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Foreign biz groups want stronger tax enforcement

Foreign business groups are urging the government to focus on the enforcement of tax and revenue measures and ensure that new fiscal policies promote competitiveness following President Marcos’ push for reforms in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27.

In a statement yesterday, the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) said it backs Marcos’ continued commitment to advance reforms to enhance the country’s competitiveness, modernize governance and improve the investment climate.

The JFC is composed of the American, Canadian, European, Japanese and Korean chambers of commerce, as well as the Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Regional Headquarters Inc.

It called on the government to prioritize the effective implementation and administration of existing tax and revenue measures, while carefully assessing the competitiveness implications of any proposed new fiscal policies.

‘A stable, predictable and competitive fiscal environment is essential to sustaining investor confidence, encouraging business expansion and supporting long-term economic growth,’ the JFC said.

In his last SONA, Marcos called on Congress to pass tax relief measures to ease the financial burden on workers, particularly the middle class.

The proposed measures include expanding the income tax exemption by raising the threshold to P350,000 from the current P250,000.

Marcos also said smaller businesses would no longer be required to pay the minimum corporate income tax so these enterprises can recover, expand operations and generate more jobs.

For the World Bank, the Philippines should focus on broadening the tax base.

World Bank senior country economist Jaffar Al-Rikabi said that the Philippines needs to focus on improving tax collection, rather than hiking tax rates.

‘There’s a lot of inefficiencies in the current tax system that mean that taxes are not collected at the level of potential,’ he said.

While the Philippines’ value-added tax (VAT) rate is at 12 percent and Thailand’s is at a lower seven percent, the two countries’ VAT collection account for the same share in their respective economies, he noted.

‘So what does that comparison tell us? It tells you that there’s a lot of room to improve the efficiency of the VAT, without increasing rates,’ Al-Rikabi said.

He said this can be done by simplifying the ease of paying taxes.

Priority bills

The Marcos administration is finalizing its list of priority bills for the 20th Congress, which include measures that provide tax relief to workers and businesses, lower power costs and introduce governance reforms, Malacañang said yesterday.

The priority measures were discussed during a meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) ad hoc team last Monday, according to a statement issued by the office of Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

The meeting, which was held upon the instruction of President Marcos, was a preparatory session for the upcoming full LEDAC meet, where officials from the executive branch and lawmakers will adopt a common legislative agenda and tackle ways to fast-track their passage.

‘The proposed measures are anchored on the President’s vision for a more responsive, transparent and inclusive government,’ Recto’s office said.

2027: No political party can stop Wike, Arewa youth group tells ADC

The Arewa Youth for Peaceful Coexistence has declared that no political party can withstand the political influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, in the 2027 general elections, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most formidable political strategists.

The group made the assertion in a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Chairman, Haruna Bature, in response to a recent statement by the Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on the 2027 elections and Wike’s political role.

It said that although every political party has the right to express its views, it was necessary to ‘set the record straight’ in the interests of peace, unity and democratic engagement.

According to the group, Wike’s political trajectory, from serving as a Local Government Chairman and Chief of Staff to completing two terms as Governor of Rivers State and now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has demonstrated his capacity for leadership, grassroots mobilisation and the delivery of democratic dividends.

It maintained that Wike’s achievements in infrastructure development, youth empowerment and political organisation have earned him widespread goodwill across political, ethnic and regional divides, insisting that his political structure and popularity make him a force that no political party can easily contend with in the 2027 polls.

The Arewa Youth for Peaceful Coexistence urged the ADC and other political actors to avoid inflammatory rhetoric capable of overheating the polity, stressing that the build-up to the next general election should be driven by issue-based campaigns, respect for democratic institutions and peaceful coexistence.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting national unity and peaceful democratic engagement, adding that elections should remain a contest of ideas rather than a platform for insults or intimidation.

It, however, expressed confidence that Nigerians would ultimately determine the outcome of the 2027 elections by rewarding competence, capacity and character at the polls.

ICYMI: How Muhammad Ali, my boxing coach taught me valuable life lessons – Adeboye

General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has revealed how lessons from late boxing legend Muhammad Ali and his own boxing coach shaped his approach to life’s challenges.

Adeboye, who described Muhammad Ali as one of his heroes, spoke while delivering a sermon titled ‘Divine Champion’ ahead of the church’s annual convention.

Recalling his days as a boxer, the cleric said he learnt the importance of strategy, preparation and having a good coach, lessons he later applied to his Christian faith.

‘I learned many things from the late world boxing champion Muhammad Ali and my coach when I was a boxer,’ Adeboye said.

He recalled how Ali often attempted to gain a psychological advantage over his opponents before entering the ring by provoking them.

‘One of the things I learned from Ali is that before any fight, he would provoke his opponent with insults so they would become furious before stepping into the ring,’ he said.

Adeboye cited Ali’s encounter with then-world heavyweight champion Sonny Liston as an example.

‘When Muhammad Ali was preparing to defeat then-world boxing champion Sonny Liston, he taunted him so much that by the time they met in the ring, Liston was thoroughly irritated and enraged.

‘He spent time in the fight aggressively trying to land a blow on the head of the loudmouthed young Ali because he was angry,’ he added.

Drawing lessons from boxing, Adeboye said people needed guidance and strategy to overcome challenges, arguing that Christians should depend on God as they navigate life’s battles.

‘When you are going through the battle of life, you had better have God by your side.

‘You need Christ. He gives wisdom to the wise. You need Christ to become a champion. You need a good coach. He will teach you wisdom and guide you; He will not allow you to become careless,’ he said.

Adeboye also distinguished between the roles of a friend and a coach, saying a good coach constantly pushes an individual towards improvement.

‘Your friend is your friend because he likes you just as you are. But a good coach knows you can be better than you currently are. Even if you have just won a fight, he wants to take you back into training so you can keep winning. A good coach will inspire you.

‘The best coach you can ever have is Jesus. Even when everything seems fine and right, keep on praying, because immediately after a victory, your enemy goes to work,’ he said.

Reflecting further on his boxing experience, Adeboye recalled advice from his trainer about responding to setbacks in the ring.

‘My coach used to tell me that when you get knocked down, sit down and wait until the referee counts to eight before getting up. Stay down, rest, re-strategise, and then stand up to show there is still strength left in you,’ he said.

He likened the advice to overcoming difficulties in life, urging Christians not to give up after setbacks.

‘He will renew your strength. A true champion is the one who laughs last – not someone who never makes mistakes,’ Adeboye said.

The cleric urged believers to remain persistent in prayer and faith, saying overcoming setbacks rather than avoiding them entirely is one of the qualities of a champion.

‘If you pray and the answer does not come immediately, keep on praying. A righteous person may fall seven times, but he will rise again. You cannot claim to be a real champion until you finish your race on Earth,’ he added.

NSCDC sanctions 79 personnel for misconducts, arrests 12 for vandalism

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced major disciplinary and operational actions against 79 personnel for professional misconducts, and dereliction of duties.

The Service said a total of 75 officers faced disciplinary proceedings for acts unbecoming of their oaths of office as personnel of the Corps.

The Corps also announced the arrest of 12 suspects implicated in critical infrastructure vandalism and illegal arms dealing.

The Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Audi, however, reiterated the commitment of the Corps to institutional transparency, public safety, and zero tolerance for compromise and corruption. He vowed that no personnel would go unpunished once he or she betrayed the oaths taken to serve the country faithfully.

The public Relations Officer of the Corps, Babawale Afolabi said in a statement that one

Assistant Commandant General (ACG), two Deputy Commandants (DC), 35 Other Senior Officers and 37 Junior Officers face the disciplinary panel.

He said their offences/infractions ranged from job racketeering, financial misconduct, theft, and absence without official leave, and acts prejudicial to state security.

He said the Corps applied sanctions such as dismissal, compulsory retirement, and recommendation for criminal prosecution.

Afolabi cited an incident on 18 February 2026 during operation at Rafin Gabas, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, which led to the death of Mining Marshals Location Commander Levi Agada.

He said the case has been concluded as ‘investigations established that two personnel, Hosea Habila and Jibrin Labaran, engaged suspected illegal miners with firearms without authorization. Both have been dismissed from the Service and recommended for criminal prosecution.’

‘Additionally, four personnel are currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings handled by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’S SIS) with the joint effort of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, regarding alleged illegal arms dealing. They are facing internal discipline and legal prosecution.

‘The suspects are Superintendent Tesie Victor Nnamdi (Enugu State Command)

Assistant Superintendent II

Okwuruinya Uchenna (Ebonyi State Command)

Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson (Ebonyi State Command)

All of them are facing internal discipline and legal prosecution.

‘Superintendent Achor Favour (Nasarawa State Command) – Under administrative disciplinary proceedings following public concern over the alleged mistreatment and negligence of a teenage domestic helper, Mercy Hajara Muhammad’, Babawale said.

The Public Relations Officer said in another development 9 suspects were nab by the Corps intelligence squad at different locations but in relation to related crime. He said they were arrested in Ebonyi, Enugu, Kogi and Niger States and the Federal Capital Territory.

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ýHe said they were for illegal firearm and ammunition sales and gave their names as Friday Nnanna Ujor, Chika Sampson Nwozaku, Nnanna Ujor Chinasa, Nnanna Fountain, Nnanna Abundant Ifechukwu and three NSCDC officers: SC Tesie Victor Nnamdi, ASCII Okwuruinya Uchenna and ASCII Obaji Sampson.

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ýAlso, in its quest to protect critical national assets and infrastructure (CNAI), operatives of the Corps arrested six suspected vandals with full trailer load of Railway sleepers at Sabon Wuse, Abuja.

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ýHe said the vandalized sleepers were concealed in a blue DAF Trailer with registration number ZAR 618 XT.

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ýBabawale also said two-man vandal syndicate Raphael Danjuma and Isaac Zegbe from Toto and Basa Local Government Areas, Nasarawa State were arrested for electrical and cable vandalism at Gwagwala Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory.

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Babawale urged Nigerians to understand that the behaviours of the sanctioned personnel do not represent the integrity and dedication of the vast majority of NSCDC officers nationwide.

‘All suspects and affected personnel retain their constitutional rights to due process as administrative and legal proceedings continue,’ he said.

The NSCDC urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue sharing actionable intelligence to safeguard national security.

Rollout of 90,000km fibre optic network begins soon

Nigeria is to begin the rollout of a 90,000-kilometre fibre optic network across Nigeria in weeks.

Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Minister Bosun Tijani, who made this known in Abuja yesterday, described the move as one of the country’s most ambitious digital infrastructure projects that would transform broadband connectivity nationwide.

The minister also announced that Nigeria would on October 1 launch an alphanumeric postcode system and start the deployment of about 3,700 telecommunications towers to provide network coverage for more than 20 million Nigerians in communities without access to telecommunications services.

He spoke after briefing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the progress of three flagship digital transformation projects being implemented by his ministry.

Tijani said the government has completed the resource mobilisation and contractual processes required for the fibre project and therefore is ready to deploy it across the country.

He said: ‘We’re now at the point where, in a few weeks, we should start to lay that fibre, so people will start seeing us around the country deploying the fibre. This is going to transform Nigeria for good.

‘This is a project where every state, every geopolitical zone, every local government and every ward in this country will be covered with fibre optic cables, which will transform the quality of connectivity.’

The minister said he thanked President Tinubu for policy reforms that have strengthened the communications sector, including the designation of digital infrastructure as critical national infrastructure, tariff adjustments and tax harmonisation.

He added: ‘I think our sector has been extremely fortunate. With Mr President, as you can imagine, he’s given us quite a few things that the sector has been demanding for a long time.

”Whether it’s the Critical National Infrastructure designation for all digital infrastructure, or the slight adjustment in tariff, which you’ve seen, the tax harmonisation, which the sector has been asking for.

‘I think it’s probably the sector that is most appreciative of this government because when we came in, the sector was contributing between 16 and 18 per cent to our GDP, but today that sector is tracking close to 21 per cent, so it’s a significant growth.’

On the postcode, he explained that the move would place Nigeria among a small number of nations using the advanced addressing technology.

‘Nigeria will be amongst maybe 10 or 15 countries in the world with alphanumeric postcode. It’s the latest design in the postcode system where we can now identify every property in this country. We’re hoping to launch that one on the 1st of October,’, said Tijani

According to him, the system will assign a unique address to every building, making deliveries faster, boosting e-commerce, strengthening security and improving public service delivery.

Online community zeroes in on minor protection, safe internet space

The internet is a modern blessing that allows millions of Filipinos to do a lot of important things at an incredible speed.

Things that usually take time to accomplish when they are done manually, such as showing up physically at work, going to school, running a business, connecting with loved ones, and making bank transactions online. Digital access makes it possible to accomplish many tasks with just a click of your fingers – and providers of fast and reliable internet make sure this experience is even more enhanced.

Yet leading a digital life also makes you prone to the dangers that lurk within it. It exposes you to phishing scams, identity theft, misinformation, love scams, fake news, and other harmful online behavior. Internet users are, thus, navigating a digital environment that demands not only access but, more importantly, awareness, vigilance and responsibility because the more digital life becomes deeply woven into everyday living, the bigger the online risks become.

To address this growing reality that will no longer go away, internet provider PLDT Home has made it its responsibility to champion responsible digital citizenship through its online safety advocacy Online Alerto.

Growing online community

Launched in October 2022 as a Facebook community initiative, Online Alerto was designed to respond to the increasing need for digital safety awareness in the country. More than an online group, it is a growing digital community where Filipinos find educational content, actionable online safety tips, discussions about responsible internet use, and real-life conversations on navigating today’s increasingly complex digital world.

Today, more than three years since the initiative was launched, it has grown into a community of more than 77,000 members. This reflects the growing relevance of conversations around online vigilance, misinformation, scams, digital well-being, and responsible Internet use among Filipino families and communities.

It is no longer enough that your internet access impresses with its speed, bandwidth, or coverage area. As digital platforms become more and more deeply embedded in everyday life, users must also learn how to protect themselves, think critically online, and engage responsibly in digital spaces. If you are not careful, your safety may be compromised.

What’s even more alarming is a truth that the 2026 report by TransUnion uncovered: According to the report, Filipinos are more exposed to digital fraud than the global average, with the Philippines’ suspected digital fraud rate reaching 4.1% in 2025 versus the global rate of 3.8%.

The study also showed that 72% of surveyed Filipino consumers believe they were targeted by digital fraud attempts through online platforms, email, phone calls, or text messages between August and December 2025. This figure is significantly higher than the global average of 53%. This heightened exposure highlights the urgent need for stronger public awareness and digital safety education initiatives aimed at helping Filipinos recognize, avoid, and report online threats.

Protecting minors

Through it, the internet provider is able to regularly create educational and community-driven content that makes online safety more accessible and relatable to everyday Filipinos. Beyond sharing practical tips on spotting scams, identifying misinformation, and practicing responsible social media behavior, the platform also opens meaningful conversations around the real-life online experiences of public figures, creators, and young Filipinos.

Among its key initiatives are Facebook Live sessions featuring personalities who openly discuss the realities of navigating digital spaces responsibly. Featured guests included PLDT High Speed Hitters, athletes Mika Reyes, Jessey De Leon, and Kiana Dy. They shared their experiences dealing with online pressure, social media toxicity, public scrutiny, and the importance of maintaining healthy digital boundaries.

The initiative’s Facebook Live sessions have so far attracted more than 25,000 attendees, underscoring the growing awareness and public interest in conversations surrounding online safety, digital responsibility, and healthy online behavior. By opening these conversations to the public, the advocacy is able to help younger internet users better understand the impact of their online behavior and encourages more mindful and responsible engagement in digital spaces.

‘As digital platforms increasingly shape how Filipinos live, learn, work, and transact, online safety must be embedded into the infrastructure that connects them,’ said Menardo ‘Butch’ Jimenez, Jr., PLDT chief operating officer and chief technology officer.

He added: ‘Through it, the PLDT Group continues to strengthen cybersecurity, advance responsible AI, and apply security?by?design across its networks. We use a specialized child protection platform that automatically detects and blocks URLs linked to Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), preventing billions of illicit access attempts. Beyond technology, we continue to work with various child rights organizations to promote child rights and online protection. For PLDT Home, true connectivity goes beyond access. It requires awareness, vigilance, and shared responsibility so Filipinos can engage online safely and with confidence.’

The group’s cybersecurity efforts through the years show the scale of protection needed in today’s digital environment. From January to March 2026 alone, the group blocked 49 billion access attempts to malicious domains, prevented 1.4 billion cyber attacks and data breaches. It also blocked 208,000 access attempts to OSAEC-related URLs and content. These operational safeguards provide the technology backbone for Online Alerto’s broader mission of helping Filipino families become safer and more responsible digital citizens.

Beyond online conversations presented via the online community, the internet provider is also bringing digital safety education directly to students through Online AlerTour, an on-ground campus initiative conducted in partnership with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group.

This program addresses pressing online concerns, including phishing scams, misinformation, identity theft, online fraud, and responsible social media behavior. In effect, it equips young Filipinos with the knowledge needed to become more vigilant and responsible digital citizens.

So far, school tour has engaged more than 500 students from various campuses, including Far Eastern University, Universidad de Manila, and Polytechnic University of the Philippines. More campus activations are in the pipeline.

10 best free apps every student should have in 2026

In today’s digital world, being a successful student takes more than attending lectures and reading textbooks. Assignments are to be submitted online, research is conducted on the internet, group discussions occur through messaging apps, and deadlines can accumulate quickly.

Meanwhile, you don’t need to spend a fortune on premium software. Some of the world’s most powerful learning tools are completely free.

Therefore, whether you are in secondary school, a Nigerian university, or studying abroad, these best apps for every student can help you stay organised, improve productivity, and learn more efficiently.

Free apps every student should consider installing.

Google Drive

Google Drive is more than cloud storage. It allows students to save assignments, lecture notes, PDFs, presentations, and project files securely online, making them accessible from any device.

Its automatic backup feature also prevents the frustration of losing important coursework due to a damaged phone or computer.

Microsoft OneNote

Taking notes during lectures becomes much easier with Microsoft OneNote. Students can organise notes into notebooks, insert images, record voice lectures, and even write using a stylus on supported devices.

On this app, everything automatically syncs across devices, making revision convenient anywhere.

Grammarly

Undoubtedly, excellent writing matters in every course of study. And Grammarly can help you improve your grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence clarity while writing essays, emails, reports, and assignments.

The free version offers enough features for most academic writing tasks.

Canva

To boost students’ communication skills and understanding, students are often tasked to present. So, preparing presentations, posters, resumes, project covers, and social media graphics. Canva offers thousands of free templates that make professional designs accessible, even to those without graphic design experience.

It is particularly useful for seminar presentations and class projects.

Google Calendar

This can be used for scheduling you daily routine. Managing lectures, examinations, assignment deadlines, and study schedules becomes much easier with Google Calendar.

You can create reminders, receive notifications, and organise your academic timetable without carrying a physical planner. So, developing this habit also improves time management beyond school.

Notion

Notion, like the other application, has become one of the most popular productivity tools among students worldwide.

It combines note-taking, task management, study planning, project collaboration, and document organisation within one workspace. As a student, you can even create customised revision planners and assignment trackers.

Although it has premium features, but its free plan is sufficient for most students.

Wolfram Alpha

Sometimes students don’t just need answers, they need explanations to understand better.

Wolfram Alpha helps solve mathematical problems while providing step-by-step solutions for algebra, calculus, statistics, chemistry, and physics. It also supports scientific calculations and data analysis.

This platform is an excellent learning companion rather than simply a calculator.

Quizlet

Revision can become more effective with Quizlet at your disposal.

The platform allows students to create digital flashcards, practise quizzes, learn definitions, and prepare for examinations using interactive study methods. Millions of existing study sets are already available across different subjects.

And its gamified learning approach makes studying less stressful for any student who find it interesting.

Google Lens

Google Lens has become one of the smartest study tools available. With it, you can scan textbook pages, translate foreign languages instantly, solve mathematical equations, identify plants during biology practicals, and search for information simply by pointing your phone camera at an object. It also save valuable research time.

ChatGPT

Artificial intelligence is transforming education, and ChatGPT has become one of the most useful study assistants available.

As a student, you can use it to understand difficult concepts, brainstorm ideas, summarise lengthy materials, practise interview questions, improve writing, generate study plans, and learn programming concepts.

Like any AI tool, its responses should be verified against textbooks and credible academic sources, but it can significantly improve learning efficiency when used responsibly.

Why every student needs productivity apps

The best students are not always those who spend the longest hours reading. They are often the ones who organise their work effectively, manage their time well, collaborate easily, and access information quickly.

It is crucial to know that technology does not replace studying, but it makes studying smarter.

So, using the best apps for every student can reduce stress, improve organisation, and create more time for meaningful learning instead of repetitive administrative tasks.

Because, academic success depends on discipline, consistency, and the right learning tools. And also, organising lecture notes with OneNote to designing presentations in Canva, solving equations with Wolfram Alpha, revising through Quizlet, and researching with ChatGPT, these free apps help students study more efficiently without increasing their expenses.

Court okays Arobo as APC’s candidate for Owo/Ose House of Reps seat

A Federal High Court in Abuja has upheld the nomination of Abdulghani Arobo as the House of Representatives candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency in Ondo State.

In a judgment on Wednesday, Justice Peter Lifu held that Arobo was the actual winner of the APC’s primary election, having scored the majority of the lawful votes cast in the said shadow poll.

Justice Lifu said that, upon the summation of all the votes cast at the 23 wards in Owo/Ose Federal Constituency in Ondo State during the APC primary election held on May 16, 2026, Arobo was entitled to be declared the lawful winner.

The judgment was on the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/26, in which Arobo questioned, among others, the manner the APC handled the primary election and sought to be declared the actual winner.

The judge added that based on Arobo’s victory, he ought to be nominated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as APC’s House of Reps candidate for Owo/Ose Federal Constituency in the next general elections.

Justice Lifu ordered the APC and INEC to ‘forthwith, recognise, accept, relate and deal with only the plaintiff (Arobo) as the winner of the primary election conducted on May 16 with a total of 7,959 votes in Owo Local Government Area and 2,583 votes in Ose Local Government Area.

The judge voided any other declaration or purported declaration, return of nomination by APC other than the name of the plaintiff, who he said won and scored the highest lawful votes at the election.

Justice Lifu proceeded to resolve all the questions formulated by Arobo for the court’s determination in favour of the plaintiff

The judge ordered that the plaintiff’s name be forwarded to INEC as the candidate of the APC for the House of Representatives election for Owo/Ose federal constituency of Ondo State.

He equally ordered the defendants to deal only with the plaintiff as the winner of the said election, while restraining the defendants from recognising or dealing with any other person apart from the plaintiff, having won the primary election.

Justice Lifu further ordered INEC to re-open its portal for the purpose of uploading the plaintiff’s name as the lawful winner of the primary election for Owo/Ose Federal Constituency.

Bauchi: Gov Bala orders crackdown, prosecution of illegal miners

Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, on Tuesday, gave unequivocal approval for the crackdown and eventual prosecution of anyone implicated and found involved in illegal mining activities across the state.

The Governor gave the directive to security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, declaring that nobody should be spared no matter the societal status of such a person, even including his own son, because, according to him, ‘no individual is above the law.’

The Governor made the declaration while receiving the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Jos, Major General WM Dangana, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Bauchi.

Bala Mohammed said his administration remains committed to enforcing the rule of law and combating all forms of criminality across the state.

According to him, ‘If my son or any other person related to me was found guilty of illegal mining, the law should take its full course. Nobody should be spared.’

He commended the Nigerian Army for its swift response to recent security breaches in Alkaleri Local Government Area, describing the military’s intervention as timely and reassuring.

According to him, the prompt deployment of troops has restored public confidence and demonstrated the government’s determination not to allow criminals to gain a foothold in the state.

The Governor expressed confidence in the capacity of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to tackle insecurity, pledging his administration’s continued support for efforts aimed at protecting lives and property.

Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed further urged the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army to champion inter-state military collaboration by intensifying joint operations along the border corridors of the state.

The Governor noted that as Bauchi State shares vast borders with the states of Gombe, Taraba, Plateau, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna and Yobe, there is a need for joint security operations so as to effectively neutralise the threats of banditry and dismantle illegal mining that has contributed to insecurity in rural areas.

He urged the Division, in particular, to deploy more actionable intelligence, increase rural patrols, and launch decisive security operations, saying Bauchi State has absolute confidence in the capacity of the Nigerian Army towards achieving the desired objectives.

According to him, ‘For us in Bauchi State, security is the foundation of all development. We do not just give verbal support, we match our words with concrete action. Through our Ministry of Internal Security, we will continue to provide the necessary logistical backing to troops.’

He stressed that, ‘We are committed to improving the operational welfare of our soldiers. This includes the provision of operational support and the immediate improvement of infrastructure to ensure your men operate under dignified conditions.’

‘Specifically, we have invested heavily to provide a Joint Task Force Base in Mansur, the epicentre of the crisis in Alkaleri Local Government, which is at an advanced stage of completion. Furthermore, we have provided state-of-the-art technology-based tracking equipment to assist the security agencies. As a result of these initiatives, our people who had earlier been dislodged have returned to their homes and farms,’ he added.

The Governor used the medium to once again express gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser and the Military High Command for their prompt response to the recent security breaches in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state.

He described the prompt response as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of the citizens and assured of his administration’s collaboration for better service delivery.

On his part, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Maxwell Dangala, said the visit was to identify areas of improved collaboration for the maintenance of peace and security across the state.

General Dangala then appreciated Governor Bala Mohammed for his support to the Nigerian Army to discharge its assigned responsibilities effectively and promised the Army’s unwavering commitment to working with critical stakeholders to tackle the numerous security challenges facing the country.

Earlier, Major General Dangana said his visit was part of efforts to review ongoing security operations and strengthen collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the Bauchi State Government in addressing emerging security challenges.

He commended Governor Mohammed for the consistent support his administration has provided to the military, describing it as critical to the success of ongoing operations in the state.

The GOC also praised the ongoing construction of the Mansur Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area, saying the project would improve troop mobility and facilitate rapid response to security emergencies in vulnerable communities.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining operations aimed at ensuring lasting peace and security in Bauchi State and across the country.

Edi festival: How Ile-Ife keeps the spirit of Moremi alive

IN the ancient city of Ile-Ife, regarded by the Yoruba as the cradle of their civilisation, history, spirituality and communal memory converge annually in the celebration of the Edi Festival, a ritual observance dedicated to the legendary heroine, Moremi Ajasoro.

Far more than a cultural spectacle, the festival is a profound spiritual exercise through which the people of Ile-Ife reaffirm their connection with their ancestors, seek divine blessings and commemorate the courage of a woman whose sacrifice is credited with saving the community from a devastating enemy.

Traditional custodians in Ile-Ife believe that Moremi’s spirit remains active in the invisible realm. Consequently, the Edi Festival serves as a bridge linking three dimensions of existence – the world of the living, the world of the departed ancestors and the world of the unborn. Through prayers, rituals and symbolic performances, the community seeks to maintain harmony among these realms.

The festival’s significance lies largely in its ritual content rather than entertainment. It is a period during which the people express gratitude for protection received during the previous year and petition for continued blessings, including good health, prosperity, abundant harvests, fertility and longevity. Throughout the celebrations, traditional chiefs and custodians of sacred shrines interpret spiritual messages believed to emanate from Moremi and the ancestral world.

The observance begins with Ferekete, a vigil that marks the formal commencement of the festival. During this stage, Chief Obalayan proceeds to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, setting in motion a sequence of sacred events that have been preserved across generations.

The next stage, Ofanran, also known as Idana-Olori, is devoted to prayer. On this day, the Igare chiefs, representing the Igbo in the festival’s historical narrative, dance ceremonially to the rhythm of the abebe, a traditional fan fashioned from elephant skin, as they make their way to the Ooni’s palace.

A major highlight follows when the Ooni emerges in simple ceremonial attire and leads a procession carrying a smouldering piece of firewood. Together with assembled chiefs, he invokes protection for the community through chants symbolically aimed at destroying death, disease and evil influences.

The festival continues with Omolarere, a quieter observance conducted mainly by the Ilari-Emese, the junior palace messengers. Although less elaborate than other stages, it forms an important preparatory link within the larger ritual sequence.

One of the most dramatic moments comes during Inasan, also known as Ina-Osan. This ceremony recreates the legendary defeat of the invading Igbo warriors through whom the people of Ife once suffered. Palace warriors known as Ogungbes emerge carrying blazing torches made from highly combustible palm materials. The fiery procession symbolises the strategy through which the enemies were eventually overcome and driven away.

The ritual is accompanied by strict taboos. Descendants of the legendary invaders, represented by the Oluyare, are forbidden from witnessing the torches. Only after the flames have been removed can they emerge to perform their own ceremonial obligations before the Ooni and his chiefs.

The Oluyare are distinguished by elaborate knitted raffia costumes known as iko, which tradition associates with the frightening appearance of the warriors described in the Moremi legend. While wearing the costume, participants remain silent, communicating only through gestures, thereby preserving the sacred character of the ritual.

The festival reaches its climax with Igbarubi-Edi, the final and most significant day of celebration. This concluding phase features the most important rites and centres on Chief Tele, the custodian entrusted with carrying the spiritual burden associated with the community’s collective purification.

For the people of Ile-Ife, the Edi Festival remains a living testimony to the enduring legacy of Moremi Ajasoro. Through its rich symbolism, sacred performances and communal participation, the festival continues to preserve Yoruba history while reinforcing the spiritual values that have shaped the ancient kingdom for centuries.

In an era of rapid modernisation, Edi stands as a reminder that cultural heritage is not merely remembered through stories but sustained through rituals, ceremonies and the collective commitment of a people determined to keep their history alive.

Owojori is Principal Assistant Museums Education Officer 1, Education Department, National Museum, Ile Ife.