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Solon hopes proposal vs textbook shortage also gets attention

A lawmaker has expressed hope that proposals to create a long-term plan against textbook shortage will also get attention from the House of Representatives, noting that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also placed importance on education during his latest State of the Nation Address (Sona).

In a statement, Parañaque Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan urged colleagues to pass House Bill (HB) No. 7868, which seeks to give the National Book Development Board (NBDB) a broader role in the preparation and production of public school textbooks.

‘Tulad nga nang sinabi ng Pangulong Bongbong Marcos sa kanyang Sona, ‘edukasyon pa rin ang pangunahing nagtataguyod ng kakayahan,’ Yamsuan said on Thursday.

(Like what President Bongbong Marcos said in his Sona, it is still education that is the primary factor in developing competence.)

‘This is why with the opening of Congress’ Second Regular Session, we are hoping our measure could be taken up and swiftly acted upon as it will once and for all address the problem of the availability of textbooks in public schools, especially in areas outside Metro Manila and Luzon,’ he added.

According to Yamsuan, while the Department of Education has made ‘commendable strides’ in terms of addressing the textbooks-to-learner gap by placing P19.5 billion for this initiative, it is still important to have an institutionalized mechanism for textbook procurement.

If enacted, HB No. 7868 will amend Republic Act No. 8047 or the Book Publishing Industry Development Act by mandating the NBDB to team up with DepEd in formulating a National Textbook and Learning Resources Plan.

Yamsuan said this textbook plan will include ‘establishing policies, guidelines, and measures to ensure the availability of textbooks in all public schools as well as the review every five years of these learning materials to make them responsive to the needs of learners.’

Investing in textbooks, the lawmaker said, will help improve reading literacy among learners and address the alarming results of a study from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom II) which found that 87 percent of Grade 11 students are non-independent readers.

‘Formulating a National Textbook and Learning Resources Plan will not only see to it that enough textbooks are available for our public school learners, it will also ensure that these and other learning materials are relevant and effective in educating future-ready Filipino learners,’ he said.

Aside from concerns over reading comprehension, Yamsuan also cited a report from the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS) showing that textbook production remains heavily concentrated in Luzon, with limited publishing capacity in the Visayas and Mindanao.

To address this, the lawmaker said HB No. 7868 mandates the printing of public elementary and secondary school textbooks at the regional or provincial level, whenever economically feasible.

Yamsuan also noted that part of his bill is a mechanism to ‘future-proof’ public school textbooks by including electronic publications in the definition of what a book is.

This is not the first time that Yamsuan filed a bill seeking a stronger textbook program for the country. During the 19th Congress, the lawmaker filed House Bill No. 10734, which seeks the same amendments to RA No. 8047.

Yamsuan said back in August 2024 that he had the idea after Edcom II found that students in public elementary and high schools have struggled to learn for about a decade, due to incomplete or unavailable textbooks.

Furthermore, Yamsuan said the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) findings-where Filipino students were seen to be among the weakest in Math, Reading and Science, and even creative thinking out of a pool of 81 countries-were a consideration.

Marcos mentioned the education sector in his Sona, but pundits were quick to point out that he only touched on two of eight issues identified by Edcom II.

Before Marcos’ fifth Sona was delivered last Monday, the commission called for immediate action on eight key education priorities – from rising childhood stunting and persistent illiteracy to classroom congestion, school violence and the delayed implementation of landmark education laws, such as the Early Childhood Care and Development System Act.

However, Marcos’ Sona, which lasted an hour and 26 minutes, mentioned only two of the eight key education issues: progress in classroom construction and the government’s response to bullying and school violence.

Nigeria wins 9th gold at commonwealth games

Ezekiel Nathaniel has won gold in the 400m hurdles final at the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

He claimed gold by winning the race with a time of 48.47s, finishing well ahead of England’s Jake Minshull who posted 48.99s, and Jamaica’s Assinie Wilson who took bronze in 49.22s.

Victory makes Nathaniel the first Nigerian athlete in Commonwealth Games history to win a gold medal in the men’s 400m hurdles.

Nathaniel was the pre-championship favourite in the event, and he was in control of the race from the sound of the gun to the finish line.

He claimed his first medal in the event at the Commonwealth Games after finishing in sixth place in 2022.

It is also Nigeria’s first medal in the event in 60 years when Kingsley Agbabokha won silver at the Kingston Games.

The 23-year-old made an explosive start and quickly settled into rhythm before pulling away from the field to ensure a smooth end to the race and reach the finish line ahead of other competitors.

He was the only athlete to break the 49-second barrier in the final.

It is Nigeria’s third gold medal in athletics and para athletics, and ninth in the events.

Nigeria has claimed a total of 18 medals at the Commonwealth Games so far, with nine gold six silver and three bronze medals.

Roche, Zuellig renew alliance

Roche (Philippines) Inc. and Zuellig Pharmaceuticals have officially renewed their long-standing warehousing and distribution partnership, marking 54 years of collaborative efforts to improve health care delivery in the country.

The ceremonial signing, held recently, reaffirms a relationship that first began in 1972.

‘The renewal underscores a shared mission to ensure that life-saving medicines reach Filipino patients efficiently and reliably. By leveraging Zuellig Pharma’s extensive distribution network and Roche’s innovative health care solutions, the partnership continues to be a cornerstone of the local pharmaceutical supply chain,’ said Diana Edralin, general manager of Roche (Philippines).

Manuel Dizon, market director of Zuellig Pharma, reflected on the historical significance of the tie-up.

‘Zuellig has been in the Philippines for 103 years. Of those 103 years, 54 years have been in partnership with Roche. I feel honored and I view it as a custodian… sitting here and signing this contract and really taking care of what has been more than a half-century-long relationship. I look forward to another half-century of a very strong, solid relationship with Roche,’ he said.

Moving forward, Roche and Zuellig Pharma said they remain dedicated to optimizing logistics and embracing innovation to overcome geographical challenges in the Philippines. The renewal ensures that the two entities will continue to provide stable, high-quality distribution services for oncology, immunology and rare disease treatments, among others.

Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics while Zuellig Pharma is one of the largest health care services groups in Asia.

’Saddened’ DOLE chief to comply with P85 NCR wage hike suspension

A court order halting Metro Manila’s P85 daily wage hike has left workers waiting for relief, with Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino saying DOLE will comply while the case moves through the judiciary.

“Malungkot ako para sa mga manggagawa pero susunod tayo sa utos ng hukom,” Tolentino said in a DOLE statement on Thursday, July 30.

(I am sad for the workers, but we will follow the judge’s order.)

“Kung ano man ang naging basehan ng husgado sa paglabas ng TRO [Temporary Restraining Order], hayaan na po natin na sila ang magpaliwanag,” he added.

(Whatever the court’s basis was in issuing the TRO, let them explain it.)

DOLE said Tolentino expressed sadness over the suspension of the National Capital Region wage increase, but stressed that he respects the judicial process.

The department said it would allow the court to explain the basis of its decision while it continues to carry out its mandate to protect workers under existing law.

On Thursday, a Pasig court suspended the P85 daily wage hike in Metro Manila after its validity was questioned in a petition by Readycon Trading and Construction Corp. and R-11 Builders Inc.

Instead of a 72-hour temporary restraining order, the court opted for a status quo ante order, according to the report.

The pre-hike wages will be maintained while the case is raffled to a court that will hear the petition.

The wage hike took effect on July 25. Employers had warned of layoffs due to the increase.

FCCPC advocates stronger stakeholder regulatory ties to protect electricity consumers

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr. Tunji Bello, has urged all stakeholders in the electricity sector to communicate openly, support one another in the discharge of their lawful responsibilities.

He said there would be stronger stakeholders’ regulatory ties by working together to protect the interests of consumers.

The FCCPC boss noted that a strong regulation is not built on institutional rivalry.

Bello spoke yesterday at a stakeholder engagement on consumer protection and regulatory cooperation in Nigeria’s electricity sector in Abuja.

The FCCPC chief executive officer explained that this is what modern regulatory governance requires. Institutions should understand and respect their respective mandates, he said.

Bello added: ‘The Electricity Act, 2023, represents one of the most significant reforms of Nigeria’s electricity sector in recent years. Beyond creating new opportunities for investment and improved service delivery, it has fundamentally reshaped our regulatory architecture. For the first time, states may establish their own Electricity Regulatory Commissions and regulate intrastate electricity markets in ways that reflect their individual economic and social realities.

‘This creates greater scope for innovation, quicker decision-making and more responsive regulation. At the same time, it makes cooperation between our institutions stronger than ever. The success of this framework will depend not only on the effectiveness of each regulator, but also on how well we work together. Consumers experience electricity as one system. When supply is interrupted or a Bill appears incorrect, they are not concerned about which regulator has jurisdiction. They simply expect protection. Ensuring that our institutions work seamlessly together is our responsibility, not theirs.’

According to him, as more State Electricity Regulatory Commissions assume responsibility for regulating intrastate electricity markets under the Electricity Act, 2023, close cooperation between the institutions will become increasingly important.

The success, the FCCPC boss said, ‘should not be judged by how firmly we protect our individual jurisdictions, but by how effectively we work together to serve electricity consumers’.

Today’s regulatory environment, he noted, is increasingly specialised. ‘Sector regulators bring deep technical expertise, while the FCCPC brings economy-wide experience in consumer protection and competition. Within the electricity sector, NERC provides sector-specific regulation while NEMSA enforces technical standards, the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions undertake intrastate regulations and the FCCPC contributes its cross-sector consumer protection mandate.

‘These responsibilities are different, but they are complementary. Our objective is to consult, exchange information, support one another’s lawful actions and ensure that consumers receive timely and effective protection. That is the hallmark of mature regulatory governance. Over the past year, the FCCPC has worked closely with NERC, NEMSA and other stakeholders on issues affecting electricity consumers.

‘That experience has consistently shown that the best outcomes come from collaboration, not rivalry; from respecting one another’s mandates, engaging early and coordinating our actions.

‘Allow me to illustrate this with two examples. The first demonstrates how early cooperation between regulators can prevent consumer harm. The second shows how coordinated enforcement can secure meaningful consumer redress. Together, they demonstrate that when regulators work together, consumers receive better protection, and when consumers are better protected, confidence in the electricity sector grows to the benefit of consumers, businesses and the wider economy.’

The FCCPC chief executive officer explained that consumer protection is often viewed only through the lens of resolving disputes after they arise. In reality, its greatest value lies in preventing problems before they occur, identifying risks early, resolving uncertainty and strengthening public confidence before disputes undermine trust. Success should, therefore, be measured not only by the number of complaints resolved but also by the number of complaints prevented, Bello said.

‘This preventive approach informed one of the commission’s earliest interventions after I assumed office in July 2024. Public concern was growing over the planned replacement of obsolete Unistar prepaid meters used by customers of one of the electricity distribution companies. Replacing obsolete meters is ordinarily a routine technical exercise.

‘However, many consumers feared they would be required to pay for meters that had become obsolete through no fault of their own. Others worried about the possibility of estimated billing or interruptions to electricity supply while the replacement programme was underway. Those concerns were understandable. ‘At its core were the issues of fairness, affordability, continuity of supply and public confidence in the institutions responsible for consumer protection.

Recognising that unresolved concerns could undermine confidence in both the replacement exercise and the wider regulatory system, the commission convened a meeting attended by NERC, NEMSA and all electricity distribution companies to ensure that the exercise proceeded fairly and in accordance with the law. The engagement was constructive.

‘Following deliberations, the replacement exercise was suspended pending compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, a position that was endorsed by both NERC and NEMSA. The outcome demonstrated that consumers benefit most when regulators work together and coordinate their respective powers towards a common objective.

The eventual resolution reflected the requirements of NERC’s Order on the Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete End-user Customer Meters. The order guaranteed that consumers would not bear the cost of replacing obsolete meters, would not experience interruption of electricity supply during the replacement exercise, and would not be subjected to estimated billing because of delays in implementation. ‘Those safeguards reflected the principle that consumers should never be disadvantaged because infrastructure has reached the end of its useful life through no fault of their own,’ he said.

Bello maintained that preventing consumer harm is one of the highest aspirations of any regulatory system. Yet, no matter how robust the regulatory framework becomes, disputes will inevitably arise. When they do, consumers must have confidence that the institutions established to protect them will not only hear their complaints but also ensure that lawful decisions are respected and effectively implemented.

‘The obsolete meter intervention illustrates an important principle. The Commission respected NERC’s statutory mandate and recognised its technical expertise. We did not seek to assume the role of the sector regulator. Instead, we acted in a way that supported the existing regulatory framework and strengthened its effectiveness. Wherever an electricity consumer lives in Nigeria, they should have the same confidence that they will be treated fairly, that complaints will be resolved effectively, and that lawful regulatory decisions will be respected.

‘Building trusted electricity markets is not the responsibility of regulators alone. Electricity Distribution Companies and every other participant in the electricity value chain also have important roles to play. When market participants comply promptly with regulatory obligations, resolve complaints fairly and operate transparently, they help build stronger, more competitive and more sustainable electricity markets.

‘Consumers should use the established complaints resolution mechanisms, engage regulatory institutions in good faith, and exercise their rights responsibly while fulfilling their own obligations.

‘As we continue to implement the Electricity Act, 2023, my hope is that cooperation becomes our default approach, not something we turn to only when other options have failed. We should strengthen institutional relationships that will outlast individual office holders and build regulatory frameworks that will continue to serve Nigeria for many years to come.

‘Above all, we should never lose sight of the people our decisions affect, as every regulatory action has real consequences for ordinary Nigerians, the family that depends on reliable electricity at home, the small business trying to keep its doors open, the hospital caring for patients, the school educating the next generation, and the manufacturer whose operations support jobs and economic growth. ‘Ultimately, that is why we are here. When our institutions work together, consumers receive better protection.

‘As we leave this engagement, I hope we do so with a renewed commitment to partnership, closer coordination and, above all, the interests of the Nigerian consumer. That commitment will do more than strengthen our institutions. It will strengthen public confidence in the electricity sector and in the regulatory system established to protect those we serve,’ Bello added.

Jinggoy, others seek bail

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, former congressman Mike Defensor and businessman Joseph Espiritu have filed petitions for bail in their plunder cases.

Detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, the three are facing separate plunder cases.

Estrada is accused of collecting kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects.

Defensor and Espiritu had donated to the 2025 election campaign of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who is also being held in the Payatas jail on plunder charges.

The accused plunderers asked the Sandiganbayan to grant them bail, arguing that the evidence against them is weak.

How Oriire school abduction led to Army expansion – Tinubu

Speaking on Thursday while receiving the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and other traditional rulers from Oyo State at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu said the Army expansion was one of the lessons learnt from the 56-day captivity of the victims.

He said the government also rejected the kidnappers’ demands for ransom and the release of detained members of their gang before the victims were rescued.

The President said, ‘We refuse to negotiate for ransom. These criminals wanted us to release from detention members of their criminal gangs that were already arrested. That was one of their conditions, outside of the money they were looking for.

‘And we said no deal. We are not going to negotiate with criminals. They committed murder, and we were ready to finish with their families, members of their own communities. They grew up somewhere.

‘I think we succeeded with your support and prayers. I agree that we should commend the men and women of the armed forces for their excellent performance.

‘On behalf of them, I accept your message, and I will forward the same thing and the same message on.’

Tinubu said the rescue operation succeeded because the military had a good understanding of the forest where the victims were held.

He said the incident forced the government to review its security strategy, leading to the decision to increase the number of Army divisions.

‘As we emphasise the question of security, each event teaches us new methods, opens our eyes, challenges us to examine and re-examine our architecture, our strategy, our map and operations.

‘And you would have seen we’ve given a geographical and numerical answer to the challenges. We refused to pay ransom. We have the geography of the forest.

‘We know what it is, and in answer to it, you’ve seen that from eight divisions, we are now moving to 12 divisions, to shorten the response time, to give that response time the teeth that is needed for us to defeat terrorism and banditry,’ he said.

The President said the Federal Government was also working to improve security at the local level through the creation of state police and the strengthening of forest guards.

‘It is very necessary, and we are doing so. We have equally embarked upon what was missing; several decades of fears and uncertainty about what to do about security at the local level will be corrected.

‘There will be state police, and that state police will have guardrails from abuses. We will protect it from abuses, and you traditional rulers too will have a role to play more.’

Tinubu blamed the growing security challenge partly on instability in neighbouring Sahel countries.

‘Some of them (terrorists) are non-Nigerians. You see the problem of insecurity in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic is adding more fuel to our challenges.

‘In fact, that is why we must enhance the capacity of the forest guards as well as create the state police.’

He said forest guards would be retrained to play a bigger role in tackling insecurity.

‘We are equally enhancing the capacity and capability of the forest guards. They are not just to chase antelopes and animals. We are going to have them chase the criminals and deal with them in various forests,’ he noted.

The President also urged traditional rulers to encourage residents to provide useful information to security agencies.

‘The mention of intelligence is very important, and I want you to take it to our people, to be extra vigilant, to look at things critically, know their neighbourhoods, know their areas, report strange people,’ he said.

Tinubu also called on state governments to use increased federal allocations to improve road networks, saying better roads would make it easier for security agencies to reach remote communities.

‘The economy of operation is high. But the money that I’m pushing to the states, if you had it during your own time, or during my time, it would have been different.

‘They are taking four to five times their money. Nobody is borrowing money to pay salaries now. Pensioners are receiving their pay.

‘They should do more; instead of flying over where there is no numerical traffic, build roads and artery networks to really enhance the quality of life and the accessibility of the security agencies to penetrate those areas,’ he said.

The President said he would continue consulting traditional rulers across the country on security issues.

‘I will be calling meetings of so many of you traditional leaders to listen to you and offer some suggestions throughout the country. I’ll find time to listen to them.

‘The immediate challenge is monumental. It’s not an easy job, but I asked for the job, and I got it. You gave me the support, and I got to do it.

‘I accept the assets and liabilities of my predecessor, so that’s the challenge of today,’ he said.

He added, ‘I’m glad you are here. I congratulate you on the peace and stability of the region and the state.

‘The security challenge is getting better. We are getting the hang of it much better.

‘Any time you come across some of our soldiers and police officers, please pat them on the back and say thank you. They are doing a good job.’

Earlier, Oba Ladoja said the delegation visited the President to thank him and the Armed Forces for rescuing the Oriire schoolchildren and teachers.

He said, ‘We are here to thank you, Mr President, over the recent release of Oriire kidnapped victims from captivity.

‘This is why we believe that the efforts of both President Tinubu and all stakeholders are commendable.’

Ladoja also thanked the Federal Government for ongoing road projects linking Oyo State with neighbouring states, saying the projects would improve movement and open up more communities.

The Oriire abduction took place on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area. About 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted, while mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was killed during the attack.

The victims regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity. Eight suspected kidnappers were arrested, while others were neutralised in what the Presidency described as an intelligence-led operation carried out without the payment of ransom.

Colorfest Electric Night Run lights up SM MOA complex this August 1

Colorfest Asia is bringing the night alive again. On August 1, runners will take over SM Mall of Asia Complex for the Colorfest Electric Night Run-a neon-powered, color-filled party that turns every kilometer into a highlight reel.

Runners can choose from five distances: 3km, 5km, 10km, 15km and 21km. Whichever you pick, the night unfolds the same way-glowing gear, color explosions, a DJ set that doesn’t quit, and a finish line that feels like the start of the real party.

What’s in the kit

Every runner walks away with an event singlet, race bib, finisher’s medal, hydration, and a color packet. Step up to Premium and you’re bringing home a neon headlamp and drawstring bag too-while the 15km and 21km distances add a finisher shirt to the mix.

A glow tattoo, running cap, hydration bottle, and festival wristband round out the full merchandise lineup, with VIP access available for those who want to go all in.

The night, mapped out

Assembly for all distances begins at 10:30 p.m. with staggered gun starts rolling out from 11:30 p.m. (21km) through 12:30 a.m. (3km)-so the energy builds all night long, not just at one gun start. Cutoffs run from 2 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. depending on distance.

Powered by partners who get it

Colorfest Electric Night Run 2026 is presented by Acer, with support from Lanson Place Mall of Asia, the run’s Official Hotel Partner-“Make Yourself At Home”-offering runners a place to crash steps from the start line, and Herbalife, the Official Nutrition Partner, bringing its “Live Your Best Life” mission to the night to fuel runners before they glow

Court jails woman seven years for injuring boyfriend’s genitals in Ekiti

An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has sentenced a 35-year-old woman, Joy Ikoja, to seven years’ imprisonment for inflicting grievous injuries on the genitals of her boyfriend, Ibrahim Usman, during a violent domestic dispute.

Justice Oyinkansola Oluboyede convicted Ikoja after finding her guilty of causing grievous harm, but discharged and acquitted her of the charge of attempted murder.

The Ekiti State Ministry of Justice had arraigned the defendant on a two-count charge bordering on attempted murder, contrary to Section 241 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021, and causing grievous harm, contrary to Section 255 of the same law.

The case, marked HAD/14C/2025, arose from an incident that occurred on April 12, 2025, at the Irona area of Ado-Ekiti.

Evidence before the court showed that Ikoja and Usman had cohabited as lovers in a one-room apartment for about three years. Their relationship reportedly became strained after Ikoja accommodated a female friend, Mayowa Ayomide, who was experiencing accommodation challenges, with Usman’s consent.

The prosecution told the court that the arrangement later degenerated after Usman allegedly began a secret sexual relationship with Mayowa while they were all living under the same roof.

According to the prosecution, at about 7:30 p.m. on April 12, 2025, Ikoja returned home unexpectedly and found the room locked from the inside. After forcing her way into the apartment, she allegedly caught Usman and Mayowa in bed together.

In the ensuing confrontation, Usman reportedly attempted to shield Mayowa and restrain Ikoja. During the struggle, Ikoja allegedly grabbed Usman’s genitals with extreme force, inflicting a deep vertical laceration to his scrotum and exposing his testes.

The victim was immediately rushed to the Police Cottage Hospital in Okesa, Ado-Ekiti, where he received emergency treatment. However, the injury later became infected, necessitating his transfer to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital for specialist urological care.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by F. O. Awoniyi, called four witnesses, including police investigators and the attending medical doctor. Five exhibits were also tendered before the court, including photographs of the injuries, a certificate of compliance, the defendant’s confessional statement and a medical report.

The defendant, represented by counsel from the Legal Aid Council, Adeyinka Opaleke, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

She later retracted her extra-judicial confessional statement, insisting she never made any statement to the police and claiming that although a scuffle occurred, she did not inflict the injuries sustained by the victim.

In her judgment, Justice Oluboyede held that the prosecution failed to establish beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant acted with the intention to kill, an essential element required to sustain the charge of attempted murder. Consequently, she acquitted Ikoja on that count.

The judge, however, ruled that the evidence presented by the prosecution overwhelmingly established the offence of causing grievous harm.

She held that the defendant’s confessional statement was voluntary and was substantially corroborated by medical evidence and the testimonies of prosecution witnesses.

Justice Oluboyede described the defendant’s denial as an afterthought and lamented the growing incidence of domestic violence arising from uncontrolled emotions.

Before pronouncing sentence, the judge observed that the matter could have been resolved through a plea bargain, which, in her view, would have reduced litigation costs, shortened the trial, lowered the sentence and afforded greater privacy to the victim.

‘This Court understands that the defendant’s action was largely borne out of uncontrolled emotions and passion against her intimate partner. However, there is no justification for violence, and this judgment should serve as a deterrent to other aggressive or would-be aggressive partners,’ the judge said.

Justice Oluboyede thereafter sentenced Ikoja to the maximum punishment prescribed under Section 255 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021, sentencing her to seven years’ imprisonment.

The court ruled that the sentence would commence from the date of conviction and would not include the period already spent in detention.

Katsina, Yola confirm polo tournament dates

Katsina and Yola have confirmed their 2026 tournament dates, extending the Nigerian National Polo Tour following the conclusion of the Bauchi annual tournament and the Minna international polo fiesta.

Katsina’s international tournament is set for 22-29 August at the Sir Usman Nagogo Polo Ground, with over twenty teams from across the country expected to compete in the week-long event, according to a release from Katsina Polo Club.

Life President of Katsina Polo Club Prince Sanusi Kabir said sponsors, players, dignitaries and polo enthusiasts could expect a memorable event, which traditionally holds under the auspices of the Emir of Katsina and Life Chairman of Nigerian Polo, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulmumini Kabir Usman. The tournament is backed by the Katsina State Government alongside corporate sponsors.

Tournament Manager Prince Umar Kabir Usman said the organising committee was preparing a tournament to ‘deliver on all fronts’ as the national tour returns to Katsina.

Major prizes on offer include the Nigerian Cup, which marked its centenary last year, and the General Hassan Cup, alongside the President Cup, Governor’s Cup, Wazirin Katsina Cup, Muhammadu Dikko Memorial Cup and Talba Cup. Individual awards will also be presented to standout players.

The tour then moves to Adamawa State for the Yola international tournament, running 8-13 September under the auspices of the Lamido Adamawa, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa. Yola Polo Captain Asharaf Yahaya and Yola Polo Secretary Usman Saa’d confirmed preparations were under way in the state capital.

Top prizes at Yola include the Governor’s Cup and the Lamido Cup, the tournament’s oldest trophy at over 90 years old, alongside the INTEL Cup, ABTI Cup, General Hassan Cup, A.A. Mustapha Cup and M.C. Tahir Cup.

The national tour is next expected in Kano for the 2026 Kano international polo festival, before moving to Kaduna – home of the Georgian Trophy – for the Kaduna international festival in early November.

Photo caption: Abuja Rubicon Polo patron Senator Hadi Sirika turns with the ball during a Nigerian Cup match in Katsina. The 2026 Katsina international polo tournament runs from 22 August.