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2027: Olejeme charges Tinubu Torch Bearers on grassroots mobilisation

The national coordinator of the Tinubu Torch Bearers (TTB), Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, has charged state and zonal leaders of the group to work tirelessly across the country to secure a second term for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

Olejeme delivered the charge in Abuja during a capacity-building seminar for the group’s zonal and 36 state coordinators, held at the TTB National Secretariat in Asokoro.

The National Coordinator urged members to intensify grassroots mobilisation, noting that sustaining the administration’s reform drive is critical to long-term national growth.

‘Tinubu Torch Bearers must engage in mass mobilisation for effective participation. The harvest is wide and plentiful, so we need more labourers,’ Olejeme declared. ‘The harder we work, the faster we can reach the nation. Your hard work will speak for you, as the result will show.’

Olejeme highlighted key policy achievements of the administration, including the implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for vulnerable students, as well as ongoing fiscal and tax reforms aimed at improving the business climate and boosting investor confidence.

She described continuity in leadership as the surest route to economic stability and sustainable development.

‘The re-election of President Bola Tinubu means total economic liberation for Nigeria,’ she stated, adding that the administration remains focused on lowering public borrowing, reducing unemployment, and driving stronger economic growth.

She further mandated the coordinators to return to their respective wards, local government areas, and communities to preach the message of the administration’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.

Reaffirming the loyalty of Nigerian women to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Coordinator praised her for her active public engagement and service to the nation.

Also speaking at the event, the National Secretary of the TTB, Hon. Joyce Viyanto Antonza, commended the coordinators for their commitment and urged them to adopt a hands-on approach to the campaign.

‘Take the TTB project as your personal project by going door-to-door, doing evangelism, and spreading the good news of the Renewed Hope Agenda,’ Antonza urged.

Other key officials who addressed the coordinators included the National Organising Secretary of the TTB, Hon. Princess Gloria Akubundu, and Mr. Pius Olugbenga, who both called for unity and focused execution ahead of the 2027 polls.

LRI unlocks Rs. 2.26 b through strategic transfer of Unity Plaza investment to Lee Hedges PLC

Lanka Realty Investments PLC (LRI PLC) has successfully completed the strategic transfer of its 50.88% controlling stake in On’ally Holdings PLC to Lee Hedges PLC for approximately Rs. 2.26 billion, marking a significant milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy of creating a focused listed commercial property platform while enhancing financial flexibility across the Group.

Creating value through active asset management

LRI PLC acquired its investment in On’ally Holdings PLC during a challenging period for the commercial property sector with the conviction that Unity Plaza possessed significant untapped potential. Over Rs. 400 million was invested in renovating and modernising the property, upgrading infrastructure, enhancing common areas and optimising the tenant mix.

During LRI PLC’s stewardship, revenue increased from Rs. 181.70 million to Rs. 413.85 million, occupancy improved from 86.90% to 96.37%, retail rental rates increased from Rs. 332.53 to Rs. 966.73 per sq. ft. and office rental rates increased from Rs. 122.25 to Rs. 289.12 per sq. ft., demonstrating the Group’s ability to create substantial shareholder value through active asset management.

Delivering strong returns to shareholders

Including dividends of approximately Rs. 525.31 million received during ownership, the investment generated approximately Rs. 2.79 billion in cash value for LRI PLC and is expected to deliver an estimated separate-company gain of approximately Rs. 834.09 million before transaction costs, taxation and final audit adjustments.

Lee Hedges PLC becomes Group’s flagship commercial property company

The acquisition significantly strengthens Lee Hedges PLC by adding one of Colombo’s most recognisable income-producing commercial assets to its portfolio.

Unity Plaza has remained Sri Lanka’s leading technology retail and office destination for more than three decades, attracting consistent customer traffic, a diverse tenant base and resilient recurring rental income. Its addition enhances the scale, earnings visibility and long-term growth prospects of Lee Hedges PLC while creating an ideal platform for future commercial property acquisitions.

Strategic benefits for Lee Hedges PLC

Acquisition of a landmark income-producing commercial property.

Stronger recurring rental income and enhanced earnings visibility.

Increased scale to support future commercial property acquisitions.

Greater operational efficiencies and shareholder value creation.

Enhanced positioning as the Group’s dedicated listed commercial property platform.

Strengthening LRI PLC through disciplined capital recycling

For LRI PLC, the transaction releases approximately Rs. 2.26 billion of capital, substantially improving liquidity and creating additional financial flexibility to reduce borrowings, optimise the balance sheet and pursue new strategic investment opportunities.

Importantly, LRI PLC continues to retain an indirect strategic interest in Unity Plaza through its controlling shareholding in Lee Hedges PLC, allowing shareholders to continue participating in the future growth of this landmark asset while benefiting from a simplified and more efficient corporate structure.

Strategic benefits for LRI PLC

Unlocks approximately Rs. 2.26 billion in capital.

Improves liquidity and strengthens the balance sheet.

Provides capacity to reduce finance costs.

Creates flexibility to pursue strategic acquisitions and investments.

Demonstrates disciplined capital allocation and active portfolio management.

Continues indirect participation in Unity Plaza’s future growth through Lee Hedges PLC.

Lanka Realty Investments PLC Chairman Sarravanan Neelakandan said: ‘This transaction reflects the culmination of a disciplined, multi-year approach to asset management and value creation, while positioning the Group for its next phase of growth. By consolidating Unity Plaza within Lee Hedges PLC, the Group has established a dedicated listed commercial property platform with meaningful scale, recurring income and future acquisition potential. At the same time, LRI PLC has strengthened its balance sheet, released significant liquidity, and enhanced its ability to recycle capital into new investment opportunities. The Group continues to retain exposure to this iconic asset, while achieving a simpler and more focused corporate structure that the Board believes will support sustainable long-term value for shareholders. The Board acknowledges the contribution of the management team, led by Executive Directors Hardy Jamaldeen and Archie Warman, in delivering this outcome.’

This transaction represents another important milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy of disciplined investment management, active asset enhancement and capital recycling.

With Lee Hedges PLC now established as the Group’s dedicated listed commercial property company and LRI PLC benefiting from enhanced financial flexibility, both companies are well positioned to capitalise on future opportunities, expand their investment portfolios and continue delivering sustainable long-term value for shareholders.

Bradby 2nd leg: Trinity eye remarkable triple

In the end, it was a ten-minute hurricane that separated the sublime from the merely determined.

The first leg of the 80th Bradby Shield, played before a capacity crowd at the Royal Sports Complex on 11 July, was a contest that defied pre-match expectations for more than an hour. Royal College, entering the encounter after two comprehensive defeats to Trinity earlier this season, produced a display of resilience and courage that threatened to rewrite the script of the 2026 campaign. Yet, in a devastating 10 minute burst, Trinity College-the Lions of Kandy-shifted through the gears to secure a commanding 33-10 victory, placing one hand firmly on the Bradby Shield ahead of the second leg at Pallekele on 25 July.

The final scoreline, much like Trinity’s earlier victories of 58-26 and 48-15 this season, suggests a one-sided affair. The reality on the field was far more compelling.

Royal, led by the inspirational Disas Pathirana, threw everything at the reigning league champions. Their forwards, who had been overpowered in both the league meeting and the President’s Trophy final, produced one of their finest performances of the season. They matched Trinity physically and repeatedly challenged a defence that has been among the strongest in school rugby.

Trinity were restricted to a slender 7-3 lead at half-time-a scoreline that gave the Royal faithful genuine hope of reversing a season of disappointment.

For much of the second half, the blue-and-gold defensive wall held firm. Trinity’s much-vaunted attack, one of the competition’s most prolific throughout the season, was frustrated by Royal’s disciplined defence and determined tackling. As the minutes ticked away, the home supporters began to believe they might be witnessing one of the great Bradby upsets.

Then the Lions awakened.

With just under twenty minutes remaining, Trinity found another level. The patience that had defined their unbeaten campaign suddenly gave way to relentless intensity. The forwards laid a dominant platform, winning the collisions and quickening the tempo, while the backs finally found the space they had searched for all afternoon.

Breathtaking spell of rugby

What followed was a breathtaking spell of rugby.

In the space of ten minutes, Trinity tore the match away from Royal with a devastating burst of attacking rugby. Clinical execution replaced earlier frustration as wave after wave of pressure overwhelmed the home side. The precision, composure and attacking flair that had made Trinity the benchmark team of the 2026 season finally came to life, turning a fiercely contested encounter into a commanding victory.

By the final whistle, Trinity had transformed a tense contest into a 33-10 triumph, leaving Royal-despite an outstanding performance for much of the afternoon-to reflect on what might have been. The result gives Trinity a commanding 23-point aggregate advantage heading into the second leg.

More than simply a first-leg victory, it was another statement from a side pursuing one of the finest seasons in Trinity rugby history.

Remarkable triple awaiting

The Lions have already secured the President’s Trophy Knockout Championship and completed an unbeaten run to capture the Dialog Schools Rugby League title. Victory in the second leg would complete a remarkable triple and cement the team’s place among the school’s modern greats.

The statistics underline Trinity’s dominance. Throughout the league season they remained unbeaten, combining a potent attack with one of the competition’s most frugal defences. Their success has been built on an outstanding balance between power and precision. Forwards such as Abdeen, Jayah, Kumarasinghe and Achintha Jayasena have provided a formidable platform, while the backline-marshalled by fly-half Abdul Malik, scrum-half Wijekoon, Yaddehige and that great innovative game reader captain Shan Althaf-has consistently dismantled opposing defences with pace, vision and clinical execution.

Yet the Bradby Shield has never been governed by league form or statistics alone.

Royal College has long built its reputation on rising to the occasion when the Bradby is at stake. The rivalry has produced countless dramatic reversals over the decades and Royal will draw inspiration from both history and tradition as they prepare for the return leg.

When the teams meet again at Trinity College Rugby Stadium in Pallekele on 25 July, Royal will require something extraordinary to overturn a 23-point deficit. Trinity, meanwhile, needs only to complete the task they have begun and capture what would be another memorable Bradby Shield triumph. The expectations of the fans are overwhelming and a record score is what is aspired by Trinity faithfuls.

Should this exceptional group reproduce the composure, discipline and devastating finish that defined the closing stages of the first leg, they will do far more than lift another trophy. They will secure their place among the great Trinity sides-champions who conquered every major challenge before them and restored the Bradby Shield to Kandy in emphatic fashion.

The world of Trinity rugby now waits with anticipation.

Ise stool: Royal Family urges Lagos govt to approve Oba-elect

The Okuoye Royal Family of Ise in the Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, has appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the ongoing selection process for the town’s new traditional ruler.

It said all the required procedures had been completed and expressed confidence that the government would act in line with due process in approving the family’s nominated candidate for installation as the next Onise of Ise.

The appeal was made at an enlarged family meeting and press conference held at the family’s Igbekodo Quarters in Ise.

The family called on Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to ensure the kingmakers respect the outcome of the family’s selection process.

Speaking on behalf of the family, the Olori-Ebi, Alhaji Adeniyi Atere, and the family secretary, Idowu Adebisi Lana, reaffirmed that Prince Ekundayo Babatunde Lana, a lawyer, remained the sole candidate unanimously nominated by the family for the Onise of Ise stool.

According to them, the three branches of the Okuoye Royal Family – Ogunko, Oyafunke and Esulana – jointly conducted the selection process in accordance with the town’s customs and traditions before presenting Prince Lana to the kingmakers and the Lekki LCDA for ratification.

The family expressed surprise over reports that another prince was being presented as the family’s candidate.

Atere said: ‘There was never a time we selected or submitted two candidates.

‘Our position has not changed. Barrister Ekundayo Babatunde Lana is the only candidate chosen by the family.’

The family maintained that the selection followed the required traditional procedures, including consultations and divination, before arriving at the final nominee.

They explained that 24 princes participated in the screening exercise, after which Prince Ekundayo Babatunde Lana emerged as the preferred candidate and was formally presented to the appropriate authorities.

Idowu Lana said it was unexpected that another contestant in the selection process was now being identified as the Oba-elect.

He stated that the individual in question participated in the screening but did not emerge from the traditional process.

He also claimed that the same person had already been selected as a traditional ruler in another community.

’A Share for Everyone, A Unit for Everyone’ launched at Monaragala and Batticaloa Investor Forums

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), together with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) has launched its ‘A Share for Everyone, A Unit for Everyone’ (Samata Kotasak, Samata Ekakayak) initiative at the investor forums in Monaragala and Batticaloa last week as part of an ongoing countrywide initiative to broaden investor participation.

The forums were held in Monaragala on 16 July at the Silanrich Hotel and in Batticaloa on 18 July at the FG Golden River Hotel. The forums attracted over 500 participants across both locations.

The ‘A Share for Everyone, A Unit for Everyone’ concept, developed by the SEC Chairman Senior Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara, aims to promote a shared commitment to creating wealth and value within a fair, efficient, orderly, and transparent capital market by ensuring broad and accessible participation for all.

Under this initiative, the SEC and CSE will conduct investor forums across the country to enhance investor education and awareness, while encouraging greater investor participation beyond the Western Province. Leveraging the CSE’s nationwide presence and growing interest in the equity market, the programme will provide investors with increased access to the Sri Lankan capital market through both stockbroking firms and unit trust management companies.

The initiative will also offer forum participants the opportunity to receive investment coupons sponsored by the SEC and CSE, which can be used to support their equity investments.

The Investor Forums opened with presentations by senior economists from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, including N. B. Janagan and Kasunka Herath, who provided a high-level overview of the country’s macroeconomic landscape.

The session also featured presentations by representatives of leading stockbroking firms, including First Capital Holdings PLC Vice President – Corporate Finance and Advisory Atchuthan Srirangan and HNB Stockbrokers Director – Sales Kapila Pathirage offering participants an overview of the capital market and its investment opportunities

Representatives from the unit trust industry conducted an introductory seminar on the operation and benefits of unit trusts. Speakers included Softlogic Asset Management Ltd., Manager- Business Development Kumudu Kekirideniya and Softlogic Asset Management Business Development Officer Mohamed Ashfer who introduced participants to the fundamentals of unit trust investing.

Both forums concluded with the highlight panel discussion and Q and A segment, which brought the diverse perspectives of the speakers and members of the SEC and CSE together to explore Sri Lankan equities. Panellists included the forums speakers as well as CSE Executive – Vice President Niroshan Wijesundere, as well as SEC Senior Manager of External Relations Sheena Goonaratna and Manager of External Relations Nimal Kumarasinghe.

During the investor forums, prospective investors were able to meet representatives from stockbroker firms and unit trusts to open accounts, with the first four-hundred participants being eligible to receive investment coupons gifted by the SEC and CSE.

The forums were conducted amidst a remarkable six-year growth in the capital market which saw the All-Share Price Index (ASPI) rise from 4,846 points in May 2020 to 22,310.80 points by the end of May 2026. This represents a growth of 360% and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 28.98% – with capital gains remaining tax-free.

NSCDC arrests telecom vandals in C’River

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Cross River Command, has arrested two suspects for allegedly vandalising telecommunications assets in the state.

The Command’s spokesperson, Orok Kinini-Iyeme, disclosed this in statement in Calabar on Thursday.

Kinini-Iyeme said the breakthrough followed intense, intelligence-led operation that led to the arrest of 24-year- old scrap metal dealer.

He explained that the suspect served as the primary receiver for stolen ATC Base Transceiver Station (BTS) equipment in the Odukpani Local Government axis of the state.

He also said that the arrest was made possible following an earlier arrest of the principal suspect, aged 23, on July 15, while attempting to vandalise an ATC BTS Facility (Site No. 630363 – CRO 165) at Odukpani Junction.

‘During preliminary interrogations, the principal suspect confessed to actively stripping the telecom site and selling the stolen components to a local scrap dealer.

‘Acting swiftly on this intelligence, the State Commandant, Okarazu Chima, directed the immediate deployment of a joint team comprising the Intelligence Department, CNAI operatives, and the Odukpani Divisional personnel.

‘On July 18, 2026, the operatives successfully tracked and raided the receiver’s enclave at the Odukpani Flyover bridge, leading to his immediate arrest.

‘During a thorough search of the receiver’s premises, operatives recovered a massive black metal radio mounting frame, measuring approximately 4ft 2 inches by 4ft 11 inches, which was explicitly identified as the stolen ATC facility component,’ Kinini-Iyeme said.

According to Kinini-Iyeme, the receiver admitted to purchasing the items from the principal suspect on two separate occasions but claimed ignorance of their origin.

He said that the command was currently analysing statements from both suspects and has launched a massive tactical manhunt for fleeing members of the syndicate, including another receiver, as well as the syndicate’s primary financier.

Benue govt confirms one positive case of Lassa Fever

The Benue State Government has stated that only one of the 45 suspected cases of Lassa fever investigated in the state tested positive.

Disclosing this to newsmen on Thursday in Makurdi, the State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, said the ministry had investigated 45 suspected cases of Lassa fever during epidemiological Week 27, from 28 June 2026 to the date of the announcement.

He explained that although the peak transmission season had subsided, the ministry had deliberately sustained a high level of vigilance, noting that Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria and sporadic cases could occur at any time.

According to the commissioner, ‘During the period under review, the ministry investigated forty-five suspected cases of Lassa fever covering epidemiological Week 27, and laboratory analysis confirmed only one positive case, while the remaining suspected cases tested negative.’

Dr Ogwuche, however, announced that no Lassa fever-related deaths had been recorded during the reporting period, describing the outcome as evidence of the effectiveness of the state’s disease surveillance system, prompt response mechanisms and improved clinical management.

The commissioner attributed the encouraging progress to the visionary leadership and unwavering commitment of the state Governor, Hyacinth Alia, whose administration, he said, had continued to prioritise investments in the health sector through strengthened disease surveillance, improved emergency preparedness, enhanced healthcare service delivery and strategic partnerships aimed at protecting the lives of the people of the state.

He stated that the ministry had sustained a comprehensive response strategy to prevent any resurgence of the disease. The measures included continuous surveillance and prompt reporting of suspected cases, rapid laboratory investigation and confirmation, and strengthened infection prevention and control practices in both public and private health facilities.

He listed other measures as regular training and mentoring of healthcare workers, sustained public enlightenment on environmental sanitation, food hygiene and rodent control, as well as close collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and other development partners.

Dr Ogwuche further disclosed that the ministry had intensified community engagement through traditional rulers, religious leaders, community volunteers and the media to promote preventive practices, encourage early health-seeking behaviour and strengthen public awareness of Lassa fever prevention and control.

He assured the people of the state that the present administration remained resolute in its commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of every citizen through sustained investments in disease prevention, surveillance, emergency preparedness and rapid response systems.

The commissioner further assured residents that health facilities across the state remained adequately equipped and prepared to respond swiftly to any suspected case.

He, however, urged residents to complement government efforts by maintaining good environmental sanitation, storing food properly to prevent contamination by rodents, avoiding contact with rodents and their excreta, and promptly reporting to the nearest health facility if they experienced symptoms such as persistent fever, weakness, sore throat, vomiting or unexplained bleeding.

He emphasised that early diagnosis and prompt treatment remained the most effective means of improving survival and preventing the spread of Lassa fever.

Talent alone is not enough for lasting success – Ramsey Nouah

Veteran Nollywood actor, Ramsey Nouah has said talent alone is not enough to build a successful career, stressing that discipline and consistency are what help people achieve long-term success.

Speaking in an interview shared on Instagram on Tuesday, the 55-year-old actor reflected on his career in the film industry, saying many people often confuse fame with success without recognising the work that happens behind the scenes.

‘I’ve come to know and learn that talent is not enough. Discipline is what actually keeps you consistent when inspiration fails you,’ Nouah said.

He noted that while people often admire the public side of success, they rarely see the effort, sacrifices and challenges involved.

‘A lot of people assume that success is like giving, but it’s not. They never see the work, the effort, the doubts and everything behind the scenes,’ he said.

‘They usually don’t see it, and they always think that when you’re famous, you’re successful already. That’s what it means, that’s what it takes.’

Responding to a question about whether achieving success is harder than maintaining it, Nouah said consistency matters more because success can be temporary.

‘Success is a given, but it can happen just once. Consistency is what really matters, consistency. And for you to be consistent, you need discipline,’ he added.

Nouah has spent more than three decades in Nollywood, building a career as an actor, director and producer.

His works include Living in Bondage as a director and producer, while he has also starred in productions such as Netflix’s Blood Sisters.

LTV limits to remain for vehicle imports: CBSL

Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe yesterday said the loan-to-value (LTV) restrictions on lending for motor vehicles and gold-backed loans will remain in place as macroprudential measures.

Responding to a question on whether the expected moderation in vehicle import of the vehicle import surcharge or would depend on the continuation of the tighter LTV limits, he said there is no indication that the Government intends to change or suspend the surcharge.

Dr. Weerasinghe also clarified that the surcharge is a policy decision of the Finance Ministry.

‘The CBSL cannot commit to whether the surcharge will be retained or removed, as any decision would be made by the Finance Ministry in consultation with the CBSL,’ he added.

However, he said the continued LTV limits is a measure intended to promote prudent lending practices among banks and finance companies, strengthen risk management, and help safeguard financial system stability.

Delta govt warns job seekers against fraud as scammers exploit health ministry recruitment

Delta State Government has warned job seekers to beware of fraudsters exploiting the ongoing recruitment of about 700 personnel into the Ministry of Health by extorting money from unsuspecting applicants with false promises of securing employment.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, raised the alarm in a disclaimer issued on Thursday, revealing that the fraudsters have been impersonating him on Facebook, WhatsApp and other social media platforms to deceive members of the public.

According to the commissioner, the syndicate is using fake social media accounts and the WhatsApp number 07055502867 to falsely claim they are acting on his behalf while demanding payments in exchange for purported appointments into the Delta State Civil Service and other government agencies.

Onojaeme categorically denied any connection with the phone number, stressing that it does not belong to him.

He also dismissed claims by the fraudsters that his official telephone line had been hacked, describing the allegation as a deliberate attempt to lend credibility to their fraudulent activities.

The commissioner emphasized that neither he nor the Ministry of Health requests or accepts money from anyone in exchange for employment or any other government service.

He explained that recruitment into the Delta State Civil Service, including the Ministry of Health, is conducted strictly through established government procedures that are transparent, merit-based and free of any form of financial inducement.

Onojaeme urged members of the public to disregard calls, text messages and social media communications from individuals claiming to represent him or offering employment opportunities in return for money.

He warned that anyone who transacts with such individuals does so at their own risk.

The commissioner further advised residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious recruitment-related communication or fraudulent activities to the nearest law enforcement agency or other relevant security authorities for investigation.

He assured the public that the Ministry of Health is collaborating with security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those behind the scam.

Onojaeme reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring transparency in the ongoing recruitment exercise and protecting members of the public from criminal elements seeking to exploit job seekers.