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Why we deployed instead of CNG buses in Abia – Otti

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has said his administration chose Electric Vehicles (EVs) over Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered buses because EVs represent an upgrade in transportation technology.

Otti explained that it was for that reason that the government opted for electric buses for its public transportation system.

He offered the explanation during the October edition of his monthly media chat held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, on Friday night.

He said that the preference for EVs, notwithstanding, the State Government still encouraged the establishment of additional CNG stations in the state.

‘We are not opposed to CNG, but we chose electric vehicles for our public transportation system,’ the governor said.

He said that both petrol and CNG vehicles operate on internal combustion engines, while EVs require a different propulsion system.

He further said that some companies had expressed interest in establishing additional CNG stations in the state, adding that agreements had been reached with them.

He explained that the proposed stations would cater for privately owned vehicles and other consumers, rather than the state’s public transportation system.

Otti said that CNG was cheaper to use than petrol and expressed optimism that the conversion of petrol and diesel vehicles to CNG would gain more traction in the country.

He also said that there are Nigerian companies that specialised in converting internal combustion engine vehicles to CNG.

Otti also responded to the purported complaints about the continued existence of street trading at the Umuahia city centre, popularly called Isi-Gate.

According to him, street trading cannot be totally eliminated, hence it still operates in other developed parts of the world, including London.

He promised that traders that might suffer displacement by the state’s urban renewal efforts, would be compensated.

Otti said that the State Government was working to restore order in the capital city, particularly tackling the challenges associated with street trading.

He said the relocation of traders from Isi-Gate would be gradual, considering that many petty traders on the street depended on the income for their livelihoods.

He said that government was still exploring alternative locations for traders that would be affected to avoid pushing them into activities that could further undermine public order.

‘We are a government that is compassionate. So, if we move you out of your shop, we will pay you compensation. We will ensure that,’ he said.

Otti argued that displacing traders without considering their economic circumstances would defeat the purpose of the government’s urban renewal programme.

‘It doesn’t make sense to drive everybody away. Who are you even sanitising the place for?

‘So, it is a balancing act. We are handling it step by step,’ he said.

Milk from a non pregnant breast

Milk production that is not associated with pregnancy and nursing, is known as galactorrhea. In most cases, this results from the effect of the hormone prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone that controls milk letdown, and any factor causing its elevation despite the absence of breastfeeding will lead to a natural reaction from the woman’s body.

Thus, the question is not ‘why did this happen?’ but rather ‘what elevated my prolactin levels?’ Among the potential reasons are various kinds of medication certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti hypertensive drugs, and even antacids may affect prolactin levels and trigger galactorrhea in this way. In addition to these factors, one of the most common reasons of this type is a non-cancerous tumor of the pituitary gland (prolactinoma), which does not look that bad once a person knows what prolactinoma really means. Other common reasons include problems with the thyroid gland (mostly its hypofunction) and excessive breast stimulation (for example, due to wearing uncomfortable clothing).

Diagnosis of galactorrhea is based on the determination of the reason, since elimination of the cause solves the problem. Usually, the first step includes blood tests for prolactin and Checking of thyroid hormone levels is the first step taken, followed by either adjustment of medicine dosage, prescribing thyroid treatment, or doing an image scan of the pituitary gland, depending on the outcome.

Self-diagnosis will not be helpful since many causes will have the same symptom, hence why it is one of the symptoms that you do not need to waste time guessing about.

Tough test awaits Sebatindira, Nakawala at Youth Olympics

Table tennis prodigies Joseph Sebatindira and Jemimah Nakawala are among Uganda’s big names heading to the Dakar 2026 Summer Youth Olympics this weekend, but coach Alvin Katumba said the duo’s quest for medals in the Senegalese capital faces an uphill task, given the level of competition.

‘Honestly, winning medals will be a tall order, because this tournament will be contested by the best youth players in the world,’ Katumba told Daily Monitor before departing for the event. Katumba has trained Sebatindira and Nakawala since childhood at Nakasero Table Tennis Club, and at most international tournaments and camps, they have been two across the globe.

In mid-October, he guided Sebatindira to a successful defence of the ITTF World Hopes title in Sheffield, which is contested by under-12 players, adding this to multiple Under-11 and Under-13 titles. In July, he was in Accra, where another Nakasero prodigy, Patience Anyango, won Under-15 singles gold at the 2026 ITTF-Africa Youth Championships. Nakawala has also won continental titles and was the pivot of the Ugandan trio that qualified for the 2026 ITTF World Championships last year. But Katumba believes the Youth Olympics is a different ball game.

‘We are going to face the best players from Colombia, Japan, China, among others. We have seen some of those players at tournaments; we have played some of them in training camps, and we know exactly what they are capable of,’ Katumba said, referring to players like Japanese duo Kawakami Ryuusei and Matsushima Miku, the boys’ and girls’ U17 World No. 1 respectively, who will compete in singles and mixed doubles.

Chinese duo Li Hechen and Yao Ruixuan, the boys’ and girls’ Under-17 World No. 8, could cross Nakawala’s or Sebatindira’s paths in their quest for gold, among others.

‘Of course, we are aiming at that top level, but one step at a time. We’ll do our best. But realistically, if we make the quarterfinals, it will not be an underachievement.’

Action starts today in Dakar but Nakawala could not travel with her coach Katumba until Thursday after writing her final Ordinary Level exams at Kibuli SS. ‘How I wish she had enough time to train for this tournament.’

CCPI inflation rises to 8.3% in Oct.

Sri Lanka’s Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI)-based headline inflation accelerated to 8.3% year-on-year (YoY) in October from 8% in September, rising above the three-year high recorded in the previous two months and staying above the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CBSL) 5% ±2% target band for a fourth consecutive month.

Headline inflation has risen from 7.3% in July, when it first breached the upper limit of the band, and from 2.1% in October 2025.

In a statement yesterday, the CBSL said food inflation rose marginally to 8.8% in October from 8.7% in September, while non-food inflation increased to 8% from 7.7%.

On a month-on-month basis, the CCPI rose 0.35% in October, up from 0.19% in September. The non-food category contributed 0.33 percentage points, largely owing to higher prices in the restaurants and hotels category, while food contributed a marginal 0.02 percentage points.

Among subcategories, transport inflation rose to 17.6% from 16.3% and restaurants and hotels to 13.4% from 11.5%. Health inflation eased to 2.6% from 4%.

Core inflation, which strips out volatile items such as food and energy, accelerated to 5.6% YoY in October from 5.4% in September and 5.1% in August. Annual average headline inflation rose to 5% from 4.5%.

According to projections made at the September monetary policy round, headline inflation is expected to remain in high single digits through the first quarter of 2027 before easing towards the 5% target, and to remain around the target over the medium term. The CBSL said the projections are conditional on, among other assumptions, the effects of tensions in the Middle East and their spillovers gradually dissipating.

The 5% target, first agreed under the Monetary Policy Framework Agreement (MPFA) between the CBSL and the Minister of Finance in October 2023, was retained under a new MPFA signed this month.

Moody’s Ratings gives BSP ‘a’ for monetary, macro policy effectiveness

FOLLOWING Moody’s assessment which affirmed the Philippines’ resilience amid evolving domestic and global risks, the central bank said it remains committed to safeguarding price and financial stability, while prudently managing the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

In its Issuer In-Depth report, Moody’s Ratings gave the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) an ‘a’ assessment on ‘monetary and macro policy effectiveness.’

‘The ‘a’ assessment reflects the credibility of the monetary policy framework, exchange-rate flexibility and effective banking sector oversight,’ the credit rating agency said.

Further, Moody’s Ratings said the BSP has ‘demonstrated its ability to respond to changing economic conditions, easing policy when inflationary pressures were subdued and tightening as higher energy prices increased inflation risks in 2026.’

These actions, the credit rating agency said, have helped keep inflation expectations ‘anchored’ despite a temporary rise in headline inflation.

Moody’s Ratings said exchange-rate flexibility and sizeable foreign-exchange reserves provide important buffers against external shocks, while a ‘well-capitalized and liquid banking system’ limits potential contingent liabilities to the government.

‘Further improvements in monetary transmission, financial surveillance and macroprudential policy implementation would strengthen an already robust policy framework,’ added the credit rating agency.

As such, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said in a statement on Friday: ‘Moody’s assessment affirms the Philippines’ resilience amid evolving domestic and global risks. The BSP remains committed to safeguarding price and financial stability, while prudently managing the country’s foreign exchange reserves.’

Moreover, the report noted that the country’s external position is supported by substantial foreign exchange reserves and sustained sources of external financing.

Meanwhile, overseas Filipino remittances, business process outsourcing sector receipts and foreign direct investments continue to support household consumption, economic growth and external resilience.

Moody’s Issuer In-Depth report provides a comprehensive assessment of an issuer’s credit profile, including its business and financial strengths, key credit drivers and risks, and factors that may influence future rating developments.

Unlike a Credit Opinion or Rating Action report, it offers a more detailed analytical perspective intended to give investors and market participants a deeper understanding of the issuer’s creditworthiness. It does not change the sovereign credit rating.

On August 24, 2026, Moody’s affirmed the Philippines’ investment-grade credit rating of Baa2 with a stable outlook.

2027: Senator mobilises Cross River community for Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign has received a grassroots boost in Cross River, following the endorsement of his second-term ambition by residents of Mkpani community in Yakurr Local Government Area.

The endorsement came during a visit by Sen. Williams Eteng, Deputy Director-General (South-South) of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), to his hometown on Friday night.

The residents, through unanimous voice votes, pledged their support for Tinubu’s re-election, following the lawmaker’s call for continued backing of the president ahead of the 2027 general election.

Eteng who currently represents Cross River Central Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC), received a rousing reception as hundreds of residents escorted him through major streets of the community.

A community member, Mr Jones Abel, described Eteng as a committed representative who had continued to identify with his people since joining partisan politics.

Abel however, said the community was disappointed by the APC decision not to grant the senator a return ticket, adding that his performance in the senate had earned him the people’s support.

‘I am speaking the minds of the people. Judging from the crowd you see here, you don’t really need any further pronouncement to know that Eteng is loved by the people,’ he said.

He explained that the senator’s interventions in the community, including the provision of streetlights, had further strengthened residents’ confidence in his leadership.

Similarly, a female resident said the community’s political loyalty to the lawmaker remained firm, irrespective of the outcome of his political ambition.

She said the residents would support whoever the senator directed them to support, particularly Tinubu’s re-election bid.

‘With or without a return ticket, we will continue to support whoever he directs us to.

‘That is why we are fully behind him in his support for President Tinubu’s re-election,’ she said.

’Why OPay suspended New York exchange listing, trading’

OPay Limited has provided an update regarding its New York Stock Exchange (‘NYSE’) initial public offering (the ‘Offering’), saying the listing slated for Friday was suspended due to a regulatory inquiry relating to a jurisdiction which it said ‘is immaterial to the Company’s core business operations.’

In a statement, the company stated that it is confident that the inquiry will be concluded satisfactorily in the near future.

According to the statement, ‘after careful consideration and discussions with the underwriters, the Company determined that not proceeding with the Offering at this time would be the most prudent course of action.

‘As such, the Company and the underwriters mutually agreed to terminate the underwriting agreement dated October 29, 2026, relating to the Offering. As a result, the Offering will not be completed, and the Company’s ADSs will not commence trading on the New York Stock Exchange as previously scheduled.

‘OPay wishes to emphasise that this development should not be misconstrued as a reflection on the Company’s business performance, financial condition, operational integrity, or regulatory standing. The matter relates to an inquiry in a foreign jurisdiction, which is being addressed through the appropriate channels. The Company remains confident that the inquiry will be resolved satisfactorily in the near future and is actively engaging the relevant stakeholders to facilitate an early resolution.

‘This development has no impact on OPay’s business operations, regulatory standing, or service delivery in Nigeria or any other market in which the Company operates. OPay continues to operate normally and remains fully committed to its customers, merchants, agents, business partners, employees, and the broader digital financial ecosystem across Nigeria, Indonesia, Egypt, and Pakistan.

‘OPay’s long-term commitment to Nigeria remains unwavering. The Company will continue to deepen its investments in the country’s digital financial services sector, promote financial inclusion, support economic growth, and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s digital economy. The Company appreciates the continued confidence and support of its stakeholders and will provide further updates as material developments occur.’

Nigeria must move beyond data collection to evidence-based decisions – IBAN President

The President of the Institute of Business Analytics of Nigeria (IBAN), Dr Olu-Young Johnson Olusegun, has said Nigeria must move beyond data collection to the effective use of data in policymaking, business strategy and national development.

Olusegun said this on Thursday during the induction of new Fellows and Associates of the Institute, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Describing the occasion as the dawn of a new era, he called for a national shift towards evidence-based decision-making in government and the private sector.

He noted that business analytics could improve public administration, optimise resource allocation, strengthen organisational performance and promote accountability.

He charged the inductees to uphold professional ethics, protect data privacy and ensure that their analyses remained objective and evidence-based.

The President also called on government institutions, private organisations and academic institutions to partner with IBAN in building analytical capacity, promoting research and integrating data-driven decision-making into their operations.

The ceremony brought together distinguished professionals, academics, members of the Institute’s Governing Council and other invited guests.

Among the notable inductees were the Registrar of the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), Adegbiji Adebayo; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Crescent University, Professor Kareem Rasaki Olufemi; the Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Senior Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Governing Council of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Dr Musa Richard; and the Head of the Safety Office, Ogun State Ministry of Environment, Solarin Temilola, alongside other professionals.

In his address, the IBAN Registrar, Dr ‘Bosun Sowunmi, congratulated the inductees and urged them to regard their professional recognition as a call to greater responsibility, integrity and service to society.

He encouraged members to apply their analytical knowledge to solving real-world business problems, uphold ethical standards and contribute to organisational growth and national development.

Sowunmi also highlighted the Institute’s commitment to professional development, collaboration, research and the promotion of responsible data analytics and artificial intelligence.

He noted that IBAN, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in 2021, continued to expand opportunities for professionals to improve their skills, share knowledge and build productive networks.

The Registrar further encouraged members and stakeholders to support the Institute’s vision of making business analytics a vital instrument for national transformation.

How to keep your sanity in an upside-down world

Reading about tragic deaths, violent riots, corruption scandals and other discouraging events can chip away at the positive outlook I try hard to maintain.

With so much evil and strife, how do we remain sane and hopeful in a world that seems to be spiraling downward?

I suppose the first step is to accept that we can’t control everything around us. We cannot stop every injustice, prevent every tragedy or change the hearts and minds of people determined to do wrong. But we can choose how we respond to the world we live in.

For starters, we need to be mindful of what we allow into our minds. With news available at the touch of a finger, it is easy to fall into the habit of endlessly scrolling through one disturbing story after another. Before we know it, our hearts are heavy, our moods have soured, and we begin to wonder if there is anything good left in this world.

Staying informed is important, but we don’t have to immerse ourselves in misery to prove that we care. It is perfectly all right to put down our phones, turn off the television and give ourselves permission to breathe. Taking a break from the news does not mean we are indifferent. It simply means we recognize that our peace of mind matters, too.

Another way to lift our spirits is to notice the good things that rarely make the headlines: the neighbor who helps a struggling family, the stranger who returns a lost wallet, the friend who checks in after an exhausting hospital procedure, and those who care for the sick, feed the hungry and stand up for what is right.

These everyday acts of kindness may seem small compared with the enormous problems confronting the world, but they remind us that goodness has not disappeared. It is still here, often working quietly and without fanfare.

We can also do our little part to make the world better. We may not be able to change world events or personal circumstances, but we can be kinder to others. We can refuse to spread gossip, treat people fairly, encourage someone who is struggling or extend a helping hand. We may never know how far a small act of goodness travels.

And then there is faith.

I find comfort in remembering that we are not expected to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Prayer gives us a place to bring our fears, frustrations and unanswered questions. We can ask God for the wisdom to know what we can change, the courage to act where we can make a difference, and the grace to accept what is beyond our control.

When I feel overwhelmed or disappointed, I allow myself a good cry, followed by a little talk with God. Somehow, I always come away feeling lighter, more peaceful and comforted. Afterwards, I do something that makes me happy, like watching a lighthearted K-drama or indulging in a sweet treat.

Faith does not mean closing our eyes to suffering or pretending everything is fine. Rather, it gives us the strength to face difficult realities without allowing despair to have the final word.

We can also appreciate the ordinary blessings we sometimes take for granted: a home-cooked meal shared with loved ones, a conversation peppered with laughter, a beautiful sunset, a warm embrace or simply waking up to another new day. Gratitude does not erase our problems, but it reminds us that even in difficult times, life offers moments worth cherishing.

The world may not change overnight. There will always be people who disappoint us, events that break our hearts and circumstances that test our faith. But do not allow the darkness around us to extinguish the light within you.

So I’m learning to stay informed without becoming consumed, to care without carrying every burden, to pray and trust in God’s providence, and to do whatever good I can.

I may not be able to fix the whole world, but I can make my little corner of it a little kinder, more loving and hopeful.

And honestly, I believe that is a good place to start.

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.