Abia State No Longer Depends Solely On National Grid For Electricity -Governor Otti

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May 22, 2026

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that the number of voters in Ekiti State has increased from about 900,000 recorded during the 2023 elections to 1,059,360 voters in 2026, following the Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

Chairman of INEC, Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti during the official publication of the voters’ register and presentation to political parties for the June 20, 2026, governorship election in the state.

The INEC boss noted that the publication of the voters’ register marked a critical constitutional and statutory step toward the governorship poll.

Amupitan, however, warned political parties participating in the election to refrain from vote buying and other forms of electoral inducement.

He said vote trading remained one of the biggest challenges confronting elections in Nigeria, urging parties and their supporters to avoid actions capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.

He stressed that political parties must demonstrate commitment to democratic values by conducting issue-based campaigns and avoiding monetary inducements to voters.

“One of the major challenges and constraints to our electoral process is the issue of vote buying or vote trading. This is a criminal offence under the Electoral Act, and it is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies, especially the EFCC, ICPC, and the police, to ensure that those involved are arrested and promptly prosecuted.

“We urge all political parties to refrain from vote trading because it is a big minus to the electoral process in Nigeria.

“We shall be signing the peace accord tomorrow. The election must be run peacefully, and campaigns must be based on issues and not on personality. Let us walk the talk.

“The voters’ register is the foundation upon which free, fair, and credible elections are built. Its accuracy, completeness, and integrity are paramount to ensuring that every eligible voter’s voice is heard.”

Credit: channelstv.com

Ebola: There’s No Need To Panic, Nigeria Has Capacity To Combat Virus -NCDC

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May 22, 2026

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has assured Nigerians that there is no need to panic over the Ebola virus, saying the country has the capacity to combat the virus.

Head of Health Emergency Preparedness at the NCDC, ODr Biodun Ogunniyi, said this during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, saying that “fear kills”.

“There is no need to panic because fear kills more than death itself, because this is not the first time Nigeria is getting prepared for this kind of outbreak. We had a bit of a scare last year, used that opportunity to test our system, and we are comfortable to an extent.

“Let’s not forget Nigeria has been tested before with Ebola in 2014…, and we know that in less than 70 days, the country was able to wipe this virus out, which received global commendation that made us support other countries in Africa,” he noted.

He said Nigeria has a better health system to combat the virus, compared to the outbreak in 2014.

According to him, Nigeria has the in-country capacity to contain the virus.

“The Bundibugyo Ebola Virus, the first time was in 2007, and if something is not new to you, you are relatively more prepared because it is not new, so for us, we have the system in place as a country and as an agency to be able to quickly coordinate ourselves through our Public Health Emergency Operation Centre.

“We have our laboratory capacity, unlike in 2014 when we first had this Ebola outbreak. Now we have the capacity in the country to detect the Ebola virus. There is a network of laboratories across the country, and we have our national reference laboratories both in Abuja and also in Lagos to ensure we can have prompt detection when it happens,” the doctor stated.

Credit: channelstv.com

Xenophobic Attacks: Falana Petitions African Commission, Seeks Compensation For Victims

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May 22, 2026

Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana has petitioned the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights over “the persistent and escalating threats to the safety and security of Nigerians and other African nationals in the Republic of South Africa.”

In the communication submitted pursuant to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Falana called on the Commission “to urgently intervene and refer the matter to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights for binding adjudication”.

In the petition sent to the African Commission, he highlighted “a pattern of widespread and recurring xenophobic violence, including killings, physical assaults, arbitrary arrests, torture, looting of businesses, and forced displacement”.

Falana said that the attacks were neither isolated nor sporadic but reflected a systemic failure to protect foreign nationals.

“There remains a persistent, widespread, and well-documented pattern of xenophobic violence, intimidation, and discrimination against Nigerians and other African nationals in the Republic of South Africa.

“These violations are neither isolated nor sporadic; rather, they reflect a recurring cycle of attacks marked by killings, physical assaults, arbitrary arrests, torture, looting, destruction of businesses, forced displacement, and sustained threats to life and personal security.

“Recent incidents further underscore the gravity and continuity of these violations. According to the Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg, two Nigerian nationals—Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew—were killed in April 2026 in separate incidents involving personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF),” it read in part.

Credit: channelstv.com

ICAG donates GH¢100k to Volta Youth Development Fund

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May 22, 2026

The Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG) has donated GHS10,000 to the Volta Youth Development Fund at the official closing ceremony of its 2026 Annual Conference, held in Ho.

Mr Augustine Addo, the President of ICAG, announced the donation on Wednesday, describing it as part of the Institute’s commitment to supporting youth development initiatives in the Volta Region.

He said the gathering of more than 2,500 participants for the conference demonstrated the unity, commitment and growing influence of the accounting profession in Ghana and beyond.

“Being a member of ICAG prepares professionals not only for Ghana, but for the global environment. We should all be proud of ourselves,” he stated.

Mr Addo expressed appreciation to members, sponsors and participants for their support and sacrifices throughout the conference.

“We can only encourage members to continue identifying with ICAG because the name of the Institute is gaining global recognition and will continue to grow stronger through the support of our members,” he added.

He commended the Volta Regional Minister for establishing the Volta Youth Development Fund to support young people in the region and pledged the Institute’s support towards the initiative.

Reverend Dr Cynthia Sallah, the Vice Chairperson of ICAG, also expressed gratitude to participants and organisers for contributing to the success of the conference.

She said the event had provided an important platform for professionals to exchange ideas, strengthen networks and renew their commitment to excellence and ethical leadership within the accounting profession.

“Our theme, Building Strong and Sustainable Economies: Standards, Integrity and Accountability, reminds us of the critical role accountants play in promoting transparency, accountability and responsible financial stewardship,” she said.

Rev Dr Sallah noted that the discussions and presentations during the conference reinforced the need for integrity, professionalism and accountability in sustaining economic growth and public trust.

She urged participants to apply the knowledge gained and continue championing ethical practices and national development in their respective workplaces and communities.

Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, on behalf of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council expressed appreciation to ICAG for selecting Ho as host of the conference.

He noted that beyond the professional engagements, the conference had contributed significantly to economic activity in the regional capital.

“You have brought not only a conference, but economic development to the Volta Region,” he said.

Mr Gunu outlined a three-point development agenda for the region, which includes maintaining sustainable peace to attract investment, strengthening the capacity of Municipal and District Assemblies for local economic development, and collaborating with institutions to advance government’s development vision for the region.

He encouraged investors to consider the Volta Region as a strategic destination for investment, particularly in conference and hospitality infrastructure.

“If there is any time Ghana needs accountants, it is now,” the Minister stated, noting that accountants remained critical in the fight against corruption, institutional reforms and the implementation of the proposed 24-hour economy policy.

He thanked the ICAG for its support and the contribution to the Volta Youth Development Fund and wished participants safe journeys back to their various destinations.

The week-long conference brought together accountants, auditors, academics, regulators, students, development partners and international delegates under the theme: “Building Strong and Sustainable Economies: Standards, Integrity and Accountability.”

The conference, though officially closed, will continue with a series of activities until Friday, when members will hold their Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elect new leaders before the closing of the programme.

From Michael Foli Jackidy, Ho

GNA

Technical Education Key to Youth Unemployment –Council of State Member

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ERNEST BEST ANANE

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May 22, 2026

Yaw Bimpeh (middle) with the TVET Regional Director (right) and School Authorities inspecting infrastructure

Mr. Yaw Bimpeh, Ashanti Regional Representative of the Council of State, says technical education is critical to addressing the country’s alarming youth unemployment menace.

He noted that Youth unemployment in the country is alarming, and the only way we can deal with it is to prioritize technical education.

The occasion was when he embarked on a monitoring visit to the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Technical School, during which Mr. Bimpeh observed that prioritising technical and vocational training was the only sustainable way to tackle joblessness among the youth.

Mr. Bimpeh was accompanied by Engineer Richard Addo Gyamfi, Ashanti Regional Director of the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service and Mr. Muhammed Kamal, Principal of the School.

The visit is aimed at assessing the conduct of the examination and the challenges facing the school.

He expressed concern that many young people continue to chase non-existent white-collar jobs after school, while parents and guardians often remain unconcerned and stressed that it is long overdue for stakeholders and the Ghana Education Service, through the government, to mobilise resources to upgrade the various technical and vocational institutions and make the sector attractive to the youth.

Mr Bimpeh urged policymakers in the education sector to sensitize young people on the importance of technical education and to channel more resources into the sector. He commended the directors, staff, and management of technical institutions for helping to take “uncountable unemployed youth from the streets to become professionals, apprentices, masters of their own trades, and entrepreneurs.

The Council of State member also advised parents not to reject wards which are not academically strong, but to encourage them to enrol in technical institutions instead of leaving them to loiter and become a burden to society.

According to him, the perception that technical education is for those who are not academically good must be treated with the contempt it deserves.

Mr. Bimpeh observed that no matter how academically accomplished one is, whether a degree holder, doctorate or professor, it does not prevent them from becoming a plumber, carpenter, mason, or electrician.

Mr Muhammed Kamal, Principal of the school, thanked Mr Bimpeh for the visit and expressed optimism that it would draw the attention of policymakers to the school’s pressing challenges.

He disclosed that the school urgently needs furniture and dual desks, additional infrastructure, and a pickup vehicle to facilitate the movement and administrative work of the principal.

For more news, join The Chronicle Newspaper channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBSs55E50UqNPvSOm2z

Wizkid, Asake, Tems, Burna Boy Nominated For 2026 BET Awards

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May 22, 2026

Wizkid, Wizkid, Asake, Tems, and Burna Boy

Nigeria’s global music stars Wizkid, Asake, Burna Boy, and Tems have secured major nominations at the BET Awards.

The nominations for the 2026 edition of the annual awards were unveiled on Tuesday, with several Nigerian and Nigerian-descent artistes and actors receiving recognition across music, film and television categories.

The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, June 28, 2026, in Los Angeles and will be hosted by comedian Druski.

Wizkid and Asake earned a joint nomination in the Best Group category, following the success of their collaborative project and a series of chart-topping releases.

Tems emerged as one of Africa’s most celebrated nominees, receiving three nominations: Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, BET Her Award for her song First
Viewers’ Choice Award for Raindance, her collaboration with Dave

Burna Boy was nominated in the Best Collaboration category for WGFT, his feature on Gunna’s hit single.

Nigerian artistes have enjoyed remarkable success at the BET Awards over the years. Wizkid is one of Africa’s most decorated BET winners, while Burna Boy has dominated the international categories with multiple victories.

Davido, Tems, 2Baba, D’banj and Ice Prince have also won BET honours. Most recently, Ayra Starr claimed the Best International Act award in 2025.

Credit: channelstv.com

Search for new James Bond officially kicks off as auditions begin

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May 22, 2026

The casting process for the new James Bond has officially begun, after years of anticipation and speculation about who will take over from Daniel Craig as 007.

“The search for the next James Bond is under way,” Amazon MGM Studios said in a statement.

Auditions have been taking place in recent weeks, according to Hollywood outlet Variety, and the statement signals the beginning of the end of the long wait for a new James Bond.

“While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right,” Amazon added.

There have been five years since the release of No Time To Die, Craig’s final film as the famous spy.

Variety reported that Nina Gold, one of Hollywood’s leading casting directors, who has worked on the Paddington, Star Wars, Jurassic Park and Mamma Mia! franchises, is conducting the search for a new lead actor.

Who could be in the frame to play James Bond?

The current bookmakers’ favourites include;

Callum Turner – the 36-year-old actor is the current bookies’ frontrunner. He has been in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, was nominated for a Bafta for TV drama The Capture, and starred in Apple TV’s Masters of the Air. He is also Dua Lipa’s other half.
Jacob Elordi – the Australian actor, 28, made his name in TV’s Euphoria and cult hit film Saltburn, and was nominated for an Oscar this year for playing the monster in Frankenstein. The Rest Is Entertainment host Marina Hyde recently said she’d heard from a number of well-placed sources that he’s now “in pole position” to be Bond.
Harris Dickinson – the 29-year-old is playing John Lennon in the forthcoming major Beatles biopics, and has previously appeared in Maleficent, The King’s Man, Where the Crawdads Sing and Babygirl, and received a Bafta TV Award nomination for A Murder at the End of the World.
Henry Cavill – the Superman, The Witcher and Mission: Impossible actor is a fan favourite and was widely regarded to have been the runner-up when Craig landed the part. But at 43, is he now too old to start a lengthy stint as 007?
Aaron Taylor-Johnson – the Bafta-nominated 35-year-old, known for films like Kick-Ass, Kraven the Hunter and 28 Years Later, is a perennial contender, and would fit the bill.
Theo James – the suitably suave star, 41, made his name in the Divergent films and has since built his reputation in The Time Traveler’s Wife, The White Lotus and The Gentlemen.

Source: BBC

Celestine Donkor features top African gospel acts on ‘Borborbor Hymns’

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May 22, 2026

Ghanaian gospel musician Celestine Donkor has released her new live project, Borborbor Hymns.

The medley was released on 19th May 2026, which was her birthday.

This project features collaborations with Zimbabwean gospel singer Tembalami, Ghanaian gospel artistes Piesie Esther and Uncle Ato, and South African gospel minister Zaza Mokhethi.

The songs on Borborbor Hymns were recorded live during the 2026 edition of Celestial Praiz, Celestine Donkor’s annual worship event known for its awesome blend of contemporary gospel and indigenous Ghanaian musical styles.

The project highlights the traditional Borborbor rhythm of the Ewe people in Ghana while delivering a strong worship and praise experience through live performances and collaborations from the celebrated Africa gospel acts.

Celestine Donkor remains one of Ghana’s leading gospel voices, recognised for promoting African sounds within gospel music. Over the years, she has released several popular songs, including Agbebolo, Okronkronhene, Only You, Testimony, Thank You, among others.

The release of Borborbor Hymns has already sparked excitement among gospel music enthusiasts, with some already reacting to it on social media.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

Film Development Fund launched, management committee inaugurated

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May 22, 2026