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Bloomfield, Negombo CC and BRC complete quarter-final line-up

Bloomfield beat Tamil Union outright by five wickets at the P. Sara Oval yesterday to qualify for a quarter-final place from Group A in the Under-23 Inter-Club 2-Day Tournament.

Joining Bloomfield for the last three quarter-final spots were Negombo CC from Group D and BRC from Group C.

Earlier, Moors SC from Group A, CCC and Chilaw Marians CC from Group B, Kurunegala YCC from Group C, and SSC from Group D had already assured themselves of a place in the quarter-finals.

Tamil Union’s batting faltered for a second time in the match, getting bowled out for 104, which left Bloomfield with the formal task of knocking off 53 for victory, which they achieved losing five wickets. Bloomfield scored 204 in their first innings, with former Sri Lanka U19 off-spinner Vihas Thewmika taking 6/67.

Negombo CC recovered from their overnight score of 117-4 in reply to Police SC’s first innings of 207 to total 283-7 declared and win on first innings at the Air Force Grounds, Katunayake. Thathsara Eshan was instrumental in Negombo CC gaining the win, scoring a defiant 95 off 159 balls (7 fours) and figuring in a vital seventh wicket stand of 69 with Kaveen Deneth (52* off 99 balls, 8 fours). Off-spinner Damith Kappagoda took 4/86.

Moors SC fell short by 30 runs to overhaul Ragama CC’s first innings of 183 despite a spirited knock of 71* off 86 balls (8 fours) from Sandaru Malshan at the Moors SC Grounds. Ragama CC in their second innings came up with a better batting display, scoring 338-8. Denura Dimansith made 137 off 184 balls (13 fours, 2 sixes) and shared a 114-run stand with Lahiru Abeysinghe (62 off 73 balls, 9 fours, 1 six). Off-spinner Sandaru Malshan took 5/89.

In the other matches concluded yesterday, CCC, SSC, Kandy Customs SC, Ace Capital CC, and United Southern SC won in the first innings.

The left-arm spin of Inuka Karannagoda (7/56) resulted in Leo CC being dismissed for 241 in reply to CCC’s first innings of 348 at the CCC Grounds. Salindu Pathirana alone stood tall, compiling a century off 108 balls (15 fours, 1 six) for Leo CC. CCC made 15-0 in their second innings when the match was called off before the start of the mandatory overs.

SSC took a first innings lead of 115, scoring 292 in reply to Panadura SC’s first innings of 177 at the SSC Grounds. SSC Captain Shevon Daniel went on to complete a fine century (121 off 144 balls, 14 fours, 2 sixes) sharing a fourth wicket stand of 156 with Ranuda Somarathne (47). Off-spinner Malintha Silva picked up five wickets for 86. Panadura SC in their second innings scored 199-9, with Liviru Fernando notching 85 (108 balls, 14 fours) and off-spinner Malsha Fernando taking 5/74 for a match bag of 12/113.

Kandy Customs SC put up a marvellous all-round batting display to overhaul Kurunegala SC’s total of 314 by scoring 339 at the Welagedara Stadium. Helith Edirisinghe led the way with a compact 87 off 114 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes) and Kaveesha Induwara scored 52 (62 balls, 7 fours, 1 six) in addition to five other batsmen making 25 or more.

Ace Capital CC came up with a similar batting display to overhaul BRC’s total of 387-6 declared at the BRC Grounds. Six batsmen made over 25 and played around Thisara Ekanayake’s knock of 143 off 173 balls (20 fours) as Ace Capital CC replied with 391-9. Off-spinner Tharushka Ashel took 4/108. Despite the loss, BRC qualified for the quarter-finals.

NCC and United Southern SC played out a thrilling draw at the NCC Grounds, with both sides in with a chance of pulling off an outright win. Chasing a target of 223, United Southern SC finished on 214-9, with NCC requiring one wicket and United Southern SC nine runs. Having already conceded first innings points on the first day, NCC tried their best to win outright by declaring at 244-7 courtesy a century – 107 off 118 balls (9 fours) – from Dineth Goonewardena, who added 142 with Yenula Dewthusa (64 off 83 balls, 8 fours), but ran out of time.

Like Badureliya CC the previous week, Nugegoda SWC went on a run splurge to no avail as their fixture against Navy SC ended in a tame draw at the Panadura esplanade. Nugegoda SWC ran up the highest total of the tournament, scoring 661-6 declared, a larger part of the runs coming off the bat of former Peterite opener Lahiru Dawatage, who went on to complete a triple century – 314 off 321 balls (36 fours, 3 sixes) – and Sandun Mendis (124* off 180 balls, 15 fours). The two shared a double-century stand of 267 for the sixth wicket. Navy SC in reply scored 149-7. – [ST]

Trkiye unveils new defense industry strategy following NATO Summit in Ankara

The NATO Summit held in Ankara once again showcased the remarkable progress Trkiye has achieved in its defense industry. Following widespread praise from allied leaders for the country’s indigenous defense programs, the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) unveiled its strategic roadmap for the next phase of development. At the heart of this vision is the creation of a robust nationwide supply and manufacturing ecosystem capable of producing critical defense technologies entirely through domestic capabilities.

Under its strategy, ‘Developing Technologies and Capabilities That Will Shape the Future Through National Resources,’ the SSB is currently overseeing more than 1,100 defense projects. The objective extends beyond developing platforms that meet today’s operational requirements; it is also aimed at ensuring that Trkiye can independently design and manufacture the advanced technologies expected to define the future battlefield. As part of this strategy, Ankara seeks to reduce foreign dependence in key areas ranging from propulsion systems and semiconductor technologies to radar systems and integrated air defense networks.

One of the most significant pillars of the new strategy is to ensure that defense production is no longer concentrated among only a handful of major companies. To achieve this, the SSB plans to establish a comprehensive national supply ecosystem that will integrate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), universities, and technology parks across all 81 provinces of Trkiye into the development and production of critical defense technologies. The initiative is expected to significantly expand domestic manufacturing capacity, accelerate production processes, and enhance the defense sector’s resilience against future disruptions and geopolitical crises. Recognizing that the international order established after World War II is undergoing profound transformation, Trkiye has made substantial investments in its defense industry over the past decade and is now positioning itself for a new strategic era. Under this vision, the country’s defense industrial base will no longer be confined to a limited number of companies or production centers but will evolve into a nationwide innovation and manufacturing network.

Having established itself as a global leader in unmanned aerial systems through the success of its armed drones, Trkiye now aims to extend that competitive advantage into next-generation defense technologies. Among the SSB’s strategic priorities are artificial intelligence, swarming autonomous systems, quantum technologies, directed-energy weapons, including laser systems, and space-based defense capabilities. Rather than focusing solely on catching up with competitors in already mature technologies, the strategy prioritizes investment in emerging fields where no single country has yet achieved undisputed technological dominance. Through this approach, Ankara seeks to further strengthen its asymmetric advantages in the defense sector while positioning itself at the forefront of future military innovation.

Another key priority outlined by the SSB is ensuring the long-term sustainability of defense systems throughout their entire operational life cycle. By carrying out the maintenance, repair, modernization, and lifecycle support of domestically developed platforms within Trkiye, the country aims to reinforce its logistical independence while keeping billions of dollars in defense-related expenditures within the national economy. Policymakers expect this strategy not only to enhance Trkiye’s deterrence capability within NATO but also to accelerate the technological transformation of its defense industry, further solidifying its position as one of the alliance’s leading defense manufacturing powers.

Royal Caribbean unveils Summer cruise for Nigerian travellers

Royal Caribbean Nigeria has unveiled its Summer 2026 Mediterranean sailings aboard Legend of the Seas, the newest addition to its Icon Class fleet, offering Nigerian travellers an opportunity to explore multiple Mediterranean destinations on a single cruise.

The summer itinerary is designed to appeal to a wide range of travellers, including families, couples, honeymooners, solo travellers, corporate groups, schools, churches and first-time cruisers. Guests can work with Royal Caribbean Nigeria to choose itineraries, stateroom categories and optional experiences that suit their travel preferences.

A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean Nigeria said the cruise line is committed to providing personalised experiences for every category of guest.

‘Whether they are families, couples, solo travellers or large groups, guests can sail on the same ship and enjoy experiences tailored to their individual needs and interests,’ the spokesperson said.

The cruise welcomes guests of all ages, from infants to senior citizens, with dedicated facilities and activities for children, teenagers and adults. Families can enjoy shared experiences while children participate in age-appropriate programmes and adults take advantage of pools, fitness centres, live entertainment, wellness facilities and destination excursions.

The ship also offers accessible staterooms and facilities for guests with mobility challenges. Dietary requirements, allergies and religious meal preferences, including halal, kosher, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, can be accommodated when requested in advance.

Guests will have access to a variety of complimentary dining venues serving multiple meals daily, alongside included beverages such as coffee, tea, juices, pizza and soft-serve ice cream. Premium restaurants, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and selected onboard experiences are available at an additional cost.

Legend of the Seas is also positioned as an ideal venue for group travel and special occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons, graduations, retirements and family reunions. Groups booking a minimum of eight staterooms may qualify for coordinated dining, accommodation and activity arrangements, subject to applicable terms.

Royal Caribbean Nigeria also offers travellers the option of booking complete holiday packages that include flights, hotel accommodation, airport transfers, travel insurance and shore excursions.

To encourage bookings, Fidelity Bank Visa Credit Card holders will receive a discount on cruise fares when they pay with their cards, providing additional value for Nigerians planning Mediterranean holidays during the Summer 2026 season.

The company said the new sailing combines multiple destinations, family-friendly experiences, diverse dining and entertainment with flexible travel options to deliver a memorable Mediterranean cruise holiday for Nigerian travellers.

Kombos congratulates Doughty on reappointment

Cyprus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos, held a phone conversation with UK’s Minister of State Stephen Doughty, congratulating him on his reappointment.

In a post on X, Kombos said that he had a “timely exchange” with Doughty, where they exchanged views on Cyprus – UK bilateral relations, as well as on regional developments.

Fashola: I Won’t Criticise Tinubu On TV

Former Lagos State Governor and immediate past Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has said he would rather offer advice to President Bola Tinubu privately than publicly critique his administration, stressing that he enjoys direct access to the President and prefers to keep that line of communication open.

Fashola made the remarks during an interview on TVC News on Wednesday when he was asked why he had largely refrained from commenting publicly on the performance of the Tinubu administration.

According to him, President Tinubu regularly seeks his views on governance and areas that require improvement as the administration prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Explaining why he avoids discussing such matters on television, Fashola said he considered it more appropriate to communicate his views directly to the President.

‘He calls me today, and he says, ‘Today, identify one area where my administration must improve as we count down to 2027. What would you advise me?’ So, I will speak to the President on TV? I’ve told myself I would not do that,’ Fashola said.

The former minister said he had already offered advice to the President on several issues, adding that preserving that private channel of engagement was more valuable than making public pronouncements.

‘I have his ears, and when I need to see him, I’ve advised on a few things. I think that we must keep that channel open. It’s not my intention to advise him on television,’ he said.

When asked whether the administration had developed any blind spots after about three years in office, Fashola rejected the suggestion, saying his direct access to the President made public criticism unnecessary.

‘There are no blind spots in this administration. You can’t be shouting at somebody whose ear you have,’ he said.

The interviewer noted that many Nigerians had expected Fashola to become more outspoken on national issues after leaving public office, but the former Lagos governor maintained that his approach had not changed.

Fashola also dismissed suggestions that he might contest the presidency in the future, saying he had no such ambition.

Responding to a question on whether he would run for president, he replied, ‘No.’

When the interviewer pressed further, Fashola responded with a smile, ‘President of what? I’m president at home.’

Reflecting on his public service career spanning more than two decades, Fashola described the opportunity to serve as an honour and expressed hope that his journey would inspire younger Nigerians to pursue public service.

He also declined to comment on long-standing speculation over whether he had preferred Obafemi Hamzat or Olasupo Sasore as his successor ahead of the 2015 Lagos State governorship election.

Fashola, who confirmed that he remains a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), said the council’s role was advisory, stressing that there was a clear distinction between providing guidance and interfering in the affairs of government.

‘There is a thin line between intervention and interference,’ he said.

Former Lagos State Governor and immediate past Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has said he would rather offer advice to President Bola Tinubu privately than publicly critique his administration, stressing that he enjoys direct access to the President and prefers to keep that line of communication open.

Fashola made the remarks during an interview on TVC News on Wednesday when he was asked why he had largely refrained from commenting publicly on the performance of the Tinubu administration.

According to him, President Tinubu regularly seeks his views on governance and areas that require improvement as the administration prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Explaining why he avoids discussing such matters on television, Fashola said he considered it more appropriate to communicate his views directly to the President.

‘He calls me today, and he says, ‘Today, identify one area where my administration must improve as we count down to 2027. What would you advise me?’ So, I will speak to the President on TV? I’ve told myself I would not do that,’ Fashola said.

The former minister said he had already offered advice to the President on several issues, adding that preserving that private channel of engagement was more valuable than making public pronouncements.

‘I have his ears, and when I need to see him, I’ve advised on a few things. I think that we must keep that channel open. It’s not my intention to advise him on television,’ he said.

When asked whether the administration had developed any blind spots after about three years in office, Fashola rejected the suggestion, saying his direct access to the President made public criticism unnecessary.

‘There are no blind spots in this administration. You can’t be shouting at somebody whose ear you have,’ he said.

The interviewer noted that many Nigerians had expected Fashola to become more outspoken on national issues after leaving public office, but the former Lagos governor maintained that his approach had not changed.

Fashola also dismissed suggestions that he might contest the presidency in the future, saying he had no such ambition.

Responding to a question on whether he would run for president, he replied, ‘No.’

When the interviewer pressed further, Fashola responded with a smile, ‘President of what? I’m president at home.’

Reflecting on his public service career spanning more than two decades, Fashola described the opportunity to serve as an honour and expressed hope that his journey would inspire younger Nigerians to pursue public service.

He also declined to comment on long-standing speculation over whether he had preferred Obafemi Hamzat or Olasupo Sasore as his successor ahead of the 2015 Lagos State governorship election.

Fashola, who confirmed that he remains a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), said the council’s role was advisory, stressing that there was a clear distinction between providing guidance and interfering in the affairs of government.

‘There is a thin line between intervention and interference,’ he said.

NDIC begins paying customers of 46 closed microfinance banks

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has commenced the reimbursement of insured deposits to customers affected by the closure of 46 microfinance banks whose operating licences were recently withdrawn by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

NDIC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Thompson Sunday, disclosed this on the sidelines of the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) Africa Regional Committee meeting and workshop.

According to him, the corporation has adopted a seamless payment process by leveraging the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) and depositors’ Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) to identify their alternative bank accounts and credit them directly.

He explained that the approach eliminates the need for most depositors to visit NDIC offices before receiving their insured funds.

However, Sunday advised customers who do not have BVNs or whose records cannot be matched electronically to report to the nearest NDIC zonal office for verification and processing of their claims.

He recalled that the CBN revoked the licences of the 46 microfinance banks on July 1, 2026, adding that the NDIC immediately assumed responsibility as the statutory liquidator of the failed institutions in line with its legal mandate.

Sunday said the corporation had begun paying the maximum insured deposit of ?2 million to eligible customers of the affected banks.

He noted that depositors with balances exceeding the insured limit would receive additional payments only after the NDIC recovers assets of the failed banks and realises outstanding loans owed to them.

According to him, the proceeds from such recoveries would be distributed to eligible depositors as liquidation dividends.

The NDIC boss cited previous interventions involving Heritage Bank, Aso Savings and Union Homes as evidence of the corporation’s commitment to prompt reimbursement of depositors

He said insured depositors of Heritage Bank received their payments within four days after the bank’s licence was revoked, while customers of Aso Savings and Union Homes were reimbursed within 72 hours.

Although the law allows the corporation up to 30 days to settle insured deposits, Sunday said the NDIC was striving to improve on its response time and exceed its previous performance.

The CBN had withdrawn the licences of the 46 microfinance banks after determining that they no longer met the regulatory conditions required to continue operations, saying the action was necessary to safeguard depositors, preserve confidence in the financial system and strengthen regulatory compliance.

Tropical Hut and remembering the comfort of familiar places

A MEDIA colleague posted on her Facebook account on Wednesday, rather wistfully, that Tropical Hut Supermarket on Scout Borromeo St. was closing shop.

For those of us who have been long-time residents of Quezon City, Tropical Hut was one of the OG grocery stores we patronized, where we bought anything from fresh meats to canned goods and small toys. And when the holiday season came around, we would buy our leg of ham at the kiosk which sold Majestic Ham, which the supermarket hosted. Papa would also have his keys duplicated at one of the stalls outside, along the supermarket’s perimeter.

Boosting the popularity of Tropical Hut are its delicious burgers, which thank goodness will not be affected by the closure of the supermarket slated at the end of July. Back in my elementary years, whenever Mama said she was going to shop for groceries at Tropical Hut, I was very eager to tag along because, most likely, there would be an opportunity to eat a cheeseburger at the adjacent cafe.

While Mama was picking up our groceries, I would sometimes sneak off and cross over to National Book Store to check out the latest Nancy Drew books in stock, buy school supplies I needed, then after make my way to the small Sanrio store-the first of its kind in the Philippines-to see what new kawaii My Melody or Little Twin Stars stuff had come in. (Nope, I was never a Hello Kitty fan.)

These days, National Book Store at the corner of Quezon Avenue is a shadow of its former self. It’s now called just ‘NBS’, and the Sanrio store has been long gone. And much of the property is devoted to food and beverage merchants, instead of books. The small-sizing of NBS began sometime in the early 2000s, which was later mirrored by Tropical Hut, in that the favored supermarket which once dominated the Scout area had also gradually scaled back its operations. (Apparently, it is no longer a ‘Supermarket’ but a ‘Foodmart’.)

The area also hosts other equally popular community supermarkets-the former Rustans-owned The Marketplace at Scout Madriñan, which caters to the more affluent residents; another OG, Hi-Top Supermarket along Quezon Avenue; and just a hop and a skip away, Robinsons Supermarket along Tomas Morato Avenue on the ground floor of a towering condominium.

I suppose the onslaught of more supermarkets in the area, along with availability of online store delivery, no longer made it tenable for Tropical Hut to continue operating. With higher cost of utilities and persistent inflation, it may have been difficult for the supermarket to keep the prices of its grocery items affordable as it once had.

Besides, Tropical Hut’s owner, the Mercury Drug Group, already sells grocery items at its drugstores so in a way, the company hasn’t strictly exited the supermarket business. The grocery portion of the group will just exist inside its ever-expanding drugstore network, side by side its pharmaceutical business. In a way, it is serving more customers by killing two birds with one stone: buy your drugs, buy your snack food-in just one store.

While it’s a tad upsetting to say goodbye to my once favorite playground, Tropical Hut fans will be happy to know that the burger joint at Scout Borromeo will be kept, and even expanded to a full-blown restaurant, while the rest of property will reportedly house the burger operations’ main office. And perhaps, more restaurant branches will be rolled in the near future.

Once upon a time, I also thought Tropical Hut Hamburger would likely go the way of its supermarket business. But in 2022, one guy’s tweet about his visit to the burger joint’s Escolta branch, along with a photo of his order-burger, fries, and a glass of soda-sparked a sentimental frenzy of visits to other branches.

I admit that because of that tweet, I have since returned to patronizing the restaurant, ordering what is now dubbed the Super Cheeseburger Classic.

The sandwich is wrapped in foil such that it is still warm when I receive it via delivery, and doesn’t break the bank because it costs just P187. It is beefy, juicy, and just the perfect no-frills cheese burger. I also belatedly realized that Tropical Hut Hamburger now caters to group orders, so it makes for an inexpensive meal for company meetings or family hangs, while bingeing on the latest hot streaming series.

Meanwhile, according to another Facebook post, there is an ongoing closing-out sale at Tropical Hut Supermarket, uhm, Foodmart, where its remaining inventory are being sold at heavily discounted prices, in case our dear readers are interested in making a nostalgic pilgrimage to the place.

Living in Quezon City most of my life, I’ve said goodbye to other great well-stocked supermarkets, which sold some unique goods. My Lola’s favorite was Sunshine Mart near the Mayon St.-Quezon Avenue area, where she would buy prepared morcon for cooking during Christmas Day.

Then there was also Glo-ri Supermarket along Del Monte Avenue, which was walking distance from our former home in Santa Mesa Heights, where my favorite purchase was Caroline’s Potato Chips, which was a treat using my saved baon. (Sheesh. Who even remembers that chip brand? I’m definitely showing my age!)

Of course, cities must change. New businesses will come, old ones will find new lives, and today’s children will someday look back with the same fondness on the places they now take for granted. That’s the cycle of every neighborhood, and every generation.

Still, every now and then, I can’t help but grieve the loss of these familiar landmarks, because they were never just stores. They were the backdrop to our family traditions, small triumphs, childhood treats, and ordinary weekends that, without realizing it then, would become ingrained as my life’s sweetest memories.

Maybe that’s why the news about Tropical Hut Supermarket feels so personal to me. It isn’t really about the closing of a grocery store. It’s about saying goodbye to a place that quietly witnessed my youth. And while the shelves may soon be empty, the flavors, the faces, and the memories it gave me remain wonderfully, deliciously full.

CANANEWS AND SPORTS SCHEDULE AT 1200 ECT

The following is the CANANews and SPORTS Schedule for Thursday, July 23, 2026.

BRIDGETOWN – Barbados is considering the introduction of a national colorectal cancer screening programme as part of efforts to improve early detection and reduce cancer-related deaths, Prime Minister Mia Mottley has announced.

KINGSTON – Jamaica’s Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) says it is ‘horrified and deeply saddened’ by the rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl whose body was found along a dirt track in the northern parish of Trelawny earlier this week.

SAN DIEGO – The San Diego-based Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) has welcomed a move by Texas Democratic Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia to force a US House vote on the bipartisan American Dream and Promise Act.

GEORGETOWN – Search, rescue and recovery operations following the capsizing of the MV Barima have intensified with the arrival of maritime assets and personnel from the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and the Brazilian Navy.

SPORTS

KINGSTON – President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Michael Ricketts strongly believes the country will be awarded the rights to co-host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Peso dips as oil prices rise on reignited war

THE Philippine peso slumped anew to a record low of P61.75 against the dollar on Wednesday on the back of a re-escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran which led to elevated crude oil prices.

Data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) showed this rate is .5 or half-a-centavo weaker than its previous finish of P61.745 against the greenback on Tuesday.

The P61.75 per-dollar level was last seen on May 18 and 19 of this year, BAP data also noted.

Jonathan L. Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong and Co. explained that the peso fell after the greenback strengthened further on elevated crude oil prices as US and Iranian attacks escalated, renewing inflation concerns.

As such, the foreign exchange analyst said he expects the currency to range 61.60-61.90 levels in the near-term.

For his part, Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), said the peso-dollar exchange rate lingered at 61.75 after global crude oil prices posted new one-month highs lately.

‘Global crude oil prices posted new 1-month highs lately. Brent crude oil price was higher at US$92 per barrel levels [vs. US$88 since late last week], the highest since June 11, 2026, but still among 4-month lows,’ added Ricafort.

For his part, John Paolo R. Rivera, Senior Research Fellow at Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said this ‘largely reflects external factors, particularly the stronger US dollar, expectations of higher US interest rates, and heightened global uncertainty.’

While a weaker peso raises the cost of imports and may add to inflationary pressures, Rivera said it also benefits remittances and exports.

As such, he pointed out: ‘We should focus less on a single record-low level and more on whether the depreciation becomes prolonged and disorderly.’

‘The country’s solid external buffers including ample international reserves and steady foreign exchange inflows from remittances, tourism, and the IT-BPM sector should help cushion excessive volatility,’ added Rivera.

Last week, BMI, a Fitch Solutions unit, said it expects the Philippine peso to remain under pressure in the coming months and trade within a P61-P63 against the dollar range.

‘A renewed escalation in the US-Iran conflict, US dollar firmness and seasonal peak in import demand will weigh on the peso in the near term,’ added BMI.

Within the trading session, the local currency’s strongest level was at P61.73 against the dollar while its weakest was at P61.75 against the greenback.

NHRC probes Lagos council chair, lawyers over alleged rights violations

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has begun investigation into alleged gross human rights violations arising from the demolition of properties at Blue Roof Estate, Surulere Community, Alagbado, Lagos.

The probe followed allegations contained in a petition filed by residents of the estate before the commission.

The petition, dated May 5 and filed by Akeem Aponmade, on behalf of the affected residents, was registered by the commission as case No. C/2026/CPR/1492/HQ.

According to Aponmade, the residents alleged that between January 27 and February 26, more than 200 armed hoodlums invaded the community.

The lawyer alleged that the invasion was carried out on behalf of Mr Ademola Akerele and Mr Bolu Fakile, and that the operation was backed and sponsored by the Chairman of Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, Mr Abiodun Ejigbadero.

He further alleged that the invaders claimed they were executing a court order on behalf of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

‘However, FHA later published a disclaimer denying any involvement in the purported execution, thereby contradicting claims made during the operation.

‘The residents said they were subjected to harassment, intimidation and unlawful demolition of homes, fences and other structures, leading to the displacement of several families and disruption of livelihoods,’ Aponmade said.

The petition alleged that one resident lost her life during the crisis, and that some residents were compelled under duress to pay up to N5 million into a private account and sign undertakings for additional payments of N20 million, failing which they were threatened with total loss of their properties.

The lawyer alleged that the acts constituted violations of constitutionally-guaranteed rights, including the right to life, the right to dignity of the human person, the right to acquire and own property anywhere in Nigeria, and the right against compulsory acquisition of property without due process of law.

‘Following complaints lodged by the FHA, some of the principal suspects were declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2 Command.

‘In spite of the police declaration, there was no visible or sustained effort to arrest and prosecute the suspects, raising concerns among residents over delays in the investigative process.

‘The demolition and enforcement activities continued even after the suspects had been declared wanted and despite restraining orders issued by Justice D. T. Olatokun of the Lagos State High Court,’ he said.

Aponmade further alleged that the operations were carried out in the presence of officers of the Nigeria Police and Lagos State Government Task Force, who were on ground with operational vehicles.

He said the matter was subsequently brought back before the court, which issued a further order directing the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to immediately withdraw from the community, after which the demolition activities ceased.

The residents, through their counsel, presented six demands to the commission, which included a call for an independent and thorough investigation into the invasion, destruction, intimidation and loss of life; that justice be ensured for the deceased victim, including accountability for all persons directly or indirectly responsible.

The residents also demanded that the commission should facilitate the prosecution of all perpetrators involved and also investigate the role of the security agencies present during the incident, determine any level of complicity or dereliction of duty.

The petition was accompanied by supporting documents, including an FHA publication disclaiming the agency’s involvement in the demolition, evidence of police investigation and declarations, proof of alleged illegal payments and bank records, and photographic evidence of the destruction

The commission, in its official acknowledgment, has, however, confirmed receipt of the petition.

It assured the petitioners that the allegations would be investigated in line with its constitutional and statutory mandate.