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LASODA hosts expo, talent hunt

Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has hosted the Ability Expo and Talent Hunt at the Ikeja Local Government secretariat.

The event provided a platform for Persons living with Disabilities (PWDs) to showcase their creativity, skills and entrepreneurial talents.

LASODA General Manager, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mrs. Sonubi Omolade, said the expo was organised to promote inclusion, economic empowerment and self-reliance, while celebrating the abilities of PWDs.

She thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his administration’s continued commitment to disability inclusion through the THEMES+ Agenda.

Oyetunde-Lawal described the hunt as a yearly programme that enables PWDs to showcase their talents in areas such as crafts, music, arts and entrepreneurship, noting that the initiative reflects the government’s vision of leaving no one behind by focusing on abilities rather than disabilities.

She said PWDs should never be defined by their physical limitations, but rather by their abilities, talents, resilience and contributions to society.

The general manager said individuals deserved equal opportunities to realise their full potential and contribute to national development.

She noted that creating an inclusive society required the commitment of government, private sector, civil society organisations and the public, to eliminate barriers that hindered the full participation of PWDs.

Oyetunde-Lawal said access to quality education, health care, employment, skills acquisition and public infrastructure remained fundamental to achieving equity and social inclusion.

She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting policies and programmes that protected the rights, dignity and welfare of PWDs.

She urged them to remain confident, continue to develop their talents and take advantage of available opportunities, assuring them that the government would continue to champion initiatives that fostered inclusion, empowered vulnerable groups and ensured no one was left behind in the state’s development journey.

Delivering the lecture, a special needs consultant, Mr. Temitope Ogundipo, urged parents and stakeholders to identify and nurture the talents of children with disabilities, emphasising vocational training as a tool for building confidence and breaking barriers.

Mr. Agoro Abdulrahman of the University of Lagos, Akoka, advocated greater inclusion and digital literacy for PWDs.

The Head of LASODA’s Legal Unit, Babatunde Shefiu, hailed the media for supporting disability advocacy and urged persons living with disabilities to strive for excellence in their chosen careers.

The event featured craft exhibitions, dance and music performances, product displays, and talent hunt competitions, with winners emerging in categories.

Hiraya Water launches P600-million rehab program for Dasmariñas network

Hiraya Water Corporation, formerly known as Primewater Infrastructure Corp., has launched a P600-million capital expenditure program to rehabilitate and expand the water distribution system in Dasmariñas City, marking the first major infrastructure rollout under its new ownership by Crystal Bridges Holdings Corporation.

The company also recently secured approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission to change its corporate name from Primewater Infrastructure Corp. to Hiraya Water Corporation. The rebranding reflects the company’s renewed commitment to improving water services and delivering key infrastructure projects not only in Dasmariñas but across all its joint venture areas.

Hiraya Water said the new name embodies its vision of bringing renewed hope and fulfilling aspirations through more reliable and sustainable water services.

The investment program in Dasmariñas follows the issuance of the company’s business permit by the City Government of Dasmariñas and the formal turnover of operations earlier this year.

On July 29, Hiraya Water and the Dasmariñas Water District held a groundbreaking ceremony for the initial phase of a long-term infrastructure program. The projects will focus on developing new water sources, replacing aging pipelines, upgrading transmission and distribution facilities, and improving overall system efficiency.

Hiraya Water President Jose Paulino Santamarina said the projects represent the company’s commitment to restoring customer confidence through tangible infrastructure improvements.

‘Today is more than the beginning of an infrastructure project. It marks the beginning of restoring public trust, not through words alone, but through completed projects and services that every resident can genuinely experience,’ he said.

The P600-million program includes water source development, transmission and distribution upgrades, non-revenue water reduction initiatives, large-scale meter replacement, and operational improvements designed to enhance service reliability across the city.

One of its flagship initiatives is the Non-Revenue Water Reduction and Total Pipe Replacement Program, which will replace 24 kilometers of aging pipelines while upgrading the city’s distribution network. The first phase covers nine kilometers of pipeline replacement in Barangays Sampaloc IV and Victoria Reyes, benefiting around 16,000 households.

Once completed, water availability in these areas is expected to increase to as much as 12 to 24 hours daily, while water pressure is also projected to improve significantly.

Hiraya Water is likewise investing in new water source development that will serve 17 barangays, including Burol Main, Salawag, San Andres, Paliparan I and II, Sampaloc III and IV, and San Francisco II. These projects aim to increase daily water availability and improve water pressure.

Another major project involves the construction of a 700-cubic-meter water storage tank in Barangay Paliparan II, along with the installation of a booster system serving Paliparan II and III. The facility is expected to benefit approximately 8,700 service connections by increasing both water supply and pressure.

The projects form part of Hiraya Water’s broader strategy to modernize the Dasmariñas water system, reduce water losses, expand supply capacity, and strengthen service reliability as demand continues to grow. The company said more infrastructure projects are expected to be rolled out in the coming months.

Santamarina said the company remains focused on delivering long-term improvements that go beyond infrastructure investments.

‘Our goal is to restore the trust of every family we serve. At Hiraya, we believe that trust is not something that is asked for. It is earned every day through the quality of our service.’

Commonwealth Games: Nigeria’s Enekwechi wins gold in Shot Put

Chukwuebuka Enekwechi has shocked the field to claim gold medal in the male Shot Put event at the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The bulky athlete got his weight in gold after a performance in which he toppled New Zealand’s Tom Walsh to claim the top prize in Glasgow on Thursday evening.

Enekwechi posted a championship-winning throw of 21.07m, beating Walsh’s 21.03m throw. England’s Scott Lincoln took bronze with 20.99m.

Enekwechi threw the gold-winning attempt in the fifth round, edging Walsh by just four centimeters, posting his outdoor season’s best in the process.

He finally claimed his first Commonwealth Games gold medal in his third tournament after he narrowly missed the podium in 2022, and got silver medal in 2018.

He became the first Nigerian man to win the Commonwealth Games shot put title, and the first Nigerian male athlete to claim a podium finish- or win gold- in any heavy throwing event at the Commonwealth Games.

Nigeria has now won eight gold medals, five silver and three bronze, a total 13 medals, at the Games.

North’s senators condemn Benue, Kaduna killings

The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has condemned the recent killings in Benue and Kaduna states, describing the attacks as tragic and expressing sympathy with the affected families and governments.

According to a statement by the forum’s Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, the attack on Efeyi Community in Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday reportedly left 13 people dead and several others injured.

The forum also cited a separate attack on Naridon Village in Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday, which reportedly claimed about 30 lives, including women and children, and destroyed homes.

The senators welcomed the Federal Government’s plan to strengthen national security through the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel.

They noted that the initiative would improve strategic coverage, decentralise command, strengthen border security and enhance response to emerging threats.

The forum, however, stressed the need for adequate funding, equipment, logistics and improved welfare for military personnel to ensure the new formations operate effectively.

It also urged communities to support security agencies with timely and credible information, while calling on the Federal Government to ensure those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice and that victims and displaced persons receive adequate support.

‘The Forum reiterates that lasting peace is achieved through coordinated security action, better intelligence, and sustained investment in the security architecture,’ the statement said.

FHIIT targets corporate wellness market with Orion City expansion

Functional fitness brand FHIIT has expanded to Orion City, bringing its training concept to over 15,000 professionals in one of Colombo’s largest office hubs.

FHIIT Founder Yohan Rathnayake said corporate wellness was emerging as a significant business opportunity in Sri Lanka as companies are prioritising employee mental and physical wellbeing amid rising healthcare costs.

Rathnayake said businesses were investing in preventative health measures because they improved workforce wellbeing and productivity.

‘FHIIT selected Orion City because it provides direct access to one of Colombo’s largest professional communities, bringing fitness closer to where people work,’ he said.

The new facility features modern equipment, professionally designed training programmes and experienced coaches who work closely with members to ensure every session is purposeful.

The company is expanding its corporate wellness initiatives through its Ignite programme, which partners with organisations to improve employee health and wellbeing.

Beyond corporate wellness, FHIIT Co-founder Emi Senevirathna said the company aims to establish itself as Sri Lanka’s leading training hub for HYROX, a global fitness racing competition combining endurance running and functional fitness challenges, by investing in specialised race-simulation programming, functional training equipment and coaching to prepare athletes for international competition.

Senevirathna added that FHIIT takes a different approach to functional fitness through its proprietary High Intensity Active Rest Training (HIART) methodology. ‘There are many gyms and fitness centres, but we did something different by bringing in the whole element of fun. Our workouts are designed to make people feel like they’re not working out,’ he said.

Rathnayake said building a strong community remained central to FHIIT. ‘People have lost 20 to 30 kg and tell us they’ve come off medication. That’s what matters,’ he said.

FHIIT plans to open a new outlet in Negombo before exploring opportunities in other regional and international markets.

Yari denies link to EFCC gold seizure, threatens legal action

Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, has denied any involvement in the recent seizure of gold bars by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, describing reports linking him to the incident as false, malicious and politically motivated.

In a statement issued by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdullahi Abdulkarim Tsafe, Yari dismissed the allegation as a calculated attempt by political opponents to tarnish his reputation and undermine his growing political influence.

The statement stressed that the former Zamfara State governor has ‘absolutely no connection whatsoever’ with the incident, noting that the EFCC did not mention his name among those arrested or under investigation.

‘It is instructive that while the EFCC publicly identified individuals arrested in connection with the incident, nowhere in its statement was Senator Yari named as a suspect or person of interest,’ the statement said.

According to the statement, those behind the publication were uncomfortable with Yari’s political relevance, national acceptance and his relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The statement accused unnamed political adversaries of orchestrating a coordinated campaign of falsehood and blackmail after allegedly failing to weaken the senator through legitimate political means.

It maintained that Yari remained committed to providing quality representation for the people of Zamfara West and supporting the Federal Government’s development agenda.

The senator also threatened legal action against individuals, groups and media organisations allegedly responsible for originating and circulating the reports.

His legal team, the statement added, had been instructed to commence legal proceedings against those involved in publishing and amplifying what it described as defamatory allegations.

The statement urged members of the public to disregard the reports, insisting they were part of a politically motivated smear campaign lacking any factual basis.

It further expressed confidence that the allegations would not diminish Yari’s public standing or his record of service.

SWIMING-CAC GAMES-Blackman makes it golden hat-trick as T&T dominates CAC Pool

Three gold medals. One champion. One nation beaming with pride.

Nikoli Blackman has sent shockwaves through the Aquatics Centre at the CAC Games in Santo Domingo, securing his second individual gold medal of the competition with a stunning victory in the Men’s 100m Freestyle.

The Trinidad and Tobago swimmer touched the wall in an electrifying 49.15 seconds, adding to his earlier triumph in the 50m Freestyle and the 4×100m Freestyle Relay gold.

The victory was far from assured. Blackman entered the final as the fifth-fastest qualifier, having posted a modest 50.06 in the preliminaries.

But when the pressure mounted, the T and T star found another gear entirely.

‘I knew I had more in the tank,’ Blackman said after emerging from the pool. ‘The prelims were about getting through. The final was about showing what I’m capable of.’

The battle for silver was equally dramatic. Host nation’s Javier Núñez thrilled the home crowd with a time of 49.43, narrowly edging Venezuela’s Jorge Otaiza at 49.44 in what amounted to a photo finish for the minor medals.

The Aquatics Sports Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT) was quick to celebrate its star’s achievement, releasing a statement hailing Blackman’s ‘incredible talent and determination.’

‘Your performances continue to make Trinidad and Tobago proud,’ the association declared, ‘and demonstrate the incredible talent and determination of our swimming community.’

Blackman’s golden streak in Santo Domingo now stands at three, cementing his status as one of the region’s premier sprint swimmers.

SOCAR, Canada’s Gran Tierra prepare seismic survey in Guba-Caspian region

The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) plans to carry out 2D seismic exploration in partnership with Canadian energy company Gran Tierra Energy to further assess the geological structure of the Guba-Caspian oil and gas region, AzerNEWS reports.

According to SOCAR, the work will be conducted under the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for the exploration, development and production of hydrocarbons in a prospective onshore block located in the region.

As part of the project’s initial preparatory phase, SOCAR held a meeting with local authorities at the Guba District Executive Power, where participants discussed the next stages of the project’s implementation.

The agreement between SOCAR and Gran Tierra Energy was signed in February 2026. Under its terms, Gran Tierra will serve as the project’s operator with a 65% participating interest.

The exploration program includes collecting gravimetric data, conducting 3D seismic surveys, and drilling exploratory wells to assess the hydrocarbon potential of the contract area.

’Is it for men only? ‘, Jarvis questions five-year jail term for bigamy

Content creator Jarvis has questioned whether the punishment for bigamy under Nigeria’s Marriage Act applies to both men and women.

Her reaction came a day after a video from her court wedding to fellow TikToker Hamzat Habeeb, known as Peller, resurfaced online.

In the video, a marriage registrar warned the couple that contracting another marriage while legally married is an offence of bigamy punishable by ‘a minimum of 5 years imprisonment with no option of fine.’

In a trending video, Jarvis said she revisited the warning after watching the clip again.

She said, ‘The five years imprisonment something, I just saw the video again, asides the joke, I had to think about it again, that 5 years imprisonment, is it for the men only? or is it for the two of us? because for my babe to react maybe it’s for the men only. Or maybe it’s not for the two of us. Nothing will happen in Jesus name o’, she said.

Jarvis’ comment followed Peller’s interruption during the ceremony.

Surprised by the warning, Peller asked: ‘Wait, wait… I get question. For marriage?’

After the registrar repeated the penalty, he replied: ‘For marriage? We will not break it, but ah, I don’t know how prison enter this love… We are good.’

The couple legalised their union on Wednesday, July 29 and their formal wedding is scheduled for August 1, 2026.

9th generation Hilux now in the market

MY son’s first vehicle was a Toyota Hilux. He loved it so much his romance with it lasted for decades. It only ended when he accidentally drove his Hilux into floodwaters deep enough to swallow King Kong. He now drives a Fortuner.

But with the new Hilux now in the market, the Hilux fire in my son’s heart seems to have been rekindled.

”Tay, how much is the new Hilux 4×4?,’ he asked.

‘It starts at P1,772,000 for the ICE variants, and the BEV [battery electric vehicle] is pegged at P2,990,000,’ I said.

‘Thanks, ‘Tay,’ he said. ‘Will check my budget.’

The ninth generation Hilux now comes in a new design, bringing with it an expanded lineup of updated diesel-powered variants and including the Hilux nameplate’s first-ever 4×4 BEV variant.

Let’s hear more from Toyota Motor Philippines’ (TMP) Benjo Villavieja, Mixie Flavier’s trusted vehicle tekkie:

‘CYBER SUMO’

BUILT to be powerful, simple and truly reliable, the Hilux is a car that highlights the foundations of society, now improved for the modern era. Combining off-road capability with comfortable on-road agility, the Hilux is a car designed for people who want a rigid utility vehicle with sporty dynamics.

The all-new Hilux adopts Toyota’s ‘Cyber Sumo’ design philosophy, combining the pickup’s long-standing toughness with sharper and more sophisticated styling. The front fascia now features distinctive C-shaped LED headlamps integrated into a wider honeycomb-pattern grille.

On the back, the rear receives a cleaner design with updated lighting and a newly integrated deck-side step that provides easier access to the cargo bed. Exclusive styling cues differentiate each model within the range.

CONQUEST

THE Conquest variant receives a rugged front bumper designed for customers who enjoy overlanding and outdoor adventures, while the Hilux BEV features a solid, enclosed grille that improves aerodynamic efficiency while distinguishing it from its diesel counterparts.

The all-new Hilux ICE lineup is built on a 3,085-mm wheelbase, providing a stable foundation for both on-road comfort and off-road capability.

The flagship Hilux 2.8 4×4 Conquest A/T measures 5,320 mm long, 1,885 mm wide, and 1,865 mm high.

The Hilux 4×4 V M/T, 4×2 G, and 4X4 E share the same overall dimensions as the Conquest. The 4×2 E A/T variant measures 5,320 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width, and 1,865 mm in height. Meanwhile, the BEV variant measures 5,320 mm in length, 1,855 mm wide, and 1,845 mm high. Ground clearance reaches up to 312 mm on all ICE variants and 287 mm for the BEV variant, allowing the Hilux to maintain the off-road capability that has defined the nameplate through successive generations. The Hilux BEV’s interior include a 12.3” infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a Panoramic View Monitor. Eight-way power-adjustable seats and synthetic leather material can also be found in the BEV variant, sharing similarities with the Conquest variant.

ICE

ALL internal combustion engine (ICE) variants of the all-new Hilux are powered by Toyota’s 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV four-cylinder Variable Nozzle Turbo diesel engine. The powerplant develops 204 PS between 3,000 and 3,400 rpm, while manual transmission variants produce 420 Nm of torque and automatic variants generate up to 500 Nm, both providing the pulling power expected from a pickup built for both work and recreation. The suspension system continues to pair independent double wishbones at the front with a rigid rear axle supported by leaf springs, preserving its load-carrying ability while improving ride comfort.

PEACE OF MIND

TO support charging for the Hilux BEV’s charging needs, the car comes with a complimentary wall charger and home installation, allowing owners to charge their vehicle at home from day one conveniently. Charging is supported through both AC Type 2 charging and DC CCS2 fast charging.

Beyond home charging, the Hilux BEV is also backed by TMP’s growing network of authorized BEV dealers equipped with EV charging stations, including Toyota Alabang, Toyota Commonwealth, Toyota Global City, Toyota Makati, Toyota Manila Bay, Toyota North Edsa, Toyota Pasig, Toyota Quezon Avenue, Toyota San Fernando Pampanga, Toyota Santa Rosa Laguna, Toyota La Union, Toyota Batangas, Toyota Mandaue South Cebu, and Toyota Mabolo, ensuring customers have access to charging-ready facilities and specialized BEV support across key locations nationwide.

The all-new Toyota Hilux is available in the following variants: The Toyota Hilux lineup starts with the Hilux 2.8 4×2 E A/T at P1,772,000, followed by the Hilux 2.8 4×2 G M/T at P1,798,000 and the Hilux 2.8 4×2 G A/T at P1,849,000. The Hilux 2.8 4×4 E M/T is priced at P1,903,000, while the Hilux 2.8 4×2 Conquest A/T costs P2,273,000 and its PC variant is priced at P2,293,000. The Hilux 2.8 4×4 V M/T is available for P2,533,000, while the PC version costs P2,553,000. Meanwhile, the Hilux 2.8 4×4 Conquest A/T is priced at P2,611,000, with its PC variant available for P2,631,000. At the top of the range is the Hilux 2.8 4×4 BEV, priced at P2,990,000.

PEE STOP To celebrate the arrival of the all-new Hilux, Land Cruiser FJ and Land Cruiser HEV, TMP will hold the Toyota Legacy Experience from July 31 to August 2 at the Eton City Square Village Walk, Santa Rosa Laguna. Guests have the rare chance to test-drive the iconic vehicles. For more information, visit www.toyota.com.ph/hilux or head to their nearest local Toyota dealership. Follow TMP on Facebook, Instagram and X, and join the ToyotaPH community on Viber to get the latest updates on products, services and promos.