Smart gains mobile video experience award

Amid its continued investments in expanding and enhancing its 5G network nationwide, mobile services provider Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) has been recognized by Ookla, a global leader in network intelligence and connectivity insights, for delivering the Best Mobile Video Experience in the Philippines for the second consecutive year.

The recognition underscores Smart’s leadership in providing high-quality mobile streaming experiences for Filipinos.

Based on Ookla’s analysis of Speedtest Intelligence data for the first half of 2026, Smart earned the Best Mobile Video Experience award after posting a Video Score of 72.82 – the highest among mobile operators in the country.

The recognition measures customers’ real-world Quality of Experience (QoE) while streaming videos over mobile networks. The Video Experience award is based on three equally weighted components: acceptable video start time, uninterrupted playback, and full HD resolution.

According to Ookla’s methodology, the Video Score reflects the percentage of users who experience video start times of less than two seconds, uninterrupted playback without rebuffering events, and 1080p or higher resolution in the majority of their video sessions.

For millions of Smart and TNT customers, this translates to a differentiated experience with faster-loading videos, smoother playback, and clearer high-definition streaming across today’s most popular streaming platforms. Whether watching livestreams, catching up on the latest series during a commute, enjoying short-form videos, or tuning in to live sporting events, subscribers benefit from a consistently seamless mobile viewing experience.

“This back-to-back recognition reflects the work of our network teams to continuously strengthen and improve our infrastructure. From expanding coverage in underserved communities to increasing capacity in high-demand areas, every enhancement is driven by our commitment to delivering the best possible mobile experience for our customers,” said Debbie Hu, first vice president and head of wireless networks at Smart.

The award further reinforces Smart’s commitment to delivering world-class digital experiences as video continues to dominate how Filipinos communicate, learn, work, and entertain themselves online.

“Video has become an essential part of everyday digital life for Filipinos, and our customers expect their mobile network to perform consistently wherever they go. This latest recognition from Ookla affirms that our network investments are translating into meaningful improvements in customer experience, and I encourage everyone to see the difference by streaming with Smart,” said Lloyd Manaloto, first vice president and officer-in-charge for Smart.

Smart continues to invest in its nationwide network to support the growing demand for video streaming and other data-intensive digital experiences. These sustained investments in network optimization, targeted rollouts, and wider adoption of 5G-enabled devices continue to drive Smart’s 5G growth.

As of end-June 2026, the number of 5G-capable individual devices on the Smart network increased by 30% ? to 12.5 million. This represents 21% of individual devices on the network, reflecting continued migration toward 5G and higher data usage

Smart’s continued network investments reinforce the PLDT Group’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality digital services to Filipinos. These efforts also support the country’s digitalization agenda and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Ticking off those Louie Alas boxes: These Blue Eagles have grit

This writer purposely chose not to say anything after the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ tough win over Our Lady of Fatima (OLFU), 71-60, in the Pinoyliga Cup as it was one game.

I thought I would wait for the second before sharing my thoughts, and here it is following that gritty come-from-behind win over the College of Saint Benilde, 81-78.

In both matches, I was looking for the hallmarks of Louie Alas teams – tough and physical, with a mania for full-court pressure, and well, gritty.

Let me jump back two weeks prior to that OLFU game. I went to the Blue Eagles’ practice for the first time since 2017. I went up to assistant coach RJ Jazul, who I was with during the first iteration of Gilas, ‘So, will we be a physical team?’ I asked.

‘Tignan natin kung kaya nila,’ Jazul answered me.

I didn’t see the physicality. Maybe in one or three players – Alden Cainglet, Jared Bahay, and to an extent, Ian Espinosa.

Because of the short amount of preparation, I don’t think they are fully fit yet, but I am sure the coaching staff is working on that.

And because they aren’t yet and it takes time to master that full court pressure, these Blue Eagles do it in spurts. I kinda like it because I thought in key moments, it caught the opposing team by surprise. With a full complement of players, Louie will be able to rotate properly as each one will be expected to give their all in those five minutes before sitting then having another go at it again.

Now for grit.

Ah, it’s there all right.

Against OLFU, they struggled – expectedly – to run their offense in the first half. They were taking a lot of shots late in the shot clock.

Against Benilde, they were getting the ball across the half court line a lot faster.

CSB was shooting the daylights out of Blue Eagle Gym in the first half, while Ateneo was getting their shots off but were just missing.

What I like is that this time, instead of jacking up way too many triples like it’s going out of style, this time, they were pounding the ball inside.

Yeah, old school hoops, baby!

Now, for both wins against OLFU and CSB, this team exhibited something that those old title teams of Ateneo had – that second-half adjustment that led them to victory.

Against Benilde, they began to rotate and cover the shooters better. They played tougher defense and this time, it was CSB that struggled to get their shots off.

And speaking of shots, it looks like that 1-2 punch of Ateneo is going to be Kieffer Alas (19.0 points per game) and Travis Roberts (16.5 points per game). Obviously, that isn’t sufficient. Grayson Rogers, EJ Kapihe, Waki Espina and Jared Bahay can put up those points too.

The more Sultan Baruwa learns the game, he will be more effective. And he was in this game. So was JM Leal.

As part of this grit factor, I love how in this endgame, they clamped down on defense after an ill-advised shot, a not so good offensive foul, and a turnover. Espinosa played great defense on Jhomel Ancheta that led to a fast-break play, and it reminded me of that tipped Scottie Pippen ball that led to a fast-break dunk by Toni Kukoc. Except this time, it was Alas who skied in for the lay-up that pegged the count at 81-78. And there was that game-saving block, also on Torres by Alas as time expired.

That was grit on display, and it led to an exhilarating win.

Northern Mindanao top cop is new NCRPO OIC

Northern Mindanao police director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano is now the new officer in charge (OIC) of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

In a text message to the Inquirer, Philippine National Police public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co confirmed that Abrahano was appointed acting head of the Metro Manila police force effective Sunday, Aug. 23.

He replaced police Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, who had reached the mandatory retirement age of 56. Abrahano is a member of the Philippine National Police Academy’s ‘Kaagapay’ Class of 1996.

He headed the Caraga regional police and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group before his appointment as Northern Mindanao police director.

Woman killed as overtaking jeep causes crash

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has started investigating a road crash caused by a jeepney driver who went on an ‘overtaking spree’ in San Mateo, Rizal, on Aug. 20.

The accident killed a woman driving a motorcycle.

The driver was reported to have engaged in an overtaking spree and occupied the opposite line until he was unable to avoid the motorcycle driven by a 43-year-old female rider,’ the LTFRB said.

‘Based on the initial investigation of the local police, the driver of a passenger jeepney with license plate TWS 560 was speeding … in an attempt to pick up more passengers,’ it added.

9Cs of Leadership

My simple task today is to briefly examine the nine (9) tools (some call them the secret weapons) of the purposeful leader, the CEO who gets things done by harnessing the collective intelligence of the workforce.

His go-to style is to regularly achieve success by faithfully utilising the dynamics of the 9Cs. Every voice in his organisation matters. Creativity thrives. He cultivates ownership and decision-making harmony with the team.

He blends conviction with consensus. The team understands his vision, which is clearly articulated with confidence. Bold moves and innovation are hallmarks of his smart organisation.

He does not play the ostrich, that charismatic bird that cannot fly. The ostrich buries his head in the sand instead of acknowledging and solving problems and challenges.

The 9Cs and smart tools of purposeful leadership are: Consensus, Connectedness, Conviction, Cooperation, Collaboration, Competition, Constructive Conflict Resolution, Communication and Co-CEOs (Scaling CEOs).

Alignment within a workplace is a key indicator of determined drive for success. Achieving the big picture starts with the CEO, but it is not about him; it is about the organisation. Definitely, he does not have all the answers. He must draw on salient levers, the pool of contextual wisdom and intelligence. To advance organisational goals, he must regularly ask for help.

Harmony and consensus are the pillars of ‘teaming’ for effective and adaptable change. The CEO must keep his colleagues aligned through purpose and intelligent eyes on organisational goals. He encourages the leadership of others.

Encouraging the free flow of collaborative thoughts is a fundamental skill of the CEO. His processes are guided by creative teaming for innovation and prosperity. The lone ranger or ‘Mr. Know-All’ syndrome by a CEO is a debilitating trap.

The CEO must co-create the future with his colleagues. No team member stands alone. The leader must always think connectedness in the context of continuous teaming and learning. You generate non-stop positive impact through the threads and the links. The leader must fully understand and utilise these connection points. No team member must be allowed to stand alone.

Connectedness links thoughts, ideas and strategies. It gives clarity to the CEO’s communication and talking points. Connectedness is tangible. The CEO must constantly ‘touch and taste’ it. It must be intentionally and strategically mapped to nurture and advance employees’ hope, stability, compassion and trust.

No one stands alone. ‘We are all in it together’ should be the clarion call.

The CEO with connectedness makes each team member see the impact he is making. He knows there is a purpose for his role. Customers are better served because of his dedication and commitment.

Consensus forged around the leader’s forward-looking connections, generates great benefits and delivers collective actions. The result is creative abrasion of values forged from diversity of innovative thoughts and ideas.

The CEO must never checkmate contrary views or dismiss disagreements. He must leverage and harness ideas and work through differences. He can, through this, excellently build an agile organisation that is always ready to adapt.

There must be no ‘business as usual.’ Can you imagine empowering your colleagues to such degrees that each team member becomes a quadrant of combinatorial abilities and values? Team members must imbibe shared purpose, have shared outcomes and shared objectives.

Collective leadership and consensus-building bring team members together to faithfully pursue the goals of the organisation. Comradery, or comradeship, is forged and fostered. Team members work collaboratively. They engage each other. Tension is defused. Conflicts are easily resolved through compromise, active listening, empathy and assertive communication. Also, psychological benefits such as stress reduction and enhanced team morale.

To lead with impact, the CEO must communicate and do it regularly. Communication is a smart choice and a critical essential towards building successful workplace partnerships and alliances.

The CEO must never operate under the illusion that he is communicating enough. Effective communication is a critical success factor and the cornerstone as well as bedrock of value-delivering relationships.

Communication is the essence of daily fruitful operations. Technology and other working tools can never fill-in for it. The CEO must make his communication real and personal. He must always seek confirmation that he is well understood and promptly act on responses.

He must be ‘close’ to his colleagues and intentionally invest in these relationships. Build trust and credibility through communication. Team members are human beings with human interests.

Pillars of communication include active listening, clarity of messages and robust feedback mechanisms.

Competition and cooperation are two intricate dynamics of human interaction. Conflict is inevitable, but when it is managed effectively, it leads to stronger relationships, improved teaming and teamwork, and innovative solutions. The CEO must foster open communication and promptly address misunderstanding.

Adherence to the principles of consensus leadership will also handle conflicts effectively. The workplace must be inclusive, participatory, collaborative, agreement-seeking and cooperative.

The CEO must shun the narrative that because of competition, team members’ responses to ‘power’ may become individualistic and selfish. It is inimical to the health of organisations to concentrate the power ‘up there’. Open communication and always seeking common ground will take care of the above.

The CEO must pursue effective networking within the workplace and use influence to amplify impact. Always get out of your own way whenever this is needed. Push back without making enemies and leverage connectedness over loyalty. Use relationships with the entire team to regularly move the needle.

Those excited Kano grooms

THE Kano State government recently sponsored the marriage of 1,500 couples in a mass wedding programme held across the state’s 44 local government areas, with the central ceremony taking place at the Emir’s Palace in Kano. The initiative, organised under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration and coordinated by the Kano State Hisbah Board, was presented as a social intervention designed to reduce the financial burden of marriage and support vulnerable residents. The state reportedly committed about N1.5 billion to the programme. Beneficiaries received dowry support, household items and business start-up assistance, while prospective couples underwent medical screening and counselling, including tests for HIV, hepatitis and genotype compatibility.

To be sure, there is a humanitarian argument behind the initiative. For people who genuinely cannot afford the costs associated with marriage, government assistance can provide relief and enable them to establish households. Some of the beneficiaries also have compelling personal circumstances. One participant, Haruna Bashir, was a widower who had lost his wife and six children in a tragic attack earlier in the year. His participation in the programme represented, for him, an opportunity to rebuild his life after an extraordinary personal loss. Yet, beyond the colourful photographs, the ceremonial grandeur and the excitement of the newly married couples, the programme raises questions that the government and society must confront. We do not begrudge the Kano grooms their happiness. Marriage is an important institution, and people have every right to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. But we hesitate to celebrate the policy without examining what happens after the celebration.

The comments attributed to some of the grooms have made this question unavoidable. One groom reportedly celebrated the addition of another wife, saying that he now had three wives. That statement may be entirely consistent with his religious and personal choices, and there is no need to turn it into a simplistic condemnation of polygamy. But it nevertheless raises a legitimate question about the relationship between marriage and economic responsibility. If a person requires government assistance to establish another household, what happens when the responsibilities of that household multiply? Who provides the food, healthcare, education, housing and other necessities that follow the wedding ceremony?

The state government says its programme is not merely about conducting weddings. It describes the initiative as a social intervention intended to promote stable homes, reduce the economic burden associated with marriage, and support vulnerable citizens. The provision of N200,000 to each bride for dowry and business support, alongside household necessities, is therefore significant. But the real test of the programme will be whether those economic interventions translate into sustainable livelihoods. This is where the government must think beyond the wedding day. Rice will eventually be consumed. Cooking oil will finish. A mattress will not generate income. Even start-up capital can disappear if beneficiaries do not have access to markets, skills, training and a supportive economic environment. The most valuable part of the programme, therefore, should not be the ceremony or the household gifts but the economic empowerment that enables the couples to become productive and self-reliant.

A government that can mobilise N1.5 billion for a mass wedding can surely mobilise comparable imagination and commitment towards the economic circumstances that make marriage difficult in the first place. The fundamental problem confronting many young Nigerians is not simply the cost of getting married; it is the absence of decent employment, sustainable businesses, quality education, affordable healthcare and secure housing. Helping people marry without addressing those conditions risks treating a symptom while leaving the underlying problem untouched. There is also a serious question about priorities. Kano, like many parts of northern Nigeria, faces significant challenges in education, poverty and human development. The state has a large young population, and many children and young people require better access to education and economic opportunity. In such an environment, the government has to explain why its social interventions should place such emphasis on facilitating marriages rather than strengthening the conditions that enable young people to become economically independent. This is not an argument that the government should have nothing to do with marriage. It is perfectly reasonable for a government to support vulnerable citizens, particularly where social and economic circumstances make marriage prohibitively expensive. Medical screening, counselling and economic support are defensible interventions. The concern begins when marriage itself becomes the principal measure of social welfare.

Also, the reported reference to a 17-year-old bride deserves serious scrutiny. The issue should not be reduced to a cultural argument. Going by the Child Rights Act, the protection and welfare of minors should remain paramount. A government-sponsored programme should be especially careful to ensure that every participant is legally eligible, adequately protected, and freely consenting. Cultural or religious tradition should not be used to silence legitimate questions about the welfare of young people. It is simply illegal to marry a 17-year-old.

There is also a political question. Government programmes that distribute immediate benefits can generate considerable public goodwill. A mass wedding is particularly visible: thousands of people, traditional rulers, religious authorities, government officials, colourful ceremonies and grateful beneficiaries provide powerful images of government intervention. But citizens are entitled to ask whether public expenditure is being directed primarily towards long-term transformation or towards interventions that produce immediate political visibility. The government should therefore resist the temptation to measure success by the number of marriages conducted. It should instead measure success by the number of households that become economically secure, the number of businesses that remain viable, the number of children who remain in school, and the extent to which vulnerable women and families become less dependent on public assistance. There is nothing wrong with celebrating marriage. There is much that is wrong with celebrating marriage while ignoring the conditions that make family life sustainable.

The Kano grooms may be excited today, and understandably so. They have received wedding support, household items, financial assistance, and the public recognition that accompanies such a large ceremony. But the excitement of the wedding day will eventually give way to the ordinary demands of family life. The music will stop, the guests will leave, the gifts will be consumed, and the photographs will become memories. The Kano State government should ensure that its intervention does not end with the wedding. If it can bring 1,500 couples together, it should also commit itself to helping those 1,500 households build sustainable livelihoods. What Kano needs is genuine developmental interventions.

Dangers of Atiku’s subsidy return proposal, by Fed Govt

The Federal Government yesterday listed the dangers of fuel subsidy reversal.

It said Nigeria cannot afford to return to the ‘retrogressive path’.

A reversal, it warned, would throw up the old challenges that have been resolved by the bold and courageous reforms introduced since May 29, 2023.

According to the Federal Government, fuel subsidy removal would undo the gains of the reforms, return the country to the forbidden era of fuel scarcity and create uncertainties for investors.

Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, said the fiscal pressures arising from removal may return Nigeria to another era of ‘ways and means’ -borrowing by government from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The minister, who objected to the reversal push by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, said the proposal was calculated at crippling activities at the three tiers of government.

Removal of fuel subsidy along with unification of foreign exchange are the twin policies driving the economic reform of the Tinubu administration.

The former vice president last week pledged to reverse removal of fuel subsidy if elected in the January 16 presidential election.

He alleged that the proceeds have been mismanaged.

In 2019 and 2023 when he contested for president, Atiku stated expressly that he would remove fuel subsidy should he be elected president.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described Atiku’s change of position on fuel subsidy as an idea borne out of ignorance.

The Presidency said the former Vice President is desperate for power and was merely pandering to some sentiments expressed on the effect of the reforms on the poor.

Many economists, labour activists, the Organised Private Sector (OPS) and manufacturers at the weekend criticised the Presidential candidate of the ADC for his proposal.

But yesterday, the ex-Vice-President modified his position.

In a statement by his media aide Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said: ‘The administration cannot claim to have abolished subsidy while granting tax credits, concessions and other fiscal incentives to operators in the same petroleum industry.

‘This is precisely why the Atiku Economic Recovery Plan rejects Tinubu’s false choice between the corrupt subsidy regime of yesterday and the cruel shock therapy of today.

‘What he (Atiku) proposes is a targeted, capped, transparently budgeted and independently audited intervention with a clearly defined exit mechanism, accompanied by accelerated domestic refining, competition, mass transportation and measures to restore household purchasing power.’

Nigeria can’t return to the past, says minister

Idris said Nigerians should examine the gains of the reform and losses that would accrue to the country if subsidy is restored.

Quoting the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Taiwo Oyedele, the minister said subsidy savings mobilised N15.8 trillion in resources for the federation between June 2023 and December 2025.

He said approximately N5.43 trillion of the amount accrued to the Federal Government, N6.52 trillion to states and N3.88 trillion to local governments.

Idris stressed that the N15.8 trillion is not sitting in a government account as a separate pool of cash called ‘subsidy savings,’ clarifying that it represents resources released within the Federation’s wider fiscal system and made available across the three tiers of government.

The minister explained that the details were provided by the Minister of Finance at Wednesday’s Federal Government’s presentation of ‘Nigeria’s reform scorecard: The benefits, costs and harms prevented.’

Idris recalled that in 2022, Nigeria battled with declining oil production and weak revenues, while it spent about $10 billion on fuel subsidies.

He said government is also currently subsidising power.

Idris said the additional resources available to states and local governments have strengthened their capacity to meet salaries and pension obligations and to invest in infrastructure and essential services, including primary healthcare, basic education, roads and other needs.

Highlighting the utilisation of additional resources, the minister said: ‘The Federal Government’s Reform Scorecard records approximately N6.47 trillion in additional expenditure on strategic infrastructure, covering major investments in transport, housing, agriculture, security and other strategic projects.

‘These include major national corridors such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, and the Trans-Sahara Superhighway.

‘The reforms have also made room for significant investments in human capital and social support. Over 10 million Nigerian households have benefited from social transfers.

‘The administration has also extended more than N400 billion towards landmark social investment initiatives like the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND (N223.8 billion), the MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund, MREIF (N150 billion) and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, CREDICORP (N50 billion).

‘Renewed domestic and foreign investor confidence founded on the reforms have helped make the Nigerian stock market the world’s best performing in 2026, pushed the external reserves to the highest level in almost 20 years, and helped the country grow oil production to exceed its OPEC quota for the first time in years.

‘The additional fiscal space has also supported wage adjustments, minimum-wage obligations and pensions, while expanding the capacity for investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, electricity, security and other critical areas of national development.’

Idris disclosed that Nigeria is entering a new phase in its petroleum sector, with marked expansion in domestic refining capacity.

The minister warned that the reversal will introduce fresh uncertainty for investors at a time Nigeria should be consolidating domestic refining and strengthening energy security.

He added: ‘Had the subsidy regime remained unaddressed, petrol scarcity would have returned, pushing prices above N3,000 per litre on the black market. The legacy Ways and Means financing, which stood at about N30 trillion in May 2023 and has since been curtailed, would have doubled to N60 trillion or more.

‘The Scorecard projects that, without the reforms, the inherited situation of 27 states unable to reliably pay salaries would undoubtedly have worsened.

‘Nigeria already carries a second energy subsidy, on electricity consumption, which cost the country an additional N3.14 trillion between June 2023 and December 2025.

‘This subsidy helps bridge the gap between actual power production costs and the capped tariffs paid by most consumers.

‘Reintroducing a petrol consumption subsidy on top of this would deal a double blow to Nigeria’s fiscal position.’

Idris said ‘restoring subsidy would almost instantly return Nigeria to the economic conditions of 2022, recreating the same fiscal pressures, distortions, scarcity and incentives for arbitrage that made the old system unsustainable in the first place.’

He stressed: ‘We are not claiming that the reforms have solved all of Nigeria’s economic challenges; there is indeed still much work to be done to translate improved fiscal capacity into better services, jobs, infrastructure and living standards.

‘But the proper response to the hardship associated with reform is not to dismantle the reform; it is to accelerate the benefits – which remains what the Tinubu administration is resolutely focused on.

‘The objective is clear: to move public resources away from subsidising consumption and towards investing in the Nigerian people and the productive foundations of lasting prosperity.

‘This is also why the debate over restoring subsidy must ultimately come down to hard choices.’

Idris also raised some posers: ‘Do we restore petrol subsidy, or sustain student loans and consumer credit for young Nigerians?

‘Do we restore subsidy, or preserve higher allocations to states and local governments?

‘Do we restore subsidy, or continue funding roads, rail, power and security?

‘Do we restore subsidy, or strengthen the fiscal capacity required to expand healthcare, education and social protection for vulnerable Nigerians?

‘Nigeria cannot build tomorrow’s economy by returning to yesterday’s unsustainable subsidy regime. We have moved beyond that model.’

Hashim: Atiku’s change of position dishonest

Accord stalwart Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim described the change of position on fuel subsidy removal by Atiku as the height of dishonesty, adding that Nigerians deserve more explanations from him

He said there is nothing wrong with changing one’s position due to circumstances, but insisted that politicians should acknowledge their previous positions and explain why they changed course.

He said in a statement: ‘Atiku’s recant on subsidy removal without an apology is dishonesty. If you change your position because circumstances or evidence have changed, tell Nigerians why you changed.’

Hashim said Atiku, President Tinubu and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi campaigned for subsidy removal during the 2023 presidential election, while he and other candidates, including Omoyele Sowore and Adewole Adebayo, opposed the policy.

He described Atiku as one of the prominent advocates of subsidy removal and wholesale privatisation during the Fourth Republic.

Hashim recalled that during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Atiku as Vice President headed the economic team when the administration increased petroleum prices and attempted to remove subsidy.

He said he and other PDP officials publicly opposed the move, adding that the National Assembly also passed resolutions against the policy, leading to its reversal.

He recalled: ‘We opposed subsidy removal when it was politically inconvenient to do so. We did not suddenly discover the suffering of Nigerians because another election is approaching.’

The Accord chieftain, who called for the restoration of subsidy on petroleum products and other strategic commodities, said it should be targeted, transparent and designed to protect consumers and productive sectors.

He said: ‘Our position is simple: restore subsidy on petroleum products and other strategic products where necessary, but do it intelligently.’

Hashim said a reformed subsidy regime should have clear eligibility criteria, publicly disclosed costs and beneficiaries, measurable economic objectives and strict accountability.

He urged Nigerians to scrutinise the consistency and economic programmes of presidential contenders ahead of the 2027 election.

Hashim added: ‘Nigeria needs originality, courage and compassion in leadership. We cannot continue recycling people because they have the biggest megaphone.’

CBN tightens scrutiny of banks’ asset quality

Major banks are experiencing delay in the release of their first half financial results as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) tightens examination and approval processes in a more intensive scrutiny of banks’ assets and quality of earnings.

Five major banks- Guaranty Trust Holdings Company (GTCO) Plc, Access Holdings Plc, Zenith Bank International Plc, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, which control more than two-thirds of the banking industry, are facing greater scrutiny of their financial results.

The banks, in separate statements, stated that they would not meet weekend’s deadline for the release of their audited results for the first half 2026, citing ongoing review of their financial statements by the CBN.

Banks that had approved their audited results and submitted same for onward examination and approval by the apex bank said they were still awaiting final approval of the apex bank.

Banks cannot make public their audited reports and accounts without prior and final approval of the apex bank.

GTCO, which had concluded its half-year report by July 28, and was ordinarily required to submit the audited report this weekend, has sought for extended timeline till September 30, 2026.

Also, Zenith Bank, which received board approval for its half-year report on July 29, stated that its report would now be released on or before October 9. Access Holdings has secured extension till September 30, while UBA said the release of its report is conditional upon receipt of apex bank’s approval.

An industry source said the delay might not be unconnected with the post-recapitalisation compliance enhancement programme of the apex bank, especially in testing the assets and earnings of the banks.

The apex bank was said to be taking proactive steps to ensure banks’ earnings and returns are sustainable, thus the additional layers of scrutiny for the major banks, all of which traditionally declare interim dividends on their half-year results.

The source said the position of the banks, which are regarded as systemically important institutions, and potential payouts to shareholders were part of the reasons for the intensive scrutiny.

The source noted that it was the first time that the banks would be submitting their audited results after the conclusion of the banking industry recapitalisation.

Post-listing rules at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) require the five banks to submit their audited results and accounts for the first half ended June 30, 2026 not later than 60 days after the end of the period. The deadline expires on August 29.

With the CBN approval pending, the banks returned to the NGX to seek waiver and extension of the deadline, citing the need for primary regulatory approval before release of their results.

Phone technician loses 2 wives, children to fire in Yobe

A phone technician has lost his two wives and two children in a fire outbreak at Rugar Audu Badali Fulani community in Karasuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The incident occurred at about 5:30 pm on Friday while the four victims were in one of the rooms in the family compound, according to the family.

The victims were identified as 28-year-old Bilkisu Bukar, the man’s senior wife; his 22-year-old junior wife, Salma; and Bilkisu’s two daughters, eight-month-old Zainab Bukar and three-year-old Hafsat.

The husband, Mallam Bukar, told Daily Trust that he left home after saying goodbye to his two wives to attend the Friday prayer in Jajimaji, headquarters of Karasuwa LGA, before proceeding to his phone-repair business.

He said he was at his business premises after the prayer when he received a telephone call informing him that his house had been gutted by fire.

‘I left home after saying goodbye to my two wives, the senior wife and the junior wife, intending to go to the mosque for the Friday prayer and then proceed to my place of business,’ he said.

Bukar said he hired a motorcycle and returned home, arriving after 6pm, only to find that the entire house had been burnt.

He said there was nothing left to salvage.

‘The people who called me on the phone said they believed the incident happened between 5pm and 6pm. By the time I arrived home, it was after 6pm, and I found that the fire had already consumed everything,’ he said.

Bukar said he did not know how the fire started and would not accuse anyone without evidence.

‘If I say I suspect someone, I would be falsely accusing that person,’ he said.

He said the two wives had separate rooms but were together in Bilkisu’s room with the children when the incident occurred.

According to him, the two women lived peacefully together and had never had any disagreement.

Bukar said Salma had suffered several miscarriages and had no child with him, while Bilkisu was the mother of Zainab and Hafsat.

He said only three members of the family survived the incident – himself, his son, Adamu, and daughter, Aishatu.

Adamu, who is Bilkisu’s son, said he had said goodbye to his mother before leaving for Friday prayers in Jajimaji.

He said his mother prepared food for him before he left, adding that he decided to remain in town and return home later in the evening.

‘When I returned home, I found that the house had been completely burnt down. My mother, her co-wife and my younger siblings had all died. Now, I have no one left except my younger sister and our father,’ he said.

The fire destroyed two thatched rooms, a mud-built bathroom, two poultry birds and other household belongings, according to the family.

Bukar said the family had been left homeless following the incident and would move to a nearby settlement until after the rainy season.

Daily Trust gathered that the four victims were buried at Rugar Audu Badali cemetery according to Islamic rites.

A volunteer staff member of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), Mr Hassan Rilwanu, who visited the scene, described the incident as shocking.

Rilwanu said it was difficult to understand how the fire occurred around 5:30 pm when people were present in the settlement.

He said the victims were in a thatched room and questioned why they were unable to escape.

‘It is surprising that four people could be completely burnt to ashes, yet no one heard them screaming for help,’ he said.

Rilwanu said there were several unanswered questions about the incident.

Bukar said neighbours who informed him about the fire told him they did not hear cries for help from the victims or see anyone enter the house.

He said he had no disagreement with anyone and was not accusing anyone of involvement in the incident.

The Director of Search and Rescue Operations of YOSEMA, Dr Muhammad Ibrahim Jalo, had earlier said the agency led a joint assessment and condolence visit to the community following the incident.

Jalo said the assessment team, comprising officials of YOSEMA, representatives of the Karasuwa Local Government Authority and community stakeholders, visited the scene to document the extent of the destruction and assess the immediate needs of the survivors.

He said the assessment identified the need for emergency relief materials, temporary shelter and psychosocial support for those displaced by the fire.

End theft of public land

The government’s decision to compile a comprehensive inventory of public land and cancel illegally issued titles in forest reserves is not merely an administrative exercise. It is a long-overdue test of whether Uganda is prepared to protect public resources from the interests of the powerful, who have treated them as private property.

The Lands ministry says the exercise will identify, document and title government land across the country, with the aim of curbing fraud, encroachment and disputes. That is welcome. Poorly documented public land is an open invitation to fraudsters, speculators and politically connected individuals.

The case of Mabira and other central forest reserves demonstrates just how serious the problem has become. Government is finalising cancellation of 50 freehold titles created inside Mabira forest, while another 244 titles issued in other forest reserves in Mukono are also being targeted. Mabira alone covers nearly 30,000 hectares and has already suffered significant degradation.

But cancellation of titles should not become another announcement that generates headlines today and disappears from public attention tomorrow. Uganda has seen numerous campaigns against wetland and forest encroachment, only for illegal developments to return. The real challenge is enforcement and accountability.

It is particularly troubling that structures can continue to be developed on land that has already been caveated, with allegations that some physical planners have even approved building plans there. Such contradictions expose a deeper institutional problem. The government cannot protect public land when different arms of the State work against one another.

The proposed public land inventory, therefore, deserves more than bureaucratic enthusiasm. It should be transparent, publicly accessible and independently audited. Ugandans should be able to know what land belongs to the State, where it is located, who is occupying it, what it is designated for and what action is being taken against illegal occupants.

Most importantly, the exercise must not become a tool for selective eviction or political patronage. Every cancellation must follow the law, and legitimate claimants must have an avenue to challenge government decisions.

At the same time, possession of a title should not automatically become a shield for illegality when that title was obtained through fraud or over land that was never available for private ownership.

Public land is not government property in the narrow sense. It belongs to the people of Uganda. Forests, wetlands, road reserves and other public spaces serve generations, not merely today’s investors or officials.

The government has taken the right first step. Now it must prove that this is not another campaign of promises.

Uganda needs a land administration system where public land is identified before it is stolen, protected before it is degraded, and managed for the public good rather than recovered after the damage is done.