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More cloud seeding needed as El Niño threatens Negros farms

Amid threats posed by the dry spell, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking at conducting at least three more cloud seeding operations in Negros Occidental to help farmers cope with the effects of a super El Niño.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said yesterday that DA-Negros Island Region chief Jose Albert Barrogo informed him that a P30-million fund for the cloud seeding is available.

The Sugar Regulatory Administration will help identify areas where cloud seeding operations will be conducted.

Lacson said the P30-million allocation could sustain the initiative until the effects of El Niño subside.

The need for continued interventions came as moisture stress caused by the dry condition resulted in crop losses amounting to P41.98 million as of Oct. 23.

The dry spell has affected 1,511.46 hectares of lands and 2,403 farmers in 69 barangays across 14 local government units.

Rice and corn accounted for P38.26 million and P3.72 million in losses, respectively.

Recent rainfall has brought relief to affected farming communities although several farms, particularly in the northern part of Negros Occidental have yet to recover.

Lacson said current weather conditions remain favorable for agriculture, especially sugarcane because of the combination of rainfall and sunshine.

He said such conditions may change once El Niño sets in.

People’s Leasing triumphs at CSE Masterminds Quiz 2026

People’s Leasing and Finance PLC (PLC) emerged winners in the Leasing and Finance Category at the 8th edition of the CSE Masterminds Quiz 2026, organised by the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), marking a proud achievement for the Company and its employees.

Held on 9 October 2026 at Shangri-La, Colombo, the prestigious competition brought together 100 teams representing financial institutions, non-bank financial institutions, private sector organisations and state sector institutions from across Sri Lanka. The event provided a platform for corporate teams to demonstrate their knowledge, analytical skills and intellectual agility across a diverse range of subjects.

Recognised as Sri Lanka’s only capital market quiz, CSE Masterminds challenges participants on a wide spectrum of topics, including local and global capital markets, the global economy, international business, Sri Lankan economic developments, the stock market, current affairs, sports, entertainment and the identification of listed companies. With awards presented across seven categories, the competition recognised outstanding knowledge and performance among participating organisations.

Demonstrating exceptional subject knowledge, teamwork and composure, the People’s Leasing team secured the winning position in the Leasing and Finance Category, distinguishing itself in a highly competitive corporate environment.

The winning team comprised Shiranga Arseculeratne, Sithumini De Silva, Osanda Abeywardana, Shashika Peiris and Ishini Amararathne. Their dedication, preparation and collaborative spirit played a pivotal role in securing this achievement and bringing recognition to People’s Leasing.

This accomplishment reflects the Company’s emphasis on fostering a culture of continuous learning, knowledge sharing and professional development. It also highlights the importance of teamwork and the ability of employees to apply their knowledge and expertise beyond their day-to-day responsibilities.

Established in 1996 as a specialised leasing company, People’s Leasing and Finance PLC has evolved into one of Sri Lanka’s leading non-bank financial institutions and operates as a subsidiary of People’s Bank. Listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange in 2011, the Company continues to strengthen its market presence through a diversified portfolio of financial services and its commitment to creating sustainable value for customers, employees and other stakeholders.

The victory at CSE Masterminds Quiz 2026 stands as a testament to the capabilities and dedication of People’s Leasing employees. The Company congratulates the winning team on this outstanding accomplishment, which brings pride to the entire People’s Leasing family and reinforces its commitment to knowledge, collaboration and excellence.

Jilted lover docked for allegedly assaulting girlfriend

A 29 year-old man, Yusuf Ajisafe was on Wednesday docked in a Mapo Grade A Customary Court in Ibadan for allegedly beating up and inflicting injuries on his girlfriend who terminated their relationship.

Ajisafe pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of malicious damage, assault and escape from lawful custody.

The prosecution counsel, Insp Ayodele Ayeni told the court that the defendant committed the crime on Oct. 15, at about 4.30 p.m., at Idiaro area in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Ayeni stated that Ajisafe allegedly assaulted his girlfriend, Titiloye Balogun after she informed him that she was no longer interested in the relationship.

The police alleged that the defendant also inflicted injuries on Balogun using a sharp object and also destroyed goods in her shop worth N300,000.

Ayeni explained that Ajisafe escaped from police custody where he was being held, but was rearrested after an intense search.

He noted that the offence contravened the provisions of sections 451 and 249 of the criminal code cap 38 vol. ii laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000.

The court’s President, Mrs O.E. Owoseni, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N200,000 with two reliable sureties in like sum.

Owoseni said that one of the sureties must be a relative. She adjourned the matter until Dec. 10 for trial.

Thousands of children with disabilities risk missing out on inclusive education in Tanzania

Across Tanzania, gaining a place in a mainstream school is only the first hurdle for a child living with a disability, The Citizen has observed.

Inside the classroom, the difference between mere attendance and meaningful learning rests on early identification, specialised teaching and accessible infrastructure.

At the centre of this national mandate are Educational Support, Resource and Assessment Centres (ESRACs)- specialised hubs designed to screen, assess and guide children with special educational needs towards appropriate learning pathways. However, acute financial constraints and resource shortages are severely hindering the creation of supportive learning environments.

This comes when the national policies reflect a strong formal commitment to inclusive learning, enshrined in the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2010 and the National Strategy for Inclusive Education (2021/22-2025/26).

Ministry of education statistics recorded 7,323 pre-primary pupils with disabilities nationwide, yet the institutional infrastructure required to assess and support these learners remains critically inadequate.

According to findings from a 2024 SAUTI ZETU survey, only 36 of Tanzania’s 184 municipal councils possess an operational ESRAC. Across five surveyed regions, researchers discovered just one fully equipped and functional assessment centre. In many districts, like Mkuranga, local councils have resorted to designating ordinary classrooms as assessment units, though these rooms routinely lack soundproofing, diagnostic tools and qualified personnel.

Parental awareness and community stigma

Financial constraints at the institutional level are compounded by a widespread lack of public awareness among parents and communities.

Experts note that without early screening, developmental difficulties are frequently misinterpreted as laziness or unwillingness to learn. In a recent field survey conducted in Dar es Salaam and Coast region by The Citizen, many parents admitted complete ignorance regarding assessment services. A parent from Dar es Salaam, Ms Agnes Mihambo, shared her experience.

‘I had never heard about ESRAC before. I did not know that there were centres or services specifically designed to help identify children with special needs at an early stage,’ she said.

Education analysts note that when families lack accurate information, children often reach school age without receiving professional evaluation, allowing manageable learning impediments to entrench.

In the Kinondoni District of Dar es Salaam, Josephian Schools provides a compelling case study of how institutions survive amid these systemic pressures. Established in 1998 as a standard private school, its journey towards inclusion began when it admitted its first pupil with special educational needs.

The school gradually adapted its teaching practices, securing formal registration for its special education services in 2022. Today, it caters to 78 learners with diverse educational needs.

To survive the heavy financial demands of special education- including hiring specialized staff and adapting physical spaces, Josephian Schools established an internal self-sustaining initiative titled ‘Tuwape Nafasi’ (‘Give Them a Chance’) to help cover operational costs.

Aswesuma re-certification removes 331,653, adds 153,511

The Welfare Benefits Board (WBB) has removed 331,653 unqualified individuals from the Aswesuma registry and added 153,511 newly eligible beneficiaries following a re-certification process.

Under the first updated list, published yesterday, 991,800 individuals qualify for cash benefits: 628,658 in the Poor category and 363,142 in the Extremely Poor category. A further 1,391,830 were deemed unqualified. The review covered 2,383,630 individuals from over 3.12 million self-declarations, following criticism in 2023 that benefits were reaching ineligible persons.

WBB Additional Commissioner D.L.P. Rishan Dharmasena said the process had ensured benefits reached the most deserving.

Cash transfers are now limited to the two categories, after Transitional category payments ended in April 2025 and the Vulnerable category was discontinued in June 2026, following extensions granted due to disaster conditions.

The lists will be displayed at Grama Niladhari and Divisional Secretariat offices, opening a 10-day window for appeals or objections before divisional committees. Payments are scheduled to begin on 27 November, with a second list to follow.

Man drags in-law to court over wife’s absence

A man, Sani Muhammad Minister, has dragged his in-law, Mansur Sharada, before an Upper Sharia Court at Post Office road, Kano Municipality, over his wife’s failure to return from Saudi Arabia for one year after their marriage.

The case is before the court presided over by Judge Garba Hamza Malafa.

Counsel to the complainant, Barrister Bashir Garba Labbo, told the court that his client met a woman, Naja’atu, and they discussed marriage.

He said the complainant was later referred to Mansur Sharada, who allegedly acted as the woman’s guardian (wali), and paid him N500,000 as part of the marriage arrangements.

The lawyer added that a wedding date was subsequently fixed, and the complainant paid an additional N150,000 as dowry before the marriage was solemnised.

However, the counsel alleged that shortly after the wedding, the bride travelled to Saudi Arabia and had yet to return, despite spending one year there.

Adenike Adeyemi, appointed as CEO of Olaniwun Ajayi legal practice

Olaniwun Ajayi LP, a prominent commercial legal practice in Nigeria, has named Adenike Adeyemi as its new chief executive officer.

She brings over two decades of experience in organizational transformation and executive management to the position.

According to an official announcement from the firm, Adeyemi will be tasked with steering its future strategy and institutional advancement.

Her career includes more than ten years as the Chief Executive Officer of FATE Foundation, where she directed regional growth into four African markets and guided the organization’s digital evolution.

The transition reflects the firm’s effort to enhance its business leadership infrastructure alongside its core legal operations.

Strategic leadership focus

Tominiyi Owolabi, PhD, managing partner at Olaniwun Ajayi LP, highlighted how her background aligns with the law firm’s long-term vision.

‘To build the institution we envision for the future, we must complement our legal excellence with world-class business leadership,’ Owolabi said.

He further noted that her background in executive leadership would help guide the firm into its next growth phase.

The firm emphasized that the appointment supports ongoing efforts to strengthen internal governance while expanding its capacity to serve domestic, regional, and international clients. Her previous work in corporate advisory, organizational restructuring, and professional services will feature centrally in these expansion plans.

Professional background

Adeyemi’s work spans public, private, and non-profit sectors with an emphasis on institutional transformation and management consulting.

Prior to her leadership role at FATE Foundation, she managed corporate strategy, organizational design, and operational restructuring engagements at KPMG Advisory Services. During her subsequent tenure at FATE Foundation, she led initiatives driving technology integration and entrepreneurship program expansion, including a 2025 partnership with Google to advance artificial intelligence training across four African nations.

Beyond her operational roles, she sits on the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Nigeria Business Council, has held board-level governance positions, and previously chaired a committee for the annual Nigerian Economic Summit.

Olaniwun Ajayi LP has a long-standing history of advising on major financial and capital market transactions across Nigeria.

Recent corporate actions include being selected as Solicitors to the Offer for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals initial public offering alongside AELEX and Banwo and Ighodalo.

Additionally, the practice has contributed to landmark deal structures, such as NNPC Limited’s $3.3 billion structured financing arrangement and the $3 billion Train 7 financing project for Nigeria LNG.

Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Ibadan in 2001, followed by a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Relations from Seton Hall University in 2005.

Selected as an Eisenhower Fellow in 2021 and recognized by Google as a Global Leader to Watch, Adeyemi also serves as a Senior Fellow and faculty member at Lagos Business School.

Finance Minister and German Ambassador discuss strengthening bilateral ties

Minister of Finance, Makis Keravnos, held a courtesy meeting today at the Ministry of Finance with the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Cyprus, Dr. Hans-Peter Jugel, with whom he exchanged views on matters of bilateral interest, with particular emphasis on the traditionally close relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the Federal Republic of Germany.

According to the Ministry, they discussed ways to further strengthen and deepen bilateral ties including through cooperation between the two countries within the European Union.

The discussions, it is added, addressed the significant challenges affecting the future of the European Union, including security and defence, particularly in light of geopolitical developments and the war in Ukraine, the importance of advancing the green transition and combating climate change; energy security, strengthening the competitiveness of the European economy; and digital transformation.

Finally, both sides acknowledged the challenges and considerable uncertainty prevailing in the global economy as a result of geopolitical and economic developments. They also recognised the need for all EU Member States to address these challenges collectively through important decisions taken within the EU institutions and through joint action.

My side dish is getting married but I cannot let go

Dear Anonymous,

You are entangled in what is called a love triangle, and what you are wrestling with is attachment. There are reasons, perhaps, why you drifted into a relationship with another man. There is also an interesting thing that happens to some people; desiring what they do not have, particularly something forbidden and with trouble written all over it.

There are aspects of a psychological theory called the id, ego and superego. The first triggers reactions without thinking. The second engages in planning and implementing these plans regardless. The third is your ‘brakes’, the conscience, so to speak, that checks in with your value system. In the short run, it tends to be overpowered by the first two, but when things go wrong, the third component, the superego, comes crushing down on you with guilt and regret, leaving you wondering how you could have walked down that path.

What is the point I am making? Deep down, you know all the right answers, and I can see from your letter that you do.

This reminds me of a powerful proverb (in case you read the Bible) at Proverbs 17:9. It implies that the heart is treacherous and desperate. It partly refers to the feelings that figuratively sit in your ‘heart’. If I borrow that wisdom, you rightly said you are ’emotionally attached’. Emotional attachment is not always anchored by good reasoning; in fact, rarely is it. It is just emotion, very strong emotion (the id), that wants to overrule reason. People who face such situations battle with the internal contradiction of wanting to do what they know is not wise versus what their hearts or emotions so badly want. This is where you are.

Having said that, let us reason using the facts. If you are legally married (I assume so based on your submission), the law does not permit such a relationship. What you are doing would be classified as adultery.

Secondly, he has chosen somebody else. In this lies the fact that he is willing to move on without you. You are alone in this now. So, if he is loving someone else, does that not signal to you that you need to move on?

Thirdly, you have mentioned that your husband and family are ‘innocent’. What will you tell yourself (your superego) if you walk away? Will you ever forgive yourself? If your husband asked you why you did this, what would you say? That may be more difficult to deal with than letting the other guy go.

Usually, that degree of attachment to an ‘outsider’ is anchored by two possibilities. Your own marriage has deficiencies that need to be worked on, and secondly, you could have had sexual intimacy with the other man. A combination of the two can generate strong attachment and emotional turmoil.

As you have rightly concluded, you should fix your marriage. But first, you need to ‘heal’. A qualified professional counsellor will help you gain clarity and navigate your current emotional and moral dilemma. You need this because, imagine if your husband and family found out? You would have two problems on your hands.

Counselling will help you disengage from your external romantic relationship, establish how you can rekindle warmth with your husband, deal with a guilty conscience and establish distance from the other man.

Let this become a learning curve for you on how you actually got here. It was a process that slowly drifted you to this point, and the outcomes could have been clear to you, but you still let yourself continue, playing with fire and believing it would not burn you.

You can save your marriage, but it will require effort. Sometimes, life’s best things are fought for, and the easier path tends to lead to trouble at times. Remember, successful marriages are generally anchored by being intentional. This usually is not an emotional process, but the resulting emotions are enjoyed without guilt or pain.

Reader advice

Consider his pain

Ojilong SSalongo. It is not just about what you are going through, but also what your husband must be experiencing. Imagine discovering that the person you trusted and built a life with has betrayed you.

Think beyond yourself

Monica Drijaru. Marriage requires honesty and respect, and when trust is broken, both people are affected. Before asking others to understand your situation, you must also acknowledge the hurt you may have caused.

It is time to move on

David Waigo. It is hard to say this, but perhaps it is time to move on. Sometimes, the consequences of our choices leave relationships too damaged to repair, and accepting that reality can be painful. Give yourself time to heal, learn from what has happened and focus on rebuilding your life.

Rethink your marriage

Rosie Prince. Perhaps you married someone you did not truly love, possibly because of financial security. If that is the case, why remain in a marriage where genuine affection is missing? Consider whether separation would be better than continuing to hurt your partner.

It is time to face reality

Moses Earthe. A man who discovers that his partner has been unfaithful may struggle to trust her again. The other man may also have had no intention of committing to a lasting relationship, leaving her to deal with the consequences alone. It is painful when expectations collapse, but the most important thing now is to accept reality and decide how to move forward.

You cannot have both

Peetah Njedzah. You need to grow up and accept responsibility for your choices. Sometimes, people want the security of marriage while pursuing relationships outside it, without considering the emotional damage this can cause. It is time to reflect on your decisions and understand that you cannot have your cake and eat it too.

The cost of cheating

Josh Kaweesi Kitaka. These are the consequences of cheating. Infidelity may seem exciting or harmless at first, but it can destroy trust and damage a family in ways that are difficult to repair. Before risking a committed relationship, people should think carefully about what they stand to lose. Once trust is broken, restoring it takes honesty, patience and consistent effort.

Value your marriage

Rodah Masibo. Love your man and learn to value the commitment you made to one another. Marriage requires loyalty, honesty and respect, even when things are difficult. If you have hurt your partner, acknowledge the pain you have caused instead of expecting everything to return to normal immediately.

Oyo 2027: Alli to restore school governing boards free education in Oyo unveils other plans

To improve education standards in Oyo State the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Senator Sharafadeen Alli has pledged to restore school governing boards reduce class sizes to 30 pupils and provide free education from primary to junior secondary school if elected governor in 2027.

Alli made the pledges on Thursday while responding to questions from stakeholders at a dialogue organised by the Oyo Leadership Initiative themed ‘Redefining Leadership and Governance in Oyo State’ held at Thikadol Event Centre Ring Road Ibadan.

He said his administration would prioritise teacher training improve school infrastructure provide instructional materials and ensure the safety of pupils and students across the state.

‘We will ensure that the atmosphere is teaching and learning-friendly. We will put in place good infrastructure. We will return running grants to primary and secondary schools.

‘We will ensure our schools are safe and have instructional materials in schools’ he said.

The APC candidate also promised to strengthen the management of tertiary institutions by making their governing councils functional criticising the involvement of a consultant in running the institutions.

‘It won’t be like the governing councils of our tertiary institutions in Oyo State which are not functional. In our tertiary institutions a consultant runs them and the consultant takes 10 per cent of what students pay. A consultant who probably does not know how to govern a school.

‘We would make the governing councils in our tertiary institutions functional’ Alli said.

On teachers’ welfare he pledged prompt payment of salaries and allowances special incentives for teachers serving in remote areas and the establishment of information and communication technology centres for secondary school students across the three senatorial districts.

‘This would improve our learning system and we will make education free from primary school to junior secondary school’ he said.

Beyond education Alli promised to grant local governments autonomy and ensure accountability arguing that their failure to function effectively had affected service delivery across the state.

‘Most of the problems we have emanate from the local governments not functioning.

‘Local governments are supposed to run with the state on the economy security infrastructure and education but that is not the case in Oyo’ he said.

On healthcare he promised free services for infants babies older people and pregnant women as well as functional primary healthcare centres in each of the state’s 351 wards.

He said his administration would conduct a census of residents to improve planning for education healthcare and the economy.

Alli also pledged to revitalise the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) introduce mechanised farming and improve access roads to farms to reduce transport costs and the price of agricultural produce.

On security he said his administration would establish a neighbourhood watch system and deploy technology to strengthen surveillance with solar farms and modular grids providing electricity for security equipment.

Addressing concerns over the Ibadan Circular Road Alli said the original plan was for a 150-metre corridor comprising 75 metres on each side and promised to review the expansion to 500 metres if elected.

He also pledged to respect traditional institutions and to collaborate with traditional rulers on grassroots development.

Earlier the convener of the Oyo Leadership Initiative (OLI) Chief Abiola Ali said the group was established in November 2025 to promote good leadership and governance in the state.

Ali said the initiative had 103 members and was open to professionals from different fields who wished to contribute to Oyo State’s development.

He described Alli as the most suitable among the governorship candidates citing his integrity experience and leadership qualities.

Those present at the event included the Oyo APC chairman Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo; the party’s secretary Alhaji Fatai Adesina; the state APC woman leader Dr Felicia Opatunde; and the Director-General of the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe.

Others included the campaign organisation’s Director of Mobilisation Oloye Sina Alabi; Director of Public Affairs Bolaji Tunji; APC House of Representatives candidate for Ibadan North-West/South-West Federal Constituency Hon. Folake Olunloyo-Osinowo; and the campaign organisation’s Deputy Director-General Chief Sola Ogunbode.