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420-year-old Oyo palace tortoise, Baba, dies

The ancient palace of the Alaafin of Oyo has lost one of its most revered relics.

Baba, the 420-year-old tortoise believed to be the oldest animal in Yorubaland, died on Monday after a brief illness. He has since been buried inside the palace.

Confirming his death, the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo, Bode Durojaiye, said Oyo has lost a part of its oral history.

He said Baba fell ill on Monday, refused to eat and died hours later.

‘In Oyo, Baba was regarded as the oldest indigene. It was the Alaafin’s most besotted pet. The incumbent paramount ruler met it in the palace, as Baba was nourished by a succession of kings, who inherited him as part of the relics of their ancestors. Baba was more than a tortoise in status. He represented a part of the oral history of the Yoruba race. Now, the Alaafin has lost an ageless companion.

‘On Monday, Baba fell ill, just a little sickness and couldn’t eat anymore. Then he died. Just like that.

‘Baba was not just a reptile. In life, he was venerated and celebrated. His abode inside the Alaafin’s palace was a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from far and near who trooped to Oyo to see the ageless creature.

‘He was fondly called Baba because of his length of years. No one dared call him by his name, hence the adoption of Baba, indicating that he was regarded as a male elder.’

Strong and friendly, Baba was said to be the reason many people visited the ancient palace.

Oral history revealed that Baba was brought from Oyo-Ile, the seat of the old Oyo Empire, to the present palace in Oyo town. He outlived many Alaafins, serving as a living relic inherited by successive kings.

While alive, two palace officials were specially assigned to cater to his well-being. His favourite meals were watermelon, corn pap wrapped in leaves, and grass.

The death of Baba recalls the culture captured by Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, in his classic play, Death and the King’s Horseman, where he wrote about the connection between the world of the living, the world of the dead and the world of the unborn.

In the play, based on real events, Soyinka narrated how it was a norm for the Elesin Oba, the king’s horseman, the king’s horse and the king’s dog to die in a suicide ritual after the king’s passing to serve him in the afterlife.

But Baba, unlike the horseman, the horse and the dog, defied that tradition. He connected the three worlds, outlived many kings, and remained a symbol of continuity in the Oyo Kingdom.

According to the statement by the palace, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade I, who met Baba in the palace on his ascension to the throne, is said to be making plans to preserve the remains of the ancient tortoise for posterity, to give it a chance to remain for another century.

Grab takes the reins of fintech Atome Financial

Grab is deepening its push into financial services with a $1.49-billion deal to acquire a controlling stake in Atome Financial, the Singapore-based buy now, pay later (BNPL) fintech that operates in the Philippines and four other Southeast Asian markets.

On Tuesday, Grab said it would acquire a 60-percent equity interest in Atome Financial all in cash. Of the amount, $260 million will be injected as fresh growth capital.

This would bring Atome’s BNPL, consumer cash loans, cards and digital lending businesses into Grab’s growing financial services portfolio. This already spans payments, digital banking, lending and insurance.

Atome operates in the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, serving 25 million cumulative transacted users.

Although both companies operate across the same five markets, Grab said they have minimal product overlap.

The acquisition is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Atome’s management team will remain at the helm of the business.

‘The proposed transaction accelerates the growth and profitability of our financial services segment by deepening our consumer lending capabilities and unlocking opportunities for us to serve Atome’s large merchant network,’ said Alex Hungate, president and COO of Grab.

I will not stop going after the corrupt – Panfilo Lacson

Sen. Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson reiterated his disdain for corrupt officials on Thursday, stressing that he will not stop going after them.

‘Mula law enforcement hanggang Senado, napakababa ng tolerance ko sa mga corrupt. I am always consistent in this regard. Talagang hindi ko sila tatantanan,’ Lacson said in a social media post.

(From law enforcement to the Senate, I have a very low tolerance for the corrupt. I am always consistent in this regard. I will definitely not stop going after them.)

In a separate statement, Lacson noted that among his anti-corruption initiatives is his team’s recent submission of ‘several pieces of evidence they have gathered so far on the illegal reclamation and infrastructure projects in Taguig City.’

Taguig City is the turf of his fellow lawmakers, Senators Pia and Alan Peter Cayetano.

Though he did not name names, Lacson made the remark only a day after Sen. Pia Cayetano expressed fear for her liberty after her recent trip to Singapore was closely monitored by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

She also noted that even in the Senate there is a ‘colleague that endlessly goes after them,’ though not specifying the senator she was referring to.

Sen. Pia Cayetano flew to Singapore to support national athletes, and was joined by her brother whose budget insertions for infrastructure projects in Taguig were the focus of Lacson’s investigations.

The NBI is likewise probing into the supposed irregularities of the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games organized by the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee, which was chaired by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano

National chess teams enter Olympiad second round

The second-round games of the 46th World Chess Olympiad, being held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, will take place on September 17.

Azerbaijan’s men’s national team will face the Philippines in this round. The team consists of Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Rauf Mamedov, Aydin Suleymanli, Mahammad Muradli and Eltaj Safarli.

The women’s national team will take on Denmark. The Azerbaijani lineup includes Ulviyya Fataliyeva, Gunay Mammadzada, Govhar Beydullayeva, Khanim Balajayeva and Gulnar Mammadova.

In the first round, Azerbaijan’s men’s team defeated Morocco 4-0, while the women’s team beat Guatemala 4-0.

The World Chess Olympiad, held under the Swiss system over 11 rounds, will conclude on September 27.

A total of 1,032 chess players representing 208 teams are taking part in the Olympiad.

Thai flight capacity posts slight recovery in September

Thailand’s regional ranking for airline seats surged from third to second place this month, even as the country’s largest low-cost carrier Thai AirAsia continued to slash flights, according to OAG, an aviation intelligence and analytics company.

Amid the prolonged Middle East war, Southeast Asia’s flight capacity in September increased by 2% year-on-year to 48 million seats.

Thailand regained its No.2 slot for capacity with 6.61 million seats this month, down by 0.2% year-on-year, while Vietnam reported a 9.2% increase to 6.35 million seats.

In August, Thailand registered 7.19 million seats, dropping to third, as Vietnam posted 7.27 million seats.

Regionally, international flights accounted for 55% of total seats or 26.5 million, up by 0.7%.

CY-Alert notifies mobile phone users over weather warning for thunderstorms

Mobile phone users across Cyprus received a notification from CY-Alert, the national public warning system, at 6:52 p.m. Thursday, informing them of a yellow weather warning issued earlier by the Department of Meteorology. The warning will be in effect from 9 p.m. Thursday until 5 p.m. Friday (local time).

According to the Department of Meteorology, a weather system located west of Cyprus and accompanied by an organized band of rain and thunderstorms is expected to gradually affect the island from tonight.

Occasionally, isolated severe thunderstorms are expected, initially over the western half of the island and gradually in other areas as well.

Rainfall intensity may range between 35 and 55 millimeters per hour, while hail and strong wind gusts of up to 8 Beaufort may occur locally.

Stronger families can build better society, says HOD Comedian

The family unit can contribute to building a more connected, safe and responsible society by nurturing love, communication, support and shared values, the organiser of Family Fiesta with HOD Comedian 2026, Emmanuel Inyang, popularly known as HOD, has said.

Inyang said the family remains one of the foundations of a healthy society, stressing that when families create opportunities to connect, communicate, love, play and grow together, they build stronger relationships and positive experiences that can extend into the wider community.

He spoke ahead of the Family Fiesta with HOD Comedian 2026, a family entertainment experience scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Golden Court Hotel Open Space, 36 Ibiwoye, Liberty Estate, Ago Palace Way, Lagos.

According to Inyang, the motivation behind Family Fiesta is to create a safe, joyful and engaging platform where families can reconnect, strengthen their bonds, promote positive family values and create lasting memories through shared experiences.

He said the programme would also provide an opportunity for brands and communities to connect meaningfully with families in an authentic, experience-driven environment.

Inyang said the importance of the family unit in society could not be overlooked, describing it as one of the foundations of a healthy society.

‘When families have opportunities to connect, communicate, love, play and grow together, they create stronger relationships and positive experiences that can extend into the wider community. Family Fiesta exists to provide one of those opportunities,’ he said.

He further explained that the family is where many of the values that shape how people interact with the wider society are nurtured.

‘When families make time to love, communicate, support and grow together, they can contribute to a more connected, safe and responsible society,’ he said.

According to him, Family Fiesta 2026, themed ‘My Family and I: Laugh, Love and Bond,’ will bring families together for a day of comedy, music, dance, outdoor games, fun, fitness and bonding.

He disclosed the event is expected to feature top Nigerian entertainers and talents, including Iyanya, Kaffy, Aproko Doctor, MistyDence, DJ Uzzy, ViemTalks and Kenzy African Boy, among many others.

He said Golden Court Hotel is the official Hospitality and Venue Sponsor of the event.

Inyang said he expected Family Fiesta Season 2 to go beyond being an entertainment event, expressing hope that it would become a memorable platform for strengthening families and creating lasting memories.

‘Overall, my expectation is that Family Fiesta Season 2 will go beyond being just an entertainment event. I expect it to become a memorable platform that strengthens families, creates lasting memories and demonstrates the importance of spending quality time together,’ he said.

The event is designed to bring families together in an environment where they can relax, have fun and share meaningful experiences while reinforcing the value of family bonding.

Filipinas to ignite charge

For Team Philippines, the 20th Asian Games hasn’t been much fun. Not yet, anyway.

Gilas – dethroned in men’s basketball before the opening ceremony even happens. The men’s soccer team – welcomed back to the Asiad after a long absence with a thumping. Alas Pilipinas – battered in its volleyball opener.

The only win on the board so far? Gilas over Kazakhstan – one that won’t even matter in the end.

But there’s a glimmer, and it’s coming from the Filipinas.

In Monday’s opening salvo, the youth-laden Philippine women’s football team showed its character and big fight in saving a point against ball-dominant Uzbekistan.

Now the Filipinas need to bare their fangs more against Hong Kong – the lowest-ranked side in Group G – to crank up their drive for the quarterfinals in Gifu.

The Top 2 teams in Group G as well as the two best third-placers across the three groups will march into the KO stage and heading into Day 2 match, the Pinay booters share second with the Uzbeks at one point behind China (three points after its 4-0 opening shutout of HK).

While Uzbekistan faces the mighty Chinese in today’s curtain-raiser at the Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium, the Filipinas get the relatively lighter task of aiming for maximum points and goals versus Hong Kong in the 6 p.m. (Manila time) main tussle.

But despite their 42-place disparity in the FIFA world rankings and the psychological edge of a 1-0 victory the last time they dueled at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in 2025, Mark Torcaso’s 39th-ranked charges aren’t taking HK lightly.

‘Hong Kong is a tough team,’ Torcaso said of their No. 81 opponent. ‘We need to be ready.’

Four days before, his crew survived rough sailing against the Uzbeks, who dominated possession at 64 percent, had 12 more shots and won five more corners with Mehribon Egamberdieva netting first blood at the 81st minute.

But sub Nat Collins, 19, saved the Filipinas from disaster with her equalizer off a defensive lapse a minute before the final whistle.

‘We showed passion, character and fight till the end. That’s all we asked the players – fight right to the end. A draw is okay, still,’ said Torcaso.

‘I believe that we just fight so hard for each other and we’re so proud to represent the crest and our Filipino culture in every and all moments that we have on the field,’ said Collins after her breakout senior debut.

China too much for Alas

Over at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium yesterday, the Alas belles found China’s Great Wall hard to scale, absorbing a 25-18, 25-22, 25-8 beating.

Despite the straight-set defeat, Alas Japanese coach, Taka Minowa, was satisfied with team’s performance, saying: ‘I’m happy.’

‘Good warm-up for us,’ added Minowa, husband of former UAAP star Jaja Santiago.

The Alas belles showed some fight in the first two sets but got buried by the Chinese attacking avalanche that sent China on top of Pool B and close to claiming one of the two quarterfinal spots.

The Nationals have not given up hope of crashing the quarters.

That will be possible if they can pull the rug from under the taller, bigger Kazakhs in their face-off at 12 noon today.

China was a team on a mission after being denied by Thailand another Asian Championship gold and outright qualification to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The Chinese vented their ire on the Filipinas, who entered as complete underdogs, hoping and praying for a miracle. It wasn’t answered.

Govt urged to finalise expo details

Nakhon Ratchasima: The provincial Chamber of Commerce has called on the government to finalise a clear timeline and master plan for the 2029 World Horticultural Expo, following the cabinet’s decision to relocate the event from Khong district to Pak Chong district.

Chamber chair Paijit Manasil said only about three years and two months are left for preparations.

He said the relocation necessitates restarting several key procedures, including the inspection and certification of the new site by the International Association of Horticultural Producers.

“It is crucial for the government to confirm quickly whether all necessary preparations can be completed in time for the expo in 2029,” Mr Paijit said.

He urged the need for a clear plan so transport, public health, irrigation and utilities agencies, along with the private sector, can coordinate infrastructure development and other preparations.

Additionally, the chamber proposed developing the original site in Khong as a long-term agricultural centre, rather than allowing it to go unused.

This site, which has already undergone some preparations for the expo, could serve as a central agricultural market for the Northeast, similar to the Marketing Organisation for Farmers, it said.

It could also function as an agricultural research and development centre, the chamber said.

The chamber also urged the government to expedite infrastructure development, particularly for rail links.

They anticipate the expo will attract at least 3 million visitors and are advocating for the high-speed railway to begin operations by late 2029, earlier than the current target of 2030, to improve access to the province.

CRICKET-WCPL-TOSS/TEAMS Trinbago Knight Riders Women win toss, batting vs Guyana Amazon Warriors Women – Final

The Trinbago Knight Riders Women elected to bat after winning the toss against the Guyana Amazon Warriors Women in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League Final at Kensington Oval here on Thursday.

SQUADS

TRINBAGO KNIGHT RIDERS WOMEN: Deandra Dottin (captain), Sushma Verma, Laura Harris, Marizanne Kapp, Madeline Penna, Jannillea Glasgow, Jahzara Claxton, Shikha Pandey, Samara Ramnath, Karishma Ramharack, Brianna Harricharan.

GUYANA AMAZON WARRIORS WOMEN: Chloe Tryon (captain), Realeanna Grimmond, Tazmin Brits, Eboni Brathwaite, Shemaine Campbelle, Nadine de Klerk, Erin Burns, Shabnim Ismail, Sheneta Grimmond, Chedean Nation, Shamilia Connell.