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Okowa: Tinubu assumes office when his service was really needed, deserves second termc

Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, the South-South Coordinator of APC Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) said said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office at a time when his service to the country was ‘really needed’.

Okowa stated this on Sunday in Asaba when the national leadership of Working People United (WPU) paid him a courtesy visit.

The APC chieftain added that given the template Tinubu was applying in administering the country, the President deserved a second term to complete the process.

He listed state police, deregulation of the electricity generation sub-sector and subsidy removal among the reforms introduced by the administration.

Okowa also said NELFUND was among the critical reforms being implemented by President Tinubu to revamp Nigeria’s stuttering economy.

The former Delta governor noted that 1.6 million tertiary institution students have benefited from NELFUND since its activation by the Tinubu administration.

According to him, many students who initially dismissed NELFUND as a scam had enrolled in the scheme and were benefiting from it.

He urged Nigerians still doubting the programme’s credibility and sincerity to take advantage of the loan scheme.

‘I urge the citizens of the country to support Tinubu’s reform programmes, which are beginning to positively address some fundamental socio-economic and political issues,’ Okowa said.

He expressed optimism that Nigerians would soon appreciate the pragmatic efforts of the Tinubu-led administration to refocus the country.

Okowa urged WPU members to rally support for the government ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Earlier, Williams Akporeha, National Coordinator of WPU, said the group visited Asaba to inform Okowa of its objectives and inaugurate its Delta chapter.

Akporeha said WPU comprised public and private-sector workers, self-employed persons and artisans across different cadres.

He assured Okowa of the group’s support for his senatorial ambition, as well as the electoral victories of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori and President Tinubu.

The high point of the session was the conferment of the patron ship of WPU on Okowa.

Why 12.5% US tariff may be of little economic impact to Nigeria – CPPE

Despite the apprehension within the nation’s business space on the recent decision by the United States of America (USA) to introduce a 12.5 percent tariff on imports from Nigeria, the Centre for Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has said the development may be of little economic impact to the country’s, afterall.

The centre, in a statement by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muda Yusuf, on Sunday, argued that the impact of the tariffs, which also affected about 60 trading partners of the US, might be of little economic impact, from Nigeria’s perspective, since its exports to the US are heavily concentrated in crude oil, liquefied natural gas and other petroleum products.

Those products, accounting for more than 80 percent of Nigeria’s merchandise exports to the U.S., it stated, have been exempted from the tariff measures, leaving the bulk of Nigeria’s exports unaffected.

CPPE also noted that Nigeria might not be adversely affected since the US is not the nation’s largest export market.

Quoting Nigeria’s first-quarter 2026 merchandise trade statistics, the Centre noted that out of the total exports, which stood at approximately N21.6 trillion, exports to the US only accounted for 5.56 percent.

‘By comparison, India accounted for 13.09 percent, France 9.29 percent, the Netherlands 9.22 percent, and Spain 7.68 percent. The United States ranked only the fifth-largest destination for Nigerian exports during the quarter.

‘These trade patterns significantly moderate Nigeria’s exposure to the new tariff regime,’ it added.

The centre stated further that, while some non-oil exporters, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing, may experience reduced competitiveness in the U.S. market, the overall impact on Nigeria’s export earnings, foreign exchange receipts and macroeconomic performance is expected to be modest.

According to CPPE, the products affected account for only a small proportion of Nigeria’s total exports, while the dominant export category to the U.S. remains outside the scope of the tariffs.

It, however, described the development as reflecting a broader structural shift in global trade policy, which reinforces the trend towards greater protectionism, industrial policy and strategic use of trade instruments to advance domestic economic objectives.

The Centre, therefore, called for a stronger emphasis on export diversification, enhanced manufacturing competitiveness, increased domestic value addition and deeper regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

It also urged the country to sustain efforts at strengthening labour standards, improving supply chain transparency and engaging proactively with the United States through diplomatic and trade channels to seek clarity on the implementation of the new measures and minimise any adverse effects on affected exporters.

SAN vows to champion justice, ethical leadership

A legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Dr Monday Ubani has restated his commitment to justice, ethical leadership, nation-building, and service to God and humanity as he celebrated his 62nd birthday.

The public interest advocate equally took the opportunity to thank God over what he described as His enduring faithfulness, mercy, and guidance throughout his personal and professional journey.

The SAN, who just bagged a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from Babcock University, equally reflected on decades of service in the legal profession and the Christian faith, attributing every milestone in his life and career to God’s grace.

It would be recalled that Dr Ubani had occupied several prominent leadership positions within the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), including serving as Chairman of the NBA Ikeja Branch, Vice President of the NBA, and Chairman of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL).

Apart from his contributions to the legal profession, Ubani presently serves as Legal Adviser to the President of the Senate of the Assemblies of God Nigeria, in addition to providing legal advisory services to several corporate and charitable organisations.

Being the first Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Ikwuano in Abia State, Dr Ubani reaffirmed his dedication to advancing justice, promoting ethical leadership, and contributing to community development across Nigeria.

The legal advocate further expressed appreciation to his family, friends, colleagues, and associates for their unwavering support, goodwill, and prayers over the years.

He expressed optimism about greater opportunities to continue serving God, the legal profession, and society while making meaningful contributions to national development.

UNILAG makes U-turn, withdraws sexual harassment poster after public outrage

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has withdrawn its controversial sexual harassment advisory for female students following widespread public criticism, saying the publication does not represent the institution’s values and reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on sexual harassment and victim-blaming.

The university announced the withdrawal in an Information Flash signed on Monday by the Head of the Communication Unit, Adejoke R. Alaga-Ibraheem, on behalf of the university management.

According to the statement, the publication, which was produced by the Student Affairs Division and circulated on social media, has been withdrawn after attracting public concern and backlash.

‘We acknowledge that the publication was originally produced by the University’s Student Affairs Division. However, it has been withdrawn, as its content does not reflect the values, position, or standards of the University of Lagos.

‘The University of Lagos wishes to state unequivocally, and for the record that we do not tolerate rape or sexual harassment in any form, nor do we validate, engage in, or support victim-blaming or shaming. Placing the responsibility on victims or suggesting that individuals are to blame for being subjected to harassment is entirely unacceptable and contrary to the core values of our institution.’

The institution stressed that sexual harassment remains a serious offence that has no place within its community and should never be trivialised, adding that anyone can become a victim regardless of gender.

‘Sexual harassment is a serious misconduct that has no place in our community and must never be trivialised. We also recognise that sexual harassment is not gender-specific and can affect anyone. We, therefore, encourage any student who has experienced or witnessed sexual harassment to utilize the University’s official, confidential reporting structures to ensure immediate investigation and support.

‘The University of Lagos remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, equitable, and inclusive environment in which all members of its community can learn, work, and thrive.’

The reversal comes hours after the university’s Student Affairs Division issued counselling tips for female students on preventing sexual harassment and rape on campus.

Displayed on a roll-up banner within the institution, the advisory encouraged female students to adopt precautionary measures, with one of its most criticised messages stating, ‘Do not shake hands anyhow with any man.’

Other messages on the banner read: ‘Do not dress to kill. Do not shake hands anyhow with any man. Do not mingle carelessly with men. Do not stay alone with a man in a hidden place. Do not seek unnecessary favour from men. Do not join to watch pornographic film/pictures. Do not accept intoxicants and be vigilant when you are served with drinks. Do not give in to pressure – be assertive.

‘Learn to say no. One-time sex can cause you pregnancy; if you don’t want it, don’t try it.’

The Student Affairs Division had said the advisory formed part of its counselling efforts to educate female students on personal safety and ways to reduce the risk of sexual harassment and rape on campus.

BFAR launches ATIN-WPS, taps fisherfolk as truth bearers on PHL claim in West Philippine Sea

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has launched a national initiative empowering Filipino fisherfolk as champions of fact-based information and responsible public discourse on the Philippines’ claim in the West Philippine Sea.

Called the Alliance of Truthful Information and Narratives on the West Philippine Sea (ATIN WPS), the effort taps Filipino fishermen in recognition of their direct connection to developments in the disputed waters, being among the most affected by Chinese incursions in the area.

BFAR launched the initiative in a ceremony that gathered over 80 fisherfolk leaders from across the country, along with leaders from BFAR, the Local Government of Zambales, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the National Security Council (NSC), and other partner institutions. Together, they formed a united front to strengthen the role of coastal communities in promoting truth, maritime awareness, and responsible information sharing.

In remarks during the launch, BFAR National Director Elizer S. Salilig underscored the indispensable role of Filipino fisherfolk in asserting the country’s claim to the West Philippine Sea in the face of escalating tensions.

‘Our fisherfolk navigate the West Philippine Sea every day, ensuring our food security while anchoring our nation’s presence in these tense waters. Through ATIN WPS, we recognize their role as the true frontline guardians of our sea,’ said Salilig.

‘By equipping them with accurate knowledge and empowering them to counter misinformation, we are transforming our fishing communities into credible voices of truth. This is a vital step in safeguarding not only our marine resources, but the integrity of our national narrative,’ he added.

National Security Council Director Romeo Racadio, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of protecting the information space alongside the country’s maritime domain.

‘Just as crucial as protecting our territory, we must protect the truth. Misinformation and disinformation pose significant challenges to the nation’s interests, and fact-based narratives are essential in fostering public understanding of the West Philippine Sea. This is where our fisherfolk play a key role,’ said Racadio.

As part of ATIN WPS, fisherfolk underwent technical training that sought to equip them with factual, evidence-based, and legally grounded knowledge on the West Philippine Sea, enabling them to counter misinformation and disinformation as trusted sources in their respective communities.

The training included lectures on the legal and historical foundations of the West Philippine Sea, the 2016 Arbitral Award that favored the Philippines’ claims against China, maritime entitlements, responsible conduct at sea, and practical approaches to identifying and addressing misinformation and disinformation.

It highlighted the important role that fisherfolk play in ensuring that accurate and verified information reaches coastal communities across the country.

ATIN WPS is part of the Philippines’ whole-of-nation approach to protecting the West Philippine Sea by ensuring that coastal communities are active partners in advancing truthful narratives. The initiative is supported by the United States Embassy Manila’s Fish Right Project, demonstrating a shared commitment with BFAR to strengthen community engagement, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage the responsible use of accurate information about the West Philippine Sea.

Multiple hydrogen power projects started in PH – Marcos

The Philippines has begun its efforts in establishing hydrogen power plants to achieve energy security, particularly in off-grid areas, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said during his fifth State of the Nation Address.

‘We have begun to embark on the establishment of hydrogen power plants. Multiple projects are now in their pre-developmental stage in Marinduque, Masbate, Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan, and other potential areas,’ Marcos said.

The president has long advocated for alternative energy sources, including hydrogen power, which Marcos describes as ‘the world’s clean fuel of the future.’

In 2023, the Department of Energy began its push for hydrogen power research.

Marcos also shared that there have also been four service contracts awarded for the production of hydrogen.

He noted that hydrogen power will ‘serve as back-up fuel for our power plants,’ especially for rural areas.

Along with hydrogen power, Marcos encouraged Congress to pass the ‘Sariling Kuryente Act’ to simplify the use of solar power.

‘To make it simple, easy, and affordable to install solar panels and battery storage systems in their homes, I request the help of Congress to pass the ‘Sariling Kuryente’ Act,’ the president pressed.

DA: New sugar import strategy set for next year as domestic output lags

The Philippines will import refined sugar next year under a new system to plug the shortfall in domestic output without denting millgate prices, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the government will allow the importation of refined sugar in 2027 on the back of lackluster output, particularly for bottlers’ grade, typically used by beverage makers.

This, after Tiu Laurel maintained that there would be no sugar imports until end-November 2026, unless deemed necessary.

‘For next year, let’s accept the fact that we don’t have enough bottlers’ grade sugar based on our production, so we still need to import,’ he said in a recent meeting with sugar industry stakeholders.

‘But our new strategy is that we will reduce the projected volume needed to import by 20 percent […] we will only add more if the allowed quantity is still not enough,’ he added.

Tiu Laurel, who chairs the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Board, explained that this would deviate from previous sugar import programs where importation covered the entire estimated volume of shipments, which ‘slightly affected’ millgate prices due to an uptick in local production.

Meanwhile, the DA chief said the government would also take into account the imports of artificial sweeteners on identifying the allowable volume of sugar to import.

‘Now that the data on [artificial sweetener imports] is with us, we can see the total demand. If [imports] of artificial sweetener increases, we can adjust our imports,’ he said.

Under this new strategy, Tiu Laurel expressed confidence that the sector would have enhanced production in the next crop year: ‘I can confidently say that our next harvest will be better and our approach to importation will be more calibrated.’

The latest data from the SRA showed that as of July 5, the volume of raw sugar from mills fell by 11.11 percent to 1.847 million metric tons (MMT), from the 2.078 MMT recorded in the same period last year.

Unless the only mill that remains open for this season posts a significant increase in output, the Philippines will likely end the current crop year with 1.85 MMT of raw sugar, as projected by the SRA.

Industry sources said current lackluster demand and ample domestic stockpile does not warrant sugar imports at the moment despite the drop in output.

Watsons unveils ‘Watsons Evergreen’ with Pantone to celebrate 185 years of trusted care and everyday vitality

Watsons, the flagship health and beauty brand of AS Watson, today announced the launch of Watsons Evergreen, as part of the Group’s 185th anniversary celebrations.

To elevate its significance and create a consistent and credible expression across markets, Watsons partnered with the Pantone Color Institute, the world’s leading authority on color.

Combining Watsons’ rich heritage with Pantone’s expertise, the collaboration helped define and articulate a global brand asset that captures the essence of Watsons and its vision for the future.

A colour that brings the brand to life

Watsons Evergreen is a vibrant blue-green hue that symbolises everyday vitality, care and reassurance, reflecting Watsons’ purpose of helping customers LOOK GOOD, DO GOOD, FEEL GREAT every day.

As a distinctive visual identity, it creates a shared language that connects Watsons markets worldwide.

From Watsons’ logo and store design to merchandising displays, digital channels and Own Brand products, Watsons Evergreen has long been a familiar presence across customer touchpoints.

The Watsons Evergreen campaign will roll out across 16 markets, including Asia, Europe and the Middle-East, through a series of customer and community activations, as well as a curated range of products, reinforcing the brand’s long-standing connection with customers and communities around the world. Celebrating a heritage of trusted care

At the heart of the initiative is a simple belief: Watsons has always been there for customers and will continue to be for generations to come.

For 185 years, Watsons has supported customers in their everyday health needs, beauty routines and wellbeing moments, whether in-store or online. Watsons Evergreen reflects this enduring relationship, serving as a symbol of consistency, trust and care in an ever-evolving world.

Jared De Guzman, Customer Director of Watsons International, said, ‘For 185 years, Watsons has helped customers feel healthier, happier and more confident in their daily lives. Watsons Evergreen captures that role in a simple yet powerful way. By partnering with Pantone, we’ve transformed our iconic brand color into a global symbol of vitality, care and wellbeing that will connect customers across every Watsons market.’

Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, added, ‘Watsons Evergreen captures the essence of a brand that has stood the test of time while continuing to grow and evolve. It is a color that speaks of vitality and longevity, and of a deep, lasting connection to the customers and communities Watsons has served for generations.’

As Watsons marks this milestone anniversary, Watsons Evergreen stands as both a reflection of its rich heritage and a symbol of its forward-looking vision-uniting past and future in one distinctive expression of the brand.

PNP mobilizes personnel for relief ops amid Kiyapo, habagat

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has mobilized personnel and resources to support relief operations in communities affected by Tropical Storm Kiyapo (international name: Noul) and the southwest monsoon (habagat).

In a statement on Monday, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units are assisting local government units in rescue operations, coordinating with local disaster risk reduction and management councils, and validating casualty reports.

‘Our personnel and resources were mobilized and strategically deployed to assist in the relief operations for affected communities,’ Nartatez said.

‘We assure all our affected kababayan of the PNP’s presence to ensure your safety,’ he added.

Nartatez further said he ordered the police units in the affected regions to conduct a damage assessment on their respective stations and facilities to guarantee uninterrupted services and response.

Flooding caused by the combined effects of Kiyapo and the monsoon affected around 59,000 families in the regions of Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region and Soccsksargen, according to the PNP.

Kiyapo left the Philippine area of responsibility last Saturday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

DOE’s GEA-7 includes solar, hydro

THE Department of Energy (DOE) will offer 2,020 megawatts (MW) of solar rooftop, ground-mounted solar and 120 MW of run-of-river hydro technologies under the seventh round of the green energy auction (GEA-7) program.

Under the draft terms of reference (TOR) released over the weekend, the agency will offer these renewable energy (RE) capacities for Mindanao, a move meant to stimulate investments in the region, address growing energy demand, and promote a more balanced and resilient power system across the country.

The DOE is proposing to set a target of 500MW of installed capacity for ground-mounted solar + battery energy storage system (BESS) for each year starting 2027 to 2030. This integration is expected to improve dispatch ability and address the intermittency of solar energy, supporting a more secure and flexible power system.

For solar rooftop, the target installation capacity is five MW per year during the same period.

For hydro, a total of 120MW of capacity is targeted for delivery between 2028 to 2030.

The DOE wants these RE facilities to be RPS (renewable portfolio standards)-eligible. RPS is a market-based policy that mandates electricity suppliers to source an agreed portion of their energy supply from eligbile RE sources.

The draft TOR provides prospective developers with the necessary guidelines to participate in the auction. ‘The DOE is requesting all interested parties to submit comments and recommendations to the draft TOR for the seventh round of GEA. In line with this, a focused group discussion will be held on July 27, 2026,’ the DOE notice stated.