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FG assures parents, tightens security as Unity Colleges resume Monday

The Federal Government has assured parents, guardians, students and other stakeholders that all Federal Unity Colleges across the country will resume academic activities on Monday, September 14, 2026, as scheduled.

The Federal Ministry of Education gave the assurance in a press release dated September 11, 2026, signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.

The ministry said the necessary arrangements had been put in place to support a safe, smooth and orderly commencement of the new academic session in the Federal Unity Colleges nationwide.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the safety and wellbeing of students and staff remained central to the Federal Government’s commitment to providing a secure and conducive environment for teaching and learning.

Alausa explained that relevant security agencies had been duly informed of the resumption arrangements and were maintaining heightened vigilance around the Federal Unity Colleges and their immediate environments.

According to him, the coordinated security efforts were aimed at safeguarding students, staff and school communities as academic activities resume across the country.

The minister consequently urged parents and guardians to remain calm, rely on official information and proceed with preparations for their children and wards to return to their respective Federal Unity Colleges on Monday.

He also directed school authorities to maintain close coordination with relevant security agencies and other appropriate authorities to facilitate an orderly and secure resumption.

Alausa further called on students, parents, teachers, school administrators and other stakeholders to work together to maintain a peaceful, supportive and secure learning environment.

He stressed that the safety and wellbeing of learners remained a shared responsibility involving schools, families, security agencies and the wider community.

The ministry said it would continue to monitor developments and take necessary measures, in collaboration with relevant authorities, to ensure the smooth and safe resumption of academic activities in all Federal Unity Colleges.

It added that its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s education system remained firm, with emphasis on ensuring that Nigerian children have access to quality education in a safe and conducive learning environment.

The ministry linked the commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which it said recognises education and human capital development as essential to Nigeria’s sustainable growth and national development.

The Federal Ministry of Education therefore reiterated its assurance to students, parents, guardians, teachers and the general public that arrangements were in place to support a safe, peaceful and successful resumption in Federal Unity Colleges nationwide.

CRICKET-CPL-INNINGS Trinbago Knight Riders 126-8 (20 overs) vs Guyana Amazon Warriors – 33rd match

The Trinbago Knight Riders reached 126 for eight in 20 overs after being sent in by the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the 33rd match of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League at Providence Stadium here on Friday.

TRINBAGO KNIGHT RIDERS 126-8 in 20 overs (Justin Greaves 35, Colin Munro 26, Alex Hales 22, Akeal Hosein 12 not out, Kieron Pollard 10; Mehidy Hasan Miraz 4-23, Shamar Joseph 2-27).

BoT steps up measures against illicit finance

The Bank of Thailand and the financial sector have joined forces to step up measures against illicit financial activities.

Speaking at a framework signing on Thursday, central bank governor Vitai Ratanakorn said the joint initiative would help ensure the financial sector is not exploited to facilitate illegal activities of any kind.

Financial service providers supervised by the regulator that are participating in the framework comprise 11 entities, including the Thai Bankers’ Association, the Association of International Banks, the Government Financial Institutions Association, the Thai E-Payment Trade Association, the Thai Association of Foreign Exchange and Financial Services, and six associations representing non-bank lenders.

Mr Vitai said the goal is to promote a financial system that is stable, secure and trusted, while protecting the public from harm arising from the misuse of financial services. Under the framework, participating organisations are expected to establish clear strategic directions, policies and governance arrangements to prevent the misuse of the financial system, and to embed this responsibility as an integral part of corporate governance.

Financial institutions are also expected to translate these principles into concrete and effective preventive measures, supported by minimum standards appropriate to the nature of each business and regularly updated to reflect the evolving environment.

Participating organisations will also leverage their respective strengths in data analysis, technology and expertise to enhance surveillance, detection and response capabilities.

Their cooperation and exchange of information, knowledge, fraud typologies, warning indicators and good practices with relevant stakeholders across sectors will strengthen their collective ability to address sophisticated fraudulent transactions, which often exploit legal or institutional gaps between agencies, Mr Vitai said.

In implementing these measures, appropriate consideration will also be given to balancing their impact on legitimate customers, access to financial services, fair competition and innovation.

In addition, Mr Vitai said the central bank would further strengthen system-wide supervisory standards, including customer and counterparty due diligence, as well as the use of data, technology and expertise to enhance its ability to monitor and detect high-risk transactions.

“Although the central bank does not have the authority to arrest offenders, under this cooperation we can block undesirable transactions. Such transactions will become more difficult to carry out, and we believe this will help reduce the volume of transactions involving illicit funds, grey money and corruption-related activities, similar to other measures already introduced by the Bank of Thailand,” he said.

Regarding the existing requirement for clarification on cash withdrawals exceeding 5 million baht per transaction, Mr Vitai said the volume of such transactions had declined to around 40 billion baht, from 100 billion baht. Gold transactions in baht via digital platforms have fallen by 40% following the introduction of the measure.

Roads closed for Lingkod Bayani Run

The Civil Service Commission yesterday announced road closures for the CSC Lingkod Bayani Run on Sept. 13.

The run, which will span three, five and 10 kilometers, will use Roxas Boulevard and Padre Burgos Avenue, the CSC said.

Road closures will be implemented from 2 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

The event is expected to draw up to 15,000 participants.

According to CSC, the event marks the 126th anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service.

Proceeds from the run will support the Pamanang Lingkod Bayani program, in which surviving families of deceased government workers will receive a P100,000 grant and a college scholarship for a dependent.

Culture Deputy Minister attends torch-lighting and handover ceremony for the IV Youth Olympic Games in Athens

Deputy Minister of Culture, Clea Hadjistephanou Papaellina, attended on Thursday, in Athens, the torch-lighting and handover ceremony for the IV Youth Olympic Games, on Thursday, on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus.

According to a press release issued by the Deputy Ministry of Culture, Papaellina said that the Torch-lighting ceremony highlights the power of culture and sport conveying the message that the Olympic ideals remain a timeless beacon for the younger generation.

As it is noted, the Flame of the IV Youth Olympic Games ‘Dakar 2026’ was lit at the Panathenaic Stadium during a lighting and handover ceremony attended by the President of the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry. The music for the ceremony was composed by the distinguished Cypriot composer Marios Joannou Elia, whilst Artemis Ignatiou was responsible for the artistic direction and choreography.

Papaellina, emphasised that the ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the power of culture and sport to build bridges between peoples. As it is noted, the flame is now travelling to Dakar, carrying with it the noble values of Olympism.

Fighting leptospirosis

In the past month and a half, relentless rains in this monsoon season have caused severe flooding in many parts of the country, with churning waters drowning entire towns and provinces. Silted with garbage and waste, the floods have become a breeding ground for leptospirosis, an infection caused by the bacteria Leptospira. The bacteria is transmitted to humans via contact with the urine of infected animals like rats, livestock, dogs, cats, and even some marine mammals, through open wounds and the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth.

The potentially fatal infection has recently been declared an epidemic in Manila and Quezon City, as the spike in cases has surpassed the ‘epidemiological threshold.’ Over 100 cases and 22 deaths have been recorded at the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila as of Sept. 7, while 738 cases and 47 deaths have been noted in Quezon City.

As of Aug. 29, the Department of Health (DOH) has logged 6,253 leptospirosis cases and 378 deaths nationwide from Jan. 4 to Aug. 29, Health Undersecretary Dr. Gloria Balboa said.

Incubation period

Leptospirosis poses a major health problem in the country, especially during the monsoon season, as the bacteria can survive in contaminated water or soil for weeks to months. About 10 to 15 percent of patients die from it since its flu-like symptoms have lulled patients into delaying medical consultation. In its early stages, leptospirosis symptoms include fever, headache, chills, body or muscle aches, rashes, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting or nausea, and yellowed skin and eyes.

In serious cases, patients may experience jaundice, dark-colored urine, low urine output, and severe headache, which may later involve kidney or liver failure, or inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). The illness can last from a few days to several weeks, but without treatment, it can lead to life-threatening complications and even death.

While the disease has an incubation period of five to 15 days, the DOH has urged the public to immediately visit a health center if they were exposed to floods or mud so they can get the appropriate treatment, in most cases the antibiotic doxycycline.

Information-education campaign

The DOH has also cautioned the public to wear boots and protective clothing when wading into floods, but that may be prohibitive to people most at risk: DOH data itself noted that 55 percent of leptospirosis patients are jobless. In a Special Health Forum organized by the Philippine College of Physicians on Sept. 8, infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante said 1,084 of those infected have no regular jobs, 190 are students, while the rest are drivers, riders, construction workers, market vendors, laborers, or factory workers.

Which makes the distribution of doxycycline to affected barangays by the DOH and the Manila local government commendable. Just as noteworthy is the National Kidney and Transplant Institute’s decision to convert its gymnasium into extra leptospirosis wards following its full bed capacity amid the surge in cases. Balboa meanwhile reminded patients referred to private hospitals that their treatment is covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

Much more can be done, starting with an extensive information-education campaign on the hazards of swimming or wading in floodwaters, without necessarily banning such acts as suggested by some. Because really, how else are most people going to get anywhere these days without getting their feet wet?

Full accountability

A good start would be informative and weather-proof posters on symptoms to watch out for and how to avoid the disease, tacked in accessible areas, including barangay halls, bus stops, buses, and MRT/LRT stations and carriages. Being stuck in traffic for hours then becomes a productive exercise in health awareness.

To enable commuters to negotiate flood-prone areas, local government units (LGUs) can field shuttle vehicles, including bancas in their barangays, while the national government can take care of army trucks and other transport on highways and major roads. LGUs, too, can construct makeshift walkways to allow pedestrians to negotiate floodwaters from their homes. Companies can meanwhile provide workers with boots and protective clothing as productivity depends a lot on these workers’ health.

Just as helpful are regular cleanups of clogged creeks and waterways, and the drainage or siphoning of floods using water pumps. Solid waste management too-in coordination with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority-must be improved as carriers of the bacteria thrive in uncollected garbage. Individual responsibility must not be overlooked either as households must maintain cleanliness to keep rodents out.

US delivers military equipment to NAF to boost counter-terrorism operations

The United States has delivered military equipment to the Nigerian Air Force as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat terrorism in the region.

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) disclosed this in a post shared on X on Thursday.

AFRICOM said the equipment was delivered over the weekend by a US Air Force C-17 aircraft under a Foreign Military Sales agreement between the two countries.

The command said the delivery would further strengthen the partnership between the United States and Nigeria while supporting Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.

‘PARTNERSHIP IN ACTION: A US Air Force C-17 delivers equipment to the Nigerian Air Force this weekend.

‘The equipment is part of a foreign military sales agreement that furthers the US-Nigerian partnership and will aid in Nigeria’s efforts to counter terrorism in the region,’ AFRICOM stated.

The delivery comes amid ongoing efforts by the Nigerian military to tackle terrorism and other security threats across the country.

The United States has continued to support Nigeria’s security efforts through military cooperation, training and the supply of defence equipment.

Sanwo-Olu leads Hamzat to Ikorodu, seeks support for candidates

The campaign train of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) rolled into Ikorodu Division, where traditional rulers, community leaders and residents vowed to support the governorship candidate, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.

Led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the team, which included the party chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, the Director-General of the KOH Campaign, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, and other prominent party leaders, were received at the Palace of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi.

Party faithful gathered to sheer the candidates, assuring the campaign team of their readiness to vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hamzat and his running mate, Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, during the elections.

The monarchs expressed their support for the continuity of the progressive administration in Lagos and at the federal level.

Hamzat expressed his appreciation to the traditional rulers, urging them to mobilise their subjects and vote for APC candidates.

He said the re-election of President Tinubu is crucial to the continued progress of the country, adding that failure to return the President for a second term and ensure victory for the APC in Lagos would be a political tragedy for Nigeria.

Hamzat said President Tinubu deserves a second term because he has demonstrated courage, experience and fulfilled his campaign promises.

He stressed: ‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves a second term because he has lived up to expectation by fulfilling campaign promises, showing courage and displaying rich experience in the national interest.’

He also said Lagosians have confidence in the party because of its record of achievements and visible development.

Hamzat commended the Sanwo-Olu administration for its achievements in transportation, technology, healthcare and education through the THEMES+ Agenda, stressing that continuity remained the most sensible option for Lagos.

He added: ‘Lagos is too vital a state to be experimented with.’

Senator Tokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) urged APC members and supporters not to underestimate the opposition, adding that taking voters for granted could produce unintended consequences.

He expressed confidence in the capacity of Hamzat, describing him as experienced, capable, humble and a man of integrity.

House of Representatives member from Ikorodu Constituency Jimi Benson called on residents of the division to vote for APC candidates.

Ojelabi stressed the importance of effective mobilisation, particularly the involvement of youths and canvassers, ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the election as crucial, urging party members to approach it with seriousness and determination by mobilising voters to come out in large numbers.

Oba Shotobi commended Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat for the cordial relationship between them.

He urged the duo to sustain the relationship for as long as possible, saying they are worthy of emulation ‘as far as political relationships is concerned’.

At the palace were former Works Minister Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, former Agriculture Commissioner Asipa Kaoli Olusanya and Second Republic Secretary to State Government Baba Aladura Reuben Olorunfunmi Bashorun.

How I will govern Lagos, by Hamzat

Hamzat promised to build a more interconnected Lagos, decentralise government services, and develop the distinctive economic advantages of the five divisions of the state, namely: Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe (IBILE).

Speaking on IKD106.1 FM titled: ‘KOH Unscripted in Ikorodu,’ he said the growth of the state should be driven by a deliberate effort to harness the comparative advantages of each division, adding that his vision is to create a Lagos where residents would not have to travel to Alausa for services that could be provided within their respective divisions.

Hamzat said strategic government presence in Ikorodu, Epe, and other divisions would bring governance closer to the people and make public services more accessible.

He said residents should have easier access to government services, efficient transportation, and other essential infrastructure closer to their communities.

Hamzat stressed: ‘We must decentralise Lagos. Alausa should not be the only place where people can access government services. We should have mini-secretariats in Ikorodu, Badagry, and Epe, so that perhaps 80 per cent of the services people need can be resolved within their divisions, while matters requiring further attention can be escalated to Alausa.

‘Also, each division of the state needs to develop around its unique economic strengths, and government must deliberately ‘plug into’ the opportunities available in different parts of Lagos.’

Hamzat identified Ikorodu’s potential in agriculture, food processing and transportation, promising to develop infrastructure around emerging institutions and economic activities in other divisions.

He emphasised the importance of organisation within the state, noting that reorganisation of local government administration must cover both physical and financial structures, with effective systems put in place to improve accountability, eliminate leakages and identify issues such as ghost workers.

The Deputy Governor further stressed the importance of planning Lagos as a borderless metropolitan city, noting that residents of neighbouring states also depend heavily on the State’s infrastructure and public services. He cited the example of Orile Agege General Hospital, where a significant proportion of patients come from outside Lagos, saying such realities must be taken into account in planning healthcare, transportation, water and other public infrastructure.

Hamzat assured stakeholders that the development of the State must remain inclusive, with the specific needs and opportunities of each division reflected in government planning.

While outlining plans for major transport interchanges within the state with connectivity between buses, rail and ferries, the Deputy Governor stated that such facilities would make it easier for residents in the hinterlands to move across the State and access economic opportunities. He added that Lagos, being a city blessed with water, must maximise its waterways alongside road and rail infrastructure to create a truly integrated transport system.

Hamzat further disclosed that 77 electric buses, including 30- and 40-seater models, were being introduced into the State’s transport system, stating that the use of electric vehicles would help reduce operating costs associated with diesel and petrol and could ultimately contribute to more affordable transportation for commuters.

He proposed a transport network that would connect strategic routes and terminals across the State, including Ikorodu, Badore, Victoria Island, Marina and other areas, while the expansion of rail and water transportation would provide residents with more options for daily commuting.

On healthcare, Hamzat said the growing population of the state required a corresponding expansion of healthcare infrastructure, highlighting that the Ikorodu General Hospital and other major hospitals in the State would be expanded to cope with increasing demand.

The deputy governor explained that such expansion would go beyond buildings to include providing adequate accommodation for doctors, nurses and other health workers, underscoring that healthcare facilities must be positioned to provide quality and accessible services to residents.

On water supply, he acknowledged the challenges confronting residents and explained that Lagos’ dependence on water sources located in neighbouring Ogun State required cooperation and compensation arrangements.

Hamzat noted that the completion of the Adiyan water project and associated pipeline infrastructure would significantly increase the State’s water supply capacity and extend access to millions more residents.

Speaking further, the Deputy Governor also called for greater citizen participation in the development of Lagos, accentuating that government alone could not build every institution or solve every problem. He cited that ‘Individuals and organisations in developed countries contribute to education and other areas of development. So we as citizens of this great nation must see ourselves as partners in building a better society,’ he concluded.

Alli appoints Olaosebikan, Tunji, Oladele as media aides

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator (Dr) Sharafadeen Alli, has appointed seasoned journalists and communication professionals to key positions in his campaign media and publicity team.

This was contained in a statement issued by Dare Adekanmbi, Media Consultant to Senator Sharafadeen Alli and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Ibadan.

The appointments include former South-West Bureau Chief of The Nation newspaper, Mr Bisi Oladele, as Director of Media and Publicity; Mr Kehinde Olaosebikan as Director of Strategic Communication and Mr Bolaji Tunji as Director of Public Affairs.

The immediate past Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Chief Ademola Babalola and Oyo State APC Publicity Secretary, Mr Olawale Sadare, would serve as Deputy Director and Secretary, respectively, on the Media and publicity team.

Oladele, a seasoned multimedia journalist and communication strategist, brings more than 25 years of experience in journalism and public relations to the assignment.

He will work with other talented and experienced professionals across various communication genres, including Mr Ayotunde Olude, to strengthen the campaign’s media, publicity and strategic communication efforts.

Until his appointment, Oladele was Executive Editor of Newspeak Media and Chairman of the South-West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP).

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education (English) from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Master’s degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan, and already concluding his PhD in Political Communication at Lead City University, Ibadan.

Olaosebikan, a veteran media practitioner, served as Chief Press Secretary to the late Gov. Lam Adesina of Oyo State and brings extensive experience in strategic communication and government media relations to the campaign.

Tunji, also a seasoned journalist and communication practitioner, served as Special Adviser to the late Gov. Abiola Ajimobi on Communication and Strategy.

The appointments, according to the statement, are aimed at strengthening media visibility, strategic communication, public engagement and overall information management ahead of the 2027 general election.

North-West States To Shut Illegal Health Training Schools

The Forum of Health Commissioners in the North-West has vowed to shut private health training institutions operating without meeting regulatory standards in the region.

The chairman of the forum and Jigawa State Commissioner for Health, Dr Abdullahi Muhammad Kainuwa, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting with heads of health training institutions in Dutse.

Kainuwa said the forum was concerned about the growing number of private health training schools operating without complying with approved guidelines.

He said the forum had constituted a special committee to monitor health training institutions across the seven North-West states and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

The commissioner warned that any institution found operating without the required facilities and personnel would be shut down.

He expressed concern about schools operating without permanent premises, qualified and permanent teaching staff, functional laboratories and other essential facilities.

Kainuwa said private health training institutions were needed because government-owned schools lacked the capacity to admit all prospective students seeking places to study health-related courses.

‘However, private institutions must meet the required standards before they can be allowed to operate,’ he said.

He also warned government agencies responsible for licensing the institutions against approving schools without verifying their premises, teaching staff, laboratories, equipment and other facilities.

Kainuwa said officials who issued licences to institutions that failed to meet the requirements would face severe sanctions.

He added that any government official found to have facilitated the licensing of an unqualified institution could lose their job.

The commissioner said the move was aimed at protecting the quality of health training and ensuring that graduates entering the healthcare system had the knowledge and skills required to provide safe and effective services.

He urged operators of private health training institutions in the North-West to comply with regulatory requirements or risk closure.