By Francesca Hangeior

Algeria’s incumbent President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has been re-elected with almost 95 per cent of the vote, the country’s electoral authority ANIE said Sunday.

“Out of 5,630,000 voters recorded, 5,320,000 voted for the independent candidate Abdelmadjid Tebboune, accounting for 94.65 per cent of the vote,” ANIE head Mohamed Charfi told reporters in the capital Algiers.

Tebboune, 78, was heavily favoured to secure a second term in the race against moderate Islamist Abdelaali Hassani, 57, and socialist candidate Youcef Aouchiche, 41.

“The election was marked by broad transparency” and “reflected the electoral maturity of the people”, said Charfi.
But, he did not provide the official turnout rate, which was seen as Tebboune’s major challenge in a vote where his victory was all but certain.
The re-elected president had hoped for a higher turnout than in 2019, the year he was elected amid widely boycotted elections and the Hirak mass pro-democracy protests.
Tebboune was elected at the time amid a record abstention rate of over 60 per cent.

In the early hours of the day, ANIE had announced an “average turnout” rate of 48 per cent, calling it “provisional”, but it did not give a breakdown of the number of voters against those initially registered.

The announcement came three hours behind schedule after the authority said on Saturday evening that it was extending voting by one hour, expecting more voters to show up.

ANIE had also announced an
“average” participation of 26 per cent by 5:00 pm (1600 GMT) — which would have compared to 33 per cent by that time of day in the 2019 elections.

Hassani’s campaign on Sunday said in a statement that ANIE’s provisional turnout was “strange” and denounced attempts to “inflate the results”.

Hassani heads the moderate Islamist party the Movement of Society for Peace and Aouchiche the centre-left Socialist Forces Front.

By Francesca Hangeior

Former Big Brother Naija reality star, Ilebaye Odiniya, has revealed the date of her colleagues, Angel and Soma’s wedding.

She disclosed that the duo will tie the knots in January next year.

She revealed this in a video message with Angel making the rounds on the internet.

However, the Big Brother Naija ‘All-Stars’ edition winner did not disclose a specific date.

Ilebaye: “We are not supposed to announce it yet, the [Angel and Soma’s] wedding is next year January. Oh my God, I just exposed you guys.”

Angel also flashed her engagement ring on the camera.

recalls that Angel and Soma started dating on the ‘All-Stars’ edition of the Big Brother Naija reality show last year.

The duo revealed that they were in relationships before coming on the show but were ready to sacrifice their relationships for each other.

Their relationship has continued to blossom even after the show despite occasional rumours of their breakup.

By Francesca Hangeior.

Primary and secondary schools in Lagos State will resume for the 2024/2025 academic session on Monday, September 9, 2024.

This is after the students had gone on a long vacation at the end of the 2023/2024 session on July 19, 2024.

In a statelment issued on Sunday, the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, advised the students to avoid vices such as gangsterism, bullying and drug abuse, as he encouraged them to approach the new school year with enthusiasm, curiosity and dedication.

“As we begin the 2024/2025 academic session, I want to extend my warmest welcome and best wishes to every pupil, student, teaching and non-teaching staff, and school leader. This new school session brings fresh opportunities for impactful learning, growth and academic success.

“Dear pupils and students, I encourage you to approach this year with enthusiasm, curiosity and dedication. Take advantage of the resources available to you, ask questions, and seek help when needed.

“Remember, education is the key to unlocking your potential, propelling your wings beyond impossibility, and achieving your life goals. Stay away from vices, gangsterism, bullying and drug abuse,” the statement read.

Alli-Balogun said the new academic session would focus on improving academic outcomes and fostering a safe, inclusive learning environment in Lagos schools.

Addressing teachers and school staff, the commissioner stressed the importance of their passion and expertise in ensuring the success of the students, saying, “Your tireless efforts and commitment to shaping young minds are invaluable. These contributions are always appreciated by our dear Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, through a series of dedicated welfare initiatives for teachers and school personnel.”

To parents and guardians, he sought continued support for their children’s educational journeys, noting that they should “encourage them (children) to ask questions, explore their interests and develop a love for learning.”