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Kericho Hotel lease row reveals risks in tenant-funded facelifts

A court battle over a hotel in Kericho County has cast fresh light on the risks of investing significant sums in renovating a leased property without a comprehensive and binding agreement with the asset owner.

The dispute pits Majani Hotels Group against Tea Hotel Limited over a long-term lease signed in August 2023 for a hotel and swimming pool complex.

At the centre is a claim by the tenant (Majani) that it invested up to Sh10 million in renovations to revive a dilapidated facility. The lease was for a period of 20 years.

Majani moved to court in August last year seeking to block termination of the lease, arguing that the investment transformed the property into a viable, high-value hospitality venture. It also sought reconciliation of rent accounts to reflect renovation costs.

Lease dispute

Tea Hotel, the landlord, opposed the move and sought court orders to evict the tenant, accusing it of failing to pay rent for over two years and illegally subletting the premises.

‘The renovations that were to be carried out by the plaintiff were not an investment as they were to make the premises suitable to run the hotel business,’ Musa Koech, Tea Hotel director, stated in court filings.

The Environment and Land Court declined to grant either side interim relief, instead directing that the core dispute proceed to a full hearing.

In its ruling, the court underscored the limits of judicial intervention in commercial contracts at an early stage. ‘A court of law cannot rewrite a contract between the parties,’ the judge said, adding that parties ‘are bound by the terms of their contract.’

Tenant claims

The tenant argued that it discovered undisclosed water and electricity arrears after taking possession of the premises, which led to disconnection of essential services. It said this crippled operations and justified withholding rent while undertaking repairs.

Majani further claimed that the parties had agreed to offset renovation costs against rent and adjust revenue-sharing terms in its favour for five years. It contended that the rent ratio was to be revised to 60:40 in favour of the tenant over the same period to reflect the investment.

It warned that termination would result in ‘irreparable loss, including forfeiture of its investment’, disclosing that the landlord had engaged an auctioneer.

‘The purported termination notice treats the lease as a simple tenancy arrangement rather than a registered long-term lease, thereby undermining the Plaintiff’s rights and protections under the lease and the applicable laws,’ said Majani’s director, Fredrick Ochieng’ Amayo.

Landlord pushback

But the landlord dismissed the claims, insisting no such agreement existed and that the tenant had breached key lease terms, including failure to pay rent and unauthorised subletting.

Tea Hotel told the court the tenant had accumulated rent arrears of Sh3.9 million and continued to occupy the premises while generating income.

The court found that the contested issues – including the validity of the termination notice, rent obligations and the extent of renovations – required a full trial.

‘It is my view that its validity or otherwise is an issue for determination during the hearing,’ the judge said of the termination notice.

On the tenant’s request for rent reconciliation, the court was firm. ‘The plaintiff is calling upon the court to rewrite the terms of the lease agreement,’ the ruling stated, declining to compel accounting adjustments.

The court also rejected the tenant’s proposal to deposit Sh1 million in court pending reconciliation, noting it was tied to a prayer already declined.

Equally, the landlord’s push for eviction orders failed. The court ruled that granting vacant possession at this stage of litigation would effectively determine the entire dispute without a full hearing.

‘Such orders would have the effect of determining the counterclaim at the interlocutory stage,’ the court said, leaving the tenant in occupation and the landlord unable to enforce eviction until the main case is heard.

Grim outlook as consumer spending power set to drop

The outlook for the retail and wholesale sector looks grim, as consumer spending power is expected to decline in the coming months, alongside anticipated rising goods prices, according to the Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Association.

After the Songkran festival, consumers are facing a bitter reality: persistently high energy costs, rising consumer goods prices influenced by the war in the Middle East, and upcoming back-to-school expenses for their children, said Somchai Pornrattanacharoen, honorary adviser to the Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Association.

He believes that consumer goods are unlikely to become scarce. However, if the war drags on for another three months, manufacturers may be forced to change product packaging due to continued increases in plastic pellet prices.

He also observed that distributors have started reducing promotions for wholesalers. Previously, campaigns such as “buy 100 packs, get five packs free” were common. Now, the absence of such promotions has increased average product prices for wholesalers.

In the retail sector, he explained that when there is news of expected price increases for goods, small retailers typically buy more products from wholesalers to stock up at current prices.

But this time, he noticed that spending per bill remains unchanged. This reflects that mom-and-pop shop operators are aware of weakened consumer purchasing power and are therefore maintaining lean inventories, avoiding overstocking.

Moreover, he said consumer purchasing power in provinces that depend heavily on agriculture remains weak due to persistently low agricultural product prices.

He anticipates that provinces dependent on tourism will feel the economic impact after the Songkran festival, as most holiday travellers had booked their trips before the war in the Middle East began.

With ongoing uncertainty, the number of travellers booking trips in the coming months may decline, hurting businesses in those areas.

“Consumers are left in despair as their purchasing power weakens. The market is likely to become less vibrant in the next 2-3 months compared with last year, which was also not a strong year,” he said.

Mr Somchai expressed concerns over the Commerce Ministry’s initiative to introduce “Pum-Puang” mobile vehicles, warning that it could negatively impact local brick-and-mortar shops.

This project offers Blue Flag products and subsidises fuel prices for Pum-Puang operators, aiming to ease the cost of living for consumers in local and rural areas.

Rather than providing subsidies, he suggested that the government should focus on promoting smaller brands in the market, allowing market mechanisms to operate freely.

This approach could lead to increased sales of second-tier brands, which might pressure leading brands to keep their prices stable in this situation.

Nasiba Zeynalova: Beloved ‘Mother-in-Law’ of local cinema [PHOTOS]

There are artists whose presence does not fade with time. They simply change form, living on in the laughter, memory, and cultural imagination of their people.

Nasiba Zeynalova is one of those rare figures in Azerbaijani theatre and cinema.

This year, the 110th anniversary of her birth is being commemorated, celebrating her enduring contribution to Azerbaijani theatre and cinema.

Nasiba Zeynalova developed into a performer who could transform everyday human behavior into unforgettable art.

She is perhaps best known as the “mother-in-law” loved by almost the entire nation, a title she earned for her unforgettable performance in the musical comedy “Mother-in-Law”.

Her artistic home became the Musical Comedy Theatre, where she created a gallery of iconic roles in classical operettas by composers such as Uzeyir Hajibayli and Zulfugar Hajibayov.

Characters like Gulperi, Jahan khala, Senem, Melek khanim, and Kelek khanim were re-imagined through her unique sense of timing, expression, and emotional truth.

Her humor carried a distinctly national spirit-rooted in everyday speech, social observation, and human psychology. On stage, she could shift from warmth to sharp wit in an instant, creating characters such as Jennet khala, Nargile, and Zuleykha that felt both comedic and deeply real. These roles became cultural landmarks, remembered not only for their humor but also for their humanity.

In cinema, her collaboration with the Azerbaijanfilm studio produced a series of enduring characters that entered the golden archive of national film. Whether portraying Fatmanise in “Stepmother”, Telli in “Great Support”, Zuleykha in “Star”, or Jennet khala in “Mother-in-law”, she created screen personalities that audiences instantly recognized as reflections of their own society.

Nasiba Zeynalova’s artistic journey also placed her alongside some of the greatest names in Azerbaijani theatre history, including Lutfeli Abdullayev, Bashir Safaroglu, Hajibaba Baghirov, and Siyavush Aslan.

Together, they formed a stage harmony that defined an entire era. Particularly memorable was the creative trio of Zeynalova, Baghirov, and Aslan, whose performances turned productions such as “Hijran” into landmark works of Azerbaijani theatrical culture.

Nasiba Zeynalova passed away in Baku on March 10, 2004, and was laid to rest in the Alley of Honor. Yet her legacy has not remained in the past.

It continues to live on in every screening of her films, every remembered stage performance, and every new generation discovering the depth behind her humor.

Apple names John Ternus as next CEO, Tim Cook to become executive chairman

Apple has announced the appointment of John Ternus as its new CEO, effective September 1, 2026. Current CEO Tim Cook will transition to the role of Executive Chairman of the Board, AzerNEWS reports.

According to reports, Cook will remain in his position throughout the summer, working closely with Ternus to ensure a smooth and orderly leadership transition.

During more than a decade under Cook’s leadership, Apple experienced remarkable growth. The company’s market capitalization rose from approximately $350 billion to over $2 trillion, briefly surpassing the $3 trillion mark in early 2022 – a historic milestone that underscored its dominance in the global tech industry.

The official confirmation of Ternus as CEO is expected to coincide with the release of Apple’s upcoming financial report, a move that analysts say could help reinforce investor confidence during the transition period.

Cook has led Apple since 2011, following the passing of co-founder Steve Jobs. His tenure has been defined not only by financial success but also by the expansion of Apple’s ecosystem, including services like Apple Music and Apple TV+, as well as a stronger focus on sustainability and supply chain resilience.

Ternus, who currently oversees Apple’s hardware engineering, is widely seen as a key figure behind the development of products such as the iPhone, Mac, and Apple Silicon chips. His appointment may signal a continued emphasis on innovation in hardware, particularly as Apple pushes further into areas like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and next-generation computing.

Victoria Smart drives workforce development through youth and leadership initiatives

In a time when influence is often measured by visibility, Victoria Smart is building a record defined by work, structure, and outcomes. Her activities across music, media, and youth development continue to shape individuals and institutions within and beyond Nigeria.

Victoria Smart’s background connects heritage with present-day leadership. She is from Benin City and is the daughter of the late retired Commissioner of Police, Chief Solomon Noragbon Igiehon, and Pastor Clarisbel Igiehon. She is also linked to the Benin Royal lineage of Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi. While her background is widely noted, her current work reflects a focus on delivery and growth.

She first came into public view through music. As a singer and songwriter, she has worked with gospel artists including Sinach, Eben, Sammy Okposo, and Midnight Crew. Her work in music centres on communication of faith and personal development. She is a member of the Loveworld Singers, a music ministry with a wide audience, and contributes to the Loveworld Films and Arts Department (LFAD), where she supports production and performance projects.

Her role in media includes appearances in the television series ‘Tinsel’ and work as a radio and television host. Through these platforms, she engages different audiences and addresses topics around growth, purpose, and social responsibility.

A central part of her work is youth development. She leads the ‘To My Young Self Youth Empowerment Initiative,’ which focuses on preparing young people for social and economic realities. The initiative provides tools for decision-making, personal growth, and long-term planning.

Her programme, ‘Success Motivation,’ operates as a structured platform for mentoring and mindset development. It addresses issues such as self-limitation, career direction, and leadership awareness. Participants are guided through sessions that combine practical knowledge with personal reflection.

Victoria Smart has also contributed to other programmes, including the Teacher Chike Girls Empowerment Programme and the R’2 Frontier youth programme linked to Imperial College London. These engagements support access to mentorship and skills development for young people across different backgrounds.

Her academic background supports her work in leadership and project execution. She studied Microbiology at Olabisi Onabanjo University and later obtained a First-Class degree in Business and Project Management from Greater Manchester Business School. She also attended Imperial College London, where she took part in leadership development programmes and spoke at the Catalyst R2Frontiers Leadership Programme focused on Black professionals in the United Kingdom.

She has received a Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) in Business Management, recognising her contributions to leadership and enterprise.

Her work has gained attention across Africa and internationally. She has been listed among the Top 100 Iconic African Personalities and appointed to the Iconic Council, a group involved in discussions on leadership and development. She has also received invitations to events at the House of Lords and Oxford University.

Beyond public engagements, she runs Victoria Smart London, a beauty brand. The business reflects her interest in building structured ventures and applying management principles to growth and operations.

Victoria Smart continues to expand her role in training and advisory services. She works with organisations on staff development, leadership training, and project planning. Her approach combines structured systems with measurable outcomes.

She is also involved in speaking engagements and community projects, where she addresses topics related to youth growth, leadership, and social change.

Her current focus includes partnerships with institutions seeking to improve team performance, develop talent, and deliver social impact. Through these engagements, she positions her work within a wider framework of long-term development.

Victoria Smart’s activities reflect a steady focus on influence through action. Across music, media, and youth engagement, her work continues to connect individuals to structured opportunities for growth and contribution.

Why Brussels speaks with two voices on Azerbaijan [OPINION]

Wednesday, April 16th, was a busy day in Brussels. One room saw discussions between a high-level delegation from Azerbaijan and representatives of the European External Action Service in connection with negotiating a new partnership agreement with Azerbaijan. Another room saw a vote on resolutions by Belgian and Dutch parliaments to insist on the immediate release of the Armenian prisoners held by Azerbaijan and withdrawal from Armenia. Four days after this incident, Azerbaijan called in the ambassadors of Belgium and the Netherlands to its capital, Baku. This was not surprising. It was, to say the least, an interesting time for this kind of activity.

The events of April 16 are by no means an exception. This is what the typical functioning of the European foreign policy vis-a-vis Azerbaijan looks like. The strategy of engagement and criticism at the same time, both seemingly unaware of, or at least indifferent to, each other’s existence. While Europe’s executive is courting Baku as a supplier of natural gas to fill the gap left by the Russian Federation, an intermediary for transit through the Middle Corridor, and a geopolitical partner in the South Caucasus which is not aligned with Russia or Iran, the European parliament occasionally, and this time in out-dated manner, reminds both itself and Baku that the September 2023 anti-terror measures was done ‘injustfyingly’.

The Belgian resolution, tabled by MP Michel de Maegd and MP Els Van Hoof, who serve as chairman and vice-chairman of the foreign affairs committee, demands the freedom of Armenian POWs, the repatriation of the Armenian population of Karabakh under international security guarantees, and the retreat of Azerbaijani troops to their positions prior to May 2021. The Dutch resolution, tabled by MP Don Seder, is largely in the same vein and also briefly addresses the recognition of the Armenian genocide, an evergreen topic which Azerbaijan does not hesitate to conflate with the issue of Karabakh in its entirety. Neither resolution carries any binding force, but both were approved, albeit not without precedent.

In the statement issued by the Azerbaijani parliament, the documents were dismissed as emanating from “the unhealthy imagination and racism of traditionally anti-Azerbaijani, Islamophobic forces.” However, irrespective of what the statement is aimed at, it is unlikely that it would enhance Baku’s position. The tone of the statement issued by the foreign ministry was somewhat restrained; nonetheless, it reiterated that the documents constituted a gross violation of international law, driven by “a deep-rooted prejudice against Azerbaijan.” It should be noted that the ICJ had already refused to entertain the demands made by Armenia to free the arrested individuals. Besides, the UN Working Group had also concluded in March 2025 that their arrest was legal.

The timing of this resolution and its audacity are really contradictory; it passed on the very day of the bilateral meeting between the Speakers of the Armenian and Azerbaijani parliaments, an unremarked yet effective piece of diplomacy that the drafters of the resolution may have been unaware of or chosen to disregard. For his part, Pashinyan has, in recent weeks, already informed domestic audiences that dwelling on previous wrongs is inconsistent with a peace process the two governments have already agreed upon. The 2025 Washington Declaration on the normalization of relations is there. The TRIPP Corridor initiative is there. Normalization with Trkiye is there. Demands for the withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops back to pre-2021 lines, which bear no resemblance to political realities, do not seem likely to contribute to any of the above.

Of course, all this is not surprising, and it is not the first time. The European Union often overlooks certain realities in pursuit of a so-called ‘neutral’ position. To some extent, it’s plausible to see them advocating for human rights while neglecting a fundamental principle they’ve historically supported: the importance of internationally recognized boundaries. The claims being made are outdated and do not reflect today’s realities.

And yet. There is one significant exception regarding the peace treaty signed in Washington, and it is not the commitment of Azerbaijan to release the prisoners. In none of the declarations made at the August summit is there any mention of this issue. Should the problem of their release not be settled as part of the official peace treaty, then perhaps among the very few tools that could help solve it would be those resolutions made by European parliaments – albeit with their questionable timing, influence by diasporas, and lack of binding force. Perhaps, at the end of the day, this is a matter for the two countries to decide.

It is an argument for the difficult truth that Europe’s “right hand and left hand” problem is sometimes, in the specific and narrow case of human rights accountability, deliberate rather than merely disorganised.

Hospital and airline tycoon Prasert dies at 93

Dr Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth, the founder of Thailand’s largest private hospital business as well as an airline that put Koh Samui on the global tourism map, has passed away at the age of 93.

Dr Prasert died on Tuesday after being treated for an unspecified condition for an extended period, according to Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Plc (BDMS). His funeral will be held at Wat Thepsirin in Bangkok.

Born in Bangkok on March 22, 1933, Prasert was the fourth of 10 children of Thongyu and Boonrod Prasarttong-Osoth, formerly known as Changboonchu.

He completed his primary and secondary education at Assumption College Bang Rak before studying at Triam Udom Suksa School, followed by the pre-medical programme at Chulalongkorn University, until March 1960.

After earning his medical degree from Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, he worked as a surgeon at Siriraj Hospital for five years, but a growing interest in business drew him to other activities including construction and oil exploration.

He got into the hospital business in 1972 by founding Bangkok Hospital, which expanded gradually and became Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Plc. The company was listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 1991.

Today BDMS operates the largest private healthcare network in Thailand and Cambodia with 58 hospitals under six brands: Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej Hospital, BNH Hospital, Phyathai Hospital, Paolo Hospital and Royal Hospital Group (Cambodia).

Dr Poramaporn Prasarttong-Osoth, the fourth daughter of Dr Prasert, took over as chief executive of BDMS in September 2020.

Bangkok Airways started in 1968 when Dr Prasert established Sahakol Air as a department in his company, Krungthep Sahakol. The airline operated charter flights based on market demand.

In 1984, the airline was spun off as a separate company operating as Bangkok Airways. In 1986 it began scheduled flights from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, Surin and Krabi, using an 18-seat aircraft.

Business really began to take off after the company decided to build its own airport on the southern island of Koh Samui in Surat Thani. Bangkok-Samui flights began in 1989, and the company has enjoyed a near-monopoly on the route ever since. Bangkok Airways was listed on the SET in 2014.

The airline also operates other domestic and international routes, linking Bangkok with major heritage tourism sites such as Siem Reap in Cambodia, Luang Prabang in Laos, and Xi’an, Guilin, Jinghong and Chiang Rung in China.

Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, Dr Prasert’s eldest son, has been the chief executive of Bangkok Airways since 2019.

In the annual ranking of Thailand’s richest stock investors in 2025, Dr Prasert placed third, with total shareholdings worth 33.1 billion baht, from his 9.2% stake in BDMS and 11.4% stake in Bangkok Airways.

Forbes magazine this year ranked him as Thailand’s seventh-richest person, with an estimated net worth of around $3.6 billion as of April 21.

Dr Prasert married Wanli Posayachinda in 1963 and they had four children, while a fifth was adopted.

The body will be placed at Sala Klang Nam at Wat Thepsirin, with a bathing ceremony at 3pm on Wednesday, followed by a royal bathing rite at 5pm, and funeral prayers at 6pm. Prayers will continue from April 23-28 at 6.30pm each day. The body will then be kept for 100 days. The family has asked the public to refrain from sending wreaths.

Season of endorsements

The debate whether the endorsement of candidates for various elective positions in 2027 and other forms of promotion of preferred candidates, ahead of the party primaries and the statutorily provided timetable for campaigns, constitute election campaigns, outside the contemplation of the Electoral Act, 2026 will not abate. According to section 98(1), ‘For the purpose of this Act, the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.’

Section 99(1) provides: ‘A candidate and his or her party shall campaign for the elections in accordance with such rules and regulations as may be determined by the Commission.’ Going through the sections of the Act, it appears the Electoral Act is lax on the prohibition of early campaigns. While there are ample provisions and penalties against campaigns within the last 24 hours to the election, there appears to be none against campaigns, earlier than the 150 days, before the election date.

With regards to 24 hours before polling day, section 98(2) provides that ‘a registered political party which through any person acting on its behalf during the 24 hours before polling day – advertise on the facilities of any broadcasting undertaking; or procures for publication or acquiesces in the publication of an advertisement in a newspaper, for the purpose of promoting or opposing a particular candidate, commits an offence under this Act and is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of N2,000,000.’

Again, Section 100(1) provides: ‘Any person, print or electronic medium that broadcasts, publishes, advertises or circulates any material for purpose of promoting or opposing a particular political party or the election of a particular candidate over the radio, television, newspaper, magazine, handbills, or any print or electronic media whatsoever called within 24 hours immediately preceding or on polling day commits an offence under this Act.’ Subsection 3(a) and (b) went ahead to provide a minimum fine of N3,000,000 and maximum fine of N5,000,000 for a body corporate offender, and a minimum fine of N3,000,000 and maximum fine of N5,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of 12 months or both, for an individual offender.

A very notable provision which is aimed at discouraging campaigns that can cause destabilization across the country, is Section 101, which provides: ‘A candidate, person or association who engages in campaigning or broadcasting based on religious, tribal, or sectional reason for the purpose of promoting or opposing a particular political party or the election of a particular candidate, commits an offence under this Act and is liable on conviction – to a minimum fine of N3,000,000 and maximum fine of N5,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of 12months or both; and in the case of political party to a minimum fine of N30,000,000 and maximum fine of N50,000,000.’

The absence of strict prohibition for pre-150 days campaign may explain why the season of campaign through open endorsements is upon us. As expected, there are already controversies about who is endorsing who, and who has been endorsed by the powerful interest groups. Interestingly, some of the godfathers who have been touted to have endorsed some candidates have spoken out denying any such endorsements. As expected, all eyes are on Rivers State, where the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, appears to be sitting comfortably, astride the two major political parties in the state.

While not mentioning names, he has stated categorically that he would not make the same mistake he made again, which has been rightly referred to as his refusal to endorse Governor Siminalaya Fubara, for a second term. The godfather however warns those spending their hand earned money on the claim that he had endorsed them, to stop wasting their time, as he noted that for now, the only person he has endorsed is the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Fubara has wisely kept quiet, this time, awaiting the right time to either strike or surrender. Unfortunately, trust is like a glass, once broken, is difficult to amend. While Fubara may have betrayed Wike’s trust, before seemingly retracing his steps after President Tinubu intervened, there is no assurance that the person Wike may choose to replace Fubara will not betray him. The allure of office appears to be too tempting, for most political actors. But of course, there are still persons whose integrity is strong enough to withstand the temptation associated with high political office.

Some interests have even gone ahead to procure huge billboards, announcing their candidature for various positions, especially, the governorship elections. Some of the billboards out rightly seek the support of the people for the office the candidate will be seeking at the next general election. There have also been political rallies in several states, to promote candidates, especially for non-incumbents, who definitely need longer than 150 days to gain name recognition amongst the people.

In some states, there is eerie quietness as the lower cadre of the party awaits relevant signals from the topmost hierarchy of the party. In such states, any person who goes ahead to announce himself or herself may be accused of anti-party activity, with its consequences during the party primaries. Interestingly, the new Electoral Act made provisions for either consensus or direct primaries, as the only acceptable means to choose the candidates in the next general election. The consequence is that an unacceptable candidate amongst the majority will not emerge from the primary.

On the nomination of candidates for election, Section 84(1) provides: ‘A political party seeking to nominate candidates for election under this Act shall hold primaries for aspirants to all elective positions which shall be monitored by the Commission – the procedure for nomination of candidates by political parties for the various elective positions shall be by direct primaries or consensus.’ Section 85 bars imposition of candidates. Each party has the power to determine the guidelines for direct primaries, while under Section 87(1) the written consent and endorsement of all cleared candidates is required for a consensus candidate.

The above provision will prove a herculean task for persons or parties used to the imposition of candidates. For as provided, unless all cleared candidates sign that they approve the chosen candidate, the party must resort to direct primary, necessitating a special convention, to ratify the candidate as provided in section 87(3) of the Act. Section 88(2) provides that an aspirant who complains that any of the provisions of this Act and the guidelines of a political party have not been complied with in the selection or nomination of a candidate of a political party for election, may apply to the Federal High Court for redress.’

The days ahead will be suffused with partisan contentions, for the various offices up for contest, in the 2027, general elections, which has been brought forward to January and February, 2027. Clearly, the 2026 Electoral Act, despite the hullaballoo that greeted it by a section of the media and some opposition parties, has made significant improvements for the good of our fledgling democracy.

Aghdam welcomes 92 families as Azerbaijan’s Great Return gains momentum [PHOTOS]

Under the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev, the Great Return to Azerbaijan’s liberated territories continues in a phased and systematic manner. In the latest stage, 92 families, comprising 332 people, have been resettled in the city of Aghdam. These families had previously lived in temporary accommodations across the country, including dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings.

AzerNEWS reports that the returning residents expressed their gratitude for the comprehensive state support provided to them, thanking President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva. They also extended their appreciation to the Azerbaijani Armed Forces for liberating the territories, honoring fallen soldiers and wishing a speedy recovery to veterans.

Former internally displaced person Ofelya Abdullayeva described her return to Aghdam as the greatest happiness of her life. She noted that the Azerbaijani Army demonstrated exceptional professionalism and heroism during the Patriotic War, achieving a historic victory in just 44 days under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Abdullayeva emphasized that returning to her native land after many years holds deep personal meaning, adding that she finds it difficult to fully express her emotions.

Another returnee, Siyavush Aghayev, who departed from Baku to Aghdam on April 21, called the day one of the most memorable moments of his life. He said that the long-awaited dream of returning home has finally become a reality, not only for Aghdam residents but for all former internally displaced persons. Aghayev highlighted that life is being revived in newly constructed settlements and that the return process is progressing step by step.

Similarly, Aghdam native Manzar Aliyeva stated that returning to her hometown after 30 years is an indescribable joy. She noted that despite years of displacement, her longing for her homeland never faded. Now, she plans to rebuild her life in her native city alongside her family. Aliyeva underscored that the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity is a historic achievement made possible by the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev and the bravery of the Azerbaijani Army.

The Great Return program continues alongside large-scale reconstruction and development efforts in the liberated territories, ensuring the safe and sustainable resettlement of former internally displaced persons.

Azerbaijan earns global recognition for cultural heritage data innovation

The State Service for the Protection, Development and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry has achieved a significant international success, AzerNEWS reports.

The State Service was named the winner in the “Best Cultural Heritage Data Innovation Azerbaijan 2026” category at the 2026 competition organized by the international media organization International Business Magazine.

The fact that this award was received on the anniversary of the Culture Ministry’s establishment (April 20, 2018) adds symbolic significance to the achievement and marks a meaningful contribution to this notable date.

The award recognizes innovative approaches in the protection and management of cultural heritage, particularly the application of modern technologies and the effective management of data systems.

Projects carried out by the State Service, especially those focused on the digitalization of cultural heritage sites, as well as the systematic collection and management of data, were highly praised by international experts. The efforts to preserve, restore, and promote Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage, along with the implementation of innovative data solutions in this field, were also specifically highlighted.

This achievement reflects both the strengthening of Azerbaijan’s international reputation in the field of cultural heritage and the global recognition of its progress in digitalization.

It should be noted that competitions organized by International Business Magazine bring together government institutions, research centers, and international organizations from various countries, with outstanding participants receiving awards.

More detailed information about the winners is available on the magazine’s official website.