Author: user user

Mining: Alake demands extended human capital development to maximise sector potential

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dr. Dele Alake has stressed that prioritising human capital development is essential to fully unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s extractive sector.

He made the assertion on Monday during the inauguration of the maiden edition of the NGSA Post-NYSC Graduate Youth Knowledge Empowerment and Capacity-Building Programme in Abuja organised by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) in collaboration with the Ministry.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Mr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo the Minister emphasized that empowering young professionals with field-ready expertise remains the bedrock of sustainable growth in the mining industry.

‘Nigeria’s vast deposits of gold lithium iron ore barite and limestone offer immense opportunities for economic diversification industrialisation job creation and revenue generation. However maximizing this wealth requires a deliberate investment in our human resource capacity to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application’ Alake stated.

He called on the NGSA to scale up the capacity-building initiative urging the agency to partner with key stakeholders to broaden its reach.

‘To maximise the benefits of our mineral wealth we must expand human development initiatives across the sector. I urge the NGSA to deepen its collaboration with universities research institutions professional bodies and private sector operators. This will ensure that more young geoscientists are equipped with the practical skills required to drive the industry forward’ he said.

Alake advised participants to master core practical modules-including geological mapping mineral exploration remote sensing GIS and laboratory analysis-while urging them to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset.

‘Do not rely solely on conventional white-collar employment. I encourage you to leverage the practical skills gained here to explore entrepreneurship in mineral testing exploration support services mineral processing environmental consultancy and mining technology’ Alake added.

Earlier in his address the Director-General of the NGSA Professor Olusegun Ige explained that the programme was conceived to resolve the shortage of practical exposure commonly faced by geology graduates during their tertiary studies.

‘We received nearly 500 applications for this maiden edition but due to resource constraints we selected a competitive pool with balanced representation across all six geopolitical zones. Our senior experienced NGSA professionals will serve as facilitators to give these graduates the hands-on exposure required by the industry’ Ige noted.

Highlighting the agency’s ongoing commitment to manpower development Ige referenced past initiatives including the sponsorship and recognition of outstanding university research projects-one of whose award recipients was subsequently absorbed into the agency as an intern.

Supporting the Minister’s call former NGSA Director-General Alex Ndubuisi described the initiative as a timely intervention to correct academic equipment deficits in universities urging the agency to expand intake numbers for subsequent editions.

Representing the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) Engr. Simon Nkom the Senior Special Assistant on Technical Matters Mr. Dauda Dinga commended the workshop and advocated for its expansion to cover mining engineering graduates noting that ‘competent geoscientists and mining engineers are the twin pillars of effective mineral title administration and sustainable extraction.’

Also speaking the representative of the Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University Keffi Professor Nathaniel Goki reaffirmed academia’s support for the initiative calling for sustained institutional collaboration between universities and the NGSA in joint research and access to seismic monitoring data.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries trainee representative Nana Yakubu expressed gratitude to the Ministry and the NGSA for the platform pledging that the participants would maximize the training to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s solid minerals landscape.

’Undas’ generally peaceful, orderly; 40.7M visit cemeteries nationwide

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a generally peaceful and orderly observance of Undas 2026 nationwide, recording more than 40.7 million visitors in cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria nationwide from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2

‘Based on reports from the ground, this year’s Undas was generally peaceful and orderly, reflecting the discipline of our personnel and the cooperation of the public,’ said PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. in a statement on Monday.

The PNP said 40,740,246 visitors had been recorded in 5,311 burial sites from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.

A total of 1,695,440 visitors were recorded as of 6 a.m. on Monday.

Police also reported confiscating a total of 6,499 prohibited items from cemeteries nationwide.

These included 879 pointed or bladed weapons, 62 alcoholic beverages, 2,817 lighters, 1,739 cigarette and vape products, 180 cooking materials, and 397 flammable substances.

Nartatez said initial field reports indicated that security measures effectively managed the influx of cemetery visitors and travelers during the annual observance.

Over 166,000 police personnel and force multipliers were deployed to secure cemeteries, transport hubs, and other public areas.

Police assistance desks and emergency response teams were also stationed to assist cemetery visitors, especially children, senior citizens, and those requiring immediate help.

‘Our priority was to ensure people could honor their loved ones safely, and we are encouraged by the results of our collective efforts,’ Nartatez said.

Ministry of ICT urges varsities to end multinationals’ reliance on foreign tech

The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and National Guidance has called on Soroti University to position itself at the forefront of the country’s technological revolution, cautioning that major multinational corporations operating in Uganda continue to import software solutions that local public universities have the capacity to develop.

Speaking on Friday during an interface with students from the School of Engineering and Technology at Soroti University-located six kilometers from Soroti City along the Soroti-Moroto road-Mr. Amos Mpungu, the acting Commissioner for E-Services at the Ministry of ICT, underscored the need for local institutions to commercialize their intellectual capacity.

Mr. Mpungu expressed concern that financial and telecommunications giants in the country rely on external expertise for services that domestic students can deliver.

‘We wish to see Soroti University create innovations that are useful to the public. There is no reason why multi-billion companies operating in the country should source for soft technology that should ideally be a monopoly of our own students,’ Mr. Mpungu said, citing entities such as Stanbic Bank, MTN, and Airtel as examples of organizations sourcing solutions abroad despite local potential.

He noted that while the ministry has partnered with several public universities to establish innovation hubs aimed at fostering problem-solving technologies, the primary hurdle remains transitioning those concepts into viable commercial products.

‘Under entrepreneurship and innovation, the Ministry of ICT has partnered with a few universities by setting up innovation hubs where students can come up with innovations that are useful for the public. However, one of the challenges is that we have not learnt how to harness the intellectual property that we have to be able to generate money out of it. The problem that we have is attracting funding, where you get people to grow your innovation. Innovation is not the problem, but scaling it to the market is where the challenge lies,’ Mr. Mpungu explained.

To address these market gaps, the ministry is collaborating with international partners to expand global market access for local tech firms. Mr. Shimpei Watanabe, an ICT industry promotion expert attached to the Ministry of ICT through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), revealed that initiatives are underway to bridge Ugandan and Japanese technology sectors.

According to Mr. Watanabe, the ICT ministry requested JICA’s partnership to drive technological transformation through innovation hubs established at Soroti, Muni, Busitema, and Mbarara universities. These institutions are currently working to design targeted solutions for domestic challenges in health, agriculture, and infrastructure.

‘The Ugandan ICT industry is promising to be one of the best in the world; all that is needed is commitment from all stakeholders,’ Mr. Watanabe said.

Academic leaders at the university urged students to adopt a practical, commercial mindset to tackle pressing national needs. Dr. Florence Favor, senior lecturer and deputy dean at the School of Engineering and Technology, advised students against keeping their technical ideas dormant.

‘Students should not remain cagey with their ideas. These concepts must be translated into real solutions, money-value output, and job creation. Before graduating, every student at the School of Engineering and Technology should have at least five working innovations intended for public use,’ Dr. Favor stated, urging learners to be solution providers rather than lamenting existing challenges.

Reinforcing the university’s institutional vision, Prof. John Robert Ikoja Odongo, Vice Chancellor of Soroti University, emphasized that building a self-sustaining innovation ecosystem is a national priority.

‘A strategic national imperative ensures that Uganda doesn’t merely generate ideas, but protects, develops, and translates them into technologies, enterprises, employment, and measurable public value,’ Prof. Ikoja said.

He further appealed to JICA and the Ministry of ICT to establish and fully equip a dedicated ICT incubation hub at the university, equipped with mentorship programs, prototyping facilities, enterprise development support, and direct industry linkages necessary to transition student and researcher concepts from the laboratory to the commercial market.

Police Trail Kidnappers Of Father, Son Abducted On Kwara Farm

The Kwara State Police Command says it is yet to secure the release of an elderly man and his son abducted by suspected kidnappers.

The incident allegedly occurred while travelling to their farm in Oke-Ero Local Government Area of the state.

The victims, identified as Elder Bamidele Matthew and his son, Bamidele Ibukun, were kidnapped on October 20, 2026, along the Idofin-Igbana axis of Iloffa, headquarters of Oke-Ero LGA.

The victims, residents of Oke Esi Compound, Kajola, were reportedly on their way to the farm when they were seized by the assailants.

Their incident threw the community into panic with many expressing concerns over their safety.

They also called for urgent intervention by security agencies to secure the victims’ release.

Efforts to get the reaction of the Chairman of Oke-Ero Local Government Area, Hon. James Fadipe, were unsuccessful, as he ended the phone call on Monday when contacted by Daily Trust for comments on the abduction.

However, Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust on Monday.

He said operatives had been on the trail of the kidnappers since the incident but were yet to make a breakthrough.

‘Yes, it’s true and we have been on the kidnappers trail since after the incident, but no breakthrough yet,’ he said.

The commissioner, however, assured residents that the command was not relenting in its efforts to rescue the victims.

‘We shall do everything to ensure they are rescued and reunited with their family,’ Ojo added.

Police recover stolen gun five months after brutal attack on Omoro OC station

Police in Aswa West Region have recovered a sub-machine gun (SMG) that was stolen five months ago during a violent attack on the Officer in Charge of Lalogi Police Station in Omoro District.

The firearm was recovered on Sunday, November 1, 2026, after a resident of Barolemo Village, Kalumu Parish in Paicho Sub-county, Gulu District, stumbled upon it while clearing bushes around the compound of his late father, Daniel Komakech.

The police spokesperson for Aswa West and East regions, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, confirmed the recovery on Monday, revealing that the firearm matched the details of the gun robbed from the police officer in May.

“Upon recovery and examination, the firearm was identified as the very SMG stolen from Lalogi Police Station. Although it had rusted, its serial numbers remained clearly visible,” SP Okema told this publication.

According to police records, on May 11, 2026, at around 8:30 pm, two unidentified assailants armed with a heavy metal object attacked Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) Beatrice Awor while she was resting in her house during a heavy downpour. The assailants struck AIP Awor on the head, leaving her with severe injuries, before making off with the police rifle (registration number UG POL 48014235-15938) and 30 rounds of ammunition.

The five-month hunt for the weapon came to an end when Mr. Richard Otim noticed a white polythene bag buried beneath a tree on his late father’s property. Suspecting something unusual, he inspected the package, discovered the weapon, and immediately alerted the Local Council I (LC I) Chairperson, who then notified security forces.

SP Okema noted that in addition to the rifle, officers retrieved two magazines wrapped alongside the firearm containing 26 and six rounds of ammunition, respectively.

Preliminary security findings indicate that the late Komakech had been arrested on June 19, 2026, alongside Oscar Ojok, a resident of Lalogi, and Vincent Opiro, a resident of Nwoya District, over involvement in a wave of aggravated robberies and murders across the Aswa sub-region.

“During the arrest operation on June 19, 2026, Daniel Komakech was fatally shot after allegedly attempting to disarm one of the security officers,” Okema explained.

He added that the two surviving accomplices are currently facing trial.

“Ojok Oscar and Opiro Vincent were charged in connection with other cases of aggravated robbery and murder before the UPDF General Court Martial and are currently on remand,” SP Okema said.

Security agencies further suspect that Ojok, a local resident of Lalogi, was the mastermind behind the targeted May attack on the police commander’s residence. Police investigations into the broader criminal network remain ongoing.

Pangilinan: Intensify crackdown on hoarders, profiteers amid El Niño

Sen. Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan on Monday urged the government to intensify its crackdown on hoarders, profiteers, and cartels as the country braces for the impact of a strong El Niño on food production and prices.

He also called on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Price Coordinating Council and other concerned agencies to strengthen market monitoring and enforce applicable price freezes in areas declared under a state of calamity.

He said these agencies should recommend the imposition of price ceilings when warranted under the law to protect consumers from unreasonable price increases.

‘We should not profit from the impending calamity that will further afflict our countrymen, especially farmers and fishermen who also buy food from the market. During times of crisis, consumers must be protected against exploitation,’ Pangilinan said.

According to him, authorities should investigate and prosecute individuals and entities engaged in hoarding, profiteering, and cartel activities that seek to exploit the threat of drought and water shortages to manipulate food supply and prices.

‘[They should] gather evidence and pursue criminal and administrative cases against those responsible for illegal price manipulation. Enforcement must not end with frontline sellers. We must target the very top, the big business owners behind these syndicates,’ said Pangilinan, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform.

Under Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, as amended by Republic Act No. 10623, the prices of basic necessities in areas declared under a state of calamity are automatically frozen at their prevailing levels or placed under automatic price control, unless otherwise declared by the president.

Pangilinan also warned that public officials who conspire in or knowingly conceal violations of the Price Act may be held accountable.

Police Rescue Kidnapped Tanker Driver In Edo

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have rescued a kidnapped tanker driver, identified as Usman Abubakar, in the state.

The victim was reportedly kidnapped along the Benin-Lagos Road by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on October 31, 2026.

It was gathered that the victim and his motor boy were heading from Lagos towards Kano State when some armed men emerged from the bush at Ugbogun, along the expressway, and intercepted the vehicle.

The gunmen reportedly kidnapped the driver and whisked him into the bush, while his motor boy, identified as Imran Sokoto, escaped.

The Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the victim had been rescued by the police.

She said the police received information that a tanker driver had been kidnapped by gunmen along the Benin-Lagos Highway and whisked into the bush.

Ikoedem said the police mobilised a security team to Morgan Forest for a bush combing operation aimed at rescuing the victim.

She said the hoodlums, on sighting the police, opened fire on them, prompting the officers to respond and in the process, the suspects fled into the bush with bullet wounds, abandoning their captive.

She added that the victim was rescued unhurt and continued his journey.

Uganda seeks global reach with Pamoja Afcon

By the time the audience had dispersed the Buliisa Meeting Room of the elegant Marriott Hotel, not many had fully weighed in the power of the signed partnership between Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and the Confédération Africaine de Football (Caf) on Friday afternoon.

UTB and Caf announced an agreement to promote Uganda, through Explore Uganda brand, as a leading African tourism destination during next year’s TotalEnergies Pamoja Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

The deal, with sources on both ends of the negotiations valuing it at estimated $7.5 million (Shs31.83b), is the biggest marketing agreement in Ugandan history.

‘Ugandan tourism has turned a corner. This is not the tourism we knew in 1996. You start to see that we are starting to take center stage on the tourism global stage,’ UTB CEO Julian Kagwa remarked in front of a powerful delegation comprising Caf, Fufa and government officials.

‘On behalf of the Caf president Dr. Patrice Motsepe and our Caf Executive Committee, I would like to welcome UTB to the Caf family,’ stated Caf general secretary Samson Adamu.

With the international system turned to a multi-polar order, it has created economic changes, forced major geopolitical shifts, and arisen the influence of non-Western powers.

And at a time where the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted chains, the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war raging on, the U.S-Israel war with Iran, states of a stature like Uganda honestly find it difficult to compete globally.

President Yoweri Museveni launched the Explore Uganda brand in 2022 a strategic move to revamp the country’s tourism industry following ramifications of Covid-19.

And now, the uniqueness of deal with Caf is that Uganda closed in on a major international platform to showcase its diverse tourism attractions, cultural heritage and hospitality to millions of football supporters across Africa and around the world.

‘We are home to the mountain gorillas. It’s only in Uganda where silver meets gold. It’s only in Uganda where we have the big seven, other countries have the big five so we are unique,’ tourism state minister Susan Nakawuki Nsambu noted.

‘It’s only in Uganda where we find the source of the River Nile. Uganda is in its own make. As a ministry, we realize that destination marketing must always evolve (with) targeted international marketing to make sure that Uganda remains competitive,’ she added.

Put simply, the marketing deal has the potential to reach nearly four out of ten people as East Africa hosts the continent’s biggest sports showpiece.

‘The Afcon 2027 will give East Africa a unique opportunity to market itself to the over three billion people globally who will be watching the Afcon. Caf is working closely with Uganda together with Kenya and Tanzania to build strong ties with the business community ahead of Pamoja 2027,’ said Adamu.

‘That’s how tourism is going to make a contribution to the 10-fold growth strategy,’ Parliament’s deputy Speaker Hon. Thomas Tayebwa stated.

He argued that Uganda has 29 mountain gorilla families, of which each can be visited by eight people a day. ‘You have a premium product which must be marketed to premium markets. If we don’t invest in marketing our country, the tourists will not come,’ Tayebwa noted.

Immediately after Adamu’s speech, the Explore Uganda sponsorship’s promotion video, filmed by Uganda Media Centre (UMC), was unveiled in the room and on social media. By Sunday morning, the 69-second clip had reached more 189,000 views on UMC’s page on X, formerly Twitter.

Respectfully, the Afcon brand under Motsepe’s reign has turned a big corner in terms of value, especially at the Ivory Coast 2023 and Morocco 2025 editions.

From preliminary research numbers released by independent research agencies, Afcon witnessed a 61 percent growth in viewership at the tournament played between December 2025 and January 2026 in Morocco.

For the same tournament, Caf noted record figures of about 3.6 billion viewers in tournament broadcast and an additional six billion in digital engagements.

‘This is our moment in history. We must welcome the rest of the world, whether it is virtually or physically,’ Kagwa said. ‘We need to get ready. This is the biggest Kwanjula that Uganda will ever have. I want to put it in a local context, because that’s when people lose their minds in our homes.

When the homestead gets ready to welcome the man, they’re taking their daughter. That is the way we need to be behaving,’ she added.

Uganda had 1,642,215 international visitors and tourism receipts reached a record $1.62b (Shs5.829t) in 2025, according the ministry of tourism, wildlife and antiquities data.

For each Pamoja Afcon tournament brand placement across Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, Explore Uganda will be a part; at all stadiums, key hotels and airports, on match tickets, visual adverts across broadcast and digital platforms among spaces.

EXPLORE UGANDA

Destination brand: Explore Uganda, The Pearl of Africa

Launched: 2022

Managed By:Uganda Tourism Board

2025 Statistics: 1,642,215 international visitors

2025 Tourism Receipts: $1.62 billion (Shs5.829 trillion)

Brand Promise: Adventure of a Lifetime – Uganda’s rare, precious, natural and cultural legacy

Core Attractions: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, White-water Rafting on River Nile, Wildlife Safaris across national parks, Mountain Climbing in the Rwenzoris, Diverse Cultural Experiences across more than 56 ethnic groups.

PAMOJA AFCON 2027

Organizers: Confédération Africaine de Football (Caf)

Edition: 36th

Host countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda

Dates: June 19 – July 17, 2027

Teams: 24

Venues: 10 (in 7 host cities)

Title Sponsor: TotalEnergies

Tourism Competition Sponsor: Explore Uganda

LIST: 11 Ate Gay song mash-ups that brought laughter to many

Comedian Gil Aducal Morales, popularly known as Ate Gay, who entertained audiences with his mash-ups of popular Filipino and international songs, died on Sunday evening, Nov. 1.

He was 55.

His family confirmed his death in a Facebook post on his official page, two days after announcing that the comedian was in critical condition and relying on life support following septic shock, acute respiratory failure secondary to pneumonia, and stroke.

‘It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of our beloved Gil Aducal Morales, lovingly known to many as Ate Gay, on November 1, 2026,’ the family said.

‘After bravely fighting for his life, while surrounded by his family, our beloved Ate Gay has peacefully passed away,’ they added.

Beyond his comedy, Ate Gay became particularly popular for his unconventional musical mash-ups, combining familiar songs with entirely different melodies and lyrics to create unexpected, often memorable performances.

His signature style brought together OPM classics, international pop hits, novelty songs, and even Christmas tunes, with seemingly unrelated lyrics flowing into one another through his distinctive delivery.

As he often jokingly recounted in his comedic performances, his signature mash-ups supposedly stemmed from a childhood experience of his mother constantly switching radio stations, leaving him to hear snippets of different songs one after another.

The amusing anecdote became a fitting explanation for his unconventional musical style, in which he seamlessly blended lyrics and melodies from seemingly unrelated hits.

Among his memorable song mash-ups were:

On My Own and Pangako

On my own…hindi kita iiwan, pangakong I walk with him ’til morning…without him…hindi ka na mag-iisa…and when I lose my way I close my eyes…tayong dalawa.

Nandito Ako and Till I met You

Nandito akong…this feeling seems to grow more every day, I love you more each day, huwag kang mag-alala, may nagmamahal sa’yo, till I met you.

Inuman Na and Bonggahan

Tama na ‘yan, inuman na…forget mo na ang problema.

Clumsy and Paskong Anong Saya

You got me trippin’ (oh), stumblin’ (oh)…Paskong anong saya. Happy New Year! Happy New Year!

Kahit Ayaw Mo Na and Awit Ng Barkada

Tatakbo, tatalon…ang barkada mong tunay aawit sa’yo…iisipin na lang…na ang buhay kung minsan ay nagbibiro.

If You Walked Away and Maging Sino Ka Man

If you walk away from me today…tiwala sa isa’t isa’y kailangan.

If I Were A Boy and Ako’y Isang Pinoy

If I were a boy…sa puso’t diwa.

Despacito and Eat Bulaga!

Despacito…Vic at Joey, ang barkada’y dumarami.

Hawak Kamay and Para Sa’yo Ang Laban Na’to

Hawak kamay…ang laban na ‘to.

Babae Po Ako and Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin

Di ako bakla klah klah klah klah klah, Di ako shokla klah klah klah klah klah, nililinlang ka lang ng ‘yong paningin…nagmamahal pa rin sa’yo giliw.

Secret Love Song and Little Drummer Boy

When you hold me in the street…pa rum pum pum pum.

Morales’ family said details of his wake and funeral arrangements would be announced soon. ‘We kindly ask for your continued prayers for his eternal repose and for strength and comfort for our grieving family,’ the family said.

PZ Cussons shareholders N9.926bn dividend payout

SHAREHOLDERS of PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, a leading manufacturer of personal healthcare products and consumer goods, have unanimously approved a final dividend payout of N9.926 billion for the 2026 financial year.

This dividend approval took place at the company’s 78th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Fraser Suites in Abuja on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

During the AGM, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, Chair of the company’s Board of Directors, announced that each shareholder will receive a final dividend of N2.50 per ordinary share of 50 kobo each.

Mrs Omoigui Okauru also revealed that the board has introduced a Scrip Dividend Scheme, allowing qualifying shareholders the option to receive new ordinary shares in the company instead of all or part of their cash dividend entitlement.

She emphasised that the company has demonstrated strong resilience and remarkable improvement in operating performance, supported by a restructured balance sheet.

‘Our performance is improving year-on-year, and we will continue to leverage our strategic operating model along with a more stable macroeconomic environment to drive growth and create value for all stakeholders,’ she stated.

Shareholders at the meeting praised the board and management for approving the dividend, despite the challenging business environment in Nigeria.

Chief Peter Essien, Chairman, Viewpoint Shareholders Association in Uyo, commended the company’s leadership for effectively managing the business and noted the improved profit and revenue performance recorded in the 2026 financial year.

‘Special kudos to the board and management for the outstanding performance during the financial year ending May 31, 2026. I am pleased and satisfied with the growth we have witnessed over the past few years,’ Essien said.

Honourable Patric Ajudua, Chairman New Dimension Shareholders Association, also praised the company’s management for its financial prudence and the successful deleveraging of the balance sheet, which resulted in a transition from a negative equity position of -N17.3 billion to a positive N66.6 billion.

Regarding the Scrip Dividend, shareholders moved to extend the election deadline from November 23, 2026, to November 4, 2026, which was approved. Also, it was confirmed that the final dividend of N2.50 will be paid on November 6, 2026.

The Board Chair reiterated that the company remains focused on growth and the continuous creation of value for stakeholders, especially following the completion of the Strategic Review of its African businesses and the decision by the parent company to retain its Nigerian operations as part of the wider Group.