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FG deploys five electric buses in Kano to crash transport fares by 40%

The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG and EV) on Saturday handed over five electric buses to transport operators in Kano to provide affordable transportation for commuters.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 20-seater electric buses were handed over to two transport operators, Camel Mobility and Kano Metropolitan Transport Company, in Kano State.

Speaking at the handover ceremony in Kano, Ahmed Katuka, Manager, Assets of Pi-CNG and EV, said the deployment was expected to reduce transport fares for commuters by at least 40 per cent.

Katuka said the electric buses were in addition to the existing fleet of 14-seater and high-capacity buses already deployed to the state.

He said the initiative was part of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to promoting cleaner, safer, more affordable and sustainable transportation across the country.

‘This strategic intervention shows the Federal Government’s determination to accelerate the transition towards cleaner energy and modern mobility solutions while improving access to affordable public transportation.

‘The deployment is expected to significantly reduce the cost of transportation for commuters, with fares projected to be at least 40 per cent lower than prevailing conventional transport fares.

‘Beyond affordability, the initiative will contribute to reducing carbon emissions, improving passenger safety and comfort, and promoting environmentally friendly urban mobility.

‘This progressive expansion reflects our commitment to strengthening public transportation infrastructure, empowering private sector operators and ensuring that the benefits of the Federal Government’s cleaner mobility agenda translate into tangible improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians,’ Katuka said.

Responding after receiving the vehicles, the Chief Operating Officer of Camel Mobility, Ahmed Garba-Ahmed, commended the Chairman of Pi-CNG and EV for what he described as a wonderful initiative and innovation in the sector.

He said the electric vehicle sector was a large ecosystem and described the development as welcome, adding that the initiative would go a long way towards providing efficient transport solutions for the people of Kano.

Garba-Ahmed pledged that the vehicles would be put to use to ease transportation for residents of Kano. He noted that similar buses were already operating in Abuja, Lagos and other states across the country.

He appealed to the Kano State Government to provide dedicated corridors, bus stops, an enabling environment and adequate security arrangements to ensure the efficient operation of the vehicles.

On his part, the Manager of the Kano Division of the Kano Metropolitan Transport Company, Ahmad Rufai-Yusuf, said the initiative would reduce motorists’ fuel costs and, in turn, lower transport fares for passengers.

Wike hails Tinubu’s leadership at Dunamis bridge commissioning

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has cited the swift approval of Dunamis church pedestrian bridge eight-year-old application as evidence of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership capacity and commitment to addressing longstanding administrative bottlenecks.

Wike who spoke on Friday when he commissioned the pedestrian bridge built by Dunamis church along Airport Road Abuja recalled that the church had submitted its application for approval in 2018 but could not secure the necessary clearance until February 2026 following his intervention.

According to the minister the application which had remained unattended to for years under previous administrations was processed within a month after he drew the attention of relevant authorities to it.

The minister said the development underscored the importance of responsive governance stressing that government must be judged by its ability to identify challenges address them and deliver results that improve the lives of citizens.

Wike also emphasised that effective governance requires cooperation between the government and the people noting that citizens should acknowledge achievements while holding public officials accountable for areas requiring improvement.

Wike cautioned against what he described as uninformed criticism particularly on social media urging Nigerians to look beyond political rhetoric and assess leaders based on their actions and the impact of their decisions.

He argued that leadership demands courage commitment and the willingness to take difficult decisions even when such decisions may not immediately appeal to everyone.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting institutions and community initiatives capable of contributing to societal development stressing that purposeful leadership must translate into tangible benefits for the people.

The General Overseer of Dunamis International Gospel Centre Dr. Paul Enenche underscored the transcendent value of legacy community impact and stewardship over material accumulation asserting that humanity is remembered not by what it hoards but by the problems it solves and the contributions it makes.

Recounting the arduous journey behind the project the cleric expressed profound appreciation to the FCT Minister and the nation’s leadership for graciously granting approval for the construction of the bridge noting that the community had pursued the critical public asset for half a decade.

‘We had endeavored to construct this bridge for the last six years’ Dr. Enenche stated.

He said: ‘We made presentations and so forth but for one reason or the other it was not forthcoming until just this year the approval came and we are grateful for that which has happened’.

He revealed that when negotiations began with the construction firm the contractors initially argued that the project would require a minimum of six months.

However following a revision to four months under intense round-the-clock scheduling the project was delivered ahead of standard projections-a feat the contractor described as a personal record.

‘They were put under pressure they worked night and day and we give the Lord the praise’ he added.

Addressing skeptics who might question the church’s direct involvement in municipal and infrastructural development Enenche anchored the initiative in divine principles.

‘The answer is simple: God is love’ he said citing 1 John 4:8.

He said; ‘To be a messenger of God means to be a messenger of love. And the definition of love-love is about giving.’

Shifting focus to national leadership and public service Enenche admonished citizens and leaders alike to prioritise eternal value over transient gains reminding the people of the inescapable accountability awaiting all mortals.

‘Future generations will remember all of us whether for good or for bad’ he warned.

The pastor urged the gathering to live purposefully for impact and with eternity in view reminding them that life’s ultimate destination transcends physical accomplishments.

Brighton stun Man City with historic 1-0 Etihad win

Manchester City suffered consecutive Premier League defeats for the first time under Enzo Maresca after Brighton secured a 1-0 win at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

The defeat followed Man City’s defeat to Aston Villa last weekend, marking the club’s first run of back-to-back league defeats since August 2025.

Brighton’s victory also ended their long wait for a first-ever Premier League away win against City, achieved at the 18th attempt, and moved the Seagulls to within two points of the leaders. Third-placed Brighton strengthened their title ambitions with another significant result, having already beaten reigning champions Arsenal convincingly this season.

Fabian Hrzeler’s side also gained revenge for their League Cup exit against City on Wednesday. The Seagulls had twice taken the lead at the Etihad before losing on penalties, a result that left their manager frustrated.

This time, Brighton made their early advantage count, with Yasin Ayari slotting home in the 11th minute.

Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen then produced an inspired performance to withstand City’s second-half pressure and preserve the visitors’ lead.

Brighton were also dangerous on the counter-attack and could have extended their advantage late on, but Jack Hinshelwood’s effort struck the side netting.

City had won their opening seven league matches as Maresca made an impressive start to the demanding task of succeeding Pep Guardiola. However, successive defeats have checked that momentum and increased the pressure on the new manager.

The result also means Arsenal can move above Manchester City and return to the top of the Premier League table if they avoid defeat against Liverpool on Sunday.

October inflation could hit 3-year high of 7.1-8.1%

HIGHER prices of domestic fuel, electricity and transport fares could drive inflation in October to the fastest pace in three years and eight months, latest inflation forecast of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

In a statement on Friday, the central bank said it projects October 2026 inflation to settle within the 7.1 to 8.1 percent range.

‘Upward price pressures are likely to come from higher prices of domestic fuel, electricity, and transport fares,’ the BSP said.

These pressures, however, could be ‘partially offset’ by lower prices of key agricultural commodities, such as rice, vegetables, meat, and fish, owing to favorable supply conditions.

Should inflation in October hit the upper end of the central bank’s forecast range at 8.1 percent, this would be the fastest pace in the increase in the prices of goods and services since February 2023, when it reached 8.6 percent.

However, if inflation settles at the lower end of the range or at 7.1 percent, it would mean that inflation eased from the 7.2 percent in September.

In 2026, inflation peaked at 7.2 percent in April before easing to 6.8 percent in May, 6.4 percent in June, 6.2 percent in July and 6.1 percent in August. However, it peaked again in September-matching the 7.2 percent rate in April.

When the September inflation data came out, economists warned that the latest acceleration is becoming harder to pin solely on a few volatile items.

Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) economist Leonardo Lanzona earlier explained to this newspaper that inflation has become more ‘domestic-driven.’

University of Asia and the Pacific economist Marco C. Agonia agreed, noting that second-round effects are now emerging as inflation rises even in commodity groups without direct exposure to oil prices.

The sentiments of the two economists were echoed by Philippine Institute for Development Studies Senior Research Fellow John Paolo R. Rivera, who emphasized that inflation will be ‘harder to bring down quickly because the pressure is no longer confined to volatile food and energy prices.’

In earlier commentaries, bank economists warned that inflation is likely to accelerate further in the fourth quarter of 2026 and could peak in November.

No less than the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said at its latest monetary policy stance briefing that the inflation rate could continue to increase in the last quarter of 2026.

‘Maybe just to describe it a little bit, if our average inflation forecast for 2026 is 6.1 percent, and then the actual numbers so far for the first nine months of the year is about 5.4 percent. So that means that the inflation rate could continue to increase in the last quarter of 2026. The last print is 7.2 percent. So there could still be some increase in inflation numbers for the coming months, as well as going into the early months of 2027,’ BSP Deputy Governor Zeno Ronald R. Abenoja said on October 22.

In its statement, the central bank vowed to remain vigilant and guided by incoming data, particularly on inflation and growth prospects.

‘It will continue to assess the impact of the latest developments in the Middle East on the country’s inflation and economic outlook,’ the BSP also noted.

The actual headline inflation rates for this year were the following: January, 2 percent ; February, 2.4 percent; March, 4.1 percent; April, 7.2 percent; May, 6.8 percent; June, 6.4 percent; 6.2 percent in July, 6.1 percent in August, and 7.2 percent in September, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.

End-September NG debt swells to P19.66T, another record high

THE national government’s outstanding debt swelled to another record high of P19.66 trillion as of the end of September, with debt affordability and foreign-exchange movement exposures weighing on its fiscal strength.

Debt held by the government rose by 12.63 percent from P17.455 trillion in the same period a year ago, data released by the Bureau of the Treasury on Friday showed.

Of the amount, domestic debt accounted for 67.39 percent, while external debt comprised 32.61 percent.

The outstanding debt is also higher by 0.27 percent than the P19.606 trillion recorded as of end-August 2026.

Liabilities sourced at home inched up by 0.07 percent month-on-month to P13.248 trillion from P13.239 trillion.

Domestic debt increased due to the P7.66-billion net issuance of government securities, while the weakening of the peso against the US dollar put an additional P1.12 billion to the value of onshore dollar bonds, the Treasury explained.

Year-to-date, local debt surged by 9.34 percent from P12.116 trillion due to cumulative borrowing and valuation adjustments arising from movements in foreign exchange rates, the Treasury said.

Meanwhile, year-on-year, this jumped by 10.65 percent from P11.972 trillion.

On the other hand, foreign obligations grew 0.70 percent month-on-month to P6.411 trillion from P6.367 trillion.

The peso depreciation against the greenback has pushed up the peso value of foreign-currency-denominated debt by P40.12 billion, as well as the P9.27 billion net availment of external loans, the Treasury said.

Still, ‘favorable’ movements in third currencies against the US dollar partly offset the increase, resulting in a P4.70-billion decrease in valuation.

To date, offshore debt posted a 14.67-percent increase from P5.591 trillion as of end-December 2025.

The Treasury pointed to the P462.85 billion in net external borrowing and valuation effects from exchange rate movements amounting to P357.58 billion.

External obligations also climbed by 16.96 percent from P5.482 trillion in the same period last year.

‘We expect fiscal consolidation to remain broadly on track despite weaker growth and uncertainty surrounding proposed revenue measures,’ Moody’s Ratings said in its latest credit analysis for the Philippines.

Moody’s assessed the country’s fiscal strength as ‘ba2,’ citing weakening debt affordability, elevated debt burden and exposure to exchange-rate movements through foreign-currency debt.

‘Debt affordability will remain the principal constraint on fiscal strength, with interest payments projected to remain above 14 percent of revenue, compared with a Baa-rated peer median of around 9 percent,’ the credit rater said.

With more than 30 percent of government debt in foreign currency, Moody’s said this leaves fiscal metrics exposed to exchange-rate movements.

This, despite prudent liability management, a predominantly domestic funding base, long average maturities and a fixed-rate share of about 90 percent to mitigate refinancing and interest-rate risks, Moody’s added.

General government debt as a share of gross domestic product is expected to ‘stabilize’ at around 58 percent over the next two years, according to Moody’s, on a par with similarly rated peers.

This will gradually decline as growth recovers and primary balances improve, it added.

UNDASKO 2026 lights up traditions of love and remembrance

Now in its third year, Forest Lake’s annual UNDASKO celebration brought families and communities together on October 15, 2026. Combining Undas and Pasko, the initiative encourages families to celebrate life, remember loved ones, and prepare thoughtfully for the future.

Organized by Forest Lake Development, Inc., the Philippines’ leading memorial park developer, in partnership with Total Memorial Care, the celebration unfolded at Forest Lake Biñan in Laguna. The program featured ‘Habang Naririto Ka: A Celebration of Life for Ate Gay,’ followed by the Nationwide Christmas Tree Lighting across 42 participating sites and a free concert at Biñan.

‘UNDASKO 2026 brings our vision to life: creating places where generations of family memories are treasured, immortalized, and celebrated by the living. By bringing Undas and Pasko together, we allow families to appreciate those with them today and keep departed loved ones part of their Christmas traditions. Celebrate Life. Remember with Love. Prepare with Care. This message also reflects our commitment to personalized service: understanding what matters to each family, helping them create meaningful experiences, and encouraging thoughtful preparation as an expression of love,’ said Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, President and CEO of Forest Lake Development, Inc.

A highlight of the Biñan program was ‘Habang Naririto Ka: A Celebration of Life for Ate Gay,’ a living funeral planned and organized by Forest Lake. Unlike a traditional funeral, which takes place after a person’s death, a living funeral brings family, friends, and loved ones together during the person’s lifetime to share stories, express appreciation, and create memories with the honoree present. The person being celebrated can hear these expressions of affection, respond to them, and share their own gratitude, making appreciation a two-way exchange.

As each gathering is personal, Forest Lake offers personalized consultations to help families plan and coordinate an event that considers the honoree’s wishes, comfort, and privacy. A memorial chapel is the recommended setting for these gatherings, providing a space for loved ones to come together and celebrate the person’s life. Specific arrangements and services may vary by location.

‘As part of UNDASKO 2026, ‘Habang Naririto Ka: A Celebration of Life for Ate Gay’ gave a personal expression to our message of celebrating life. Forest Lake helped plan and organize the gathering around appreciation, relationships, and gratitude. More broadly, a living funeral creates space for someone to hear what they mean to loved ones and express thanks in return. Alongside the tree lighting and free concert, it reflected UNDASKO’s purpose of bringing people together to share meaningful moments,’ said Carlos Miguel V. Locsin, National Sales and Marketing Head of Forest Lake Development, Inc.

Later that day, Forest Lake held its Nationwide Christmas Tree Lighting across 42 participating sites. Lighted trees and Christmas decorations marked the occasion across its memorial parks, giving visitors a festive setting for the season. While the nationwide lighting took place on October 15, other Undas activities at individual sites followed their respective local schedules.

‘Across our parks, UNDASKO creates a welcoming Christmas setting where families can spend time together while remembering departed loved ones. The lighted trees and Christmas décor help keep them part of the season’s traditions. The nationwide tree lighting brought our communities together, while Forest Lake Biñan’s free concert added an evening of music and laughter. Each site’s Undas activities follow its local schedule, with the same commitment to a meaningful visitor experience and respect for families who come for quiet remembrance,’ said Gambi Dizon, Chief Operating Officer of Forest Lake Development, Inc.

At Forest Lake Biñan, the festivities continued after the tree lighting with a free concert featuring Ate Gay, alongside guests Henry G., AJ, Boobsie, and friends, with special guest AZTER. Admission to the Biñan tree lighting and concert was free, allowing visitors to enjoy an evening of music and entertainment as part of the UNDASKO celebration.

UNDASKO and Forest Lake’s personalized approach to living funerals reflects its vision: ‘To build a better place where generations of family memories are treasured, immortalized, and celebrated by the living.’ Through its Total Memorial Care offerings, Forest Lake continues to emphasize value, innovation, and personalized service, helping families create meaningful experiences and prepare for the future with care.

Nigeria has stepped up fight against insecurity – Defense Minister

Minister of Defense Major General Christopher Musa (rtd) has said that solving Nigeria’s insecurity requires informed policies credible institutions technological innovation and a comprehensive understanding of the human dimensions of conflict.

General Musa spoke yesterday at the TETFUND Center for Excellence in Security Management while commissioning CG Musa Security Management Hub donated to the center at the University of Ibadan.

The Defence Minister who disclosed that ‘the academia occupies a strategic place in our national security management architecture’ added that ‘the battlefield may reveal the immediate manifestations of insecurity but the university provides the intellectual environment to interrogate its causes evaluate responses and develop sustainable solutions.’

He hinted that insecurity is getting prolonged because it is becoming difficult to get the needed security weapons and ammunitions adding that Nigeria needs to begin to produce what she needs to end insecurity.

‘Our intention is to expose our local producers to foreign and international manufacturers so that we can continue to produce what we need or what we rely on. Why insecurity continues to be prolonged is that we do not produce all we need.

‘Most times when we go to buy even with cash at hand you can’t get them off the shelves. And now with the wars going on in the Ukraine Russia and the Strait of Hormuz it became extremely difficult buying as little as ammunition to use talkless of APCs. Since our local manufacturers are doing their best we need to escalate to an international level.

‘The security challenges confronting our nation have become increasingly complex interconnected and multidimensional. The threats we face continue to test our national resilience.

‘Equally concerning are the underlying conditions that sustain insecurity including extremism weak governance systems political manifestations and social exclusion among others. These realities remind us that security cannot be achieved through military operations alone. It requires informed policies credible institutions technological innovation and a comprehensive understanding of the human dimensions of conflict’

He furthered that ‘we will continue to encourage collaboration between defence institutions and centers of learning to ensure that our security policies and operational approaches benefit from research innovation and evidence-based analysis.

‘We have stepped up our game in the field and gradually improving the security situation. It is also important that everybody plays a part because it is a whole-of-nation approach if you see something say something.’

In his remarks the Vice Chancellor Professor Kayode Adebowale thanked the donor for providing a facility that the current and future generations will learn from adding that the university will ensure that the facility is made the epicenter of security research in Africa.

‘We hope and believe that this hub serves as the nexus for multidisciplinary research and serve as a convening ground for policy makers and academics. The facility must not become a museum of security artifacts but (must) be used to generate data that will guide the ministry of defense and our security agents’

The lead Researcher and Technical Officer at the center Professor Isaac Albert while thanking the minister for fulfilling his promise to the center tasked him to ensure that more funds are made available to the TETFUND Center of Excellence in Security Management to execute research and projects that will inform the right security policies.

According to Professor Albert it is also important for the security agencies to patronize the center and engage with its resource persons towards formulating and implementing the right security policies.

Earlier in his welcome address the Director TETFUND Center of Excellence in Security Management Professor Benjamin Aluko who thanked the minister for donating the building to the center urging Nigerians to purchase forms into the MSC and PhD Security Management at the University of Ibadan and begin to enjoy the best brains in the field.

Tinubu will secure re-election through performance record, faith – Yari

Abdulaziz Yari, director-general of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC-PCC), has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will secure re-election in January 2027, arguing that his administration’s performance and faith in God will help win Nigerians’ support.

Speaking with newsmen at the weekend, Yari, a former Zamfara State governor, said the APC-PCC would take its campaign to Nigerians, showcase the achievements of the Tinubu administration and convince voters to give the president another four-year mandate.

His comments followed Tinubu’s declaration during a media chat in Saudi Arabia on Friday that he had enormous faith in God to secure re-election.

‘I believe that Allah’s wish in His court must prevail. And there’s no other God but Allah,’ Tinubu had said.

‘Allah is the only one who can define a human being, what he will be, and what he will become,’the president added.

Reacting, Yari said the president’s remarks reflected his recognition of God’s supremacy and the need for divine guidance in determining the country’s leadership.

‘That’s what makes a leader, because when you ask him, he first prayed for the country, prayed for every Nigerian. He also said this election is one in which God has selected the person who will be a leader, and only Him can put a leader in place or otherwise.

‘So, in total, I depend on Allah to do it for him as He did it for him in 2023. But we must also work.

‘All the procedures we are undertaking to campaign, talk to people, convince them and show them what we have done and achieved will, by God’s grace, convince people to elect us,’ he added.

Tinubu hails EFCC as FBI backs Nigeria’s role in sextortion crackdown

President Bola Tinubu has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following a letter from the Director of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kash Patel, praising the Commission’s role in apprehending and extraditing suspects involved in international sextortion crimes against minors.

The FBI had written to the EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, acknowledging the Commission’s contribution to Operation Artemis, a joint investigation targeting criminal networks involved in the sexual exploitation and extortion of children, according to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information Strategy.

The operation led to the arrest and extradition of two Nigerian suspects, Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudasiru Afeez Olawale, in August 2026.

Both are facing federal charges in the United States.

‘The successful outcome of these cases would not have been possible without your assistance and dedication to international law enforcement collaboration,’ Patel wrote.

President Tinubu described the commendation as further recognition of Nigeria’s progress in combating financial crimes and strengthening international law enforcement cooperation.

‘This is the kind of institutional performance we are determined to build across our country. I commend the EFCC Chairman and his team for their professionalism and dedication.

‘Nigeria must never become a haven for criminals who exploit innocent people, whether at home or abroad. Our law enforcement and anti-corruption institutions have my full support to pursue offenders and bring them to justice in accordance with the law,’ the President said.

The commendation comes amid growing international recognition of Nigeria’s anti-corruption and financial crime reforms, including the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 and the European Union’s high-risk financial jurisdictions list in January 2026.

President Tinubu notes that these developments reflect his administration’s commitment to strengthening financial integrity, restoring international confidence and creating a more secure environment for legitimate businesses and investment.

‘Our fight against corruption is not measured by publicity but by results. Stronger institutions, effective law enforcement and international cooperation are essential to building a Nigeria where honest enterprise can thrive, and criminals are held accountable,’ the President stated.

He therefore urged the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies to sustain their efforts, assuring them of his administration’s continued support in protecting Nigerians, combating financial crimes and strengthening the country’s standing among its international partners.

Carrick’s Man United future in doubt after Chelsea defeat

Michael Carrick’s future as Manchester United manager has come under serious doubt after the Red Devils suffered a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea in Saturday’s Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge.

United missed several opportunities to take the lead before Morgan Rogers broke the deadlock for the hosts in the 50th minute.

Lisandro Martínez then dealt a further blow to Carrick’s side’s hopes of a comeback when he received two quickfire yellow cards. The second dismissal also resulted in a penalty, which Cole Palmer converted to seal the victory for Chelsea.

Winless in nine games, United remain just one point above the relegation zone and risk ending the weekend in the bottom three.

Carrick, however, said he expects to remain in charge for Tuesday’s Champions League fixture against Roma.

‘The two halves of football couldn’t probably be further apart,’ the United manager said. ‘We looked in a good place going into half-time and then found a way of unravelling it in the second half.’

Many had expected Carrick to be dismissed following United’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth last weekend. Instead, the former United midfielder was given another opportunity to turn the team’s fortunes around, but will rue his players’ failure to convert their first-half chances.

Carrick recalled captain Bruno Fernandes after leaving him out of the squad last weekend, following the midfielder’s criticism of his manager’s tactics during a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como.

Fernandes squandered an opportunity to put United ahead when he blazed over from Bryan Mbeumo’s inviting cross.

The roles were reversed when Mbeumo failed to stretch far enough to meet Fernandes’s delivery at the back post. Amad Diallo then had two efforts denied by Chelsea’s stand-in goalkeeper, Mike Penders.

United eventually found the net when Matheus Cunha turned Harry Maguire’s header from a corner, but the Brazilian was ruled offside.

Carrick made little attempt to hide his frustration during his half-time interview with broadcasters. His mood would worsen considerably after United’s disastrous start to the second half.