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One Injured, Vehicles Burnt In Ogun Tanker Inferno

A tanker inferno in the wee-hours of Friday left one person injured and three vehicles burnt along the Abeokuta-Sagamu expressway in Ogun State.

It was gathered that the tanker carrying 30,000 litres of fuel fell on its side and spilled its content at the Abeokuta-Kobape-Siun-Sagamu/Interchange stretch of the highway.

The spokesman of Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, Babatunde Akinbiyi, in a traffic alert, said the development resulted into a fire outbreak.

He blamed the crash on speeding and loss of control on the part of the driver.

Akinbiyi said, ‘The effect of the unfortunate incident also extended to the burning of a truck and tow vehicle along the roadside, as well as the destruction of a cable supplying electricity to Mowe and environs.’

Speaking with our correspondent, Akinbiyi confirmed that one woman sustained injury while trying to rescue her children near the inferno.

He said some properties were lost to the incident, but no one died.

Also, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun command, said no casualty was recorded in the incident.

The command, however, said the three vehicles involved in the incident were ‘burnt beyond recognition.’

Court Halts Police Enforcement Of Tinted Glass Permit

A Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has ordered the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police to suspend the enforcement of tinted glass permit against vehicle owners.

The judge also asked the police and the IGP to maintain the status quo and ‘respect judicial processes pending further proceedings in the matter.’

The court issued the interim order in the suit no: FHC/WR/CS/103/2025 brought by Delta lawyer, John Aikpokpo-Martins against the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force.

Aikpokpo-Martins approached the court to challenge the legality of the new tinted permit enforcement with an interim order to forestall the enforcement.

The lead counsel to the applicant, Kunle Edun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who led the legal team for the petitioner, confirmed the development to journalists and noted that ‘the directive is a major step in ensuring that the rule of law is upheld while the substantive issues in the case are being determined.’

Before the order by the court, there were reports of police enforcement of the permit in different parts of the country. In Lagos, the police command had begun full enforcement of laws regulating the use of tinted glass on vehicles across the state.

The Lagos State police command spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, announced the commencement of the exercise, adding that it is in line with directives of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun aimed to boost public safety, curb crime and ensure compliance with traffic laws.

Elebuibon seeks preservation of Yoruba culture through deities worship

A foremost Ifa oracle priest, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, on Friday, advocated worship of deities and ancestors as a means to preserve the Yoruba culture and traditions.

The priest, during the 2025 Annual Symposium of Ifayemi Elebuibon Annual Symposium (IFEAS) themed, ‘Veneration/Worshipping Of The Ancestors: Its Place In Iseee Religion,’ noted that preservation of the culture would engender development in Yoruba land.

He, however, noted that the symposium was not to condemn or criticise other religions, but to underscore the importance of Yoruba culture.

His words, ‘We should not neglect where we are from, and we should always cherish our heritage. It has contributed a lot to the culture. The symposium is not criticising other religions, it is bringing more understanding about all Yoruba traditional religions.

‘We must not forget our deities and ancestors, we must worship them so that they can continue to bless us, which will go a long way in bringing development into the land.’

He added that the connection of the Yoruba people with their roots was fundamental; hence, it must not be neglected.

One of the speakers, Chief Komolafe Wande, gave his insight, insisting that Yoruba can preserve their culture by making sure their language, naming of children, mode of dressing, and Yoruba names should never derail.

2027: Tinubu should return to sustain economy recovery trajectory, policy continuity – Reps member, GNI

A member of the House of Representatives, Prince Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka (GNI), has said that despite all the daunting odds, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done well to reposition the nation’s economy to the path of recovery and progress.

ýýIsiaka who revealed that he agreed 100 percent with the government when it declared recently that ‘the economy has turned the corner,’ said President Tinubu ýshould come back for the second term in 2027 so that the good things being championed by the administration could be completed.

ýýýThe lawmaker from Ogun State representing the Yewa North and Imeko – Afon Federal Constituency in the 10th National Assembly recalled that in the last two years inflation, interest rate, foreign reserve issues and instability in exchange rate were some of the things bedeviling the country but said as of today, they have all been taken care through audacious policy reforms.

ýýHe stated this yesterday in Abeokuta, the state capital, while speaking with newsmen, shortly appearing as a guest speaker at the monthly Business meeting of the Nigeria Institute Public Relations (NIPR), Ogun State chapter.

ýýHe also scored the present administration at the centre high in the areas of policy continuity, especially the project 2050 of Nigeria which it inherited from the immediate past administration.

ýý’For instance, this is the first time we are going to have perspective planning for about 30 years. We have never had that type of thing before that we have in the 2020 plan. Good enough, this government is continuing it, so we are getting there.

ýý’This government has done well. I have said that the project 2050 of Nigeria that we have, was done in 2020 by the last administration and it is now further broken down into a five – year plan. The first one is from 2021 to 2025. That is ending by this year. The second one is 2026 – 2031. This government has latched into that. That is going to become effective next year with some changes because of the parameters that have changed.

ýý’The exchange rate at that time is not the exchange rate now. Subsidy was available then but it is not there now. So, there may be little amendments but the entire thing is taking up from there.

ýý’So, I think this Government has done well for this kind of continuity that we have. Another government could have said ‘I don’t have any business to do with project 2050’ and go start something else. That has not happened. That is why when the government said the economy has turned the corner, I said ‘I hundred percent agreed with that.’

ýý’One of the things that have been bedeviling us in the last two years include inflation, interest rate, foreign reserve and instability in exchange rate. All of those ones have been taken care of as we speak.

ýý’A lot of measures have been introduced to alleviate challenges. The student loan funds have been put in place to alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable in the society so that while we are waiting for those big plans to come into force at least we also take care of the vulnerable and weak among us.

ýý’For me, I believe that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should come back for the second term so that some of these good things can be completed.’

ýýSpeaking earlier on the NIPR business meeting with the theme: ‘Nigeria at 65: Pathways for National Development and Economic Sustainability,’ he said despite daunting challenges, Nigeria has recorded tangible progress since independence in areas of education, stable democratic rule, improved revenue from non – oil export, digital economy among others.

ýýThe lawmaker however said that the nation still has a long way to go to catch up with countries like Singapore and Malaysia that were at par with Nigeria at some stage and identified leadership and followership challenges, policy in consistency, poor population census data, lack of continuity of programme due to change in government as some of the factors stymieing the nation’s efforts at realising her true potentials 65 years after.

In her address earlier, the Ogun NIPR chairperson, Mrs Oluwaseun Boye, emphasized the place of public relations in shaping narratives that build trust, promote unity and inspire collective action for national development.

Mrs Boye said that Nigeria’s greatness lies in the commitment of the citizens and urged all hands to be on deck for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria to emerge.

ýpublic relations professionals,

‘Our role as public relations professionals is to shape narratives that build trust, promote unity, and inspire collective action. We must use our platforms to bridge divides, amplify truth, and galvanize every stakeholder toward nation-building.

ýý’Nigeria’s greatness lies in the commitment of its people. If truly all hands are on deck, then a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria is not just possible it is inevitable, so I charge you all to join hands together to achieve a Nigeria of our dreams that we can all be proud of.

ý’ýIt reminds us that the task of nation-building requires fresh thinking, renewed commitment, and deliberate actions from every sector , including public relations,’ she said.

’World Cup’ of grave digging holds in Hungary

Every year, grave diggers from around the world gather in Hungary to compete in the International Grave Digging Championship akin to the football World Cup where contestants compete for honours regarding who can dig the deepest and most beautiful graves.

In the Hungarian city of Sexard, not only an unusual, but also an interesting and noteworthy competition was organised this year-the 18th International Grave Digging Championship.

The Hungary’s Association of Cemetery Operators and Maintainers (MTFE) has been inviting grave diggers from all over the world to the European country to compete for the title of World Grave Digging Champions.

Working in teams of two, grave diggers must put their abilities to the test by digging graves that are at least two metres long, 80 centimetres wide, and 1.6 metres deep within two hours, and then shoveling the approximately 2.5 tonnes of dirt back into the holes to create a neat burial mound. It sounds easy enough, but speed, accuracy, and attention to detail are the main criteria by which contestants are judged.

According to the Daily Telegraph of UK, the eighth International Grave Digging Championship was held on September 6, with participants’ performance graded on a 10-point scale, based on speed, aesthetics and precision. The judges also evaluated the accuracy of the grave’s dimensions before handing out prizes.

At the end of the competition, the Hungarian team won the gold trophy for the second year in a row, with an enviable time of just over an hour and a half. Russia won the silver and Czech Republic got the bronze. The winners were awarded with gold, silver and bronze trophies in the shape of shovels.

László Kiss and Robert Nagy, who represented Hungary, credited their success to the routine they developed in their daily work without any special training,

According to the organisers, the goal of the championship is to raise the prestige of the grave digging profession, attract young people to the job, and showcase their skills. Furthermore, they want to use the championship to recognise the hard work of grave diggers, which requires not only physical fitness, but also mental strength.

Can you forfeit your final-year exams for Big Brother Naija show?

Timmy Daniel

I would not forfeit my final-year exams for Big Brother Naija. Education is a long-term investment that guarantees opportunities, while BBN is a temporary platform. I would prefer to finish my studies first, then explore opportunities like Big Brother Naija afterwards. Completing my degree gives me a solid foundation, credibility, and more confidence. Big Brother can wait. Missing my final exams could have lasting consequences on my future and career path.

Afolabi Olakunmi

I cannot forfeit my final-year examinations for Big Brother Naija, because leaving my life-time asset for a show that does not guarantee winning or even long-term fame is a very bad decision for me and my career. Having my degree can open many doors in my career and business. I can still pursue Big Brother Baija later, if I choose to. I am not against the show – it is a great platform and many people have enjoyed it. However, forfeiting my final exams for it would be something I cannot even imagine.

Salahudeen Bolanle

Participating in the show does not guarantee me emerging as the winner. It is more of another journey that cannot add much value to me. On the other hand, my final exams stand as a conclusion of an important phase of my life and a stepping stone to great achievements for myself and my family.

Oluwatobiloba Akinade

Big Brother would not pay me for all the effort I have put into my studies, not to mention toiling with my final-year exams. However, I might consider choosing a certain amount of money over my final-year exams if the money is life-changing enough to secure my future, start a stable career or business, and possibly return to complete my education later.

Still, education is a solid backup plan no money should easily replace. Besides, fame and money from platforms like Big Brother can be temporary, but education remains a permanent asset. Even if I gain fame, having a degree gives me something to fall back on when the trends fade. So, unless the offer is overwhelmingly worth it and guaranteed, I would rather stay and complete my final-year exams.

Ayobami Obayemi

This is a very tricky question in the sense that they want to know your priorities. So, talking about the Big Brother show and my priorities, I put things that make a positive impact on my life first before any other thing. Big Brother Naija is just for entertainment, for relaxation. My final-year exams are my priority. I would need the exams to graduate, and when I have the certificate, I can get a good job and have a better life. In fact, I would take N20,000 to forfeit the Big Brother Naija show. I am not a fan of it. I would only make it my priority if I were getting something more reasonable, like an endorsement worth millions of naira.

Akorede Onifade

I cannot forfeit my final-year examinations for Big Brother Naija because my education remains a top priority. I have invested years of hard work and sleepless nights to reach this stage in my academic journey. To abandon all of that for a temporary show would be to throw away the foundation of my future.

Big Brother Naija, though entertaining and full of opportunities, is uncertain. There is no guarantee of winning, lasting fame, or even how long one might remain in the house. However, my final-year examinations are certain. It is the key to completing my degree, securing my career, and honouring the time, money, and effort already spent in school.

Therefore, with wisdom and conviction, I choose my final-year examinations over Big Brother Naija. Education first, because opportunities will always come, and the certificate I earned will remain mine forever.

Esther Ayoola

I cannot forfeit my final-year examinations for Big Brother Naija because my education is my foremost priority. Forfeiting it means delaying or risking my graduation. It means I would lose that academic year and repeat those exams later. Fame comes and goes. The examinations represent the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and financial investment. Missing them would mean delaying my graduation, losing the degree I have worked tirelessly for, and jeopardising the opportunities tied to my academic success.

Big Brother Naija can come again in another season. I cannot forfeit my studies I am supposed to do at the right time, for a show I could be evicted from, and that is the end.

Oladipupo Boluwatife

I cannot do that. My dreams and goals do not align with being popular or famous. So, I would not forfeit my final exams because of an entertainment-based show like Big Brother Naija. Education is a priority for me. It is the path I have committed to, and it aligns with the future I envision. While the show may bring fame and quick money, it does not guarantee long-term fulfilment or stability, which is what I am truly aiming for.

Iyanuoluwa Oguntola

I would go for the show and earn good money. I could always come back to complete my studies. Money makes things easier. But it is still a gamble. The show does not guarantee winning or fame, so I need to be sure the opportunity is real and worth the risk. If the money is guaranteed and enough to sort out my future, I would accept it. If not, school first.

Alexandra Oladipupo

I would not because Big Brother Naija is an entertainment show where the future seems blurry and uncertain. It is not something I see aligning with my long-term goals. I would not want to risk my final exams for temporary fame or unclear opportunities. However, if it were a better opportunity with a clear and promising future, something that adds real value to my life and goals, I would gladly consider it. But for BBNaija? I would rather finish school first.

Olayiwola Joshua

I would not forfeit my final-year exams for BBNaija. I have worked hard for years to reach my final year, and I would not throw that away for a reality show. Big Brother Naija may bring fame and money, but it is temporary. Education is a long-term investment, and completing my degree gives me a solid foundation for the future. I would rather graduate first, then explore opportunities like BBNaija, if they still interest me.

Bamigboye Daniel

It depends on the offer. If Big Brother Naija guarantees enough money and exposure to change my life completely, I might consider it. But it would have to be worth more than the years I have spent studying. If there is no guaranteed reward, I would not risk missing my final-year exams. Education is still the safest bet for me.

Alert vs flu-like illnesses up again

Senior health advocates on Thursday called on local government units (LGUs) to protect high-risk groups like the elderly against influenza-like illnesses (ILIs), emphasizing that delayed vaccination could lead to severe and costly flu complications. This, after the Quezon City government reported that the ILIs have surpassed the epidemic threshold, with 152 cases reported from Aug. 31 to Sept. 13. The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. also reported a 10-percent increase in patient admissions, noting that hospitals are ‘mostly full’ as the rainy season intensifies. Bayan Bakuna lead convenor Mikaella Jeleene Salinas Asoy said vaccine allocations from the national government remain uncertain. According to health experts, seniors face the highest risk of severe flu complications, including pneumonia and heart attacks. Hospitalization costs for such can range from P10,000 to P30,000. Household transmission rates can reach 13 to 32 percent, with flu spreading aggressively among school-age children. Older persons who live with or help care for grandchildren who may unknowingly bring the virus home become at a greater risk. ‘The reported spike in cases highlights the urgent need for preventive measures,’ Asoy said. ‘Vaccination remains the most proven, cost-effective way to protect the elderly population,’ she added. She urged families to accompany their elderly loved ones to barangay health centers and inquire about vaccine availability. She noted that such community demand can help LGUs prioritize vaccination programs and ensure that seniors are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.

UPMG affirms print media’s ‘credibility advantage’

In an era when ‘anyone can post, react, or go viral,’ the printed word commanded the spotlight as the United Print and Multimedia Group (UPMG) held its third General Membership Meeting on Sept. 18.

With the theme ‘Credibility Advantage: How Print Builds Trust in a Digital World,’ the meeting held at Kingsford Hotel Manila gathered publishers, editors, advertisers, and industry leaders for a day of dialogue on how trusted journalism can guide audiences amid the information overload.

UPMG president Vivienne Motomal, the concurrent assistant vice president of the Journal Group of Publications, opened the program with a message that both underscored print media’s resilience and noted the challenges faced by the industry in upholding its standards. ‘It feels good to be gathered in this room with people who share a deep-seated belief in the power of the printed word,’ she said.

Motomal acknowledged the swift rise of digital media but stressed print’s enduring role: ‘In this chaos, what does the reader yearn for? They yearn for an anchor. A source they can trust. When a person holds a newspaper or a magazine in their hands, they are holding a tangible commitment to journalism.’

AI as next disruptor

Credibility remains the industry’s strongest currency, she said. ‘This is why, even in the digital age, our role is more critical than ever. The future is a credible hybrid where print and digital can work together to build a complete, trustworthy media ecosystem.’

In his keynote address, Lucien Dy Tioco, executive vice president of Philstar Media Group, traced the arc of media transformation, recalling how the once ‘traditional’ press now competes with algorithm-driven feeds.

‘Fast forward to the present time, we now live entirely different from how we were 15 years ago,’ he said, noting how people scroll for headlines, binge shows, and check influencers for tips without a second thought. But with these conveniences came serious consequences. ‘Technology has brought a more toxic conversation on social media, strong political biases that breed divisiveness, bigger and bolder online scams, and worse of all, fake news to help distort public opinion,’ he noted.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI), Dy Tioco added, is the next disruptor: ‘In just over a year, AI technology is quickly being applied in almost everything . We need to fight for our place now.’

But reaffirming the value of print, he said: ‘We write news with a journalistic edge. We curate news according to national importance. We create content to foster objectivity and calm. That is what the world needs right now. We need to exist because we fight for the truth.’

Safeguards vs fake news

The panel discussion that followed had Angel Guerrero, vice president of UPMG and publisher of Adobo Magazine as moderator, drawing more insights from Dy Tioco and Jack Jacinto, vice president for public and member relations of Pag-Ibig Fund.

Jacinto underscored the public sector’s reliance on credible media outlets: ‘Our organization knows this and values credibility, which is why we support print.’

The panelists highlighted the meticulous processes behind print-fact-checking, rigorous editorial process, and context-rich reporting-as essential safeguards against fake news.

Science of narrative

They also called on publishers to present a united front to policymakers, again emphasizing print’s permanence and credibility as irreplaceable strengths even as technology reshapes the means of distribution.

The morning open forum tackled AI verification tools and the expansion of media literacy programs, reinforcing UPMG’s shared values that uphold trustworthy content.

The afternoon session shifted the focus to the science of narrative. Von Cruz and Bernz Soriano from The Nerve, a Manila-based narrative intelligence and data-forensics firm, demonstrated how their technology goes beyond social listening to trace how both authentic stories and misinformation move through digital ecosystems. Their investigative platform maps influence networks and identifies the sources of viral falsehoods, insights that can help newsrooms and advocacy groups respond swiftly and accurately.

By showing how narrative forensics can complement traditional reporting, The Nerve presentation perfectly aligned with the meeting’s theme: combining data-driven innovation with journalism’s timeless commitment to credibility.

New members

Also presenting UPMG’s annual report, Motomal cited the group’s latest partnerships and achievements in the publishing sector. Two new member organizations – Simpol.ph and Philippine Graphic – were also officially inducted.

Festivities continued with raffle draws and a warm welcome from Jericho Feliciano, director of sales of Kingsford Hotel Manila, who commended UPMG’s dedication to responsible journalism. To formally close the event, Roda Zabat, UPMG auditor and The Manila Times vice president for sales and marketing, asserted that print, far from being obsolete, is instead evolving into a powerful hybrid with digital platforms. -CONTRIBUTED

Cinemalaya opens 21st edition calling for accountability, more gov’t support

The 21st edition of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is now underway, finding a new home this year at the Shangri-la Plaza mall in Mandaluyong.

With Cinemalaya’s main home the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) still in renovation, the renowned festival has been shifting locations the past couple years, setting up shop in the Philippine International Convention Center and Parañaque’s Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

Shangri-la Plaza hosted the festival’s opening ceremony last October 3 ahead of 10 days of screenings, an honor it shares with select cinemas across Metro Manila including Gateway Cineplex and U.P. Town Center.

Actress-singer Julia Clarete, Directors Showcase Best Supporting Actress winner of Cinemalaya 2011 for “Bisperas,” hosted the ceremony which culminated in a screening of Indian film “Ha Lyngkha Bneng (The Elysian Field)” by Pradip Kurbah.

This year’s edition bears the theme “Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos” which CCP president Kaye Tinga said reflects how festival entries “capture movements to moments in space and time.”

Deputy festival director Tess Rances noted in her speech that five of last year’s entries, led by Best film winner “Tumandok” and Special Jury Prize winner “Alipato at Muog,” received numerous accolades in different competitions.

“While millions of taxpayers are skimmed by politicians who are supposed to be in service of them, artists scrape the bottom of the pot to bring their ideas to life,” said Rances, taking a dig at lawmakers recenty tagged in corruption.

Rances urged the government to allocate funds for the arts, particularly for programs dedicated to film, “Laban po lahat ang korupsyon at suportahan ang sining.”

Veteran actress and Cinemalaya Foundation president Laurice Guillen, in formally opening this festival’s edition, noted in her own speech that 197 films by 165 filmmakers have been screened since Cinemalaya began back in 2005.

Echoing Rances’ words, Guillen recalled how National Artists Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal reflected Philippine society in their films during 1970s and 1980s.

Guillen said Bernal’s films, regardless of genre investigated the human condition and articulated such through his characters while noting that Brocka described the injustices of his time as “madness” and his characters “fought against all odds to bring sanity back in a world gone mad.”

“Every voice can bring hope, every voice that believes in the triumph of the human spirit is a spark that can bring change,” Guillen ended. “That is the challenge for the creative industry, for our filmmakers, and for Cinemalaya.”

The 21st Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival runs until Oct. 12, 2025.

Comelec orders Chiz to explain P30-million campaign donation from contractor

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered Sen. Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero to explain the P30-million campaign donation he received from a contractor during his 2022 senatorial campaign.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia confirmed on Saturday, October 4, that a show cause order (SCO) was sent to Escudero on Friday.

The senator has been directed to appear before the poll body’s Political Finance and Affairs Department on October 13.

The order follows a similar directive issued earlier against Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., who admitted during a House hearing that he donated P30 million to Escudero’s campaign. Lubiano claimed the funds came from his personal account, not from the company.

Garcia said the Comelec is determining whether the donation violated Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits contractors or entities with government projects from contributing to political campaigns.

”Yan ang pinaka-puno’t dulo ng magiging desisyon ng Comelec,’ Garcia said in an interview on Dobol B TV, referring to whether the donation was made in a personal or official capacity.

Escudero acknowledged receiving the donation but denied any involvement in flood control projects in his home province of Sorsogon or other areas.

Centerways Construction is among 15 contractors previously identified by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. as having cornered about 20% of the government’s flood control project contracts.

Garcia clarified that Escudero was not being singled out, saying the poll body is also looking into alleged illegal donations received by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte during their 2022 campaign, as well as other names mentioned in the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism report.

Malacañang has said Marcos is open to being investigated over the reported campaign donations.

Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal previously said that soliciting or receiving donations from individuals or entities with government contracts is an election offense punishable by imprisonment and disqualification from public office.

The ongoing investigations also coincide with congressional inquiries into flood control projects after Marcos revealed that contractors linked to several lawmakers had cornered massive government flood control contracts.