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Bangkok rail fares to be capped at B45 from Jan 1

Bangkok commuters are set to benefit from a common fare of no more than 45 baht per trip on all electric train lines from Jan 1, 2027, under a government measure aimed at easing the cost of living.

Officials met on Thursday to review progress on a joint fare system, integrating data, site management and preparing for the introduction of the 45-baht cap, according to Deputy Bangkok governor Wisanu Subsompon.

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn chaired the meeting, attended by representatives of the Ministry of Transport, the Department of Rail Transport and other agencies.

The fare cap is in line with the government’s aim to reduce people’s travel expenses, make transfers between rail systems more convenient and encourage greater use of public transport.

Fares on electric train lines in the capital region currently range from 17 to 65 baht per trip, depending on the line, operator and distance travelled. Commuting costs can be even higher for those who have to switch lines regularly.

Under the new scheme, fares will initially be calculated in line with existing contractual rates, with a maximum of 45 baht per trip. Passengers transferring between different lines will not be charged a new initial boarding fare.

If a commuter’s normal fare based on the distance travelled exceeds 45 baht, the government will reimburse the difference through the Pao Tang application or the payment card used for the journey within three working days.

Special groups, including elderly people, children, people with disabilities and disadvantaged people, will retain their existing fare discounts.

Authorities will accelerate the installation and upgrading of equipment on the rail network to ensure the system is ready for the official launch on Jan 1.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will facilitate access to Green and Gold Line stations for the installation of temporary readers and electronic data capture (EDC) devices, said Mr Wisanu.

The new system will also support EMV contactless payments, including credit cards, debit cards and Mangmoom cards, he said.

Mr Wisanu also said the BMA would coordinate with the Ministry of Transport, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and Krungthep Thanakom Co in transferring management of the Green Line, including its main route and extensions, as well as the Gold Line.

The transfer would cover assets, revenues and liabilities, with management to be consolidated under the MRTA in accordance with legal procedures.

Cabinet clears Rs. 46 b Mudun Ela Drainage Project to tackle chronic flooding in Peliyagoda, Kelaniya

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the implementation of the ‘Mudun Ela Storm Drainage and Environment Improvement Project’, a large-scale initiative aimed at resolving chronic storm water drainage problems affecting the Peliyagoda and Kelaniya areas within the Mudun Ela sub-catchment zone.

The project, proposed by the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLDC), will be implemented in phases over the period 2027 to 2036, at an estimated total cost of Rs. 46,190.6 million.

The initiative has been designed based on two key studies: a Pre-Feasibility Study of the Mudun Ela Basin Zone conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in 2023, and a subsequent Feasibility Study carried out by the SLLDC in 2024.

Storm water drainage issues in the Mudun Ela sub-catchment area have long posed a significant obstacle to development in Peliyagoda and Kelaniya, with recurring flooding affecting both ongoing economic activities and future development potential in the area.

Once implemented, the project is expected to provide a comprehensive solution to the area’s drainage problems, minimising the damage and disruption caused by floods to current development projects and economic activity. It is also expected to free up land currently constrained by flood risk, making it available for future development.

FULL LIST: 49 trophies Lionel Messi has won

Lionel Messi added another piece of silverware to his collection on Wednesday night, scoring and assisting as Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 to win the Campeones Cup.

The triumph marked Messi’s fifth trophy with Inter Miami, adding the Campeones Cup to the Leagues Cup, MLS Supporters’ Shield, Eastern Conference Championship and MLS Cup.

Messi has also enjoyed an extraordinary, trophy-laden career with Barcelona and Argentina, winning major domestic, European and international honours, including the UEFA Champions League, Copa América and FIFA World Cup.

Below are the 49 trophies Messi has won so far in his career:

La Liga – 10

Spanish Super Cup – 8

Copa del Rey – 7

UEFA Champions League – 4

UEFA Super Cup – 3

FIFA Club World Cup – 3

Ligue 1 – 2

Copa América – 2

FIFA World Cup – 1

Finalissima – 1

Olympic Gold Medal – 1

FIFA U-20 World Cup – 1

French Super Cup – 1

Leagues Cup – 1

MLS Supporters’ Shield – 1

Eastern Conference Championship – 1

MLS Cup – 1

Campeones Cup – 1

City Council questions report on Monterrazas development

The Cebu City Council has returned the Technical Infrastructure Committee’s (TIC) report on the Monterrazas de Cebu development in Barangay Guadalupe for further technical scrutiny after the body raised doubts about its recommendations to allow the project to continue despite unresolved flood risks.

During the regular session last Tuesday, Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña challenged the TIC’s assessment of detention pond capacity, warning that runoff from the 118-hectare estate could reach over 300,000 cubic meters in extreme rainfall events similar to Typhoon Ruping (1990).

The TIC report, however, stated that current detention capacity stands at 62,710.5 cubic meters, projected to increase to 76,230.5 cubic meters once additional ponds are completed.

Councilors Dave Tumulak, Paul Labra, and Sisinio Andales also questioned why the committee recommended continuation of the project despite admitting that further technical investigation was necessary.

The TIC’s official resolution (No. 2026-008) detailed its fact-finding inspection of Monterrazas, which spans 14 catchment areas.

The committee noted that runoff is managed through detention ponds discharging into creeks such as Kinalumsan and Linao, with culverts ranging from 1500 mm to 450 mm in diameter.

For example, Catchment 01 (Montelago) had seven ponds with a combined capacity of 27,483 cubic meters, exceeding the required 8,220 cubic meters.

Similarly, Catchment 06 (Monterrazas Prime 2) had nine ponds totaling 20,267.5 cubic meters, discharging through a 1200 mm culvert into a flood-prone creek near White Hills and Forest Hill subdivisions.

The committee emphasized that its findings were fact-finding only, not a definitive conclusion on the causes of flooding in Guadalupe.

It acknowledged that other subdivisions, such as Grand Legacy and areas near Bethany Christian School, lacked detention ponds, contributing runoff to the same drainage systems.

The TIC recommended allowing Monterrazas’ ongoing projects to continue, citing engineering measures already in place, but stressed that further hydrological studies were needed.

Flooding in Guadalupe has long been a contentious issue.

While Monterrazas’ ponds exceed mandated standards, downstream flooding is aggravated by undersized city drainage pipes, altered waterways, and older subdivisions without retention facilities.

In November 2025, Typhoon Tino caused widespread devastation in Cebu, with critics pointing to upland developments as exacerbating factors.

Joint inspections in 2026, however, verified that Monterrazas’ detention ponds held more than three times the required volume, suggesting compliance with safety standards.

The issue has also taken on a political tone with Mayor Nestor Archival ‘resisting’ calls for a cease-and-desist order against Monterrazas, prompting accusations of conflict of interest due to his family’s property holdings within the development.

A complaint has been filed before the Ombudsman alleging grave misconduct and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against Archival.

Councilor Mikel Rama moved to send the report back to the TIC to address unresolved issues and provide clearer recommendations.

The council then pushed for a cease-and-desist order until detention pond capacity and drainage impacts are fully validated.

Utomi-led group intensifies push for single opposition 2027 presidential ticket

The Political Commission set up by the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) and led by Pat Utomi is set to hold closed-door meetings with presidential candidates and leaders of shortlisted opposition parties as part of efforts to produce a single candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

The commission said on Wednesday that it would meet candidates of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Accord Party, Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), African Action Congress (AAC) and Young Progressive Party (YPP).

It said the engagements would precede a tactical session scheduled to hold in Ibadan in a fortnight, where it would announce the modalities for selecting the presidential candidate of the proposed opposition coalition.

The development marks a new phase in the opposition’s efforts to overcome political fragmentation and present a common presidential candidate against the ruling party in 2027.

MCE said the closed-door meetings were intended to shield the negotiations from what it described as political mercenaries and jobbers opposed to the coalition initiative.

‘The rationale for the close doors engagements, the Commission said is to prevent sabotage from political mercenaries and jobbers opposed to the initiative and determined to frustrate the negotiations and horse trading amongst the seven shortlisted Presidential Candidates,’ the statement said.

The commission said Nigeria could not afford another opposition arrangement in which political actors agreed on the need for unity but disagreed when it became necessary to determine the candidate to lead the alliance.

No imposition, says commission

MCE said the credibility of the coalition would depend less on the individual popularity of aspirants than on the process through which its candidate was selected.

It promised a transparent process, due process and a level playing field in negotiations, stressing that the terms and modalities for selecting the candidate would have to be agreed by all participating parties.

‘MCE said the success of the emerging coalition process of the Nigerian opposition would depend less on the popularity of individual aspirants but more on the credibility, transparency and fairness, due process and level playing field through which the coalition Presidential candidate is chosen,’ it said.

The group said no party or aspirant would be presented with an imposed arrangement, adding that all shortlisted parties would have to agree to clear rules of engagement before a candidate was endorsed.

It also said personal ambitions must not derail efforts to provide Nigerians with an alternative political platform.

‘MCE said its role in the emerging process was not to impose a presidential candidate on any political party or aspirant but to facilitate a credible process through which the opposition could arrive at a broadly acceptable political arrangement,’ the statement said.

According to the commission, its evaluation of the aspirants will consider national acceptability, competence, integrity, leadership profile, political electability and policy orientation.

It will also examine candidates’ commitment to democratic institutions, capacity to unite the country, ability to work with diverse social interests and understanding of Nigeria’s political and democratic challenges, including what the group described as the ‘national constitutional question.’

The coalition will also be required to develop a common national programme before asking Nigerians to support its candidate.

‘The Nigerian people deserve more than a coalition of political personalities. They deserve a coalition of ideas, competence, values and a coherent ideological programme for national salvation,’ MCE said.

The proposed agenda will address insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, poverty, institutional decay, electoral integrity, constitutional reform, education, healthcare, energy and the cost of governance.

Candidates must commit to coalition outcome

MCE said the proposed arrangement was intended to produce not only a consensus presidential candidate but also a common democratic and governance agenda.

It acknowledged that political bargaining would be unavoidable in building a coalition, arguing that participating politicians must be willing to make compromises.

‘Those who genuinely seek to present a democratic alternative to Nigerians must be prepared to make personal sacrifices, accommodate others and recognise that no single individual or political party can on their own compete formidably against the party in power,’ it said.

The commission, however, said participation in the process would require a commitment from every candidate and party to accept its outcome.

It said all participating presidential candidates and their parties would have to commit in advance to support the coalition’s adopted candidate ‘without equivocation’ in the 2027 elections.

Members of the Political Commission expected to participate in the engagements include Maryam Inna Ciroma, Modupe Adelaja, Solomon Dalung, Uche Onyeagocha, Olusegun Mayegun, Sam Amadi, Mike Iginni, Barbara Etim James, Olawale Okunniyi and Adum Ter Alex, among others.

MCE said the announcement followed what it described as a critical phase in its consultations with opposition parties and candidates.

The organisation stressed that its objective was to facilitate an organised opposition capable of offering Nigerians a sustainable democratic alternative rather than simply bringing politicians together for the purpose of winning an election.

Flyzone, Shemeans expand int’l travel pipeline for women entrepreneurs

Flyzone Tourism has partnered with Shemeans to create more international travel and business networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs, with the tourism company set to manage travel logistics for the organisation’s programmes outside Nigeria.

Under the partnership, Flyzone will provide end-to-end travel logistics for Shemeans’ international programmes, starting with the October global women-in-business programme.

Flyzone Principal Executive, Ambassador Ayodeji Awomoyi, said the collaboration would give women, particularly those in tourism, opportunities to access international travel markets and build relationships with potential business partners.

The initiative will provide a platform for women in business to share experiences, explore opportunities, and build connections across entrepreneurship, investment, tourism, and other sectors.

The partnership will cover flight arrangements, accommodation, visa assistance, and other travel requirements, beginning with Shemeans’ global women-in-business programme scheduled for October.

Principal Executive of Flyzone Tourism, Awomoyi, disclosed this during an interview at the company’s corporate office on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.

Awomoyi said the partnership would give women, particularly those in tourism and related businesses, opportunities to attend international travel markets, meet potential partners, and build relationships with entrepreneurs from other countries.

‘If we are looking for partners, we should not only look within Nigeria,’ he said, noting that international exposure could help women build stronger business networks.

He noted that Flyzone had worked with corporate organisations, government agencies, manufacturing companies, and businesses in the oil and gas sector, providing travel and tour services to clients across the public and private sectors.

Speakers include Shirley Enlrida Rolanda, Chief Executive Officer of Mount Fore Noturo; Anna Jankoviak, Founder of Crywit; and Marycollete Kaka, entrepreneur, investor and Head of Shemeans Business.

Co-Founder of Shemeans, Marycollete Kaka Kekong, said the organisation chose Flyzone because travel logistics was not its area of expertise and required an experienced industry partner.

She said the partnership would also benefit women working as travel consultants by giving them access to a more structured system that could help them grow their businesses.

‘For a company to grow and last, structure is important,’ Kekong said, adding that working with an established company such as Flyzone could help travel consultants improve their operations and scale.

She said Qatar was selected for the forthcoming programme because of its accessibility and position as an international hub, giving participating women opportunities to meet people from different countries and develop international business connections.

Kekong said Shemeans also wanted women to position their businesses for opportunities beyond Nigeria, including international partnerships and potential funding.

KUBET Game Providers Explained: How Organized Menus Improve Game Discovery

Finding an online game you actually want to play should be simple. Yet when a platform offers hundreds or thousands of titles, browsing can quickly become confusing. You might be interested in a particular type of slot, a live dealer table, or a new game from a familiar developer, but finding the right title takes time. This is where organized game-provider menus can make a difference. By grouping games according to their developers and categories, platforms such as kubet can create a more structured browsing experience. Instead of scrolling through an endless collection, users can narrow their choices and explore games that match their interests.

What Are KUBET Game Providers?

Game providers are the companies that develop and supply games for online gaming platforms. They are responsible for creating the software, designing the game mechanics, producing graphics, and, depending on the product, supplying features such as live dealer streams or progressive jackpots. A platform may host games from several different providers, giving users access to a wider variety of gaming styles in one place.

For example, one provider might specialize in video slots, while another focuses on live casino experiences or table games. Each developer often has its own design style, interface, and approach to gameplay. Recognizing these differences can help users understand what they are browsing.

The term KUBET providers refers to the game developers or suppliers associated with the ku net gaming platform. The exact provider lineup can vary depending on the platform’s current offerings, market, and licensing arrangements. Users should consult the official platform for its current list of providers rather than assuming that every game developer is available everywhere.

Why Provider Names Matter

Imagine walking into a large bookstore with no shelves, categories, or labels. You might eventually find a book you like, but the process would be unnecessarily difficult. Online game libraries face a similar challenge. Provider names act like recognizable shelf labels, helping users understand where particular titles come from.

If someone enjoys a certain developer’s visual style or game format, being able to locate that provider can make browsing more familiar. It also gives users another way to explore titles beyond searching by game name.

How the KUBET Menu Supports Game Discovery

A well-organized KUBET menu can help users move from general browsing to more focused exploration. Rather than presenting every title in a single long list, a menu can separate games into categories such as slots, live casino, table games, or other available formats.

The benefit is straightforward: users spend less time searching through unrelated titles and more time reviewing games that fit their interests. This is especially helpful for people who are unfamiliar with a platform and do not yet know which games they want to try.

Categories Make Browsing Easier

Categories provide a starting point for game discovery. Someone looking for a live dealer experience may not want to browse through hundreds of video slots first. Similarly, a user interested in table games may prefer to see blackjack, roulette, or baccarat options together.

A menu that separates these formats creates a clearer path through the platform. Users can begin with a broad category and then narrow their attention to specific titles or providers.

Provider Filters Add Another Layer

Category browsing answers the question, ‘What type of game am I looking for?’ Provider filters answer a different question: ‘Who made the games I want to explore?’

These two navigation methods work well together. A user might first select slots, then choose a particular provider, and finally review the available titles. This reduces unnecessary browsing and makes the game library feel more manageable.

Exploring Popular Game Providers on KUBET

Online casino providers can differ significantly in their approach to game design. Some are known for producing visually elaborate slots, while others concentrate on traditional table games or live dealer formats. The experience of browsing a provider’s catalog depends on the titles and features it offers.

Slot Game Providers

Slot developers commonly create games with different themes, bonus features, paylines, and gameplay mechanics. A provider menu can help users explore these variations without needing to search for every title individually.

For example, someone interested in adventure-themed slots may find it easier to browse a provider’s collection and compare several games with similar visual styles. Another user might prefer classic fruit-machine designs or games with particular bonus mechanics.

The important point is that a provider’s catalog offers a useful starting point, not a guarantee that every game will suit every player.

Live Casino Providers

Live casino providers generally focus on streamed dealer games, including formats such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Their products may differ in presentation, table limits, available languages, and interface design.

Organized menus can help users identify live casino options and distinguish them from automated games. However, availability depends on the platform and region. Users should check the actual game lobby for current information.

Why Organized Menus Improve the Browsing Experience

The main advantage of a structured game menu is clarity. When a platform presents its content in a logical order, users can make decisions more easily. They do not have to remember the names of individual games or rely entirely on random browsing.

A useful menu also supports comparison. Users can look at several titles within the same category or provider and decide which ones interest them. This is particularly helpful when a platform contains a large and frequently changing library.

Less Time Searching, More Time Comparing

Search tools are useful when a user already knows a game’s name. Menus are more helpful when someone is still exploring. A person who does not know what to play can start with a category, browse providers, and discover unfamiliar titles.

This makes the process feel less like searching through a database and more like navigating a well-organized catalog.

A More Consistent User Experience

Consistency matters across desktop and mobile devices. If categories and provider names are presented clearly, users can more easily understand how the platform is organized.

A simple structure might look like this:

Game type: Slots, live casino, or table games.

Provider: Select a developer from the available list.

Game title: Review the individual games.

Game information: Check the displayed rules and relevant details.

The exact menu layout may differ across kubat versions, but the principle remains the same: organized information supports easier navigation.

Tips for Using KUBET Game Menus

When exploring a platform’s game library, start with the category that best matches your interests. If you are unsure, browsing a few categories can help you understand the available selection.

Next, use provider names to narrow your search. This can be useful when you recognize a developer or want to compare different collections. Pay attention to game descriptions and rules before making a choice.

For users who enjoy trying new titles, provider browsing can also introduce games they might not otherwise notice. However, discovering a new game does not mean it will be profitable or suitable for every player.

Conclusion

KUBET game-provider menus can make online game discovery more straightforward by organizing titles into recognizable categories and developer collections. Instead of navigating a confusing list, users can explore game types, compare providers, and find titles that match their preferences. A clear menu does not change the underlying game mechanics, but it can improve how easily users access information and move around the platform.

Whether you are browsing slots, live casino games, or table games, understanding the relationship between categories and providers gives you a more practical way to explore an online gaming library. Always check the official kubet platform for current game availability, provider information, and applicable rules.

FAQs

1. What are KUBET game providers?

KUBET game providers are the developers or suppliers responsible for creating and supplying games available through the platform. Their catalogs may include slots, live casino games, and table games, depending on the current offerings.

2. How does the KUBET menu help users find games?

The KUBET menu can organize games into categories and provider collections. This helps users narrow their search and browse titles without scrolling through an unstructured list.

3. Can I search for games by provider?

If the platform offers provider filtering, users can select a developer and browse its available titles. The exact filtering options depend on the current platform interface.

4. Are all online casino providers available on KUBET?

No. Provider availability varies by platform, market, and licensing arrangements. Check the official game lobby for the current provider lineup.

5. Does an organized game menu guarantee better results?

No. A well-organized menu improves navigation and discovery, but it does not guarantee winnings or change the odds of a game. Always review the rules and play responsibly.

CRICKET-WCPL-TOSS/TEAMS Trinbago Knight Riders Women win toss, batting vs Guyana Amazon Warriors Women – Final

The Trinbago Knight Riders Women elected to bat after winning the toss against the Guyana Amazon Warriors Women in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League Final at Kensington Oval here on Thursday.

SQUADS

TRINBAGO KNIGHT RIDERS WOMEN: Deandra Dottin (captain), Sushma Verma, Laura Harris, Marizanne Kapp, Madeline Penna, Jannillea Glasgow, Jahzara Claxton, Shikha Pandey, Samara Ramnath, Karishma Ramharack, Brianna Harricharan.

GUYANA AMAZON WARRIORS WOMEN: Chloe Tryon (captain), Realeanna Grimmond, Tazmin Brits, Eboni Brathwaite, Shemaine Campbelle, Nadine de Klerk, Erin Burns, Shabnim Ismail, Sheneta Grimmond, Chedean Nation, Shamilia Connell.

5 football players who excelled in multiple positions

Versatility has become one of football’s most valuable assets, and while some players spend their entire careers mastering a single position, others have built legendary reputations by thriving in several roles.

These footballers gave their managers tactical flexibility, solved injury crises and often changed games simply by switching positions.

From defence to midfield and attack, these stars proved that intelligence, technical quality and adaptability can be just as important as pace or goals.

Here are five of the greatest multi-position footballers in history.

Philipp Lahm (Germany)

Few players embodied versatility like Philipp Lahm. Although widely regarded as one of the greatest full-backs of all time, Lahm also excelled as a defensive midfielder under Pep Guardiola at FC Bayern Munich.

Nigeria Is Better Than This

Recently, a misinformed religious cleric publicly unleashed hateful rhetoric against Christians while in the company of several governors. This unacceptable behavior was condemned by both Muslims and Christians alike. The preacher shockingly suggested that Nigerian Christians, who represent roughly half of the country’s population, should leave if they are unhappy with the current government. He failed to recognize an important truth: in Nigeria, elections are not decided by religious affiliation.

Our people vote for the best tribal and political arrangement that benefits them the most through party and regional cooperation designed to yield the biggest political dividend. This political strategy and compromise won Obasanjo, Goodluck, Buhari, and Tinubu, respectively, the presidency. Both Christians and Muslims voted for these presidents. It is therefore fraudulent to attribute APC’s victory to the voting power and supremacy of one religion over the other.

Leaders with a medieval mindset and a misguided sense of purpose have plunged Africa into chaos, despite its vast mineral resources, fertile lands, young population, and valuable human potential. Today, the continent is unjustly disrespected and treated with disdain by the global community, a consequence of the rampant disunity, distrust, destruction, and outright disregard for human life among its people. This attitude must change; Africa deserves recognition and respect for its true worth. We are better than this.

While other countries are aggressively exploring the immense resources and wonders of outer space and achieving groundbreaking scientific advancements, Africa is still mired in internal struggles, including ethnic rivalries, tribal wars, religious intolerance, terrorism, insecurity, and corruption. It is imperative that we shift our focus from these destructive conflicts to making significant contributions to the global economy and improving our continent’s GDP. Only then will we command the respect we deserve on the world stage. Nigeria must assert itself as a leader in this critical endeavor, reclaiming its lost glory through visionary, bold, and transformative leadership. The loudest voices in society are not always the most godly, the wisest, or the most knowledgeable. Volume does not equal truth, and influence does not always reflect wisdom. When ignorance, misinformation, and disinformation collide with tribalism, religious extremism, weak governance, corruption, poverty, terrorism, and insecurity, a failed state becomes inevitable. Nigerians must stand firm and insist that the worst elements do not define the promising future of our nation. Evil will prevail if good people remain silent or allow themselves to become indifferent to wrongdoing.

Freedom of speech is a fundamental right guaranteed to all Nigerians. However, when this right is misused to vilify a significant portion of the population and provoke hostility towards them, it becomes hate speech. Such rhetoric undermines moral decency and warrants serious legal examination. Our laws exist to uphold order, and no one should be permitted to flout them without consequences. It is deeply troubling that a cleric would label Christians as ‘infidels,’ failing to recognize their immense contributions to global civilization and technological progress. We must stand against such divisive language to foster understanding and respect among all communities.

Christians were instrumental in driving the Industrial Revolution, which resulted in groundbreaking advancements such as electricity, automobiles, aircraft, and telecommunications, along with the formation of modern states. Visionary figures like Michael Faraday, Isaac Newton, and the Wright Brothers, along with many other Christian scientists, made significant contributions that propelled society forward. It is evident that the most powerful economies, cutting-edge technologies, and strongest military forces are found in predominantly Christian countries.

According to the latest comprehensive global estimates from the Pew Research Center based on 2020 data, Christianity is the largest religion in the world, with approximately 2.3 billion people, or nearly 29% of humanity. In Sub-Saharan Africa (which includes Nigeria), Christians make up 62% of the population. This represents about 697.4 million Christians out of a regional population of approximately 1.125 billion people.

In Nigeria, Christian events dominate the largest religious gatherings across the country. Furthermore, Christians hold the majority of the largest private universities, own the biggest religious buildings, and have expansive networks. As per the Forbes list of Nigerian billionaires in 2026, an impressive 80% identify as Christians. In addition, 20 out of the 36 states have Christian governors, with the majority of the population in 19 states also identifying as Christian. Nonetheless, it is essential to recognize that without a comprehensive and credible population census, it is misguided for any faith to claim superiority over others.

Christian leaders and churches have played a vital role in the rehabilitation of displaced Christians and Muslims in the North, showing a commendable spirit of inclusivity. I urge everyone, regardless of their faith, to adopt this approach. Nigeria is our shared home, and it is our collective responsibility to unite in building a strong, cohesive, and sustainable nation rather than perpetuating divisions. It is essential for cultural, religious, and political leaders in the North to collaborate in tackling urgent issues such as poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and the widespread insecurity that has left millions of people homeless in this mineral-rich yet troubled region. Together, we can turn the tide and build the Nigeria of our dream.

BISHOP TONY MARIOGHAE is the Presiding Bishop of TEAM International, best-selling author, global conference speaker and the president of Nigerians in Diaspora Philippines (NIDOPHIL).