News At 10 | 19 / 06/ 2026

[00:00:00][music] >> Hello and welcome tonight.

[00:00:07]>> [music] >> All is now set for the Ekiti State governorship election as the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC and civil society organizations express readiness [music] for the conduct of the exercise.

[00:00:22]Security agencies including the police assure residents of adequate security during the election warning that anyone found attempting to undermine the electoral process will face the full weight of the law.

[00:00:35]>> [music] >> Court sentences two women arrested by the Department of State Services for their involvement in terrorism-related activities to 40 years imprisonment.

[00:00:48]And Israel and Hezbollah reach ceasefire agreements amid ongoing strikes in Lebanon.

[00:00:55]>> [music] >> On [music] business news, Nigeria's gross foreign exchange reserves have surged a 17-year high of $51.04 billion buoyed by increased foreign [music] exchange inflows and improved market conditions.

[00:01:15]>> [music] >> On sports news tonight, celebrations erupt at Mexico's Angel of Independence as the co-host nation becomes the first team to reach the World Cup knockout rounds.

[00:01:29]>> [music] >> From the nation's capital, Vice President Kashim Shettima calls for enhanced security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies following Monday's deadly attack on the institution.

[00:01:46]>> [music] [music] [music] >> Electioneering is in full swing in Ekiti State as residents of voting age head to the ballot this weekend. And the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is giving assurances about tomorrow's governorship poll across the 16 local government areas saying it is fully prepared. Our correspondent, Ayotunde has the details in this report.

[00:02:29]>> Despite early morning downpour that slowed activities in part of Ado Ekiti, the state capital is gradually coming alive as residents go about their normal businesses on the eve of the governorship election.

[00:02:42]With political campaigns concluded and attention now focused on the ballot, electoral officials, security agencies, and election observers are making final preparations for the poll.

[00:02:53]>> You know we have done more >> Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Bolade Eyitope speaks to Channels Television and gives assurances to voters that INEC has put all necessary logistics in place for the smooth conduct of the election.

[00:03:07]>> The way INEC conducts free and fair election, is it not by people coming out and coming to exercise their franchise?

[00:03:14]If you come to the polling unit, nobody is going to send you away. You will vote and you'll be there when the vote is counted.

[00:03:20]Openness.

[00:03:23]The people must change their mindset and know and trust the process.

[00:03:27]People don't believe in themselves, they start believing and trust the process.

[00:03:31]How do we do credible election?

[00:03:34]You will be there, you'll be accredited, you will turn your you'll give you ballot and ballot paper, abi?

[00:03:40]Your ballot paper after election, they will sort it out and you will count in front of the party agent and it will be uploaded. So, how much transparency do we talk about?

[00:03:51]>> He says electoral materials have been deployed promptly while collaboration with security agencies under the inter-agency consultative committee on election security is expected to guarantee a peaceful exercise.

[00:04:05]As INEC goes on with its own plans, election observers continue to assess the pre-election environment. The mature civil society situation room, a coalition of more than 70 civil society organizations observing the election, gives the observation of the atmosphere across the state.

[00:04:21]Another coalition of observers under the European Union support has raised concerns over reports of voter inducement, political intimidation, and the spread of disinformation in some parts of the state.

[00:04:33]>> We call on political parties and candidates to condemn all acts of vote trading and vote buying in all its forms.

[00:04:42]Shun the use of thuggery.

[00:04:44]Refrain from spreading fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.

[00:04:50]>> To the security agencies, we expect you to maintain neutrality and professionalism at all times by protecting the electoral process and stakeholders.

[00:05:04]>> For many residents, expectations are high as they prepare to head to the polls.

[00:05:09]>> I believe all I will ask they do we should vote, we should be calm.

[00:05:15]We should not make any trouble.

[00:05:17]But God will see us through for the election.

[00:05:19]>> As Ekiti voters prepare to elect their next governor, the mood of the state is largely peaceful with stakeholders expressing optimism that this Saturday's election will reflect the will of the people.

[00:05:33]From Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital, Aiyetoro Ogunleye, Channels Television News.

[00:05:40]>> Well, as you may now know, it's few hours before the Ekiti governorship election, and the expectations on security of the ballot and the voters are critical to the success of the process.

[00:05:51]But the question is, are those saddled with the task of securing the process ready and good to go? In this next report, our correspondent Kunbi Alabi finds out.

[00:06:03]>> The Nigerian Police Force is the lead security agency in an election, and they are engaging in final preparations ahead of the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Governorship election.

[00:06:17]CP Abayomi Shogunle is the officer in charge of these election, and he's here to answer questions on the minds of journalists, one of which is how ready is the police for these crucial poll.

[00:06:30]>> We can't see everything coming into Ekiti from all the roads and everything going out of Ekiti from all the roads.

[00:06:39]We have also set up camps in the bushes around to also see everything that might want to come in through all those forests and bushes or everything that might want to go out. Then inside the towns again, we have deployment at strategic locations.

[00:06:58]All these, the purpose is to serve as confidence building.

[00:07:02]>> What will the police do to those caught in the act of vote buying, ballot box snatching, and other unlawful acts during the electioneering process?

[00:07:12]>> Members of the public, if you see anybody trading votes, buying or selling, draw our attention to it.

[00:07:20]We will ensure the arrest of such persons, recover the exhibits, conduct the investigation that we need to take them to court with, and they will be charged to court accordingly. Then ballot box snatching, part of this security arrangement we are putting this we are putting this specific measures to deter people or anyone that wants to snatch any ballot.

[00:07:53]>> Meanwhile, a drive-through major roads and commercial areas in Ado Ekiti reveals a city settling into election mode as residents use the opportunity of the public holiday declared by the state government to purchase household items among others.

[00:08:12]We sought to find out from them what their expectations are.

[00:08:16]>> We are expecting people to go out and mass to go and vote since it's our civic responsibility.

[00:08:23]So, once you have your PVC and you are up to the age, go out freely, go and vote.

[00:08:29]>> This idea of sharing money 5,000 they know they are selling their future. So, for the next 4 years they're going to hear it. They're going to enjoy it.

[00:08:37]You know, enjoyment has different stores.

[00:08:46]>> We'll certainly have more on the preparations for the Ekiti governorship election. But, let's move to Delta State now where the Isekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities of Warri South Local Government Area are demanding that the electoral umpire INEC immediately correct what they describe as errors in the naming, structure, and allocation of three wards in the GRA area of Warri South. The groups also insist there are no Ijaw communities in Warri South Local Government and have called on the electoral body to implement the outcomes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent peace intervention on the Warri delineation dispute.

[00:09:21]>> Days after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu convened a peace meeting involving representatives of the Ijaw, Isekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities at the presidential villa in Abuja, hundreds of Isekiri and Urhobo men, women, and youths converged on Warri to state their position on the outcome of the meeting.

[00:09:47]At this press briefing, participants offered prayers for peace, justice, and stability across the Warri federal constituency while expressing support for the president's intervention.

[00:10:03]According to the group, President did not make any final pronouncement on the delineation disputes but encouraged dialogue among the concerned parties.

[00:10:13]They also urged INEC to correct and upload the agreed ward structure for the three disputed GRA wards in Warri South.

[00:10:21]>> The Shekiri and Urhobo of Warri wish to state by this press conference that contrary to claims made by some Ijaw and Okere-Urhobo people, the president did not make any definite pronouncement on the broader delineation issues.

[00:10:38]Rather, he directed only the Shekiri and Ijaw parties to engage in the discussion aimed at developing a mutually acceptable registration formula in Warri South-West and Warri North Local Government Council areas.

[00:10:54]>> [snorts] >> Thank you. Please.

[00:10:58]>> Expressing disappointment that the concerns raised during the mediation process are yet to be reflected in the ward structure currently published by INEC, they reiterated their position that there are no Ijaw communities in Warri South Local Government area.

[00:11:14]>> If they are in doubt that Ijaw have no community in Warri South Local Government area, let them institute an independent investigators that will come to Warri South here. Let them come up with the villages and towns that they have a war inside there.

[00:11:35]No matter the threat of violence, no matter the threat of force, you cannot change what does not exist cannot be made to be in existence.

[00:11:47]>> While reaffirming their commitment to peace and dialogue, participants warned that failure to address their concerns may leave them no option but to seek legal redress.

[00:11:57]>> On behalf OF MY FELLOW YOUTH AND THE people of Warri, NOTHING WILL MAKE THE TO COME TO WARRI SOUTH. PLEASE, the INEC, do your job. Don't come and create community in Warri South for the people.

[00:12:12]>> The gathering also referenced the accord reached during a subsequent meeting at the office of the National Security Adviser, where and representatives reportedly agreed on the need for the creation of a second Warri Federal Constituency.

[00:12:31]>> Indeed, it's all about the governorship election, and right about now, our political editor, Akinboye, joins us live from Ado-Ekiti to give us a recap of preparations for the governorship poll. So, what can you tell us at this moment in time?

[00:12:47]>> Thank you so much, Ayodele, and welcome to Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, where it's just a few hours before the polls open. And of course, we know 16 local government areas and about 177 wards with over 4,000 polling units in the state. But one thing that is very critical, what we know for sure is that there will be some kind of restriction of movement from midnight, uh that's going to be in the next 2 hours or less, to 6:00 p.m. of tomorrow. And you know that Ekiti State is sandwiched, uh bordered by uh, four or five states, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, um, and of course Osun state. And there are restrictions from incoming in and out of the state. But what the police have told us is that they said those who are ready to write exams, the students, uh, will be able to write exams tomorrow.

[00:13:48]They would be allowed to move around.

[00:13:50]They will be allowed to go to the exam centers and back home. Other than that, there will be restrictions to vehicle and movement.

[00:13:58]But generally, the polls will resume.

[00:14:00]And as we know it, it's, uh, the, um, the voting and accreditation that comes, uh, together. Where when you get into the polling unit, you are accredited and you're able to vote and go, uh, in a secret, uh, open ballot in system tomorrow. Those are some of the expectations for tomorrow. But a lot of, uh, of our viewers who who have commented on some of our broadcasts in the past hours have high expectation.

[00:14:30]And some of the analysts and observers are saying this is going to be a litmus test for the 2027 general elections.

[00:14:38]Knowing, uh, knowing full well that this is one of the major elections to test the Electoral Act of 2026 as it's being amend, uh, it was amended. A few changes here and there that we saw. Whether or not, uh, those changes will mean a lot or much in this election, we will see tomorrow. The deployment of the police and sister agencies, we will find out tomorrow. And how ready INEC would be because the integrity of that agency or that electoral monitoring body or electoral election management body will also be put to test tomorrow. These are some of the expectations and some of the information as we have them >> [clears throat] >> this hour. Of course, Channels Television, I Yemi Ilesanmi, uh, is going to be coming every of the new can granny of this we're not only monitoring the the polling and the voting but monitoring the behavior of patterns the activities of the vote and security situation in and across.

[00:15:34]Thank you so much I had to do it.

[00:15:35]>> Yes, indeed. We will definitely be keeping tabs on the elections as it comes tomorrow. Thank you so much again our political editor Sean Okimalay from Advocate there in the good estate.

[00:15:44]In part two after the break, court sentences two women arrested by the Department of State Services for their involvement in terrorism related activities to 40 [music] years imprisonment.

[00:15:55]Please stay with us.

[00:15:59]>> [music] [music] [music] [music] >> Welcome back. If you just joined us you're watching the news at 10 on Channels Television broadcasting live from Lagos. A reminder of our top stories.

[00:16:27]>> [music] >> All is now set for the good estate governorship election as INEC and civil society organizations express readiness for the conduct of the exercise.

[00:16:36]>> [music] >> Security agencies including the police assure residents of adequate security during the election warning that anyone found attempting to undermine the electoral process will face the full weight of the law.

[00:16:48]>> [music] >> Court sentences two women arrested by the DSS for their involvement in terrorism related activities to 40 years imprisonment.

[00:16:58]>> [music] >> And Israel and Hezbollah reach ceasefire agreement amid ongoing strikes in Lebanon.

[00:17:05]>> [music] >> Switch gears now I head to the nation's capital where Terry Ikumi is standing by to give us the latest from our Abuja studios. Over to you, Terry.

[00:17:19]>> [music] >> Well, thank you very much, Ayo.

[00:17:22]Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies school of enhanced security following the recent attack that claimed the lives of two soldiers and a police officer. During the visit to the institute, the Vice President conveyed President Bola Tinubu's condolences and announced emergency security measures for the institute.

[00:17:48]Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima says he believes that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, will deliver on his assignment as far as infrastructure projects are concerned. The Vice President stated this when he represented President Bola Tinubu at the official commissioning of the collector road known as Emmanuel Ogala Boulevard from the arterial road known as Yemi Shonibare Way connecting the arterial road known as Wole Soyinka Way within the Katampe district in the nation's capital. capital.

[00:18:18]>> The collector road within the Katampe district in the nation's capital is the latest project to be commissioned by the FCT administration as part of activities to mark the third anniversary of President Tinubu's administration.

[00:18:32]>> On the Federal Capital Territory Administration >> This gathering which has dignitaries such as the Vice President of Nigeria, the Minister of the FCT, and top management staff of the FCT administration present is aimed at opening of the Gishiri area and Katampe district's links to other strategic routes.

[00:18:50]>> The project is part of the progressive development of Katampe district and other residential districts of the city.

[00:18:59]Your Excellency, the road network comprises of the collector road C2 which starts from the arterial road N16, that's the Yemi Osinbajo Way, to the junction of arterial road N20 which is the Wole Soyinka Way, as a crescent, while the ILS 5, which is an acronym for Important Local Street 5, takes off from the collector road CL2 and reconnects it as a crescent, also, all within Katampe District.

[00:19:28]>> In his remarks, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, underscored [music] the state of the road before the project and the present state of the road.

[00:19:38]>> This road was not in existence at all.

[00:19:42]And so, we asked ourselves, I called his uh the acting executive secretary of FCDA, "How can you construct these tarred roads and then allow this? It makes no sense of the whole thing."

[00:19:58]And then, you have to invite CGC, that was already present, to see whether we can actualize this.

[00:20:06]I'm amazed, each time I come here, there's one building going on and the other. But, before now, there was no construction. There were no buildings here, but you can see what the road has led to. Construction.

[00:20:19]And I begin to wonder, people say there's no money, nothing's happening in Nigeria. But, when you wake up every morning, AS ROAD PASSES, there's construction going on.

[00:20:31]>> The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the ceremony, declared that the FCT Minister has not disappointed in his responsibilities of project delivery.

[00:20:43]>> His Excellency, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, when I gave him the assignment to make Abuja a true capital, I knew his track record.

[00:20:57]And Barrister Wike, you have not disappointed Nigerians.

[00:21:03]From abandoned roads to new boulevards, from water projects to the to judicial quarters, you work day and night.

[00:21:12]You do not give excuses. You give results.

[00:21:16]The people of the FCT call you Mr. Project for a reason.

[00:21:20]Well done.

[00:21:21]>> After the speeches, the minister accompanied the vice president, Kashim Shettima, to commission the road.

[00:21:32]>> The court now, Justice Halima of the Federal High Court in Abuja, has sentenced two women arrested by the Department of State Services for their involvement in terrorism to 40 years in prison. The convicted women, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, a mother and sister of the terrorist kingpin, Kachalla Ibrahim Batuja, who was eliminated nated by Nigerian security forces on June the 10th, 2026, in a forest near Iluke in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. Justice Halima handed the sentences after both women pleaded guilty to counts two, four, and five. [snorts] Count five, tail of the terrorism-related charge brought against them by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation. Both women escaped conviction on counts one and three, which bordered on receiving 490,300 naira from Batuja, fully aware it was proceeds of count of terrorism, as well as count three, which was on their sponsored holy pilgrimage with the proceeds of terrorism. The Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo, urged the court to strike out both counts, but convict them on the others.

[00:22:46]Meanwhile, families of detained officers over an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu have accused the federal government of suppressing critical facts surrounding the investigation and trial of their relatives, while calling for greater transparency in the judicial process.

[00:23:02]Addressing a news conference on behalf of affected families, Aisha Yusuf, whose husband is among the detained officers, says relatives had been compelled to speak publicly because they believe the truth about the case was being withheld.

[00:23:16]According to her, family members and legal representatives were allegedly denied access to the detained officers for more than 180 days following their arrest. She further claims that some of the detainees had suffered deteriorating health conditions while in custody and that independent medical assessment had not been allowed.

[00:23:38]>> Since the abduction of our loved ones 9 months ago, we have faced many obstacles.

[00:23:44]We and our loved ones have been tortured, oppressed, suppressed, stigmatized, humiliated, tormented, and bullied.

[00:23:54]We and their lawyers were not allowed to see them for over 180 days despite our countless appeals.

[00:24:02]We have not been given full medical reports even though some of our relatives have visible injuries.

[00:24:09]Many are losing their eyesight and having lung issues due to their long stay in underground facilities due to lack of proper ventilation.

[00:24:18]Our loved ones were refused legal or family representatives despite repeated pressure to have them present during statement taking.

[00:24:27]They are being leg and hand chained in court martial in an open desecration of their human rights and dignity.

[00:24:34]These are officers who have been humiliated so brazenly and openly that one can only imagine what happens behind the scenes.

[00:24:42]We are not here to say our relatives are innocent of every charge.

[00:24:47]That is for the court to decide.

[00:24:49]But we are saying that the process has [clears throat] not been fair and open.

[00:24:53]And yet you want the family and public to accept it.

[00:25:00]>> A coalition of northern groups under the umbrella of Arewa Youth Assembly is mobilizing the support of citizens, especially political elites from the north, to back efforts of the armed forces to eradicate terrorism and other forms of criminality across Nigeria.

[00:25:14]Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, the group cautioned the public against remarks and actions that undermine efforts of security personnel involved in the various military operations in the north. According to them, the armed forces need the support of every Nigerian to win the battle against insurgency and banditry.

[00:25:35]>> Nigeria is confronted is confronted with serious security challenges.

[00:25:40]No responsible citizen can deny this reality.

[00:25:43]Communities have suffered painful losses.

[00:25:46]Families have endured trauma. Citizens rightly demand improved outcomes and greater security effectiveness.

[00:25:56]However, fairness and patriotism demand that we also acknowledge the enormous sacrifices being made daily by the officers and men of our armed forces under the leadership of the present service chiefs.

[00:26:12]These men and women leave their families behind and place themselves in harm's way so that the nation may sleep in peace. While there remains much work to be done, it would be both unfair and counterproductive to ignore these efforts or diminish these achievements.

[00:26:35]>> More still to come on the news at 10.

[00:26:37]Nigeria's [clears throat] gross foreign exchange reserves have surged to a 17-year [music] high of $51.04 billion buoyed by increased foreign exchange inflows [music] and improved improving market conditions. That's in business news too. stay with us.

[00:26:56]>> [music] >> Welcome back.

[00:26:59]In a concerted move to provide a workable framework for an efficient alternative funding for Nigerian universities, the Nigerian Higher Education Foundation, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education, has convened the NHEF University Advancement Program Workshop in Lagos.

[00:27:15]The program, designed for university leaders and designated advancement professionals, is targeted at enabling them acquire the knowledge, skills, and practical tools required to establish and strengthen effective advancement functions within their institutions.

[00:27:32]The University Advancement Program Workshop, designed as a capacity-building initiative for university managers, taking place in Lagos, reflects on the scale of the Federal Ministry of Education's commitment to advancing institutional capacity across the nation's federal universities.

[00:27:51]This program is part of the Federal Ministry of Education's national advancement efforts to strengthen the sustainability, resilience, and global competitiveness of Nigeria's higher education institutions.

[00:28:03]>> We can just say this is the individual who helps to build relationships, mobilizes resources, strengthens stakeholder engagement, that eventually helps um with the mission and the long-term sustainability of of the institution.

[00:28:19]>> By leveraging on fundraising and development, alumni relations and engagement, donor stewardship, as well as stakeholder management, organizers say Nigerian federal universities will be better positioned to secure greater support and resources, as well as deep engagement with their alumni.

[00:28:37]>> Speaking from our alumni, we have a number of them who are captains of industries that can support education.

[00:28:44]And so, this can be done in different ways. Through this university, through the institutions, through its alumni.

[00:28:51]And so we are here to be able to see how we can get this initiative established properly in the universities.

[00:28:58]>> Education cannot be fully funded or sustained by the federal government.

[00:29:03]It's not possible. But with this initiative and way of resource mobilization, different kind definitely this guy is just the beginning. And most especially second year, third year universities can key into the foundation being set by the first year universities in order to develop access to resources.

[00:29:22]>> Organizers add that the program will support the development of financially resilient, globally competitive, and impact-driven universities that can effectively advance teaching for national development.

[00:29:34]>> Well, our goal is that really we want to make advancement in profession.

[00:29:39]And then multiply the efforts of the advancement office.

[00:29:45]And to multiply fund-raising aspects of the school.

[00:29:48]So that the alumni can be significant chunk of every school's budget and every school's funding going forward. And that way we will transform the schools, we transform lives of Nigerians.

[00:29:59]>> That knowledge imbibed will be put to better use in order to achieve the overall goals of Nigerian higher education program, promote better teaching and learning outcomes across Nigerian universities.

[00:30:16]>> The Big Bottling Company, a member of the Aje Group, has launched Cielo, a new fruit fruit-flavored carbonated drink enriched with antioxidants, natural coloring, and zero sugar. At the launch in Lagos, the company said the introduction of Cielo reflects a lifestyle shift toward guilt-free refreshment, offering consumers a healthier alternative in the soft drink market.

[00:30:42]>> Before a gathering of management staff and distributors, the Big Bottling Company unveils Cielo Food Drink in three exciting flavors: orange, lemon-lime, and apple in a 740 ml PET bottle.

[00:31:02]The company also relaunches Seafood 500 ml and Big 660 ml, seeking to give customers value for their money.

[00:31:12]More than just refreshing, Cielo is positioned as a healthy choice, made with natural colorings, zero added sugar, and infused with antioxidants.

[00:31:23]>> We're launching in the year 2025-2026 in other countries in the over 20 countries in the world.

[00:31:36]It's grow and huge opportunity and huge volume. In Nigeria, it's the first one.

[00:31:45]This quality product.

[00:31:47]This one is the first first product in the terminal.

[00:31:53]The quality, the profitability for you.

[00:31:58]>> The company also underscores its commitment to providing excellent service, announcing special rebates instantly available to customers making purchases at the launch.

[00:32:09]>> We have the combo size.

[00:32:11]We have the separate sizes for each and every type of customers every type of purchase you need to make, and we have beginning from 8% rebate paid instantly to 14 to 12% rebate for customers today.

[00:32:31]>> Our purchase is key, open market, HoReCa, traditional trade, even in schools. These are the elements for which we want to build our brand. We go further to say that we are very, very loyal to you as your company, and we also ask you to be loyal to us as we move to succeed in this journey.

[00:32:50]>> The event also features a raffle draw where lucky winners walk away with over 2,800 packs of the product.

[00:32:58]>> 0001 BY GOD GAVE VENTURES.

[00:33:05]>> WITH CIERO'S official launch, Big Bottling Company says it is not just selling a drink. It's creating a lifestyle of wellness, refreshments, and opportunity for Nigerians.

[00:33:23]>> Time now for some business news with Dominic Iroegbu. Dominic.

[00:33:36]>> Thank you, Ayotunde. And on business news, Nigeria's foreign exchange reserves have jumped to the highest level in about 17 years after hitting $51.04 billion on June the 18th. And this is according to the latest data from the Central Bank. The CBN reports indicates that the country's external buffers new position, which was last seen on January the 20th, 2009 at $51.07 billion, is largely attributed to stronger oil earnings, improved external capital inflows, as well as forex market reforms. The latest milestone follows a significant increase of about $1.22 billion recorded in May while the reserves consolidated that accretion throughout this month.

[00:34:20]Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC SAHCO has declared a dividend of 1 naira 20 kobo per share. As shareholders commend the company's strong revenue growth in 2025. The announcement was made at SAHCO's 16th annual general meeting in Lagos, where the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025 was presented and reviewed.

[00:34:44]>> Possibility of mentioning that we do not delay >> Management and shareholders of Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC, SAHCO, gather in Lagos for the company's 16th annual general meeting, holding both physically and virtually.

[00:34:58]>> To the next item, which is the declaration of a dividend for the year ended 2025.

[00:35:05]>> Reviewing the company's operational and business performance for the financial year ended December the 31, 2025, the chairman of the board, Taiwo Afolabi, says SAHCO recorded a 54% increase in revenue. According to him, the company's total revenue rose to 44.46 billion naira, up from 28.94 billion naira in 2024, while profit after tax more than doubled to 11.73 billion naira. The company also declared a dividend of 1 naira 20 kobo per share for shareholders.

[00:35:38]>> I hereby move the motion that a dividend payment in the total sum of 1 billion 624 million 286 thousand naira only, which translates to 1 naira 20 kobo per share, ordinary share of the company held, subject to withholding tax be made [clears throat] to shareholders whose names appear on the company's register.

[00:36:09]>> Other items on the agenda is the re-election of a non-executive director and an independent non-executive director.

[00:36:17]>> And on the bottom line to reduce our cost and improve efficiency, uh we're working on um vendor management and procurement, um strengthening our procurement process, um improving technology to help us um with efficiency and reduction in cost.

[00:36:37]>> SAHCO says despite inflationary pressures and rising utility costs, the company delivered the strongest financial performance in its history in 2025.

[00:36:47]>> So, what we are doing we have been resilient, we have been focused, and in spite of all the challenges the harsh economy in the country, we are trying because we know what we want.

[00:37:01]And everybody we have a target, and everybody keyed to it. Next year, I think we are looking at sort of 44 billion, maybe like 60 60 70 billion that we are planning to make happen by next year.

[00:37:18]>> As one of Nigeria's leading aviation ground handling service providers, Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC says it remains optimistic about the future and envisages even stronger revenue growth in the coming years.

[00:37:33]>> It's five straight sessions of losses this week as the domestic equities market has continued sell pressure by investors takes toll on key banking and industrial goods stocks. Willy Bong tells us more.

[00:37:50]>> [music] >> Welcome to the stock market report. It's more bloodbath today on the NGX as the all-share index tumbled a 0.62% and trading day ASI sitting at 235 points. And analysts I spoke to earlier today said the index might be heading to 230,000, and that's another a comfortable support level. And the banking stocks were the major culprits that dragged the index down today. We see it the banking index down 4.41%.

[00:38:20]Have that quickly. We see it 4.41%, and this is on the top of the banks, the tier one banks, tier two banks and we see Dangote Sugar the top of the losing chance for stocks weighing the consumer goods sector down. And meanwhile gains in oil and gold and Japaul gold that propped the oil and gas index reversing Tuesday's losses. Now investors should brace up because analysts warns that the market could see a further correction.

[00:38:47]Will Ebong signing off.

[00:38:52]>> [clears throat] [music] >> Meanwhile US stock and bond markets are closed for the June 10th public holiday, but major bosses across Africa, Europe and Asia went session. Here are the closing numbers for Friday. [music] >> [music] [music] [music] >> And that's it on business news. Back to Ayotunde for the rest of the news at 10.

[00:39:48]>> [music] >> Thanks Dominic. Israel and armed Lebanese group Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire amid ongoing strikes in Lebanon. The agreement addresses concerns that the fighting in Lebanon could jeopardize the US Iran ceasefire deal which mandates a halt to military operations on all fronts including Lebanon. Here's Amam Piuse you our London studio our international news and around the world in five.

[00:40:24]>> Good evening and welcome to the channel studios here in London with your international news around the world in five.

[00:40:29]>> All right.

[00:40:30]>> A new round of direct talks between the US and Iran have been postponed after Vice President JD Vance delayed a planned trip to Switzerland. It comes a day after the US dropped its naval blockade of Iran after the two countries signed a deal aimed at ending the conflict.

[00:40:47]While the deal also said fighting should end in Lebanon, the country's health ministry said Israeli strikes had killed at least 18 people in the south overnight. Israel's military said it had targeted Iran-backed group Hezbollah and that four of its own soldiers had been killed.

[00:41:01]>> You've seen people within Bibi's cabinet who have come out and attacked the deal and in some ways very personally attacked the president of the United States. Donald J. Trump is the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time. And he happens to be the head of state of the world's superpower. If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world.

[00:41:33]>> Specks of black oil have rained down on parts of Moscow after a refinery was hit during the largest Ukrainian attack since the start of the full-scale war with close to 200 drones fired towards the Russian capital. Columns of thick smoke billowed high into the sky and 17 people were wounded in the Moscow region. Moscow authorities denied that any oil rain had been falling. However, the city's official Telegram channel warned residents of the affected district to keep their windows closed and said families with children, elderly people, and asthmatics should urgently leave the area.

[00:42:06]The parents of a boy who shot dead nine children and a security guard at a Serbian elementary school have been given jail terms in a retrial in Belgrade. The boy was 13 when he shot dead seven girls, a boy, and a school guard at a school in Belgrade in 2023.

[00:42:22]Another girl later died in hospital. The shooter was under the age of criminal responsibility and was placed in a psychiatric institution, but his parents, Vladimir and Miljana Kecmanović, were accused of neglect and abuse of a minor while his father was also accused of a serious offense against public safety. Vladimir was sentenced to 14 years and 6 months in prison. His wife received 2 years and 11 months.

[00:42:45]>> I do hereby declare that Andy Burnham is duly elected. Thank you.

[00:42:50]>> Labor's Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election, paving the way for him to challenge Sir Keir Starmer as party leader.

[00:42:59]The former Greater Manchester mayor won 55% of the vote, beating Reform UK's Robert Kenyon by more than 9,000 votes.

[00:43:06]Keir Starmer congratulated Andy Burnham on his win, but privately knows he's facing a grave and imminent threat to his position. Burnham, who previously said he would seek to enter any leadership contest, would need the backing of 81 Labor MPs to join the race.

[00:43:20]>> I will always take a place-first rather than a party-first approach, and I will focus on problem-solving rather than point-scoring. And I will work hard after this by-election to heal the divisions of this campaign.

[00:43:35]>> Former president, first lady now on stage.

[00:43:37]>> Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have welcomed three ex-US presidents, dignitaries, and celebrities to the opening of the Obama Presidential Center. The Chicago attraction, a monument to the 8 years the couple spent in the White House, has been in the works since the 44th president left the Oval Office a decade ago. George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden attended, but current President Donald Trump, who has long feuded with Obama, was not invited. The Obamas chose the Jackson Park neighborhood on the South Side for the 20-acre campus near the home where they lived before moving to the White House.

[00:44:13]>> There is a new generation out there ready to write the next chapter of our story.

[00:44:18]We intend to help them do it and we ask that you join us.

[00:44:26]Thank you.

[00:44:27]God bless you.

[00:44:29]God bless the United States of America.

[00:44:38]>> And a family's pet duck called Merlin has become Mexico's unofficial ambassador for the FIFA World Cup.

[00:44:45]Merlin went viral after videos were shared showing the 2-year-old duck waddling through the streets of Mexico City wearing the Mexican team's jersey and custom socks.

[00:44:55]And that's your international news around the world in 5. Now back to Channel Television in Lagos.

[00:45:04]>> [music] >> Hello and welcome to sports news. The US powered into the last 32 of the World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Australia in Group D. An own goal from Socceroos defender Cameron Burgess and an Alex Freeman header sealed a comfortable win for the World Cup co-host who have advanced to the second phase of the tournament with a game to spare and the US could be assured top spots in Group D if Turkey fails to beat Paraguay.

[00:46:04]And here's crowds of Mexicans gathered across the Angel of Independence Monument in Mexico City after Coho's Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout rounds of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over South Korea at Estadio 360 and a holler from South Korea's goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu gifted a goal to Mexico's Luis Romo. The victory means Mexico are guaranteed to finish at top sports in Group A with a game to spare.

[00:46:41]Still at the World Cup, Canada coach John Herdman says his players are still in shock as midfielder Ismaël Koné's World Cup appearance is over owing to a broken leg after the horrific injury that marred the World Cup Coho's 6-0 thrashing of Qatar. Koné was carried off on a stretcher after a clumsy challenge by Qatari midfielder Assim Madibo in the 51st minute of the Group D clash at Vancouver's BC Place.

[00:47:12]>> It happened right in front of the bench.

[00:47:13]We could all hear it. You know, I knew right away it was similar to when Tajon got hurt in training. It was right in front of us and everyone could hear the bone snap. So, you know, your heart goes out to him and and everybody's a little shaken by the whole experience because of the nature of the injury and also because Ismaël is a big part of the heart of our team.

[00:47:35]Um it will be a big loss for us. He's been an amazing player in these last two games. He was waving to the crowd and almost making everybody else feel at ease with the fact that he's injured and it's an incredible statement about Ismaël as a person, but this is our team. You know, I mean, I've been trying to tell people for two years about the special character of this group.

[00:48:12]>> [music] >> And that's your sports news tonight. I am Kelly and give us back to Sunday.

[00:48:29]>> And the main news again.

[00:48:30]All is now set for the state governorship election as the Independent National Electoral Commission and civil society organizations have expressed readiness for the conduct of the exercise.

[00:48:43]>> [music] >> And the Federal High Court has sentenced two women arrested by the Department of State Services for their involvement in terrorism-related [music] activities to 40 years imprisonment.

[00:48:57]That's the news at 10:00 tonight. Thank you so much for watching. I'm Ayotunde Balogun from everyone here. You have a good night.

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