safety measures at large political gatherings.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/moment-adeleke-escaped-podium-collapse-during-osun-rally-officials-dismiss-it-as-minor-2026061115144432052

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