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LightHope debunks claims of deaths from fumes at Okrika jetty

… Described reports as ‘fake’

LightHope Succour Worldwide Initiative has debunked reports that 37 persons died, allegedly from inhaling suspected toxic fumes at the Okrika jetty mainland

The oil and gas services firm, while describing the reports as ‘ fake’, challenged originators of the report to provide proofs

Debunking the widely circulated reports in Abuja, Evelyn Williams said the reports from security agencies operating within the jetty have confirmed that no such incident occurred in the area.

In a statement made available to BusinessDay in Abuja, the organisation urged members of the public to disregard the report, as it is without foundation

‘Following the circulation of the report, the organisation undertook preliminary enquiries and sought direct clarification from senior authorities of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Army responsible for the area.

‘The three security authorities confirmed that no such incident occurred at Okari Jetty on the date in question’

The organisation said preliminary investigation has been unable to establish the veracity of the reported 37 fatalities.

‘The information obtained from the relevant security authorities instead indicates that the report is fake news and without credible factual basis’

The organisation also challenged the originators of the report to provide verifiable evidence supporting the claim, even as it also urged ‘media organisations to apply appropriate editorial checks before reproducing the allegation.’

It stressed that this position should not be misconstrued as a denial of the serious environmental and security challenges associated with oil theft, pipeline vandalism and related activities in the Niger Delta.

According to them, ‘ Rather, it is a call for accuracy, responsible advocacy and evidence-based reporting, especially when claims involve the alleged loss of dozens of human lives’

LightHope Succour Worldwide Initiative assured of its commitments ‘to the promotion of community welfare, environmental responsibility, public safety and credible advocacy in the Niger Delta’

BSP still tracking risks from ME war, weather disruptions

EVEN as the Philippines’s headline inflation eased for the fourth straight month, the central bank said it is closely watching the impact of recent developments in the Middle East and weather-related disturbances.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said this on Friday after the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) announced that overall inflation in the country eased to 6.1 percent in August 2026, from 6.2 percent in July 2026.

While lower food inflation led to the further easing of headline inflation, the central bank pointed out that average headline inflation for the first eight months of 2026 settled at 5.2 percent.

This was still above the full-year target of 3-percent and the tolerance range of plus or minus 1 percentage point.

Meanwhile, core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy items, likewise moderated from 4.2 percent in July to 4.1 percent in August, the central bank also noted.

‘Overall food inflation went down amid a more stable domestic supply, driven by the decline in vegetable prices and the slowdown in inflation for fish. By contrast, rice inflation accelerated, partly due to higher logistics costs,’ the BSP said.

Lower electricity and water rates moderated inflation for housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, the central bank noted.

The BSP said inflation in August was within its forecast range of 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent for the month.

Nonetheless, the central bank said: ‘The BSP will continue to closely monitor the impact of recent developments in the Middle East and weather-related disturbances.’

‘Going forward, the BSP will remain guided by incoming data and its assessment of risks to the inflation outlook,’ BSP also noted.

Cyprus’ Shipping Deputy Minister to visit Bahrain

Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis is set to visit Bahrain between September 5 and 8, following the official visit of the President of the Republic to Bahrain in January 2026 and an official invitation extended by Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Dr Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.

According to an announcement issued by the Deputy Ministry, during her visit, Hadjimanolis will hold a bilateral meeting with her counterpart, as well as a number of other important meetings with competent authorities and the country’s political leadership, aimed at further strengthening and expanding cooperation between Cyprus and Bahrain in the field of shipping.

During the visit, a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of shipping is expected to be signed, providing a framework for practical cooperation and the exchange of expertise and best practices between the two countries.

The visit follows that of Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications to Cyprus in October 2025, during which the two sides had the opportunity to discuss prospects for further developing bilateral cooperation in the field of shipping.

The Deputy Minister will be accompanied by President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Stavros Stavrou, and Chief Executive Officer of the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI), Zacharias Siokouros, who will also hold separate meetings with business and academic representatives, the statement concluded.

Inaugural ‘I See You’ gala on 13 September

Infinite Grace Foundation will host the inaugural ‘I See You’ Gala 2026 on 13 September at The Forum, Cinnamon Life.

The event is expected to bring together approximately 500 business leaders, philanthropists, diplomats, public figures, artists and changemakers for an evening created to entertain, connect and fundraise. 100% of proceeds will go towards supporting the Foundation’s islandwide work across mental health, education, prison rehabilitation and second chances, underserved communities and humanitarian responses. Tickets are priced at Rs. 30,000 per person, and the Gala will combine a five-course gastronomic experience with international and local entertainment, immersive storytelling, art and a live charity auction.

For companies, families and groups wishing to experience the evening together, tables of eight are available at a special rate of Rs. 200,000, offering an opportunity to host leadership teams, valued clients, friends or loved ones while directly contributing to work that continues long after the Gala ends.

At the heart of the evening is one simple question: What becomes possible when we truly see another human being? The Gala forms part of the Foundation’s ‘I See You’ Movement, which works to make mental health support more accessible through education, community programs, public conversations and practical support.

The program will feature Jeff Timmons, founding member of 98 Degrees, flying in from Las Vegas, USA, specifically for the Gala, performing live and joining an intimate conversation exploring identity, success, pressure and resilience.

Guests will also experience Dushyanth Weeraman, a 70-piece Junior Philharmonic Orchestra and Yasas, the Mentalist from Dubai, with a special experience exploring perception and what we do not always see.

A deeply personal highlight of the evening will be the official premiere of Stephanie Siriwardhana’s original song ‘I See You’. Born from her own journey of healing, the song became one of the catalysts for the wider ‘I See You’ national mental

health movement.

Guests will experience a specially curated five course sit down gastronomic journey, international and local entertainment, immersive storytelling and art installations, a Red Carpet arrival, and a live charity auction. The evening is thoughtfully curated to bring guests closer to the heart of the cause, even extending to the dress code: ‘Black Tie Glamour, with your interpretation of ‘I See You.” The evening is designed to move beyond entertainment and celebration, inspiring empathy, hope, and meaningful action.

The Gala is being supported by a network of Event Partners, including City of Dreams, home of ‘I See You’ JMed Supplies USA, Upper Class Travel, Universal Sounds; Coconut Rock Events; Flower Park and Kingsman Suits. The Foundation’s Long-Term Partners include The Optimist and Cha Organics, whose continued support contributes to the wider work of Infinite Grace Foundation and the ‘I See You’ Movement.

The Gala will help fund the Foundation’s ongoing work. In 2026, the ‘I See You’ Movement reached more than 675 children through its mental health curriculum, while its free Mental Health and Wellbeing Carnival in Galle brought together more than 1,500 people across approximately 36 wellbeing experiences. The Foundation also draws on approximately 12 years of prison rehabilitation and reintegration work and humanitarian initiatives, including support for approximately 1,500 families affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

Founded by Stephanie Siriwardhana, the Infinite Grace Foundation is built around the belief that every human being deserves love, dignity, purpose, opportunity and hope. Its programs are designed, wherever possible, to remain completely free and accessible to the communities they serve.

’I do not feel safe’: Sara Duterte arrives at QC court after arrest warrant

Vice President Sara Duterte arrived at the Quezon City Hall of Justice on Saturday, September 5, a day after a court issued a warrant for her arrest over a grave threats case, saying she does not feel safe and fears for her life and the safety of her children.

‘I have documented threats and harassment since 2023. I fear for my children. I do not feel they are safe if I am with them,’ Duterte said in a statement issued by the Office of the Vice President on Saturday.

‘Umalis na nga ako kung nasaan mga anak ko para pumunta sa korte pero pumunta pa rin ang pulis,’ Duterte said.

(I had already left where my children were to go to court but the police still went there)

‘I do not feel safe. Pakiramdam ko papatayin nila ako,’ she added.

(I do not feel safe. I feel like they are going to kill me.)

Duterte’s latest statement did not provide details about the threats and harassment she said she had documented since 2023. She also did not identify the police officers she referred to.

The Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 98 issued the arrest warrant on Friday, September 4, after the Department of Justice charged Duterte with three counts of grave threats under Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

The charges stemmed from Duterte’s online press briefing in November 2024, when she said she had hired someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos and then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she herself were killed.

The court set bail at P120,000 for each count.

Duterte earlier confirmed receiving the arrest warrant, which was issued by Judge Maria Angelica de Ramos and served by police at the Office of the Vice President.

The National Bureau of Investigation said Duterte could post bail even on Saturday. The NBI, like the police, is authorized to implement the warrant.

The warrant was issued as Duterte’s impeachment trial before the Senate is ongoing.

Her lawyers have argued that the grave threats case should be dismissed, saying criminal proceedings cannot be pursued against an impeachable official while in office.

The Department of Justice, however, has maintained that there is prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to support the three charges against Duterte.

Beyond Rank: From battle-forged cavalry officer to institution-builder

When the Kantale Tank bund breached on 20 April 1986, sabotage was widely suspected. Captain Milinda Peiris, then serving in the area, witnessed the disaster unfolding. As floodwaters swept across the surrounding region, he became involved in the emergency response, but also reached for his Yashica camera.

The photographs he took in the immediate aftermath would later help challenge speculation that the catastrophe had resulted from deliberate sabotage.

This is one of many little-known episodes brought to life in Beyond Rank – The Leadership and Legacy of Major General Milinda Peiris, a new 397-page biography by Kithsiri Amaratunga.

The book follows a life shaped by military discipline, tested by war and adversity, broadened through military diplomacy, and ultimately distinguished by institution-building. From the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps and demanding battlefield assignments, to Washington D.C., senior command and the office of Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, Peiris’ career unfolded against some of the most turbulent decades of Sri Lanka’s contemporary history.

Seriously wounded in battle in 1996, he survived a life-threatening injury and returned to active service. Such experiences allow Beyond Rank to explore more than military achievement: resilience, judgement, friendship, loyalty, gratitude and leadership under pressure emerge as recurrent themes.

Yet the biography’s central story extends beyond the battlefield.

When Major General Peiris assumed duties as Vice Chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) in December 2008, he entered a very different arena of national service. Under his leadership, KDU underwent an extraordinary period of academic and institutional development: its academic reach expanded, new faculties and degree programmes were established, civilian day-scholars entered the university, major infrastructure was developed, and the Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital became landmarks of a much wider vision for the institution.

It is this progression, from commanding soldiers to building and strengthening institutions, that gives Beyond Rank its larger theme. The biography asks what remains when rank, appointment and command have passed, and suggests that leadership acquires its enduring value through the people it influences and the institutions it leaves stronger.

Drawing on interviews, personal recollections, documentary sources and an extensive photographic record, Amaratunga places Peiris’ life within the military, political, social and educational developments of his time. A 41-page Pictorial Chronicle complements the narrative, offering a visual journey through significant moments in his personal life, military career and association with KDU.

Two distinguished assessments on the book’s back cover reinforce its wider significance.

General (Retd) G. H. de Silva, former Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and former Chancellor of KDU, who has written the Foreword, observes: ‘This biography deserves to be read by all who aspire to the highest standards of leadership and national service.’

Professor Rohan Gunaratna, Former Senior Fellow of the US Military Academy at West Point, draws particular attention to Peiris’ contribution to higher education. Describing him as a leader who placed Sri Lanka ‘on the map of academic and professional excellence,’ he credits Peiris’ leadership with raising KDU to international prominence as ‘the fourth-best defence academy in the world,’ and concludes: ‘A must-read on institutional building.’

Author Kithsiri Amaratunga, MPhil, is a former Senior Lecturer in English and former Dean of the Faculty of Management, Social Sciences and Humanities at KDU. His long association with the university provides the biography with a perspective combining documentary research with close observation of a significant period in KDU’s development.

Beyond Rank – The Leadership and Legacy of Major General Milinda Peiris is published by Vijitha Yapa Publications and is available at Vijitha Yapa Bookshops.

No tears at one month

Unlike her elderly siblings, my one month old baby is yet to shed any tears while crying. Kindly let me know if she is okay.

Lizzy (by SMS)

There are several medical conditions that are associated with decreased tear production or collection. Infants can become dehydrated when they are unable to feed well or are losing body fluids due to an illness. The first sign of dehydration is a reduced number of wet (urine) diapers. If ongoing fluid losses are not replaced, dry lips and an absence of tears while crying may be evident.

Sunken eyes, lethargy, or increased irritability are signs of severe dehydration that require emergency medical treatment. It is common for newborns to have a temporary obstruction of the duct that drains tears from the eyes into the nose. In most cases, the lacrimal duct is blocked by a membrane at birth that takes a few days to open. In other cases, there is a problem with the duct itself, usually due to immature development. This causes pooling of tears at the inner corner of the eye. At times, a white mucous may form that can be easily wiped away.

This differs from the kind of mucous that forms during an eye infection which is typically yellow or green. When the lacrimal gland fails to develop during fetal life, this can result in the absence of tears. This very rare occurrence can be an isolated finding or one component of another genetic disorder. Because of there is no lubrication from tears, the eye is prone to dryness and inflammation.

Other common causes of childhood dry eye are medications such as for acne or allergies and contact lens use. Some studies have shown that environmental allergens and pollutants can alter the amount of mucous or fatty acids in tears Most babies produce tears.

Look closely the next time your baby cries. If the eyes appear dry and irritated, contact your pediatrician. There are medical conditions associated with a lack of or a reduced amount of tears, but they are very rare. If you are concerned that something may not be right about your baby’s eyes, it is best to have them checked by a doctor.

August inflation eases to 6.1%, but analysts wary

THE country’s headline inflation may be easing, but analysts warned that the slowdown remains fragile as elevated rice prices and a weakening peso threaten to keep price pressures high in the coming months.

On Friday, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that inflation eased to 6.1 percent in August from 6.2 percent in July.

This marked the fourth straight month of slower inflation after it peaked at 7.2 percent in April. Average inflation from January to August stood at 5.2 percent.

Despite the slowdown, inflation remains well above the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) target range of 2 to 4 percent.

PSA noted that rice remained the biggest individual contributor to August inflation, with its inflation rate accelerating to 19.4 percent from 17.1 percent in July. Rice alone contributed 1.3 percentage points to headline inflation.

This was the highest rice inflation since July 2024, when it reached 20.9 percent.

Ateneo de Manila University economist Leonardo A. Lanzona said the latest figures suggest that the easing in headline inflation is being driven by a few softer components rather than a broad-based moderation in price pressures.

‘I would not yet call this an established trend-it’s a lull that could reverse quickly if either rice supply or the peso deteriorates further,’ Lanzona told the BusinessMirror.

Lanzona said rice remained a significant risk to the inflation outlook given its large weight in the consumer price index (CPI) basket, with sustained double-digit inflation in the staple potentially reversing the broader downward trend.

Food, fuel pressures

Data from PSA showed that food and non-alcoholic beverages remained a major source of inflationary pressure in August, accounting for 28.8 percent of headline inflation.

While some food prices eased, rice and other items continued to post elevated inflation.

Vegetable and tuber prices fell -3.4 percent in August after rising 8.4 percent in July, while fish and other seafood inflation slowed to 6.6 percent from 7.8 percent. At the same time, inflation in cereals and cereal products reached 14.9 percent, while fruits and nuts rose 5.8 percent.

The food pressures were accompanied by higher transport costs. Transport inflation accelerated to 13.5 percent in August from 11.9 percent in July, while housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels eased to 7.9 percent from 8.2 percent.

Lanzona said weakness in the peso could further compound inflationary pressures, particularly through fuel prices.

Because the Philippines imports much of its refined fuel, a weaker peso can raise the local cost of imported fuel and feed into transport prices, farm production costs, and eventually food prices.

‘Further peso weakness would show up in headline CPI almost immediately via transport and with a short lag via food,’ he added.

Pantheon Macroeconomics Chief Emerging Asia Economist Miguel Chanco likewise pointed to persistent global oil price pressures as a risk to the inflation outlook.

‘Oil-related disinflation in the housing and utilities, and transport components is still likely to be the over-arching story until the next of next year, given their excessive overshoot when the conflict started,’ Chanco said.

Bad weather, El Niño

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Lead Economist Emilio S. Neri Jr. said the August inflation reading may not yet fully capture the impact of recent bad weather and flooding, which could add to price pressures in the months ahead.

‘The latest inflation figure may also not yet fully reflect the impact of the recent weather and flooding, the effects of which could materialize in the coming months,’ Neri said.

National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa earlier said PSA’s provincial offices had reported price pressures toward the end of August, particularly in the final week, which could be reflected in succeeding inflation prints.

Neri also identified the potential emergence of a super El Niño as a major risk to the inflation outlook.

He said its full impact may emerge in the first quarter of 2027, with food prices particularly vulnerable to disruptions in supply.

‘Rice prices are particularly sensitive to adverse weather conditions, and rising fertilizer costs could further amplify the effect of poor weather on food supply by raising farmers’ production costs,’ he said.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, for his part, said the Department of Agriculture continues to update its El Niño response plan, including irrigation support, farm input assistance, inventory monitoring, and timely market interventions to help stabilize food prices.

‘Our priority is to strengthen the foundations of long-term price stability through improved food security, more efficient logistics, and targeted support for vulnerable sectors,’ Balisacan said.

Azerbaijan, Senegal discuss cooperation in digital development and innovation

Azerbaijan and Senegal have discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation in digital development and innovation.

Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Hasanov met with a Senegalese delegation led by Mamadou Lamine Diante, Senegal’s Minister of Civil Service, Labour and Public Service Reform.

According to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, the meeting focused on the current state of cooperation between the two countries in digital development and innovation, as well as work carried out under memorandums of understanding signed in December 2025.

The Senegalese delegation briefed the Azerbaijani side on the country’s agenda for the digital transformation of public services.

The sides exchanged views on potential areas for expanding cooperation, with particular attention paid to the digitalization of public services and the exchange of experience on Azerbaijan’s ‘myGov’ platform. Azerbaijan has been pursuing a transition toward a unified digital government system, with ‘myGov’ serving as the central platform for public services.

The importance of enhancing civil servants’ knowledge and skills in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity was also highlighted during the meeting.

The parties additionally discussed opportunities for cooperation in supporting startup ecosystems and promoting innovation.

The meeting was viewed as an important step toward promoting Azerbaijan’s digital solutions and strengthening international partnerships in the field of digital development.

From darkness to light: Tamilore Areola brings new hope to Imota

For years, darkness had become an unwelcome companion for residents of Imota, casting a shadow over homes, businesses and everyday life.

But that reality is beginning to change as Tamilore Areola Foundation steps forward with an initiative aimed at restoring light, opportunity and hope to the community.

Through a commitment to meaningful development and improved living conditions, the foundation is helping to turn a long-standing challenge into a story of renewed optimism for the people of Imota community in Lagos State, as it commissions seven 400 watts each solar powered streetlight for safer and night-time visibility.

Akin and Moyo Areola, the parents of late Tamilore, speaking during the commissioning ceremony, said there is no greater comfort than knowing their daughter’s name is being remembered not only through words but also through acts of kindness and initiatives that positively impact communities.

‘Five years ago, the foundation was established in our daughter’s memory, with the desire to ensure that her life continues to make a difference in the lives of others.

‘For us as parents, there is no greater comfort than knowing that her name is being remembered not only through words but also through acts of kindness and initiatives that positively impact communities,’ they said.

Besides, the parents explained that this year, they decided to mark the anniversary with something practical and lasting for the people of Imota. ‘During our engagement with the community, we became aware of the challenges residents face with inadequate lighting and electricity, particularly at night. We therefore felt that providing solar street lights would be a meaningful way to support the community.

‘Today, we are commissioning seven solar street lights, each with a capacity of 400 watts, installed across key locations in Imota LCDA; Topo, Atere, Itunnabo, Itunmaja, and Ebute-Ajebo. We believe these lights will do more than illuminate the roads, and hope they will improve visibility, contribute to the safety of residents and road users, and make movement within the community easier, especially at night,’ they emphasised.

Adebogun Oriyomi, coordinator of National Youth Council of Nigeria, and a community leader in his remarks applauded the foundation for bringing the initiative to Imota.

‘On behalf of the community, we are very grateful for this gesture. When we talk about development, sometimes it is the simple things that make the biggest difference.

‘A street light may look simple, but for a community like ours, having proper lighting in important areas makes movement easier and gives people a greater sense of safety, especially at night,’ Oriyomi said.

The community expressed delight that the foundation listened to the needs of the community and decided to respond in a practical way. ‘Today, we have seven solar street lights being commissioned across different locations in Imota. This is something the community will continue to benefit from long after Today’s celebration.

‘We hope this is not the end of the relationship between the foundation and Imota. We hope that this partnership will continue and grow,’ Oriyomi said.

Okelarin Gbenga, a leader at Imota Youth Development Association, representing the king, appreciated the foundation for lighting up the community.

‘On behalf of his royal majesty and the entire traditional institution of Imota, I sincerely appreciate the Tamilore Areola Foundation for this thoughtful intervention in our community.

‘We are particularly grateful that the foundation took the time to understand the needs of the community before deciding on the project,’ he said.

Gbenga emphasised that the issue of inadequate lighting is something the people experience, especially at night, and believe the solar lights will make a meaningful difference.

Besides, he said that the community appreciate the decision to spread the seven solar street lights across different locations and streets within the four quarters of Imota LCDA, rather than concentrating them in just one area.

‘This was important because it allows more parts of the community to benefit from the intervention and ensures that the lights are positioned at strategic points where they can serve residents and road users.

‘The lights will improve visibility and make movement safer and easier at night. We believe this is a project that will continue to benefit the community beyond Today’s celebration,’ he noted.

Hassan Taiwo, the NULGE chairman, representing the LCDA chairman, said one of the things that makes such a project important is that it responds to something people experience every day.

‘When there is inadequate electricity and poor lighting, people face difficulties moving around at night, businesses are affected, and there are concerns about safety.

‘The foundation has therefore done something practical by providing seven solar street lights in different parts of Imota. We appreciate the fact that the project is not only about the anniversary celebration but about leaving something behind that the community can continue to use,’ he said.

He encouraged the foundation to continue the good works, and called on other organisations and well-meaning individuals to look for ways to support communities around them.

TAF was established five years ago in memory of late Tamilore Areola, aimed at charity, entrepreneurship and health care.