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ADC raises alarm, warns INEC against shifting 2027 election

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council has warned against using the Ebola outbreak as an excuse to postpone the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

The council alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was planning to push for a change in the election date.

In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, the party urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resist any pressure to postpone the election.

The council alleged that INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, might be summoned to the Presidential Villa and asked to change the election timetable.

It called on President Bola Tinubu to abandon any such plan and urged the INEC chairman to reject any instruction to change the date. It also asked him to make any attempt to influence the election timetable public.

The ADC council said Nigerians had faced high prices, falling incomes and economic hardship over the past three and a half years. It argued that voters should be allowed to decide the government’s performance through the ballot box on January 16.

The council, however, acknowledged that Ebola was a serious public health concern and said health authorities should be allowed to take the necessary steps to contain the disease.

It also urged INEC to put measures in place to protect voters and election workers during the poll.

According to the council, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) had said there was currently no reason to postpone the election over Ebola.

It warned against turning the health situation into a political excuse to delay the poll.

The ADC council also called on INEC, local election observers and international monitors to ensure that any proposal to change the election date was made publicly and supported by published health evidence.

It insisted that any decision to alter the timetable must be open to public scrutiny, adding that the Presidency must not use a health emergency to avoid facing voters.

Asset Engineering gets Rs. 756 m road contract

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the award of a Rs. 756.99 million contract (VAT-free) to M/s Asset Engineering Ltd., for the construction of the Norwood – Bogawantalawa – Campion Road (B329).

The project covers rehabilitation and upgrading of the section from km 10+500 to km 16+890 of the Norwood – Bogawantalawa – Campion Road (B329), which has become dilapidated due to prolonged exposure to adverse weather conditions and disaster impacts.

‘The contract was awarded following a National Competitive Procurement process, under which three bids were received. M/s Asset Engineering Ltd., emerged as the lowest substantially responsive bidder after an evaluation by the High-Level Procurement Committee,’ Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

The proposal to this effect was submitted by Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake.

CBN warns banks on cybersecurity risks as cloud dependence grows

Yuguda said the CBN would continue to work with NITDA and other stakeholders to align financial-sector requirements with national digital infrastructure standards, noting that the implementation of the initiative required collaboration across regulatory and industry boundaries.

He urged stakeholders to focus on infrastructure readiness, cybersecurity, resilience, implementation challenges, regulatory expectations and the management of third-party and concentration risks.

The CBN said its objective was to build a digital financial ecosystem that supports innovation without compromising security, strengthens national control over critical infrastructure without isolating the country, and remains resilient enough to sustain public confidence.

#URLhttps://businessday.ng/news/article/cbn-warns-banks-on-cybersecurity-risks-as-cloud-dependence-grows/#

Ntare School head teacher, predecessor arrested over Shs110m financial loss

Officials from the Inspectorate General of Government (IGG) have arrested the head teacher of Ntare School, Saul Rwampororo, his predecessor Jimmy Turyagyenda, and former school typist Peace Kebirungi over allegations of causing a financial loss of Shs 110.8 million to the government and abuse of office.

The trio was taken into custody on Wednesday after responding to summons at the IGG’s regional office in Mbarara City.

According to Sarah Magoola, the IGG Mbarara regional head, Mr Rwampororo and Mr Turyagyenda allegedly covered up illegalities committed by Ms Kebirungi, who presented a forged university admission letter in October 2015 to secure study leave with pay before subsequently absconding from her duties.

“Despite her absence, Ms Kebirungi illegally continued to draw a government salary from September 2015 to August 2024,” Ms Magoola said. “During this same timeframe, both Mr Turyagyenda and Mr Rwampororo routinely authorized the payment of allowances to Ms Kebirungi using funds collected from parents as school fees, falsely creating the impression that she was actively working.”

Investigative findings further reveal that in 2023, Ms Kebirungi applied for early retirement from the public service. Her application was vetted and forwarded by Mr Rwampororo despite her clear ineligibility due to her prolonged desertion. She officially retired in 2024 and was irregularly awarded terminal benefits, gratuity, and monthly pension payments.

A charge sheet obtained by this reporter shows that by February 6, 2026-the cutoff date for the inspectorate’s inquiry-Ms Kebirungi had fraudulently accumulated Shs 110,877,900 in salaries, allowances, and retirement benefits.

Ms Magoola confirmed that the accused officials will be arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala to face prosecution for abuse of office and causing financial loss. Mr Turyagyenda had previously retired from his post as Ntare School head teacher on April 27, 2023, after leading the institution for a decade.

However, in a statement issued on Wednesday evening, Ntare School management offered a different account of the day’s events, stating that Mr Rwampororo had returned to his duties after meeting with investigators.

“Earlier today, the Headmaster, Mr. Rwampororo Saul met with IGG officials to provide information and clarity regarding an ongoing investigation,” Ntare School said in the statement. “The Headmaster fully cooperated, immediately shared all requested details, and has since returned to school and resumed his official administrative school duties.”

The school administration also urged the public to disregard online rumors regarding the investigation.

“We are aware that unverified rumors and exaggerated narratives have quickly spread across digital platforms, generating unnecessary concern,” the statement added. “Ntare School remains deeply committed to transparency, integrity, and maintaining a safe, focused learning environment for our students. We encourage the public and all stakeholders to rely on official communication rather than social media speculation.”

Ntare School, situated in Mbarara City, stands as one of Uganda’s premier traditional secondary institutions. The historic school holds national and regional prominence, notably boasting an alumni network that includes Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

Inflation Alert: World Bank sounds alarm with projected 23% rise in commodity costs

Global commodity prices are projected to rise by 23 per cent in 2026, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East, declining oil inventories and disruptions to food supplies.

The projection is contained in the World Bank Group’s latest Commodity Markets Outlook, released on Wednesday, a copy made available to newsmen.

The report warned that rising energy and food prices could worsen inflation, food insecurity and economic growth, particularly in vulnerable countries.

According to the report, energy prices are expected to increase by 32 per cent in 2026, reversing three consecutive years of decline, before moderating in 2027.

It projected that Brent crude oil would average 91 dollars per barrel in 2026, up from 69 dollars in 2025, before declining to 79 dollars per barrel in 2027.

Food commodity prices are also expected to rise by about 10 per cent in 2026 and a further seven per cent in 2027, representing a cumulative increase of 18 per cent.

The report attributed the projected increase to disruptions to grain shipments caused by the Middle East conflict, the threat of El Niño to agricultural harvests, and higher fuel and fertiliser costs.

It, however, projected that overall commodity prices would decline by seven per cent in 2027, assuming no major escalation of conflicts affecting global commodity supplies.

The World Bank warned that the outlook could deteriorate further if the Middle East conflict escalated and damage to Russia’s oil infrastructure persisted.

It added that a combination of higher-than-expected energy prices, attacks on grain shipments in the Black Sea and a particularly strong El Niño could trigger a food crisis, pushing more people into extreme poverty.

‘Under an adverse scenario in which the risks materialise simultaneously, Brent crude could average 105 dollars per barrel in 2027, while food commodity prices could rise 12 per cent above the baseline forecast, exceeding their 2022 levels.’

The report also projected that global oil supply would fall by 5.2 per cent in 2026, the largest decline in more than four decades outside the 2020 global recession.

It said oil consumption was expected to decline by 2.5 per cent, marking the third-largest annual contraction on record after 2020 and 1980.

According to the report, high prices amid supply shortages are curbing demand, while electrification is also reducing oil consumption, particularly in China.

‘In spite of the projected decline in consumption, oil production is expected to remain below demand, forcing further withdrawals from inventories and leaving global markets more vulnerable to additional supply disruptions. Fertiliser prices are forecast to increase by 14 per cent in 2026 following an early-year surge in urea prices, which has since eased. Prices are expected to return to their 2025 levels in 2027.’

It said metal prices are projected to rise by 25 per cent in 2026, reaching a new high as aluminum, copper and tin prices hit record levels.

‘The increase reflects strong demand from investments in renewable energy, electric vehicles and data centres, alongside supply disruptions. Metal prices are expected to decline by three per cent in 2027.’

It said precious metal prices were also forecast to rise by 40 per cent in 2026 as demand for safe-haven assets remained elevated amid geopolitical and policy uncertainty.

‘Although prices are expected to moderate in 2027, they are projected to remain more than three times their average level between 2015 and 2019.’

Reacting to the outlook, Ayhan Kose, the World Bank’s Deputy Chief Economist and Director of the Prospects Group, said higher energy costs and trade disruptions were driving up prices across a broad range of commodities.

‘This is threatening to worsen inflation, food insecurity, and economic growth. The priority must be to protect the poorest people and support low-income countries already struggling with heavy debt burdens.’

Kose said the World Bank Group had made between 50 billion dollars and 60 billion dollars available through existing financing instruments, including 25 billion dollars in pre-arranged financing, to help countries manage the effects of higher prices.

He said the financing could support social safety nets for vulnerable populations, strengthen governments’ fiscal capacity and provide working capital and liquidity support for businesses and farms.

Kose said the institution had made substantial progress in accelerating and simplifying its ability to mobilise private capital alongside its own financing and knowledge services.

He said the bank was therefore well positioned to invest in the next generation of young people in developing countries, particularly by improving the conditions for job creation.

Nigerian Army to deepen patronage of indigenous defence manufacturers

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s resolve to strengthen patronage of indigenous defence manufacturers as part of efforts to enhance operational self-reliance, strengthen national security and build a resilient domestic defence industrial base.

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Col Appolonia Anele.

According to the statement, the COAS gave the assurance on Tuesday during a working visit to the PROFORCE Group office complex in Ogun State, where he underscored the strategic importance of local production of armoured vehicles and protective equipment in meeting the Nigerian Army’s operational requirements.

It added that Gen Shaibu commended PROFORCE Group for its innovation and contributions to indigenous defence manufacturing, noting that sustained investment in home-grown capabilities would reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, strengthen equipment availability and support the Nigerian Army’s capacity to respond effectively to evolving security threats.

The COAS further emphasised that the Nigerian Army, under his leadership, would continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive for local content development and defence industrialisation, stressing that a robust indigenous defence industry remains critical to national security, technology transfer and long-term military capability development.

It added that, in his response, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PROFORCE Group, Mr Ade Ogundeyin, appreciated the COAS for the visit and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering quality defence products that meet the Nigerian Army’s operational requirements.

CRIB expands credit information ecosystem

The Credit Information Bureau of Sri Lanka (CRIB) has announced a significant expansion of the country’s credit information ecosystem with the onboarding of four licenced microfinance institutions, following the publication of the relevant Government Gazette Notification.

This initiative marks an important step towards strengthening credit information sharing within the microfinance sector, enhancing the availability of reliable credit information, and promoting greater financial inclusion by facilitating improved access to formal credit for underserved individuals and businesses.

Under the powers vested in the Credit Information Bureau of Sri Lanka Act, No. 18 of 1990, four Licenced Microfinance Companies have been formally declared as designated lending institutions. The newly included institutions are Berendina Micro Investments Company Ltd., Lak Jaya Micro Finance Ltd., Dumbara Micro Credit Ltd., and Sejaya Micro Credit Ltd.

This regulatory inclusion integrates microfinance institutions into CRIB’s centralised credit information infrastructure, enabling them to both contribute credit information and access borrower profiles within a secure and well-governed framework. This development will strengthen the institutions’ capacity to expand their reach to underserved and marginalised segments of the economy by improving the visibility of data and supporting more informed lending decisions. Furthermore, access to reliable credit information will help these institutions strengthen credit risk assessment, enhance risk management practices, uphold sound governance standards, and promote responsible lending, thereby facilitating wider access to formal credit and supporting sustainable economic empowerment.

A ceremony to mark the onboarding of microfinance data to CRIB was held recently with the participation of CRIB Chairman and Central Bank Deputy Governor K.G.P. Sirikumara as the chief guest, CBSL Director Department of Supervision of Non-Bank Financial Institutions R. M. C. H. K. Jayasinghe, CRIB Director/General Manager Pushpike Jayasundera, Lanka Microfinance Practitioners’ Association President Wasantha Gunawardhane, Chief Executive Officers of the respective companies, other officials of the companies and CRIB.

Commenting on the development, Pushpike Jayasundera said: ‘The formal integration of licenced microfinance companies into the CRIB framework marks a pivotal step toward building a truly inclusive financial ecosystem in Sri Lanka. Microfinance plays a vital role in supporting micro-entrepreneurs, small businesses, and grass-roots economic activity. By bringing these institutions into our national credit intelligence network, we are mitigating information asymmetry at the micro level, encouraging responsible borrowing, and enabling financial institutions to extend credit with greater risk confidence.’

The inclusion of these institutions aligns with CRIB’s broader strategic objective to expand credit coverage beyond mainstream commercial banking into grassroots and micro-finance sectors, further driving financial inclusion, credit discipline, and sustainable economic revitalisation across Sri Lanka.

Established by the Credit Information Bureau of Sri Lanka Act No. 18 of 1990 as amended by Act No. 8 of 1995 and 42 of 2008, CRIB is the first credit bureau in the South Asian region. An initiative of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Finance, the Bureau serves as the national repository of credit information for all borrowers, delivering a range of value-added services that facilitate faster and more affordable access to credit, thereby enhancing financial inclusion for all citizens.

Azerbaijani President: We are pleased with the dynamic development of relations with Czechia

‘We are pleased with the dynamic development of Azerbaijan-Czech relations, which are rooted in rich traditions,’ President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in his congratulatory letter to Czech President Petr Pavel on the occasion of the Czech Republic’s National Day.

‘Active political dialogue provides a solid foundation for expanding our cooperation in the economic, energy, transport, defense industry, humanitarian and other fields,’ the head of state emphasized.

Bed shortage, equipment and staff gaps prompt Samar plea for DOH intervention

Noting that the patient population at two major public hospitals in the province has surged to more than twice their authorized bed capacities, Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan has formally appealed to Health Secretary Dr. Edwin Mercado for urgent national government assistance to address the problem.

In her letter dated October 26, Tan sought the Department of Health’s (DOH) intervention to help Calbayog District Hospital and Samar Provincial Hospital cope with growing patient demand and the pressing need for expanded facilities, additional hospital beds, medical equipment, and healthcare personnel.

For many families in Samar, public hospitals remain their principal source of affordable medical care, making adequate hospital capacity essential to the province’s healthcare system.

‘We are confident in Secretary Mercado’s leadership and his commitment to improving public healthcare, particularly for underserved communities. We are hopeful that, with his support and the close cooperation of the DOH, our hospital administrators, and the provincial government, we can promptly address these pressing needs and provide our people with the adequate healthcare facilities and services they deserve,’ said Tan as she expressed confidence that Mercado would give the province’s urgent appeal the attention and consideration it deserves.

She emphasized that the provincial government stands ready to work closely with the DOH in identifying immediate interventions and implementing longer-term improvements to the two hospitals.

The governor’s appeal follows official hospital reports dated October 19 documenting serious congestion and operational difficulties at both facilities.

At Calbayog District Hospital, which has an authorized capacity of only 75 beds, the number of confined patients reached 181 on October 19, equivalent to 241 percent of its authorized capacity. The hospital also recorded 58 new admissions and 238 outpatient consultations that day.

According to hospital chief Dr. Jonathan Gabriel J. Paquit, the situation underscores the need for infrastructure expansion, additional equipment, a review of authorized bed capacity, and improved patient referral arrangements.

Meanwhile, Samar Provincial Hospital in Catbalogan City reported accommodating approximately 200 to 250 patients despite an authorized capacity of only 100 beds.

Dr. Jansenn Y. Mutya, officer-in-charge of Samar Provincial Hospital, reported that overcrowding has affected emergency room operations, with patients sometimes remaining in the emergency department while awaiting available beds in the wards.

The hospital has identified the need for expanded infrastructure, additional healthcare personnel, improved medical equipment, and technical support for upgrading its services.

Its development priorities include upgrading to Level 2 hospital status, establishing Level 3 clinical laboratory capability, and developing an intensive care unit.

The overcrowding problem is not new.

As early as October 2025, public reports had documented that Samar Provincial Hospital was already accommodating more than 200 patients despite its authorized capacity of only 100 beds. The latest hospital reports indicate that serious capacity constraints continue a year later.

Tan’s appeal calls attention to the urgent need for coordinated action between the DOH, its regional personnel, hospital administrators, and the Provincial Government of Samar.

Hospital officials have stressed that the problem extends beyond the shortage of beds. Overcrowding also places pressure on emergency services, medical personnel, patient monitoring, and the timely admission of patients requiring hospitalization.

Likewise, the appeal underscored the need for concrete interventions, including expanded hospital facilities, additional beds, essential medical equipment, and sufficient doctors and nurses to meet the growing demand for public healthcare services.

Azerbaijan, Somalia explore prospects for cooperation in culture and communications

A meeting was held at the Media and Broadcasting Council on October 28 between Council Chairman Ahmad Ismayilov and Somalia’s Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Abdulfatah Kasim Mohamud.

During the meeting, Ahmad Ismayilov emphasized the importance of exploring opportunities for cooperation between Azerbaijan and Somalia in the fields of media and communications, expanding information exchange, sharing experience in the media sector, and developing mutual ties. He noted that the media plays an important role in strengthening mutual understanding between peoples, promoting relations between countries, and providing the public with objective information.

Somalia’s Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Abdulfatah Kasim Mohamud, expressed his country’s interest in expanding its partnership with Azerbaijan. He noted that favorable conditions exist for implementing joint initiatives in media and communications, strengthening professional ties, and identifying areas of cooperation in line with the challenges of the modern information environment.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on media development trends in the context of digitalization, combating disinformation, ensuring information security, the impact of artificial intelligence and new technologies on the media environment, and potential prospects for cooperation in these areas.