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OPAPRU hails, encourages Bangsamoro Parliament

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (Opapru) on Saturday urged members of the newly constituted Bangsamoro Parliament to bridge diverse perspectives and work together as the region begins its first regular parliamentary government.

In a statement, Secretary Mel Senen S. Sarmiento, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, congratulated the Parliament’s newly elected leaders, headed by Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua and Parliament Speaker Amer Zaakaria Rakim.

He also congratulated the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government and Parliament on the successful conduct of its inaugural session on Oct. 30.

‘As this new chapter of governance unfolds, nurturing social cohesion, mutual respect, and inclusive dialogue remains vital across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,’ Sarmiento said.

He called on Members of the Parliament and regional leaders to uphold good governance and to collaborate in spirit and action to advance the welfare of every community and the enduring dividends of the Bangsamoro peace process.

Sarmiento spoke on behalf of Opapru and the government’s Peace Implementing Panel.

He said the office, under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., reaffirms the national government’s unwavering support for the regional government as it moves into full, regular parliamentary governance.

‘The crucial task now facing us is implementing governance, one that creates shared value,’ he said.

He said the new Bangsamoro government and Parliament must focus on delivering programs and essential services, especially to remote, underdeveloped and vulnerable communities.

‘The true measure of this historic transition will be how it improves lives, strengthens public trust, and builds a future where peace and development go hand in hand,’ he added.

Sarmiento also thanked the security forces and peace mechanisms that secured the proceedings.

Sokoto: APC, ADC trade accusations over alleged attack on Dan’iya’s convoy

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State have exchanged accusations following an alleged attack on the convoy of the ADC governorship candidate, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, by personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and Community Guard.

Dan’iya had alleged that personnel of the two state-owned security outfits attacked his convoy around the Sokoto Airport at about 9pm on Friday, October 30, shortly after he escorted former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to the airport for his return to Abuja.

In a statement issued by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, the ADC candidate claimed that the security personnel blocked his convoy and prevented it from passing, allegedly claiming they were acting on orders from above to stop ADC members from entering Sokoto.

He alleged that gunshots were fired during the confrontation, his vehicle was damaged and two Department of State Services (DSS) officers attached to his security team were detained.

Dan’iya described the incident as a threat to his life and called on the police, the DSS and other relevant authorities to investigate the matter and establish those responsible.

He also urged the security agencies to ensure the release of the two DSS officers if they remained in custody, while calling on the state government to clarify the alleged instructions given to the security personnel.

The ADC candidate further alleged that earlier in the day, personnel of the security outfits had been deployed at entry points into the state, where vehicles bearing ADC inscriptions were reportedly stopped from entering.

However, the APC dismissed the allegations, describing them as fabricated claims intended to attract public sympathy and divert attention from the ADC’s political challenges.

The state APC Chairman, Alhaji Haruna Adiya, said the allegations were part of what he described as a propaganda campaign against the state government.

Adiya, who spoke in a statement, questioned the credibility of the account, particularly the claim that personnel of the state security outfits detained DSS officers and interfered with their vehicles.

He also faulted what he described as inconsistencies in the ADC’s account of the incident, arguing that while the party’s media aide reportedly claimed that security personnel prevented Dan’iya from entering Sokoto metropolis, the candidate’s statement indicated that he had visited different locations in the city to pay condolence visits and attend to other engagements.

The APC chairman also dismissed claims that security personnel were deployed to restrict ADC members from entering the state, explaining that Sokoto was preparing to host a major traditional title conferment ceremony scheduled for Sunday.

He said the event was expected to attract prominent personalities and visitors from different parts of the country, making adequate security arrangements necessary.

Adiya maintained that the deployment of security personnel was aimed at protecting residents and visitors attending the ceremony and had nothing to do with the political activities of the ADC.

He further urged the opposition party to address its internal challenges rather than blame the APC and the state government for its political difficulties.

The APC chairman also said Governor Ahmed Aliyu remained committed to peace and political tolerance, adding that he had consistently advised party supporters against engaging in activities capable of causing political tension or violence.

According to him, ADC members have continued to conduct political activities in Sokoto without interference or intimidation from APC supporters.

He urged the opposition party to substantiate its allegations and focus on presenting policies and development plans to the electorate rather than engaging in what he described as manufactured controversies.

Hopkins steals show, enters quarterfinals of World Surf League Siargao tilt

World No. 14 Yolanda Hopkins pulled off a major reversal, knocking out World No. 3 Gabriela Bryan to advance to the quarterfinals of the inaugural World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro at the iconic Cloud 9 reef break here Saturday.

Hopkins came through in Heat 2 of the women’s competition, posting a combined score of 10.10 from waves worth 5.27 and 4.83 to eliminate the highly ranked American and arrange a quarterfinal showdown with World No. 6 Caitlin Simmers in the event presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), with the support of Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Lyndon Barbers, General Luna Mayor Johnson Sajulga and Vice Mayor Romina Sajulga.

Bryan, finished ninth with a total of 7.00, combining scores of 4.00 and 3.00 to collect 2,000 championship points.

The competition unfolded under four- to six-foot waves, giving the world’s best surfers challenging conditions to display their skills, while calm winds helped maintain a steady lineup.

Also making her way into the quarterfinals was Simmers, who dominated fellow American and World No. 11 Caroline Marks in their opening-round encounter.

Simmers posted an impressive 15.17 on a 9.00 and a 6.17.

Marks could only managed 9.00 from waves scoring 5.50 and 3.50 and likewise settled for ninth place with 2,000 championship points.

Beyond her impressive performance, Simmers expressed her admiration for Cloud 9, describing the famed Siargao break as one of her favorite surfing destinations because of the technical challenges and opportunities it offers.

‘Honestly, I keep telling people it’s one of my favorite waves on the planet because it’s just really tight, and you kind of have to do some exciting things in the spaces you get. It’s pretty hard to just do your stock-standard couple of turns on it,’ said Simmers.

The American explained that Cloud 9 demands creativity and precise timing, as its changing sections can force surfers to adjust their approach while looking for opportunities to execute difficult maneuvers.

She also singled out the wave’s end section as a promising spot for aerial moves, expressing hope that the world’s top female surfers would take advantage of the opportunity to showcase their skills.

‘I think I’m just hoping all the girls do airs because these are the best surfers in the world, best women in the world. And I know every single one of them can do an air on that end section. It’s just a matter of timing, really,’ she said.

Simmers believes the challenging but rewarding nature of Cloud 9 could produce spectacular performances as the competition progresses, particularly with the world’s best women surfers battling for a place in the next round.

The event is also supported by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and NEA/SIARELCO.

Sanwo-Olu tasks banks on financing industries, creating jobs

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged financial institutions to look beyond conventional lending and become more active partners in unlocking substantial private investment, improving productivity and creating employment.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said recapitalized banks should develop financing models that support long-term industrial growth without compromising prudent risk management.

He spoke at the 2026 Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Fellowship Investiture themed: ‘Bank Recapitalization: Leveraging New Bank Capital for Nigeria’s Industrial Transformation’ at Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday.

During the 2026 CIBN Fellowship Investiture, 21 recipients were conferred with Honorary Fellowship, while 463 and 232 received new Fellows and Honorary Senior Membership of the Institute in recognition of professional excellence, leadership and contribution to the development of financial system and national economy.

Among the recipients of the Honorary Fellows are Mr. Samuel Egube, the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Sanwo-Olu; Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi; Governor, Bank of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ibrahim Stevens; Vice Chairman, Famfa Oil Limited, Apostle (Mrs) Folorunsho Alakija and Chairman, Keystone Bank Limited, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, among others. Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, was also conferred with the Elected Fellow of the Institute.

Governor Sanwo-Olu assured that Lagos will continue to provide the infrastructure, policies and enabling environment that businesses require to thrive.

He said: ‘Recapitalization has strengthened the capacity of our banks to withstand economic pressures and undertake larger transactions. But raising capital is only the beginning. The true measure of success will be how effectively that capital supports productive enterprises, industrial expansion and economic opportunities for Nigerians.

‘One of the greatest challenges facing Nigerian businesses remains access to affordable, long-term financing. Manufacturers need capital to acquire machinery, expand production and compete in international markets. Agricultural processors need financing for storage, processing and distribution, while growing enterprises require credit that reflects their business realities. These investments take time to generate returns. Our recapitalized banks must therefore develop financing models that support long-term industrial growth without compromising prudent risk management.

‘In Lagos, we see enormous opportunities for this kind of investment. The Lekki Deep Sea Port, expanding industrial activities along the Lekki corridor, our investments in rail and road infrastructure, and the opportunities created by the Lagos State Electricity Law are opening new possibilities for manufacturing, logistics, energy and trade. These are sectors where stronger participation by financial institutions can unlock substantial private investment, improve productivity and create employment.’

Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed further that ‘We must ensure that smaller businesses benefit from this stronger banking system. Through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, we have continued to support entrepreneurs with access to finance, enterprise development and capacity building. However, government intervention alone cannot meet the financing needs of our growing business community. We need commercial banks to develop more accessible credit products, support industrial clusters, finance equipment acquisition and strengthen the supply chains that connect small enterprises to larger markets.

‘Lagos will continue to provide the infrastructure, policies and enabling environment that businesses require to thrive. But the scale of investment needed to transform our economy demands stronger collaboration between government, financial institutions and private investors. We must move from simply having more capital in our banks to putting more capital to work in our economy.

‘As we pursue this ambition, we must never compromise the integrity of our financial system. Strong capital positions must be accompanied by sound corporate governance, responsible lending, transparency and professional competence. This is where the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria has a particularly important responsibility. Beyond professional certification and recognition, the Institute must continue to develop bankers who understand the financing needs of industry, emerging technologies and the wider development priorities of our country.’

Governor Sanwo-Olu congratulated the recipients, particularly his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Samuel Egube and Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi for being among those who were conferred with CIBN Fellowship, noting that the honors attest to their competence, dedication and valuable contributions to his administration.

He said the recognition places a responsibility on the recipients to strengthen the institutions they serve, mentor younger professionals and contribute their experience towards addressing the challenges facing the economy.

‘The banking profession needs leaders who will not only preserve its standards but also help shape its future. Nigeria has recapitalized its banks. The next task is to help recapitalize Nigerian industry. The success of this exercise should ultimately be visible in the factories we establish, the businesses we grow, the exports we generate and the opportunities we create for our young people,’ he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also congratulated the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria on another successful investiture and commended its leadership for sustaining the standards of the profession.

The elderly, children benefit from JCI medical outreach in Ibadan

THE Junior Chamber International (JCI) Ibadan Elite has provided free medical services to 500 elderly persons and children across Ibadan under its Elite Health Drive Project.

The outreach, in its third phase, was held at Oke Aremo, Ibadan, where 250 adults and children benefited from it on Wednesday.

Speaking to journalists, the president of JCI Ibadan Elite, Ibukunoluwa Otesile, said the Elite Health Drive Project is one of the organisation’s flagship projects, funded through a grant won from the JCI-Crocodile Foundation.

She explained that phase I of the project was held around this year’s June, phase II on 27th October this year at Idi-Omo, Oja Oba, while phase III was held at Oke Aremo on 28th October this year.

Otesile said the foundation’s target beneficiaries are the elderly and children, adding that the team settled for Oja Oba and Oke Aremo communities after looking for where underserved elders could be found within Ibadan.

‘In total, we impacted 500 beneficiaries. We have had 100 before, 150 yesterday, and 250 adults and children today – 150 adults, 100 children, she said.

Services provided include blood pressure checks, hepatitis B screening, HIV tests, malaria parasite tests, blood sugar tests, and eye checkups by an optometrist.

Based on the results, drugs and glasses were administered to beneficiaries.

Otesile said a critical health need discovered during the outreach was elevated blood pressure among many of the beneficiaries, some of whom were not aware of their condition.

‘Quite some persons we saw here have elevated blood pressure. Some of them were not even aware, and this is why some people just sleep and do not wake up. This is as a result of elevated blood pressure. We’ve created awareness about the disease and administered drugs for people with that health concern,’ she said.

One of the volunteers, from the Nigeria Red Cross, advised parents to always keep their children hydrated because of the heat wave.

The project was funded by JCI-Crocodile Foundation SDG Community Grant, in partnership with the Nigeria Red Cross, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Oyo Messi, and Krishat Pharmaceutical.

Between hard boiled and scramled eggs

How you prepare your eggs will influence the nutritional profile. If you prepare your eggs at high temperatures, it could lead to the oxidation of the cholesterol in the eggs, which is not very healthy.

To obtain the best nutritional benefit, you need to prepare your eggs using a low calorie technique and avoid cooking them extensively. The key point here is the fact that the more you cook your eggs, the more nutrition you will lose. It means that the boiled (hard/soft boiled) eggs are probably the healthiest option to consume your eggs.

Since no oil is used, no additional calories are consumed. All in all, it is really hard to overestimate the health benefits associated with eating eggs. Yes, but nevertheless, don’t forget about this information, do not cook your eggs extensively and in case you are using some oil, it should be stable at high temperatures. Like avocado oil, for instance.

Ilocos Norte logs 65 new dengue cases

Ilocos Norte recorded 65 new dengue cases during morbidity week 42, or from October 11 to 17.

This update brings the total to 2,777 cases and four deaths from January to October 2026, according to the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU).

The latest data cover morbidity weeks 1 to 42, PESU said on Thursday, Oct. 29.

Health authorities urged residents to continue observing dengue prevention measures to curb the spread of the mosquito-borne disease.

These practices include eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, maintaining clean surroundings, and taking precautions against mosquito bites.

The provincial government noted the importance of sustained preventive efforts to prevent further increases in dengue cases.

Laoag City recorded the highest number of new dengue cases in Ilocos Norte at 17 during morbidity week 42, bringing its total to 400 cases this year.

Uba Sani Is A Champion Of Human Capital Development-Institute

Governor Uba Sani has bagged the Distinguished Human Capital Development Champion Award, in recognition of his outstanding investments in education, skills development, youth empowerment and sustainable development.

The Chartered Institute of Human Capital Development of Nigeria (CIHCDN), which honoured him with the award, noted that it celebrates the Governor’s people-centred policies.

The award which was presented at the Institute’s National Conference held at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, applauds Governor Uba Sani’s initiatives in expanding access to education, healthcare, vocational skills, economic opportunities and improved living conditions of citizens of Kaduna State.

The Institute stated that the award recognises exceptional leadership in advancing education, healthcare, skills development, rural transformation, financial inclusion, youth empowerment and capacity building.

It described Governor Uba Sani’s initiatives as a model of people-centred governance capable of delivering sustainable development and improved opportunities for Kaduna State citizens.

Speaking after receiving the award, the Commissioner of Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, expressed the Governor’s appreciation to the Institute, for recognising the commitment of Kaduna State to human capital development.

‘This recognition is a testament to Governor Uba Sani’s unwavering commitment to placing people at the centre of governance. His Excellency firmly believes that the greatest investment any government can make is in its people, particularly the young, women and the vulnerable,’ Maiyaki stated.

He cited the establishment of three Vocational Training and Skills Development Centres in Rigachikun, Soba and Samarun Kataf, designed to equip approximately 32,000 young people annually with practical, industry-relevant skills across 14 trades.

‘These centres represent a deliberate shift towards building a productive, skilled and economically independent generation. Our objective is to transform young people from job seekers into skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and employers of labour,’ he explained.

The Commissioner further noted that the administration has made substantial investments in education, including the construction of 736 new classrooms, renovation of over 1,200 classrooms, recruitment of 10,000 teachers and training of more than 33,000 teachers to strengthen quality education and enhance access.

He recalled the reduction of tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions by up to 50 per cent, alongside expanded scholarship and bursary interventions, demonstrating the Governor’s determination to remove financial barriers to education.

On agricultural development, Maiyaki disclosed that the administration has distributed 1,400 trucks of free fertiliser to 420,000 smallholder farmers, describing the intervention as a major investment in rural livelihoods, food security and economic empowerment.

‘Governor Uba Sani recognises that human capital development goes beyond the classroom. It includes empowering farmers to become more productive, equipping young people with employable skills, strengthening healthcare delivery and creating opportunities for families to achieve economic independence,’ he said.

Maiyaki also highlighted the Governor’s investments in healthcare, including the revitalisation of 255 Primary Healthcare Centres, improved welfare for healthcare professionals and initiatives to expand access to quality medical services, particularly in underserved rural communities.

He stressed that the administration’s development agenda is anchored on inclusive governance, by ensuring that opportunities and government interventions reach communities, irrespective of political, religious and ethnic affiliations.

‘This award is not merely a recognition of achievements recorded; it is an encouragement to do even more. His Excellency remains resolute in building a Kaduna State where every child has access to quality education, every young person has an opportunity to acquire productive skills, and every citizen has a fair chance to prosper,’ Maiyaki added.

The Commissioner assured the Institute that the recognition would further strengthen the Governor’s determination to consolidate ongoing reforms and accelerate investments in human capital development.

Excessive borrowing can mortgage Nigeria’s future, says Obasanjo

Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Friday warned that excessive borrowing could mortgage the future of generations of Nigerians.

He also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s comment that ‘borrowing is no leprosy’, describing the statement as ‘absolute nonsense’.

The former president spoke at the Ajibosin Platform, a public forum themed ‘Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Solve Grassroots Problems and Accelerate National Development’, in Abeokuta.

Saturday Tribune recalls that Tinubu, in April, publicly stated that his administration would continue to borrow funds whenever necessary.

The President made the remark at the State House during a meeting with Plateau State leaders led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda.

Tinubu said, ‘If we have to borrow, we borrow. Borrowing is not leprosy, we just have to work hard to be able to pay for it.’

Obasanjo said leprosy could destroy only one person at a time, while debt could affect generations.

‘And for anybody to say debt is no leprosy, is absolute nonsense. Debt is worse than leprosy. Because leprosy destroys only one person. Debt destroys generations,’ he added.

He expressed concern about the management of the nation’s economy, revealing that he started his farm 47 years ago when the exchange rate was N1 to $1.85.

‘When I started my farm, 47 years ago, naira to the dollar was one naira to $1.85. Forty-seven years ago. What has Nigeria done in 47 years that we now have 1,500 naira to the dollar? What have we done?’ he asked.

He also questioned the capacity of the country’s political leadership to make decisions that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

‘What do our leaders know? And what do they not know? And from what they know, what can they do for us?’ he asked.

The former president further criticised Nigeria’s dependence on foreign institutions, particularly the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), arguing that their policies were not necessarily designed to address the country’s peculiar circumstances.

He recalled how Nigeria was discouraged from subsidising agriculture despite what he described as the agricultural support available to farmers in developed countries.

‘World Bank and IMF were not designed for us. They were not built by us. They were built before we became independent. And that’s the people who would determine what we do,’ he said.

Obasanjo also warned against blindly adopting economic prescriptions from foreign-trained experts without considering Nigeria’s realities.

He said: ‘They are brilliant boys and girls, so they went to Ivy League universities, Oxford, Cambridge, and all that.

‘These brilliant boys, then they put it, it’s good academically. And they tell us, and we take it, lock, stock and barrel, and we use it.’

He questioned why a country with a population of about 250 million people would depend on the recommendations of young experts who, according to him, might have little experience managing households or understanding the country’s complexities.

‘For a country of 250 million people, it is boys and girls who are not even married, let alone manage a home, who will tell us how, what will we do to manage our country? And we swallow it. And we destroy ourselves,’ he said.

Tinubu’s unyielding faith in God achievements will secure his re-election – Yari

Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC-PCC) Senator Abdulaziz Yari has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unyielding faith in God coupled with his administration’s achievements will earn him a fresh mandate from Nigerians in the upcoming presidential election.

Speaking with newsmen in Mecca Saudi Arabia where he joined President Tinubu and other prominent Nigerians to perform the Muslim lesser Hajj (Umrah) Yari was quoted to have reaffirmed the campaign organization’s commitment to securing the buy-in of the Nigerian electorate.

The APC-PCC DG stressed that President Tinubu’s unwavering reliance on God combined with his performance record and the grassroots mobilisation strategy of the campaign organisation will swing votes in his favour.

Yari’s submission aligns with President Tinubu’s media interaction in Saudi Arabia on Friday where the President expressed absolute trust in divine providence for his re-election.

‘I believe that Allah’s wish in His court must prevail’ President Tinubu declared. ‘And there’s no other God but Allah. Allah is the only one who can define a human being what he will be and what he will become.’

Elaborating on the President’s stance the former governor of Zamfara State described Tinubu’s spiritual humility and dedication to service as key leadership traits that will resonate with voters.

‘That’s what makes a leader’ Yari said. ‘Because when you ask him he first prayed for the country prayed for every Nigerian and also he says this election is an election that God has selected the person who will be a leader and only Him (Allah) can put a leader or otherwise.

‘So in total he depends on Allah to do it for him as He did it for him in 2023. By that Allah says we should welcome and work that all the procedures we are doing to campaign to talk to people to convince them to show them what we have done what we have achieved-and by God’s grace people will be convinced to elect us’ Yari added.

The APC campaign chief assured Nigerians that the presidential campaign council will aggressively highlight the administration’s key accomplishments across the nation as the campaign trail heats up ahead of the poll.