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Eyes on Abidjan: West African Elders Deploy Jonathan, Boni for Tense Pre-Election Talks
LAGOS – Former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and former Beninese President Mr. Thomas Boni Yayi are leading a West African Elders’ Forum (WAEF) pre-election fact-finding mission to Côte d’Ivoire, ahead of the country’s crucial October 2025 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, members of the high-level delegation arrived in Abidjan on Monday afternoon to begin a three-day engagement.
A statement from the WAEF Secretariat confirmed the composition of the mission, which includes Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), as well as other senior members of the Forum’s Secretariat.
Ms. Ann Iyonu, Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) and head of the WAEF Secretariat, noted that the mission would hold strategic meetings with key stakeholders in Côte d’Ivoire. These include political party leaders, the Independent Electoral Commission, security agencies, civil society groups, and members of the diplomatic community.
She emphasized that the purpose of the Forum’s presence in Abidjan is to foster trust and public confidence in the electoral process, helping to ensure peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections.
According to the Secretariat’s statement, the West African Elders’ Forum is a non-partisan, locally driven platform comprising former heads of state and government across the sub-region. It leverages the stature, experience, and diplomatic reach of its members to offer advisory support, mediation, and conflict-resolution services to political actors in West Africa.
One of WAEF’s core missions is to support democratic consolidation, particularly during electoral transitions. The statement noted:
“Through its strategic engagements before, during, and after elections, WAEF aims to encourage dialogue, uphold the rule of law, and promote peaceful transitions of power.”
Since its inception in 2020, the Forum has conducted similar diplomatic missions in several countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Senegal, and The Gambia.
The upcoming Ivorian presidential election is expected to be closely watched, as incumbent President Alassane Ouattara seeks re-election. He will face contenders from the country’s main opposition parties—the African People’s Party – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA–CI) and the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI).
In both the 2015 and 2020 presidential elections, Ouattara won by landslide margins, securing over 80 percent of the vote, though not without post-election tensions. The WAEF’s intervention is seen as part of wider regional efforts to prevent political instability and promote democratic norms in West Africa.
”NIVONEWS”
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Tears For A Titan: Family Unveils Emotional Three-Day Funeral Plan For Iconic Actor Kola Oyewo!.
The funeral arrangements for the celebrated Nigerian actor, theatre scholar, and traditional ruler, Chief Dr. Adekola Gabriel Oyewo (Kola Oyewo), have been finalized by his family, with interment scheduled for Friday, August 7, 2026, in Osun State. The veteran actor passed away at age 80, leaving behind a legacy as a prominent figure in stage, television, and academia.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The three-day farewell, organized by the Balogun Oyekola Oyewo Memorial Committee, follows this schedule:
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Wednesday, August 5, 2026: A wake-keep and service of songs will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Igboya, Ile-Ife.
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Thursday, August 6, 2026: A commendation mass is scheduled at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, followed by an artistes’ night at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Oduduwa Hall. An exhibition celebrating his works and photographs will also open at the Pit Theatre, African Studies Building, OAU, running through Friday.
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Friday, August 7, 2026: After a morning departure from his residence, a requiem mass will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oba-Ile. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at 12:45 p.m. at Labaluyegbe Villa, followed by a reception at Aderonmu Grammar School Field.
The Bangbola Oyewo family of the Ese-Ola Royal House remembered him as a beloved family man, traditional leader, and an inspiration to generations of theatre practitioners. His passing is regarded as the end of an era for the Nigerian theatre community, where he served as an Associate Professor of Drama and a long-standing mentor.
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Nation In Shock! Herders’ King Brutally Murdered: Cops Race Against Time To Catch Killers!.
Authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the murder of Risku Mohammed, the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and his associate, Yakubu Isa. The two men were reportedly ambushed by unidentified attackers near Ahimeni in the Okodu area while traveling back from a peace summit in Otukpo.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, condemned the act as a “senseless and criminal” effort to destabilize local peace and security. Through PPRO DSP Udeme Edet, the Commissioner announced that tactical and intelligence teams have been mobilized to hunt down the perpetrators. CP Nwadiogbu has urged the public to avoid spreading rumors or pursuing vigilante justice, instead appealing for any useful information to be shared with the police to assist in the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
Option 2: Concise News Style
Police in Benue State are hunting for the gunmen who killed MACBAN State Chairman Risku Mohammed and Yakubu Isa. The victims were attacked near Ahimeni in the Okodu area while returning from a peace meeting in Otukpo.
State Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu denounced the killings and vowed that the command would “leave no stone unturned” in bringing the culprits to justice. Tactical units have been deployed to the area to track down the assailants. The Commissioner extended his condolences to the bereaved families and called on residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and to report any leads to the nearest police station. He reiterated the command’s firm commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens and holding the criminals accountable.
Option 3: Action-Oriented
Following the tragic assassination of Benue MACBAN Chairman Risku Mohammed and Yakubu Isa, the State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation. The victims were killed by unknown assailants near Ahimeni, Okodu, following a peace engagement in Otukpo.
Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu has directed tactical and intelligence units to track down and arrest the attackers immediately. In a public statement, the command emphasized that such criminal acts will not be tolerated and that every effort is being made to secure justice for the victims. The public is encouraged to assist the investigation by reporting any relevant information through official channels and is cautioned against fueling tensions by sharing unverified reports.
On June 26, 2026, the dollar-to-naira exchange rate at the Lagos parallel market, commonly referred to as the black market, saw sellers offering the dollar at ₦1402, while buyers were purchasing it at ₦1391, according to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources. It is important to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize this market and advises individuals to conduct foreign exchange transactions through their respective banks.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Additionally, the CBN’s official rates for the same period ranged from a high of ₦1385 to a low of ₦1376. Please be aware that actual transaction prices may vary and might differ from the figures provided in this report.
Exchange Rate Summary (June 26, 2026)
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Parallel Market (Selling): ₦1402
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Parallel Market (Buying): ₦1391
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CBN Official Rates: ₦1376 – ₦1385
What specific aspect of the current foreign exchange market or its impact on consumer trends would you like to discuss further?
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