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KEEPING THE LOVE ALIVE | Air Supply serenades thousands of Manila fans anew

It wasn’t unusual to see crowds gather in every nook and cranny of Gateway on a Monday evening, since it’s a literal gateway to and from anywhere in the Philippines, as the running joke goes.

But individuals hawking their flickering merchandise to long queues of people stoked and abuzz with glee in front of Smart Araneta Coliseum’s famed gates always meant something huge would occur inside, something impossible to overlook.

Sure enough, Australian soft rock duo Air Supply gathered more than 8,000 fans in their sold-out Manila concert last October 26, maintaining their musicianship’s grip on Filipinos since they held their first concert here in 1981.

Coincidentally, Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock opened their ‘A Matter of Time’ concert with ‘Sweet Dreams,’ recorded and released in that year, when it conquered charts the same way it did to fans in the arena more than four decades later.

Donning sparkly attire that caught the lights and showed off a deep luster, the duo performed ‘Even the Nights Are Better’ followed by ‘Just As I Am,’ where Hitchcock’s powerful vocals reverberated through the big dome.

They then sang ‘Every Woman In the World’ and ‘Here I Am,’ where fans harmonized with Russell and Hitchcock, belting out the lyrics in joyful abandon. The duo continued by performing ‘Chances’ and ‘Goodbye.’

As with every situation, Russell recalled when they had their fair share of worries: ‘But we kept going because we didn’t want to quit.’

‘So, we say to you now: whatever you’re doing in life, don’t stop, don’t give up because whatever you want in life will come to you; it’s just a matter of time,’ he added, before the hair-raising melody of ‘A Matter of Time’ started.

With Hitchcock taking a quick break, Russell introduced their touring band members before serenading fans with ‘Just Between the Lines,’ a song about friendship, which he explained they decided to add to their set list just hours earlier during soundcheck.

Then, before performing ‘Two Less Lonely People,’ he reminisced about their first meeting that thrust the duo to their decades-long prominence.

‘In my head I heard a voice say: you need to meet this guy and you need to work with him,’ Russell said. ‘At the end of the rehearsal I introduced myself […] so, we decided to form a band together because we want to work together.’

‘We thought maybe we could be together for six months or a year-that was 51 years ago,’ he added, which was followed by a round of applause from the audience as Hitchcock entered the stage again.

For his part, Hitchcock shared a brief recollection of when they met in 1975 and praised Russell, who composed most of the band’s signature hits.

‘It’s really hard to put into words how wonderful it is to be with you tonight, but thank you once again for coming. We do love the Philippines; we love you people for coming to see us and supporting us for so long,’ he added.

The band’s remaining set list included their biggest hits ‘Here I Am,’ ‘Lost In Love,’ ‘Making Love Out of Nothing At All,’ and ‘Without You,’ much to the fans’ delight as archival footage of the duo’s younger years projected on the screen

Despite concluding their concert with ‘All Out of Love,’ Air Supply left thousands of fans filled with warmth and comfort, some even playfully requesting an encore, a reminder of their songs’ long-lasting hold on Filipinos.

2027: Miyetti Allah president declares support for Tinubu

The National President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Baba Othman Ngelzarma has declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 saying the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has given pastoralists and livestock farmers hope after decades of neglect.

Ngelzarma said livestock stakeholders across the country were prepared to support Tinubu in appreciation of his administration’s decision to create a dedicated ministry to address the challenges confronting the sector.

He spoke at a rally organised by the Fulbe APC Forum and Tinubu Yeso-Yeso Political Forum (TYPF) in collaboration with the Coalition of Pastoralists and Traders Associations and the Amalgamated Union of Livestock Dealers Butchers and other stakeholders in the sector.

The gathering held in Kaduna under the theme ‘United for Inclusion Representation and Prosperity’ attracted Fulani groups pastoralists cattle breeders livestock dealers butchers processors and political stakeholders from across the country.

Ngelzarma said livestock farmers and pastoralists had campaigned for the establishment of a dedicated ministry for decades before the Tinubu administration created it in July 2024.

‘We are here today to extend our appreciation and support to the administration of President Tinubu.

‘The creation of the livestock ministry is something we have been advocating for and looking forward to for decades’ he said.

He added that the initiative had encouraged some state governments to establish similar institutions to coordinate livestock development describing it as a significant opportunity to address the longstanding challenges of pastoralists and other operators in the industry.

The MACBAN president said the support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition was a demonstration of appreciation for the administration’s recognition of the economic importance of livestock development.

The Minister of Livestock Development Idi Mukhtar Maiha urged pastoralists livestock farmers and other operators to take advantage of the ministry’s programmes to improve their businesses and livelihoods.

Maiha said the livestock sector had remained below its potential for decades due to inadequate veterinary services limited access to pasture and water high feed costs poor market infrastructure and low productivity.

He said Nigeria had about 58 million cattle 124 million goats 70 million sheep 9.3 million pigs 3.2 million donkeys 700000 camels and 300 million birds describing the figures as enormous economic opportunities waiting to be harnessed.

The minister said the Federal Government was implementing policies to improve animal health breeding feed production dairy farming meat processing and access to markets.

He disclosed that seven veterinary hospitals had been completed and equipped under a World Bank-supported programme while additional facilities were at various stages of completion.

According to him the government plans to expand veterinary services across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory with primary veterinary facilities also planned for the 774 local government areas.

Maiha urged livestock associations to collaborate with the ministry and state governments within three months to identify the major challenges confronting their members and develop practical proposals for investment and improved service delivery.

He said the Federal Government was also working to strengthen Nigeria’s participation in regional and international livestock trade through improved animal health standards traceability and market infrastructure.

The minister called for peaceful coexistence between pastoralists and farming communities stressing that dialogue and responsible management of land and water resources were essential to sustainable livestock development.

He added that the government wanted young Nigerians to regard livestock production as a profitable business capable of generating employment and wealth rather than merely a traditional occupation.

In his remarks Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture Murtala Dabo said the state government was complementing the Federal Government’s initiative through investments in livestock infrastructure and services.

Dabo said Kaduna’s budgetary allocation to livestock development had risen from N1.48 billion in 2023 to more than N100 billion in 2026.

He said the government had provided solar-powered water facilities in pastoralist communities expanded livestock vaccination and introduced artificial insemination services to improve animal productivity.

According to him improved feeding and breeding practices had helped increase milk production among some cattle from about 1.5 litres to between three and four litres.

He added that the state government was also upgrading slaughter facilities and improving infrastructure across the livestock value chain.

BEYOND UNDAS | Exploring Filipino heritage through memorial tourism

FOR Filipinos, honoring the dead has always been deeply rooted in culture, though the ways we do so continue to evolve. From annual journeys home during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day to the distinct funeral rites practiced across the country, remembrance takes many forms.

Undas, derived from the Spanish ‘honras fúnebres’, or funeral honors, reflects this enduring tradition of keeping our departed close, even as the ways we remember them change.

Across the Philippines, these traditions give a glimpse into how communities keep their connections with the departed alive. In Sagada, Mountain Province, Panag-apoy, which means ‘to light a fire,’ has families light the saeng, or wood from old pine trees, beside their loved ones’ graves in lieu of candles. The practice emerged in the early 1900s, blending Anglican Christian rites with local Igorot customs.

Meanwhile, in Cebu, Kalag-Kalag, derived from the Cebuano word kalag, or soul, was a tradition shaped by centuries of Catholic observance and local beliefs about the dead returning to visit the living. With cemetery visits, prayers, flowers, candles, and music, Kalag-Kalag becomes a family gathering that brings loved ones together. Both traditions show how remembrance takes on different forms across the country, opening a conversation about the intersection of cultural heritage and tourism.

For travelers, these customs provide an opportunity to understand the culture of Filipino communities and how they express grief and celebrate family ties. From Sagada’s mountain communities to Cebu’s lively gatherings, Undas is more than tradition. It’s a chance to go beyond the usual tourist spots, get to know local stories and traditions, and experience each community with the respect it deserves.

A different kind of heritage experience

Cemeteries offer a different kind of heritage experience: the opportunity to visit the final resting places of people who have shaped the country’s history, arts, and culture. In Manila, the Manila North Cemetery and Manila South Cemetery hold the graves of notable personalities, for example. These places invite visitors to reflect on the lives, legacies, and historical events that continue to influence the nation today.

For a different side of Manila, there are available walking tours in Manila Chinese Cemetery that take you beyond the usual tourist spots and into a fascinating mix of history, culture, and heritage. Established in the late 19th century, the cemetery is known for its elaborate mausoleums with distinct architectural styles and stories of notable members of the Chinese-Filipino community. Some mausoleums resemble small houses, while others reflect a blend of Chinese traditions and Western influences.

Walking through it feels like stepping into an open-air archive of history and architecture. These cemeteries also contain memorials connected to the country’s wartime history. With a knowledgeable guide, a walking tour can turn what might initially seem like an unusual destination into a meaningful heritage experience, offering a deeper understanding of Manila’s multicultural past.

And visiting these places can also be a more personal heritage tour experience. Especially when a name found in a history book becomes connected to a real, tangible place, which invites one to pause, reflect, and appreciate the stories behind it.

Soulful times, remembrance with a twist

While traditions like Kalag-Kalag continue to evolve, their heart remains the same: keeping loved ones close. Eternal Gardens for example is redefining what a memorial park can be, offering families a place not just to remember loved ones but more as Eternal Gardens celebrates its Golden Anniversary this year. From enjoying the outdoors through a morning jog or a quiet walk, and even having families have more choices for fun activities like bazaars and food concessionaires. At Eternal Gardens Lipa, families can enjoy Acoustic Soul Serenade, an acoustic session at the bazaar around 8 p.m. on November 1. It’s a reminder that even in places of remembrance, there’s room for music, shared moments, and the simple joy of being together.

Recently, Forest Lake Memorial Park gave this tradition a fresh spin through Undasko, a blend of Undas and Pasko that lets families celebrate Christmas early with their dearly departed, adding a more meaningful stop for their Undas travels. ‘But of course, families can still come together to pray and observe Undas in a solemn and meaningful way,’ Carlos Locsin, National Sales and Marketing Manager of Forest Lake Memorial Park, told BusinessMirror and other media.

Across its memorial parks, Undasko adds a family-friendly twist to remembrance, with activities like inflatables, food concessionaires, and live entertainment alongside dedicated spaces and schedules for quiet prayer, mass, and grave blessings.

It is a new perspective on what a cemetery can be. Rather than being places that families visit only during solemn occasions, memorial parks are creating more welcoming spaces where remembrance and recreation can coexist. Also, these activities in memorials like Undasko even introduce the little ones to these traditions in a setting that feels warm and welcoming, not at all creepy and scary. It also encourages conversations between generations, allowing children to learn about their family history while parents and grandparents share memories of those who came before them.

This transformation also invites a broader conversation about the future of tourism. When we think of destinations, we often picture beaches, mountains, heritage houses, or food districts.

Yet, cultural tourism can also be found in the everyday practices that connect people to their roots.

Of course, the tourism potential of cemeteries rests on maintaining a thoughtful balance. Festive activities should never overshadow the solemn purpose of these spaces, and visitors must be mindful of families who come to grieve and pray. It’s a reminder that meaningful places we travel to are not always those with the grandest views. They are the ones that attract us because they remind us where we came from, who we love, and why we keep coming home.

Intimidation, destruction of billboards, denial of campaign venues signpost violent 2027 poll

Opposition political parties have raised concerns over alleged intimidation, destruction of campaign posters and billboards, physical attacks on supporters, and denial of access to public venues ahead of the 2027 general election.

There are cries of intimidation and oppression coming from various parts of the country. While the opposition parties have been denied carrying out their campaign seamlessly through denial of venues and inflation of outdoor advertising rates, their members are also being physically attacked.

A supporter of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC) lost his life in Enugu recently during the party’s rally. The party alleged that its members were attacked by a rival ruling party in the state.

There are reports of attacks and clashes in Edo, Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom and other States arising from intolerance of the opposition.

Sani Dawop, National Publicity Secretary of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) and the party’s governorship candidate in Plateau State for the 2027 election, described the development as unfortunate, warning that the suppression of opposition parties could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

Dawop said it was particularly disappointing that such incidents were being reported under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as a former dogged fighter for democratic rights and opposition politics.

He recalled Tinubu’s years in opposition, particularly his political struggle against the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, noting that he remained the lone AD governor between 2003 and 2007 before the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013.

‘Unfortunately, when we saw what was happening, some of us left, and today, APC has become a shadow of itself. The promises that the party made to Nigerians have not been fulfilled. The President should be focusing on delivering on his mandate and promises to Nigerians. The party is busy emasculating the opposition, denying them venues and public buildings to carry out their events, to the extent that the entire opposition in Nigeria is denied the opportunity to advertise or even raise billboards,’ he said.

The governorship candidate described the situation as a sad commentary on the country’s democratic development, warning that those undermining opposition parties could eventually suffer the consequences of their actions.

‘These same people are destroying democracy and, I can tell you, without realising it, they are destroying themselves and they will be consumed by the act. If they have performed, why are they afraid? Show up your performance. That is all Nigerians are asking,’ he said.

He urged political parties to respect democratic principles and allow all contestants to campaign freely, stressing that Nigeria was bigger than any individual or political party.

He condemned the destruction of campaign posters and billboards belonging to any political party, including those of the ruling APC, insisting that political disagreements should not degenerate into violence.

‘I don’t subscribe to violence, but everybody should know that nobody has a monopoly of violence. If this is the way the whole game is going to be played, all of us will be losers and back to square one,’ he said.

He also expressed concern over reports that the APC in Sokoto State allegedly paid hotels to deny the African Democratic Congress (ADC) access to accommodation ahead of its campaign launch.

According to him, such actions would only draw more attention to opposition parties rather than weaken them.

‘They are not helping themselves because they end up popularising the opposition. Let’s campaign on issues and manifestoes and programmes,’ he added.

He also raised concerns over the absence of President Tinubu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar at a peace accord signing ceremony, describing it as unusual.

Don warns of early signs of violence

Meanwhile, Fidelis Gberindyer, a university lecturer at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, warned that growing reports of intimidation, attacks on opposition members and restrictions on campaign activities were dangerous signs ahead of the 2027 election.

Gberindyer said the development could indicate the possibility of violence in some parts of the country if urgent steps were not taken to address them.

He said that opposition parties were reportedly being denied access to public spaces despite assurances by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies that all political parties would enjoy a level playing field.

He warned that the alleged use of security agencies to intimidate political opponents and restrictions on campaign activities could weaken democratic institutions, discourage political participation and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

He also said that victimising opposition parties before and during elections could prevent them from mobilising supporters and offering voters genuine alternatives.

The don called on political leaders, security agencies, INEC and other stakeholders to prevent developments capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic system.

Kaduna ADP Candidate calls for level playing field

Similarly, the ADP governorship candidate in Kaduna State for the 2027 election, John Yayock Solomon, has warned that intimidation, destruction of campaign materials and denial of campaign spaces could threaten the credibility of the forthcoming election.

Solomon said reports of attacks on opposition members and restrictions on political activities across the country were worrying and required urgent attention.

He alleged that opposition parties in Kaduna State had experienced the destruction of their billboards and denial of access to public squares and open spaces for political events.

He also accused some local government authorities of imposing excessive charges on opposition parties for the use of public facilities while allegedly granting the same facilities free to ruling parties.

‘The 2027 election must not be bloody. Nigeria cannot afford another cycle of electoral violence,’ Solomon said.

‘An election should be a contest of ideas, not a contest of intimidation.’

Solomon called on authorities to ensure that every political party was allowed to campaign freely and present its manifesto to Nigerians without intimidation.

Lawyer cautions against inflaming tension

A prominent Nigerian Lawyer and former presidential aide, Okoi Obono-Obla, has cautioned against generalising alleged incidents of intimidation and restrictions into predictions that the 2027 election would be bloody.

Obono-Obla said although reports of poster destruction, intimidation and denial of public venues raised legitimate concerns, describing isolated incidents as evidence that the elections would be violence-ridden could create unnecessary tension.

He recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari was denied access to the Calabar Stadium in 2015 despite making payment, but relocated his event without escalating tensions.

He said the focus should be on institutional responses to reported violations, urging political parties to provide evidence of alleged attacks and denial of access to public facilities rather than rely on rumours.

Obono-Obla also called for public assets not to be used against opposition parties and urged that the Peace Accord should include sanctions for violations.

He further stressed the need for security agencies to remain neutral and ensure that early warning signs did not develop into a national crisis.

2027: FCT backs Tinubu’s re-election, Wike pushes Rainbow Coalition

In a massive show of political solidarity, stakeholders, leaders, and party members of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have formally endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was announced on Saturday during a high-profile Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ meeting and unveiling of FCT National Assembly candidates, organised by the FCT Stakeholders Assembly at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja, spearheaded by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The gathering brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, area council chairmen, indigenous communities and residents, who endorsed Tinubu for a second term, alongside Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda for the FCT senatorial seat; Hon. Don Gabaya for Abuja North Federal Constituency; and former Bwari Area Council Chairman, Danladi Chiya, for Abuja South Federal Constituency.

Describing the move as historic, Wike urged political actors across the country to emulate the FCT’s cross-party approach and adopt the ‘Rainbow Coalition’ model to foster unity and ensure national progress.

‘Today, we give honour, we give glory to Almighty God, who has made everything possible for us today by giving wisdom to the Abuja stakeholders assembly to mobilize various individuals and residents of Abuja to make history by coming out in their numbers to endorse His Excellency Ahmed Bola Tinubu for the presidential election taking place 16th of January, 2027,’ Wike stated.

Wike challenged supporters of President Bola Tinubu to translate their political endorsement into votes in the January 16, 2027 election, insisting that every stakeholder must deliver their polling unit, ward, local government and state.

Addressing the mammoth crowd comprising leaders from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other political platforms, Wike noted that the FCT had learned vital lessons from the 2023 electoral outcomes.

‘We shall never make the mistake we made in 2023. Are we going to make the same mistake? No! Are we going to make the same mistake? No!’ Wike declared to enthusiastic applause.

He said, ‘In 2023, we made a mistake, but I thank God that when you realize your mistake, you correct it. Is it not? To err is human, to forgive is divine’.

Wike praised the collaborative spirit of the FCT leadership, area council chairmen, traditional rulers, women groups, and youth organisations for burying party lines to champion developmental governance under President Tinubu’s administration.

Highlighting the essence of political loyalty and performance, Wike charged the electorate: ‘Let me tell you one thing in politics: you vote for somebody who knows you, somebody who cares for you, somebody who knows when you have a problem, who can fight for you’.

During the assembly, the FCT leadership endorsed former Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda to return to the Senate representing the FCT.

Additionally, Dr Zephaniah Jisalo and Hon. Micah Jibrin were endorsed to fly the flag for the House of Representatives seats covering Abuja’s constituencies.

Wike emphasised that the Tinubu administration had broken records by institutionalising inclusive governance, noting landmark structural milestones such as the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, which has renewed the hope for career progression among civil servants.

He said: ‘Bola Ahmed Tinubu created the youth secretariat. Bola Ahmed Tinubu created the women’s secretariat. It has never been there; this is the first time. Bola Ahmed Tinubu established the FCT Civil Service Commission.

‘Today, civil servants can rise. Their hope has been renewed… You only retire as a director; none of them could aspire to be permanent secretary or head of service. But through the grace of God, through Ahmed Bola Tinubu, today, they can aspire to be permanent secretaries; they can aspire to be head of service’.

He also commended the Area Council Chairmen for putting aside partisan differences for development.

‘When I came on board, irrespective of the political party, all of us agreed to work for the progress, to work for the improvement of the Federal Capital Territory. If the Area Council chairmen did not support us, if there was no cooperation, it would have been very difficult,’ Wike acknowledged.

Directly charging the youth, women, and party chieftains, the Minister stressed that loyalty must translate to grassroots electoral victory rather than mere empty claims.

Tompolo, Adeleke, Oyetola target 1.5 million votes for Tinubu

The Grand Patron of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo; Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke; and the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, have set a minimum target of 1.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Osun State for the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

Osun has 2,339,233 registered voters, out of which 1,906,3,90, who collected the Permanent Voters Card (PVC) are eligible to vote in the upcoming election.

They set the target on Saturday in Osogbo, the state capital, during the inauguration of state and local government structures of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement and the donation of 30 vehicles and other campaign materials by the Grand Patron of the Movement.

Speaking through his representative, the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Chief Kestin Pondi, the PBAT Door-to-Door Grand Patron reminded the people of Osun State that President Tinubu is one of their own as a Yoruba man.

He stated that as a proud son of the South-West, the people of Osun State had a duty to send the President back to Aso-Rock for a second term, adding that Osun people should unite in giving President Tinubu nothing less than ninety per cent of the votes cast in the state for the presidential election.

Besides the cultural affiliation to Tinubu, the PBAT Door-to-Door Grand Patron, identified the impactful reforms implemented by the President in key sectors, stressing that these policies have resulted in states receiving higher allocations, even as improved resources for states has seen governors pay salaries, pensions, and for the execution of major projects.

He said: ‘We are in Osun State canvassing votes for a man who has done so well for the South-West because we believe in the man. We believe in the man’s reformation agenda, and we believe that the man is what Nigeria needs at this point.’

Highlighting some of the President’s achievements, Tompolo said: ‘We no longer have fuel queues. Our economy is stable. People are now coming to invest in Nigeria, as against when people were removing their money from Nigeria before he assumed office.

‘Today, your governor has money to execute projects because President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was bold enough to start his reforms. Today, salaries are paid on time because the man was bold enough to start his reforms.

‘Most people would have started their reforms in their second term, but he did start his reforms in the first term. Why do you think he did that? Because he loves Nigeria. Because he puts Nigeria first. Because he wants to see that Nigeria moves from what it is now to something that will be the envy of other countries around us.

‘If we must allow him to continue doing what he’s doing and move Nigeria to where Nigeria should be in the comity of nations, then we need to give him a second term. That’s why we’re in Osun State. That’s why we have come to you. We know that you are already going to vote for your brother.

‘We know that you’re already going to vote for your son. We know that you’re already going to vote for the man who is moving Nigeria forward. But what we have come to tell you is that we don’t want your vote to be less than 90%. We want you to give him as many votes as you have. If you can give him 100%, give him 100%,’ Tompolo further said.

In his speech, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, said political parties and groups in Osun were united with the sole aim of ensuring a majority win for President Tinubu in the state.

Adeleke, who was represented at the rally by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, commended the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement for campaigning for the President’s re-election, saying it has given President Tinubu’s campaign a Pan-Nigeria outlook.

Troops rescue 11 kidnap victims in two operations in Kebbi

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 11 kidnapped victims in two separate operations in the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The victims were rescued following encounters between the troops and armed bandits on 30 and 31 October 2026.

In the first operation the troops responded to a distress call that bandits had blocked a road to Ribah town and were attempting to invade the community.

On arrival the soldiers found that some residents had been abducted and several motorcycles were abandoned at the scene.

The troops immediately pursued the fleeing bandits and engaged them in a gun battle forcing them to abandon seven captives.

The rescued victims were identified as Sa’adu Bala Dantani Yahyi Nura Musa Nasiru Muhammad Abdulakeem Abubakar Abdulahi Maikudi and Zaki Gom. They have since been reunited with their families.

In a separate operation troops on patrol around Wasagu came under attack by terrorists but responded decisively forcing the assailants to flee and abandon four kidnapped farmers.

The victims reportedly abducted from their farms in Wasagu Village were identified as Lawali Ali Samaila Shuaibu Kasimu Shuaibu and Aliyu Bala.

They were subsequently handed over to the community head.

The troops reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property in the area assuring residents of continued efforts to respond swiftly to security threats and prevent criminal activities.

Coalition to publish accountability compliance records of five federal MDAs

A coalition of civil society organisations has concluded an evaluation of the financial performance regulatory compliance and mandate execution of five federal agencies and will publish its findings this month.

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Accountability Transparency and the Rule of Law said the review covered the 2023-2026 fiscal cycle and examined public expenditure records procurement activities and compliance with regulatory requirements.

The coalition will present the findings to the media according to a statement jointly issued by the Initiative for Leadership and Economic Watch in Nigeria through its Executive Director Amb. Splendour Aironmwanbor Agbonkpolor who chairs the coalition.

The agencies covered by the evaluation are the National Youth Service Corps Galaxy Backbone Limited the National Primary Health Care Development Agency the National Information Technology Development Agency and the Federal Cooperative College Ibadan.

The coalition said the assessment was based on public expenditure records treasury datasets and corporate regulatory registries.

It added that the exercise aimed to promote transparency accountability and compliance with public financial management standards across government institutions.

‘Our objective is to encourage robust dialogue transparency and adherence to due process across all public institutions. We invite stakeholders media practitioners and public officers to engage objectively with the findings as we deliberate on strengthening public administration in Nigeria’ the coalition stated.

Baku, Jakarta set sights on broader economic cooperation

Azerbaijan and Indonesia are seeking to give their economic relationship a new direction, with investment, mining and industrial cooperation emerging as the main areas of interest. A series of meetings held in Baku in late October has brought the two countries closer to discussing practical projects, reflecting a shared interest in expanding commercial ties beyond the traditional exchange of commodities.

The geographical distance between the two countries is considerable, but their economic interests offer several points of connection. Azerbaijan is an important energy producer and a strategic transit country between Europe and Asia, while Indonesia is one of Southeast Asia’s largest economies, with a substantial industrial base, a growing domestic market and extensive natural resources. Their economic structures are different, but this creates opportunities for cooperation in areas where their respective experience and resources can complement one another.

Trade relations between Azerbaijan and Indonesia already exist, and Indonesia appears among the destinations of Azerbaijani exports in official statistics. In January-August 2025, Indonesia accounted for around 0.4 percent of Azerbaijan’s total exports. This figure is still modest, especially when compared with Azerbaijan’s major trading partners such as Italy, Trkiye, Russia, and China. However, that is precisely what makes the relationship interesting. The current volume of trade remains relatively small, but the room for expansion is substantial.

The latest round of discussions began with a meeting between Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Economy Anar Akhundov and Indonesian Vice Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry Todotua Pasaribu, who also serves as Vice Chairman of Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board and Vice Commissioner of state-owned energy company Pertamina. Energy, petrochemicals, industry, trade and investment were among the subjects discussed. Particular attention was given to potential joint projects involving Azerbaijan’s SOCAR and Indonesia’s Pertamina. The sides also examined opportunities for Indonesian businesses to participate in the reconstruction of Garabagh, as well as possible cooperation in renewable energy, logistics, public-private partnerships and education.

Azerbaijan presented investment opportunities available in its industrial zones and the Alat Free Economic Zone. Projects in Garabagh and East Zangezur were also discussed, giving the Indonesian delegation an opportunity to consider areas beyond the energy sector in which its companies could become involved.

The participation of Pertamina in these discussions is especially relevant. Established in 1957, the company is responsible for a broad range of activities, including oil and gas exploration and production, refining, petrochemicals and the distribution of energy products. Its potential cooperation with SOCAR could therefore extend beyond crude oil supplies to include refining, petroleum products and other parts of the energy value chain.

Energy cooperation has been on the bilateral agenda for several years. In April 2021, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding between their respective energy ministries. The agreement provided a basis for cooperation in the sector, while subsequent discussions have focused on how to translate this framework into commercial opportunities.

During a meeting with Indonesian Ambassador Berlian Helmy in March 2026, Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov discussed the continuation of Azerbaijani crude oil supplies to Indonesia, possible participation in joint oil and gas exploration and production projects, and closer cooperation between SOCAR and Pertamina in petroleum products and oil and gas processing. The discussions also covered renewable energy. Both countries have potential in wind and solar power, while waste-to-energy technologies and biomass were identified as additional areas for cooperation. The Azerbaijani side stressed the importance of involving private companies alongside government institutions, an approach that could help move cooperation from diplomatic discussions towards investment and business activity.

Indonesia’s economic policy places considerable emphasis on adding value to its natural resources through domestic processing and industrial development. This approach, often referred to as downstreaming, is intended to strengthen local manufacturing, attract investment and increase the value generated from the country’s mineral and other resources. For Azerbaijan, which is seeking to develop non-oil industries and attract foreign capital into new sectors, this experience may be of interest.

The mining industry is another area where the two countries are beginning to explore concrete possibilities. On October 29, an Indonesian delegation led by Pasaribu met with representatives of AzerGold CJSC. The meeting focused on investment opportunities and the prospects for joint projects in the mining sector. AzerGold Chairman of the Executive Board Zakir Ibrahimov briefed the delegation on the company’s ten years of operations, its strategic projects and its future development plans. One of the main subjects was the possibility of AzerGold participating as an investor in prospective mining projects in Indonesia and establishing partnerships with local companies. The Indonesian side, in turn, expressed interest in Azerbaijan’s mining industry, particularly the Dashkasan iron ore project, one of AzerGold’s strategic initiatives. The discussions covered the project’s implementation prospects and possible areas of cooperation. The parties agreed to continue technical consultations and identify the next steps for projects of mutual interest.

For Azerbaijan, the Dashkasan project is important in the context of developing its mining and metallurgical industries and making greater use of domestic mineral resources. Cooperation with Indonesian companies could provide access to investment, technical expertise and potential industrial partnerships. At the same time, opportunities for AzerGold in Indonesia would allow the Azerbaijani company to consider expanding its activities beyond the domestic market.

Geography, in this case, does not have to be a barrier to economic cooperation. Azerbaijan’s position along the Middle Corridor and its access to regional transport networks can offer opportunities for companies seeking connections between Asian and European markets. Indonesia, meanwhile, provides access to a large Southeast Asian consumer market and a manufacturing environment with established industrial capabilities.

The challenge now is to turn the growing number of meetings and areas of mutual interest into projects with clear commercial terms and implementation schedules. With bilateral trade still relatively modest and concentrated in a limited number of products, both countries have reason to look beyond existing trade flows. The current discussions suggest that Baku and Jakarta are interested in doing precisely that.

Tinubu hails Frank Aigbogun, BusinessDay Publisher, for commitment to responsible journalism at 70

President Bola Tinubu has commended Frank Aigbogun, publisher of BusinessDay newspapers, for his commitments to responsible journalism.

In a tribute which he personally signed, on Saturday, President Tinubu paid glowing tributes to Aigbogun, who turns 70 years on Sunday, 1st, November, 2026.

He described Aigbogun as an epitome of journalism excellence, a distinguished journalist and media entrepreneur.

He said ‘Aigbogun has contributed significantly to the growth of business journalism, economic reporting, and informed public discourse in Nigeria.

He commended the publisher of BusinessDay, which recently celebrated over 25 years of operation, for ‘providing a platform for insightful analysis of economic policies, investment opportunities, and developments that shape Nigeria’s business environment.

‘Of particular note is his use of BusinessDay to strengthen connections among the media, the private sector, policymakers, and the investing public, while advancing credible business reporting in national development’ .

‘I believe experienced media professionals such as Frank must remain invaluable contributors to Nigeria’s institutional development and the advancement of business journalism, at a critical time, as our nation undergoes economic reforms’ the president stated

The president, while wishing him good health, and renewed strength as he celebrates 70 years milestone, also prayed for greater accomplishments in the years ahead.