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Zamfara is evidence of transformational leadership under Gov. Lawal says EFCC chairman

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede affirmed transformational leadership in Zamfara State under Governor Dauda Lawal.

The EFCC Chairman delivered the keynote address at Zamfara State’s 30th anniversary held at the Grand Chamber of the Government House in Gusau.

Other notable speakers at the anniversary lecture were Professor Tijjani Muhammad Bande Professor Sulaiman Kura Professor Murtala Rufai Professor Taofik Aminu among others.

Mr Olukoyede stated that he conducted due diligence on Zamfara State and its governor before accepting the invitation to serve as a keynote speaker.

He said ‘By virtue of the ethical demands of my office I don’t attend political events; I don’t go to the government house as a matter of principle. But when I received this invitation something told me to accept and see what was going on there.

‘I did a little due diligence on His Excellency and the state. I saw when the state was created and noticed the drastic change over the past 3 years. And I made up my mind. I went to meet my boss Mr President and he said go. I told him what I have seen about Zamfara and the need to support the work His Excellency Dauda Lawal is doing in this state.

‘I am deeply honoured to be with you this morning. My acceptance to be with you today stems from two distinct realities: first my professional engagements rarely bring me to this vibrant part of the nation because my office is based in Abuja. This is my first time in Zamfara State.

‘As I arrived in Gusau the first thing I noticed was the new airport. It is noticeable even to first-time visitors. The capital city speaks of visible transformation as we have seen. Newly paved roads align with street solar lights.

‘Zamfara unfortunately ranked near the bottom not for lack of natural allure but because the perception of rigid social tendencies overshadowed its immense natural potential.

‘Even after becoming a state capital in 1996 transformation was gradual. For years despite the efforts of previous governors Zamfara remained among the country’s less-developed states

‘However today the contemporary outlook is shifting; indeed the physical evolution of Gusau serves as a powerful metaphor for the broader Zamfara State.

‘I am incredibly encouraged to learn that Zamfara has steadily improved its performance in critical national examinations like NECO and WAEC. Public infrastructure is expanding positively impacting people’s daily lives. These strides are rightfully attributed to the consolidation of the deliberate reform initiatives and align perfectly with the theme of today’s celebration titled ‘accountability and responsibility in transformational government’.

‘Despite the ethical standards of the office I occupied it will take a serious-minded committed democrat a transparent governor to have the temerity and audacity to bring the Chairman of the EFCC to address the people of the state.’

In his remarks Governor Lawal emphasised that the anniversary theme ‘Reflections Achievements and the Future’ is meant to examine the challenges that have shaped the state’s experience and to consider what leaders must do to secure a better future.

He said ‘I’m pleased this commemoration has fostered serious intellectual engagement beyond ceremony. Today’s papers address key government responsibilities: public accountability community involvement in tackling insecurity preserving our history and culture and linking security with socio-economic development.

‘These discussions guide this administration. Our Six-Point Rescue Agenda addresses the State’s challenges. At the same time the Zamfara State Development Plan 2025-2034 provides a long-term roadmap for the economy infrastructure social welfare human capital governance and environmental sustainability. We must turn these commitments into measurable improvements in people’s lives.

‘I sincerely appreciate all the presenters for the knowledge and experience they have brought to this occasion. I also thank the Chairman of the Occasion the discussants the organising committee and the Sub-Committee on Lecture and Publications for their contributions to this event. To all our guests and participants I am grateful for your presence and participation.’

CDO authorities advise early cemetery visits to beat the heat

With tens of thousands expected to flock to usually congested cemeteries, local authorities here have laid down strict guidelines for this year’s ‘Undas’ or ‘Kalag-Kalag’ observance, banning overnight stays, liquor, and smoking while urging the public to dodge the peak daytime heat.

Visiting hours across all private and public cemeteries in the city will be strictly limited from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. to maintain order.

City officials are implementing tighter crowd control measures to manage older public cemeteries that reflect decades of severe congestion and fragmented record-keeping. The Bulua Public Cemetery currently squeezes more than 10,000 graves into a three-hectare property, while the Carmen Public Cemetery holds roughly 5,000 interments within a compact two-hectare lot.

To prevent untoward incidents in these packed spaces, authorities have prohibited bladed weapons, firearms, playing cards, sound systems, and karaoke machines. Cleanliness will be strictly enforced, and smoking, vaping, and e-cigarettes are completely banned inside the premises.

With rising temperatures, the city is advising the public to monitor the state weather bureau’s advisory on the day’s heat index and avoid cemetery visits between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Special rules are in place for the city’s largest burial ground, the 19.8-hectare Bolonsiri Public Cemetery in Barangay Camaman-an. Recently redeveloped into the City Memorial Park, the site holds an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 remains, tens of thousands of which were recently exhumed and transferred to a centralized ossuary.

Visitors to the City Memorial Park are explicitly prohibited from bringing matches and lighters. Littering is also strictly banned, with violators facing immediate fines through an Ordinance Violation Receipt.

To help visitors cope with the heat across the sprawling grounds, the city has set up free water refilling stations inside the park and is urging residents to bring their own tumblers. Free rides using city hall vehicles will also be available from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 1 and 2.

India Raises Deepwater Gas Price Ceiling

India has raised the ceiling price for natural gas produced from deepwater, ultra-deepwater and highpressure, high-temperature fi elds to $9.89 per MMBtu, up from $8.90, for the six months beginning October 1, 2026.

The revised ceiling, applicable until March 31, 2027, is expected to support investment in technically challenging offshore gas projects, including Reliance Industries-BP’s KG-D6 block.

Meanwhile, the government has kept the ceiling for legacy gas produced by state-run ONGC and Oil India at $7 per MMBtu, despite the October APM price being notifi ed at $11.22 per MMBtu.

New wells in their nomination blocks can receive a 10% premium, allowing prices of up to $7.70 per MMBtu.

The policy is aimed at encouraging higher domestic gas production while containing costs for priority sectors such as fertilizer, power and city gas distribution.

Shin coasts to nine-shot triumph at Apo

Micah Shin did more than enough in his victory march on Friday, shooting a two-under-par 70 to win the ICTSI Apo Golf Classic by a whopping nine shots and bookend his PGT season with wins on two of the toughest challenges in the circuit.

The Korean-American, who learned to play the game at a high level over the tree-lined layout he called home as a child, broke par all four round-the only player in the talented field to do so-to tally a 271 for the win over Sean Ramos.

‘It’s always fun playing here because there are so many talented players,’ Shin said after going two-for-two this season, counting his win at The Country Club Invitational last February.

Russell Bautista, who gave a credible chase at the start of the round only to lose steam and sign for a 73, finished third, another shot behind Ramos. While Clyde Mondilla, the champion last week at nearby South Pacific, fired a 72 for 283.

‘It was actually a tough day today,’ Shin, who has since returned to Korea, said as only eight players submitted subpar final round scores. Incidentally, the same number of players wound up with under-par cards for the tournament, the last of them being Order of Merit leader Angelo Que, who signed for a 71 for 287.

Heavy overnight rains had forced a delay at the start of the final round, allowing the course to recover and the maintenance crew to attend to areas affected by the downpour. But the interruption did little to disrupt Shin’s rhythm, as he remained firmly in control from start to finish.

Shin’s nine-shot romp fell way short of the 12-shot margin posted by Lloyd Go over Jeff Lumbo at Pinewoods last July. Still, it was a clinical display of dominance, even if the champion himself felt he was far from playing his best golf.

THE GOLD LOAN BOOM: WHAT THE NUMBERS SAY AND WHAT THEY DON’T

At the end of 2018, Sri Lanka’s licensed finance companies and specialised leasing companies held Rs. 43.9 billion in pawning advances. By the end of 2025, finance companies’ loans secured by gold stood at Rs. 465 billion which amounted to 20.9% of the sector’s loans and advances, after growing 64.1% in that year alone. Similarly, in Licensed Commercial banks pawning advances rose by Rs. 237.7 billion during 2025 and stood at Rs. 898 billion at the end of the year.

On the 24th of May 2026 the CBSL issued Direction No. 02 of 2026, capping the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio on credit secured by gold at 70% of the collateral’s market value, with effect from 25 May 2026. The cap applies to LCBs and finance companies, including existing facilities renewed on or after that date. In announcing the decision, the CBSL’s Governing Board pointed to the significant recent growth in gold-backed credit, and to elevated volatility in asset prices, including gold, alongside exchange rate fluctuations that may affect collateral valuations and the potential impact on the financial system if such trends continue.

While the growth in lending would usually be read as evidence of a credit boom, due to the nature of the collateral, it cannot necessarily be said so. When the rupee value of gold rises, the same chain or bangle can be used to obtain a larger loan, and the loan book grows without a single new borrower.

CBSL’s Annual Report in 2022 linked a 40% YoY rise in bank pawning to the difficulties the public faced amidst the rising cost of living, which resulted in more households turning to their jewellery. Pawning and gold loans also grew 77.5% YoY in finance companies in 2022, supporting loan growth while the leasing portfolio contracted under the continued restrictions on vehicle imports.

The exchange rate might also be a factor which aided in the growth of the gold loan book. Gold is traded internationally in dollars, so its rupee price moves with both the world gold price and the exchange rate. Between 2020 and 2022, the world gold price barely moved, rising less than 2% from US$ 1,770 to US$ 1,800 an ounce. The rupee, however, fell from an average of Rs. 186 to Rs. 325 per dollar. The indicative rupee price of gold (world gold price × USD/LKR annual average) rose by about 78%, almost entirely because of the currency, however during the same period finance company gold-backed loans tripled from Rs. 71.4 billion to Rs. 229.8 billion, though part of this increase reflects a change in the CBSL’s definition from December 2021.

However, between 2022 and 2024, the data tells a different story. The world price rose to US$ 2,386.2 an ounce while the rupee strengthened to an average of Rs. 302. The indicative rupee price of gold rose by about 23%, and Finance company gold loans rose from around Rs. 230 billion to Rs. 284 billion, which is almost the same proportion.

In 2025, the world price averaged US$ 3,431 an ounce after setting record highs, while the rupee was broadly stable at an average of Rs. 301. During this time, while the indicative rupee price of gold rose by about 43% finance company gold loans grew by 64.1%. Thus, this time the book outpaced the gold price again. Thus, through the price itself whether the gap reflects more borrowers, more gold pledged per borrower, or a larger share of each sovereign’s value being lent cannot be ascertained.

2023 is the exception. The rupee was broadly stable on average at Rs. 327.53, and the indicative rupee price of gold rose by about 9%. Yet finance companies’ loans against gold contracted by 4.7%, even as commercial bank pawning rose from Rs. 411 billion to Rs. 547 billion. Thus whatever drove the 2025 surge was not a weaker rupee.

Source: CBSL

In 2022, finance companies’ pawning and gold loans grew by 77.5%, while the indicative rupee price of international gold rose by about 63%. Between 2022 and 2024, the two moved at broadly similar rates. In 2025, finance company gold lending grew by about 64%, against a rise of about 43% in the indicative rupee gold price. And in 2023, the relationship broke down altogether with the indicative price rising by about 9%, yet finance companies’ gold lending contracting by 4.7%. These comparisons suggest that collateral prices have played an important part in the expansion of gold-backed lending, however they are not a complete explanation. Also, it is important to keep in mind that annual average prices and year-end balances are not strictly comparable, thus, if at all, they indicate direction.

K Seeds Investments (KSI) publishes quarterly rankings of listed finance companies in Sri Lanka. The writer, Nimanga Shehan Senanayake is a Director of KSI

Why we deployed instead of CNG buses in Abia – Otti

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mixta Africa introduces polo, equestrian lifestyle at Lakowe Lakes Estate

Mixta Africa, a pan-African real estate development company, has expanded its Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate in Lagos with the introduction of polo, equestrian facilities and new residential offerings, as it seeks to position the development as a broader leisure and lifestyle destination.

The new development, unveiled at an invitation-only event at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, on Friday, October 23, 2026, introduces polo and equestrian living to the established golf and residential community.

The event attracted more than 200 invited guests and marked a new phase in the evolution of Lakowe Lakes, bringing together residential living, sporting activities, leisure and hospitality within a country-estate setting.

The expanded development features a regulation polo field, stables, a training field, paddock, clubhouse and crescent lake, alongside a collection of residential properties designed around the polo and equestrian environment.

The new residential offering includes premium villas, loft terraces and apartments, with selected homes overlooking the polo field and lake.

Speaking at the launch, Mixta Africa Chief Executive Officer, Deji Alli, said the development reflected the company’s commitment to creating long-term value through projects that combine residential property with lifestyle and leisure experiences.

Delivering a keynote address titled ‘The Courage to Build: Vision, Execution and Enduring Value,’ Alli said successful real estate development required a long-term vision and disciplined execution.

‘My message is simple: building something of lasting value requires the courage to see beyond the present, the discipline to execute and the responsibility to create value that endures,’ he said.

‘Our ambition is not simply to sell property, but to build a destination that gives people compelling reasons to choose it.’

Alli explained that the latest expansion builds on Mixta Africa’s long-term vision for Lakowe Lakes, which goes beyond developing individual residential properties to establishing an integrated destination where housing, recreation, landscape and community life complement one another.

He said the new proposition was designed around the relationship between residential living, sport, leisure, wellness and community, offering prospective homeowners additional lifestyle attractions.

According to the company, the launch also generated initial ownership discussions around the expanded residential collection, which will be released in phases as the development progresses.

The introduction of polo and equestrian facilities represents an extension of Lakowe Lakes’ existing golf offering, adding another sporting and recreational dimension to the estate.

Mixta Africa said the development builds on its experience in delivering residential communities and its established presence at Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate.

Established in 2005, Mixta Africa has more than 20 years of experience in the real estate sector, with over 30,000 homes delivered across Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire.

Jeepney driver tests positive for drugs ahead of Undas in La Union

A jeepney driver in La Union tested positive for illegal drug use during a surprise screening of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and conductors in the Ilocos Region on Thursday, Oct. 29.

The screening covered 111 transport workers as authorities intensified road safety measures ahead of Undas.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 1 said the driver yielded a positive result during the initial screening conducted under Oplan Harabas, an anti-drug operation aimed at preventing drug-impaired driving among public transport workers.

According to PDEA, the driver was referred to the Department of Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DOH-TRC) in La Union for a drug dependency examination and confirmatory testing.

The operation was led by PDEA Region 1 Director Julius M. Paderes in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Philippine National Police-La Union Police Provincial Office, DOH-TRC La Union, and Regional Highway Patrol Unit 1.

Aside from drug testing, PDEA K-9 units inspected bus terminals, cargo bays, and baggage areas for illegal drugs and other contraband.

Authorities also distributed information and educational materials to passengers and transport workers to promote drug-free and responsible driving.

PDEA said the operation was part of heightened security and safety measures to protect commuters traveling during the Undas holidays.

Cops destroy P108.8-M marijuana plants in Tinglayan, Kalinga

Police eradicated 544,000 fully grown marijuana plants worth an estimated P108.8 million during an anti-illegal drug operation in Tinglayan, Kalinga, this week.

In a statement on Thursday, Oct. 29, the Kalinga Police Provincial Office (PPO) said the operation covered seven marijuana plantation sites spanning 48,500 square meters in Barangay Loccong.

The operation, conducted on Tuesday, was led by the Kalinga PPO Drug Enforcement Unit, with support from the provincial intelligence unit, Tinglayan Municipal Police Station and other municipal police stations in the province, as well as the Regional Mobile Force Battalion and the Philippine National Police Special Action Force.

The marijuana plants were uprooted and destroyed through on-site burning following coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

No cultivators were arrested during the operation.

Police collected marijuana samples for qualitative examination by the Kalinga Police Forensic Unit.

Kalinga PPO officer-in-charge Police Col. Peter Ngabit Jr. urged residents to report suspected drug-related activities and cooperate with law enforcement.

7 types of malaria you should know

Malaria is one of the most common infectious diseases in tropical regions, including Nigeria. It is caused by parasites of the Plasmodium group and is mainly transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.

Although many people simply refer to every infection as malaria, there are different types of malaria. The type depends largely on the Plasmodium parasite responsible for the infection, while malaria can also be described according to how severe the illness becomes.

The distinction matters because some forms are more likely to cause severe disease, while others can remain in the body and cause repeated episodes if not properly treated.

In this article, Tribune Online highlights seven types and forms of malaria everyone should know.

Plasmodium falciparum malaria

Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous malaria parasite and the dominant cause of malaria in Africa. It can multiply rapidly in the blood and cause severe illness if treatment is delayed. In some patients, the infection can progress to complications affecting the brain, kidneys, lungs and other organs.

Severe P. falciparum malaria can cause impaired consciousness, seizures, severe anaemia, breathing difficulties, jaundice and other life-threatening complications. This is why fever and other symptoms suggestive of malaria should not simply be treated casually at home, particularly in young children and pregnant women. P. falciparum is recognised as the deadliest malaria parasite and says it is the most prevalent malaria parasite on the African continent.

Plasmodium vivax malaria

Plasmodium vivax is another major cause of malaria, particularly in regions outside sub-Saharan Africa. One important feature of P. vivax is its ability to form dormant stages in the liver. These parasites can become active again later, causing another episode of malaria.

This means treating the initial symptoms alone may not always be enough. Where P. vivax is confirmed, treatment may need to address both the parasites in the blood and the dormant liver stages to prevent relapse. Repeated infections can also contribute to anemia and other health problems, particularly in vulnerable patients.

Plasmodium malariae malaria

Plasmodium malariae is less common than P. falciparum but can infect people in several parts of the world, including Africa. The infection can sometimes persist in the body for a long period without causing dramatic symptoms.

Although it is generally less likely than P. falciparum to cause severe disease, it should not be dismissed. Chronic infection has been associated with complications such as kidney-related problems. Proper testing is therefore important rather than assuming that all malaria infections behave in exactly the same way.

Plasmodium ovale malaria

Plasmodium ovale is another malaria parasite that can infect humans and is found particularly in parts of Africa and some other tropical regions. Like P. vivax, P. ovale can form dormant stages in the liver. These can reactivate later and cause relapse.

There are actually two recognised P. ovale species, P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri, although they are commonly discussed together as P. ovale malaria. Because the parasite can remain dormant, identifying the type of malaria is important when deciding on appropriate treatment.

Plasmodium knowlesi malaria

Plasmodium knowlesi is different from the other malaria parasites commonly discussed because it normally infects certain monkeys. However, it can also infect humans, particularly in parts of Southeast Asia.

It can multiply rapidly and may cause severe illness. Because of this, P. knowlesi infection can sometimes be mistaken for other forms of malaria, making accurate diagnosis important. It is not a major cause of malaria in Nigeria, but it is important to know about because of its potential severity and its role as a zoonotic malaria parasite.

Uncomplicated malaria

Uncomplicated malaria refers to malaria that has not developed into severe disease. A person may have symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, weakness, muscle aches, nausea or vomiting.

The symptoms can initially appear similar to other common infections, which is why testing is important. Uncomplicated malaria can become severe if it is not treated appropriately, particularly when caused by parasites capable of rapidly progressing to serious disease.

It’s recommended to confirm suspected malaria with parasite-based testing, such as microscopy or a rapid diagnostic test, where testing is available. The appropriate medicine depends on factors including the parasite species, local drug resistance patterns, the patient’s age and weight, and whether the person is pregnant.

Severe malaria

Severe malaria is the most dangerous form of the disease. It occurs when malaria causes serious complications involving vital organs or other major problems in the body. It can include impaired consciousness, repeated seizures, severe breathing difficulties, severe anaemia, jaundice, abnormal bleeding and other complications.

Severe malaria requires urgent hospital treatment. Children under five, pregnant women, travellers who have not developed immunity and people with certain health conditions are among those at increased risk of severe malaria.