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EV sales seen charging up 11% this year

Electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to continue gaining traction in the Philippines and outperform the overall automotive industry, with sales projected to grow by 11 percent this year amid high fuel costs, according to research and analysis firm BMI.

As part of efforts to support EV growth and adoption, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the government would discuss whether the zero tariff for EVs should remain in place beyond 2028.

‘We forecast EV sales in the Philippines to continue outperforming the wider vehicle market, supported by government incentives, higher fuel prices and growing model availability,’ the Fitch Solutions unit said in a report.

BMI expects EV sales in the Philippines to increase by 11 percent to 32,776 units this year from 29,479 units last year.

BMI’s forecast covers sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and excludes non-plug-in hybrid vehicles.

It said that EV sales are projected to grow even as total vehicle sales are expected to decline by 8.7 percent to 423,750 units this year.

If the forecast materializes, EV penetration in the country would rise to 7.7 percent this year from 6.4 percent last year.

For next year, BMI expects EV sales to rise to 51,666 units, supported by stronger overall vehicle demand and availability of more models.

It said EV sales are expected to continue climbing to 65,432 units in 2028, rise further to 78,781 units in 2029, and reach 91,730 units in 2030.

The sales forecasts represent average annual growth of 29.3 percent over 2026 to 2030.

As EV sales increase, EV penetration is also expected to rise to 11.4 percent next year, 13.7 percent in 2028, 15.6 percent in 2029 and 17.3 percent in 2030.

Meanwhile, sales of internal combustion engine, or gas-powered vehicles, are likely to recover more slowly, rising to 438,106 units in 2030 from 390,974 units last year.

BMI said government incentives are expected to continue supporting EV growth by making these vehicles more affordable.

At present, EVs, including BEVs, PHEVs, HEVs and certain parts and components, can enter the Philippines at zero tariff until 2028.

Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines vice president Carla Buencamino said last week the group wants the zero-tariff policy to remain in place until 2040 to support EV adoption and growth.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told reporters on the sidelines of the First Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Business and Investment Summit that the push to extend the EV zero tariff policy until 2040 would be discussed with other government agencies.

‘We will discuss this with the economic team, and once we have feedback, we will do it,’ she said.

BMI flagged potential changes to the current incentive framework after 2028 and slower-than-expected charging network expansion as downside risks to its EV sales outlook.

‘Both factors could reduce the pace of EV adoption by limiting affordability and weakening consumer confidence in transitioning to electric mobility,’ it said.

On the other hand, it said that Chinese automakers’ expansion and falling battery costs would help accelerate EV adoption by making them affordable.

In particular, this would benefit the sports utility vehicle and crossover segments where price remains a key consideration for consumers.

‘Faster investment from both the public and private sectors in charging infrastructure would also improve the practicality of BEV ownership, allowing BEVs to capture a larger share of electrified vehicle demand than we currently expect,’ BMI said.

Nigerians in UK get relief as passport intervention extends to October 3

Nigerians in the United Kingdom (UK) who have been facing delays in obtaining or renewing their passports have been given more time to access the Nigeria Immigration Service’s (NIS) special intervention, with the exercise extended to October 3.

This follows strong demand that saw 1,477 applicants processed in its first four days, with more than half of the passports already produced and dispatched to applicants’ addresses.

The extension, which covers intervention centres in London and Manchester, is expected to provide additional capacity as demand for Nigerian passports continues to rise among Nigerians in the UK.

The extension, approved under the directive of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of Interior, will run from September 19 to October 3, 2026.

‘In response to the high turnout and interest shown, the Nigeria Immigration Service under the directive of the Honourable minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has approved an extension of the exercise in London and Manchester from 19th September to 3rd October, 2026,’ the NIS said in a statement signed by DCI Akin?ola Akinlabi, its Service public relations officer.

The development underscores the pressure on Nigerian passport services in the diaspora, with the immigration authorities deploying the temporary intervention exercise to accommodate applicants who may otherwise face longer waiting periods.

The NIS said the exercise was progressing smoothly in both centres despite challenges encountered on its first day.

Eligible applicants are required to book appointments through the website of the High Commission of Nigeria in the UK before attending the intervention exercise.

Applicants must present their completed application form and payment receipt, appointment slip, current passport where applicable, and a self-addressed return envelope.

The Service reiterated that passport applications and payments are fully automated and cashless. The applicable fees remain $162 for a five-year passport booklet and $242 for a 10-year booklet, with no additional charges required to participate in the intervention exercise.

The Service said the extension was intended to ensure that more eligible applicants could access passport services, while reaffirming its commitment to providing efficient and responsive services to Nigerians in the diaspora.

Further information on the extended dates, participating locations and appointment procedures will be communicated through the official channels of the NIS and the Nigerian High Commission in the UK.

Shehu Sani to opposition: stop seeking validation from US, EU

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani, has slammed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for spearheading opposition parties’ latest efforts to derail the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

Sani said he was at a loss as to why Atiku would regurgitate a matter that happened some decades ago by hiring a consultancy firm to dig out past controversial issues that President Tinubu wasn’t even convicted or sentenced.

He told a news conference in Abuja yesterday that he was sure that the former Vice-President’s renewed antics would not fly.

Sani therefore told opposition political parties to stop seeking validation from the United States(U.S) and the European Union(EU) on legal issues surrounding Tinubu past in his early years.

He said those ”de-marketing” Nigeria under the guise of playing opposition politics should realise that their activities affect the country and Nigerians negatively.

According to him, the opposition must realise that every country they rush to is not interested in the political development of Nigeria.

‘The opposition should stop seeking validation from the United States and the European Union with the specific legal issues that surround the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,’ Sani said.

He challenged the opposition to come up with a working document that would end insecurity and offer alternatives better to what the All Progressives Congress (APC) is offering, rather than pushing ”false narratives.”

His words: ‘It is a known fact that in the last three decades, the legal issues regarding Mr President and what happened have been on the front burner of our national discourse. And those who thought they could use that to derail his political journey have failed in the past.

‘And at this time, it is apparent that the opposition political party, led by His Excellency, the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has decided to resurrect those cases by using a consultancy firm in the United States and try to dig out what they hope will be a treasure and a political advantage for them in this country.

‘It is important that we draw their attention to the consequences or implications of what they are doing.

First of all, from the knowledge of what we have read, there was never a time the President was convicted or sentenced concerning what he was alleged to have done in the United States.

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‘And from what we have also read, it was aligned with civil matters of forfeiture. Now, for an opposition party that is desirous of providing an alternate government for Nigeria, they should be seen focusing on issues, important issues that border on politics, economics, and the vision for our country.

‘By this time, they should be able to convince the electorate of their Marshall Plan l, their ideas, their ideals, and what they think will be a better focus for the whole nation.

‘We have not been able to see an articulate economic document. We have not been able to see an articulate political document. We have not been able to see an alternative articulate social document that will really convince Nigerians that they can do something differently to better the lives of our people and to advance the course of our country.

‘Rather, they have chosen to focus on seeking the validation of the U.S. and the EU and trying to see if they can get a magic wand or a miracle that can help them in ascending to power.

‘Nigerians should not be deceived by the misplaced campaign and false promises they are making for the consumption of the gullible in this country. If they have anything in stock for Nigerians, they should be able to focus on that, so that Nigerians will decide at the ballot.

‘What they are doing is nothing other than tarnishing the image of the country. It is a known fact that Nigeria and Nigerians have been hunted and discriminated against as a result of the stigmatisation for our country.

‘We have been seen to be a country of fraudsters. We have been seen to be a country of drug dealers. We have been seen to be a country that accepted, embraced, and practised corruption as a state policy.

‘Many of our citizens were chased out of South Africa, and many of our citizens are stigmatised even in the Middle East. We have seen also what is happening to our citizens in Ghana. Now we should all know that these are products of what we fed the world about ourselves.

‘If you tell the world that you are from a bad family and your country is bad, there is no way they can embrace you as someone of dignity or integrity. So the political leaders of the ADC(African Democratic Congress), led by the Waziri(Atiku), have taken a very wrong step in terms of what they are doing, trying to seek political validation while destroying and tarnishing the image of our country.

‘And I believe that the former Vice President some years ago was also the subject of such a campaign of calumny against his character, which he was able to scale through. So I think the opposition should be more creative and innovative in terms of winning the hearts of Nigerians and not tarnishing and destroying the image of our country in an attempt to dig out a dead story, a dead issue, one that has no relevance to our country.

‘Secondly, what I want to address is the recent comment made by the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, and Governor Uba Sani. The governor, in his own wisdom, has been doing his best. It is an act of self-deception for anyone to say that Kaduna is 100 per cent peaceful today.

‘Kidnappings are still going on in some parts of the state, and there are still bandit attacks in some parts of the state. But if you will compare the situation with what was before 2023, you will appreciate the effort and the investment made by Uba Sani as far as the security of our state is concerned.

‘In the past, it was technically and virtually impossible for our people to travel from Kaduna to Birnin Gwari. Today, our people can travel from Kaduna to Birnin Gwari any time of the day or night. Kaduna-Abuja road that used to witness 10 to 15 kidnappings every day is relatively safer now. Even in Southern Kaduna, where the killings used to be an hourly and daily affair, we have seen a great improvement in that part of our state. Before the coming of Uba Sani into office, even the outskirts of Kaduna were uninhabitable.

‘Many people who were living in the outskirts of Chikun, that is, areas of Mararaba Rido and the northern part of our state, which is areas of Riga Chikun, were subjects of consistent terror attacks.

‘And it is not a misrepresentation to say that the former State Government had not done anything to secure the lives of people of Kaduna Central and Southern Kaduna. So those who are today turning the whole discussion along the religious divide are not helping matters.

‘And let us put that into perspective. Those who are today in the opposition, parading themselves as messiahs, were once in power, and they were not able to perform the miracle and demonstrate the magic which they are claiming and making promises of doing in the future.

‘Those who are in the opposition today are not people who came from Pluto, from Mars, from Neptune, from Jupiter, from Uranus. They are not people who come from galaxies different from the ones we know.

‘These were politicians who were once in PDP, and they were once in APC, and they failed to address those fundamental issues, which today they are raising their eyebrows and raising a lot of propaganda.

‘What is happening today in the northern part of Nigeria is that there is ethnic and sectional sentiment being whipped up against the person of Mr President for political reasons. Well, to me, I know very well that the problems we are facing as a country today are not different from the ones we faced when Buhari was in power.

‘When Buhari was at the helm of affairs of this country, he came from the northern part of Nigeria, and at a certain time, when he was in power, almost all the security apparatus of this country was headed by northerners.

‘The Chief of Defence Staff was from the North, the Chief of Army Staff was from the North, the Chief of Air Staff was from the North, the Chief of Naval Staff was from the North.

‘We even had a Minister of Defence who came from Zamfara State. At that very time, the Controller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Hamid Ali, was from the North. The Comptroller General of Immigration, Muhammed Babandede, was from the North. The head of the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps was from the North. The Inspector General of Police, Alkali, was from the North. The DG, DSS, Abba Kyari, was from the North. The DG of NIA from Kaduna State was also from the northern part of Nigeria.

‘So, if those people who held those positions and manned the security and defence apparatus of the state could not automatically address the insecurity that pervades the north with the snap of a finger, so how are you expecting that others should be able to do that?

‘And let us put it into proper perspective. When (Muhammadu) Buhari took office from 2015 to 2019, he was not able to address the banditry in the North. He was not able to address the terrorism in the Northeast. What did they do? They said they should give him a second chance so that he would be able to do it. So, what is the difference at this very time? It is important that people should take on government on issues and not hiding behind ethnic and religious sentiment in order to achieve a certain political goal.

‘I know that in politics you can use every weapon for you to get into power, but you shouldn’t lie. The idea of even saying that subsidy will be returned, for anyone who has been to school, not just anyone who has been to school, anyone who is knowledgeable on the economics of oil importation and the reality of Nigeria’s economy knows that it was simply an outright deception.

‘I can understand if a Nigerian presidential candidate will say, I will reactivate and refurbish Nigeria’s refinery so that we can refine our products and sell it to our people. But for anyone to profess that the alternative to the removal of subsidy is reintroduction of subsidy, not reactivation of our refinery, shows how clueless they are in their own economic thinking.

‘So let us play politics with respect, with dignity, with vision, and with the understanding that Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious state, and we must be careful with our utterances so that we don’t set this country ablaze.

‘Every politician has the right to sell his ideas to the people, to appeal to the conscience of the people, but not at the expense of the unity of the country and the image of Nigerians.

‘And I will say this generally to all Nigerians, that we should try and be careful about what we say about our country and feed the enemies of Nigeria. Because those countries that are today hunting Nigerians, hating Nigerians, going against Nigerians, are using that negative information or lies which Nigerians feed to the world.’

’I see a stronger Nigeria in Tinubu’s second term’

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo assured Nigerians of a stronger and better country under President Ahmed Tinubu, if re-elected in next year’s election.

He spoke at the Alex Ekwueme Square during the flag-off of Statewide Empowerment Programme of Mrs Nonye Soludo and the inauguration of First Lady’s Food Bank programme for the South East geo-political zone.

No fewer than 5,000 beneficiaries across the 21 Local Government Areas received business grants, vocational tools, and equipment for agriculture and agro-processing, beauty care, and small-scale enterprise.

The governor said despite inheriting an economy he described as cancer patient, the future of the nation remains bright in the next four years of Tinubu’s administration.

He said: ‘Today is not a day to elaborate on President Tinubu’s accomplishments for humanity, especially in the area of macro-economics and infrastructure restructuring and insecurity and human capital.

‘It’s impact on the Anambra people are evident. For those who complain now, let me assure you that I see hope with the renewed hope agenda.

‘Most people didn’t know the state of economy inherited by President Bola Tinubu and the absolute necessity of the emergency surgical operation required.

‘A cancer patient will obviously feel the pains of surgery, but the patient is guaranteed not to die of the cancer.

‘The future is brighter. I’m convinced that the next four years of President Tinubu will most probably and certainly see a stronger and fairer Nigeria.’

Soludo added: ‘In Anambra, progressives are working together. This is not just a slogan, it’s a statement of truth.

‘The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the oldest progressive political party registered in 2002, while APC came about 12 years later.

‘Even in APC, there’s part of APGA DNA. That’s why we say APGA is Anambra and Anambra is APGA. But progressives in Nigeria have no choice but to work together for Nigeria’s greatness.

‘As progressives, we’re united to see a Nigeria where there is shared and sustainable prosperity with opportunities for all.

‘So far, ours is a partnership that works, a partnership with APGA and federal government and APC.

‘That’s why Mama Anambra is in support of the First lady’s various empowerment programmes, a testament that progressives are working together.

‘At the federal level, the APGA legislatures are working with APC caucus to advance our national agenda.

‘We are working very hard to cascade federal reforms down to the grassroots in order to impact the people. We’re determined to build a future that ensures that nobody is left behind.’

Hundreds of APGA and APC supporters listened to Soludo at the event.

First Lady give N500m to beneficiaries

Speaking during a reception in her honour, Senator Tinubu lauded the achievements of the governor and his wife.

The first lady, who thanked Mrs. Soludo for empowering the 5,000 beneficiaries, supported the initiative with N500million.

Each of the 5000 beneficiaries received N100,000.

The event which almost turned into a carnival by APGA and APC members, was witnessed by many political and cultural groups in attendance.

The First Lady also thanked the traditional rulers for the honour as well as the entire state for the rousing welcome, promising to repeat the visit.

She said: ‘Anambra holds a very special space in my heart. Igbos are very nice people, very hospitable. My best friend in secondary school was an Igbo girl.

‘We’ve gone to all the six geo-political zones of the state. We didn’t go on a wide goose chase. Instead, it was a mission accomplished.’

Soludo expressed appreciation to the first lady for the choice of Anambra for the food bank initiative.

He said she had demonstrated that public service remained the greatest platform for philanthropy.

Soludo said: ‘We’ve come principally to receive and celebrate the Nigeria’s first lady. A loving mother, very supportive wife and a woman that cares for humanity.

‘As a very good pastor, you seem to be living out the full meaning of the scriptures in Matt 25:35-40. ‘I was hungry, and you fed me, I was naked and you clothed me’..’

‘You’ve also demonstrated that public service is the greatest platform for philanthropy. You’ve lived out the Christian calling. Thanks for all you do for us. God will continue to reward you abundantly.

‘My wife is here to support you as she has always done. She has expanded your program of compassion. Her empowerment of 5000 women is a testament that progressive are working together.

PPA OKs P1.75 billion funding for new port, infrastructure upgrades

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has alloted P1.75 billion for the upgrade of two terminals in Luzon and Mindanao and the construction of a new one in Visayas as part of its push to scale up maritime infrastructure.

In a series of invitations to bid, the PPA said it would spend as much as P1.75 billion for port upgrades in Quezon and Surigao del Norte and construction of a new facility in Samar.

The PPA is putting up a new port in Catbalogan, Samar to provide Eastern Visayas with another infrastructure for trade and travel activities.

The project, costing P859.94 million, covers the establishment of a port operational area, bridged to two ramps for roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) vessels. It also includes the installation of a pump house and a power house and the construction of two gate complexes.

The new Catbalogan port is slated to be finished within 720 days. The Port of Catbalogan was severely damaged by Typhoon Uwan last year, with its wharf ruined by heavy rains.

The PPA will also spend P670.25 million for the second phase of the Plaridel Port Development Project, an undertaking to improve sea travel to central Quezon.

The project involves removal, disposal and excavation works to make way for the establishment of a port operational area with ro-ro ramp, access road and stair landing.

Similar to the Catbalogan contract, the infrastructure works on the Port of Plaridel must be completed within 720 days.

The PPA will also invest P217.74 million to enhance supporting facilities to the Port of Jubang in Dapa, Surigao del Norte. The Port of Jubang is made to dock cruise ships, and it leads tourists to surfing haven Siargao.

Under the new project, the PPA aims to build an access road to the port for ease of connectivity. The project also shoulders the boardwalking and landscaping of the terminal to make it easier for passengers to walk around.

The PPA will hold a pre-bid conference for the projects on Sept, 15 to respond to questions from prospective bidders.

Afterward, the agency scheduled the opening of bids on Sept. 29 for the Port of Plaridel; on Sept. 30 for the new Catbalogan terminal; and Oct. 1 for the Port of Jubang.

Jigawa, Sasakawa partner to empower 9,000 farmers, boost food production

Jigawa State government has stepped up efforts to transform agriculture through mechanisation, improved inputs, smart farming and access to credit, with a focus on boosting food production, creating jobs and reducing poverty.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muttaka Namadi, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Auwalu Ado Shehu, disclosed this when officials of the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) visited the ministry.

He said the government has adopted a ‘business unusual’ approach to agricultural development and established the Jigawa Agricultural Transformation Agency to drive the transition from subsistence to commercially-oriented farming.

According to him, the government has distributed solar-powered water pumps to farmers and is preparing to distribute additional units to support dry-season and climate-smart agriculture.

He added that the state’s rainy-season rice programme provides farmers with inputs and extension services at a 30 percent subsidy, while a partnership with the Bank of Agriculture enables farmers to access loans, with the state contributing 30 percent of the amount secured by each beneficiary.

The commissioner also disclosed that farmers purchasing solar-powered irrigation pumps, under the government’s cash-and-carry arrangement, enjoy a 30 percent discount.

He said the government was developing a database of farmers in the state to determine their number, locations and areas of agricultural activity, adding that the database will facilitate the formation of farmer clusters and the targeted delivery of government support.

Namadi described the partnership with SAA as significant to Jigawa’s agricultural transformation, noting that the sector was constantly changing and farmers needed access to modern technologies and improved production methods.

‘It is either you follow the changes or you are left behind. Which is why the state government is up and doing to transform agriculture, and we have been seeing results,’ he stated.

He said Governor Umar Namadi, had demonstrated commitment to agriculture through investments in mechanisation, including the procurement of 360 combine harvesters with implements from China and the receipt of 100 tractors under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Earlier, the Country Director of SAA-Nigeria, Dr Godwin Atser, represented by the Technical Coordinator, Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Food System, Mr Nathaniel Otene, said the organisation had renewed its partnership with Jigawa to increase food production, strengthen agricultural extension and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

SC junks admin raps vs CA justices over suspension of Antique officials

The Supreme Court has junked the administrative case against seven Court of Appeals (CA) justices in connection with their reversal of a suspension order of officials of an Antique town.

In a resolution dated Dec. 3, 2025, but disclosed only on Friday, the high court’s en banc dismissed for ‘lack of merit’ and for ‘being judicial in nature’ the administrative complaint filed in March last year by then Ombudsman Samuel Martires against the CA justices involved in overturning the ruling that temporarily suspended Antique officials.

The justices of the appellate court named in the complaint were Louis Acosta, Rex Bernando Pascual, Mary Charlene Hernandez-Azura, Roberto Quiroz, Ferdinand Baylon, Marlene Gonzales-Sison and Rafael Santos. Sison and Santos have since retired.

Martires’ successor, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, brought up the case last week when he complained about pending disciplinary cases of erring members in the judiciary.

He cited the case of the seven CA justices, which he said had no public record of whether the Supreme Court has already resolved it.

The justices were accused of gross ignorance of law and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service against these justices for lifting the suspension of Mayor Ernesto Tanjanlangit III of Tobias Fornier town and other board members of Antique.

Nathaniel Idowu U-16 League enters exciting Week 2

The Nathaniel Idowu U-16 Football League enters Week 2 on Saturday with five fixtures scheduled across two venues. Teams return to action following an explosive opening weekend that produced 22 goals, seeking to build on their performances, correct early mistakes, and climb the table.

Week 1 provided major drama across the board. Fortune FA executed a remarkable comeback victory over St. Petersburg FA after conceding just 42 seconds into the match, driven by crucial second-half impacts from substitutes Lateef Wasiu, Ibrahim Olaoye, and Odesola Odunayo. Divinely Blessed FA made headlines with the fastest goal of the tournament when Ugwuokolie Chidalu scored after six seconds, and they now look to turn that momentum into a win. SC Heritage showed immense character in their debut as Jonathan Norbert scored a late brace to rescue a point against Moore Wins FA, while Young Eleven FA proved organized but lacked finishing sharpness in a 1-1 draw with Ajegunle United.

Bright Star FA delivered the most dominant performance of Week 1, crushing Seraphic FA 5-1. Valentine Aniako was the star of the show, netting four goals-including a second-half hat-trick-to immediately take charge of the Golden Boot race. Debutants Atico Football Academy face a baptism of fire and will need a disciplined defensive display to contain Bright Star’s firepower.

More than just three points are on the line in this fixture. Both sides drew their opening matches-Ajegunle 1-1 against Young Eleven FA, and Moore Wins held by SC Heritage-but history adds extra spice. In the tournament’s U-14 edition, Moore Wins defeated Ajegunle United 3-1. Ajegunle will be out for revenge in what promises to be Week 2’s most fiercely contested match.

St. Petersburg FA proved they can start fast-scoring after just 42 seconds against Fortune FA-but failed to maintain their lead. They aim for a complete 90-minute performance against a Seraphic FA side desperate to bounce back from their heavy 5-1 loss to Bright Star FA.

Organized by Peakline Sports World Limited and sponsored by the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, the league continues to provide a vital platform for young talent across Ajeromi-Ifelodun to develop, compete, and shine.

Coventry move boosts Awoniyi’s Super Eagles career

By Tunde Liadi

Taiwo Awoniyi’s move to Coventry City has handed the Nigerian striker a fresh opportunity to revive his career and potentially force his way back into the Super Eagles.

The forward has begun life positively at Coventry, opening his goal-scoring account in the club’s League Cup victory over Plymouth just three minutes after coming off the bench.

Regular football under manager Frank Lampard could prove crucial for Awoniyi after a difficult period in which consistent playing time was hard to come by.

His return to action has also reopened discussions about a possible return to the Nigerian national team.

Awoniyi has 10 senior caps but has not represented the Super Eagles since 2023. A productive spell with Coventry could put him back in contention, particularly if he can maintain his fitness and rediscover his goal-scoring form.

Meanwhile, former footballer Clinton Morrison believes the striker appears fitter and motivated to make an impact.

Awoniyi now has the chance to turn that renewed hunger into goals and helping Coventry in their battle for Premier League survival while putting himself back on the Super Eagles radar.

US congressman says Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal could be signed during Trump’s term

The peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia is advancing faster than many had expected, and a final peace agreement could be signed well before the end of US President Donald Trump’s current term, US Congressman Abraham Hamadeh said.

Hamadeh, a Republican representative from Arizona, made the remarks in an interview with RFE/RL Washington correspondent Alex Raufoglu on September 9.

The congressman visited Azerbaijan in June and Armenia in August, where he held meetings with the leadership of both countries. Speaking about the prospects for a final settlement, Hamadeh said the process was moving at a faster pace than anticipated and expressed confidence that an agreement could be reached during Trump’s presidency.

Hamadeh also discussed the ‘Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity’ (TRIPP), saying the initiative should be viewed as more than an economic project.

According to the congressman, the route could help establish stronger political and economic links between Azerbaijan and Armenia while encouraging increased trade and investment from Western countries in the South Caucasus.

Hamadeh rejected Russian statements about the potential security implications of TRIPP, describing Moscow’s claims as ‘classic Russian disinformation.’

Alexei Shevtsov, Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council, has claimed that implementation of the project could create conditions for the United States to establish military forces and intelligence bases on Armenian territory.

‘This is classic Russian disinformation. They are trying to destabilize Armenia, a democratic country. Armenia is one of the most stable democracies in the region. Moscow is currently attempting to discredit Pashinyan among certain segments of Armenian society,’ Hamadeh said.

He argued that Russia’s influence in Armenia remains stronger than in other South Caucasus countries and questioned Moscow’s reliability as a regional partner.

‘Russia’s influence in Armenia is stronger compared to other Caucasus countries. The Russians cannot be trusted. Their attention is currently focused primarily on the war in Ukraine. They realize that a major vacuum has emerged, and the US is now filling that void,’ the congressman said.

Hamadeh added that Azerbaijanis and Armenians increasingly see cooperation with Washington as preferable to cooperation with Moscow.

‘Azerbaijanis and Armenians prefer cooperating with the US rather than Russia. We are more reliable. We are the party making peace possible. Russia has held sway in these countries but has failed to live up to the expectations of either,’ he said.

The congressman also said he expects the US presence in the South Caucasus to extend beyond the current Trump administration.

Hamadeh believes Washington’s engagement with the region will be long-term rather than limited to Trump’s current term in office.

Food security: Philanthropist donates fertiliser, cash to Burdugau community

A philanthropist in Katsina State, Muhammad Rabiu Hashim, has donated fertiliser and cash assistance worth N12 million to communities in Burdugau. community in Malumfashi Local Government Area of the state.

The donation was part of his efforts to boost food security and support vulnerable households in the community.

The assistance, which comprised fertiliser, cash grants and food items, was donated to farmers, women and vulnerable households in Burdugau community and surrounding communities.

Residents described the intervention as timely, especially amid the rising costs of farm inputs and food items, as they said the donation will help boost food security in the area.

At the occasion, Hashim donated 200 bags of fertiliser worth N12 million to farmers in Burdugau community free of charge.

Speaking during the distribution, Hashim said the gesture was aimed at assisting peasant farmers to improve their agricultural activities and ensure better harvests.

He also presented N200,000 in cash assistance to married women and bags of rice to vulnerable and underprivileged residents, including sick persons in Burdugau and surrounding communities.

Speaking on behalf of the Burdugau community, Sanusi Muhammad commended Hashim for the gesture, describing it as a reflection of his commitment to grassroots development and poverty alleviation in the area.

He commended Hashim for providing more than 300 economic tree seedlings to the Burdugau community, including grafted mango and lime seedlings, for planting in the community.