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2027: More than 1000 clerics endorse Tinubu in Katsina

No fewer than 1,117 Islamic clerics in Katsina State endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 on Sunday at a gathering organised by Ibrahim Masari, presidential adviser on political matters.

The clerics,from the Izala and Tijjaniyya groups comprise scholars, imams, male and female preachers, and teachers.

Masari conveyed Tinubu’s appreciation to the clerics, assuring them that the President and his administration would not betray the confidence reposed in them by Katsina residents.

He urged the religious leaders to mobilise their followers to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) at all levels ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Masari also emphasised the importance of trust, integrity and accountability in leadership, urging Islamic scholars to uphold truthfulness and responsible conduct in religious and public engagements.

Similarly, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqa Rabe-Darma, urged the clerics to use their community influence to explain the administration’s policies and political agenda.

Rabe-Darma described Islamic scholars as influential figures whose sermons and regular interactions with worshippers could shape public understanding of political issues and leadership choices.

He noted that politicians across party lines frequently sought religious leaders’ blessings and support, underscoring their influence in society.

The minister encouraged the clerics to use their platforms, particularly Friday sermons and community engagements, to explain their support for Tinubu’s second-term bid.

He said religious leaders had an important role in political mobilisation because many communities trusted their guidance on religious, social and public affairs.

In his remarks, Sheikh Aminu Usman, also known as Abu Ammar, the state’s immediate past Hisbah commander, urged Islamic scholars not to remain silent on political matters.

He said their responsibilities extended beyond religious activities to include enlightening the public on leadership and governance.

Usman cited Islamic teachings on the relationship between religious scholarship and leadership, urging clerics to educate followers about political candidates.

He encouraged citizens to assess leaders based on their records and performance, stressing the need for religious leaders to speak truthfully about political developments.

Usman said clerics should help citizens make informed choices as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gathered momentum.

T20 World Cup: Nigeria beat Uganda, clinch sub-regional Africa qualifier ticket

Nigeria beat favourites Uganda in Abuja to win the T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier and pick one of the two tickets to the next stage of the qualifier.

This is Nigeria’s first victory over Uganda after 13 failed attempts.

The tournament featured hosts Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho, Mozambique and The Gambia, who competed in a round-robin format at the twin cricket ovals in Abuja.

The Nigerian side, known as the YellowGreens, finished the Sub Regional Qualifier C unbeaten, topping the table with a perfect 10 points, while Uganda secured second place with 8 points.

Despite the loss, Uganda also booked their spot in the Africa Qualifier slated for October 2027.

Speaking after the final match, the captain of the YellowGreens, Chima Akachukwu, said there were shivers at some points during the final match, saying, ‘When defending, there were shivers because at some point, the game was as if it was shifting, but I kept on talking to the boys.’

‘We keep fighting for every game, ball by ball until the last ball,’ he said.

Looking ahead to the African qualifier next year, Akachukwu said the team has a clear mindset.

‘The mindset is to keep winning every game that comes our way. So, we will keep training hard. The Nigerian Cricket Federation (NCF) has been doing so well. So, they will continue to do the good work,’ he said.

On his part, Stephen Mangongo, the high-performance manager for NCF and head coach of the senior men’s team, commended the players for their performance.

‘The boys have put in a lot of hard work behind the scenes. We’ve worked a lot on their fitness, mental toughness, and skills development. And without committed players, you don’t go anywhere,’ he said.

He also commended the Federation for providing funds for the team’s training programmes, saying the team got all the support needed to succeed.

The NCF President, Dr Uyi Akpata, while commending the team for the feat, pledged the Federation’s continued support to take cricket to the next level in Nigeria.

YoungShip Sri Lanka members gain first-hand industry exposure at McLarens Containers Depot

YoungShip Sri Lanka has strengthened its commitment to professional development in the maritime and logistics sectors through an educational visit to McLarens Containers Depot on 8 September 2026.

The visit provided YoungShip Sri Lanka members with valuable first-hand exposure to the operations of an Inland Container Depot (ICD), highlighting the important role such facilities play in supporting cargo movement, supply chain efficiency and international trade.

Designed to complement academic and professional knowledge with practical industry experience, the program gave participants an opportunity to observe key depot activities and engage directly with experienced industry professionals.

During the visit, members were introduced to the various stages of container handling, storage, inspection, maintenance and repair. Technical briefings and guided tours provided insight into the operational processes involved in maintaining container availability and ensuring the safe and efficient movement of cargo. A key highlight was the opportunity to examine different types of containers used in international shipping and multimodal transportation. Participants were introduced to general-purpose containers, refrigerated (reefer) containers, ISO tank containers and other specialised equipment. Discussions covered their design characteristics, applications, operational requirements and safety considerations.

The delegation also observed container inspection, maintenance and repair activities. Technical personnel explained how containers are assessed for structural condition, defects and other maintenance requirements, while emphasising the importance of preventive maintenance and timely repairs in maintaining container integrity and ensuring cargo safety.

The program also provided insights into the management of depot operations, including inventory control, yard planning, equipment utilisation, storage management and operational coordination. Participants learned how technology, efficient resource management and rigorous safety procedures contribute to the effective functioning of a modern container depot.

The visit forms part of YoungShip Sri Lanka’s wider program of educational and professional development initiatives aimed at exposing young professionals to the diverse operational areas of the maritime, shipping and logistics industries.

Beat the heat, DOLE expands compensation list

STAYING cool on the job just got a whole lot more critical and protected.

With temperatures climbing, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is stepping up to protect workers from extreme heat.

Under Labor Advisory 19 series of 2026, the department expanded the official list of heat-related conditions covered by workers’ compensation.

If heat on the job makes a worker sick, the safety net is now wider than ever.

Beyond standard heat stroke and exhaustion, you can now claim coverage for: fainting and dizziness (heat syncope), severe heat rash (bungang araw), muscle breakdown (Rhabdomyolysis), kidney injuries from dehydration and neurological disorders caused by excessive heat exposure.

Workers are also qualified for compensation of even unlisted conditions if their job environment significantly boosted risk from heat.

The new guidelines protect both indoor and outdoor workers both in the government and the private sectors.

Heat-injured workers need to show that their job conditions materially contributed to the illness when claiming benefits. The Social Security System and the Govenment Service Insurance System will look at key environmental and physical factors like:

High workplace heat and humidity (supported by PAGASA heat index reports)

Heavy physical exertion or long exposure hours

Lack of access to shade, cooling areas, or drinking water

Missing protective equipment or rest breaks

Employers are required to assist workers throughout the process. This includes maintaining an Employees’ compensation logbook, filing incident reports, and providing helpful documentation-such as job descriptions, work-rest schedules, and workplace temperature logs.

NLEX, TNT claim QF opener

NLEX, reigning champion TNT Tropang Giga beat their respective rivals on Sunday in Game 1 of the best-of-five quarterfinals to claim the series opener at Season 50 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.

The Road Warriors weathered a mighty Phoenix Super LPG comeback by pulling off a 97-92 win while the Tropang 5G routed Magnolia, 92-70, to get a one game series advantage.

Deonte DeAngelo Burton took over NLEX’s offense by scoring 27 points and grabbing 11 rebounds while Robert Bolick added 20 points, four rebounds and four assists, and Deschon Winston had 13 points also for the Road Warriors.

Ricci Rivero posted 24 points, nine rebounds and five assists to lead the Fuel Masters.

Meanwhile, three-time best import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson returned to his deadly form with 26 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals while Calvin Oftana made 13 points plus 11 rebounds to help TNT defeat Magnolia and KJ Buffen.NLEX and TNT shoot for a 2-0 lead on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

Azerbaijan wins ten medals at U-15 European Boxing Championships [PHOTOS]

Azerbaijan’s national team has won ten medals at the U-15 European Boxing Championships in Trabzon, Turkiye.

Teymur Tanriverdiyev (90kg) was crowned European champion. He defeated Romania’s Richard Ovidiu 5-0 in the final, with the judges scoring the bout 30-27, 29-28, 30-27, 30-27 and 30-27.

Sanan Nasibli (52kg), Yusif Ali (57kg) and Sarkhan Hakhverdiyev (70kg) won silver medals.

Meanwhile, Nuray Gafarova (50kg), Alakbar Mammadli (44kg), Gulay Ojakova (57kg), Sadiq Khalilov (54kg), Sunay Azimov (60kg) and Rafael Abbasov (66kg) claimed bronze medals.

Azerbaijan finished the championships with one gold, three silver and six bronze medals.

Boxing is one of the oldest combat sports in human history. The earliest evidence of boxing dates back to ancient Egypt around 3000 BC. The sport was introduced to the ancient Olympic Games in Greece in 688 BC.

Boxing made its modern Olympic debut at the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis, United States.

The International Boxing Federation (FIBA) was established in 1920 and was renamed the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) in 1946. The organization later became known as the International Boxing Association (AIBA).

Boxing has a long and distinguished history in Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijan Boxing Federation was established in 1924, and the country’s first national boxing championship was held in 1926. That same year, Azerbaijani boxers won the Transcaucasian Championship, marking an early milestone in the development of the sport in the country.

Since 1992, the Azerbaijan Boxing Federation has been a full member of the international and European amateur boxing organizations of the time.

Azerbaijani boxers have achieved considerable success at major international competitions. In 2003, Aghasi Mammadov made history by winning gold in the 54kg category at the World Boxing Championships in Bangkok, becoming Azerbaijan’s first world champion in the sport. At the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Fuad Aslanov and Aghasi Mammadov each won a bronze medal, further strengthening Azerbaijan’s standing in international boxing.

Azerbaijan has also hosted several major international boxing competitions. In 2010, Baku hosted the AIBA Youth World Championships, which served as a qualifying event for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. The country also hosted the 2011 AIBA World Boxing Championships, a major qualifying tournament for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Coalition urges FG to use solar to power 86m Nigerians

The Federal Government has been urged to accelerate solar power deployment to address energy poverty, with an estimated 86 million Nigerians lacking access to electricity.

The call was made by the Solar Power Nigeria Coalition during a solidarity march in Abuja, where participants advocated wider adoption of solar energy to provide affordable and reliable electricity to underserved communities.

Speaking at the event, Joseph Ibrahim said solar mini-grids could deliver electricity to rural communities, markets and other locations faster than waiting for extensions of the national grid.

He described mini-grids as small power stations located within communities, enabling residents to access electricity within months rather than waiting years for grid connections.

Ibrahim said solar energy offered a practical way to expand electricity access to homes, schools, clinics and businesses.

He lamented that 66 years after independence, millions of Nigerians remained without electricity, blaming the situation partly on the failure of political candidates to make power supply a central issue during election campaigns.

‘This time must be different. From President and Governor to Senator, House member and Local Government Chairman, every candidate must tell us clearly how they will bring electricity to the people they want to lead,’ he said.

He added that rising fuel prices had made generator-powered electricity increasingly unaffordable for many households and small businesses.

‘Solar has become a lifeline. Yet our national grid still produces only about 5,000 megawatts for more than 200 million people, and over 86 million Nigerians have no electricity at all,’ Ibrahim said.

He noted that inadequate electricity affected children’s ability to study at night, healthcare facilities’ capacity to preserve medicines and the operations of traders who depend on lighting and power to conduct business.

Ibrahim commended the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, for reconsidering an immediate ban on solar imports, saying the decision would help keep solar equipment accessible to households, businesses, schools and clinics.

He urged the Federal Government to sustain supportive policies, improve access to affordable financing for solar businesses and consumers, and encourage investment in local solar companies.

According to him, supporting Nigerian businesses involved in manufacturing, installing and maintaining solar equipment would also create jobs for young people.

‘Every panel they fit is a job for a young Nigerian,’ he said.

Also speaking, the Nigerian National Coordinator of GreenFaith Africa, Lucky Abeng, said millions of Nigerians, particularly those in rural and economically disadvantaged communities, remained unable to access reliable electricity.

Abeng, whose organisation is a member of the coalition, said the campaign aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7, which seeks to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

He stressed the need for sustained efforts to expand electricity access and ensure that underserved communities benefit from cleaner and more affordable energy sources.

Cheetahs get even with Jaguars

The Benedicto College (BC) Cheetahs scored a vengeful 76-64 victory over the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars to stay atop of the college division standings in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 26 basketball tournament Saturday night at the Cebu Coliseum.

Jhon Loufred Diamante bagged 16 points, while Kenneth Babalcon stuffed the stat sheet with 12 points, four rebounds, eight assists, three blocks and a steal as the Cheetahs stretched their league-best record to 9-1.

Junil Bulan added 11 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block for the Cheetahs, who avenged their 60-62 overtime loss to the Jaguars in their first-round meeting last September 24.

Alcher Obra produced a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds, along with two steals, while El John Lacaya chipped in 12 points, two rebounds, five assists and three steals but their efforts proved futile as the Jaguars dropped to 5-4.

In the other collegiate matchup, Ray James Enriquez stole the show with 21 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals as the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors got even with the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters by the slimmest of margins, 59-58.

Real Einer Aureo tallied 13 points with seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while James Tawacal contributed 10 points, six rebounds and three assists as the Warriors improved to 6-4.

Ricofer Sordilla fired 18 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Maverick Eligoyo posted 17 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal for their efforts went for naught as the Webmasters fell to 5-5.

In the juniors division, reigning five-peat champions Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles and the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) kept their undefeated records intact.

Lian Kent Basa delivered an all-around performance with 13 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and six steals, while Jacob Javelosa and Gabriel Gonzales nailed 13 points apiece as the Magis Eagles soared to their sixth straight win with a 67-56 defeat of the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons.

Carl Torreon sizzled with 18 points, while Kyle Francis Bayog churned out 11 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals as UCLM prevailed over the UC Junior Webmasters, 79-61, in a battle of sister teams to remain unbeaten at 7-0.

In another game, Skeril Miez Basilisco chalked up 14 points and eight rebounds, while Mark Ivan Geraldez had 12 points, four rebounds and five assists as the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Junior Wildcats edged the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers, 61-59, to claim sole possession of second place with a 7-2 slate.

Prosecution targets November finish for Duterte impeach trial

APROSECUTION spokesperson in Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s impeachment trial expects the proceedings to conclude by the end of November, while maintaining that removal from office and perpetual disqualification from holding public office must be imposed together if the Senate Impeachment Court convicts her.

Prosecution spokesperson and adviser Ace Barbers said Duterte’s defense panel had initially sought 30 trial days to present its case before prosecutors withdrew three of the four impeachment articles. However, he understood that the defense requested only eight trial days for Article II, which accuses Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, of unexplained wealth.

‘They were asking for 30 trial days, but, as far as I know, they requested only eight trial days for Article II, which concerns unexplained wealth,’ Barbers said during the weekend.

‘So, if they follow that eight-day schedule, the presentation could be finished in two weeks at most,’ he added, noting that the Senate Impeachment Court had been holding hearings from Monday to Friday before the recess.

Barbers said, however, that the defense could still use the full 30 days it originally requested. After completing its presentation, the defense would formally offer its evidence, giving the prosecution an opportunity to comment on the exhibits.

The Senate Impeachment Court is scheduled to resume proceedings on November 9 following the Halloween break. Under the schedule announced by Presiding Officer Sen. Francis Escudero, hearings will continue on selected dates through November 23, with no session on November 30, Bonifacio Day.

Barbers also maintained that the two principal penalties for conviction in an impeachment trial – removal from office and perpetual disqualification from holding public office-cannot be imposed separately, countering speculation that Duterte could be removed but remain eligible to run in the 2028 elections.

‘Based on the Constitution, these penalties cannot be separated. The consequence of an impeachment process is that the respondent is penalized with removal from office and perpetual disqualification from holding public office,’ he said.

He also rejected the possibility of a plea bargain in the impeachment proceedings, saying the arrangement, under which an accused pleads to a lesser offense in exchange for a reduced penalty, had no constitutional basis in the process.

The House prosecution previously withdrew the articles involving alleged misuse of confidential funds, bribery and grave threats, opting to focus on the remaining unexplained wealth charge. The withdrawal does not constitute a finding that the allegations were false, while separate investigations into the alleged offenses may continue.

Meanwhile, House prosecutor Manila Rep. Joel Chua criticized Duterte’s defense team for publicly questioning the withdrawal of the three articles without formally seeking reconsideration of the Impeachment Court’s ruling.

‘Isn’t that so? That is why I said their complaints seemed to be intended merely for social media,’ Chua said.

Chua recalled that during the October 13 hearing, Escudero asked defense lawyer Sheila Sison whether her statement opposing the implications of the withdrawal constituted a motion for reconsideration. The defense clarified that it was not objecting to the withdrawal itself and did not ask the court to treat its statement as a formal motion for reconsideration.

The impeachment court subsequently limited the defense’s evidence presentation to Article II and lifted sub judice restrictions on the withdrawn articles, allowing public discussion of the allegations subject to the court’s rules on evidence disclosure.

Chua argued that the prosecution’s decision narrowed the issues to be addressed in the trial, emphasizing that prosecutors needed only one conviction to secure Duterte’s conviction on impeachment.

‘We studied all four articles, but we only need a conviction on one to secure her conviction,’ he said.

Customs foils wildlife smuggling, rescues 5 pangolins

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, has rescued five live pangolins abandoned by suspected traffickers along the Igbo-Ora-Imeko-Afon axis of Ogun State.

The rescue of the five animals is coming barely seven days after a similar rescue operation was made.

The operation, conducted at about 1am on Friday, October 23, followed intelligence on the suspected movement of endangered wildlife.

The suspected traffickers reportedly fled on sighting Customs officers, abandoning the animals concealed in wire-mesh cages.

The rescued pangolins were handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected habitat.

The Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, who conducted the handover on behalf of the Acting Controller of FOU Zone A, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, said the interception of wildlife consignments within about seven days underscored the need for investigations to identify and dismantle the smuggling syndicates.

Oguntuase reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to combating wildlife trafficking through intelligence-led operations and collaboration with conservation agencies.

‘Pangolins are among the world’s most trafficked mammals. This seizure is another clear warning to those involved in the illegal wildlife trade that Nigeria’s borders and transport corridors remain under active surveillance,’ he said.

He warned that those involved in wildlife trafficking would face the full weight of the law.

Receiving the animals, Dr Austin Tochukwu of the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre, commended Customs for its intervention and assured that the centre would provide the necessary care and facilitate the pangolins’ rehabilitation and eventual release into a protected environment.

The Customs Service reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity and enforcing relevant national and international wildlife protection laws.