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Trade woes force layoffs in textile, garment firms

NEARLY half of surveyed textile and garment companies reported a decline in their workforce over the past three years, as reduced orders, import competition and business restructuring put pressure on employment, according to the Department of Labor and Employment’s Institute for Labor Studies (ILS).

Of the 56 companies surveyed, 27 or 48.21 percent reported workforce declines, while 92 of 175 workers said their companies had recorded terminations over the same period.

‘The main contributing factors cited by the company were changes in export demand. Lack of clients, competition from imported products, technological changes, and even business restructuring,’ Loren Cayabyab of the ILS Employment Research Division said.

‘Nearly half or 46.96 percent said that the number of vacancies stayed the same in the last three years,’ he added.

The study found that employment was the labor outcome most clearly associated with Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)-related trade shocks, with a one-unit upstream shock linked to an estimated 7-percent employment decrease and a downstream shock associated with an 11.1-percent decrease.

‘Among the labor outcomes, employment, wages, productivity and the gross value added, employment is the most affected,’ Cayabyab said.

Effects on wages, productivity and gross value added were not statistically significant in the short term, while workers’ reported wage increases largely reflected mandated wage adjustments, company initiatives and performance reviews.

‘A surviving business is not automatically a growing employer. And we need to look not only at whether companies remain operational, but also whether they are creating or sustaining decent jobs now,’ Cayabyab said.

Many companies rely on imported fabrics, yarn, machinery and other production inputs, while weaknesses in domestic textile manufacturing limit the industry’s ability to benefit fully from expanded regional trade.

‘The benefits of the RCEP are conditional and not automatic. The question is whether firms can earn access to imported inputs and regional supply chains linked to stronger domestic production and even employment,’ Cayabyab said.

The findings are preliminary, as the survey did not meet its intended sample requirement and covered selected regions rather than the entire country.

To address potential job displacement, the ILS recommended identifying at-risk firms and workers early and providing employment facilitation, retraining, income support and social protection.

PCG begins 5-day heightened alert tomorrow for Undas 2026

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be on heightened alert starting tomorrow until Nov. 3, amid the expected influx of passengers as the country marks All Saints’and All Souls’ Days.

In a radio interview, PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said passengers this year are expected to reach two million, higher than last year’s total of 1.5 million.

‘To ensure the safety and security of our passengers, we will be placing all our Coast Guard security units nationwide in heightened alert status from Oct. 29 until Nov. 3,’ Cayabyab said.

She said at least 17,000 PCG personnel will be deployed nationwide.

‘We will set up passenger assistance desks. If someone has a question, we will be able to answer. And in case of any medical assistance, we will be able to respond,’ Cayabyab added.

She said the PCG will have strict departure inspections and would ensure that there will be no overloading of ships.

Cayabyab added that K-9 dogs would be deployed to assist in the baggage inspection.

Lifeguards will be deployed to ensure the safety of tourists.

Over 72,000 police officers are securing Undas in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, PCG and other stakeholders.

To ensure that all police personnel are available for deployment, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will go on full alert status from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.

On the directive of PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., police commanders have strengthened patrols along major highways, accident-prone roads and routes leading to cemeteries and transportation hubs.

Nartatez ordered police chiefs to coordinate with local government units and traffic authorities, as well as increase visibility along major travel routes.

2 million at North Cemetery

Around two million people are expected to visit the Manila North Cemetery, its director, Daniel Tan, said.

‘For Undas, we expect this whole week, more or less, we will reach two million,’ Tan told GMA News.

Today is the last day of interment, and all types of vehicles will be prohibited from entering the cemetery tomorrow till Monday.

Provincial bus trips

The provincial bus trips for the anticipated long weekend is enough, Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines (PBOAP) executive director Alex Yague said.

Yague said there are a lot of vacant seats, noting that 1,100 buses were issued with special permits to operate beyond their routes.

‘The buses right now have a lot of vacant seats. Just in case passengers will flock, there are a lot of buses that were issued special permits,’ Yague told The STAR.

He noted they are expecting a lot of passengers going to provinces due to the better weather conditions compared to last year.

Yague advised the public to book their tickets online.

2027: Reps invite INEC chairman over preparations, security concerns

The House of Representatives on Wednesday invited the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to appear before its Committee on Electoral Matters to brief it on preparedness for the 2027 general elections and its readiness to ensure no Nigerian is disenfranchised due to insecurity.

The House said the INEC Chairman should appear before its committee within the next seven legislative days to speak on the ‘Commission’s readiness for the 2027 General Elections, Continuous Voter Registration, PVC management, election logistics, technology deployment (BVAS and IRev), personnel training, electoral security, risk assessment strategies, budget implementation, and insights from the recent Ekiti State and Osun Governorship Election’.

In a resolution following a motion by Minority Whip Mansur Manu Soro and Deputy Minority Leader Abdulsamad Dasuki, the House said the Chairman is also expected to ‘provide a detailed status report regarding the National Election Readiness. This includes the progress of continuous voter registration, the status of PVC production and distribution, the readiness of election technology and logistics, mapping of challenging areas, recruitment and training status of election officials and Budgetary appropriations, funds released, outstanding releases and the implications of any funding gaps on implementation timelines’.

Although the original prayer of the motion was for the INEC Chairman to appear before the entire House at plenary, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said there was no need for the Chairman to appear before the House, as it would amount to a vote of no confidence in the House Committee overseeing the Commission.

Kalu said that, from the content of the motion, it was obvious that the sponsors had not listened to the recent briefing by the INEC Chairman, in which he outlined the Commission’s preparations for the 2027 elections and how it was dealing with the challenges.

The Deputy Speaker said, ‘While I agree that such oversight should be carried out, I believe that the oversight should be by the committee of the house that has been given this responsibility to do so. That is why I do not support the players of this motion, because supporting the players of this motion belittles the mandate of the committee set up to carry this motion.

‘Inviting the chairman of INEC to come and brief the house, when he just finished briefing the nation, is not ideal. Don’t we believe in our committees again? Our committees are there, charged with the responsibility. The chairman and members of this committee are well-educated and well-informed to carry out their decisions’.

Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, explained that the parliament was not against the motion to invite the INEC Chairman, but against inviting him to plenary. The argument is that he should go to the committee and any member who is interested in the briefing should attend the committee sitting.

‘The Committee should invite the Chairman and advertise the date of his appearance so that members who wish to attend and ask questions can do so.’

Presenting the motion for the House’s approval, Manu Soro said that, pursuant to Sections 76, 116, 132 and 178 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Part I of the Third Schedule to the Constitution, and the Electoral Act, 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is constitutionally mandated to organise, undertake and supervise elections to elective offices in Nigeria.

According to him, the credibility, transparency and acceptability of the 2027 General Elections depend significantly on the Commission’s preparedness in voter registration, education, logistics, technology, personnel training, security coordination, funding, and the timely implementation of the election timetable.

He maintained that the recently concluded Ekiti and Osun State Governorship Elections offered useful lessons on election administration, technology deployment, logistics management, stakeholder engagement, security, and voter participation, which should guide preparations for the forthcoming General Elections.

He said, ‘Voter registration reports from Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) centres in Nigeria highlight challenges including inadequate registration equipment, limited staff, network issues, prolonged waiting times, and increased demand from citizens wishing to register or manage their voter records.’

‘These operational difficulties particularly affect first-time voters, rural citizens, individuals with disabilities, students, and workers, limiting their access to registration and threatening the participation of eligible voters in the electoral process without timely interventions.’

‘Early institutional preparedness is crucial for timely procurement of election materials, deployment of technology, recruitment and training of personnel, effective voter education, security planning, electoral risk assessment, and logistics nationwide.’

He expressed concern that delays in addressing operational gaps in voter registration, logistics, technology deployment, and funding may undermine public confidence in the electoral process and compromise the peaceful conduct of the 2027 General Elections.

He stressed parliament’s constitutional oversight responsibility to ensure that public institutions entrusted with critical national assignments are adequately prepared, properly funded, and fully accountable in discharging their constitutional responsibilities.

He acknowledged INEC’s continuous efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system while recognising the need for sustained parliamentary engagement to guarantee free, fair, credible, inclusive, and peaceful elections.

In his contribution to the motion, co-sponsor Abdulsamad Dasuki said they were asking for what was in Nigerians’ interest, especially at a time when insecurity is ravaging the country, adding, ‘This is the very first time we are going into an election with 11 months of security concerns.’

He said members of the House have presented about 255 security-related motions, insisting that some parliamentary constituencies and units will not be able to participate in the election, and that only the INEC Chairman can answer his question.

Former AfDB boss Adesina meets Tinubu, says ‘I can help in anything’

Former African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has said he is ready to support Nigeria’s economic development in any capacity.

Adesina made the pledge on Tuesday during a visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he briefed the president on his 10-year tenure at the bank.

The former AfDB President affirmed that he remains committed to Nigeria.

He said the AfDB provided approximately 7 billion dollars in financing to Nigeria between 2015 and 2025, representing about 63 per cent of its total financing to the country since 1971.

According to him, the bank’s cumulative financing to Nigeria since commencing operations in 1971 stands at 11.1 billion dollars.

Adesina said Tinubu was pleased with the bank’s achievements and its support for Nigeria during his tenure.

He commended the President for undertaking macroeconomic reforms, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates.

He described the measures as difficult but necessary, adding that they were beginning to yield positive results.

According to him, the reforms had contributed to increased foreign exchange availability, renewed portfolio investor interest and a downward trend in inflation.

Adesina also noted improvements in international perceptions of Nigeria, citing positive and stable outlooks from some credit rating agencies.

He, however, said the next critical phase was to move beyond economic reforms and stabilisation toward structural transformation, economic growth and shared prosperity.

He said Tinubu recognised the need to translate the gains of the reforms into improved living standards and broader economic opportunities for Nigerians.

Adesina assured the President of his readiness to contribute to Nigeria’s development in any capacity considered appropriate.

‘My heart is always at home. In any capacity that His Excellency feels I can help, I can help in anything.

‘I’m not looking for a job. I’m not looking for anything. I’m just here to help. It’s my country. I have a duty, an obligation and a responsibility to do so, and I will,’ he said.

11th Senate presidency and the burden of allegiance

Barely three months before the January 16 National Assembly elections, the battle for the presidency of the 11th Senate is already gathering steam, with aspirants facing the first crucial test of winning senatorial seats before entering the high-stakes contest for the coveted office.

Beyond the political manoeuvring, the contest raises a defining question of whether the next Senate President would defend the independence of the legislature and the interests of Nigerians, or serve the political interests of the ruling party and the president.

For Nigerians who have watched the 10th Senate operate since June 2023, the question is particularly important. BusinessDay reports that the legislature is constitutionally expected to check the excesses of the executive, scrutinise public expenditure, protect citizens’ interests and ensure that government policies reflect the needs of the country.

However, critics and analysts have consistently accused the current Senate of surrendering too much of its independence to the executive, earning it the appellation of a rubber-stamp legislature.

Abubakar Kari, professor of Political Sociology at the University of Abuja, has described the trend as a threat to democracy. Kari said it was unfortunate that the legislature had become ‘a refuge for benchwarmers and people who are more interested in hefty pay.’

In a telephone interview with our correspondent, Kari expressed particular concern over the Senate, which he said had become ‘a retirement hall’ for former governors.

‘In a cycle of four years, you find that nothing is heard of some of them; they don’t even move any motion or contribute to debates,’ he said.

Kari said that many lawmakers rarely sponsor bills or perform their representational duties, adding that ‘they have an entirely different reason for going there.’

He said, ‘They are not performing, and they don’t even intend to perform. They are only representing their interests.’

The emerging ambitions of Godswill Akpabio, Senate President and former governor of Akwa Ibom State; Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo North, former governor of Edo State, former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo State and chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), extend beyond the battle for the number three citizen.

It raises questions about legislative independence, executive influence and whether the next Senate will offer Nigerians a stronger institution or merely reproduce the existing political arrangement.

Although the three politicians have different political histories, their ambitions converge around the same institution and the opportunity to influence the direction of national governance.

All three have secured APC tickets for their respective senatorial districts ahead of 2027, setting the stage for a high-stakes succession battle.

On October 15, senators endorsed Godswill Akpabio for another term, declaring ‘no vacancy’ in the next Senate leadership if the incumbent returned.

Akpabio and the politics of continuity

For Akpabio, Senate President since June 2023, retaining his seat is as much about political influence as continuity. His unwavering loyalty to President Tinubu has, however, fuelled criticism that the Senate under his watch has become a rubber stamp for the executive.

Akpabio has publicly assured Tinubu of the National Assembly’s support, including for his second-term ambition. On another occasion, he declared that Nigerians could say whatever they liked, but the Senate would not fight the president; a remark that reinforced concerns about legislative independence.

Critics point to the Senate’s swift approval of presidential loan requests, confirmation of controversial nominees and passage of contentious bills, including the restoration of Nigeria’s old national anthem, as evidence of its reluctance to challenge the executive.

Dissenting lawmakers have also faced disciplinary action. Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi Central, was suspended in March 2024 after alleging discrepancies in the 2024 budget. Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno South, was removed as Senate Chief Whip in July 2024 after criticising Tinubu’s handling of economic hardship.

While Akpabio’s supporters argue that cooperation with the presidency promotes stability and facilitates governance, critics warn that excessive loyalty risks reducing the legislature’s constitutional oversight role to political allegiance.

With Nigerians battling rising living costs, insecurity and unemployment, the central question is whether the Senate can hold the executive accountable while maintaining a working relationship with the president. For Akpabio, the pursuit of continuity must contend with growing scrutiny of the independence of the institution he leads.

Oshiomhole: The unbending labour leader in the Senate

Oshiomhole built his reputation as a fearless labour leader, known for confronting powerful interests and refusing to back down under pressure. His challenge to Akpabio over the Senate Standing Orders amendments in May 2026 reinforced that combative image.

The amendments sought to restrict Senate leadership positions to lawmakers with at least two consecutive terms but were later rescinded amid concerns over their implications.

Oshiomhole’s opposition exposed the political stakes in controlling the Senate and raised questions about legislative independence.

His record as a former governor, party chairman and labour leader suggests a politician unafraid of confrontation. The greater test, however, is whether he would translate that reputation into institutional reform.

Observers have asked whether he could protect minority rights, strengthen oversight of executive spending, encourage robust debate and resist attempts to turn the Senate into an extension of the presidency if given the mandate.

Oshiomhole’s greatest test would be to prove that his resistance to pressure extends beyond political battles to defending the Senate’s independence, even when doing so conflicts with the interests of his party or the executive.

Uzodimma and the presidential connection

As Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) and prominent APC figure, Uzodimma commands political networks that could shape the contest for the next Senate presidency.

He represented Imo West in the Senate from 2011 to 2019 before becoming governor in January 2020. But his ambition raises a question of timing.

His tenure as governor ends in January 2028, while the 11th National Assembly is expected to be inaugurated in June 2027. To take his Senate seat, he would have to address the constitutional prohibition against simultaneously holding both offices, potentially leaving the governorship early.

The Senate presidency offers considerable influence over legislative priorities, committee assignments and negotiations with the executive. For Uzodimma, it could provide a platform in national politics beyond Imo State.

However, his close ties to President Tinubu raise a fundamental question of whether that relationship would strengthen legislative-executive cooperation or weaken the Senate’s independence.

Analysts argue that while presidential access could ease negotiations over legislation and policy, it cannot substitute for independent oversight.

The real test is whether Uzodimma would scrutinise executive borrowing, budgets and appointments, and defend senators who challenge presidential decisions even within his own party, if given the mandate.

Weighing the contenders

Tahir Monguno, Senate Chief Whip representing Borno North, and Cyril Fasuyi, senator representing Ekiti North, had endorsed Godswill Akpabio for a second term as Senate President during plenary.

Monguno declared that ‘there is no vacancy,’ while Fasuyi said the Senate presidency was ‘not open to any contest’ as it was ‘already occupied by Senator Godswill Akpabio,’ expressing optimism that Akpabio would win the senatorial poll and return to the Senate.

But Jackson Lekan Ojo, a political analyst, has described Adams Oshiomhole as the ‘lesser evil’ among the three potential contenders for the Senate presidency, arguing that his courage and independence could help protect the legislature from executive interference.

In a telephone interview with BusinessDay, Ojo said Oshiomhole would be better positioned than Hope Uzodimma to assert the Senate’s independence if President Bola Tinubu secures a second term.

‘The three of them are birds of a feather, but among them, Oshiomhole can be a better Senate president because he may not be cowed by any president,’ he said.

Ojo described Oshiomhole as bold enough to take principled decisions, warning that Uzodimma’s emergence could weaken the legislature further.

‘If Uzodimma becomes Senate president and Tinubu becomes president again, they will close down the Senate. Senators will be meeting at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa. The three of them are not good, but Oshiomhole is the lesser evil,’ he added.

Quezon launches survey for provincial cancer patient registry

The Quezon provincial government is conducting a province-wide cancer patient registry, which requires an assessment survey to determine the number and status of cancer patients and identify their healthcare needs.

The initiative, launched by Gov. Angelina ‘Doktora Helen’ Tan, a physician, is being carried out through the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

‘The survey aims to determine the number and status of cancer patients in the province, as well as identify their needs to help develop more appropriate health programs and services,’ the PHO said in a social media post on Tuesday.

‘These include improving access to cancer screening and treatment, financial assistance, patient navigation, palliative care, and planning for the establishment of a cancer center in Quezon,’ it said.

The office encouraged all individuals diagnosed with cancer, their family members, and caregivers to participate in the survey.

‘Participation is voluntary, but it will greatly help the provincial government better understand their needs and provide improved, more accessible, and compassionate care,’ the PHO said.

The survey link is available on the PHO’s official Facebook page. The PHO will accept responses until November 30.

Bauchi, UNICEF, Canada launch training initiative to combat postpartum haemorrhage

The Bauchi State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund and with support from Global Affairs Canada, on Wednesday launched a three-day capacity-building workshop for healthcare workers to combat postpartum haemorrhage across the state.

?The train-the-trainer initiative, currently underway at the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria headquarters in Bauchi, targets an initial cohort of 24 health professionals. These participants will subsequently scale the training to 226 primary healthcare workers, including nurses, midwives, and community health extension workers, across all 20 local government areas.

?Clinical Competencies and Anaemia Mitigation

Amina Balali, Deputy Programme Manager for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health at the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, stated that the workshop is designed to equip participants with clinical and teaching competencies to improve the prevention, early recognition, and timely management of postpartum bleeding.

?’The objective is to ensure that healthcare workers acquire the necessary knowledge and practical skills to prevent postpartum haemorrhage. When prevention is not possible, they must identify it early and provide appropriate treatment according to established standards. This will help reduce the complications and deaths associated with postpartum haemorrhage among women delivering in our facilities,’ Balali said.

?She identified anaemia during pregnancy-often exacerbated by poverty and limited health literacy-as a major risk factor for postpartum haemorrhage. To mitigate it, she advocated for the introduction of multiple micronutrient supplementation to improve maternal nutrition.

?Streamlining Maternal Nutrition and Emergency Response

?Oluseyi Olosunde, Health Officer at the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, emphasised the urgency of the intervention, noting that Nigeria remains a leading contributor to global maternal mortality. He highlighted that the federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has prioritised maternal mortality reduction in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

?’We have identified that postpartum haemorrhage is a major contributor to maternal mortality,’ Olosunde said. ‘UNICEF is supporting the Bauchi State Government to empower health workers and refresh their capacity around postpartum haemorrhage management. Once their capacity is enhanced, they will provide better support during delivery and postpartum services.’

?Addressing clinical indicators, Olosunde explained that blood loss exceeding 500ml during childbirth constitutes a medical emergency. While blood loss is inevitable during delivery, proper clinical management is vital to preventing fatalities. He further noted that multiple micronutrient supplementation has replaced traditional separate prescriptions of ferrous sulfate, folic acid, and multivitamins.

?’Multiple micronutrient supplementation combines all the essential micronutrients and multivitamins the body needs into a single commodity. If a woman has sufficient blood levels, the challenges associated with blood loss during childbirth are significantly minimised,’ Olosunde said.

Oyewumi charges journalists to uphold factual reporting

Deputy Senate Minority Leader, ýSenator Lere Oyewumi, has urged journalists to uphold factual reporting, verify information before publication, and familiarise themselves with the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act.

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ýOyewumi gave the charge while serving as Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, Press Week. He emphasised the importance of professionalism, accuracy, and responsible journalism in strengthening democratic governance.

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ýThe Senator encouraged media practitioners to prioritise facts over speculation, ensure that their reports are balanced and credible, and remain conversant with relevant electoral laws to enable them to educate the public accurately on electoral processes.

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ýHe further stressed that responsible media coverage plays a vital role in promoting public awareness, peaceful political participation, and democratic accountability.

Aviator Rain Puts Daily Free Bets at the Centre of a Major Game Push

The promotion arrives as crash-style games continue to occupy a noticeable position on betting platforms. Aviator’s format requires very little introduction once you’ve seen a round: a multiplier begins at 1.00x and rises until the animated aircraft flies away. You’ll need to cash out before that point for the multiplier shown on screen to apply. There’s no fixed flight duration and previous rounds don’t tell you when the next one will end.

Aviator Rain Uses the Chat Window Differently

BongoBongo describes itself as a top choice for playing Aviator, with daily free bets forming the main attraction of its current Rain promotion. Instead of placing the reward inside a separate promotions page and expecting you to return later, the free bets appear directly in the game chat.

When Rain is released, eligible players can tap the ‘Claim’ button before the offer expires. The amount received can depend on recent cash stakes placed on Aviator, so participation during the qualifying period should be taken into consideration. You should still read the current promotional terms rather than assuming every Rain drop uses an identical value or qualification rule.

BongoBongo also runs frequent free-spin promotions across its casino offering. Aviator itself doesn’t use spinning reels, so the reward attached to this game is technically a free bet rather than a free spin. It performs a similar promotional job, however, by giving eligible users another round without requiring a separate cash stake.

A Promotion Built Around Something Players Already Watch

Aviator’s chat panel was originally easy to treat as background activity. Players could post messages, react to rounds and watch public cash-out information while concentrating on the rising multiplier, but now Rain gives the panel a practical purpose. Free bets can appear at random times, so the chat becomes part of the active game screen instead of a column you immediately close. You don’t need to leave the game, enter a separate tournament or search through several menus to see whether a drop has appeared.

The free-bet mechanic also suits Aviator’s shorter betting rounds, as a traditional slot reward might include several spins that take time to complete. An Aviator free bet can be used within the same familiar round structure, without changing how the game operates.

Random timing prevents the giveaway from becoming another predictable daily notification. You know free bets are scheduled to appear, but you don’t know exactly which round will carry them. The game’s social feed therefore receives a fair amount of attention even when the aircraft isn’t in flight, so keep your eyes peeled.

The Two-Bet Option Changes How a Round Looks

Aviator allows two separate bets to be prepared for the same round. Each has its own stake and cash-out control, which means you can close them at different multipliers if both are active. Both bets follow the same aircraft and the same stopping point, which gives you two independent decisions during one round.

Automatic controls are available as well. Auto Bet can prepare a wager for upcoming rounds, while Auto Cash Out can close it at a multiplier you select in advance. These settings can be useful when the pace becomes busy, although you’ll need to confirm the displayed values before activating them. A misplaced decimal point can make for a surprisingly short afternoon.

Round histories are also displayed, but they’re records rather than forecasts. Several low results don’t make a long flight due, and a high multiplier doesn’t force the next round to end quickly. Each outcome is generated entirely separately.

The most useful information on the screen at this point concerns your current stake, selected automatic controls and whether a Rain reward has been successfully claimed.

Daily Drops Reflect a Wider Change in Promotions

Casino promotions once tended to sit outside the games they supported, as you’d receive an offer, activate it through an account page and then search for an eligible title. Aviator Rain brings the promotional step into the game itself, reducing the amount of menu-hopping involved. From your side, the advantage is clarity: the reward appears inside the game it can be used on. The chat announces it, the claim button handles it and the resulting free bet stays connected to Aviator.

You should still check expiry times, eligibility requirements and any conditions attached to a claimed reward. ‘Free’ describes the stake rather than removing the surrounding rules.

The promotion doesn’t alter Aviator’s underlying mechanics or make future multipliers predictable. Its immediate effect is on how players use the interface. Chat now carries more than reactions and casual messages; it can also deliver a time-sensitive reward.

The few seconds between Aviator flights now come with one additional job: checking whether the forecast calls for Rain.

Eni sells Nigerian onshore oil stake to Nitin Sandesara’s Sterling Oil subsidiary

Italian energy company Eni has completed the sale of its Nigerian subsidiary, Agip Energy and Natural Resources (Nigeria) Limited (AENR), to Apex Global Energy Limited, a subsidiary of Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), as foreign oil firms continue to transfer onshore assets to Nigerian operators.

Eni announced the completion of the transaction on October 26, 2026, following approval by the relevant authorities. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

AENR holds a five per cent interest in the Renaissance joint venture, which operates onshore oil assets previously managed by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria.

Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, which acquired SPDC’s assets in March 2025, operates the joint venture and holds a 30 per cent stake. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited owns 55 per cent, while TotalEnergies held the remaining 10 per cent before announcing the sale of its interest to Vaaris Energy on October 27 for approximately $800 million.

Eni said the divestment was part of its strategy to streamline its portfolio and dispose of non-core assets. The company retains its deepwater operations in Nigeria and its interest in Nigeria LNG.

Sterling Oil, which is privately owned by the Sandesara family, operates Oil Mining Lease 143 in Anambra State. The company developed the Okwuibome field and has produced Okwuibome Blend crude oil since 2011.

The acquisition adds AENR’s five per cent interest in the Renaissance joint venture to Sterling Oil’s existing Nigerian operations. Renaissance, however, remains responsible for the day-to-day management of the joint venture’s assets.

The transaction is the latest in a series of divestments by international oil companies operating in Nigeria.

In August 2024, Eni sold its Nigerian Agip Oil Company subsidiary to Oando Plc for about $783 million. Seplat Energy completed its acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria from ExxonMobil in December 2024 in a deal valued at approximately $800 million.

Shell also completed the sale of SPDC to Renaissance in March 2025, while agreeing in October 2026 to sell Shell Nigeria Gas to Vaaris Energy.

The transactions reflect a continuing shift in ownership of Nigeria’s onshore oil assets towards indigenous operators, as some international companies restructure their portfolios and concentrate on other segments of the energy industry.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has opened its 2026 licensing round, offering 40 oil and gas blocks to prospective investors.

The process requires bidders to disclose their beneficial ownership as part of efforts to strengthen transparency in the sector.