
Kano State has recorded the highest number of new voter registrations in Nigeria, with 441,845 individuals registered under the Continuous Voter Registration exercise as of June 15, 2026. This data was presented in a report by the Sub-Committee on ICT and Data Collection, chaired by the Kano State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Aliyu Isa Aliyu. The report, released on Thursday, indicates that Kano surpassed all other 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, attributing this success to sustained voter mobilization efforts and public awareness campaigns led by the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. A Voter Registration Task Force Committee established in 2025 played a key role in encouraging residents, particularly youths, to register. Bichi Local Government Area led with 30,806 new registrations, followed by Kumbotso with 18,701, while Kunchi recorded the lowest with 5,030. The report noted stronger registration in urban and semi-urban areas and highlighted the significant role of youth participation. To maintain this momentum, the committee recommended intensified voter education in areas with lower figures, increased youth and community volunteer engagement, and strengthened collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

France's star Aurelien Tchouameni stated the team's goal is to make coach Didier Deschamps "as proud as possible" in their final World Cup group game against Norway. Deschamps returned home to attend his mother's funeral, with assistant coach Guy Stephan leading the team. Deschamps learned of his mother's death after France secured their place in the knockout stages with a 3-0 victory over Iraq. Stephan, who previously led the team after Deschamps' father's death, expressed the team's deep sadness and their focus on navigating this difficult situation. France and Norway are tied on six points, both having qualified for the knockout stages. France holds a superior goal difference, meaning a draw will secure them as group winners. The Group I winner will play a last-32 tie against a third-placed finisher, while the runners-up will face the Group E runners-up. Arsenal centre-back William Saliba will miss the match due to a back problem, with Maxence Lacroix expected to replace him.

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has officially signed the concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, with Aero Alliance Limited under a Public-Private Partnership. This marks the formal transfer of operational and management responsibilities to the concessionaire. The signing ceremony, announced by the minister鈥檚 Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, was attended by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, and representatives from various federal agencies and Aero Alliance Limited. The concession is part of the Federal Government鈥檚 efforts to modernize airport infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and attract private-sector investment, aligning with President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda. Keyamo noted that previous attempts to concession the airport had failed for two decades, and he praised Governor Mbah for his role in facilitating the project. The minister assured aviation employees that their welfare would be protected under the new arrangement, despite the shift to private management focused on efficiency and accountability. Keyamo urged Aero Alliance Limited to justify the confidence placed in it, as its performance will set a benchmark for future airport concessions. The Enugu State Government has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a direct flight connection between Guangzhou, China, and Enugu, aiming to boost trade, tourism, and investment in the South-East.
Must ReadColombia's president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, has issued an ultimatum to the country's guerrilla groups, giving them one month to surrender. This stance was a key part of his campaign, which saw him win Sunday's presidential election by a narrow margin. De la Espriella stated that his administration would not offer "generous offers or unacceptable concessions" to armed groups, contrasting with the outgoing administration's approach of dialogue. He previously expressed intentions to conduct bombing campaigns against guerrillas and build "mega-prisons." His victory marks the end of Colombia's first leftist government, led by President Gustavo Petro. De la Espriella also plans to form a military alliance with the United States and Israel, having stated that Colombia and Israel would share an unprecedented relationship after speaking with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. The United Nations reported on Thursday that drug crops in Colombia increased by 3.5 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year.