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Journalists urged to report stories that connect Africans, communities

African journalists have been urged to look beyond crisis-driven coverage and tell more stories about people and institutions building connections across borders.

Fellows made the call during a session at the 2026 MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) summit in South Africa, moderated by a cohort member, Tolulope Ajibola and titled ‘Storytelling Across Borders: Finding the Untold Nigeria-South Africa Stories.’

The session was part of the South African study visit for the fifth MIP cohort. The fellows noted that African journalism often crossed borders only in times of crisis, while stories about entrepreneurs, students, artists, researchers, technology innovators and professionals building relationships across countries received less attention.

They called for more coverage of everyday experiences and relationships between communities in Nigeria and South Africa.

The two-day summit, held at the University of Johannesburg, brought together 25 senior Nigerian journalists alongside South African editors, researchers and media practitioners.

Professor Sifiso Mnisi, Director of the Centre for Data and Digital Communications at the University of Johannesburg, said the summit offered journalists from both countries a chance to examine how media narratives shape relations between the two nations and social cohesion.

He noted that perceptions in Nigeria and South Africa are often shaped by news reports, social media and popular culture rather than direct interaction, placing greater responsibility on journalists and editors to shape how citizens understand one another.

The summit also examined how media practitioners can report conflict without worsening tensions. A session moderated by MIP 5 Fellow Progress Godfrey, titled ‘From Xenophobia to Social Cohesion: Reporting Conflict Without Fuelling It,’ stressed the importance of historical context, verified information and perspectives from communities working towards reconciliation.

Another session, moderated by Goitsemang Mvula, called for collaborative investigations, regional reporting projects and stronger editorial partnerships to help African audiences understand continental issues beyond national boundaries.

Closing the discussions, Funso Aina, Senior Manager, External Relations at MTN Nigeria, said the summit represented more than a professional development initiative. He noted that by bringing together journalists, newsroom leaders, content creators and communication professionals, the programme has become a platform for strengthening journalism’s role in promoting democratic participation, regional integration and social cohesion.

NACC targets EC bigwigs for ignoring allegations

The opposition People’s Party (PP) will lodge a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) over a decision by election commissioners to dismiss key allegations of collusion in the 2024 Senate election.

PP leader and opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut said the party was considering including comments by Election Commissioner Sittichote Intaravises, a minority voice on the commission, in its petition to the NACC.

He said Mr Sittichote’s recent remarks supported the view that the alleged wrongdoing involved an organised operation rather than individual misconduct. Mr Natthaphong said the PP had been preparing a complaint against election commissioners over their performance.

He said the minority commissioner’s position was significant because it was consistent with what a reasonable person might conclude from the evidence: that the Senate election manipulation was carried out by an organised network involving organisers and political figures. The PP leader said the issue was not merely whether individual witnesses had provided credible testimony.

Other evidence could establish links to Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) executives and politicians, he said, adding the EC should refer cases to the court if there was sufficient evidence to believe an organised operation had taken place.

The EC voted on Monday to refer 77 people, including 26 sitting senators, to the Supreme Court over alleged offences linked to the 2024 Senate election. However, it decided not to pursue two allegations concerning political assistance to Senate candidates, clearing 21 people, mainly BJT figures, under the first allegation.

Mr Natthaphong said PP expected progress on its NACC complaint this week. Some individuals affected by the EC’s decision might also have grounds to pursue legal action under the Criminal Code over dereliction of duty.

President Ilham Aliyev inspected conservation works at Pir Omar Sultan shrine in Shamakhi

On September 17, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva inspected the conservation works carried out at the Pir Omar Sultan shrine in Shamakhi.

The historical Pir Omar Sultan shrine is located in the village of Avakhil, Shamakhi district. Initial archaeological excavations conducted at the site revealed the remains of a 14th-century tomb and artifacts confirming that it belonged to Pir Omar Avakhili, the founder of the Khalwatiyya order.

During their visit to Shamakhi in 2020, President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva visited the shrine and issued instructions for conservation works to be carried out on the monument.

The remnants of the shrine, constructed from river stone and rock, have been conserved with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Eight graves were discovered and restored, including that of Pir Omar Avakhili inside the shrine and others around its perimeter. To protect the shrine and its surrounding area following the conservation works, a protective wall was built using matching stone materials. An octagonal metal canopy structure, 16 meters in height, was installed over the wall. A walking path was also created within the conserved area for visitors. Special attention was paid during the execution of the works to avoid damaging the natural environment or the surrounding graves.

The restoration of this sanctuary is part of comprehensive state measures aimed at preserving religious and historical monuments. The conservation of the Pir Omar Sultan shrine with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation reflects the Foundation’s substantial contribution to these state-level efforts across the country.

During the inspection, the head of state and the First Lady were also briefed on the completed restoration works at the Kalakhana Tombs Complex in Shamakhi district.

Eight of the nine 17th-century tombs belonging to the complex, located in the village of Kalakhana, have survived to the present day, while one has suffered severe damage.

Restoration and conservation works were carried out on this historical monument with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture. The restoration efforts, which also involved international experts, covered seven tombs within the Kalakhana complex.

Restaurants fear surge in costs for new welfare fund

Restaurant associations have voiced mixed reactions to the new Employee Welfare Fund.

Collection for the Employee Welfare Fund starts next month, creating a safety net for employees after termination of employment or death.

Employers with 10 or more staff are required to participate in the fund. However, those that already provide other financial security initiatives, such as a provident fund, are exempt.

For companies with a provident fund, employees who are not members of that fund must participate in the Employee Welfare Fund.

From Oct 1, 2026 to Sept 30, 2031, both employee and employer must make monthly contributions at a rate of 0.25% of the employee’s wages.

Hettich celebrates decade in Sri Lanka with landmark Partner Meet in Colombo

From left: Hettich Group Managing Director Timo Pieper, Advisory Board Chairman Dr. Andreas Hettich, Hettich India Chairman S.K. Poddar, Director Akshay Poddar, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East and Africa Managing Director Andre Eckholt, India and SAARC Director – Sales Rahul Thakkar, and Sri Lanka Country Manager Milroy Shanmugarajah

Cake-cutting (from left): Hettich India and SAARC Director – Sales Rahul Thakkar, Hettich Group Advisory Board Chairman Dr. Andreas Hettich, Hettich India Chairman S.K. Poddar, Director Akshay Poddar, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East and Africa Managing Director Andre Eckholt, and Hettich Group Managing Director Timo Pieper

From left: Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East and Africa Chief Marketing Officer Jiteen Agarwal, Vallibel One Managing Director Dinusha Bhaskaran, Delmege Group Chairman Jit Gunaratne, Hettich India Director Akshay Poddar, Chairman S.K. Poddar, Hettich Group Advisory Board Chairman Dr. Andreas Hettich, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East and Africa Managing Director Andre Eckholt, Hettich Group Managing Director Timo Pieper, Hettich India and SAARC Director – Sales Rahul Thakkar

Global furniture fittings leader marks 10 years of growth and partnership in Sri Lanka and unveils Blaupunkt built-in kitchen appliances

Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.

The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.

Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.

The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Hettich Group Advisory Board Chairman Dr. Andreas Hettich, Hettich India and Adventz Group Chairman S.K. Poddar, Hettich India Director Akshay Poddar, Hettich SAARC, Middle East and Africa Managing Director Andre Eckholt, Hettich India and SAARC Director – Sales Rahul Thakkar, and Vallibel One Managing Director Dinusha Bhaskaran.

Their presence underscored the importance of the Sri Lankan market to Hettich and reflected the strong relationships and partnerships that have supported the brand’s growth over the past decade.

Adding further significance to the occasion, Hettich unveiled its award-winning Blaupunkt built-in kitchen appliances in Sri Lanka. The introduction marks an important expansion of Hettich’s offering in the local market, complementing its furniture fittings expertise with sophisticated kitchen solutions that combine contemporary design, functionality and technology.

Hettich SAARC, Middle East and Africa Managing Director Andre Eckholt said: ‘Sri Lanka is an extremely important market for us, and the past 10 years have been a journey built on trust, collaboration and strong partnerships. Being closer to the Sri Lankan market has enabled us to better understand the evolving needs of our customers. This Partner Meet is an opportunity to celebrate that journey with everyone who has contributed to our success. The introduction of Blaupunkt built-in kitchen appliances marks another exciting chapter for us, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.’

The milestone celebration not only recognised Hettich’s journey over the past decade but also set the stage for its next phase of growth in Sri Lanka, driven by innovation, strong partnerships and an evolving portfolio of magical solutions designed for modern living.

Customers, architects, interior designers and industry professionals are invited to experience the range of Blaupunkt built-in kitchen appliances at the Hettich Experience Centre, located at

27 held in Surat Thani for Thai ID card fraud

SURAT THANI – Authorities arrested 27 people including civil servants and Thai residents of this southern province for allegedly facilitating the issuance of Thai ID cards for migrant workers.

Three civil servants, nine Thai homeowners and 15 migrant workers were arrested in Kanchanadit and Koh Samui districts on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Thai homeowners made false statements to certify the migrants were Thais, said deputy national police chief Pol Gen Samran Nualma, who visited Surat Thani on Thursday.

According to Pol Gen Samran, the people were involved in the issuance of Category 0 Thai ID cards for migrant workers.

Category 0 ID cards, containing a 13-digit identification number starting with 0, are usually issued to stateless persons, marginalised groups or residents in remote or border regions without formal civil registration.

Migrants with such ID cards have access to many basic Thai public services and can later apply for full Thai citizenship.

The arrests this week were part of a follow-up investigation after a crackdown on suspects in another corrupt ID card issuance case in Don Sak, Surat Thani in July.

Registration fraud has been a growing problem in Thailand, with offences taking many forms, including identity theft involving inactive registrants, false birth registrations, false marriages, and misuse of education entitlements.

House approves P27.9B Congress budget for 2027 without questions

The House of Representatives on Thursday terminated sponsorship and plenary deliberations on the proposed P27.89-billion budget for the Congress of the Philippines for 2027 without any interpellation.

Davao de Oro Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora sponsored the proposed budget of the Congress, which covers the Senate, House of Representatives, House and Senate Electoral Tribunals, and the Commission on Appointments.

Pangasinan Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas noted that there were no minority members to raise questions about the proposed allocation.

Philreca party-list Presley de Jesus then made a motion to terminate the period of sponsorship and debate for the budget of the Congress.

This was then seconded by the side of the majority.

Misamis Oriental Rep. Yevgeny Emano, who presided over the sponsorship, then asked the chamber if there were any objections.

‘With the joint motion to terminate the interpellation of the proposed budget of the [Congress], there being no objection, then the interpellation of the budget of the [Congress] is hereby terminated,’ he concluded.

Iconic Mon Bridge rafts get facelift

KANCHANABURI: Authorities in Sangkhla Buri district are reorganising the floating rafts surrounding the Mon Bridge following a multi-agency agreement aimed at restoring views of the landmark and upgrading management of the popular tourist attraction.

District chief Suriyasak Muean-uam chaired a meeting with 16 agencies — including Khao Laem National Park, Wang Ka municipality, security forces and community leaders — to follow up on an inspection by the Ombudsman’s chief inspector.

The meeting agreed in principle to zone the waterway. The northern side of Uttamanusorn Bridge, also known as Mon Bridge, will be an open zone where residential and permanently moored rafts are banned. Existing rafts in this section will be moved south of the bridge or around the river bend, where they can be grouped for easier oversight, Mr Suriyasak said.

Authorities will initially prioritise 14 traditional raft operators and residents whose details were recorded in prior surveys. Operators who refuse to cooperate, violate the new layout, or occupy spaces unlawfully will face strict legal enforcement.

Officials also stressed the need for proper wastewater and sanitation systems in the regrouped zones to prevent pollution, curb the spread of disease and boost safety. Further public hearings and stakeholder consultations will be held before finalising the zoning and enforcement measures, Mr Suriyasak added.

How Leadway’s new short-term cover will transform travel experience in Nigeria

For years, international tourists, returning diaspora members, and short-term business executives travelling to Nigeria faced a persistent risk gap: standard domestic insurance policies were locked behind long-term annual contracts, leaving temporary visitors exposed to unexpected medical, trip, and personal disruptions.

That barrier is set to dissolve ahead of the 2026 festive rush. Leadway Assurance has officially unveiled the Leadway Arrival Pack, a customized, short-term insurance solution tailored specifically to transform the travel experience for short-stay visitors while shielding the hospitality, aviation, and lifestyle businesses that accommodate them.

With international passenger arrivals into Nigeria climbing from 4.33 million in 2024 to 4.85 million in 2025, a 12 percent growth trajectory, the absence of flexible, temporary coverage created friction across the entire travel value chain.

The introduction of the Arrival Pack delivers immediate structural benefits across three primary travel segments:

Returning Nigerians and seasonal visitors during peak windows (such as ‘Detty December,’ Easter, and Eid) gain instant, accessible coverage without paying for redundant annual policies.

Foreign investors, corporate travellers, and exchange students gain emergency financial protection against health emergencies, trip cancellations, and operational disruptions during brief visits.

Hotels, event organizers, transport operators, and leisure businesses can now bundle short-term liability and visitor protection directly into their customer offerings, elevating service standards and consumer trust.

Speaking at the product launch in Lagos, which gathered key executives from travel, tourism, aviation, and finance, Kikelomo Fischer, Executive Director of Retail and Partnership at Leadway Assurance, emphasized how short-term risk management directly fuels travel growth.

‘Our primary objective in launching the Arrival Pack is to ensure that coming into Nigeria for a temporary visit or stay is defined by greater peace of mind, both for visitors and the businesses that serve them… As travel and commercial activity increase, so does exposure to unexpected risks.

The Arrival Pack provides relevant protection during these periods, giving visitors greater confidence during their stay and businesses greater assurance as they serve them,’ Fischer said.

With December serving as the flagship rollout window for the 2026 festive homecoming season, Leadway has digitized the solution to streamline arrival logistics.

Travellers and commercial entities can access and activate the Leadway Arrival Pack directly on Leadway’s web platform prior to departure or upon entry into Nigeria.

Beyond the end-of-year rush, the cover is structured to automatically activate during high-density mobility periods throughout the calendar year, setting a new benchmark for how insurance supports non-resident tourism and economic mobility in Nigeria.

King’s College crisis deepens as police seal school

Tension escalated at King’s College, Lagos, on Wednesday, as the police sealed the school premises at Onikan following days of protests by aggrieved parents over the unresolved concession crisis rocking the institution.

BusinessDay had reported that parents and workers of King’s College had serious altercations with the King’s College Old Boys’ Association (KCOBA) leaders and policemen on Tuesday, hence the Nigerian Police Force intervention, keeping everyone out of the college gate.

The major roads leading to King’s College main gate were cordoned off by police, forcing vehicles coming from Tafawa Balewa to CMS Bus Stop to divert to other routes.

The KCOBA leaders, including Ibrahim Imam, the national president, and Olumide Akpata, former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, were at the Onikan campus for a meeting of the association to deliberate on the way forward regarding the concession of the college.

Briefing newsmen, members of the executive committee of KCOBA assured that the college would be run by them, bearing in mind the principles behind the running and operation of Unity Colleges.

‘We are saying it again that we are not going to turn the college into an elitist one. We will run it in line with the principles behind the setting up of Unity Colleges and their operation.

‘In fact, that is contained in the agreement we signed for the concession. To say we are buying it is wrong. There is no willing seller or buyer of King’s College. The federal government is not selling, while KCOBA is not buying,’ Imam said.

In addition, he said, ‘All our interventions in the past, rehabilitating and renovating facilities and even building new ones, have amounted to naught.

‘Whenever we fixed a facility, in the next few months and you come to assess the situation, the facility has either been vandalized or destroyed completely.’

Etigwe Uwa, the Secretary of the association, speaking on how to sustain the concession and running of the college, said, ‘I cannot be part of a system that would deny people a platform to fly.

‘King’s College gave me such a platform, and I have to extend the same to others, but we must first save the college from its deplorable state.’

Meanwhile, the federal government has ruled out any reversal of its decision to concession the management of King’s College, Lagos, to the institution’s Old Boys Association, insisting that the arrangement is aimed at addressing the school’s longstanding infrastructure and management challenges.

Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, while briefing journalists against the backdrop of the continuing protest by workers of the Federal Ministry of Education and their unions over the proposed concession and the closure of some federal unity schools, accused some directors within the ministry of allegedly instigating workers against the federal government policy.

‘The federal government had intelligence identifying officials allegedly involved in mobilising staff against the concession.

‘It’s obvious now that some directors in the ministry of education are instigating their staff. We have intelligence to show us some directors in the ministry of education who are instigating their staff,’ he said.

Speaking about the controversy surrounding the Federal Unity Schools, the minister emphasised that the federal government is not selling any Unity College.

‘The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, does not have the intention to sell any Unity College, and we will not sell any Unity College.

‘It is only if the president gives us, myself and the minister of state, N2 trillion today; it will not be enough to fix our Unity Colleges,’ he noted.

On situations at King’s College, Lagos, after his visit to the school, Alausa said some sections of the school were clean, while the infrastructure was old and required significant attention.

The minister kicked against the idea that concessioning King’s College amounted to selling government property, stressing that ownership would remain with the federal government.