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Ondo deputy gov advocates integration of APC support groups into PCC

Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olayide Owolabi Adelami, has advocated the integration of All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups into the party’s Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) to consolidate grassroots mobilisation for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.

Adelami said this when stakeholders of APC Support Group, Nigerian Consensus and Awareness for Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT-2027) paid him a visit in his office at the Government Office, Akure, last Thursday.

The group, during the event, conferred an award of recognition on Adelami as the Most Outstanding Best Deputy Governor 2026.

The deputy governor extolled the objective of the association geared towards delivering President Tinubu’s presidential bid.

‘The purpose of the group is to deliver President Tinubu’s re-election; I feel proud to be associated with this support group,” he said.

He charged all support groups to ensure the re-election of the president, stating that the political and economic reforms of the government have stabilised the economy and need continuity.

Adelami lauded the association for the honour conferred on him and dedicated the award to Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa.

Earlier, director of mobilisation and legal adviser of the association, Professor Ibibia Worika, said the group was supporting the president’s re-election for continuity of the various reforms geared towards improving the wellbeing of the citizens and economic development across the country.

Worika enumerated the reforms to include: the removal of petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira and condemned other presidential candidates of opposition parties who are campaigning for return of subsidy regime.

Speaking against the backdrop of mobilisation of masses to support the president’s re-election, Worika said the APC presidential campaign in Kaduna was a huge success.

Other members of the association at the event include: the director of mobilisation, planning, logistics and administration, Otunba Akin Joye, national women leader, Christiana Omolara Osinusi, Tunde Ilori, national youth leader and Clement Oko Nnachi, South-East coordinator and press secretary.

World Connect by APG to bring global aviation leaders to Monaco for 17th edition

The World Connect conference will bring together airline executives, aviation specialists and travel industry leaders from around the world for its 17th edition, taking place at the Fairmont Monte Carlo in Monaco from 4 to 6 November 2026.

Organised annually by APG, World Connect has developed into an established international meeting point for the airline and aviation community. Over successive editions, the conference has built a reputation for bringing senior decision-makers together to exchange perspectives, strengthen business relationships and discuss the forces shaping the industry.

This year’s edition is expected to welcome approximately 500 delegates, including 119 airline CEOs and senior airline executives, with 59 airlines and 85 countries represented. This international participation reflects World Connect’s standing as an established meeting point for aviation industry leaders.

Under this year’s theme, ‘Navigating Change, Unlocking Growth,’ keynote speakers and panellists will examine how aviation businesses can respond to disruption, strengthen commercial resilience and identify new opportunities for growth.

The program will address key priorities across the sector, including strengthening customer loyalty through distribution and technology; protecting airline connectivity and revenue amid geopolitical uncertainty; and building a stronger commercial aviation industry. Discussions will also explore how innovation is influencing fleet strategies, operational efficiency and the passenger experience. Among the speakers featured in this year’s program are LATAM CEO Roberto Alvo, TAP Air Portugal CEO Luís Rodrigues, Ethiopian Airlines CEO Lemma Yadecha Gudeta, and KLM Cityhopper Managing Director Maarten Koopmans.

Keynote contributions from aviation executive Pieter Elbers and astrophysicist Patrick Michel, Principal Investigator of ESA’s Hera mission, will broaden the discussion to encompass aviation’s future opportunities and the potential of scientific discovery to drive change.

Alongside the conference sessions, World Connect will offer opportunities for delegates to meet, share expertise and develop relationships through its Business Connect sessions and networking events.

As aviation continues to navigate a changing global environment, the 17th edition of APG World Connect will provide a forum for industry leaders to consider shared challenges and the partnerships, strategies and ideas that can support future growth.

Beyond cricket: How franchise sports are reshaping Sri Lanka

The expansion of franchise-based competitions beyond cricket is opening new opportunities for athletes, brands and investors, with the Sri Lanka Padel League helping pioneer a new era for the country’s sporting industry.

For decades, cricket dominated Sri Lanka’s sporting landscape, attracting the majority of commercial investment and sponsorship. However, the emergence of franchise-based competitions across multiple sports is beginning to change that picture, creating new opportunities for athletes, businesses and sporting organisations.

Sri Lanka’s franchise-sports journey began with the Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) cricket initiative in 2012. Following its failure to establish a sustainable competition, the Lanka Premier League (LPL) was launched in 2020, bringing renewed attention to the commercial potential of the franchise model.

The next significant step came with the expansion of franchise sports beyond cricket. The Sri Lanka Padel League helped pioneer this new chapter, demonstrating that the franchise model could extend beyond cricket and opening the door for a wider range of sporting properties to emerge. The Ceylon Golf League followed, with franchise-based competitions subsequently expanding into pickleball, tennis, rugby and rowing. A franchise-based archery league has also joined this growing landscape.

Together, these developments signal the emergence of a broader sports-business ecosystem in Sri Lanka, extending the franchise model into an increasingly diverse range of disciplines.

For athletes, franchise leagues can provide greater visibility, more competitive opportunities and potential income through participation and sponsorships. They can also create platforms for talent development, professional exposure and stronger connections with sporting audiences.

High-quality live broadcasting and production have become another important pillar of this evolution. From live match coverage to televised player auctions, these productions bring audiences closer to the competition, allowing fans to follow team formations, player selections and the sporting action itself. They also give sponsors greater visibility through broadcast integrations, on-screen branding and digital content, extending commercial exposure beyond the physical venue. By presenting these competitions as professionally produced sporting entertainment, leagues can attract wider audiences and strengthen their appeal to commercial partners.

The commercial opportunities are equally significant. Brands that have traditionally focused on cricket can now explore partnerships across golf, padel, pickleball, tennis, rugby, rowing and archery. These leagues offer opportunities for targeted sponsorships, digital exposure, hospitality and experiential marketing, enabling businesses to connect with new audiences and sporting communities.

The movement also creates opportunities for broadcasters, technology providers, event organisers and sports marketing professionals, while encouraging private investment in the development of sporting properties.

Long-term success will depend on sustainable finances, consistent competition, strong commercial partnerships and the ability to deliver value to athletes, sponsors and franchise owners. Nevertheless, the growing diversity of leagues demonstrates that franchise-based sport is becoming an increasingly important part of Sri Lanka’s sporting landscape.

What was once largely associated with cricket is now creating opportunities across multiple disciplines. With the Sri Lanka Padel League helping lead the expansion beyond cricket, the country is entering a new chapter in which franchise sports can contribute to athlete development, commercial investment and the wider growth of the sports industry.

Sokoto Govt Seals Off ADC Campaign Office

The Sokoto State Government has sealed one of the offices of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Barrister Nasiru Dantsoho, who announced the sealing of the building on Monday, said the action was taken to protect lives and property following a recent disturbance involving supporters of party and some miscreants.

Dantsoho alleged that the government reviewed the available documents relating to the property and discovered that it was originally owned by the defunct Savannah Bank, with no official change of ownership reflected in the records.

He said the government had written to the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), which he described as the custodian of the property, seeking clarification on its current ownership but was yet to receive a response.

‘Following a review of the certificate of occupancy and other relevant documents, we discovered that this property belongs to the Savannah Bank, and that ownership has not changed as of today.

‘We have written to the NDIC, the custodian of this building, to clarify its present ownership, but we are yet to receive a response,’ he said.

The commissioner said the government decided to seal off the premises pending the NDIC’s response, stressing that the measure was necessary to prevent further disturbances and safeguard lives and property.

He appealed to anyone claiming ownership of the building to present relevant documents to the government for verification and proper documentation, after which the property could be released to its rightful owner.

Dantsoho, however, maintained that the property would remain under the control of the state government until the ownership issue was resolved.

He warned that anyone who attempted to forcefully gain access to the sealed premises would face appropriate legal action, including prosecution.

The development comes amid rising political tension in Sokoto following allegations of attacks involving supporters of the ADC and operatives of state-owned security outfit.

NGX sheds N35bn as bearish sentiment weighs on equities

Nigerian equities market opened the new trading week on a bearish note on Monday, as renewed selling pressure on heavyweight stocks dragged market capitalisation down by N35.25 billion, amid weak investor sentiment and mixed sectoral performance.

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) All-Share Index declined marginally by 0.02 per cent to 254,245.21 points, moderating its year-to-date return to 63.38 per cent, while market capitalisation fell to N165.08 trillion.

Market breadth remained weak, reflecting subdued appetite for equities, as 41 stocks closed in the red against 21 gainers, translating to a breadth ratio of 0.5 times.

The decline was led by Champion Breweries, SUNU Assurances and Aradel Holdings, which featured among the worst-performing stocks during the session.

The performance suggests that investors remained cautious, with limited buying interest in major stocks failing to offset losses across several sectors.

Sectoral performance was largely negative, as four of the six tracked sectors closed lower. The Oil and Gas index led the decline, shedding 3.75 per cent, followed by the Commodities sector, which fell 2.76 per cent.

The Banking index declined by 1.79 per cent, while Consumer Goods lost 1.17 per cent, reflecting broad-based selling pressure across key market segments.

However, the Industrial sector bucked the trend, advancing 3.34 per cent to emerge as the strongest performer, while the Insurance index gained 0.93 per cent.

Trading activity also weakened considerably, with both volume and value of transactions declining, although the number of deals increased sharply.

Turnover fell by 44.67 per cent to N47.48 billion, while traded volume dropped by 48.15 per cent to 517.26 million shares.

In contrast, the number of transactions increased by 42.63 per cent to 54,015 deals, suggesting that trading remained active despite the decline in the overall value and volume of shares exchanged.

Market analysts expect sustained selling pressure and weak breadth to constrain the market’s near-term recovery, although selective bargain-hunting in fundamentally attractive stocks could help moderate further losses.

Despite Monday’s marginal decline, the equities market maintained a year-to-date gain of 63.38 per cent, underscoring the substantial appreciation recorded since the beginning of the year.

Meet Mopelola Esan, skin health expert redefining confidence through clinical skincare

Mopelola Esan is a visionary skin repair expert building a skincare business centred on protecting healthy skin, repairing damaged skin and restoring personal confidence.

As the founder of Indigo Skin Clinic, Mopelola works with individuals experiencing persistent skin concerns, particularly acne and hyperpigmentation. Her understanding of these conditions extends beyond professional training, having experienced firsthand the frustration of searching for effective skincare solutions.

During her teenage years and early adulthood, Mopelola struggled with severe acne that proved difficult to manage. She tried numerous skincare products and visited different clinics, spending considerable amounts of money without achieving the results she expected. The repeated disappointments eventually pushed her to look beyond the treatments she had been receiving and investigate the underlying causes of her condition.

Determined to understand her skin better, she began researching acne and the factors influencing its development. The knowledge she acquired enabled her to address her personal concerns within a relatively short period, marking a turning point that would eventually shape her professional ambitions.

Having experienced the difficulties associated with unsuccessful treatments, Mopelola recognised an opportunity to support others facing similar challenges. However, she understood that resolving her own skin concerns did not automatically qualify her to treat other people. Before pursuing that ambition professionally, she made the decision to acquire the necessary training and certification.

Her educational journey included a first degree in Early Childhood Education from Olabisi Onabanjo University, followed by a second bachelor’s degree in Nursing. She subsequently underwent specialised aesthetic training at the Institute of Medical Aesthetics, developing the technical knowledge required for her chosen field.

Mopelola also pursued international training to broaden her understanding of clinical skincare. She identifies as a member of the North America Board of Aesthetic Medicine, reflecting her interest in continued professional development.

Armed with her qualifications and growing clinical experience, she established Indigo Skin Clinic, transforming a challenge that once affected her personal life into the foundation of a professional career.

Building the business, however, introduced another challenge. Mopelola entered an industry where demand for skin-lightening services influenced consumer expectations. Initially, she found it difficult to separate those expectations from her desire to provide effective skincare treatments.

Further clinical experience and international training eventually changed her approach. She developed a stronger understanding of how to manage skin concerns without unnecessarily altering natural pigmentation, allowing her to establish a clearer professional direction for Indigo Skin Clinic.

Over the years, Indigo Skin Clinic has continued to serve clients seeking professional solutions to their skin concerns. Mopelola has received positive feedback and expressions of appreciation from people who have experienced improvements through the clinic’s services, reflecting the relationships she has built with clients as the business developed.

Today, Mopelola’s responsibilities at Indigo Skin Clinic extend beyond providing skincare treatments to leading the business she established. As its lead aesthetician, she draws on her nursing background and specialised training to guide her clinical work while shaping the professional direction of the clinic.

In recognition of her contributions to the skincare and beauty industry, Mopelola has also received several industry honours. Her reported awards include APSMAN’s Best Skincare Brand award in 2023, the Best Laser Clinic and Best Beauty Aesthetician awards in 2024, alongside La Mode skincare and beauty brand recognitions in 2024 and 2025.

Despite these achievements, Mopelola places greater value on the personal significance of her work. Having experienced the emotional frustration that can accompany persistent skin conditions, she regards the progress of her clients as a reminder of why she entered the profession.

Her professional philosophy reflects a commitment to excellence and purposeful work, principles that also influence how she approaches entrepreneurship. She continues to emphasise the importance of proper certification and research for individuals pursuing careers in clinical skincare.

Looking ahead, Mopelola aims to strengthen awareness of appropriate skincare practices and encourage more women of colour to feel comfortable with their natural appearance. This ambition also finds expression through Indigo Glow Skin, her personal educational platform, where she shares knowledge on maintaining healthy skin and addressing skin damage. Through Indigo Skin Clinic, she is pursuing a vision in which professional treatment contributes to healthier skin without making complexion a measure of beauty.

What began as a personal struggle has evolved into a career shaped by education, professional experience and entrepreneurship.

Mopelola Esan’s journey reflects how the determination to solve one problem can develop into a lasting professional purpose, with Indigo Skin Clinic representing both the progress she has made and the impact she hopes to achieve.

President pledges tax cuts in 2027 Budget

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged further tax cuts in next month’s Budget, saying the reductions would be made without jeopardising the Government’s revenue target.

Addressing the National Convention of the National Intellectuals Organisation (NIO) at the P.D. Sirisena Grounds in Maligawatta, Colombo, on Saturday, the President said the Government had met its revenue targets, unlike in the past, when projected State income was not fully realised.

‘In 2025, we exceeded the revenue target: our revenue reached 110% of the estimated level. Some people ask: ‘Isn’t it easy to raise revenue by imposing taxes?’ We would like to tell you that, after taking power, we did not impose a single new tax. We also reduced existing taxes to a considerable extent. In the forthcoming Budget, too, we will reduce some taxes. But we will do so without jeopardising our revenue target,’ he said.

He said public debt, which stood at about 114% of GDP in 2022, would be brought down to between 90% and 95%.

President Dissanayake said Sri Lanka was yet to achieve the economic and social transformation people voted for two years ago, as his Government had spent its first two years laying the economic foundations needed for such a change. He urged professionals to support his reforms.

‘Our challenge during the first two years has been to establish the economic conditions necessary for an economic transformation. If we compare the past two years, we have made considerable progress in preparing the economic foundations,’ he said.

The President said Sri Lanka had recorded its lowest budget deficit in recent times last year, along with a current account surplus of $ 1.8 billion, the largest in the country’s history.

‘Previously, there had been only about three occasions when the current account showed a surplus. On all three occasions, it was close to or below $ 300 million. That is economic progress; it is not an economic transformation,’ he said.

Acknowledging the rise in the cost of living, President Dissanayake blamed it mainly on higher energy costs.

‘The rise in inflation has made it more difficult for our people to purchase goods and services. The main cause has been the state of war that developed in the Middle East. That war had a major impact on our supply routes,’ he said.

He said global diesel prices had risen by about 88% and petrol prices by 80% since the conflict began, and that the Government continued to subsidise diesel by Rs. 70 for every litre sold. He hoped to present several proposals in the Budget to offset the impact of fuel costs through other sectors, but did not elaborate.

‘I believe we now need a new program for economic transformation,’ the President said, adding that fisheries, agriculture, ports and logistics must be taken to a new level to harness the country’s full growth potential.

He said 28% of the workforce was engaged in agriculture, which contributed only 7% to GDP, underscoring low productivity and inefficiencies in the sector.

‘Unless we transform the labour engaged in agriculture into productive labour, we cannot achieve a major leap in agriculture. Through various legal restrictions, extensive land laws and laws governing paddy lands, farmers have been tied down rather than liberated. If we are to take this leap, we must free farmers from the laws that bind them. That is economic transformation,’ he said.

President Dissanayake said the Government was preparing plans for this, and was also working on improving the productivity of small and medium-sized industries by providing them with capital at affordable rates.

44°C heat index recorded in 3 areas on Monday, Nov. 2

The heat index peaked at 44°C in La Union, Aurora, and Occidental Mindoro on Monday, Nov. 2, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Based on its five-day computed heat index, the highest were recorded in its stations located in Bacnotan, La Union, Baler, Aurora, and San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

Pagasa had explained that a heat index of 42°C to 51°C is already dangerous, pointing out that with this level of heat, ‘heat cramps and exhaustion are likely.’

When the heat index reaches 52°C and beyond, heat stroke would be imminent as the level is already considered extremely dangerous, based on the agency’s effect-based classification.

According to Pagasa’s forecast, the heat index will reach as high as 43°C in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Iloilo City, and Catarman, Northern Samar on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Jamesray Ajido places 5th in men’s 100 fly in Youth Olympic Games

Jamesray Mishael Ajido had the skills but lacked the length and finished fifth in the men’s 100-meter butterfly in the 4th Youth Olympic Games on Sunday.

Pitted against taller opponents, Ajido clocked 55.16 seconds to better his time in the morning qualifiers where he placed seventh, but it wasn’t enough for the bemedalled Asian juniors swimmer to break the podium here.

Egypt’s Ali Sain looked even more formidable in the final, erasing his heat’s best time with a 53.96 at the Complexe Tour de l’Ceuf pool.

The Egyptian had enough to spare as Serbia’s Aleksej Kalan was 0.65 seconds behind and Slovakia’s Marias Kristof was .05 second further back for the bronze medal.

India’s Tirthank Pegun was fifth at 54.98.

A dejected Ajido-the only Southeast Asian in the final-passed the Mixed Zone protocol. He still has the 50-meter freestyle and butterfly on Tuesday.

Riannah Chantelle Coleman, meanwhile, swims in the second of two heats in women’s 200-meter breaststroke set at 11:02 a.m. (Senegal time) on Monday.

The nine-athlete Team Philippines in the YOG is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

Nigeria, China sign $30m agreement on grassroots devt projects

Nigeria and China have signed a grant agreement worth RMB 200 million (approximately $30 million) to support community-focused development projects under the Nigeria-China Development Cooperation, reinforcing the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning said the agreement marks another milestone in bilateral cooperation aimed at advancing Nigeria’s development priorities and delivering tangible benefits to citizens through targeted, locally driven initiatives.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, welcomed the Chinese Government’s continued support, describing the partnership as an important platform for strengthening development cooperation, knowledge exchange and mutual understanding.

According to a statement by the ministry, Bagudu thanked the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, and his delegation for their commitment to deepening bilateral relations. He noted that the progress recorded over the years reflected both countries’ shared determination to advance their common development objectives.

He said the grant would support mutually agreed projects under China’s ‘small but beautiful’ initiative, which focuses on investments that deliver practical results, improve livelihoods and create direct impacts at the community level.

The minister noted that the grant builds on previous Chinese assistance, including a $1 million contribution earlier in 2026 to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for technological and knowledge development.

He also highlighted opportunities to expand trade and economic cooperation, particularly through China’s zero-tariff policy on Nigerian exports.

The statement added that Bagudu stressed the need to ensure that bilateral commitments translate into measurable development outcomes for Nigerians.

‘To this end, the ministry, in collaboration with the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership Office, has been developing projects proposed by states to address specific grassroots development needs,’ he said.

He expressed interest in sharing the initiative with China and drawing on its development experience, particularly in poverty reduction, to strengthen Nigeria’s efforts to expand economic opportunities, tackle poverty and improve livelihoods.

The minister also emphasised the importance of capacity-building initiatives, including the training of Nigerian officials in China, noting that knowledge exchange and institutional development were essential to strengthening the country’s capacity to implement its development priorities.

Also speaking at the event, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, described the grant as a concrete demonstration of China’s commitment to Nigeria’s development priorities and the enduring strategic partnership between the two countries, founded on mutual trust, solidarity and a shared commitment to economic and social development.

The ambassador explained that the agreement builds on the consensus reached by Presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Xi Jinping during their meeting in China, as well as the outcomes of the Fourth China-Nigeria Cooperation Forum in Beijing.

He noted that 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, describing the relationship as one that has continued to evolve through cooperation across various sectors and mutual support for more than five decades.

Dunhai also highlighted the economic opportunities arising from China’s zero-tariff policy on Nigerian exports, which took effect on May 1, 2026.

According to him, bilateral trade reportedly reached $18 billion in the first half of the year, while Nigeria’s exports to China increased by 80 per cent.

The statement noted that the policy could expand market access for Nigerian businesses, attract investment, support industrial development and encourage Nigerian products to move up the value chain.