Author: user user

ALGON dismisses suit over Kogi LG chairmen’s tenure

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kogi State Chapter, has dismissed as baseless and misleading a purported lawsuit alleging plans by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to dissolve the elected chairmen of the state’s 21 local government areas.

In a statement signed on Thursday by the State ALGON Chairman, Hon. Tosin Olokun, the association described the litigation as ill-motivated and based on false assumptions, insisting that the governor has neither announced nor contemplated any illegal dissolution of democratically elected local government chairmen.

The statement read:

‘The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kogi State Chapter, has noted with concern media reports surrounding a suit purportedly filed by two individuals seeking to restrain the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, from allegedly dissolving the elected chairmen of the 21 local government areas of the state.

‘The leadership of ALGON wishes to categorically state that the foundation upon which the litigation is predicated is false, misleading, and entirely speculative. At no time has the Governor of Kogi State announced or contemplated the illegal dissolution of democratically elected local government chairmen in the state.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, the tenure of the current local government chairmen is clearly defined by the extant laws of Kogi State. The law under which the chairmen were elected expressly provides for a two-year tenure, and the incumbent chairmen are fully aware that their constitutional and statutory tenure expires in October 2026.

‘The expiration of a legally prescribed tenure cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be misconstrued as dissolution. It is therefore misleading and legally untenable for anyone to suggest that the governor intends to dissolve elected local government administrations outside the provisions of the law. Such claims are nothing more than conjecture designed to misinform the public and create unnecessary political tension.

‘ALGON further states unequivocally that there are no plans whatsoever by the Kogi State Government to appoint caretaker or interim committees to administer the affairs of any local government area. Rather, the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has already slated the conduct of local government elections for October 2026, before the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent chairmen.

‘Consequently, upon the expiration of the current tenure in October 2026, duly elected or re-elected chairmen will be sworn into office in accordance with the provisions of the law, ensuring a seamless, constitutional, and democratic transition without any vacuum in local government administration.

‘The leadership of ALGON, together with its 21 member councils, wishes to state emphatically that neither the association nor any of its members has any knowledge of, involvement in, or affiliation with the purported litigation. We completely dissociate ourselves from what appears to be an ill-motivated and unnecessary attempt by certain individuals to cast aspersions on the democratic credentials of Kogi State and bring the government into disrepute.

‘We reaffirm our confidence in the commitment of His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, to the rule of law, constitutional governance, and the deepening of democratic institutions at the grassroots. ALGON has continued to work closely with the State Government, the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the forthcoming local government elections are free, fair, credible, and hitch-free, culminating in a smooth transition to a new tenure of elected local government administrations.

‘We therefore urge the good people of Kogi State to disregard the unfounded claims contained in the suit and the misconceptions arising from them. There is no constitutional crisis, no proposed illegal dissolution of elected councils, and no plan to undermine democratic governance at the local government level.

‘ALGON calls on all residents of Kogi State to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of the government at all levels as we collectively continue to build a more peaceful, prosperous, and democratically stable state.’

UNILAG hosts forum in honour of Ogunye

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) will host the third Prof. Ayo Ogunye Chemical Engineering Education Forum and 84th Birthday Lecture in honour of renowned chemical engineering scholar, Prof. Ayodele Francis Ogunye, on Friday.

The event, organised by the Professor Ayo Francis Ogunye Trust Fund, will hold at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, UNILAG, in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend physically or virtually.

Professor J.A. Adeniran will deliver the lecture titled: ‘Development of Hybrid Photocatalysis and Nanoparticles Modified Adsorption Systems for Indoor and Urban Air Pollution Control.’ The lecture will examine technological approaches to tackling indoor and urban air pollution.

The programme will also feature a panel discussion with Prof. Michael Daramola, Prof. Muibat D. Yahya and Prof. Baba J. El-Yakubu. Mr Kunle Ogunbayo will chair the event.

According to Dr John Erinne, Chairman Planning Committee, the annual forum is expected to bring together academics, researchers, students and industry professionals to discuss developments in chemical engineering education and emerging solutions to environmental challenges, while celebrating Prof. Ogunye’s contributions to the growth of the profession.

JAMAICA-EDUCATION – Jamaica pledges support for students remaining in crisis-hit Cuba

The government says it remains committed to supporting the approximately 270 Jamaican students still pursuing studies in Cuba amid the island’s ongoing energy crisis, with Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith assuring that assistance remains available for those facing challenges.

Speaking during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, Johnson Smith said her ministry continues to monitor the welfare of Jamaican students in Cuba, including 40 students enrolled through Cuban scholarships supported by the Jamaican government.

She said one privately funded student has formally notified authorities of his return to Jamaica, while more than 65 students, including five government scholarship recipients, have completed their medical studies for the 2025-2026 academic year.

‘Three others have indicated that they are in the process of continuing their studies elsewhere through academic transfer,’ Johnson Smith said, adding that the figures may not capture all students who have returned home because some privately funded students have not formally informed the government.

The minister said the government maintains communication channels with students to allow them to report their circumstances and seek assistance if needed.

Johnson Smith said students who wish to return to Jamaica are being offered support, including one-way travel assistance where affordability is a barrier.

‘Our concern remains for their safety, well-being, and academic continuity,’ she said, noting that prolonged electricity outages and limited public transportation in Cuba have created difficulties for students’ daily lives.

She added that the government is working with the Ministries of Education, Finance and Health, as well as medical institutions, to explore options for students who may wish to return and continue their studies in Jamaica.

The situation has been complicated by Cuba’s worsening energy crisis, which has resulted in frequent and extended power outages affecting education, transportation, food supplies and access to medical services.

Earlier this year, Johnson Smith said some Jamaican students reported that universities had temporarily suspended classes, while others shifted to online learning that was affected by unreliable electricity and internet access.

To strengthen communication with students, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs established a WhatsApp group linking approximately 320 students with officials in Kingston and the Jamaican Embassy in Havana. The platform also helped identify privately funded students who had not previously been registered with authorities.

Meanwhile, Johnson Smith said Jamaica has reaffirmed its support for the Cuban people through a US$100,000 humanitarian contribution made through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

She said Jamaica continues to support a coordinated regional response to Cuba’s humanitarian challenges while encouraging dialogue between Cuba and the United States.

‘Civilian needs must remain the highest priority,’ Johnson Smith said, adding that CARICOM continues to advocate for constructive engagement as the most effective way to ease hardship among the Cuban population.

The minister also provided an update on Cuban medical professionals working in Jamaica following the conclusion of the long-standing health technical cooperation arrangement in March 2026.

She said some Cuban doctors who had previously left Jamaica have since returned and are working under individual contracts with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, while others who remained in Jamaica continue to provide services under similar arrangements.

Johnson Smith said Jamaica continues to recognize the significant contribution Cuban medical professionals have made to the country’s healthcare system over many years.

Israel-Hamas talks said to make progress

Mediated negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Egypt are “making progress,” the Times of Israel reported on Thursday, citing an anonymous diplomatic official, AzerNEWS reports.

The source said the two sides are working on implementing a roadmap that “offers a balanced and pragmatic path forward,” including disarming the Palestinian organization and handing its authority over to a technocratic government.

The source added that the roadmap “creates a process for the elimination of all tunnels, depots of weapons, and any weapons production facilities” in the Gaza Strip, stressing that all Hamas infrastructure will be removed at its end.

First Lady seeks Saudi support to tackle Almajiri, out-of-school children crisis

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to partner with Nigeria in addressing the growing challenge of Almajiri and out-of-school children, saying providing them with formal education is critical to securing the country’s future.

She said such collaboration should focus on integrating Islamic teachings with Western education to ensure that Almajiri children receive quality formal education without losing their religious foundation.

Mrs Tinubu made the appeal on Thursday while receiving the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Amb. Yousef Mohammed Al-Balawi, at the State House, Abuja.

The First Lady, who said her office is committed to improving the welfare of women and vulnerable children, stressed that the Almajiri system requires urgent reforms through strategic partnerships capable of combining Arabic education with formal schooling.

In a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said ‘I work with the women and vulnerable children in the society. My heart goes out to the Almajiri children up North. I believe they need better care’.

She warned that neglecting the children could worsen the country’s security challenges, noting that investing in their education would help secure Nigeria’s future.

‘This is because most of the insecurity challenges in the nation, if that particular group of children are not taken care of, I don’t know what might happen.

‘I believe we can still start to give them formal education. If we are able to do that, the future of Nigeria will be well secured’, the First Lady added.

Mrs Tinubu also commended the long-standing bilateral relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia and expressed appreciation to the Saudi envoy for the visit, expressing optimism that closer collaboration would benefit both countries.

Responding, Ambassador Al-Balawi said he had spent five months in Nigeria and had been impressed by the warm reception accorded him by the government and its officials.

He disclosed that he had already met with some members of the Federal Executive Council, expressing confidence that ongoing engagements would further strengthen relations between the two countries.

The envoy said Nigeria and Saudi Arabia share deep historical, religious and cultural ties, as well as common aspirations for economic growth.

‘As you are aware, our countries have a strong relationship. We both share a historical relationship. Our nations share a lot of things-religion, culture, and the potential to improve our relationship and get back in shape.

‘Our nations have strong common ambitions to improve our economy’, he said.

The Saudi Ambassador was accompanied on the visit by the Chief of Staff at the Saudi Embassy in Nigeria, Mohammed Bukar.

Final T-Bills auction for July: Mixed implications as CBN offers N700bn amid absence of maturities

THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will today conduct the final Treasury Bills Primary Market Auction (PMA) for July, offering N700.00 billion across three tenors in a session marked by the absence of maturing bills and mixed implications for yields and liquidity.

The offer comprises N100 billion of 91-day bills, N100 billion of 182-day bills and N500 billion of 364-day bills. With no Treasury bill maturities falling due this week, the auction will result in a net liquidity withdrawal of N700 billion from the system. Market analysts note that the lack of reinvestment demand from maturing securities is expected to temper subscription pressure, while simultaneously easing the CBN’s immediate refinancing needs and reducing any compulsion to raise stop rates to attract funds.

According to Meristem Securities, the situation presents mixed implications. ‘While it removes reinvestment demand from maturing securities, it also reduces the CBN’s immediate refinancing pressure, limiting the need to offer higher rates to attract subscriptions. On balance, we expect clearing rates to remain broadly stable, with a downward bias, particularly on the 364-day tenor.’

The previous PMA underscored resilient investor appetite. The CBN had cut the total offer to N600.00 billion from N700.00 billion earlier, yet total subscriptions surged 49.30 per cent to N3.03 trillion. Allotment rose 11.87 per cent to N1.19 trillion, with the bulk concentrated in the longest tenor, improving the allotment-to-offer ratio to 1.98 times. Stop rates held steady at 16.30 per cent for the 91-day and 16.50 per cent for the 182-day bills, while the 364-day rate edged lower to 17.66 per cent from 17.70 per cent.

Secondary market activity has remained supportive. Average T-bill yields eased to 18.26 per cent as of July 27 from 18.32 per cent on July 15, reflecting sustained demand. Headline inflation’s modest decline to 15.91 per cent year-on-year in June from 15.93 per cent in May has further strengthened the case for lower primary rates at the long end. However, stable outcomes at the recent FGN bond auction and an unchanged OMO sale suggest authorities remain comfortable with the prevailing interest-rate environment.

Market participants will watch subscription levels closely, particularly whether strong demand translates into lower clearing rates on the 364-day bill. The result will provide insight into the CBN’s near-term funding strategy and its assessment of liquidity and inflation dynamics as July’s borrowing programme concludes.

Dialogue offers path to peace

Manila: Thailand and Cambodia should engage more at diplomatic levels to resolve ongoing conflicts, said Asean secretary-general Kao Kim Hourn.

Mr Kao was speaking on Wednesday during a meeting with regional media in an interface session as part of the 10th Asean Media Forum in Manila, the Philippines.

During this interactive session, Mr Kao outlined Asean’s major milestones and key deliverables achieved under the Philippines’ Chairship of Asean in 2026. He also underscored the region’s collective efforts to advance Asean’s priorities and address emerging challenges.

During the session, Mr Kao was asked to comment on the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.

“I think we have to make all efforts because what happened in 2025 had an impact on the people on both sides of the border, and people in both countries have been displaced,” he said. “At the same time, the bottom line is that we still have a ceasefire, but the issue remains.”

Although challenges remain in implementing the ceasefire, he urged both sides to seize this opportunity to strengthen dialogue and diplomacy, stressing that continued engagement is essential to achieving lasting peace and stability.

“I hope, as the secretary-general of Asean, that both countries will continue to uphold the Asean spirit of solidarity and unity. Cambodia and Thailand are permanent neighbouring countries, and there remains ample space to intensify all diplomatic efforts,” he said.

He recalled sustained efforts to help resolve the conflict, including the Putrajaya Peace Accord reached in July 2025 during Malaysia’s Asean chairship, supported by US President Donald Trump.

An immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia was reached on July 28, 2025, in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Mediated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during Malaysia’s Asean chairship, the emergency talks successfully halted days of deadly border clashes.

Mr Kao also noted the Special Asean Ministers’ Meeting held Dec 22, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at which Thailand and Cambodia agreed that the military authorities of both sides would hold discussions on a ceasefire arrangement before the ceasefire agreement officially took effect on Dec 27, 2025.

SL port expansion delays flagged as India ramps up competition

A parliamentary oversight committee has raised concerns that delays in expanding Port of Colombo risks eroding Sri Lanka’s competitive position as India accelerates the development of the Vizhinjam International Seaport and regional port capacity expands.

The concerns were raised by the Sectoral Oversight Committee (SOC) on Infrastructure and Strategic Development during a review of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority’s (SLPA) operations, financial performance, and development program.

The Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, India, is being developed as a deep-water transshipment hub to serve international shipping routes. Located close to major maritime corridors, the port has a natural draft of 24 metres and is designed to handle ultra-large container vessels, reducing India’s reliance on overseas transshipment facilities.

Transshipment is the lifeblood of Port of Colombo and one of Sri Lanka’s most important sources of maritime revenue, employment, and foreign exchange earnings. Around 84.5% of the Port’s container throughput consists of transshipment cargo, with a substantial share linked to India.

Any shift in transshipment volumes to competing regional ports, particularly those being developed on the Indian coastline, could affect Colombo’s role as the region’s primary hub, with implications for port revenues, logistics services, and Sri Lanka’s wider economy.

The SOC sought explanations from SLPA officials on the competitive pressures facing Port of Colombo, including the rapid expansion of India’s Vizhinjam Port, Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) investment in the Indian transshipment hub, and plans to expand capacity at Port of Hambantota.

Members also questioned the progress of projects intended to increase Colombo Port’s handling capacity, citing implementation delays, procurement bottlenecks, and the resulting financial implications for the Government.

The Committee stressed that prolonged delays could undermine Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in the regional maritime sector as neighbouring ports continue to expand capacity and attract shipping lines.

It called for a comprehensive audit to determine the causes of project delays and identify parties responsible, while urging the adoption of stronger procurement and project management practices to prevent similar setbacks.

The Committee reviewed the SLPA’s financial performance during the first six months of 2026 and discussed measures required to sustain its profitability, although no financial figures were disclosed.

The discussions also covered the implementation of recommendations previously made by the Committee and the Authority’s 2024 Annual Report.

Members further examined the development of regional ports, including Hambantota, Galle, and Kankesanthurai, as well as the need to strengthen supporting infrastructure and increase the participation of domestic contractors, consultants, and technical professionals in port development projects.

Concluding the meeting, the Committee called for faster implementation of strategic port projects, stronger institutional accountability, and greater transparency to improve the operational efficiency and long-term profitability of the SLPA.

The meeting was chaired by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP S.M. Marikkar and attended by MPs Ajith P. Perera, Manjula Suraweera Arachchi, Chathura Galappaththi, Ravindra Bandara, Dhanushka Ranganath, and Shantha Padma Kumara, together with the Ports and Civil Aviation Ministry Secretary, SLPA Chairman and Managing Director, and other officials.

Port of Colombo is expected to double its container handling capacity to 15 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) by the end of 2026. However, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has cautioned that geography alone will no longer be enough to preserve Colombo’s position as South Asia’s leading transshipment hub, as competing regional ports expand through investment and policy reforms.

‘Mere reliance on geographical advantage may no longer be sufficient for Sri Lankan ports in maintaining their position as a leading transshipment hub in the region,’ the CBSL said in its last infrastructure report.

SLPMA calls for long-term buyback scheme to strengthen pharmaceutical manufacturing

Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (SLPMA) President Dinesh Athapaththu this week called for the Government to establish a stable, long-term pharmaceutical buyback scheme, describing it as a cornerstone policy for attracting investment and expanding the domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.

Delivering his inaugural address after assuming office as President at the Association’s 60th Annual General Meeting (AGM), he said the buyback scheme had played a pivotal role in supporting local manufacturers over the years, but noted that its evolution into multiple formats had created uncertainty for investors.

‘What the industry needs is policy stability. We need a long-term buyback framework built around a clear national industry strategy. In return, manufacturers are prepared to be held accountable for delivering investment, innovation, and exports,’ he said.

Athapaththu also urged the Government to maintain investment incentives for pharmaceutical manufacturers, stressing that the industry requires significant upfront capital and long gestation periods before generating returns.

He explained that establishing a modern pharmaceutical manufacturing facility is a lengthy and complex process, with construction alone taking between two and five years, followed by extensive qualification and validation procedures before production can begin.

‘Even after manufacturing starts, companies must complete product development, obtain regulatory approvals, build brands, and establish market acceptance before generating sustainable revenue,’ he said.

He added that exporters face an even longer timeline, as overseas regulatory approvals can only commence after products have been successfully commercialised in the domestic market.

‘Pharmaceutical manufacturing is among the most capital-intensive, scientifically demanding, and time-consuming industries to build. It requires patient capital and long-term commitment,’ Athapaththu said.

The SLPMA President also called for greater policy consistency by simplifying import procedures for pharmaceutical raw materials.

He pointed out that, unlike finished pharmaceutical imports, manufacturers are required to obtain multiple approvals for every shipment of raw materials, resulting in delays and higher operating costs.

Athapaththu urged the authorities to streamline these procedures through closer engagement with industry stakeholders, arguing that reducing regulatory bottlenecks would improve manufacturing efficiency and competitiveness.

Despite the challenges facing the sector, he maintained that strengthening domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing is essential for Sri Lanka’s long-term pharmaceutical security.

He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had highlighted the vulnerabilities associated with excessive dependence on imported medicines, reinforcing the importance of developing a resilient local manufacturing base capable of supporting the country’s healthcare needs.

Defeat terrorists before engaging opposition, ADC tells Tinubu

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his comments on the opposition, saying the President should focus on defeating terrorists rather than fighting political opponents.

In a statement on Wednesday, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said it was disturbing that the President made the remarks during a meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) while the country continues to grapple with widespread insecurity, including a recent deadly attack in Kaduna State.

During the meeting, President Tinubu, reacting to a call by the bishops for free and fair elections, said he was prepared for a political fight, declaring: ‘All is fair in politics, and there is equal opportunity.’

He added: ‘INEC is neutral. It has never, ever intimidated anybody. If political opponents are crying wolf, then they are afraid of their own shadows and the uncertainty in the company they keep.’

Reacting to the comments, the ADC described President Tinubu as Nigeria’s ‘Statement Maker-in-Chief,’ accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of responding to attacks with mere condemnations rather than decisive action.

The ADC expressed deep concern that President Tinubu chose a meeting with Catholic Bishops to declare he was prepared to ‘fight to the finish’ politically at a time when ‘Nigerians continue to live under the shadow of terrorism, banditry, and violent crime.’

The party stated: ‘Mr. President, the fight Nigerians elected you to lead is not against the opposition. It is against the terrorists, kidnappers, and armed criminals who continue to kill innocent citizens and destabilize communities across the country.

‘Only hours before the President’s remarks, at least 30 people were killed in a late-night attack on Naridon village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Homes were burnt, families were displaced, and another community was left devastated by an attack that should never have happened.

‘Yet, the President, whose primary duty is to protect and preserve Nigerian lives, has chosen instead to serve as Nigeria’s Statement Maker-in-Chief. After every attack comes another statement. After every massacre comes another condemnation. After every tragedy comes another expression of sympathy. Nigerians did not elect a Commander-in-Chief to become the nation’s chief issuer of condolence statements.’

The party added that it is even more disturbing that ‘when it comes to insecurity, President Tinubu is a commentator; when it comes to the opposition, he is a combatant.’

The ADC maintained that the President should reserve decisive words and actions like ‘fight to the finish’ for defeating the terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers shedding innocent blood, rather than fighting ‘the opposition who want to save Nigerians from his misrule and failure.’

Instead of preparing for political battles, the ADC urged President Tinubu to lead the fight against those forcing countless Nigerians from their homes. ‘That is the battle the country expects him to win,’ the party said.

‘After more than three years in office, this administration cannot point to a security record that justifies political bravado. Given its catastrophic failure to secure lives and property, one would have expected the President to be reflecting on his record, not digging in politically.’