Author: user user

Former Arrow Boys commander warns hiding Lt Gen Elwelu to surrender or face security forces

Tensions are escalating in the Teso sub-region after former State Minister for Works and former Arrow Boys commander Musa Ecweru issued a strict 24-hour ultimatum to retired Lt Gen Peter Elwelu to surrender to authorities or risk being hunted down and killed by security forces.

Addressing a press conference in Soroti City, Mr Ecweru-who lost his Amuria County parliamentary seat in the last election after serving four terms-warned that any attempt to launch a rebellion or destabilize peace in Teso would face decisive force. He urged the former Deputy Commander of Defence Forces (CDF) to abandon any alleged subversive plans immediately.

“My prayer to him is that if it is true, he should abandon that prayer before evening today,” Mr Ecweru said. He advised Lt Gen Elwelu, if fearful of harassment by law enforcement, to report to respected religious and political leaders such as the Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Right Reverend Joseph Oliach Eciru, or Vice President Jessica Alupo to facilitate a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni to request a pardon.

Mr Ecweru confirmed that members of the former Arrow Boys reserve force would join the police, internal security, and military units starting tomorrow to hunt down the retired general. Drawing a direct parallel to the late Smith Oponacak, who was killed by security forces after attempting to start an armed rebellion, Mr Ecweru warned that a similar fate awaits Lt Gen Elwelu if he refuses to surrender when cornered. He also noted that several missing youth in the region are suspected to have been lured into subversive activities and trafficked to western Uganda, promising to reveal their names on Monday.

However, Mr Ecweru’s hostile posture has drawn heavy backlash from local residents and community leaders, who accuse him of political opportunism and framing a retired military officer to gain state favor following his electoral defeat.

Samuel Ariko, a retired teacher, questioned the legal authority under which Mr Ecweru is operating and defended Lt Gen Elwelu’s record as a loyal officer to President Museveni. He questioned why treason accusations are surfacing now, suggesting the pushback against Elwelu stems from his alleged opposition to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) agenda. Local resident Hellen Apiding urged independent security agencies to investigate the matter without bias, warning against using threats to persecute political opponents or disrupt civilian life.

The public threats follow confirmation from family members that Lt Gen Elwelu went into hiding earlier this year due to severe fears for his personal safety. Relatives revealed that the retired general noticed unknown individuals tracking his movements at his primary residence in Awoja, Soroti District, and his ancestral home in Anyara Village, Kalaki District, forcing him to avoid community gatherings and retreat from his security detail.

Since January, security operations targeting Elwelu have intensified, resulting in the arrest of his personal drivers, wife, and members of his security detail, along with the seizure of electronic devices. The operational dynamic worsened following social media statements by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who described Elwelu as a traitor, claimed security forces recovered arms from his house, and asserted that Elwelu had been demoted to the rank of Private.

Family members have strongly denied the weapons recovery claims, describing them as an orchestrated attempt to destroy the general’s legacy after years of dedicated service. The underlying rift between Gen Muhoozi and Lt Gen Elwelu traces back to their time sharing high command responsibilities, during which disagreements over administrative protocols required direct intervention from President Museveni. Elwelu was subsequently reassigned to a presidential advisor role before formally retiring from active military service in August 2025.

In Soroti, neighbors in Awoja confirmed that the general has been absent for months, noting that his weekly gospel broadcasts on local radio ended abruptly around the same time.

Gen Muhoozi’s public claim that Lt Gen Elwelu was summary-demoted to the rank of Private faces strong legal hurdles under Ugandan military law. Under the UPDF Act (Cap. 330), as amended by the UPDF (Amendment) Act 2025, a commissioned general officer cannot be stripped of rank or demoted through executive statements or administrative directives. Legal provisions strictly require a formal trial, conviction, and sentencing by a competent Court Martial, which must subsequently be confirmed by the High Command.

Regional political leaders, including Members of Parliament from Teso, have declined to issue official statements regarding the standoff, maintaining that military directives issued over social media platforms require formal clarification from the Executive branch or the Ministry of Defence before Parliament can respond. Meanwhile, the Paramount Chief of the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot, has requested additional time to monitor the situation before issuing a formal guidance to the region.

Again, troops kill 44 terrorists in multiple operations in fringe Lake Chad

The Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has killed at least 44 terrorists in multiple operations on the shores of the Lake Chad Basin, an official says.

This was contained in a statement issued by Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai

Maiduguri on Wednesday night.

He said the troops have sustained their offensive against terrorist elements through coordinated intelligence-led operations across the theatre.

‘On 26 October 2026, troops conducted engagements against suspected terrorist elements at separate locations in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, following intelligence reports and surveillance observations. Battle Damage Assessment indicated that 28 terrorists were neutralised, while six others reportedly sustained injuries.

‘In further operations on 28 October 2026, the Maritime Component, Naval Base Lake Chad, deployed in Baga, conducted offensive actions against terrorist targets within the Lake Chad area. Preliminary assessments indicated that eight terrorists were neutralised, while 10 others reportedly sustained varying degrees of injuries.

‘Separately, an air interdiction mission successfully disrupted a suspected terrorist improvised explosive device (IED)-laying operation, neutralising eight operatives and destroying their vehicle, motorcycles and IED materials.’ The statement noted.

He said the operation aimed to prevent the terrorist team from proceeding with its planned activity.

‘These successes reflect the sustained pressure being exerted on terrorist networks through intelligence-led joint operations.’Goni maintained.

CAP’s profit rises 12% to N4.13bn on stronger operations

Chemical and Allied Products Plc (CAP), Nigeria’s leading paint manufacturer, grew its profit after tax by 12.4 percent to N4.13 billion in the nine months ended September 2026, supported by higher revenue and improved operating performance.

The company’s unaudited financial statements showed that revenue rose 11.3 percent to N33.69 billion from N30.27 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, while operating profit increased 21.2 percent to N5.78 billion from N4.78 billion.

Profit before tax also grew by 20.8 percent to N6.62 billion, compared with N5.49 billion a year earlier, reflecting stronger earnings despite rising tax expenses.

However, CAP’s income tax expense increased 38 percent to N2.49 billion from N1.81 billion, moderating the growth in its bottom line. Consequently, profit after tax rose to N4.13 billion from N3.68 billion in the prior-year period.

The company’s earnings per share increased to 507 kobo from 451 kobo, indicating an improvement in returns attributable to shareholders.

Olalekan Aluko, managing director of CAP Plc, attributed the performance to the execution of the company’s growth strategy, investments in its workforce and improved operational efficiency.

‘We are pleased to report a strong performance for the first nine months of 2026, with revenue growing by 11 percent year-on-year and operating profit and profit before tax each increasing by 21 percent,’ Aluko said.

‘These results reflect the disciplined execution of our strategic growth initiatives, sustained investment in our people, and a continued focus on operational efficiency.’

He added that the company would maintain its focus on profitable growth and improving customer experience in the final quarter of the year.

‘As we enter the final quarter, we remain committed to delivering profitable growth, strengthening our organisational capabilities, and further enhancing the experience we offer our customers,’ he said.

A breakdown of the company’s earnings showed that gross profit increased to N14.44 billion from N13.06 billion, while cost of sales rose to N19.25 billion from N17.21 billion.

Selling and marketing expenses increased to N3.51 billion from N3.20 billion, while administrative expenses climbed to N5.52 billion from N5.40 billion, reflecting higher operating costs during the period.

Finance income rose 40.4 percent to N1.05 billion from N746.1 million, providing additional support to earnings. Finance costs, however, increased to N206.4 million from N39.1 million, largely reflecting higher lease interest and foreign exchange losses.

The company’s balance sheet also strengthened during the period. Total assets rose to N24.70 billion as of September 30, 2026, from N24.47 billion at the end of December 2025, while shareholders’ equity increased to N15.12 billion from N14.25 billion.

Cash and cash equivalents stood at N10.00 billion, down from N11.74 billion at the end of 2025, while inventories increased to N8.21 billion from N6.72 billion.

Despite the decline in cash balances, CAP generated N1.84 billion in net cash from operating activities during the nine months, compared with N3.52 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.

The current share price of CAP Plc (CAP) is N110. The company began the year with a share price of N69.00 and has since gained 59.4 percent on that price valuation, ranking it 41st on the NGX in terms of year-to-date performance.

Erdogan tells Trump Mecca Pact seeks diplomatic solutions to Hormuz and Yemen tensions

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has told US President Donald Trump that the Mecca Pact is closely monitoring developments in the Strait of Hormuz and Yemen while pursuing diplomatic solutions to regional tensions.

According to a statement released by the Turkish presidency on Thursday, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations alongside major regional and international developments during a telephone conversation.

Erdogan emphasised that the Mecca Pact was following developments in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and Yemen, with efforts focused on finding diplomatic solutions to the ongoing challenges.

The Turkish president also reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to strengthening relations with Washington and expanding bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

He noted that Trkiye would continue working to advance Turkish-American relations ahead of the centenary of diplomatic ties between the two countries next year.

The conversation also addressed the Russia-Ukraine war, with Erdogan reiterating Trkiye’s willingness to contribute to renewed diplomatic negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.

He stressed that Ankara remained prepared to support initiatives aimed at ending the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

Meanwhile, Trump congratulated Erdogan and the Turkish people on the occasion of Trkiye’s Republic Day, celebrated annually on October 29.

The US president also extended his best wishes for the success of the upcoming summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

The telephone conversation highlighted ongoing diplomatic engagement between Ankara and Washington on bilateral cooperation, regional security and efforts to resolve international conflicts through negotiations.

Peter Obi to Tinubu: You’ve no competence; pack your bags and go home

The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential hopeful, Mr Peter Obi, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to leave office, accusing him of lacking the competence and energy required to govern Nigeria.

Obi made the remarks at a town hall meeting in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, on Thursday, saying the country needed a leader with the vigour and capacity to govern rather than one who made excuses.

His words: ‘President Tinubu does not have the competence to run Nigeria. He does not have the energy to run Nigeria. He should pack his things, go home and rest.

‘I want him to come to Abakaliki to tell the people what he has done in the past three years. I want him to tell Nigerians what he used the borrowed money to do.

‘He said he will not come for campaign. President Tinubu has stayed over 260 days outside Nigeria, yet he cannot spend up to 36 days to go round Nigeria to tell the people what he has been doing. We will not do that.’ He said

Obi cautioned against tribal politics, insisting that his presidential ambition was based on competence rather than ethnicity.

‘Let nobody divide the South East. I don’t want the people of Ebonyi to vote for me because I am from the South East. I don’t want you to vote for me because I am an Igbo person.

‘My dear people, I want you to vote for me because I am qualified to be the President of this country. I want you to vote for me because I am the leading candidate,’ he said.

The former Anambra State governor also unveiled a seven-point emergency agenda aimed at rescuing and rebuilding the country.

On national unity, Obi said the country must overcome ethnic divisions and ensure fairness in public appointments.

‘On Unity, we must unite Nigeria. No more I am Igbo, I am Yoruba, I am Hausa. We will operate Federal Character for all jobs.

‘On Security, we will declare an emergency on security. If children are taken to the bush under my watch, we will be in the bush with the abductors. We will equip our security agencies to secure Nigeria.’

On corruption, Obi said he would intensify the fight against graft and ensure that public funds were used for the benefit of citizens.

On Corruption, Obi said, ‘I will fight corruption like nobody has done before. Public money must be for public good. If you steal, you will go to jail, starting from the President.’

He also promised to declare a state of emergency in education, noting that Nigeria had more than 18 million children out of school.

Addressing the rising cost of food, Obi said he would encourage farmers to return to their farms to boost food production, feed the country and increase agricultural exports, noting that Nigeria had vast arable land.

On healthcare, the presidential hopeful said, ‘Every political ward in Nigeria must have functional healthcare. We have the resources to do it.’ He said

The leader of the NDC in Ebonyi State and former governor, Senator Samuel Egwu, assured Obi that the state would vote for him 100 per cent.

The event was attended by the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Paulinus Igwe Nwagu; the senator representing Ebonyi South, Rt. Hon. Linus Okorie; Ebonyi Central senatorial candidate, Prof. Bernard Odoh; and House of Representatives candidate for Ohanivo, Hon. Nnanna Chita, among other party candidates.

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa welcomes festive season with Christmas cake-mixing ceremony

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort and Spa ushered in the festive season with its annual Christmas cake mixing ceremony, held on 16 October, at the resort’s picturesque pool lawn.

Embracing the resort’s distinctive oceanfront setting, this year’s ceremony featured a charming nautical twist, with the traditional Christmas cake ingredients mixed aboard a boat, creating a memorable celebration inspired by the spirit of the sea.

The occasion was attended by Rohan Fernandopulle, a renowned culinary pioneer in Sri Lanka, alongside invited guests, resort associates and distinguished invitees. The early-evening gathering brought together cherished festive traditions, warm hospitality and the anticipation of the season ahead, complemented by a selection of refreshments and beverages.

Speaking on the occasion, Weligama Bay Marriott Resort and Spa General Manager Piyush Tyagi shared, ‘The Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony is a wonderful tradition that brings people together in the true spirit of the festive season. It was a pleasure to see our guests, associates and distinguished invitees come together to share in the occasion, creating memories that mark the beginning of a truly special festive season.’

The ceremony marked the beginning of the resort’s festive celebrations, setting the tone for a season of exceptional culinary experiences, joyful gatherings and enchanting moments by the ocean, all delivered with the signature warmth and thoughtful hospitality of Weligama Bay Marriott

Blood test errors: 4 warning signs Nigerians should not ignore

Many Nigerians visit private diagnostic centres daily hoping to understand what is wrong with their health. A routine check-up, malaria screen, lipid profile, or hormonal panel should provide peace of mind and guide your doctor’s prescription.

However, medical testing is not immune to human or mechanical failure. A faulty reading can lead to buying costly medications you do not need, or worse, leaving a life-threatening illness untreated.

In this article, Tribune Online examines the critical red flags that point toward an erroneous blood test result, the underlying reasons these mistakes happen, and the exact steps you should take to protect your health.

The numbers directly contradict how you physically feel

A blood test does not exist in isolation; it must correspond with your clinical presentation. When a report indicates that your blood parameters are at life-threatening levels, yet you walked into the laboratory feeling completely energetic, there is an immediate reason to pause.

Clinical research published by the World Health Organization emphasizes that laboratory findings must always correlate with clinical symptoms before radical treatment commences. A massive discrepancy often points to pre-analytical errors, such as sample contamination or delayed processing that artificially altered the cellular markers.

When you notice a wild difference between your bodily strength and an alarming lab sheet, do not panic. Call your consulting doctor immediately to review your actual physical symptoms before swallowing any heavy emergency drugs.

Patient’s basic details and demographic information are wrong

Quality control starts right at the reception desk and phlebotomy chair. If your printed result sheet misspells your name, lists the wrong age, or interchanges your biological sex, your specimen may have been swapped with someone else’s.

A study published in the Journal of Medical Laboratory Science notes that sample mix-ups remain a leading cause of pre-analytical laboratory errors across diagnostic facilities. Reference ranges for parameters like haemoglobin, uric acid, and hormones vary significantly depending on age and sex, meaning an administrative mix-up instantly invalidates the interpretation.

The moment you spot an incorrect date of birth or a typo in your identity information, flag it with the lab supervisor. Insist on checking the barcode or label on the primary collection tube to ensure you were not handed another patient’s medical file.

Results drastically shift without any lifestyle or medical explanation

The human body changes gradually, and established baseline values do not swing wildly overnight without an acute medical event. If a previous test done two weeks prior showed normal kidney function or steady blood sugar, and a repeat test shows end-stage failure without any sudden illness, suspicion is warranted.

According to technical bulletins from the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), diagnostic centres must maintain strict calibration of their analyzers to avoid drift and baseline distortion. Uncalibrated photometers or depleted test reagents can easily produce erratic values that look catastrophic on paper.

Whenever you notice an unexplainable, radical spike or drop in chronic monitoring tests like lipid profiles, PSA, or thyroid hormones, do not jump to worst-case conclusions. Treat the result as an outlier and request a fresh draw before making any drastic changes to your regimen.

The laboratory failed to provide or follow fasting instructions

Certain blood investigations require strict preparation, such as an overnight fast of 8 to 12 hours for fasting blood glucose and lipid panels. If the phlebotomist collected your blood immediately after you ate without noting your non-fasting status, the resulting figures will be clinically misleading.

Reports from the American Association for Clinical Chemistry confirm that postprandial lipemia and transient glucose elevation skew tests, often mimicking chronic diabetes or severe dyslipidemia. A reliable diagnostic centre will always cross-check your last mealtime before drawing blood for sensitive metabolic panels.

If a laboratory technician dismisses your recent meal as irrelevant for a test that standard medical science requires you to fast for, consider the output compromised. Always disclose your exact nutritional intake to your physician so they can interpret the numbers within proper context.

What you should do step-by-step if you suspect an error

Do not alter your prescription: Never stop taking your regular medication or start aggressive new therapies purely on the strength of a suspicious report.

Consult your physician: Present the result directly to your doctor, highlighting why the values seem improbable based on your symptoms and preparation.

Request a repeat test: Have the test redone at an accredited, independent tertiary hospital or an internationally certified diagnostic center to verify the baseline.

Demand an internal audit: Return to the original private laboratory, report the discrepancy politely to the quality assurance manager, and ask them to verify their control logs for that testing batch.

Eligible SSS members get up to P8,000 uplift aid

The Social Security System (SSS) is set to release up to P8,000 in financial assistance to qualified members covered by the expanded United Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) aid program tomorrow.

The latest payout covers members with monthly salary credits (MSC) not exceeding P10,000, the state pension fund said in a statement.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) UPLIFT assistance consists of four tranches worth P2,000 each, which will be credited directly to beneficiaries’ registered SSS disbursement accounts.

The DSWD, in coordination with SSS, earlier expanded the program to provide additional assistance to qualified members with MSCs not exceeding P10,000, beyond the assistance previously available to members with up to P20,000 MSC.

However, the SSS said an MSC not exceeding P10,000 does not automatically entitle a member to UPLIFT Assistance.

To be eligible, members must have paid at least one SSS contribution in 2025 or 2026 and be included in the Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System database.

They must also have enrolled their disbursement accounts through the SSS Disbursement Account Enrollment Module within the prescribed period.

Members are advised to check their My.SSS accounts for official notifications on their eligibility.

Meanwhile, qualified members with MSCs of P20,000 are scheduled to receive the third and fourth tranches, amounting P4,000 on Nov. 6. This follows the DSWD’s release of the first and second tranches of aid earlier this year.

PASHA Real Estate Group and Marriott International sign agreement for JW Marriott Branded Residences in Tashkent [PHOTOS]

PASHA Real Estate Group and Marriott International, Inc. have signed an agreement for JW Marriott branded residences in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The planned residences will occupy two residential buildings within a mixed-use development by PASHA Real Estate Group.

The development is planned to comprise three buildings: one accommodating The Ritz-Carlton, Tashkent hotel and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, and two dedicated to JW Marriott branded residences. The development will also feature a retail promenade with luxury shops and restaurants. The JW Marriott residences are expected to complement The Ritz-Carlton offer and provide thoughtfully designed living spaces.

‘This agreement is an important milestone for PASHA Real Estate Group and reflects our approach to creating high-quality developments that bring together international expertise, thoughtful design and a strong focus on the overall customer experience,’ said Özgr Geter, Chief Executive Officer of PASHA Real Estate Group. ‘Our collaboration with Marriott International is central to this development, and the agreement for JW Marriott branded residences marks another significant step in bringing our plans in Tashkent to life.’

Jaidev Menezes, Marriott International Regional Vice President, Mixed-Use Development, EMEA, added, ‘Tashkent is an exciting and evolving market, where we are seeing growing demand for branded residences that combine exceptional design, world-class amenities and the assurance of a trusted global brand. Building on our longstanding relationship with PASHA Real Estate Group, we look forward to bringing JW Marriott’s mindful approach to luxury living to this development and creating an elevated residential experience for homeowners.’

The Ritz-Carlton, Tashkent and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Tashkent are currently under development and are anticipated to introduce The Ritz-Carlton brand to Uzbekistan. The planned JW Marriott residences will form part of the same mixed-use destination.

The signing further strengthens the relationship between PASHA Real Estate Group and Marriott International, whose collaboration includes hotel and residential projects under The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, St. Regis, Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Courtyard by Marriott and Autograph Collection brands across Azerbaijan, Georgia and Uzbekistan.

Through this development, PASHA Real Estate Group continues to expand its presence in Uzbekistan, bringing internationally recognized hospitality and residential concepts together in a single destination.

About PASHA Real Estate Group

Part of PASHA Holding, PASHA Real Estate Group specializes in real estate investment, development, sales, leasing, strategic management and operations. The Group’s geographical footprint spans Azerbaijan, Trkiye, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Montenegro and the United States.

The Group’s portfolio includes luxury hotels, world-class resorts, shopping centers, premium residential properties and mixed-use developments. Guided by its commitment to quality, reliability and customer-centricity, PASHA Real Estate Group strives to set new industry standards globally and enhance the value of its assets.

Why science and art must converge to shape the future – Don

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries, professions and everyday life, Mohammed Gana Yisa, a Professor of Agricultural Engineering and former Nigerian Ambassador to Japan, has called for a deeper integration of science and art, describing the two disciplines as inseparable forces driving human creativity, innovation and development.

Yisa said the growing influence of AI had exposed the limitations of treating science and art as separate fields, arguing that meaningful innovation required both rigorous scientific thinking and the creative imagination associated with the arts.

He made this submission while delivering a lecture entitled, ‘The Convergence of Science and Art: Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Technologies and Innovation in Focus,’ in Offa, Kwara State.

According to him, innovation is not merely the product of scientific discoveries or technological advancement but also an expression of creative art, driven by imagination, moments of insight and the courage to pursue ideas that may initially appear unrealistic.

He explained that the development of AI demonstrated how scientific knowledge and creative thinking could work together to produce transformative technologies.

Using the development of the attention mechanism in AI as an example, Yisa noted that such breakthroughs required both rigorous technical thinking and creative imagination to explore new possibilities.

He described AI as a convergence point where science and art interact across different fields, challenging the traditional boundaries established between them.

‘We cannot maintain the illusion of separation, as the experience forces us to integrate what we have forcefully separated,’ he said.

To illustrate the practical implications of this convergence, Yisa highlighted how AI was increasingly becoming a tool for problem-solving, decision-making and creative expression across professional fields.

He pointed to students using AI to brainstorm ideas before developing them in unexpected directions, medical practitioners deploying the technology to support diagnosis, lawyers analysing legal documents, financial analysts predicting market trends and artists generating architectural designs.

These examples, he argued, demonstrated that AI was not exclusively a scientific or technical tool but a platform through which analytical reasoning and creative imagination could combine to produce new solutions.

For Yisa, the future of innovation would depend increasingly on the ability of individuals to move beyond the limitations of a single discipline and embrace different ways of thinking.

The professor urged young people to familiarise themselves with AI and learn to use it practically to navigate emerging realities, solve problems and prepare for a meaningful and productive future.

He stressed that technological advancement would continue to change the skills required to remain relevant in the workplace, making adaptability, continuous learning and interdisciplinary thinking essential qualities for the next generation.

‘The practical reality of your future is that the ability to move fluidly between these modes of thinking will define your relevance, your impact and your fulfilment, no matter what field you enter,’ he said.

He explained that success in an increasingly technology-driven world would depend not only on acquiring specialised knowledge but also on understanding how different forms of knowledge could complement one another.

According to him, individuals who combine analytical thinking with creativity would be better positioned to respond to emerging challenges, develop innovative solutions and contribute meaningfully to their respective professions.

His message extended beyond young people to professionals, scientists, engineers, artists, content creators, business leaders, government, policymakers, educators, medical practitioners, lawyers, journalists and other practitioners whose work could be transformed by AI.

He urged them to embrace the technology judiciously while continuing to develop their professional capabilities, warning that resistance to learning and adaptation could limit their opportunities in a rapidly changing world.

‘The person who cannot adapt, who cannot learn, who cannot integrate new ways of thinking, will be left behind.

‘The person who can learn, adapt and integrate will thrive. This is the fundamental lesson of AI.

‘The most important skill of the 21st century is not a specific technical capacity; it is the ability to learn, adapt and integrate,’ Yisa explained.

While advocating the integration of science and art, Yisa’s argument also highlighted the importance of preserving the human qualities that give technological advancement meaning.

He suggested that the ability to move between different intellectual and creative approaches would become increasingly valuable, regardless of the career path individuals chose.