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Masussuka: Life, preaching, death

The murder of Katsina-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka, has stirred emotions and sparked conversations around the life and times of a popular preacher seen through different lenses.

To his army of followers, he embodied peace, dignity and tolerance for religious differences. To his critics, he was a controversial scholar whose religious ideology and preaching were questionable.

Masussuka was shot dead alongside his associate, Adamu Abubakar, on Monday evening in front of his house at Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, in an attack claimed by the extremist group, Ansaru.

Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian government to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

The 47-year-old cleric subscribed to and preached Quranic teachings, but, to greater extent, disregarded Hadith, the sayings and practices of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) – a stance that placed him at variance with his critics.

He alleged that a lot of Hadiths being attributed to the Prophet were not from him, saying they were concocted by some people out of mischief.

Masussuka reportedly began preaching at the tender age of 13 and rose to prominence with the advent of social media, through which he established himself as one of the most vocal clerics among the Qur’aniyun Islamic sect.

Through his active social media platforms, his preaching gained more recognition, increasingly attracting attention from other sects with different ideologies. Masussuka’s increased visibility drew controversies around his ideology.

One major controversy surrounding Masussuka’s teachings and ideology revolved around his rejection of certain Hadith traditions as authorities and forms of religious practice.

According to other sects, his doctrine that only the Qur’an serves as the gateway to religious practice goes contrary to a larger belief that both the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet are central sources of Islamic guidance. Disagreements over his ideology became more pronounced and his teachings were challenged on several occasions.

Though disagreement on the interpretation and authority of Hadith has long existed among Muslim scholars, Masussuka’s unique stance on the matter placed him at odds with scholars who considered his teachings inconsistent with established Islamic traditions.

Amid growing scrutiny of his preaching, the Katsina State Government, on November 18, 2025, announced that Masussuka would be required to defend his teachings before a committee of Islamic scholars established based on the several calls.

The meeting, however, didn’t see the light of day due to undisclosed circumstances, as he continued to challenge other sects that go against his ideologies.

Sources close to the late cleric revealed that his doctrine attracted several death threats, but he didn’t take them seriously as he restrained his followers from reacting.

His killing has left many questions amid renewed concern over the safety of clerics across the northern region.

Masussuka’s murder was not the first in the North. Over the years, prominent Islamic clerics like late Sheikh Umaru Dan Me Shiyya, Sheikh Jafar Mahmud Adam and Sheikh Auwal Albani Zaria were all victims of cold-blooded murder.

A day after his killing, Boko Haram breakaway group, Ansaru, took responsibility for the attack in a viral audio clip.

A security analyst, Dr Audu Bulama Bukarti, also linked the cleric’s killing to Ansaru, noting that the released audio had been confirmed to be from the Ansaru group. But Masussuka’s family has rejected the claim and questioned the authenticity of the audio.

Childhood

The late cleric was born in Yauyau village in the present-day Batsari Local Government Area to a family of pastoralists. His parents relocated to Masussuka in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State when he was a toddler.

He started his Qur’anic education in Masussuka village before he left for other towns and villages and returned to Katsina in search of Islamic knowledge.

He attended the Arabic Teachers College in Katsina, but dropped out and went to Malam Zakariya Qur’anic School in Sabuwar Unguwa area of the state.

Malam Ismail Zakariya, the son of his late teacher (Malam Zakariya) and proprietor of the school, told Weekend Trust that the cleric stayed at the school for about seven years before he relocated to Dutsin-Ma town.

According to Ismail, Masussuka, besides his persistent pursuit of Islamic knowledge, was highly entrepreneurial, dealing in traditional medicines (local herbs) to sustain himself and his family.

He recalled the late cleric was arrested at the height of Boko Haram in 2000, on the suspicion that he had links with some terror groups. He was later absolved of the allegation and released unconditionally.

‘My father, Malam Zakariya, engaged the security agency then and secured his release. The allegation prevented Masussuka from securing a house in Katsina City and he decided to leave Katsina for Dutsin-Ma,’ Ismail said.

Ismail stated that those who disagreed with Masussuka’s preaching do so for selfish reasons.

He said, ‘Everyone knows the Qur’an is one scripture that cannot be altered, but what matters is the interpretation depending on how one views it and the nature of the audience.

‘Hadith is the only point of contention between the Qur’aniyyun sect and the Muslims from the other sects and even those who believe in Hadith have admitted that some are prescribed as weak and others as genuine and authenticated.

‘To me, the approach Masussuka adopted in explaining and interpreting those portions during preachings earned him more enemies than followers, but beyond that, there is nothing different from what other Muslim scholars preached,’ he said.

Sheikh Yahaya Bani Adam, who hosted Masussuka in Dutsin-Ma town and taught him, narrated how the late cleric started his preaching as a young scholar who dedicated his youth to acquiring Islamic knowledge and preaching peace, unity and religious tolerance.

‘From the time he came to Dutsin-Ma town up to the time he was assassinated, he remained my student. He respected me as a teacher and a father,’ Adam said.

According to him, many scholars who opposed Masussuka’s preaching did so ‘out of hatred for the truth.’

According to him, ‘he may be wrong in his approach to presentation or interpretation as a human being, but I can tell you for free that Masussuka never compromised, saying things as they are and that could be the reason he earned more enemies. This, notwithstanding, we celebrate the truth he preached,’ Adam added.

Adam, who said he has spent over 40 years as a Qur’anic school teacher, described Masussuka as a bridge builder between not only Islamic sects but also other religions, citing his relationship with Christian communities in Dutsin-Ma and across the country.

‘I know Masussuka as a good planner and someone who loves to execute his plans according to specifications. He was also a man of wisdom. He established two schools in Dutsin-Ma. One purely focuses on teaching the Islamic religion, while the other focuses on both formal and non-formal education.

‘What keeps coming to my mind is Masussuka’s persistent pursuit of education and his willingness to impart the same to younger generations. This means his legacy is everlasting and worthy of emulation,’ he said.

‘Last moment with my husband’

The wife of the late cleric, Hajiya Fatima, recalled that Masussuka had reminded her of the oneness of Allah before he stepped out on the fateful day, adding that shortly afterwards, she heard gunshots.

She said, ‘On that fateful day, my husband went out for his routine and returned late in the evening around 6:00 pm. A few minutes later, he went out for the evening prayer (Magrib) and returned around 7:00pm. We stayed together for some minutes as he spoke to me about life and death, fear of Allah and the Judgement Day.’

Fatima, who fought back tears throughout the interview with Weekend Trust, explained that her husband was ambushed and killed after he left for his studio where he usually preached.

‘He spoke to me about the oneness of Allah before he left home. Shortly after he left, I heard about four gunshots. Then I received the news that he had been killed. I pray that Allah forgives his shortcomings and grants him Aljannah Firdausi,’ she added.

Fatima appealed to the state government and all other relevant authorities to fish out and prosecute Masussuka’s killers.

‘My husband’s life has been terminated and he is gone forever. Those who assassinated him will surely meet the wrath of the Almighty Allah, who is the ultimate Judge,’ she lamented.

Muhammadu Sabi’u, Masussuka’s deputy, described his killing as inhumane, but urged all followers to remain calm, assuring that authorities are doing their best to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Sabi’u said he spent over 25 years under the slain cleric, saying Masussuka died preaching peace and uniting Muslims and non-Muslims in service to humanity.

‘I believe the slain sheikh is a pious person who lived a life worthy of emulation by all. One thing I will never forget is that for about 25 years I spent under Masussuka, we never argued for once. He personally facilitated my memorisation of the Holy Qur’an.

‘Sheikh has left a mark that will remain indelible in the minds of the people of Dutsin-Ma due to his contributions to the development of the community, ranging from his support for education to empowering the underprivileged people,’ he said.

Malam Bello Danwaire, who was the slain cleric’s best friend, said they had been together since childhood, adding that he facilitated Masussuka’s relocation from Bauchi State to Katsina and finally to Dutsin-Ma town.

‘We were together a few minutes to his assassination at a condolence visit where he personally preached the oneness of Allah. He also visited a sick friend on Sunday before the heartbreaking news of his killing. I have never been devastated like this, but we’re not weakened by his death,’ Danwaire said.

According to him, ‘those who complained about the sheikh’s preaching did so out of envy, not because they have reasons for doing so.’

Katsina gov, ADC mourn

Meanwhile, the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has condemned the killing, describing it as tragic and assuring residents that security agencies would work to bring those responsible to justice.

In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the governor described Masussuka as a voice for peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony.

Radda said the cleric was known for his Qur’an-centred teachings and opposition to violent extremism and radicalisation.

‘Those behind this heinous act must be brought to justice. I urge the relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators face the full weight of the law,’ the governor said.

He urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and provide credible information that could assist the investigation. He also warned against actions capable of escalating tensions or undermining public peace.

The governor prayed for Allah to forgive the deceased, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and give his family, associates and the Muslim community the strength to bear the loss.

In a similar vein, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in the state, Senator Babba Kaita, condoled with Masussuka’s family.

In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Abubakar Ahmed, Kaita lamented that ‘the murder of Sheikh Masussuka in the open has further exposed the ever-weakening fight against insecurity by the state government in particular and by the APC-led administration in general.’

He noted that the government is doing little in meeting the basic constitutional requirements of protecting the lives and property of the citizenry.

Burial

Thousands of mourners yesterday thronged Katsina metropolis to pay their last respects to the slain cleric. The mourners included family members, friends, associates, prominent Islamic scholars, government officials, traditional rulers, business associates and followers who travelled from different parts of Nigeria and neighbouring countries to attend his funeral.

The funeral prayer was held at the Katsina Central Mosque in the Kofar Soro area, near the Emir’s Palace.

Weekend Trust gathered that the funeral attracted followers and associates from within and outside Nigeria, including Niger Republic, Chad, Cameroon, Ghana and Burkina Faso.

Shortly after the funeral prayer, his remains were taken to the Abattoir Cemetery in Katsina metropolis for burial.

The approximately four-kilometre journey from the Central Mosque to the cemetery was overwhelmed by mourners, with large crowds filling the roads.

Speaking to Weekend Trust after the burial, some mourners described his death as devastating, saying his influence extended beyond Katsina State and Nigeria.

A mourner from Kano, Musa Ameer, said, ‘We are devastated. It is difficult to believe that Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka is no longer with us. We came here hoping to see him, but instead, we have come to bury him. This is a painful day for all of us. May Allah forgive him and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus,’ he said.

Another mourner, Bashir Al-Muntawi, who travelled from Chad to attend the funeral, said the deceased’s death had left him heartbroken.

‘I cannot explain the pain in my heart. We have lost someone who meant so much to us. His family has lost a husband and father, while his followers have lost someone they looked up to. Nothing can replace him, but we pray that Allah gives his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss,’ he said.

Similarly, Yusuf Usman from Maska said the large turnout at the funeral demonstrated the number of lives the late cleric had touched during his lifetime.

Planned peace gathering holds today

Late Masussuka was planning a maiden edition of a peace gathering, but was killed barely days before the gathering scheduled for October 31.

Before his death, late Masussuka had been visiting religious leaders, especially the Christians, and had received several honours from various Christian groups in his bid to advocate for religious tolerance, especially in the North.

One of his associates, Iman Rasheed, told Weekend Trust that the event would be held on Saturday (today) as planned.

In one of the videos where Masussuka spoke about the peace gathering, he said the event was aimed at reviving peaceful coexistence that used to exist between religious groups.

‘Islam in the Qur’an teaches us that Christianity is a religion of compassion and Islam is a religion of mercy. Therefore, compassion and mercy are similar and need to be upheld. It is unfortunate and shameful to us to see how far we have drifted from the teaching of the Qur’an to the extent that other nations were threatening us based on our religious intolerance.

‘That is why I felt it is a duty upon me to revive the peace we once enjoyed by hosting a peace gathering as a way to tell the younger ones that there is a need to live in peace with each other. That way, the government will be able to execute all the good things we need instead of concentrating on settling religious differences,’ he said.

He also revealed that the gathering was his initiative and would be executed without the assistance of the government, groups or foreign donors.

Comments on Masussuka from the social media

A social analyst, Gimba Kakanda, wrote: I am just learning about the assassination of Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka, one of the most refreshing and intellectually stimulating Muslim clerics Nigeria has seen in recent years. His death has left a vacuum I do not see being filled anytime soon. He was extraordinarily different and courageous, an uncompromising advocate of religious tolerance and a society in which people of different beliefs could coexist peacefully. He was also unafraid to ask probing questions about faith and challenge imposed dogmas. I am, to say the least, devastated and frightened by what this says about this dangerous place we call our region. May Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest and comfort his loved ones.

Another analyst simply known as Aminu, said: The life of Sheikh Masussuka is an unfulfilled life, marred with confusion, fear and histrionism.

Anyone that followed him diligently must have noticed his sudden transformation, from someone criticising anything that’s not in the Qur’an, to a cherry picker, whose sole aim wasn’t to condemn what’s not in the Qur’an, but rather to insult the Izala sect.

His death proves nothing but our terrible security situation. If a scholar like Masussuka could be taken down with such ease, what then becomes of an ordinary man?

Abdulrazak Ibrahim wrote on his Facebook page and it was reposted by a journalist and publisher of Daily Nigerian, Jaafar Jaafar. Part of his statement was: He was not without humour. When people mocked him, he could mock them back with equal vigour, using familiar Hausa expressions and metaphors that made his audiences laugh and think.

Yet he was careful with his words, challenging his opponents while navigating the legal pitfalls that could be used to silence him.

For many, he created a space where difficult philosophical questions about religion could be explored without surrendering to fear. A space where one could ask, ‘Why do we believe this?’ without immediately being accused of abandoning faith. That, to me, is part of his enduring legacy.

Some may wonder why I concern myself with these questions. It is possible to ignore them and go about one’s business. But as someone who works in development, I have long believed that the ideas governing a society shape what that society is able to become.

Development has many causes: leadership, institutions, investment, education and history all matter. But a society that discourages questioning, punishes curiosity and teaches its young people to fear different ideas also holds itself back intellectually. It weakens the very habits of inquiry, openness and self-criticism needed to confront its problems and imagine a better future.

This is one reason I have continued to speak. The space Masussuka helped open matters beyond theology. It matters to our progress as a people, in Northern Nigeria and across Africa.

To our young people, I say this with a grieving heart: you cannot win an argument by ending a life.

If you believe someone is wrong, challenge the idea. Bring your evidence. Read, listen, debate and persuade.

Hamzat: I will respect Lagosians, work with truth

The Lagos State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has unveiled a seven-point manifesto, pledging to prioritise residents’ welfare, infrastructure development, economic opportunities and accountable governance if elected governor in the February 6, 2027 election.

Hamzat, who unveiled the manifesto, tagged ‘The Lagos Promise (Ileri Eko),’ at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (National Theatre), Iganmu, Lagos, yesterday, said he was seeking not only the votes of residents but also their trust.

He pledged to ‘respect Lagosians, work hard and uphold the truth,’ describing the three commitments as the principles that would guide his administration.

The manifesto, structured around seven pillars represented by the acronym P.R.O.M.I.S.E, comprises People First, Renewal, Opportunity, Machinery of Government, Inclusion, Security and Resilience, and Everyday Dignity.

Hamzat said the People First pillar would place residents at the centre of governance, with emphasis on healthcare, education, safety, dignity, accessibility and efficient public service delivery.

Under Renewal, he promised to pursue urban infrastructure development, including roads, power infrastructure, water supply, drainage systems, flood mitigation and waste management.

He said the Opportunity pillar would focus on expanding economic participation through enterprise development, trade, industry, job creation, skills acquisition and the digital economy.

On the Machinery of Government, the deputy governor said his administration would seek to improve institutional efficiency, local government administration, the judicial system and other administrative processes to ensure that policies translated into measurable outcomes.

He also promised equitable access to opportunities and public services across Lagos’s five administrative divisions, with particular attention to women, young people and diverse communities.

On security and resilience, Hamzat said his administration would prioritise public safety and the protection of lives and property, while strengthening the state’s capacity to respond to environmental and other urban challenges.

The final pillar, Everyday Dignity, he said, would focus on improving living standards, providing social protection and promoting the dignity of residents.

The governorship candidate disclosed that the manifesto contained 100 pledges, with 87 identified as firm commitments within the powers of the governor, while the remaining 13 were described as broader aspirations to be pursued without specific deadlines because they fell outside the governor’s direct control.

He said the foreword to the document was written by President Bola Tinubu.

Explaining his motivation for public service, Hamzat recalled an encounter with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo when he was about 14 years old and a student of Olivet School, Oyo.

He said Awolowo’s remark that a nation rises when people of ability and honour choose to serve had made a lasting impression on him.

Citing Psalm 15, verse four, Hamzat said he considered the promises made to Lagosians binding and pledged to implement them faithfully.

‘I will respect, I will work and I will uphold the truth. These will dictate my approach to governance,’ he said.

He added that accountability would begin within the first 100 days of his administration rather than at the end of his tenure.

As part of the proposed accountability framework, he promised to sign an executive order establishing a Lagos State Service Delivery Board, which he would head. He also said every government office would be required to display a service charter.

Hamzat further promised to introduce feedback mechanisms, including town hall meetings across the state’s five administrative divisions.

On infrastructure, he said he would pursue the activation of the Fourth Mainland Bridge through partnerships and construct more inner-city roads to ease congestion and traffic challenges across the state.

He also pledged to sustain investment in healthcare, disclosing that 586 hospital beds were being provided in hospitals across Lagos. He promised improved welfare for doctors, nurses and other health workers.

The deputy governor assured residents, irrespective of their ethnic or religious backgrounds, of equitable treatment and inclusion in his proposed administration.

He urged Lagosians to support President Tinubu and APC National Assembly candidates in the January 16, 2027 elections, as well as himself and the party’s House of Assembly candidates in the February 6, 2027 governorship and state assembly elections.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who attended the event with his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, gave his deputy three pieces of advice, urging him to listen to Lagosians, sustain ongoing projects and ensure a smooth transition to another competent leader at the end of his tenure.

Recounting their political journey, which began in September 2018 when he sought the APC governorship ticket, Sanwo-Olu recalled that Hamzat had stepped down from the contest despite his experience and support base and subsequently agreed to become his running mate.

‘He stepped down and never plotted evil, and he agreed to run as my deputy,’ the governor said.

He described Hamzat as the best deputy governor in Lagos’s history and expressed confidence that he would become the first deputy governor to succeed his principal as governor of the state.

Sanwo-Olu said the absence of a crisis between him and his deputy demonstrated the state’s political maturity, adding that Lagos had continued to serve as a training ground for future governors.

He said the state, which had produced leaders with backgrounds in accountancy, law and banking, was set to produce an engineer as its next governor.

The governor said he would be pleased to hand over to a successor who would consolidate existing achievements rather than dismantle them.

‘Across this country, successions have ended in courtrooms, in broken parties, in deputies at war with the men who chose them. In Lagos, the governor and his deputy walked into this hall together. They will walk out of it together,’ he said.

‘And in May, one of them will hand the other a state that is whole. There is no greater gift a governor can leave his people than a handover that does not break the house.’

Sanwo-Olu urged Hamzat to consolidate on the achievements of successive administrations, saying the state could not afford to experiment with its development trajectory.

He also said the choice of Damilola Sonayon-James as Hamzat’s running mate would strengthen the inclusion of young people and bring the Badagry Division further into the state’s political leadership.

Sosan backs continuity

Former Lagos Deputy Governor Sarah Sosan, who spoke on behalf of members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), said an administration of continuity was in the making, expressing confidence that Hamzat would build on the achievements of his predecessors, including Sanwo-Olu, Akinwunmi Ambode, Babatunde Fashola and President Tinubu.

She said continuity did not mean rejecting change but preserving successful policies, correcting shortcomings and adapting governance to emerging challenges.

‘Lagos is growing every day. More people are coming into the state, businesses are also growing, and our people expect more from the government. We must plan well and prepare for the future, and this is why the experience of Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat is important,’ she said.

Sosan noted that Hamzat had served the state in different capacities as commissioner and deputy governor, giving him considerable experience in government administration.

She said residents expected improvements in roads, transportation, education, healthcare, security, employment, housing and environmental sanitation.

According to her, the development of Lagos required cooperation among government, businesses and residents.

Lagos must move forward, says Obanikoro

The Director-General of the Tinubu/Hamzat Campaign, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, said the APC was committed to sustaining Lagos’s development and ensuring that the state continued to move forward.

He described the manifesto presentation as a reaffirmation of the party’s commitment to inclusive governance, sustainable development and broader opportunities for residents.

Obanikoro said Hamzat’s experience and dedication would help consolidate the achievements of successive APC administrations while addressing emerging challenges.

He called on residents to contribute ideas and offer constructive feedback on the manifesto, describing the campaign as a collective undertaking.

Hamzat won’t disappoint, Ojelabi assures

The Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, expressed confidence in Hamzat’s capacity to lead the state, citing his experience in government, administrative competence and understanding of the challenges confronting Lagos.

He said the state’s next phase of development would require purposeful leadership, strategic planning and sustained commitment to improving public services.

Ojelabi identified infrastructure, transportation, education, healthcare, technology and economic development as priority areas requiring continued attention.

He said the achievements of successive APC administrations provided a foundation for further development but should not lead to complacency.

‘Lagos must move forward, not backward. Opportunity does not mean complacency. It must mean building through leadership, identifying shortcomings and driving greater progress with renewed determination,’ he said.

The APC chairman added that Hamzat’s experience in both the public and private sectors had equipped him with the knowledge and competence to manage the complexities of a growing metropolitan state.

He said the party’s vision included expanding economic opportunities, supporting businesses and young people, improving infrastructure and ensuring that the benefits of development reached communities across Lagos.

Ojelabi said the manifesto offered residents an opportunity to assess Hamzat’s priorities and examine the proposed measures for translating his vision into practical outcomes.

Being a senior citizen doesn’t excuse bad behavior

Pity the nation that feels constrained to remind its senior citizens about elementary good manners and right conduct.

A recent social media post by actress Rita Avila went viral after she recounted an encounter with a fellow senior citizen at a movie theater.

Essentially, she recounted being at the cinema when a man seated next to her let his phone ring out loudly. She reminded him that they were inside a theater. He just said: ‘Pasensya na, senior na.’ She riposted back, ‘senior na rin ako.’

My most memorable experience with a senior citizen’s bad behavior happened inside a commuter train. That day, the train was fully packed with passengers and two high school students got shoved or ‘pranked’ into the space that is reserved for senior citizens and PWD commuters, separated only by a flimsy rope. The two youngsters were obviously embarrassed and uncomfortable. I and other senior passengers knew it was not intentional on their part, but one old lady passenger didn’t like it at all and started berating the poor high schoolers endlessly and loudly, calling them undisciplined, unruly, disrespectful and so on.

The funny thing was there was space enough for them and most of us didn’t mind them being there. At last, one elderly woman told the fulminating lady it was ok because the youngsters got reprimanded enough. But she wouldn’t ease up and only shut up when the two teeners were forced to get off at the next station. To me that old cantankerous woman is the Pinoy equivalent of the white privileged ‘Karen’ in America.

We have this tendency to give older people a pass on certain things. Matanda na kasi. The casual excuse-‘senior moment’-is being often abused as a free pass for many unacceptable behavior of elderly people. It’s everyone’s way of dismissing a shameful display of bad conduct from an old folk who ought to do better.

I don’t think age should be an excuse for behaving rudely. Advancing age does not exempt anyone from basic courtesy. What is even more concerning is the potential for younger individuals to internalize and emulate such unbecoming conduct.

Just last week, an octogenarian friend lamented the vanishing ‘courteousness and urbanidad’ among today’s youth. I told him: ‘Yes, that may be true, but many of our fellow seniors are no better. Our peers aren’t setting a good example either.’

The problem is some of us old folks are now so focused on ourselves, we have dulled our sensitivity to other people, or even lost it. We often suffer from our inability to read the room many times. We speak out of turn or say hurtful words or behave badly without the fear of being admonished or rebuked by someone older because there’s no one else older than us in the room.

Setting aside the elderly who are suffering from dementia, why do some normal elderly people decide to no longer be polite or respectful? Why do they lose their ‘filters’ as they age and fail to realize that their comments are rude, crude, or outlandish?

We were not like this before. The phenomenon of being able to act boorishly with impunity began to manifest itself some time ago. Our society got infected by the virus of rudeness and vulgarity and soon even senior citizens began to stop being kindly elders.

Remember the ex-president, himself a senior citizen, who delighted in speaking rough ‘kanto’ language in his speeches? He had no compunction to curse in public and was even applauded for it, which made him come off as being ‘authentic’ and ‘totoo.’

To me his ascension to the height of national power was the inflection point in our social cultural history, that marked our collective descent into crassness, crudeness and vulgarity. Because he could use cuss words in public without being called out, soon everything was permitted and rudeness and crassness became the new normal.

Four-letter words? Kanto language? Scandalous relationships? You encounter them on social media postings so often, they have lost their shock value. We are now a society with no filters and no restraint.

The incidents of seniors behaving badly are just a reflection of what we have turned into. The question is, have Filipinos completely lost our grasp on basic manners? I pray not.

My collective assessment is that it is not true of all senior citizens but a few who want to enjoy fully that sense of entitlement as much as they can while they still can, enforce and perpetuate a privilege, believing it is their right to be served. They know their days are numbered and they no longer have to please anyone.

It is borne out of many causes: fear, resentment, frustration, bitterness, sense of failure, and perhaps physical pain.

One thing though about seniors. Yes, they do tend to focus on themselves, but sometimes they will respond to a gentle reminder. Etiquette still resonates with many of my senior friends. I am lucky to have a wife who always restrains me when I act or speak too uninhibitedly for comfort. In creative sessions I am invited to participate, I tell the young people present to let me know if I am rude in my manner and not to take my words personally if I say something outrageous or offensive.

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We seniors need to go back to the idea of senior citizenship as a time of eldership, not a time to seek and enjoy more entitlements.

We need to show our people, young or old, that we are not all crude and crass and feeling entitled. We need to let them know that having manners is still a huge factor to being a decent human being. Let’s reclaim the traditional values that have always defined the authentic Filipino character, most specially ‘paggalang sa kapwa, sa puso, diwa, salita at gawa.’

Managing chronic pain in cold weather

Every year as the amihan sets in and the cooler breeze rolls across the country, senior citizens complain of joints that ache more than they did a few weeks ago during the humid months.

In the West, every autumn, the same thing happens: elderly patients arrive in clinics describing joints that ache more than they did a month ago. Their hands are stiffer in the morning. Their knees complain on the stairs. They are not imagining it, and they are not being dramatic.

Dr. Christopher Murawski, an assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at Duke University, said: ‘Warm weather, cold weather, changes in humidity, changes in pressure- they can all contribute to joint and muscle pain.’

Here’s a look at the mechanisms behind cold-weather flare-ups, the movement and warmth strategies that genuinely help, and the signals that mean it’s time to call a doctor.

Why stiffness climbs as the temperature falls

The best-supported explanation involves barometric pressure-the weight of the air pressing on the body, roughly 15 pounds per square inch. When cold wind approaches, that pressure falls, and the tissues around joints respond.

‘While the science isn’t perfect, physiologically it makes some sense,’ Murawski says. ‘Changes in pressure can cause muscles and ligaments to expand. Fluid shifts can happen. That can lead to swelling and pain.’ He adds that the reports line up with what patients describe, ‘even anecdotally.’

Dr. Andrew Bang, a chiropractor at Cleveland Clinic, puts the same idea in blunter terms. ‘If you have arthritis, the space in your joint is already reduced. Add in an expansion of tissues because of the pressure change and you can see why people might hurt more.’ A large UK study of 13,000 people with arthritis found aches rose on days with high humidity, low barometric pressure and strong wind-though other studies find only a mild link, which is why researchers still describe the relationship as real but incompletely explained.

Cold adds its own layer. Synovial fluid, the lubricant inside every joint, thickens. ‘When the weather gets cooler, the synovial fluid that acts like motor oil in our joints becomes more like sludge,’ says Dr. Mariko Ishimori, a rheumatologist at Cedars-Sinai. Muscles guard and tighten, restricting blood flow and shortening the tissues that cross the joint. Cartilage, which has no blood supply of its own, tolerates temperature swings poorly.

Then there’s behavior. Cold days mean fewer walks, longer sits, and a house that suddenly feels worth hibernating in. Joints that don’t move get stiffer, and the Arthritis Foundation notes that people may also fixate more on pain when outdoor distractions disappear.

Gentle stretching that earns its keep

Motion is the single most reliable antidote to stiffness, and it costs nothing. ‘Motion is lotion,’ Bang says. ‘If you keep moving, you’re less likely to get some of these aches.’

The rules are simple: warm the tissue first, move slowly, never bounce, and stop at the edge of discomfort rather than pushing through it. Ishimori recommends prioritizing stretching before exercise, when muscles are cold and most vulnerable.

Start in bed, before your feet hit the floor. The Arthritis Foundation’s ‘Good Morning Moves’ routine is a safe template: lie on your back and reach arms and legs wide (Morning Star), hug your knees to your chest, then perform a gentle supine spinal twist-each held for three to five slow breaths. If hip or back arthritis makes double knee hugs hard, do one leg at a time.

For a guided follow-along, Arthritis UK’s physiotherapist-led series is excellent and free. The morning routine, daytime routine and evening routine each run 20 minutes and are built specifically for people with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. Many movements can be done seated. The Arthritis Foundation also offers a short 16-move morning bed stretch video for days when 20 minutes is too much.

Aim for range of motion rather than a deep stretch: slow circles at the shoulders, wrist and ankle pumps, gentle knee extensions, seated torso rotations. Ten minutes daily beats an ambitious hour once a week.

Warmth, used deliberately

Heat raises blood flow and relaxes the guarding that makes joints feel locked. ‘If you can get heat to penetrate areas where you have pain, you increase blood flow and can loosen up tight ligaments, tendons and connective tissue,’ Bang says.

billboards do the job socmed

Practical version during the amihan season: layer up even when staying indoors, because a chilly, drafty room stiffens muscles just as effectively as the cool morning air outside. Keep a cozy blanket or kumot close by, or use a heating pad before getting out of bed so your joints are already loosened when you wake.

For targeted relief, use moist heat-a warm damp towel or a microwave-heated wet washcloth inside a sealed bag-for 15 to 20 minutes per session, with a cloth barrier between heat and skin. Don’t fall asleep on a pad, and check the skin periodically for excessive redness. If you have reduced sensation from diabetes or neuropathy, lower the setting.

Protect the extremities. Dr. Linda Russell, a rheumatologist at New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery, recommends long underwear-particularly important because cold can trigger blood vessel spasms in the roughly 12 percent of the elderly with rheumatoid arthritis who also have Raynaud’s phenomenon. Warm water is also the friendliest environment for exercise: a heated pool lets you move through full range with almost no load on the joints.

Two supporting habits matter more than most people expect. Drink water-dehydration thickens everything, including joint fluid.

When to stop self-managing and call someone

Weather-related aches follow a pattern: worse in the cold, better with warmth and movement, and no worse than usual once you’re going. Pain that breaks the pattern deserves attention.

Mayo Clinic advises booking an appointment for joint pain accompanied by swelling, redness, tenderness and warmth around the joint, or fever. Get seen promptly if an injury leaves the joint misshapen, unusable, severely painful or suddenly swollen. Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 to 60 minutes is a recognized flag for inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, as is pain that wakes you at night, pain in several joints at once, or unexplained weight loss and fatigue.

Ishimori’s advice: discuss symptoms with a physician, ‘especially if the symptoms are new or haven’t been evaluated.’ Cold weather aggravates existing disease; it doesn’t create it.

The season is not something you can negotiate with. But the stiffness is-partly. Warm the joint, move it gently, and keep moving it. And when the pattern changes, let someone with a stethoscope look at it.

Menopause Convo 2: From conversation to care – What happens after we raise awareness?

I know. Part Two has taken its time! Thank you for your patience. But perhaps there is something fitting about returning to a conversation we have waited far too long to have in the first place. In my last article, I asked why we wait until women begin experiencing menopause before preparing them for it. Now, I find myself asking a different question: once we have started the conversation, what happens next?

It is one thing for a woman to hear that brain fog, anxiety, poor sleep or changes in mood may be associated with menopause. It is another for her to know where to seek help, find a healthcare professional who understands what she is experiencing, or feel comfortable asking for support at home or at work.

Awareness matters. It can help a woman recognise what is happening to her body and realise that she is not alone. But awareness without access to care can leave her with a new vocabulary for describing her difficulties and very little help in addressing them. The real test of the menopause conversation is what changes in a woman’s everyday life after it ends.

When understanding comes too late

At the Menopause West Africa Experience in Lagos, one story that stayed with me was that of Lauren Chiren, whose own experience led her into this work. While working in a senior role in financial services, Lauren began struggling with memory, concentration and sleep. She became so concerned that she thought she might be experiencing early-onset dementia. Eventually, she left a role she had loved, only to discover that menopause was behind what she had been experiencing. Her story is a sobering reminder of what happens when women lack the information to interpret changes in their own bodies – and when the people and institutions around them are not equipped to recognise what might be happening.

Lauren has since devoted her work to helping women and organisations understand menopause, including through workplace education and the development of standards for supporting women at work.

Imagine how differently her experience might have unfolded if menopause had been discussed more openly, if she had understood the possible signs earlier, and if she had felt able to seek support without fearing that her professional competence would be questioned.

Lauren Chiren’s work offers a useful example of what it means to take the conversation further. Beyond educating women about menopause, she has contributed to the development of workplace standards through the British Standards Institution and the International Organization for Standardization. In September 2026, ISO published ISO 45010, guidance to help organisations develop policies and practices that support menstrual and menopausal health at work. The significance is not simply that menopause is receiving more attention. It is that organisations now have an international reference point for examining their policies, workplace environments, management practices and support systems. The question for employers is no longer only whether they understand menopause, but whether their organisations are equipped to respond.

The workplace is part of the conversation

This is where the workplace must become part of our understanding of menopause care. Women do not stop being professionals when they experience changes in their health. Many are at the height of their careers during midlife, carrying institutional knowledge, managing teams, making important decisions and mentoring younger colleagues. At the same time, they may be raising children, supporting ageing parents or navigating other personal responsibilities.

Yet a woman struggling with sleep, concentration, anxiety or other symptoms may worry that disclosing her difficulties will affect how she is perceived. She may fear being considered less capable, less reliable or no longer suited for leadership. So she says nothing, tries to manage on her own and hopes that things will improve.

The consequences are not only personal. Organisations risk losing experienced women whose knowledge, judgement and leadership they have invested years in developing. At the conference, the participation of HR and corporate health leaders helped bring this connection into focus. Menopause support cannot sit with healthcare professionals alone; it also requires organisations to examine how their policies, managers and everyday working practices affect women navigating midlife. What might this look like in practice?

It could begin with training HR teams and line managers to understand menopause, respond appropriately and signpost employees to credible sources of support. It could mean creating confidential ways for employees to discuss health-related needs without fear of stigma. Depending on the role and the individual’s circumstances, practical adjustments might include greater flexibility around working hours, access to a cooler or quieter workspace, or temporary changes to work arrangements.

Organisations can also review their existing health, wellbeing, flexible-work and leave policies to establish whether they adequately respond to women’s needs at different life stages. Where appropriate, employee assistance programmes and occupational health services can provide further support.

These measures do not require employers to assume that every woman will experience menopause in the same way. Nor do they mean lowering performance expectations. They mean recognising that good performance is influenced by the conditions in which people work, and that reasonable support can help experienced employees continue to contribute.

Progressive policies matter, but a policy that exists only in an employee handbook will not change much. Women must know that support is available, managers must understand how to implement it, and organisational cultures must make it safe to ask for help.

A workplace that supports women through menopause is not doing them a favour. It is creating the conditions for experienced women to remain healthy, engaged and able to contribute.

Care must connect the different parts of a woman’s life

Work is only one part of the picture. Menopause may intersect with physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships, nutrition, movement, sexuality, financial security and the responsibilities women carry at home. The WHO has urged practitioners to respond as though these needs are connected, because at the moment, the support available to address them is often fragmented.

This is why the idea of care must go beyond simply telling women what menopause is. We need to make it easier for them to move from information to appropriate support.

Healthcare professionals have a central role in providing evidence-based information, assessing symptoms and guiding women towards suitable care. But this responsibility cannot rest on health professionals alone. Employers, mental health practitioners, wellness providers, community organisations and families can each help women find relevant information and support. The important thing is that these efforts connect rather than operate as isolated activities.

This also requires honesty about access. We cannot speak about care as though every woman can readily afford specialist consultations, take time away from work or travel to find the right service. As we build awareness, we must also consider affordability, availability and the practical realities of women’s lives.

The goal is not to create another list of things women must do to manage themselves better. It is to make the support they need easier to find and use.

Why champions, communities and familiar voices matter

One of the encouraging developments at Menopause West Africa was the inauguration of 100 Menopause Champions, with plans to extend education and awareness into churches and other places of worship.

The idea of champions is important because not every meaningful conversation about menopause will happen at a conference or in a hospital. Some will happen between friends, among colleagues, in women’s associations, at community meetings or after a conversation at church.

A champion can help make menopause less of a whispered subject. They can share credible information, challenge myths, encourage women to seek appropriate medical advice and point them towards reliable sources of support. They can also help bring the conversation to people who may not otherwise encounter it.

Champions, however, should not be expected to diagnose symptoms or replace trained healthcare professionals. Their role is to build understanding, create safer spaces for conversation and connect women to the right help.

Public figures can play a similar role. Patience Ozokwor’s advocacy at the conference was a reminder of the influence familiar voices can have in making a subject more relatable. When respected public figures speak openly about menopause, they can help challenge the idea that it is something to be embarrassed about or endured in silence.

Imagine what it would mean for actors, media personalities, faith leaders, community figures and other trusted voices to make menopause part of ordinary public conversation. Imagine women hearing these discussions not only during an awareness month, but throughout the year, in the spaces where they already live, work and gather.

The value of celebrity advocacy is not simply that a famous person mentions menopause. It is that their voice can open a door for a more informed conversation – one that directs women towards credible information and appropriate care.

And that conversation must include women whose experiences are often overlooked: women in informal employment, women in rural communities, women with limited access to healthcare and women who may not have the language or resources to explain what they are experiencing.

Awareness should not be reserved for women who can attend conferences or follow health conversations online.

What happens next?

For me, this is the question that matters most. A gathering can bring together healthcare professionals, corporate leaders, advocates, community organisations and women who are eager to learn. It can make visible the different dimensions of menopause and introduce people who may be able to work together. But its lasting value depends on what happens when everyone returns to their everyday lives.

Do champions continue the conversation in their communities? Do healthcare providers make reliable information easier to access? Do employers examine their policies and equip managers to respond appropriately? Do public figures use their platforms to challenge stigma? Do women leave knowing where to seek help when they need it?

These are the kinds of questions that can help us distinguish awareness from progress. We should also pay attention to what we measure. We should also ask whether women understand their options better, whether they know where to find support, whether workplaces are becoming more responsive, and whether community education is helping women access appropriate care.

Menopause is a natural life transition, but that does not mean every woman will experience it in the same way or need the same support. Our response must leave room for those differences while ensuring that no woman is made to feel that she must figure everything out by herself.

Perhaps the next phase of this conversation is not simply about speaking more loudly. It is about building stronger connections between knowledge and care, between community awareness and professional support, and between progressive policies and the everyday experiences of women. We have waited too long to have this conversation. We should not have to wait just as long to see it make a difference.

The conversation has started. Now, let us make sure it leads somewhere.

Azerbaijan’s external surplus gives manat stronger support heading into 2027

Azerbaijan enters the final months of 2026 with an external trade position that supports confidence in the manat. In January-September, the country exported goods worth $23.865 billion and imported $13.346 billion, producing a positive trade balance of $10.519 billion. Total foreign trade turnover reached $37.211 billion, up 5.2% year on year. Exports grew 28.3%, while imports declined 20.4%. These figures form a persuasive economic case for expecting the manat to remain around its current rate of 1.70 per US dollar through year-end, provided current policy conditions continue.

At $10.5 billion, the nine-month balance was 5.7 times the level recorded a year earlier, according to customs data reported in October. The result reflects stronger export receipts and lower import spending, creating a cushion in the country’s external accounts. When exporters receive foreign currency and domestic demand for imports absorbs a smaller share of it, the supply-demand balance in the foreign-exchange market becomes more favourable to the national currency.

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan has also been accumulating reserves. Its official foreign exchange reserves rose from approximately $11.515 billion at the end of 2025 to $15.363 billion on September 30, 2026. That represents an increase of about $3.849 billion, or 33.4%, in nine months. The Central Bank reported that it purchased $1.5 billion in foreign currency during August alone, amid a current-account surplus and continued de-dollarization in the financial sector. Governor Taleh Kazimov has said that purchases could continue, with around $1 billion in additional buying possible by the end of the year, depending on market conditions and inflation risks.

These developments matter because the manat operates under a de facto fixed exchange-rate arrangement, with the official rate maintained at 1.7000 per dollar. In such a framework, strong foreign currency inflows can help the Central Bank meet market demand and build a reserve buffer. Currency purchases also allow the regulator to absorb part of the dollar supply entering the market, while converting those purchases into manat liquidity that requires careful monetary management.

A wider national reserve picture adds another layer of reassurance. By September 30, Azerbaijan’s strategic foreign exchange reserves, including the Central Bank’s holdings and the State Oil Fund’s assets, had reached approximately $89.38 billion, up 9.7% year on year. The Central Bank accounted for about $15.36 billion, while the State Oil Fund held roughly $74.17 billion. This combined pool gives the country substantial capacity to withstand external shocks and support macroeconomic stability.

Still, the trade surplus should be read with an understanding of its limits. A positive goods balance is a major strength, yet the exchange rate also reflects services, investment income, capital flows, domestic credit conditions, inflation and policy choices. Energy remains central to the export story: oil and gas accounted for 72.1% of exports during the first nine months. That concentration makes export earnings sensitive to global energy prices, production volumes and demand from major buyers. A sharp fall in oil prices could narrow the trade surplus and reduce foreign currency inflows.

The monetary side also deserves attention. When the Central Bank buys dollars, it pays in manats. If the resulting liquidity moves quickly into consumer spending or lending, it can add to inflationary pressure. The regulator has said it evaluates this risk when making currency purchases. Its ability to manage liquidity, maintain confidence and preserve adequate reserves will therefore remain as important as the trade balance itself.

For the final quarter, the available indicators point toward continuity. The $10.5 billion trade surplus, rising Central Bank reserves, strategic reserves of $89.38 billion and the established exchange-rate framework all support the expectation that the manat will remain near 1.70 per dollar through December. This is a reasoned outlook rather than a guarantee: external shocks or a policy change could alter the picture.

Azerbaijan’s strongest argument for currency stability is the combination of export earnings, reserve accumulation and a clear monetary framework. The next test is to preserve that balance while expanding non-oil exports and strengthening the economy’s capacity to earn foreign currency from a wider range of sectors. Stability becomes more durable when it rests on diverse sources of income as well as substantial reserves.

GCash reminds users to stay vigilant vs scams this All Saints Day

As millions of Filipinos prepare to travel to their respective provinces for All Saints Day, GCash is urging the public to stay alert against online scams and fraud that can exploit the travel rush, distractions and last-minute arrangements during the occasion.

‘The safety of our users remains top priority. GCash continues to strengthen its systems and empower users to recognize and avoid scams, especially during peak travel periods,’ said Miguel Geronilla, GCash chief information security officer.

With increased activity during the holidays, scammers often take advantage of users through fraudulent promos and deceptive messages. GCash shares tell-tale signs of the most common scams to watch out for:

Spoofing

Links sent via SMS or messenger apps may lead to fake websites designed to steal login credentials. Malicious QR codes can also redirect users to fraudulent payment portals. During Undas, when messaging activity surges, even seemingly authentic messages can hide these threats. Users are advised to be extra vigilant.

Thread hijacking

Authorities have reported scam messages appearing inside legitimate SMS conversation threads, making them look authentic. This tactic underscores why users should never trust a sender’s name alone. Always double-check and verify before sending money or payments.

Activate In-app OTP

Fraudsters may pose as GCash agents offering ‘account verification’ or ‘cashback.’ GCash will never ask for your MPIN, OTP, or personal details. For added protection, users are encouraged to turn on in-app OTP, which generates one-time passwords directly inside the GCash app instead of relying on SMS.

Remember

GCash will never send links via SMS, email, or chat apps. Only transact through the official GCash app or verified GCash channels on Facebook and Messenger.

Take charge of your account security with GCash Security Center

The new in-app GCash Security Center gives users direct control over protecting their accounts, funds and transactions against scams, fraud and unauthorized access.

The centralized hub also features user-controlled safeguards: Lock My Account, which allows users to immediately freeze their accounts and block outgoing transactions even if their phones are lost or compromised; Money Lock via GSave, which secures funds by separating them from money available for everyday transactions; and Subscription Center, which enables users to review and disconnect merchants or apps linked to their accounts to prevent unwanted future payments.

Take advantage of scam protection insurance

Because fraudsters attempt to exploit users’ vulnerabilities, GCash users can add another layer of financial protection by availing of Scam Protection Insurance through GInsure.

Underwritten by CHUBB Philippines, policy coverage is up to P15,000 for eligible losses arising from covered scams, including social engineering, account takeover and online shopping fraud. For as low as P20 per month with the new auto-renew feature, eligible users can gain added peace of mind with additional financial protection against covered fraudulent transactions, subject to policy terms and conditions.

Because GInsure Scam Protection Insurance is an insurance policy, money lost to covered scam incidents is paid by the insurance underwriter, and not taken from the GCash wallet of the recipient.

Report and stay informed

If you think you’ve received a spoofed message or encountered a phishing attempt, immediately report it through the Help Center in the GCash app. The GCash security teams continuously monitor and act on reported scams to protect users.

GCash users may also report suspected fraudulent activities to the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com by messaging Gigi, “I want to report a scam.” Customers can also contact the official GCash hotline at 2882 for inquiries and other concerns.

By staying informed and alert, travelers can protect themselves from fraud and focus on spending time with their families this Undas.

Confusion enshrouds postponed Shs870b Jinja hotel groundbreaking after Gen Muhoozi no-show

The planned groundbreaking ceremony for a Shs870 billion five-star hotel development in Jinja City collapsed into confusion following the unexpected absence of the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who had been scheduled to preside over the event.

The ambitious project, spearheaded by MMP Park, is slated for a 12-acre parcel formerly known as Chairman’s Park, strategically situated near the Source of the Nile and adjacent to the National Agricultural Showground.

Gen Muhoozi’s scheduled appearance had sparked intense political maneuvering across Jinja City and neighboring Buikwe District. Local politicians capitalized on the high-profile visit to mobilize public support, frequently visiting the venue, conducting promotional TikTok interviews, and urging residents to attend the ceremony in large numbers.

However, the abrupt call-off exposed contrasting explanations between the event’s organizers and the developer. Ms Esther Mirembe, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) coordinator for Jinja City, stated that military authorities contacted local organizers to cite pressing official matters. She explained that Gen Muhoozi’s team communicated his inability to attend due to urgent state engagements at State House, requesting a postponement until further notice.

Conversely, MMP Park’s corporate affairs manager, Mr Francis Baganzi, rejected claims that the setback stemmed from political interference or ongoing land conflicts, attributing the delay strictly to unfinalized logistical preparations. Clarifying that misleading narratives were circulating on social media regarding ownership friction, Mr Baganzi confirmed the company holds clear rights to the 12-acre property and indicated a revised date for the ceremony would be announced in due course.

By the time the event was called off, extensive preparation was already visible on-site, with large temporary structures fully erected. Following the official notice, workers dismantled the tents, leaving the grounds vacant.

The venue itself carries a history of complex legal and administrative transactions. Originally designated as a public recreational site along Bridge Street, the property was acquired by the former Jinja Municipal Council from the Uganda Land Commission in 2001. Contested dealings subsequently emerged when the Jinja District Land Board reallocated the property to Black Eagle Investments Limited (BEIL) without municipal authority approval. BEIL obtained a land title after paying an Shs80 million premium alongside an annual ground rent of Shs2 million, subsequently securing an Shs2.5 billion commercial bank mortgage against the land.

A subsequent inquiry by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) identified procedural irregularities, recommending that the then-Jinja Central Division settle the Shs2.5 billion bank obligation to retrieve the five-acre public park. The municipal administration was ultimately unable to raise the required funds. Ownership was later acquired by businessman Magan Meghi Patel, proprietor of MMP Industrial Park, through his commercial entity, Nile Agro Industries, which now intends to construct the luxury hospitality facility.

The proposed conversion has drawn scrutiny from urban planning regulators regarding environmental zoning compliance and boundary enclosures. While the National Physical Planning Board granted conditional approval in January 2018 to rezone five acres from green belt status to commercial hotel use-mandating that the remaining seven acres persist as public open space-subsequent ministry inspections revealed that a perimeter wall had been constructed around the entire 12-acre tract.

Chief Executive Officer of Black Eagle Limited, Mr Osman Noor Ahmed, defended the fencing, maintaining that the entity holds a valid title encompassing the entire plot. Though reports indicated the former Jinja City Council had executed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nile Agro Industries regarding the management of the seven-acre public area, municipal administrative officers have denied the existence of any formal agreement, reiterating that the seven acres remain public open space despite being included within the company’s title boundary.

This is Halloween: Horror films to catch in cinemas

It’s the spookiest time of the year once more!

Filipinos love a good scare, especially inside a dark theater accompanied by friends. In fact even sharing screams with a person you don’t know can feel like a good release whenever a frightening moment pops up onscreen.

This Halloween season gathers a number of scary and horror-adjacent movies in cinemas in the days leading up to October 31. Philstar.com lists some of them here:

Sine Sindak

SM Cinemas bring back its special series of horror films where tickets to screenings cost only P100.

Movies for this edition at participating cinemas include:

“App the Horror”

“Cerita Lila”

“Crawlers”

“The Influencer Project”

“Never After Dark”

“Phi Phong: The Blood Demon”

“VHS: Viva Horror Stories”

Thrill Fest: Zombie Outbreak

Ayala Cinemas also stages its own line of curated Halloween films revolving around projects with zombies in them. Tickets here will cost P150 per screening.

Selected by the cinema chain are:

“Colony”

“My Daughter is a Zombie”

“This Is Not a Test”

“Train 2 Busan: Peninsula”

“Train to Busan” (extended)

“We Bury the Dead”

Horrorkada Film Fest

Select cinemas under Robinsons Movieworld will screen classic horror films for just P250 (P200 in other participating theaters).

Making up the list here are:

“The Sixth Sense

“The Silence of the Lambs”

“The People Under the Stairs”

Fear Factory

Megaworld Cinemas meanwhile has its own horror film festival where a single pass costs P200, but a ticket to see all five films is P500.

These are the films to choose from:

“Maligno”

“Invisible Half”

“V/H/S Halloween”

“The Legend”

“Madeline’s Curse”

“Clayface”

DC Studios’ newest franchise entry is about the titular Batman villain capable of transforming his apperance into any individual or weapon.

Tom Rhys Harries plays Matt Hagen, a rising actor who gets on the wrong side of a powerful Gotham mob boss, resulting his face getting disfigured and his stardom practically finished.

He desperately approaches doctor Caitlyn Corr (Naomi Ackie) willing to volunteer as a human test subject for her nanite treatment capable of healing damaged tissue and nerves.

The treatment begins well but when things go awry, Hagen injects himself with more nanites which on the surface heals him from any injury, but in reality also gives him the ability to alter his physical and vocal appearance.

Revenge seeps into the fallen actor’s mind against all who turned on him, risking the trust of an engaged Corr who he finds himself falling for.

“Clayface” is R-18 and will only be available in select theaters. Viewer discretion is advised.

“Whalefall”

Daniel Kraus’ book about a man attempting to escape the stomach of a sperm whale is adapted for the big screen by Brian Duffield.

Jay Gardiner (Austin Abrams) goes diving in the ocean to search for the remains of his estranged father Mitt (Josh Brolin), a year after the latter’s death.

The underwater search turns sideways – or rather goes even deeper – when Jay witnesses a giant squid fighting a sperm whale and in the encounter gets swallowed by the cacholot.

With limited oxygen literally left in the tank, Jay tries to escape the whale’s belly before getting digested while dealing with memories of Mitt.

“Other Mommy”

Jessica Chastain stars in Rob Savage’s adaptation of Josh Malerman’s 2024 novel “Incidents Around the House.”

The Oscar winner plays a mother who does everything to protect her seven-year-old daughter from a supernatural entity that looks just like her.

Jay Duplass, Dichen Lachman, Arian Moayed, Karen Allen and Arabella Olivia Clark also star.

“Resident Evil”

Zach Cregger breathes life into the live-action adaptation of the popular video game series after a number of failed attempts.

Austin Abrams plays a medical courier who comes across a zombie outbreak while making his way to Raccoon City.

Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, Paul Walter Hauser, Will Merrick, Karel Dobry and Jo Martin also star.

“Verity”

Anne Hathaway is in a roll in 2026 with her fifth film of the year, an adaptation of Coleen Hoover’s novel of the same name.

Dakota Johnson is a ghostwriter for the titular best-selling author played by Hathaway and the former finds Verity’s notes, which lead to a potential conspiracy.

Josh Hartnett, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Brady Wagner and Irina Dvorovenko also star

“Red Crown”

Beauty queens and established actors come together in “Red Crown,” where winning the competition may mean survival.

25 contestants compete in the silver anniversary of the Queen of the Islands pageant where the contest takes a dark turn.

Among those in the cast are Sanya Lopez, Shuvee Etrata, Michelle Marquez Dee, Ahtisa Manalo, AZ Martinez, Ashley Ortega, Gazini Ganados, MJ Lastimosa, Herlene Budol, Faith da Silva, Ara Arida, Yana Aduana, Tarah Valencia and Alethea Ambrosio.

“The Fisher”

Paul Soriano’s new movie sees Mon Confiado play a fisherman who must decide the fate of a stranger he discovered lost at sea.

The said individual is a suspect in the fisherman’s teen daughter getting pregnant as well as a fish-rotting plague in the community.

Enchong Dee, Mercedes Cabral, Heaven Peralejo, Eula Valdez, Apollo Abraham and Buboy Villar also star.

“Pee Mak”

Wilbert Ross and Bea Binene star in the Philippine adaptation of the Thailand’s highest-grossing movie of all time that featured Mario Maurer and Davika Joorne.

Ross’ Mak returns to his village from a war with four of his soldier friends, eager to meet his wife and newborn child, but find everyone terrified of a ghost among them.

Vandolph Quizon, Jairus Aquino, Candy Pangilinan, TJ Valderrama, Janno Gibbs, Jerome Ponce and Gian Bernardino also star.

“Multwoh”

A queer college becomes a ghost after dying in their dorm room – but instead of seeking revenge, they only wish to say “I love you.”

Sassa Gurl, Joao Costancia, John Lapus, Iyah Mina, Phi Palmos and Mina Paner make up the main cast.

“The Cycle”

Deborah Ann Woll plays a forensic anthropologist whose long-missing father’s body somehow pops up at a crime scene, forcing her to confront his dark past.

Jeffrey Donovan, Gretchen Corbett, Phillip Botello, Will Hochman, Jack Doolan and Don Keith Opper also star.

“Vampire Carnival”

Nell Verlaqu’s grieving Gemma is drawn to a mysterious traveling carnival that comes to town. She later learns of an underground world that feeds on despair and demands a costly price for escape.

Paulina Chávez, Kieron Moore, Eoin Macken and Jason Isaacs also star.

Binance hack prompts Thai scrutiny

The Thai unit of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has assured customers that their assets remain safe after its parent company was hacked in what is being dubbed the biggest crypto heist in history.

The Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said it is monitoring exposure.

Binance is investigating a major cybersecurity incident with an estimated financial impact of US$6.3 billion. In response, its Thai affiliate temporarily suspended digital asset deposits and withdrawals as a precaution.

The incident came to light following reports of suspicious transactions involving digital assets linked to Binance. Initial estimates put the value of the transactions at about $5.7 billion, or 185 billion baht, before Binance revised its estimate of the total impact to $6.3 billion in an update on Oct 30.

A preliminary investigation suggests an attacker may have gained access through a compromised laptop belonging to a DevOps engineer, potentially enabling access to a service container and the submission of unauthorised withdrawal transactions.

Binance said it found no evidence that wallet private keys had been leaked, while emphasising that the investigation was ongoing as well as a detailed technical review.

The exchange worked with blockchain partners to freeze about $3 billion in affected assets on-chain, adding it would cover all losses using its Secure Asset Fund for Users and company funds, assuring customers that their assets remained safe.

In response to the incident, Binance suspended deposits and withdrawals while reviewing its security controls, revoking authorisations for affected addresses, and working with law enforcement agencies and blockchain intelligence partners to trace and recover the assets.

However, the amount frozen does not necessarily represent funds that have been fully recovered.

The incident has renewed concerns about cybersecurity risks at centralised cryptocurrency exchanges and the potential exposure of customers using platforms operating under the Binance brand in other markets.

ASSETS SECURE

Gulf Binance Co, the operator of Binance TH, said digital assets held by its Thai customers remained safe because its offline storage system was separate from Binance’s wallets.

The company said Binance TH operates as an independent legal entity with its own digital asset custody system, separate from that of the global exchange.

As a precaution, the company temporarily suspended digital asset deposits and withdrawals while its specialists conducted a comprehensive security review.

Other services on the Thai platform remain available as usual. Deposits and withdrawals will resume once the security checks are complete, although the company has yet to announce a specific reopening date.

Gulf Binance said protecting customer assets remained its highest priority and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining relevant security standards.

Binance TH announced yesterday afternoon it resumed normal trading, baht deposits and withdrawals, and digital asset deposits following initial system checks. However, digital asset withdrawals remain temporarily suspended as the company conducts further security reviews, despite finding no irregularities during its preliminary checks.

Gulf Binance said customers’ digital assets remained safe and withdrawals would resume as soon as possible. The company plans to announce the resumption of withdrawals through Binance TH’s official channels.

NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The SEC said it was monitoring Binance’s overseas operations and coordinated with licensed digital asset operators in Thailand to assess potential risks to customer assets.

Based on information reported by local operators, the regulator said it found no significant impact on customer assets held in their custody.

However, some assets potentially associated with transactions conducted through the overseas Binance platform remained under monitoring. The facts surrounding the incident and the extent of any potential losses are still being investigated.

The SEC instructed relevant operators to continue monitoring developments and assessing risks, verify the status and security of customer assets, and immediately report any incidents that could affect customer holdings or services.

Operators must also provide customers with accurate and timely information if service restrictions or other impacts arise.

The regulator stressed that the incident occurred on Binance’s overseas platform, which is not directly supervised by the Thai SEC. The commission is focused on monitoring licensed operators in Thailand and protecting investors who use their services.

The SEC also urged investors to follow official announcements, use only licensed digital asset operators and remain vigilant against scams seeking to exploit the incident to solicit asset transfers.

Investors can verify the licensing status of digital asset operators through the SEC’s official website at www.sec.or.th or contact the SEC Complaint Centre at 1207.