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Catholic youth body disowns viral political statement on Onaiyekan, Tinubu

The Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON) has distanced itself from a viral political statement purporting to address the controversy surrounding comments by former Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The organisation described the document, titled ‘Our Faith Must Rise Above Partisan Politics,’ as fake, fraudulent and unauthorised, warning the public against attributing it to the body.

The disclaimer followed the circulation of the purported open letter on social media, where it criticised the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and accused Cardinal Onaiyekan of allegedly showing disrespect to President Tinubu.

The publication sparked widespread reactions before CYON issued its clarification.

In a statement signed on Wednesday by its National President, Gosife Kizito Eze; National Secretary, Francesca A. Adesokan; and National Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Maurice Mbeke, the organisation said the publication neither originated from nor reflected the position of the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria.

‘The publication is false, fraudulent, unauthorised and a deliberate act of impersonation. It did not originate from CYON and does not represent the position or official communication of the organisation,’ the statement said.

The organisation clarified that the only recognised national body representing Catholic youths in the country is the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria, adding that the group identified in the document as the Catholic Youth Association of Nigeria (CYAN) is unknown to the Church and has no recognised existence.

It also said the letterhead, logo, branding and contact details contained in the viral document were fake and deliberately designed to give the impression of authenticity.

According to CYON, its National Executive Council neither authored nor approved the publication, stressing that all opinions and allegations contained in the document remain the responsibility of its unknown authors.

The organisation condemned what it described as a calculated act of impersonation and warned that it reserved the right to pursue all lawful remedies against those behind the publication.

It urged Catholic youths, members of the clergy, religious, the lay faithful, media organisations and the general public to disregard the document and avoid sharing or relying on its contents.

The organisation added that all official communications are issued only through its duly authorised national officers and recognised communication channels.

Reaffirming its allegiance to the Catholic Church, CYON said it remains in full communion with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and is committed to promoting the Gospel values of truth, justice, peace, unity and responsible citizenship.

The disclaimer comes amid heightened public debate over recent comments by Cardinal Onaiyekan on national issues, which have attracted reactions from political figures and civil society groups.

However, CYON insisted it should not be drawn into partisan political narratives by publications falsely attributed to it.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, the purported ‘Open Letter’ is hereby declared fake, fraudulent, unauthorised, null, void and of no effect whatsoever,’ the statement concluded.

’Accord, APC clash over Adeleke’s appeal to Tinubu’

The ruling Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday clashed over Governor Ademola Adeleke’s recent remarks urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the political situation ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election.

During his campaign in Olorunda on Monday, Adeleke warned that he would not tolerate any form of rigging by the APC in the forthcoming poll, vowing to prevent a repeat of the 1966 Operation Wetie crisis in Osun State. He also lamented alleged political victimisation by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

In response, the APC, through its Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, dismissed Adeleke’s allegations as ‘misplaced and frivolous.’ The party accused the governor of attempting to justify what it described as his impending electoral defeat by blaming President Tinubu, Oyetola, and security agencies for his political woes.

The APC argued that Adeleke’s claims lacked credible evidence and were aimed at whipping up public sentiment ahead of the election. ‘It is disheartening that such sweeping allegations of political victimisation could be made by a governor known for fuelling, promoting, and bankrolling political violence in the state,’ the statement read.

The party further alleged that Adeleke had turned the Government House into a haven for political thugs, empowered violent elements with appointments, and granted questionable amnesty to convicted criminals. It challenged him to let the August 15 election serve as a referendum on his administration, insisting that its candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), remained well-positioned to win.

However, the Director-General of the Accord Campaign Council, Senator Lere Oyewumi, dismissed the APC’s claims, stressing that Adeleke neither attacked nor insulted President Tinubu. He said the governor merely appealed to the President, as the father of the nation, to ensure a free, fair, and credible election in Osun State.

Oyewumi explained that Adeleke’s comments were directed at drawing Tinubu’s attention to what the party described as growing political violence, killings, and intimidation allegedly targeted at Accord members.

He claimed that seven Accord members had been killed, more than 20 injured, and over 60 detained in what he termed illegal police custody in the past three months.

He further alleged that during the 2022 governorship election, 45 Adeleke supporters lost their lives without the perpetrators being prosecuted. Oyewumi also referenced the lingering local government leadership crisis, claiming that over N350 billion belonging to local governments had been diverted by individuals described as ‘illegal APC occupants’ of council secretariats.

The Accord Campaign Council maintained that Adeleke’s remarks were a passionate appeal for presidential intervention to guarantee peaceful, credible, and violence-free elections, rather than an attack on President Tinubu.

Hot money swings to $4 billion net outflow in H1

Foreign investors pulled more money out of the Philippines than they brought in during the first half as global uncertainty, elevated oil prices and geopolitical risks drove investors toward safer dollar assets.

Preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed that foreign portfolio investments registered through authorized agent banks swung to a net outflow of $4.01 billion in the first half, reversing the $1.54-billion net inflow recorded a year ago.

These investments are commonly referred to as ‘hot money’ because of the ease with which the funds enter and leave financial markets in response to domestic and global developments.

Based on BSP data, gross outflows surged by 65.4 percent to $17.25 billion from January to June, significantly higher than the $10.43 billion that left the country in the same period last year.

Meanwhile, gross inflows increased by 10.6 percent to $13.24 billion from $11.97 billion.

The first-half net outflow was driven by withdrawals from both government securities and shares listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange. Government securities posted the larger net outflow at $2.19 billion, while PSE-listed securities recorded a net outflow of $1.81 billion.

Robert Dan Roces, vice president and group economist at SM Investments Corp., said the sharp reversal reflected investors’ response to external developments rather than concerns specific to the domestic economy.

‘The first-half outflow was driven more by global uncertainty than by the Philippine economy itself,’ he said. ‘Many investors simply chose to keep more money in dollar assets while markets were dealing with higher oil prices and geopolitical risks.’

Despite the weak first-half result, the country posted a higher net inflow in June compared with a year earlier.

Foreign portfolio investments yielded a net inflow of $170.12 million during the month, more than nine times the $18.34-million net inflow recorded in June 2025.

Gross inflows jumped by 51.5 percent to $2.94 billion from $1.94 billion a year ago, while outflows climbed by 44.1 percent to $2.77 billion from $1.92 billion.

June marked the second straight month that registered foreign investments posted a net inflow following four months of volatile movements at the start of the year.

The $170-million net inflow in June was supported by government securities, which generated a net inflow of $540 million. This more than offset the $370-million net outflow from PSE-listed securities.

Roces said the improvement reflected an easing in investor caution, allowing foreign funds to return to Philippine government bonds.

However, he said foreign portfolio investments would likely remain volatile because investors can quickly move funds across markets as economic and financial conditions change.

‘Portfolio flows are expected to swing from month to month because these are among the fastest-moving investments,’ he said.

‘The key here is not to overreact to one month’s data but to watch whether global conditions become more stable,’ Roces added.

EFCC froze Osun State government account over suspicious movement of funds-Spokesman

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) said it froze the accounts of Osun State Government because of alleged fraudulent handling of N11billion Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federal Account Allocation Committee(FAAC).

It said the state has been under probe since March with the state’s Accountant-General and some government officials already quizzed.

The EFCC said it effected Post No Debit order on the affected account because it intercepted huge transfers of funds to different suspicious accounts since August 2, 2026.

It claimed that there were huge transfers of funds into different corporate entities and it had to swiftly halt the trend.

It said the Osun State government account was frozen to save public funds from being looted.

It said its action has nothing to do with Osun Governorship Election.

The EFCC made the clarifications in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale.

The statement said: ‘The EFCC is compelled to publicly address issues pertaining to its preventive moves in freezing the bank account of the Osun State government, without prejudice to the imminent governorship election in the state.

‘The commission has been busy investigating the Osun state government since March, 2026, regarding alleged fraudulent handling of Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federal Account Allocation Committee, FAAC account to the tune of N11, 000,000, 000(Eleven Billion Naira only).

‘ To this end, some officials of the state government, especially the Accountant General of the State, have had interview sessions with investigators of the EFCC.

‘These ongoing investigations of the state government would not have warranted any placement of Post No Debit order on its account but for the precipitate and unwarranted movement of funds from the accounts to different suspicious accounts since August 2, 2026.

‘The Commission noticed huge transfers of funds into different corporate entities and had to swiftly halt the trend by freezing the accounts from which such heavy funds are being moved.’

The EFCC said it acted within its establishment mandate to prevent fraud.

It added: ‘The EFCC’s preventive mandate is a public-inclined framework of safeguarding public funds, assets and resources.

‘ The commission cannot watch idly while a state government’s account is being pillaged.

‘ While the commission is fully aware of the impending governorship election in Osun State, it has a responsibility to act in defence of the sanctity of the funds of the state. It will be uncharitable for the commission to allow an excuse of an upcoming election to fold its arms to perform its legally-assigned functions.

‘ It is equally needful to state that the commission is keeping watch over the finances of other states like Osun State. Many of these states are on the investigative radar of the Commission to ensure accountability and probity. ‘The commission has always pointed out that it is non-partisan and non-sectarian but always working in the overall interests of Nigerians.

‘ The Osun State government account was frozen to save public funds from being looted.

‘ The public is enjoined to ignore false narratives and deliberate demonization of the works of the EFCC. The interests of all Nigerians are greater and will always be protected by the commission.’

Apple Pay debuts with 4 banks in Philippines

Apple Pay has officially debuted in the Philippines with an initial roster of four partner banks, marking the long-awaited entry of Apple’s mobile payment service into the local market.

The first participating banks are China Banking Corp., GoTyme Bank, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. and Union Bank of the Philippines, according to Apple’s Philippine website.

Eligible Visa and Mastercard cardholders of the four banks can now use their iPhone or Apple Watch to pay at contactless terminals. Payments can also be made through supported apps and websites using an iPhone, iPad or Mac.

Visa said the launch marks another step in the country’s transition toward digital payments while making transactions more convenient for both Filipinos and international visitors.

‘Apple Pay represents the next evolution of payments in the Philippines, combining ease of use, simplicity and security in every transaction, helping amplify the payment experience for Visa cardholders in the Philippines,’ Jeffrey Navarro, country manager for Visa Philippines, said.

‘With Apple Pay, Filipinos and tourists alike now have seamless and secure ways to pay across shops, restaurants, travel destinations and public transport, supporting the nation’s vision to become a cash-lite economy.’

Mastercard echoed that view, saying the rollout gives consumers another secure and convenient way to pay as digital adoption continues to gain momentum.

‘As digital adoption continues to accelerate in this region, we’re excited to continue connecting people to the payment choices they want and the peace of mind they need every time they pay,’ Jason Crasto, country manager of Mastercard in the Philippines, said.

Among the first local issuers to support the service is UnionBank, which said the integration aligns with its push to make banking more intuitive and secure for customers.

‘Bringing Apple Pay to UnionBank cardholders enhances the payment experience by allowing customers to pay quickly and securely with the devices they use every day,’ UnionBank president and CEO Ana Aboitiz Delgado said.

‘Whether they’re shopping in-store, online or in-app, customers can enjoy a more seamless way to pay, with the security and convenience they expect from UnionBank,’ she added.

Friends and Family: Your Best Customers or Your Biggest Discount?

If you’ve ever tried starting a business or offering a skill, whether you’re selling clothes online, doing makeup, taking photos, baking cakes or freelancing, you probably know the moment things start getting a little complicated.

It’s when someone you know realises you’re open for business.

Before you’ve even covered your basic costs or made your first proper profit, the messages start coming in:

And because it’s a friend or a relative, you might let it slide.

You do the work. You send the product. You give them the discount.

Once. Then twice.

And before you know it, something that was supposed to be a favour has become an expectation.

Eventually, you start wondering: do these people actually see what I’m doing as a business, or do they just see me as someone doing a little side hustle?

We asked our community whether friends and family should receive special treatment when it comes to someone’s business. The poll leaned towards setting solid boundaries.

And honestly, it’s not difficult to understand why.

If you’ve just launched your business and you genuinely want to give your sister a discount, that’s your choice. If your friend is going through a difficult time and you decide to do something for them as a favour, that’s your choice too.

The problem is when the favour stops being a favour.

You give your cousin a discount once and suddenly that becomes their price every time they buy from you. You do something for free because your friend was going through a difficult period, and six months later they’re asking for another free service.

Or they take the product and say, ‘I’ll send you the money later.’

Then later becomes next week. Next week becomes next month. And now you’re the one who has to keep asking someone you know for money they already owe you.

That can get frustrating, especially when you’re still trying to get the business off the ground.

There are actual costs behind what you’re doing. Stock, transport, internet data, packaging, supplier fees and marketing all cost money. You may have even put your own savings into buying your first stock or getting the business started.

The ‘You Know Me’ Trap

I think familiarity can really change the way people approach your work.

When a stranger finds your page online, they approach you as a business owner. They look at your price, decide whether they can afford it, make the payment and get their product or service.

But when it’s a relative, a neighbour, a former classmate or even a close friend, the personal relationship can suddenly become part of the transaction.

And sometimes the issue isn’t even the discount. It’s the lack of urgency when it comes to paying you.

Someone might never walk into a shop, take an item and tell the cashier, ‘I’ll pay you next month.’ But because it’s you, there can be this assumption that you won’t push too hard about the money.

And that’s where things can become uncomfortable.

Now you’re not only trying to run your business. You’re also wondering whether asking someone you know to pay you what they owe you is going to create unnecessary tension.

Nobody wants to be chasing their cousin for 50,000 TZS at the same time they’re expected to sit together at a family gathering like everything is fine.

Support Doesn’t Have to Mean Free

I think sometimes we confuse having boundaries with not wanting to support the people around us.

You can absolutely support your friends and family. But support doesn’t always have to mean asking for a freebie or a massive discount.

If your friend starts a business, buy something from them.

If your cousin is a photographer, hire them when you need a photographer.

If someone you know is offering a service, pay them if you can afford it.

Share their posts. Put their business on your WhatsApp status. Refer people to them.

Even paying someone their normal price can be a form of support because you’re saying, I recognise that what you do has value.

And honestly, sometimes that is what a small business owner needs more than another person asking, ‘How much can you reduce it for me?’

So, How Do You Actually Handle It?

There isn’t one rule that everyone has to follow.

Maybe you’re comfortable giving friends and family 10 or 15 per cent off. That’s fine. Decide what you’re comfortable with and stick to it.

Maybe you don’t want to give discounts at all because you’d rather keep your business and personal relationships separate. That’s fine too.

The important thing is that you decide the boundary.

Not your auntie. Not your childhood friend. And not the relative who seems to think because you’re doing well, your money is automatically available to them.

When you do need to set a boundary, you also don’t have to make it into a big confrontation.

You can simply say:

‘I can give you the family rate, so it will be 40,000 instead of 50,000 TZS.’

Or:

‘I can help you with this one as a favour, but moving forward I’ll have to charge my normal rate.’

Or even:

‘I’m not able to offer a discount on this one, but I really appreciate you reaching out to support my business.’

That’s enough.

You don’t need to give a five-minute explanation about why you expect to be paid for your own time, skills or products.

The Bottom Line

Your friends and family can absolutely be some of your biggest supporters. But keeping everyone happy shouldn’t come at the expense of the thing you’re trying to build.

There’s nothing wrong with helping out when you genuinely want to. There’s also nothing wrong with charging your relatives the same price you charge everyone else.

You can love your friends and still send them an invoice.

You can care about your family and still expect them to pay you on time.

And you can give someone a discount without making your entire business available to them for free.

At the end of the day, your business is your livelihood.

Protect your relationships, but protect your work too.

Tinubu hails ex-army chief, Tarfa, at 85, praises service to nation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday paid glowing tribute to retired Major-General Paul Chabri Tarfa on his 85th birthday, describing him as a distinguished soldier, patriot and elder statesman whose life has been defined by honour, discipline, courage and unwavering commitment to Nigeria.

In a congratulatory message to the former military officer, the President praised Tarfa’s decades of service to the country, saying his contributions to national unity, peace and development have continued long after his retirement from the military.

Tinubu particularly commended the retired general for his leadership as Chairman of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), noting that he has brought his wealth of experience and strategic insight to the task of rebuilding communities devastated by insurgency.

‘My dear General, as Chairman of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), you continue to exemplify purposeful leadership, bringing to bear your vast experience and strategic insight in supporting the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and sustainable development of communities devastated by years of insurgency’, the President said.

He added that Tarfa’s military career and post-service engagements reflected an enduring commitment to Nigeria’s unity, peace and progress.

‘Your life has been defined by honour, discipline, courage, and commitment to the service of our great nation. Throughout your illustrious military career and in retirement, you remained steadfast in devotion to Nigeria’s unity, peace, and progress’, Tinubu stated.

The President also described the retired general as a respected mentor whose calm disposition, sound judgment and selfless approach to public service have earned him admiration across generations.

‘I have always admired your calm disposition, sound judgment, and selfless approach to national service. These enduring qualities have earned you the respect of generations of Nigerians and have made you a worthy mentor to younger leaders across the country’, he said.

Tinubu thanked Tarfa for what he described as a lifetime of sacrifice, patriotism and exemplary leadership, assuring him that the nation remained grateful for his invaluable contributions to nation-building and humanity.

‘On this special day, I salute you for a lifetime of sacrifice, patriotism, and exemplary leadership. Nigeria remains grateful for your invaluable contributions to nation-building and your continued service to humanity’, the President said.

He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the elder statesman, wishing him sound health, renewed strength, enduring peace and many more years of fulfilment in service to the nation and humanity.

NSCDC clears Mining Marshals commander of alleged misconduct over disciplinary action

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has cleared the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Onoja, of any involvement in the disciplinary actions recently taken against some personnel of the Corps.

The NSCDC had announced the sanctioning of 79 officers for various acts of misconduct and the arrest of 12 suspects over offences including employment racketeering, certificate forgery and other criminal activities.

However, neither ACC John Onoja Onoja nor any matter relating to the controversial death of a Mining Marshals operative was listed among the disciplinary actions announced by the Corps.

The clarification comes amid continued public attention over the death of Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) Agada Levi Agada, a Mining Marshals operative, whose death has generated multiple investigations and conflicting accounts.

Months earlier, Onoja had rejected a purported report linking officers under his command to the operative’s death and alleged suspicious financial transactions.

He described the report as false and misleading, alleging that the claims were part of a coordinated attempt to discredit the Mining Marshals and frustrate the Corps’ efforts to tackle illegal mining syndicates.

The latest disciplinary announcement by the NSCDC contains no indication that Onoja was found culpable or subjected to any administrative sanction in connection with Agada’s death.

Rather, the development distinguishes the Corps’ internal disciplinary proceedings from the separate criminal investigation into the death of the Mining Marshals operative.

The Mining Marshals, under Onoja’s leadership, remain involved in the Federal Government’s campaign against illegal mining, with the unit recording hundreds of arrests and prosecutions across the country.

Onoja has repeatedly alleged that powerful interests involved in illegal mining have attempted to discredit the unit and undermine its operations.

Mbinga targets 20,000-tonne coffee harvest as prices soar

Mbeya. Mbinga District Council in Ruvuma Region expects to harvest 20,000 tonnes of coffee this season, as local authorities roll out targeted strategies to boost productivity and align local output with international market standards.

Mbinga is a major producer of commercial crops, notably maize and coffee, which sustain rural livelihoods and generate crucial own-source revenue for the council.

Speaking at the Nanenane agricultural exhibition on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, District Coffee Inspector Leo Lukenda highlighted coffee as an economic lifesaver for local farmers due to favourable yields and rising market prices.

He added that rising seasonal prices have attracted youth to coffee farming, shifting away from past trends dominated by older generations.

Government fertiliser subsidies have also acted as a major catalyst, he said, encouraging more smallholders to expand coffee production.

“Prices remain very encouraging, currently ranging between Sh9,000 and Sh12,000 per kilogramme depending on quality as the harvesting season begins,” said Mr Lukenda.

“Our experts focus on pre-harvest management to ensure quality before produce reaches buyers. We urge farmers to maintain high standards throughout the harvest,” he added.

To bolster output, the council plans to distribute over two million high-quality seedlings, enabling farmers to produce competitively for international buyers.

Local farmers welcomed the council’s interventions but highlighted ongoing input challenges.

A farmer from Lyombo Village in Linda Ward, Mr Yukundusi Solomon, acknowledged that rising farmgate prices motivate higher investment, though input shortages persist.

“The primary challenge is securing farm inputs, as local demand exceeds supply. The government should improve rural distribution networks to resolve this bottleneck,” said Mr Solomon.

A resident of Litembo Village, Mr Emanuel Hyera, attributed steady yield increases to proper fertiliser application and adoption of the high-yielding compact coffee variety.

“Mbinga grows several coffee varieties, but research proves compact delivers optimal returns. Stable prices ensure we recoup our investments,” he said.

Farmers urged to adopt resilient seeds to increase food security

The Agricultural Seed Agency (ASA) has called on farmers to adopt certified, climate-resilient seeds, saying the move is essential to increasing agricultural productivity, minimising crop losses and strengthening Tanzania’s food security as climate change continues to disrupt farming.

Speaking at the ongoing Nanenane Agricultural Exhibition at the Dr John Malecela Grounds in Dodoma, ASA chief executive officer, Mr Innocent Masaka, said the agency has stepped up the production and distribution of improved seed varieties developed to withstand changing climatic conditions across different parts of the country. He said the improved seeds, particularly for maize and other staple crops, have been developed through research to help farmers maintain production despite erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells.

“We continue to encourage farmers to use certified, climate-resilient seeds because they are the foundation of higher productivity, improved incomes and national food security,” said Engineer Masaka. He cautioned that although access to quality seeds has improved, some farmers continue to buy uncertified products, exposing themselves to poor harvests and avoidable financial losses.

Mr Masaka urged farmers to ensure that every seed package they purchase bears the seal of the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI), which confirms that the seeds have been inspected and meet national quality standards.

“The TOSCI certification mark assures farmers that the seeds have been tested and approved. Buying certified seed is an investment that protects farmers from unnecessary losses while delivering better returns,” he said.

He said ASA is using this year’s Nanenane exhibition to showcase improved seed varieties while educating farmers on modern farming technologies and good agricultural practices that can enhance productivity.

According to him, the agency is participating in all nine Nanenane exhibition zones, including the national exhibition in Dodoma and zonal events in Arusha, Tabora, Simiyu, Mwanza, Kagera, Mbeya, Morogoro and Lindi.

He said the nationwide participation reflects ASA’s commitment to ensuring farmers across the country have access to high-quality certified seeds that improve crop yields, strengthen resilience to climate change and support sustainable agricultural development.