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Gregoriou highlights solutions to water scarcity at MED-RISE conference in Cairo

The challenges Cyprus faces from water scarcity and recurring droughts, and ways to address them, were highlighted by Andreas Gregoriou, Permanent Secretary, Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, during the MED-RISE High-Level Conference held in Cairo on October 25 and 26.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry on Tuesday, Gregoriou outlined measures such as desalination, the reuse of treated wastewater, more efficient irrigation and reducing water losses in distribution networks. He also stressed the need to attract investment and make use of European and international funding opportunities to support water-related projects.

Gregoriou also highlighted the importance of cooperation among Mediterranean countries and joint commitments to concrete projects, highlighting the role international initiatives can play in encouraging investment in the sector.

The MED-RISE conference was held as part of the 9th Cairo Water Week, which runs from October 25 to 29 and focuses on water security, sustainable water management and regional cooperation.

Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation among countries, public authorities and international organisations to advance sustainable water management projects. Particular attention was given to the links between water, energy, agriculture and environmental protection, as well as securing funding for projects with long-term impact.

CAFOSEL commemorates World Food Day with supports for 15 households in Ibadan

Coordination of Actors on Food Security and Livelihood (CAFOSEL), a network of 17 organisations working in food security, nutrition, agriculture and sustainable livelihoods, has marked the 2026 World Food Day with community food support and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and improving livelihoods.

The event, held at the National Orientation Agency (NOA) headquarters in Ibadan, attracted more than 60 participants from within and outside the network.

Held under the action theme: ‘GIVE. GROW. INNOVATE. NOURISH,’ the programme translated the global World Food Day theme, ‘Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,’ into practical interventions, including food distribution to vulnerable households, promotion of urban agriculture, an innovation showcase and the launch of Ibadan Green Mart.

The initiative also aligned with the World Council of Churches’ Prayer and Action Against Hunger Coalition campaign: ‘Give Your Loaves and Fish,’ which encourages practical responses to hunger and food insecurity.

Speaking at the event, Director of Ecumenism of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Testimony Onifade, emphasised the connection between food security and peaceful coexistence, noting that societies struggling with hunger face challenges to their overall well-being and stability.

Alhaji Isiaka, Deputy Director of Media and Communication, who represented the director of the NOA, commended CAFOSEL and its partners for their efforts towards addressing food insecurity.

Similarly, a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Afolabi, harped on the need to embrace evolving agricultural practices while ensuring environmental conservation.

A retired medical doctor and garden enthusiast, Dame Dr. Ademito Iyun, encouraged households to embrace gardening as a means of improving access to fresh food and promoting self-sufficiency.

Rev. Dr. Victor-Tade, popularly known as Mama Empowerment, highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment and youth participation in food security and livelihood initiatives.

A major highlight of the programme was the GIVE Community Solidarity Action, through which more than 15 households received food items, including rice, beans, tomato paste, garri and kulikuli.

Under the GROW initiative, participants also received seedlings and plants, including ewedu, tomatoes, oregano, African basil, artemisia and king-of-bitter, donated by Mrs Oluwatomi Olatoye of the Urban Agriculture Garden and Academy.

The innovation showcase provided an opportunity to explore practical solutions to food system challenges, while the launch of Ibadan Green Mart was designed to promote product display, strengthen market access and establish connections among farmers, producers and enterprises.

CAFOSEL said the programme was made possible through the collective efforts of its coordinating team, member organisations and partners, with significant contributions from Pastor Elijah Adejimi, founder of For Nature and Future Ecogreen Initiative; Rev. Dr. James Aderele; Dtn. Victoria Oyekanmi; and Ms. Feranmi Feyisetan, alongside other stakeholders.

The network appreciated the collaboration and support of the NOA and the World Council of Churches, represented by Toyosi Olatayo of Palmira Farmtrade.

Kano court remands three over alleged kidnap, murder of four-year-old boy

A Kano State High Court has remanded three defendants in a custodial facility over allegations of criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and the murder of a four-year-old boy, Aliyu Haruna Haidar.

The defendants, Hajara Sani, Ayatullahi Armaya’u, and Jibrin Ado, all residents of Gobirawa village in Rano Local Government Area of Kano State, were arraigned on a three-count charge.

The charges, filed under Sections 97(1), 273, and 221(a) of the Penal Code, Laws of Kano State, relate to alleged criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and culpable homicide punishable by death.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to them.

Following their arraignment, the court ordered their remand in a custodial facility and adjourned the case until December 4, 2026, for the commencement of hearing and the presentation of prosecution witnesses.

According to the charge sheet, marked K/184/2024, the alleged incident occurred at about 9 a.m. on April 9, 2024, in Gobirawa village, Rano Local Government Area.

The prosecution alleged that Hajara Sani conspired with the two other defendants to abduct the four-year-old boy and detain him in a house for two days while demanding a ransom of N2 million from his family.

The prosecution further alleged that negotiations subsequently reduced the ransom demand to N1 million.

However, according to the summary of evidence, the defendants allegedly strangled the child before the ransom payment was completed.

The prosecution’s account attributed the alleged killing partly to delays in the payment of the ransom and the fact that the child reportedly recognised one of his alleged captors.

The prosecution team is led by Lamido Abba Soron Dinki, alongside Iliyasu Ibrahim.

Meanwhile, counsel to the first defendant, Hajara Sani, Bashiru Ibrahim, has dismissed reports suggesting that his client worked as domestic staff in the victim’s household.

Speaking to NigerianSketch, Ibrahim, who appeared alongside Alhaji Ibrahim, Esq., said the claim was unsupported by the official charge sheet filed before the court.

He maintained that any suggestion that his client was employed as domestic staff in the victim’s family home was extraneous to the charges before the court.

The prosecution is expected to present witnesses and exhibits in support of its case when the hearing begins.

The allegations have yet to be proven in court.

Slow visa processing disrupts travel to Thailand

Slow visa processing in countries whose visa-free privileges have been withdrawn has disrupted travel to Thailand, with many travellers opting for Vietnam instead. Airlines have also reported a large number of no-show passengers and urged the government to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabia market suffered a sharp 40% decline following the closure of Riyadh’s international airport after Houthi strikes earlier this month.

Emirates was among the airlines reporting the consequences of the slow visa application process, recording 30-40 no-show passengers per flight on its Mexico-Thailand route, as many travellers were unable to obtain visas before their departure dates.

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the ministry had acknowledged the issue. The visa policy committee is scheduled to meet on Nov 9, when the tourism ministry will propose granting visa privileges to several Latin American countries, including Mexico, as well as Uzbekistan.

However, the committee must thoroughly discuss the candidates on the list, taking both security and economic factors into account.

According to sources in the travel industry, many tourists from Latin America have shifted their travel plans to other destinations with faster and more convenient visa procedures, particularly Vietnam, which offers tourism products similar to those of Thailand.

Chiravadee Khunsub, deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said that even though the European and US markets remained largely unfazed by the Middle East conflict, posting growth of 0.09% and 0.19%, respectively, the war continued to have a significant impact on Gulf countries, which are directly affected, resulting in a decline of 8.1% as of Oct 20.

SAUDI MARKET HIT HARD

She said the Saudi market, which had been among the fastest-growing markets in recent years, plunged by almost 40%, mainly due to disruptions at Riyadh’s main airport this month, as airlines were forced to cancel flights following several Houthi attacks and the airport’s closure.

This resulted in the suspension of 10 direct flights per week between Riyadh and Bangkok, leaving only nine weekly flights between Jeddah and Bangkok still in operation.

Mrs Chiravadee said the recovery of the Middle East market had also stalled after a strong rebound in pent-up demand when conditions improved in the third quarter.

However, with Middle Eastern airlines having resumed all services to maintain slots at previous levels, she said the agency expects the region to stage a solid recovery once the conflict subsides.

For instance, during the winter season, Qatar Airways is increasing its direct flights from Doha to Phuket to 21 per week from 14, with the increase scheduled to take effect on Oct 25.

During the fourth quarter, she said the number of visitors from long-haul markets is projected to reach 3.38 million, driven by continued growth from several markets, led by Poland and the Nordic countries, which recorded increases of 10.8% and 5.8%, respectively, during the first 10 months of the year.

Forward bookings for the final quarter also remain strong in several key markets, including Russia, up 34% year-on-year, Kazakhstan, up 45%, Finland, up 29%, Denmark, up 14%, Sweden, up 13% and Norway, up 8%.

For the first quarter of 2027, forward bookings recorded by Amadeus Destination Gateway indicate that arrivals from long-haul markets to Thailand are expected to reach 2.25 million, an increase of 18.3% year-on-year, with the Middle East posting the strongest growth at 38.2%, followed by Europe at 17.5%.

Mrs Chiravadee said the trend next year is likely to see more airlines expand long-haul direct services that bypass Middle Eastern hubs, offering travellers more options to plan trips that avoid potential risks associated with these hubs.

This trend is already evident in airlines’ expansion this year, with direct flights from Europe, the US and Africa totalling around 5.73 million seats, up 5.56% year-on-year as of Oct 2.

This winter, notable new direct services include Scandinavian Airlines’ flights from Copenhagen to Phuket and Krabi.

CAUTION PERSISTS

In 2027, the TAT projects that arrivals from long-haul markets will reach 11 million, up 4% from this year, generating 730 billion baht in revenue, also an increase of 4%.

She said the agency must continue efforts to stimulate spending in certain underperforming markets that have been affected by rising fuel costs, weakening economic confidence and price-sensitive consumer behaviour.

These include the UK market, which declined by 3-4% this year, as around 30% of travellers relied on connecting flights through Middle Eastern airports, prompting more people to take holiday trips within Europe instead during the past summer.

For markets facing ongoing protests, Mrs Chiravadee said the agency is closely monitoring the situation. While there has been no immediate impact, as most tourists had already booked their holidays in advance, the situation could affect bookings for next year.

To prepare for any potential impact, she said the agency has already held discussions with airlines on launching joint promotions.

One new partnership is expected with Italy’s flag carrier, ITA Airways, which has merged with the Lufthansa Group.

The TAT and ITA Airways are planning to organise familiarisation trips to raise Thailand’s profile in the Italian market, with the TAT hoping that the airline will upgrade its Thailand services to year-round operations rather than operating only during the peak season.

Suladda Sarutilavan, TAT’s executive director of Europe, said the agency recently hosted the Amazing Thailand Fest 2026 in Madrid, attracting around 5,000 visitors after promoting the event through 430 digital screens across the city.

She said the Spanish market has strong growth potential, supported by flight connections from several Spanish cities via Istanbul, a major aviation hub that offers access to Thailand without relying on Middle Eastern transit points.

The agency also held an inaugural flight ceremony on Oct 25 for Belavia, which has launched scheduled services from Minsk, Belarus, to Bangkok with one weekly flight and will reinstate its direct Minsk-Phuket service with two flights per week from Oct 29 to serve higher demand during the winter season.

Military clears air on troops’ clash with police personnel in Plateau

THE Special Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF-OPEP) has cleared the air on the recent encounter between its troops and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

Media Officer of the operation, Captain Polycarp Oteh, in a statement, on Monday in Jos, said the encounter between the two agencies was misconstrued to be a clash.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that videos and photographs of an alleged clash between the military and police personnel went viral on the social media few days ago.

It was alleged that troops had prevented the police personnel from going after some criminals in the area.

But Oteh said the troops only responded to a distress call following a sporadic shooting at Mai Farin Moto, Maraban Dere and adjoining communities of the area.

He said: ‘On October 20, troops of our Sector 3, responded to a distress call reporting sporadic gunfire in Mai Farin Moto, Maraban Dere and adjoining communities. This is alongside reports of the suspected killing of a resident, Mr Adamu Suleiman.

‘The troops were deployed in the affected area to assess the security situation, establish the circumstances of the incident, prevent escalation and protect lives and property.

‘On arrival, the troops sought to engage the police personnel operating in the area to clarify the situation and facilitate a coordinated security response.

‘Regrettably, the interaction was characterised by a lack of cooperation from some personnel, in spite of efforts to de-escalate tensions and maintain operational discipline,’ he said.

Oteh emphasised that troops’ intervention was prompted by an operational distress call, adding that it was undertaken in the interest of public safety.

‘JTF-OPEP remains committed to impartiality, professionalism and the protection of lives and property,’he said.

‘As a joint security arrangement, our operational effectiveness depends on inter-agency coordination, mutual respect, adherence to established procedures and unity of effort.

‘Issues arising from the incident are being addressed through appropriate command and inter-agency channels to establish the facts, sustain operational cohesion and prevent recurrence,’ he explained.

The media officer advised members of the public and reporters to verify information before going to the press, adding that such move would ensure credibility and professionalism.

He assured residents of Plateau of its resolve to maintain law and order, protect innocent residents and consolidate peace and security across its joint operations area.

EFCC defends sting operation at Lekki Estate, says 21 arrested for cybercrime

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has said 21 suspected cybercrime fraudsters were arrested while five exotic cars were recovered during early morning sting operation by its operatives at Applewood Estate, Orchid Road, Lekki, Lagos State.

Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the EFCC said this in a statement obviously issued in reaction to controversies that have trailed the operation.

Some critics had accused operatives of the anti-graft agency of high-handedness and harassment of people during the operation.

But in the statement issued on Tuesday, Oyewale said the sting operation, carried out by operatives of EFCC around 5a.m on Monday at Applewood Estate was professionally conducted.

According to the anti-graft agency, the operation was targeted at apprehending suspected cybercrime fraudsters obtaining money from unsuspecting victims through gift cards, crypto currencies and international money transfers by impersonating several individuals.

Oyewale added that the operatives arrested 21 suspected cybercrime fraudsters ‘professionally owing to diligent pre-arrest surveillance and reconnaissance of the activities of the fraudsters.’

But EFCC insisted that there was ‘no record of harassment, intimidation or unlawful arrest of anyone,’ while vowing that it will not allow blackmailers and alarmists to sabotage its mandate.

According to the statement, a young lady that stood in the way of the operation by making telephone calls to alert the fraudsters was held and her phone confiscated until the conclusion of the operation.

It added that the phone was later released to the lady.

Oyewale added that preliminary investigations of the arrested suspects indicted 19 of them while the remaining two have been released.

The statement also indicated that all the indicted suspects will be arraigned in court immediately.

‘While the EFCC continues its crusade and operational dynamics against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption, the public is enjoined to keep faith with it and loudly condemn the activities of fraudsters bringing the nation to disrepute.

‘The Sting Operation at Applewood Estate was professionally carried out, with no record of harassment, intimidation or unlawful arrest of anyone. The Commission is open to constructive engagement by well-meaning Nigerians, but blackmailers and alarmists will not be allowed to sabotage its mandate,’ said Oyewale.

Fertility rate in Cyprus at 1.39 in 2024, according to Eurostat

The total fertility rate in Cyprus stood at 1.39 births per woman in 2024, above the EU average of 1.34, according to data published by Eurostat on Tuesday.

However, the rate in Cyprus remained below the population replacement level, which is estimated at 2.10 births per woman.

At EU level, the total fertility rate fell to 1.34 births per woman in 2024, reaching its lowest level since the relevant time series began in 2001, according to Eurostat.

Over the past 20 years, the fertility rate in the EU has remained consistently below the replacement level, ranging between 1.34 and 1.57 births per woman.

Ebola: NCDC dismisses rumour of election postponement

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has dismissed reports that the Ebola outbreak could lead to the postponement of an election, describing the claims as false.

The agency also disclosed that 54 contacts linked to Nigeria’s imported Ebola case remained under surveillance, while three contacts who developed symptoms last week had tested negative for the virus.

It cautioned against reports claiming that Nigeria had been declared Ebola-free, explaining that although there was no confirmed case in the country following the evacuation of the infected patient to Switzerland, monitoring of exposed persons was ongoing.

The clarification came a day after the patient and her husband were evacuated to Switzerland on October 26, following an improvement in her clinical condition.

According to the NCDC, the 54 primary contacts linked to the imported case were being monitored daily, with most in quarantine in Abuja and a few observing self-quarantine at home.

The agency said three contacts developed symptoms last week and were tested for Ebola, but all returned negative results.

It added that contact tracing and surveillance would continue to identify and monitor secondary contacts who might have interacted with the primary contacts at home or elsewhere.

The exercise, it said, was necessary to determine the extent of possible exposure and establish whether the virus had spread beyond the original case.

The NCDC urged Nigerians not to interpret the absence of additional confirmed cases as the end of the response, stressing that continued vigilance was necessary to prevent further transmission.

NCDC approves weekly support for quarantined contacts

In a related development, the authorities approved ?100,000 in weekly support for people placed in quarantine to ease the financial and social difficulties associated with movement restrictions.

The NCDC said the intervention followed concerns raised by quarantined contacts about disruptions to their daily activities and difficulties meeting their welfare needs.

It explained that the support was not included in the original response plan, noting that state governments, including the Federal Capital Territory Administration, had responsibilities in providing such assistance.

The agency said it had contacted the FCT Minister to seek the administration’s involvement in addressing the needs of affected individuals.

However, it maintained that the immediate welfare needs of those in quarantine had to be addressed while discussions on appropriate funding arrangements continued.

Agency warns against false Ebola-free claims

The NCDC expressed concern over media reports suggesting that Nigeria had been declared Ebola-free following the World Health Organisation’s clarification that the country currently had no confirmed case.

It described the reports as inaccurate and misleading, warning that they could create a false sense of security and discourage the public from observing necessary precautions.

The agency urged journalists to verify information through official channels before publication and correct false reports on the same platforms and with the same prominence as the original claims.

It acknowledged that questions about preparedness, funding and the pace of contact tracing were legitimate aspects of public accountability.

However, it distinguished between legitimate scrutiny and misinformation, warning that presenting unverified claims as established facts could cause unnecessary fear and undermine the response.

The NCDC pledged to provide timely, on-record responses to media enquiries.

NCDC defends evacuation of Ebola patient

The agency also rejected suggestions that the evacuation of the infected woman to Switzerland amounted to a vote of no confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

It explained that the patient was in poor condition when she initially presented at a hospital but had shown clinical improvement before her departure.

The NCDC said the evacuation should not be politicised, stressing that decisions concerning patients’ lives and medical care should take precedence over political considerations.

The patient’s Ebola infection was confirmed on October 20 after she returned to Abuja from Uganda. She was evacuated alongside her husband at the request and expense of the Swiss government.

Public urged to avoid stigmatising patients

The NCDC urged journalists to protect the privacy and dignity of patients, quarantined individuals and their families.

It warned against publishing names, photographs or addresses that could identify patients and contacts, noting that such disclosures could expose them and their relatives to discrimination.

The agency also cautioned against stigmatising healthcare facilities associated with the treatment of affected individuals.

It reiterated that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person who is symptomatic, not through the air.

The NCDC added that people who had not developed symptoms were not infectious, urging the public not to treat every traveller returning from an affected area as a threat.

Anyone experiencing fever alongside a relevant travel or contact history was advised to call the designated Ebola response hotline, 6232, before visiting a healthcare facility and to alert public health officials upon arrival.

The agency maintained that continued surveillance, accurate information and public cooperation were essential to preventing further transmission.

Alleged N23m theft: Trial of businessman, firm begins November 30

The trial of businessman Oladipo Olaleye Akanle and his company, Avalanche Trade 1307, over an alleged N23 million theft will begin on November 30, 2026.

This development followed their arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged crime.

It will be recalled that the defendants were brought before Justice Ismail Ijelu of the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja, on a one-count charge of stealing contrary to Section 278(2)(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The charge alleged that Akanle and his company converted N23 million, said to have been erroneously transferred into Akanle’s bank account in January 2023, to their own use.

The anti-graft agency stated that the said sum belongs to Chinedu Iyizoba. However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge, prompting counsel for the prosecution, James Banjo, to ask the court to remand Akanle in custody pending trial.

Counsel for the defence, Lanre Ogunlesi, SAN, applied for bail on eight grounds, assuring the court that his client would not abscond and would be available whenever required.

The SAN informed Justice Ijelu that Akanle had been in EFCC custody, adding that the defendant’s father had died in a plane crash.

The senior lawyer disputed the amount stated in the charge, claiming the sum involved was N13 million, with N10 million already repaid.

Ogunlesi equally informed the court that Akanle had previously been charged before a magistrate’s court but was discharged.

In handing down his ruling, Justice Ijelu declared that the primary consideration in determining the bail application was whether the defendant would attend his trial.

Justice Ijelu granted Akanle bail and released him to his counsel, directing Ogunlesi to write an undertaking guaranteeing that he would produce the defendant in court for every trial date unless otherwise directed.

According to the judge, ‘You shall write an undertaking to always produce the defendant for his trial.’

Ogun govt. seeks coordinated action to prevent lead poisoning

The Ogun Government has called for coordinated action to prevent lead exposure in Ogijo and its environs, warning that sustained intervention is needed to protect vulnerable residents.

Dr Tomi Coker, the Commissioner for Health, stated this on Tuesday at a news conference to commemorate the 2026 International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.

The commissioner also presented the state’s lead poisoning assessment report.

Coker said the report, developed by the ministry of health in collaboration with other agencies and partners, will guide public health planning and interventions against lead contamination.

She said the findings must translate into concrete measures to prevent further exposure, strengthen environmental surveillance and protect children, pregnant women and industrial workers.

Coker said suspected lead pollution in Ogijo underscored the need for sustained collaboration among health authorities, environmental agencies, industrial operators, and community stakeholders.

She stressed that government efforts must address potential contamination sources, improve risk communication, and encourage appropriate health-seeking behaviour.

The commissioner said the report was an important step towards evidence-based interventions, adding that its value would depend on implementing its recommendations.

‘Today, we are not merely commemorating a global health campaign.

‘We are also reaffirming the commitment of Ogun state government to evidence-based action, environmental health protection, community engagement, prevention and control of lead exposure across the state,’ she said.

She said the theme of the 2026 commemoration, ‘From Detection to Prevention’, highlighted the need to move beyond identifying exposure to preventing further contamination.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said environmental and health experts had conducted investigations into the suspected pollution in Ogijo.

Oresanya said the findings pointed to suspected pollution associated with industries involved in lead recycling, adding that the environmental assessment drew on research by experts from several institutions.

According to him, air quality trackers have been deployed in industrial areas, particularly Ogijo, to provide continuous environmental data and help authorities identify potential risks.

Oresanya said the state government was also collaborating with relevant agencies and community-based responders to identify unusual environmental changes and report them for prompt investigation.

He added that a remediation protocol had been activated in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to address pollution in line with applicable standards.

The state government had in November announced the closure of seven factories involved in lead-acid battery recycling in the Ogijo axis in Sagamu Local Government over suspected lead poisoning.

The government also conducted lead poisoning tests on 500 residents to determine the extent of exposure in affected communities.