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Bovi brings tour ‘Guilty as Charged’ home

Award-winning comedian, actor and writer, Bovi Ugboma, will bring his 2026 world tour to a close this October with two highly anticipated performances in Benin City and Lagos.

Titled Bovi: Guilty as Charged, the Nigerian leg will begin in Benin City on October 1 before reaching its grand finale on October 11 at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel, Lagos.

The announcement follows a successful international run that began in the United Kingdom at Easter, where Bovi sold out Indigo at The O2. He subsequently took the tour across Canada, performing in six cities, including Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton. All six Canadian shows sold out, continuing an impressive year on the road for one of Africa’s most celebrated comedians.

With the international leg completed, Guilty as Charged now returns to Nigeria for its final two performances. The Benin City show will open the homecoming stretch, while Lagos will provide the closing stage for Bovi’s 2026 tour.

Known for his clever observations, fearless humour and gift for turning familiar experiences into memorable stories, Bovi has spent nearly two decades building a career that extends across stand-up comedy, television and film. His live shows have become known for their strong storytelling and sharp commentary on relationships, society, popular culture and everyday life.

Over the years, productions such as Bovi: Man on Fire and Naughty by Nature have helped establish him as a leading force in Nigerian comedy, drawing audiences at home and internationally. Guilty as Charged marks the latest chapter in that journey and brings Bovi back before Nigerian audiences following the tour’s sold-out dates abroad.

The Lagos edition will also introduce a first for a Bovi show. Every ticket buyer will have a designated seat and will be able to choose that seat while purchasing a ticket. The arrangement applies across the venue, creating a fully reserved seating experience for the audience.

The October shows will give audiences in both cities an opportunity to experience the material that has taken Bovi from a sold-out opening at Indigo at The O2 to six sold-out performances across Canada.

Negros Occidental braces for El Niño as Butuan reels from water woes

A P411-million disaster fund would be set aside for 2027 as officials in Negros Occidental prepare for a ‘super, super El Niño’ expected to intensify from October through the first quarter of next year, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Thursday.

‘Hopefully, it will not go beyond the first quarter,’ Lacson said during the third-quarter meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council at the Negros Occidental Capitol.

The entire province is expected to be affected by the El Niño, he said, adding that the provincial government received an unverified report that Hinigaran was already experiencing dry conditions.

‘But for this month, we are still expecting some rain,’ Lacson said.

QRF

The province still has P109 million in its 2026 Quick Response Fund (QRF), out of the P110.5-million allocation.

Lacson said he called the meeting to discuss preparations for the expected dry spell and how the remaining QRF could be used before the end of the year.

‘We discussed the utilization of the P109 million before 2026 ends,’ he said.

For 2027, the province has set aside P411 million for its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.

Of this amount, P287.7 million, or 70 percent, will be used for disaster risk reduction and management programs, projects and activities, while P123.3 million, or 30 percent, will serve as QRF.

In Butuan City, residents have been staying awake late at night to collect water whenever supplies become available, while others ration what they have for drinking, cooking, bathing and washing.

According to some residents, they have paid as much as P800 for a cubic meter of water during periods of shortage.

The Butuan City Health Board is preparing measures against possible waterborne illnesses after Mayor Lawrence Fortun directed it to strengthen safeguards, according to the city government.

Overcast skies, rains expected in Luzon on Saturday – Pagasa

Gloomy skies with rains may affect some areas in Luzon due to the trough of the low-pressure area (LPA) off Southwestern Luzon and the southwest monsoon, or habagat, the state weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported in the 5 a.m. weather advisory that the extension of the LPA outside the Philippine area of responsibility may bring scattered rains over Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Isabela, Quirino, and Nueva Vizcaya.

As of 2 a.m., the LPA was located 970 kilometers west of Southwestern Luzon. It has a high chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.

‘Gayunpaman, hindi naman natin inaasahan yung pagpasok na ito sa ating Philippine Area of Responsibility. Wala din naman itong direct effects sa anumang parte ng ating bansa,’ Pagasa weather specialist Veronica Torres said.

(‘However, we did not expect it to enter our Philippine Area of Responsibility. It also has no direct effects on any part of the country,’)

Meanwhile, Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Bicol Region may experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the continued effects of the southwest monsoon.

‘Sa nalalabing bahagi ng Cagayan Valley, aasahan nga natin yung mas magandang panahon, partly cloudy to cloudy skies. Gayon pa man, may mga tsansa ng mga localized thunderstorms, lalo na tuwing hapon at gabi yung kailangan nating bantayan,’ she added.

(‘For the rest of Cagayan Valley, we can expect better weather, with skies ranging from partly cloudy to cloudy. However, there is a chance of localized thunderstorms-particularly in the afternoon and evening that we need to watch out for.’

Tanesco seals Sh198.67 billion deal to end power shortages in Songwe, Mbeya

The Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco), has signed a Sh198.67 billion contract with Chinese contractor TBEA Company to construct a 220-kilovolt power transmission line and receiving substation, aiming to permanently eliminate persistent electricity supply shortages across the mineral-rich Songwe and Mbeya regions.

The 18-month project involves erecting a high-voltage transmission line running from Iganjo in Mbeya Region to Saza in Songwe Region, alongside constructing the new Saza Power Receiving and Cooling Substation.

The infrastructure is designed to stabilise grid reliability and stimulate productive economic activity, particularly commercial gold and mineral mining across Chunya and Songwe districts. Speaking on Friday, September 11, 2026, during the signing ceremony in Saza village, Songwe District, Deputy Minister for Energy, Ms Salome Makamba, emphasised that completing the project will boost industrial production, advance modern agriculture, and expand trade, while eliminating long-standing power supply bottlenecks that have hindered regional socio-economic development for years.

Ms Makamba reassured local communities that the government remains fully committed to tackling public hardship.

“I want to assure residents of Songwe and Mbeya regions that the government recognises the power supply challenges in your mining areas, and we are taking action to solve that challenge by commencing this project,” the deputy minister affirmed.

Reiterating the Tanzanian government’s focus on equitable public service delivery, Ms Makamba stressed that development projects are implemented strictly according to public need rather than political favouritism.

She added that the new power infrastructure will serve as a powerful catalyst for local enterprise, industrialisation, and sustainable wealth creation.

“President Samia (Suluhu Hassan) instructed us to create Tanzanian tycoons, so through this power project, major wealthy individuals will emerge,” said Ms Makamba, issuing a clear directive instructing project contractors to prioritise hiring Tanzanian youth for both skilled and technical tasks throughout the implementation phase.

The deputy minister further contextualised the project within broader regional grid integration, noting that as the Iganjo-Saza transmission line progresses, citizens should recognise its alignment with the Tanzania-Zambia Transmission Interconnector Project (TAZA).

TAZA forms a cornerstone of national plans to strengthen power infrastructure and promote cross-border electricity trade across East and Southern Africa.

Outlining existing technical constraints, Tanesco deputy managing director responsible for Planning, Research, and Investment, Mr Amos Joas, representing the utility’s managing director, explained that Chunya and Songwe districts, particularly around Mkwajuni, currently rely on an inadequate 33-kilovolt line extending over 116 kilometres from Mbeya’s Mwakibete substation.

“Due to such a long distance combined with rapidly increasing electricity demand, there have been persistent power supply challenges, meaning executing this project will permanently improve the situation,” stated Mr Joas, confirming that full construction will take 18 months.

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals Chairperson, Ms Subira Mgalu, commended the Ministry of Energy and Tanesco for launching the scheme.

She emphasising that upgrading regional power infrastructure will yield direct economic benefits for local communities, including generating local employment and stimulating mining operations.

The Tanesco Board of Directors Vice Chairperson, Ambassador Zuhura Bundala, stated that the state utility continues implementing strategic infrastructure measures to build and upgrade electricity grid capacity to keep pace with rising energy demand driven by expanding socio-economic activities across the region.

“Implementing this power project is an essential part of Tanesco’s mandate to continually build infrastructure to meet current and future energy demands,” said Ambassador Bundala, clarifying that strict supervision will ensure efficient construction and maximum value for invested public funds.

David Mark mourns former Gongola Governor, Bamanga Tukur

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of former Governor of the old Gongola State, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

The former national chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) died in his Abuja residence after a protracted illness at the age of 90; he was survived by many children and grandchildren.

Senator Mark in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity described the death of the elder statesman as a great loss to Nigeria, particularly at a time when the country needs the wisdom, experience and counsel of its older generation of leaders.

He said Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was a prominent figure whose contributions to Nigeria’s political, administrative and economic development spanned several decades.

According to him, Tukur’s public service record, including his tenure as Governor of the old Gongola State, his service as Minister of Industries and his later leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reflected a life devoted to the service of the nation.

Senator Mark noted that the deceased was also an accomplished businessman and international figure whose contributions extended beyond partisan politics to national development and institution-building.

‘Alhaji Bamanga Tukur belonged to a generation of Nigerians who devoted their lives to the service of the country. His journey through public service, business and politics was remarkable, and his counsel and experience will be greatly missed.

‘His death is not only a loss to his family and the people of Adamawa State, but also to Nigeria as a whole. At this difficult moment, we must remember and celebrate the values of service, patriotism and national unity that characterised his long public career.’

Senator Mark commiserated with the Tukur family, the government and people of Adamawa State, as well as the many associates and political colleagues of the deceased.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest and give his family the strength to bear the loss.

Morogoro motorists set for 60pc fuel cost cut as new CNG station set to open in October

. Motorists and auto-rickshaw operators in Morogoro are set for substantial financial relief as a new compressed natural gas (CNG) refuelling station opens this October, promising to slash daily operating transport costs by over 60 percent across the entire regional urban transport network.

The station, constructed by Natenergy/MoroPower, is designed to serve between 600 and 800 vehicles daily, while the firm plans to construct three additional facilities across Morogoro by December 2027.

Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi, project consultant and engineer for the Morogoro natural gas facility, Ms Mercy Chilumba, demonstrated how transitioning from liquid fuel yields immediate savings. She explained that a vehicle consuming one litre of fuel for 10 kilometres uses 1.5 litres for 15 kilometres, a distance comparable to using roughly one kilogramme of CNG fuel.

Under current fuel price caps in Morogoro, petrol retails at Sh3,851 per litre while diesel costs Sh3,932 per litre, according to regulatory prices published by Ewura effective from September 2, 2026.

Consequently, 1.5 litres of petrol costs Sh5,777, and diesel costs Sh5,898, whereas one kilogramme of CNG is expected to retail between Sh1,950 and Sh2,150 in Morogoro.

“By that calculation, a driver covering an equal distance of 15 kilometres will spend roughly Sh2,150 on CNG instead of nearly Sh5,777 on petrol, saving about 63 percent; or Sh5,898 for diesel, saving nearly 64 per cent,” stated Ms Chilumba.

She added that the refuelling station is expected to employ between 20 and 25 people, noting that CNG usage can significantly reduce operating costs for thousands of drivers using vehicles and auto-rickshaws for income generation.

A teacher and motorist residing in Morogoro, Ms Vestina Lubao, said launching natural gas refuelling in the town will bring immense relief to drivers and youth engaged in local transport businesses due to significantly lower running costs incurred in daily operations.

Ms Lubao noted that experience from auto-rickshaw operators in Dar es Salaam shows that compressed natural gas helped them lower expenses compared to traditional liquid fuel.

“When operational costs are low, youth in this business can earn higher profits,” she said.

She added that the facility will give drivers who have never used CNG an opportunity to learn about and adopt it, while stressing the need for sufficient stations to prevent long queues and guarantee timely, efficient service delivery.

For his part, Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) Senior engineer, Mr Hassan Temba, said Dar es Salaam already boasts over 16 CNG stations, while TPDC continues constructing pilot facilities in Morogoro and Dodoma to demonstrate the feasibility of expanding natural gas beyond Dar es Salaam urban centres.

Mr Temba said the Morogoro station forms part of a strategy to demonstrate market demand, encouraging private investors to build more refuelling stations.

He noted that CNG offers environmental, financial, and energy security benefits, explaining that domestically produced natural gas shields local motorists from severe oil price volatility driven by global market fluctuations across international commodity trade routes.

He added that TPDC is pursuing strategies to expand the national gas pipeline network and deploy alternative distribution technologies to reach unpiped regions across Tanzania efficiently.

Meanwhile, Natenergy/MoroPower Director, Mr Mkomwa Mtiga, stated that his own investment decision stemmed from rising demand for affordable, safe, and eco-friendly energy to power motor vehicles and auto-rickshaws operating within local urban communities.

He confirmed that the station expects to commence operations in October 2026, following full compliance with technical, safety, and regulatory procedures.

“The goal is helping car and auto-rickshaw owners cut running costs while curbing reliance on petrol and diesel,” said Mtiga.

He added that CNG usage will lower vehicular air pollution emissions, explaining that safe usage depends on strict adherence to technical standards and guidelines established by relevant regulatory sector authorities across Tanzania.

Ms Chilumba noted that since Morogoro connects various regional transit routes nationwide, expanding CNG stations will enable travellers to utilise clean energy when journeying across different regions of the whole country.

She noted that plans to add three additional stations in Morogoro by December 2027 will expand CNG availability, reduce reliance on a single facility, and encourage adoption among private car owners and commercial fleet operators regionally.

Consequently, Morogoro is expected to join regions expanding natural gas adoption in transport, providing local drivers with an alternative energy option offering significantly cheaper running costs and daily transport expenses.

Premier League predictions for matchweek 4 fixtures

The Premier League returns this weekend with 10 fixtures across Saturday, Sunday and Monday, headlined by the Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

Fixtures

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest

Bournemouth vs Brentford

Chelsea vs Hull City

Crystal Palace vs Ipswich Town

Liverpool vs Fulham

Tottenham vs Everton

Sunderland vs Arsenal

Coventry City vs Brighton

Manchester United vs Manchester City

Leeds United vs Newcastle United

Manchester City have won their opening three league games under new manager Enzo Maresca, while Manchester United have collected four points from their first three matches.

Arsenal and Liverpool will also be expected to strengthen their positions near the top of the table, while Chelsea face a Hull City side that have made an impressive return to the Premier League.

Here are our predictions for Matchweek 4.

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest

Aston Villa finally recorded their first win of the season with a 3-2 Champions League victory at Club Brugge and will hope to carry that momentum into the league.

Nottingham Forest have also struggled for consistency, making this a difficult game to call.

Villa’s home advantage could prove decisive, but Forest are capable of causing problems on the counter.

My wife, rather than being somber about her inability to conceive, went clubbing

Grade A Customary Court, sitting in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, has asked a couple, Kayode and Michelle, to go their different ways on account of irresponsibility, clubbing and excessive drinking.

Kayode stated that Michelle had proved to be irresponsible from the first day of their marriage, adding that she lacked all the virtues he expected to see in a woman.

The plaintiff explained that he and the defendant had been together in their marriage for five years, but that they had nothing to show for it.

According to Kayode, Michelle had been unable to conceive, despite various efforts and measures taken in an attempt to have a child.

He added that, to his chagrin, his wife, instead of being sad for not having a child, went clubbing.

The plaintiff added that the defendant went to club every day and always got drunk.

Kayode explained that the more he tried to make Michelle see reason, the worse she became.

The plaintiff stated that he could no longer bear the embarrassment caused by his wife’s behaviour.

He thus prayed that their union be dissolved.

Michelle refused to make an appearance in court despite been served court summonses.

Kayode, in his testimony, said, ‘My wife and I got married in April 2020 and I paid N25, 000 as her bride price.

‘My wife began behaving irresponsibly from the outset of our marriage.

‘I discovered she lacked the qualities and virtues I had expected in a wife.

‘I waited anxiously for months, hoping that she would conceive, but she did not.

‘We explored various options, both orthodox and spiritual, but all our efforts proved futile.

‘I expected to see my wife in a somber mood, but, to my chagrin, this was not so.

‘My wife took to clubbing.

‘She spends her days at clubs drinking herself to stupour.

‘The more I complain, the worse she has become.

‘My lord, I can no longer stomach my wife’s shameful behaviour, which was why I came to court.

‘I pray this honourable court to dissolve our wedlock.’

The president of the court, Mrs S.M. Akintayo, stated that both parties had a valid customary marriage because the bride price was paid.

She added that it was obvious and convincing through the plaintiff’s evidence which was not contradicted that both cannot live together any longer as husband and wife.

Akintayo added that their relationship had obviously gone sour.

She further said that the plaintiff had proved his case and entitled to the relief sought from the court.

Ruling, Akintayo declared their union dissolved.

According to her, both parties cease to be husband and wife.

Suga meets Sugar Ray Leonard, the boxing legend behind his BTS stage name

BTS member Suga has finally come face to face with the boxing legend behind his stage name, Sugar Ray Leonard.

Leonard, the five-time world champion and 1976 Olympic gold medalist, shared a photo with Suga on Instagram on Thursday, Sept. 11, after attending BTS’ concert at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

In the photo, the two posed side by side with their fists raised, mirroring a boxer’s stance.

‘Still smiling from this unforgettable night in Los Angeles. Getting to meet SUGA of BTS was such a special moment,’ Leonard wrote in the caption. He described the K-pop star as ‘kind, humble, and down-to-earth’ and said watching BTS perform with his family made the night one they would not forget.

The two also exchanged signed memorabilia. Leonard gave Suga a pair of autographed boxing gloves, while Suga presented the boxing icon with a signed copy of his 2023 album ‘D-Day.’

The meeting came months after Suga revealed that Leonard was the inspiration behind his stage name.

In an April interview for WIRED’s Autocomplete Interview, Suga corrected the long-held explanation that ‘Suga’ came from ‘shooting guard,’ a basketball position he has been associated with because of his love for the sport.

Suga said the name was suggested by HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk, who was a fan of boxing. He explained that Leonard’s name inspired ‘Suga’ because of the boxer’s technical and precise fighting style, which Bang Si-hyuk associated with Suga’s skills as a rapper.

The revelation eventually reached Leonard, who responded in an April Instagram post.

‘I’m grateful to know that ‘Sugar’ could inspire someone across the world in a completely different craft,’ Leonard said. He added that the connection was about more than a name, citing ‘the work, the dedication, and the love for what you do.’

Leonard, now 70, is regarded as one of boxing’s all-time greats. He won Olympic gold in 1976 and went on to become a world champion in five weight divisions during his professional career.

Maynilad, Manila Water to introduce last-quarter rate hike

Customers of Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water will pay more in the fourth quarter after regulators approved adjustments related to foreign exchange movements.

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) has given the go ahead for the implementation of the foreign currency differential adjustment (FCDA) during the October to December period.

FCDA is a quarterly-reviewed tariff mechanism that allows Manila Water and Maynilad to recover losses or return gains following movements in the value of the peso against foreign currencies.

The water providers have to settle foreign currency-dominated loans that are used to finance expansion and enhancement of their water and sewerage services.

Maynilad is allowed to collect an additional 24 centavos per cubic meters (cu m).

Those consuming 10 cu m or less will see a slight increase of 67 centavos in their bill. Customers using up to 20 cu m and 30 cu m will realize an additional P2.54 and P5.19, respectively.

The group is the water and wastewater services provider for the West Zone, covering 17 cities and municipalities in Metro Manila and Cavite.

Ready for El Niño

Manila Water, meanwhile, will have an upward adjustment of P0.08 per cu m, or a hike of P0.34 for those consuming 10 cu m or less. Customers with up to 20 cu m and 30 cu m usage will pay an additional 75 centavos and P1.53, respectively.

The firm serves the east zone network of Metro Manila, covering parts of Marikina, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, Pateros, Mandaluyong, San Juan, portions of Quezon City and Manila, and several towns in Rizal province.

Meanwhile, MWSS chief regulator Patrick Lester Ty said the two concessionaires have been strengthening their systems amid the threat of a strong El Niño, set to be felt by early next year.

‘So we assure you that the two concessionaires are prepared, and contingency measures have already been in place or are being prepared. And we are constantly improving our services to ensure that the proper services to the consumers will be provided,’ he said.